2010 AusSpec Workshop Slides

AusSpec Workshop:
Spectral Analysis and its Application

to Exploration and Mining
Presented by Dr Sasha Pontual

AusSpec International
AusSpec
AusSpec Workshop – 2010 International
Main Aims of Workshop
 Review of Principles of spectral data analysis
 Practical aspects of sample measurement,
some tips and considerations
 Spectral data interpretation and handling
 Case study exercises and examples
 More data handling methods for LARGE data
sets
 Selected case studies
 Project data sets
AusSpec
Firstly: Important questions
 What are our requirements for exploration and mining?
 How can spectral data satisfy these requirements?

 How can data on mineralogy help….?
 What are the deliverables of spectral analysis and how can

they fit in and augment existing geological data sets?
AusSpec
What are our requirements?
 Build alteration models
 Map mineral zonation
 Better understand relationships between alteration and

mineralisation
 Predictive information, “vectors”
 Overprinting, and identification of significant mineralising events.
 Distinguish productive lodes
AusSpec
Why map alteration minerals?
 The chemistry associations of alteration minerals are a response
to their conditions of formation - minerals and mineral
assemblages provide information on hydrothermal conditions.
 The minerals typically occur in zones that reflect changing

conditions of formation
 The recognition of alteration mineral zoning can help identify

hydrothermal fluid channel ways and may provide vectors to
mineralisation.
AusSpec
Mineral assemblage
 Alteration minerals
provide vital
information on the
fluid history of a
system
 Patterns can be
used to vector
toward prospective
parts of the system
Figure from Terry Leach 1995
AusSpec
FIRSTLY SOME BACKGROUND....
AusSpec
Background to vis-IR Spectroscopy
 Electromagnetic spectrum
Remote sensing
Remote sensing – Operational Operational
Lab- and field-based spectrometers Lab-based

For mining/exploration Research
Operational
(MicroFTIR,
(i.e. ASD, PIMA, HyLoggers) Future HyLoggers)
UV Visible NIR SWIR Mid-IR Far-IR
AusSpec
 Short Wave Infrared
 Vibrational features
 Water, OH and lattice
bonds (Al, Fe, Mg)
 CO3 and NH4
 “Harmonics” of
thermal features
 Diagnostic signatures
for different mineral
groups
AusSpec
 Visible-Near Infrared
 Electronic transitions
 Sub atomic
 Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr
 Leads to mineral colour
 Broad features
 Crystal field
 Charge transfer
AusSpec
SWIR 1300-2500nm
 SWIR identification: Minerals with OH, water or carbonate
 Clays and Micas (i.e. kaolinite, pyrophyllite, illite, biotite etc.)

 Phyllosilicates (i.e. talc, chlorite)
 Sulphates (i.e. alunite, jarosite)
 Hydroxylated silicates (i.e. amphibole, epidote)
 Carbonates
 Ammonium Minerals (ammonium illite, or feldspar)
 (ammonium illite and ammonium alunite)
PIMA, ASD, HyChips, HyLogger
AusSpec
Vis-NIR 380-1300nm
 Vis-NIR Identification: Fe minerals, Cu and Mn minerals
 Most commonly influenced and dominated by iron, ferric and ferrous.

 Iron oxides, goethite, hematite: ferric features
 Pyroxene (opx and cpx), amphibole, olivine: ferrous features
 Hydroxylated silicates with Fe, such as chlorite, biotite, epidote: ferric and
ferrous features
 Sulphates, jarosite: ferric iron
 Iron carbonates: ferrous iron, with intensity dependent on iron content of
carbonate. Leads to the Fe2+ slope seen in the SWIR.
 Cu in Cu-oxides, silicates and carbonates
 Mn features in Mn minerals (oxides, silicates and carbonates)
 Visible wavelengths can also include features associated with rare earth
elements
AusSpec
Ferric features: Hematite vs goethite
Hematite ferric features ~650nm (shoulder), ~860nm
2nd: tsg_core_import_with_Fe_oxides.I.184 Goethite ferric features 650nm, ~930nm
Aux
 Hematite main feature is

1.6
0.197
0.271
0.345
0.419
near 860nm, with a
1.4
0.493
0.567
shoulder near 650nm.
0.641
1.2
0.714
Norm. Refl. (Aux. colour: Norm. Refl.)
 Goethite main feature is

0.788
0.862
near 930nm, and there

1
0.936
1.01
1.084
1.158
often is a feature near
0.8
1.232
1.306
650nm.
1.38
0.6
1.453
 Both have intense charge

1.527
1.601
0.4
1.675
NULL transfer bands affecting

600 900 1200 1500
Wavelength in nm
1800 2100 2400 wavelengths <600nm (red
colour)
AusSpec
Ferrous features
 Chlorite: Ferric and ferrous
epidote ferrous features
2nd: tsg_core_import_with_Fe_oxides.I.373 chlorite ferrous features
Aux
1.4
0.197
0.271 absorption features

0.345
1.3
0.419
0.493
extending to 1100nm
1.2
0.567
0.641
0.714
 Strong effect on the slope
1.1
to the SWIR
0.788
0.862
0.936
1
1.01
1.084
0.9
1.158
1.232
1.306
0.8
1.38
1.453
1.527
0.7
1.601
1.675
0.6
NULL
600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400

Wavelength in nm
 Tourmaline: Ferrous
features.
 Can often be seen even if
tourmaline is only a minor
component, AusSpec
Cu features
 Malachite
 Azurite
AusSpec
Non-responsive or problem minerals
 SWIR: Minerals with no OH or water or carbonate
 Quartz or feldspar
 No diagnostic absorptions in SWIR
 Vis-NIR: Apart from the Fe-oxides, most minerals cannot

be identified unambiguously only from vis-NIR
 Opaques:
 Magnetite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite
 Strongly absorbing across vis-NIR-SWIR
AusSpec
1
2
3
4 Pattern recognition
5
6
7
8
9
2385
2306
Exercise 1: Compare these unknowns
10
with the “library” spectra in your
11
workshop manuals.
12
2352
2260
13
AusSpec
1350
1550
1720
1860
1880
2040
2160
2220
2230
2296
2306
2365
Wavelengths of the Main
SWIR Absorptions
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
Wavelength (nanometres)
Water and OH OH Water AlOH

(Water = single broad (eg sulphates (Single broad FeOH
absorption +/- shoulders) +kaolinite asymmetric CO3 and/or
(OH = can be multiple clays absorption
sharp absorptions of + diaspore) +/-shoulders) MgOH
(if deepest)
varying intensities)
AusSpec
1
2
Unknowns from
3
4 Exercise 1
5
6
7
8
9
2385
2306
Exercise 2: identify to what wavebands
10 the main absorption features in these
11 spectra belong.
12
2352
2260
13
AusSpec
Hull Corrections – For SWIR data
Hull Quotient Correction
class:biotite/chlorite mineral:Fe2+
Raw Reflectance
Hull
A Line
Calculation of Hull Quotient

B Ratio of Reflectance spectrum
Reflectance
0.2
to the Reflectance Hull

Hull Correction =
 Also known as „continuum removal‟.

