Radiation-related retrograde hydrogen isotope and K-Ar exchange in clay minerals

Hydrogen and oxygen isotope studies have been widely applied to characterize the origin of fluids during ore-foaming processes. The primary isotope record, however, may be disturbed by retrograde exchange reactions, thus complicating the interpretation of the data. The susceptibility of minerals to retrograde isotope and chemical exchange is variable, reflecting differences in the mechanism and rate of isotope exchange. Results are presented on deuterium depletion, K/Ar ages and H2O+ content of illites associated with uranium mineralization from the Athabasca basin (Canada). (author)