Phyllitic minerals in hydrothermal uranium deposits. I. Crystalchemistry of relict and newly formed micas

Several generations of white micas have been recognised in four two mica granite massifs which are associated with uranium deposits in the Hercynian chain. These different generations correspond to distinct geological phenomena belonging to the deuteric and hydrothermal stages of the history of these massifs. Crystalchemical studies of these micas with the aid of the electronic microprobe show that each of these phenomena corresponds a phengite of different, well defined compositions. An increase in the phengitic character and a decrease in the paragonite component are observed over time. Strong similarities exist between micas of the same generation belonging to different granite massifs. The study of the evolution of the earliest deuteric micas during later hydrothermal phenomena, mica episyenitisation and deposition of pitchblende, has shown two opposed trends. In the case of mica episyenitisation, the micas tend to reequilibrate, while in the case of pitchblende deposition and the vein stage in general, the micas preserve their primary character