A/B
A/B
Hull quotient
Quotient
600 900 1200 1500
Wavelength in nm
1800 2100 2400  More accurate measurement of
absorption wavelengths and relative
depths
1 2
3 3 5
5 0 0
0 0 0
AusSpec
Hull Corrections and Vis-NIR data
Hull quotient
NOT Suitable....
Hull quotient correction on vis-NIR
spectra can distort feature shapes
and cause wavelength shifts
 Features are broader than in SWIR

 There is often a broad slope
associated with the vis-NIR features
that we want to preserve
 Charge transfer slope is removed and
the intensity of this is important to
assess Fe oxide type and intensity.
AusSpec
GMEX Volume 1 – The “SIFM”
 In html format for easy browsing
 Includes discussions on:
 Background information on SWIR analysis
 Absorption bands
 Hull corrections
 Structured approach to mineral interpretation
 Interpretation of spectral mixtures
 Includes a searchable spectral library of
common minerals
AusSpec
SWIR Spectral Interpretation
Interpretation of mineral spectra is based on the fact that
many common alteration minerals:
 Have characteristic spectral signatures in the SWIR (1300-

2500nm)
 Have their major diagnostic absorptions between 2050-
2450nm
 Can be grouped spectrally according to the wavelength
position of the deepest absorption between 2050-2450nm
AusSpec
1350
Structured Approach
1550
1880
2040
2450
2 4 3 1
Then Exercise 3
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
Wavelength (nanometres)
AusSpec
2180-2228nm Group
AlOH Minerals:
Kaolinites, white micas,

Al-smectite
AusSpec
Kaolinite Page
AusSpec
Mineral spectra can also be modified
by variations in
 Mineral composition – e.g. illite, muscovite, chlorite
 Mineral crystallinity – e.g. kaolinite, illite/sericites
 identification of different phases of alteration,

 trends toward mineralisation,
 influences of weathering
Vital Information can be obtained
AusSpec
Crystallinity
 Affects the shapes and intensities of
absorption features
 Sharpness
 Kaolinite
 Illite/white mica
 Relative depths of diagnostic features

 Illite/white mica
AusSpec
Mineral Composition
 Affects the wavelengths of
absorption features
 Substitution by different cations
 Fe and Mg for Al
 White micas
 Fe and Mg relative proportions
 Chlorite and biotite
 Na for K
 White mica
 alunite
AusSpec
Kaolinite Crystallinity
~2162nm
AusSpec
Kaolinite Crystallinity
Increasing Crystallinity =
1. Increasing sharpness and depth of 2160
absorption
2. Apparent shift in wavelength of 2160nm feature
i.e. Alteration halos in epithermal systems
Weathering profiles
AusSpec
Kaolinite vs Halloysite
 Both kaolin minerals
 Halloysite – weathering or lower T
hydrothermal alteration than Kaolinite
2162nm
 Very similar in AlOH band (2206nm)…BUT
2206nm
 Subtle difference in the OH band (near
1400nm)
AlOH Doublet
OH Doublet
AusSpec
Kaolinite vs Halloysite
AusSpec
Illite
Crystallinity
Increasing Crystallinity =
1. Increasing sharpness of
AlOH absorption
2. Increasing depth of AlOH
absorption relative to water
absorption
3. Weakening water feature
i.e. Alteration halos in
epithermal systems
AusSpec
Corbett and Leach AusSpec
White Mica
Composition
 Illite and white mica (i.e.
muscovite, paragonite,
phengite)
 Wavelength of diagnostic AlOH

absorption changes as Al
content changes
 Applications
 Alteration halos
 Overprinting phases
 Lithological influences
AusSpec
White Mica
Composition
 AlOH wavelengths
 Paragonite – Na substitution
 2180-2190nm
 High Al
 Muscovite – “normal” K mica

 2200-2210nm
 Phengite – Mg-Fe
substitution for Al
 2216-2228nm
 Low Al
 Intermediate wavelengths
 Mixed phases
AusSpec
Chlorite
Composition
 Mg number influences
 Wavelength of FeOH
 Wavelength of MgOH
 Applications
 Multiple phases of chlorite
 Regional from alteration
AusSpec
Chlorite
Composition
Chlorite FeOH wavelength MgOH wavelength
Mg Chlorite 2240-2249nm 2320-2329nm
Int Chlorite 2250-2256nm 2330-2348nm
Fe Chlorite 2257-2265nm 2349-2360nm
AusSpec
2365
Chlorite
2360
2355
MgOH vs Mg Number 2
R = 0.85
Composition
Wavelen gth (nm)
2350
2345
2340
2335
2330 2262
2260 FeOH vs Mg Number
2325 2
2258 R = 0.8619
2320
Wavelength (nm)
2256
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Fe-rich Mg-rich 2254
Mg Number 2252
2250
2248
2246
2244
2242
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Mg Number
AusSpec
Carbonate
Composition
 Identified by wavelength of
diagnostic CO3 feature
 Wavelengths of siderite more

variable
 Mn and Mg content
 Mg Alteration halos in
carbonates around porphyries
AusSpec
Carbonate
Composition
 Fe Slope
 More information can be
gained from the raw
reflectance spectrum
 Specific ferrous features
can be seen in vis-NIR
Mix of illite + Fe carbonate
AusSpec
Smectite
Species
 Al, Fe, Mg smectites can

be identified easily
 Important applications in
regolith logging and soil
mapping
AusSpec
Spectral Mixtures
Considered simply, spectral mixing can be viewed as a linear
process. For example,
Spectrum = X% Mineral 1+Y% Mineral 2+Z% Mineral 3
AusSpec
Spectral Mixtures
BUT the spectral response of a mineral mixture is influenced by various
non-linear factors, which include:
 Multiple scattering within the volume of the mixed minerals.
 Varying absorption coefficients between different minerals.
Carbonate -------> chlorite -> smectite -> kaolinite/white mica ----> pyrophyllite+talc
Weak .
Strong
source detector
strong
moderate
Multiple scattering weak
30-100
microns
AusSpec
Mixed Spectra
Typically are characterised by:
 Additional absorption features;

 Additional shoulders or inflexions;
 Increased depth of absorptions, relative to the normal depths
of the features;
 Broadening of absorption features;
 Wavelength shifts in absorption features.
AusSpec
Mixed mineral spectra
AusSpec
Chlorite
White mica
Wt Mica+Chlorite
AusSpec
Chlorite
White mica
Chlorite + white mica
AusSpec
Unravelling mixtures
AusSpec
AusSpec
AusSpec
AusSpec
Mixed Hematite-Goethite
Goethite 910-940nm
Mixed He+Go
Hematite <890nm
380nm 1400nm 2500nm AusSpec

Spectral Mixtures – VNIR vs SWIR
Gibbsite + hematite
Kaolinite + hematite
Gibbsite + kaolinite
+hematite
400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400

