| Basis for focus area |
New Mexico Mines Database Mines and Districts with Alunite Occurrences (McLemore, 1993, 2017). |
| Identified resources |
Historical production of aluminum (alunite, kaolin), gold, and silver. |
| Production |
Unknown. |
| Status |
Past mining. |
| Estimated resources |
Unknown. |
| Geologic maps |
Koning and others (2014), scale 1:24,000. |
| Geophysical data |
Inadequate aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric coverage. |
| Favorable rocks and structures |
Acid-sulfate alteration, original host rhyolite, could have structural control. |
| Deposits |
Aragon Hill. |
| Evidence from mineral occurrences |
McLemore (1997, 2017). |
| Geochemical evidence |
No data. |
| Geophysical evidence |
None. |
| Evidence from other sources |
Unknown. |
| Comments |
These acid sulfate altered areas have been known because of their implications in porphyry Cu exploration. However, they are best modeled as paleo-geothermal systems (hot springs). Anomalous Au, Ga and other elements are found in these areas. Detailed alteration mapping coupled with mineralogy and geochemistry are critical in understanding these systems and determine if they are potential resource for alunite (Al), Au, Ga, Ge, and other critical elements. |
| Cover thickness and description |
Exposed at the surface. |
| Authors |
Virginia T. McLemore. |
| New data needs |
Detailed alteration mapping, chemistry, mineralogy. |
| Geologic mapping and modeling needs |
Monticello quadrangle is done, but alteration mapping is not detailed, alteration mapping needed. |
| Geophysical survey and modeling needs |
High resolution, Rank 1 aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric coverage (part of proposed Caballo geophysical survey). |
| Digital elevation data needs |
Lidar complete. |
