Ferruginous duricrusts associated with diamond occurrences in the Diamantina Plateau, south Espinhaço Range, Brazil.

Abstract

Macromorphological and micromorphological characterization of the alteration facies associated with geomorphological studies are of great importance for understanding the genesis and evolution of ferruginous duricrusts. The study of the ferruginous duricrusts in the Diamantina Plateau (Southern Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais), a region known worldwide for hosting important diamond deposits, was based on the characterization of the faciological variations of representative alteration profiles. The morphometric indexes of the area, macromorphological description of the profiles, and sampling for micromorphological and mineralogical analyzes were carried out to assist in the understanding of the landforms. The results show that the ferruginous duricrusts occur preferentially in the plateaus and high slopes, with the Sopa-Brumadinho Formation as substrate. Two types of ferruginous duricrust have been identified. Type 1 is characterized as a platy duricrust developed from a saprolite of hematitic phyllite with a ferruginous banded structure. Type 2 is characterized by a massive duricrust typically lateritic that overlaps a nodular and mottled facies, originated from a saprolite of hematitic phyllite with a diffuse distribution of opaque minerals. This phyllite is one of the rocks that occur with the diamond host rocks in the old mines of the region. Both types of ferruginous duricrusts formed by relative accumulation evolve into fragmentary facies and the soil. Locally, in discordant contact, occurs a concretionary duricrust, characterized by an absolute iron accumulation mechanism.