The organic matter in uraniferous sandstone in a region of China

The distribution of organic matter in uraniferous sandstone in a certain region of China, its physical and optical properties, chemical composition and contents are discussed. It is emphasised that the organic matter is mainly composed of lignite with small amount of humate and is derived from both deposition and redeposition. The role of organic matter in uranium ore-formation is studied-it plays a considerable role, but a secondary role, the main ore-forming factors are stratigraphical level, sedimentary phase, lithology, structure, interstratified oxidation and alteration (desilicification, calcitization and red colouration etc). Therefore, these factors must be considered together with the content of organic matter during prospecting