Mineralogy of lake ores.

Abstract

The study of lake deposits containing iron-manganese nodules is of significant interest for the understanding of one of the continental manganese and iron concentration processes. In the USSR, much attention has been given to the formation conditions of ore accumulations in the Leningrad region and Karelia. Semenovich came to the conclusion that Fe super(+3) and Mn super(+4) entered the lake during a long period of drought and were buried together with organic matter of plant origin. In the lake muds, manganese and iron are reduced; readily soluble compounds of Fe super(+2) and Mn super(+2) are transported by bottom waters. Oxidation of iron and manganese to Fe super(+3) and Mn super(+4) occurs, precipitating oxides on the bottom that form nodules and incrustations. This scheme of lacustrine ore genesis by the accumulation of manganese and iron is well founded.