Thermoluminescence study of quartzite in a gold and uranium mineralized zone (Canavieiras, Jacobina-Bahia)

The quartzite of Canavieiras gold mine (Jacobina-Bahia, Brazil) shows in its natural glow curve, a high temperature. The study of the reproductibility of this peak resulted in the standartization of measurement for grain sizes between 80 and 100 mesh. ''In Situ'' total gamma-ray profiles were made using a scintillation detector for the study the distribution of radioactive elements near the pirite, uranium and gold strike. In the interpretation of the profiles it was possible to shown a positive correlation between thermoluminescence and uranium yields. The thermoluminescence peak is sufficiently high temperature peak to let thermoluminescence accumulate at ambient temperatures. It was used in attempt to estimate the time and the event that enitiated the accumulation of thermoluminescence. The result obtained, (7 -+ 4).106 years, may correspond to the last heating of the rocks at relatively recent time. (C.D.G.)