Wavelength in nm
AusSpec
Spectral Mixtures – VNIR vs SWIR
Gibbsite + hematite
Kaolinite + hematite
Gibbsite + kaolinite
+hematite
400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400

Wavelength in nm
AusSpec
Spectral Mixtures
 How to interpret
 Consider a suite of samples rather than
spectra in isolation
 Problematic minerals/material
 Opaques (magnetite, sulphides)
 Carbonaceous material
AusSpec
Spectral mixtures - sulphides
 Sulphides
 Noisy and dark
spectra
 Weak illite
features
AusSpec
Unaltered “fresh” rocks
 No alteration
minerals or clays
 Minerals present
are probably
anhydrous
 Noisy and dark
spectra
 Need geology to
know that this is
not due to
sulphide
AusSpec
Exercise 4 TSG Pro, samples 1 to 14 (Aux colour: Norm. HullQ.)
000001
Aux
Mixed spectra
000002
0
000003
0.0417
0.0833
000004
000005
0.125
0.167
0.208
0.25
0.292
000006
0.333
000007
0.375
000008
0.417
000009
No rm. Hu llQ. (St ac k ed )
0.458
0.5
0.542
000010 0.583
0.625
000011
0.667
0.708
000012 0.75
0.792
000013
0.833
000014
0.875
0.917
0.958
NULL
1200 1400 1600 1800

Wavelength in nm
2000 2200 2400 2600
AusSpec
SAMPLE TYPES AND
MEASUREMENT
AusSpec
Sample Considerations
 All sample types can be measured
 Core, pulps, soils, chips/cuttings, outcrop etc
 No preparation necessary BUT

 Samples must be **DRY** (dried at <80 degrees C)
 Surfaces clean
 Never measure soils/powders through plastic,

always direct or through thin glass petri dish
(<1.5mm thick)
 Avoid resin impregnation or lacquers, or cellotape or
glue
AusSpec
Measurement Recommendations
 Systematic
 Close spaced readings
 Fast measurement, build up a large data set
 Consistent – the same features down hole –

 Matrix/pervasive
 Some details if necessary (clasts, veins, selvages)
 As objective as possible
 Not just because its different OR it looks interesting
AusSpec
File Naming
 Name all spectra with hole name and incremental
depth, i.e.
 Ddh001.001 etc
 Unique names
 This will allow you to always keep track of all
spectra
 Combining multiple holes within a single TSG file
 Integrating spectra and ancillary data (logging, geophysical and
geochemical)
AusSpec
Core Samples
 Hand measurement
 Selective measurements possible
 Veins, selvages, matrix, clasts
 Multiple measurements per interval
 Possible to selectively avoid sulphide concentrations (or

carbonaceous intervals)
 Core logging, continuous measurement and imaging of

core and core features
AusSpec
Geochemical Pulp Samples
 Direct comparison with geochemistry
 Good assessment of relative mineral proportions

 Homogenisation
 Minerals in veins etc become mixed in sample
 Best when sampled intervals are not >3m. 1m

intervals best.
 Fine grained powder surface

 Brighter spectra than for non-powdered samples
 Absorption features may appear weaker
 Dissemination of sulphides may be a problem
AusSpec
Soil samples
 Can allow widespread sampling and alteration mapping
where there is no outcrop
 Can be directly associated with geochemical data.
 Tips
 Avoid plant/biogenic material
 Weathering can mute alteration zoning
AusSpec
Grain size effects
 Fine grain sizes have
brighter spectra but weaker
absorption features
 Due to increased scattering
(example spectra from JPL data base)

AusSpec
Drill Chips and cuttings
 Good comparison with geochemistry
 Good assessment of relative mineral proportions

 Samples can be more homogenous than core
 Best where sampling interval is not too wide (preferably

not greater than 1-2m)
 Measurements can be made on site during drilling

provided samples dry quickly
 HyChips readings
 Rapid way of analysis of large numbers of samples
 Watch out for plastic in chip trays
AusSpec
Quality Control: QA/QC
 Vital at the measurement stage
 Wet samples
 Dirty samples/core surfaces
 Bent core trays, offset core
 Noisy spectra
 Artefact features (i.e. wood blocks, tray bases etc)
AusSpec
QA: Water in
samples
AusSpec
QA: Spectral quality and noise
1
Aux
 What is noise?
0.0588
0.118
0.8
0.176
0.235
 Measurement effects
0.294
0.353
Norm. HullQ (Aux. colour: Norm. HullQ)

0.6
0.412
0.471
 Wet samples 0.529
0.588
0.4
0.647
 Fluoro lights 0.706
0.765
0.824
 Instrumental effects
0.2
0.882
0.941
NULL
 Steps in spectra
0
1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400
Wav elength in nm
 Periodic noise
AusSpec
QA: Detector problems
1 2 3
AusSpec
QA: Artefact features
 Artefact features are absorption features unrelated to the sample
mineralogy
 Contaminated samples – oil/kerogen
 Vegetation
 Coatings or impregnations – resin or cellotape or glue
AusSpec
QA: ASD- Spectral quality and noise
 Measurement
 Must be at least 3 seconds or 30 averages long
 The longer the time set - the better the spectra (5 secs a good option)
 Preventing noise
 Noise usually in the longer wavelength detector (SWIR2) because of low
signal at these wavelengths
 Warm up light source for 1 hour before measurement, the longer ASD is on
the better the spectra
 Take reference readings regularly, AND keep spectralon clean (best stored in
a box, easy to access and use with minimal handling)
 Light source and ambient lights

 Handle the fibre optic cable carefully!
 Fluorescent light will cause periodic noise and possible artefacts in visible-NIR
wavelengths
AusSpec
ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
AusSpec
The Spectral Geologist (TSG)
 TSG is Project oriented
 A single TSG file can contain all spectra from a project

area or drilling program OR a detailed HyLogging hole
 Comparisons can be made of all data as a collection
 Rapid analysis of 1000‟s spectra possible
AusSpec
 Spectral analysis software
 Input spectra from a variety of spectrometers
 Import associated data
Spectra
TSG Data File
Sections, Geological
Logging Data
plots, down Context
hole
Geochemistry
X-Y-Z data
AusSpec
 TSG spectral files contain,
 sample, wavelength and layer dimensions
 additional layers of data can be imported and added
 When a TSG file is created:

 automatic absorption feature extraction by deconvolution
 automatic calculation of spectral layers
 Hull quotient, normalised reflectance and HQ, first and second
derivative spectra
 automatic spectral interpretation using The Spectral Assistant
(TSA)
AusSpec
TSG - Viewing Spectra
Illite + Chlorite + Carbonate (Ref: Illite)
Aux
0.0717
1.2
0.178
0.285
0.391
0.497
0.604
0.71
0.817
0.923
1
1.03
1.136
1.243
1.349
1.456
1.562
1.668
0.8
1.775
1.881
1.988
2.094
2.201
2.307
2.414
0.6
2.52
AusSpec
NULL
AusSpec Workshop – 2010

