Quartz resources in the Serra de Santa Helena formation, Brazil: A geochemical and technological study

This study presents an evaluation of Brazilian quartz deposits of Corinto and Olhos Dʹلgua, in Minas Gerais State, as potential high purity raw material for the production of silica glass. Both deposits are part of the Serra de Santa Helena formation, which holds other quartz deposits. Several quartz samples from these mines were analyzed to evaluate their chemical purity, by determination of the content of trace elements by ICP-MS after acid digestion. The technological characteristics of the ores after flame-fusion into silica glass were evaluated according to their bubble generation and UV transparency. The results indicate that silica glass with chemistry suitable for crucible applications can be obtained from materials of both mines, and even optical grade silica glass can be manufactured using transparent ore from one of the mines. In addition, this work explores the trace elements composition of each mine, as well as their fluid inclusions, and characterizes the mines as being of hydrothermal origin. Small differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of quartz that could affect the technological behavior of the ores are related to the geological history of the mines and provide interesting insights regarding the exploration of other quartz resources within the same geological formation.