600 900 1200 1500
Wav elength in nm
1800 2100 2400
International
TSG Downhole Logs
Index Norm. HullQ. Depth Lith1 Interpretations Gold Illite Composition Chlorite vs Biotite FeOxide dAlOH/dMgOHCa
000140:CY RCO479&3_20a 139 St Wtmica + chl + cb
000159:CY RCO479&3_39a 158 St Wtmica + chl
000160:CY RCO479&3_40a 159 St Wtmica + chl
000166:CY RCO479&3_46a 165 Ss Wtmica + chl + cb
000172:CY RCO479&3_52a 171 Ss Wtmica + chl +/- cb
000173:CY RCO479&3_53a 172 Ss Chlor + biot + wtmica
000174:CY RCO479&3_54a 173 Ss Chlor +/- biot
000175:CY RCO479&3_55a 174 Ss Chlor + biot
000176:CY RCO479&3_56a 175 Ss Chlorite
000177:CY RCO479&3_57a 176 Ss Chlor + biot + wtmica
000178:CY RCO479&3_58a 177 St Chlor + biot + mont
000179:CY RCO479&3_59a 178 St Chlor + biot + wtmica
000182:CY RCO479&4_2a 181 St Chlor + wtmica
000185:CY RCO479&4_5a 184 St Mont + chlor
000186:CY RCO479&4_6a 185 Ss Chl + biot + wtmica
000189:CY RCO479&4_9a 188 Ss Chlor + biot
000190:CY RCO479&4_10a 189 Ss Biotite + wtmica
000191:CY RCO479&4_11a 190 Ss Biotite + wtmica
000192:CY RCO479&4_12a 191 Ss Chlor + biot + mont
000197:CY RCO479&4_17a 196 Ss Wtmica + chl + cb +/- biot
AusSpec

600 1200 1800 2400 0.005 5 2187.793 2218.614 2324.674 2351.896 1
International
4.119 0 19.881
TSG Section Plots
AusSpec
TSG Plan views
AusSpec
TSG Scatterplots
Scope 1:3676; 3546 points, R² =0.0269; Aux: Au(ppm) Scope 1:3676; 3371 points, R² =0.0362; Aux: dAlOH/dWater
1 2.2
0.917 2.083
20
0.833 1.967
0.75 1.85
1
16
0.667 1.733
0.583 1.617
0.5 1.5
Au(ppm)
KaolXT2
12
0.417 1.383
0.333 1.267
0.9
8
0.25 1.15
0.167 1.033
0.0833 0.917
4
0 0.8
0.8
NULL NULL
0
2196 2200 2204 2208 2212 2216 2220 2196 2200 2204 2208 2212 2216 2220
w a vAl OH w a vAl OH
Scope 1:3676; 3133 points, R² =0.0095; Aux: dAlOH/dMgOH-cb Scope 1:3676; 3133 points, R² =0.0786; Aux: wavMgOH/cb
2.2 2350
20
2360
2.083 2347.5
1.967 2345
16
1.85 2342.5
2350
1.733 2340
1.617 2337.5
2340
dAlOH/dMgOH-cb
12
wavMgOH/cb
1.5 2335
1.383 2332.5
2330
1.267 2330
8
1.15 2327.5
2320
1.033 2325
0.917 2322.5
4
2310
0.8 2320
NULL NULL
AusSpec
0
2196 2200 2204 2208 2212 2216 2220 2196 2200 2204 2208 2212 2216 2220

w a vAl OH w a vAl OH
International
TSG file format
 Four main files
 *.tsg – contains the file names and information
 *.bip – contains actual data
 *.ini – contains the layout information
 *_cras.bip – linescan image data
 To copy or backup the .bip and .tsg files need to be

together or the TSG file wont open.
 The .ini is optional but layout information will go to
the default if it is no present. AusSpec
TSG Demonstration
 Open “Surface Sampling example.tsg”
 Rock chip sampling over Au-Cu porphyry
 Discuss some TSG functions
Test out the following…
1. Look at the Summary screen
2. Look at individual spectra in the Spectrum Screen
3. Go to the log screen, and get the Floater screen up to view spectra
AusSpec
TSG Demonstration
 Import data from csv file
 Look at the data in excel
 Copy data (these will go to the clipboard) including all
columns
 Import the “Au” data into your tsg file, remember:

 To select “match to…” and match sample and
spectrum names
 Each column needs to be imported individually
 Import the Cu and As data as well

 Import East and North data
NOTE – no commas within a column for class import

AusSpec
TSG Demonstration
 Scatterplot
 Go to scatter screen with this data set
 Plot Easting vs North on six scatterplots
 Demo Mouse zoom, propagate scale
 Colour with other scalars – “Aux” scalar

 Interpretation
 Goethite
 As, Au - Colour scaling…..
AusSpec
Practice Exercise
 Open the file: “Example Dataset 2010 testing”
 This will open in the scatter plot screen
 Three spatial plots of different characteristics

 Zoom into the right hand hole set
 Propagate scales
 Colour mapping to enhance variations
 One scatter plot of white mica vs kaolinite
 Lasso the scatterplot to see what is happening in the
spatial plots
AusSpec
“Common Minerals” function in TSG
 Spectrum screen
 RH mouse button *click* on an absorption

feature and select “Common Minerals”
 Also look at TSA Groups
AusSpec
DATA ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION
AusSpec
Approaches to Spectral Data Analysis
 Sample Mineralogy
 Manual Interpretation
 Mineral identification software

 Automated
 User defined training libraries
 Mineral characteristics
 Spectral parameters / digital
mineralogy
AusSpec

 Automated
 User defined training libraries
 Spectral parameters / digital mineralogy
AusSpec
Manual Interpretation
 Important to have
knowledge to verify
automated analysis results
 Requires some experience
 Recognises between 1-5

minerals in each spectrum
 Important at the early

stages of a project
AusSpec
 Some data sets are not
suited to automated
analysis and require manual
interpretation
 Soil spectra can be noisy
 Overprinting with a
complex assemblage
 Weathered-altered samples
AusSpec
 Some data sets are not
suited to automated
analysis and require manual
interpretation
 Some minerals in low
proportions may need to be
visually identified (such as
topaz)
 Soil spectra can be noisy
 Overprinting with a
complex assemblage
AusSpec
Alunite species
 Multiple phases of
alunite can be
observed in many
HS systems
 Potentially
distinguish between
hydrothermal and
supergene
phases….
AusSpec
water features - silicified?
0.98
0.91
0.84
High Sulphidation Minerals

0.77
0.7
0.63
0.56
Norm. HullQ.
0.49
0.42
0.35
0.28
0.21
0.14
Acid
0.07
0
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
W avelengt h in nm
class: alun mineral: alunite
0.98
0.91
Vuggy silica
0.84
0.77
0.7
0.63
0.56
Norm. HullQ.
alunite
0.49
0.42
0.35
0.28
Higher Temp:
0.21
0.14
pyrophyllite diaspore, topaz

0.07
0
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
W avelengt h in nm
class: pyrph mineral: pyrophyllite
0.98
0.91
dickite
0.84
0.77
0.7
0.63
0.56
kaolin
Norm. HullQ.
0.49
0.42
0.35
0.28
0.21
0.14
0.07
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
W avelengt h in nm
class: di mineral: dickite
Illite, chlorite
0.98
0.91
0.84
0.77
 neutral
0.7
0.63
0.56
Norm. HullQ.
0.49
0.42
0.35
0.28
0.21
0.14
0.07
AusSpec
0
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
W avelengt h in nm

HS Epithermal Mineral Spectra, samples 17 to 29 (Aux colour: Norm. HullQ.)
000017
Aux
000018
0
0.0357
0.0714
Mixtures
0.107
000019
0.143
0.179
 High sulphidation
0.214
000020
0.25
0.286
000021 0.321
0.357
 Additional absorption
000022 0.393
0.429
features
 Complex mixtures
000023
Nor m . HullQ. (Stac k ed)
0.464
0.5
000024
0.536
0.571  Minor sharp features can be

0.607
000025
0.643
0.679
significant
000026
0.714
0.75
000027
 Look at “HS Epithermal

0.786
0.821
0.857
000028
0.893 Mineral Spectra TSG 7”

000029 0.929
0.964 (same spectra as plot)

1
NULL
1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900

Wavelength in nm
2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
AusSpec
Associated Alteration zones
ID in SWIR
 Propylitic: chlorite, epidote (montmorillonite, carbonate)
 Argillic: montmorillonite, kaolinite, illite-smectite (halloysite)

 Illite crystallinity
 Illite composition typically paragonitic in higher acidic
conditions possible vector to advanced argillic
 Intermediate argillic: kaolinite, dickite, pyrophyllite

 Advanced argillic: dickite, pyrophyllite, alunite, diaspore
(topaz, zunyite)
AusSpec
Spectral Mixtures – Low Sulphidation
 Low Sulphidation Mineral Assemblages
 Illite-smectite and montmorillonite
 Crystallinity can be a measure of temperature
and separate from phyllic to argillic
 Composition can vary with >1 phase (often
paragonitic)
Look at “Illite Phases
 Kaolinite example”
 Can replace adularia (late stage), although
adularia cannot be seen in the SWIR
 Propylitic
 Chlorite, epidote
 Overprinting - More than one facies in a sample
AusSpec
Illite Phases example data set
These are a series of 28 spectra of outcrop samples from a region of Illite
alteration and Au mineralisation. These spectra represent a traverse from
background unaltered samples through a zone of visible alteration and back
out to background.
(note the spectrum names are a combined easting/northing co-ordinate)
The logging data (log data) and Au values are already imported and displayed in
log screen.
1. Look at what mineralogy characterises the background rocks.
2. Assess the mineralogy of the alteration.
3. From the log data, visible alteration starts at around 3600mE and ends around
4300mE. Can the alteration halo be seen to extend further than this in the
spectral data?
4. Compare the Au values with your interpretation of the alteration, can you
identify an alteration phase that appears to correlate with the highest Au
values?
AusSpec
Mineral assemblage
AusSpec
Porphyry-epithermal settings
(From Corbett 2008) AusSpec

Manual Interpretation - limitations
 Generally slow
 Therefore expensive for large datasets
 Results are often written descriptions, not

quantitative
 Subtle variations in mineral species such as

crystallinity and composition can be missed
AusSpec

 Automated unmixing
 Training libraries (i.e. GESSL)
AusSpec
Mineral Identification Software
 Rely totally upon training library
 Unmixing approaches against fixed training

libraries (e.g. The Spectral Assistant)
 Search-match against user defined training

libraries
AusSpec
The Spectral Assistant
 Automated spectral interpretation against a training
library of pure mineral spectra
 Collected from worldwide sites
 Matches to one or a mixture of 2 minerals
 Mixtures are reported as spectral weights

 Spectral % of mineral 1 + spectral % mineral 2
 Or just a single mineral result
 Note that results are only TSA‟s “best guess” and may
be wrong!!
AusSpec
Reasons for errors in TSA results
 Spectra include minerals not represented in TSA‟s
library
 Mixtures of >2 minerals (higher TSA errors)
 A common occurrence in HS samples!
 Dark or noisy spectra
 Spectrometer error/miscalibration – absorption
features at the wrong wavelengths
AusSpec
TSA Performance
 Open “HS Epithermal Mineral spectra TSG 7.tsg”
 Look at some high errors in the Log screen

 What could be the reason for the high errors?
AusSpec
Caution when using TSA results
 TSA is an assistant to spectral interpretation
 The output results are its “best guess”
 User must carry out visual checks and monitor the
results
 Use knowledge of the geology, to recognise if any
unusual/unlikely minerals have been identified
 Keep track of the error levels
 Overlay reference spectra to check where uncertain
AusSpec
Tips for using TSA
 TSA results
 Mineral identification of different members of the same mineral
group
 Chlorite - mg chlorite, fe chlorite, int chlorite
 Illite/muscovite – illite, muscovite, phengite, paragonite…
 Halloysite vs kaolinite (check..)
 Carbonate - siderite, ankerite, calcite etc…
 Do not rely on these interpretations *at face value* only the

mineral GROUP identification, only the specific absorption
wavelengths will be definitive….
 Odd/less common minerals – brucite, opal
AusSpec
Settings for TSA
 Settings option under File menu – TSA tab
 Turn off minerals
 Output at Group and Mineral levels
 Confidence is monitored by assessing the

TSA Error, the higher the error the less
confidence in the results
AusSpec
Plotting mineral %ages from spectra
 Based on TSA spectral weightings, visual estimates or other
sources
 Do not represent actual percentages in sample only spectral

weightings
 Different absorption coefficients of minerals
 May be mixed with minerals that are spectrally inactive in the vis-NIR-
SWIR (i.e. quartz, feldspar)
AusSpec
AUX MATCHING
AusSpec
Interpretation by Aux Matching
 Search and match by spectral shapes
 Project TSG file - unknowns
 Library TSG file – fully interpreted (manual)
 Custom built
 Classification
 Output result can be reported from
 Library spectrum name OR
 Library spectrum comment field, either organised or
not
 Class: and/or Mineral:
 Name can be a classification AusSpec
Aux Match Library
 Spectra in library can include:
 Mixed mineral spectra
 Spectra from project area/specific geological setting
 Output very sensitive to library representation/coverage

 Whatever has an influence on the shape of the spectrum
 Compositional changes
 Relative proportions
 Small sharp features can be challenging
 BUT…the results are only as good as the spectra in the

aux match library and therefore need experience to set
up or expert assistance
AusSpec
Mixed spectral libraries - classification
Geological Environment Specific Spectral Libraries
GESSL
Output of results as
Based on observation that
Representative mineral mineral assemblages
there are similarities in
assemblages of the or alteration facies
mineral assemblage
deposit style classifications
between different project
areas from the same i.e. epithermal Cost effective way
deposit style of getting a project
Mixed mineral spectra specific library
AusSpec
Matching against Custom Libraries
 Can allow rapid and accurate interpretation (once fine tuned)

 1000s spectra within 1-2 minutes
 Can be as much as >90-95% accurate
 Important to verify output, to ensure that new assemblages are

not being measured
 Visual checks
 Monitor the score values
 New assemblages would need to be added, if necessary
AusSpec
Using a Custom Library
 Open the file “HS Epithermal Mineral Spectra TSG 7.tsg”
 Attach “Highsulph Epith Library TSG 7.tsg”
 Overlay spectra on spectrum screen (by selecting the aux
toggle)
 Open the floater screen and change to “aux match” mode
 Look at matches, test out if water should be used or not,
and which spectral layer would work best.
 Update aux matches to output to “CustSample”
 Look at results in the log screen and compare with the TSA
results (remember to plot the CustScore as well)
AusSpec
Settings for Aux Match
 Matching Algorithm –  Subsetting
(input from Peter)  exclude/include water
Pearson’s Correlation  Other wavelength ranges
 Goodness of fit score

 Local continuum
 The closer to 1 the better
 Matching in SWIR in full vis-
the fit NIR-SWIR data
 Naming  Cut offs

 Filename  Score cut off level
 Comment field  Noise cut off
AusSpec
VALIDATION OF MINERALOGY
AusSpec
Verification of results
 Very important stage

 Reasons for errors
 Ambiguous minerals
 Chlorite-biotite-epidote
 Amphibole-talc-serpentine
 Tourmaline vs white mica+chlorite/biotite
 Problem minerals
 Identification of topaz
AusSpec
Reasons for Errors in Results
 Spectra include minerals or mixtures not represented
in library (TSA or Custom/Aux)
 Dark or noisy spectra
 Spectrally ambiguous minerals in a sample (i.e.
chlorite/biotite, illite/muscovite)
 Non-mineral artefact features
 Spectrometer related artefacts/glitches
 Spectrometer error/miscalibration – absorption
features at the wrong wavelengths
AusSpec
Caution when using automated results
 The automated algorithms are designed to assist your
spectral interpretation
 The output results are the “best guess”
 Highly dependent on the input libraries/training set
 Highly dependent on the quality of the input project spectra
 User must carry out visual checks and monitor the results
 Use knowledge of the geology, to recognise if any unusual/
unlikely minerals have been identified
 Keep track of the error levels/ score values
 This is still not “Black Box” technology……
AusSpec
Mineralogy is ONLY the first step
 Although accurate mineralogy is a vital first step, there is
more information than just mineralogy in the SWIR data
 How do we access specific mineral information?

 Composition, crystallinity, relative mineral proportions?
 How do we plot this information and compare with logging and

geochemistry??
AusSpec
TSG SCALARS
AusSpec
What are they?
 Any numerical or text data associated with your
spectral data set
They can be either

 Imported from external spreadsheet files
 Assay data
 Lithology data, or descriptions
 Created/calculated from within TSG
 Practically unlimited imported or internal scalars
can exist in a TSG file
AusSpec
Importing Scalars
 Import by direct import (spectrum-samples) OR
by assay table (hole-to-from)
Multiple spectral readings
 Direct – if you have a spreadsheet which

1m single matches with the spectra in the TSG file
assay
 Assay table: if your spectra have been sampled

at a different spacing to your assay data.
AusSpec
When to Import Scalars?
 Import data early or later?
 Early -
 Logging data – to compare with mineralogy and
separate lithological controls from possible alteration.
 Assay data – highlight mineralised intervals, start to
focus on relationships, …obvious ones or not so…
 Later -
 External data can have errors (old logging) which can be
misleading
AusSpec
Going Further…..
 There is more information than just mineralogy in the spectral data.
1. Mineral identification
2. Verification of results – we should have accurate mineralogy….
3. Analysis and representation of down hole mineral characteristics
BUT
 How do we access specific mineral information?
 Composition, crystallinity, relative mineral proportions?
 How do we plot this information and compare with logging and

geochemistry?
AusSpec

 Automated unmixing
 Training libraries (i.e. GESSL)
AusSpec
The Key to Success
Spectral Plots
Digital Mineralogy
Sericite Composition
2209.76 2.04 2245.59 2.8
2212.77 4.87 2243.38 4.83 Chlorite Composition
2213.86 5.14 2241.98 5.18
2217.41 5.48 2246.49 6.53 Biotite Composition
2215.18 0.8 2256.4 1.72
2207.57 0.93 2266.15 1.43 Chlorite Proportion
2203.71 1.08 2252.32 1.11 Illite Crystallinity
2203.15 0.96 2268.05 0.93
2204.11 1.08 2257.85 1.36 Fe Carbonate Prop’
0 0 2257.73 1.04
0 0 2253.78 1.42
2204.83 0.94 2269.12 1.9 Kaolinite Crystallinity
2208.25 0.93 2250.04 1.46
2209.21 0.99 2246.58 0.88 Smectite Composition
2203.33 0.91 2249.16 1.17
Discrete values for each sample
Geologically relevant output: Spatial plots, sections, scatter plots, histograms
Section 35400N
AusSpec International
E dh12 As (ppm) W
dh13 ddh05
ddh07
AusSpec
International
Drill Hole
Cross Section

Spatial Plots: Alteration models
Au (ppm) First pass – 2 Illite phases
Mine site
orientation
survey
~800 Grade
Control
Samples
Mineralogically
simple
AusSpec
What are Spectral Parameters?
 They are measurements of
 Wavelength
 Depth
 Width
 Areas of absorption features
 Or combinations of these values i.e. commonly as ratios of
depths of features
 Influenced by mineralogical factors such as composition and
crystallinity
AusSpec
Common Spectral Parameters
 Wavelengths of absorption features
 AlOH – common to kaolinite, white mica, montmorillonite
 FeOH – chlorite, biotite
 Ratios: Relative depths of two absorption features

 Relative proportions
 Crystallinity
 Slopes – Fe2+, or kaolinite crystallinity
 Depths of absorption features

 Can be a measure of relative mineral proportions
AusSpec
Wavelength of absorptions
 Measure of
 Mineral composition
 AlOH – white mica, multiple phases or
overprinting
 FeOH – chlorite, regional vs alteration
 Relative proportions of two minerals

 AlOH – kaolinite vs illite
 MgOH – chlorite vs biotite
 Carbonate – dolomite vs calcite
AusSpec
Ratios
 Measure of
 Crystallinity
 Illite - Depth AlOH/depth water
 Kaolinite - Slope between 2160nm

and 2180nm
 Fe slope, ratio of reflectance value

at 1350nm and at ~1700nm
AusSpec
Ratios
 Measure of
 Relative proportions of two
minerals, use relative depths
of their diagnostic
absorptions:
 Depth AlOH/depth feoh – illite
vs chlorite
 Depth AlOH/depth MgOH –
illite vs Mg mineral
 Depth AlOH/depth Carbonate
– illite vs calcite
dAlOH vs dFeOH AusSpec

Ratios: Fe Slope
T=310 L=356 P=11 D=1056.255248 H=NBS-1 Aux
0.149
0.311
0.472
0.633
 Fe Slope
1.2
 Ratio of reflectance value

0.794
0.955
1.116
1.277
1.438 at ~1200-1350nm and at

0.9
1.599
1.76
1.921
2.082
~1700nm
 Fe carbonate
2.243
0.6
2.404
T=310 L=356 P=29 D=1056.6524612.565

H=NBS-1 Aux
0.149
NULL
 Also influenced by other

600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400
Wavelength in nm 0.311
0.472
1.2
0.633
0.794
0.955
Fe minerals, such as
1.116
chlorite
1
1.277
1.438
1.599
1.76
0.8
1.921
2.082
2.243
2.404
AusSpec
2.565
0.6
NULL
International
600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400
Wavelength in nm

Advantages of Spectral Parameters
 Highly specific controlled by only one or two variations in
mineralogy
 Consistent
 Very fast
 Produce digital results that can be integrated with other
data
 Allow results to be presented in a familiar format
(i.e. to the non-spectral expert geologists)
AusSpec
IMPORTANT.…remember that
 Spectral parameters can be influenced by
several factors
 The same spectral parameters can mean

different things with different datasets
 Wavelength – composition OR relative mineral
ppns?
Before interpreting standard parameters we need
to understand what can control them, especially
….THE MINERALOGY OF THE DATA SET....
AusSpec
Calculating Spectral Parameters in TSG
 Can be calculated via the “new scalar” option in TSG

OR
 By using other TSG files (with existing processing) as
templates when creating a new TSG file
 Copy processing
 Output from “Spectral expert” files
AusSpec
Calculating Spectral Parameters
 TSG calculates spectral parameters using any
of these methods:
 The spectral profile (i.e. directly from the
spectra)
 Arithmetic expressions (i.e. ratios)
 Feature parameters (i.e. based on
deconvolution of the spectra)
 Class Extraction Scalars (i.e. data filtered by
Class, eg. TSA Mineral 1, lithology etc.)
AusSpec
Using Spectral Parameters
 Example…..
 In the data file “SpecParamExample.tsg” you will find a
series of 50 spectra. Examine these spectra and then
calculate and display at least 3 different spectral
parameters that describe the significant mineralogical
changes in these samples
 Wavelength
 Slope
 Relative depth
AusSpec
Strategies for selecting parameters
 What is the best way of selecting suitable parameters for
a data set?
 Mineral assemblages
 Observed variations – wavelength shifts
 mostly look at crystallinity, composition, important relative
proportion changes (i.e. chlorite vs illite).

 Are there any particular mineral phases that are important
to identify (i.e. correlate with proximity to mineralisation)?
 See the section on what parameters are good for

different minerals in workshop manual
AusSpec
When to calculate parameters?
 Early or later?
 Early -
 Using a template file certain parameters can be calculated
routinely early on for best assessment of down hole mineral
trends
 Testing multiple parameters early on to narrow down the
choices to those significant ones for the project area
AusSpec
Examples of selecting parameters
 Example assemblage:
 Illite, chlorite, carbonate, kaolinite, dickite, dravite
 Suitable parameters (for this assemblage):

 Illite – AlOH wavelength (composition), ratio of depths of AlOH vs
water (crystallinity).
 Chlorite composition – wavelength FeOH or MgOH
 Relative proportions chlorite:illite – ratio of either depth AlOH vs
depth FeOH OR depth MgOH/carb.
 Kaolinite – 2160nm feature for crystallinity OR for relative
proportions to illite, look at slope
 Relative proportions carb/chl to illite – ratio of depth AlOH vs
depth MgOH/carb
AusSpec
What if there is no absorption minimum?
 Use the construct scalar from “feature parameter” instead

of “spectral profile”
 This method will usually provide a value for absorption

features that are only present as shoulders.
 Deconvolution of spectra when TSG file created.
 Default values will be to nearest channel no decimal place
 Can change algorithm for a better match
 Caution required as the deconvolution may pick out

features where there are none
AusSpec
Back to…Illite phases data set
 Use the featex with the “Green machine” algorithm
to identify the paragonitic phase associated with
strongest mineralisation.
 Assess the wavelength range from the spectra

 Design a spectral parameter to pick out the
shoulders of the paragonite absorption.
AusSpec
Class Extraction – “3 Drill hole” eg
Class extraction – filtering of data according to a class
value 3 Drill Hole example - Would further drilling intersect
mineralisation at depth?
1. Use “SpecParamExample.tsg” from previous exercise

file to copy process the wavAlOH to this file
2. Look at the patterns in the AlOH wavelength relative
to the Au data – what seems to be happening?
3. What mineral is the AlOH at the top of the holes due
to?
4. Is this the same mineral as further down hole?
Demo: Class extraction to show AlOH only for White mica

AusSpec
Working with Scalars
 Copy processing
 To copy the scalar methods to other data sets
 File>copy processing, scalars +/-layout
 Editing, renaming and deleting

 Edit menu OR RH mouse button menu
 Modify scalar
 “Scalar names and groups”
 Delete scalar
AusSpec
Making the output data work for us….
 Whatever sample measurement or analysis system
used, analysis of the spectra has provided us with
output including:
 Mineral interpretations
 Spectral parameters
 Digital mineralogy - Mineral specific spectral parameters
 Either by our own interpretation or using a Spectral

Expert system
Now, what do we do with the data and how can we make

the data work for us?
AusSpec
Go back to the important questions…
 What are our requirements for exploration?
 Build alteration models and map zonation
 Better understand relationships between alteration and

mineralisation
 Predictive information, “vectors”
 Exploration under cover.
 Overprinting, weathering and identification of significant
mineralising events.
AusSpec
Applications
 Data analysis, variations in mineral characteristics
 Data integration, with ancillary data
 Making the data work for us to represent the mineral
variations that are relevant to our project area.
 Plots, sections and maps
 Scatterplots of relationships
 Classification
 Histograms to assess multiphase alteration
AusSpec
Multiple phases and overprinting
Scope 1:1230; 1230 points; Aux: Interpretation
Aux
 Distribution of AlOH
57
Sericite +/- wk
Ser + chl
wavelengths dependent on
54
Ser + chl + cb
Ser + cb
51
Ser + cb + chl
Ser + kaol
the mineral assemblage

48
Kaolinite
Smect + kaol +
45
Ser + nontr + c
Mont + chl +/-

42
Montmorillonite
Chl/bt + ser
39
Ser + chl + pre
Ser + ep + cb +
 Illite+carbonate (red/orange)
36
Sericite
Ka (disord) + m
33
 Kaolinite+illite (yellow and brown

30
Co u n t
Illite+chlorite (blue and green)

27

24
21
18
 Elevated Au associated with

15
12
the illite+carbonate
9
6
assemblage
3
0
2196 2198 2200 2202 2204 2206 2208 2210 2212 2214
kaolinitic
wa v A l O H
Muscovitic sericite Int. muscovitic-phengitic sericite
AusSpec
Multiple phases - Victoria
Phengite + chlorite
Fosterville Ballarat
Muscovite + carbonate Muscovite + carbonate

+ kaolinite
Phengite
+ chlorite
Costerfield Bendigo
Muscovite + Intermediate mica White mica + chlorite

carbonate + chlorite
+ carbonate
White mica + carbonate

Phengite + chlorite
AusSpec
Example: Data Integration
muscovite
Chlorite
phengite
Sericite
O
/K
2
t Geochemical data
rge
Chlorite
gO
O
3
gO
O
Depth
Al
2
Ta
Mg Fe
M
M
K
2
10m  Elemental distribution, and
mineralisation
50m
Geophysical data
55m  Changing physical
characteristics
60m
Lithology
Spectral Data
100m  Associated mineralogical
variation
150m
200m
Geochemical Data Mineralogical Data

(Spectral Data)
AusSpec
Analysis of results:
Scatterplots
AusSpec
Overprinting
Weathered
kaolinite
increasing Kaolinite response
Regional phase
phengite
muscovite
paragonite
Targetalteration
Target Alteration
AusSpec
Setting up scatterplots
 Using two different parameters
 One common to the minerals being
analysed
 The other diagnostic of a particular mineral
group to be separated
AusSpec
003936:EP1601960 Pima0 le was used so that the numbers herein a; Aux: GeneralClasses
1
Aux
Illite +cb+...
0.8
Illite + ch...
Kaolinite crystallinity parameter

Illite + ka...
Biotite +/-...
0.6
N or m. H ullQ
Chlorite/b...
Dickite
0.4
Dickite+...
Kaolinite
<clip
0.2
001754:03EPE043P016A Pima0>cliple was used so that the numbers herein a; Aux: GeneralClasses
1
NULL Aux
2100 2160 2220 2280 2340 2400 Illite +cb+...

Wav elength in nm
0.8
Illite + ch...
Illite + ka...
Biotite +/-...
0.6
Nor m. HullQ
Chlorite/b...
Dickite
 FOR Assemblages with kaolinite, illite, dickite

0.4
Dickite+...
Kaolinite
<clip
0.2
004099:EPE20A02275 Pima0 le was used so that the numbers herein a; Aux: GeneralClasses >clip
1
Aux NULL
2100 2160 2220 2280 2340 2400

Illite +cb+... Wav elength in nm
0.8
Illite + ch...
Illite + ka...
Biotite +/-...  Measures the slope between 2160-2180nm, and

0.6
N o r m . H u llQ
Chlorite/b...
Dickite
the slope between 2180-2190nm

0.4
Dickite+...
Kaolinite
002972:03h943023B Pima0 le was used so that the numbers herein a; Aux: GeneralClasses
1
<clip
0.2
Normally used to map out highly crystalline kaolinite

Aux
>clip Illite +cb+...


0.8
NULL Illite + ch...

0
Illite + ka...
from disordered kaolinite in weathered

2100 2160 2220 2280 2340 2400
Wavelength in nm Biotite +/-...
0.6
N or m. H ullQ
Chlorite/b...
Dickite
environments
0.4
Dickite+...
Kaolinite
<clip
0.2
>clip
001067:03EP016P002B dickite/kaolinite; Aux: GeneralClasses NULL

0
1
2100 Aux 2160 2220 2280 2340 2400
Calculation between these slopes is also a measure

Wav elength in nm

Illite +cb+...
0.8
Illite + ch...
Illite + ka...
Biotite +/-...
of the kaolinite, dickite and white mica content of the

0.6
N or m. H ullQ
Chlorite/b...
Dickite
0.4
sample.
Dickite+...
Kaolinite
003929:EP1600810 Pima0 le<clip

was used so that the numbers herein a; Aux: GeneralClasses
0.2
>clip Aux
NULL Illite +cb+...

0
0.8
2100 2160 2220 2280 2340 2400

Illite + ch...
Wav elength in nm
Illite + ka...
Biotite +/-...
 Can be used to good advantage as a measure of
0.6
N or m. H ullQ
Chlorite/b...
Dickite
relative proportions of these minerals in mixtures
0.4
Dickite+...
Kaolinite
<clip
0.2
>clip
NULL
0
2100 2160 2220 2280 2340 2400

Wav elength in nm
AusSpec
Wavelength of AlOH
 Can be influenced by a number of factors depending on the
mineralogy of the samples
 Kaolinite vs illite
 Illite/white mica compositions
 Multiphase illite/white mica
 Illite vs dickite
 Can allow mapping of the relative proportions of different

AlOH mineral phases in a project area
 Many applications
AusSpec
Put it all together… large data set
 Using the kaolinite XT and (general) AlOH wavelength can allow separation of mineral
mixtures and assessment of relative mineral proportions.
 Kaolinite XT – influenced here by kaolinite content relative to illite
 AlOH – kaolinite has a constrained AlOH wavelength
 Illite has broadly varying AlOH wavelengths indicating different phases of illite with Au
associated with one of them.
AusSpec
Relative depths of features: Ratios
 Can provide a measure of the relative proportions of two or
more minerals.
 Relative depth of alunite 1480nm feature versus pyrophyllite

1390nm feature to assess relative alunite:pyrophyllite ppns
 Or any other two diagnostic and not overlapping absorption

features from other mineral mixtures.
AusSpec
EP Drill hole section Example.tsg
 Practice some TSG tools
1. Class extraction (Class XT)
 White mica composition – class XT the AlOH
 Alunite composition – class XT the 1480-90nm alunite
feature
2. Ratio of alunite to pyrophyllite to map out relative
proportions of these two minerals in this data set.
3. Plot these in the scatterplot screen
 Change colours of the Assemblage plot….
4. Discuss difference between “fullAlOH” and “AlOH”
scalars.
AusSpec
Steps to a successful spectral survey
1. Measure samples
 Using appropriate spectrometer for application
 Controls on quality, noise, sample conditions
 Save data with appropriate naming convention
2. Analysis of mineralogy from spectral data

 Manual interpretation or automated methods
 Cross check results for best accuracy
3. Analysis of mineral characteristics from spectra

 Select appropriate spectral parameters for mineral
assemblages
AusSpec
Steps to a successful spectral survey
4. Import geological and geochemical data
 Logging and geochemistry
 Spatial data for plotting
5. Plot/integrate the spectral results with imported data

 Using log and scatter screens, plot down hole or sections
6. Output results either as plots or as csv data

 Put spectral data in geological context for best comparisons
and analysis
 Further plotting of results in 3D modeling packages
AusSpec
Conclusions
 Spectral data can provide data on
 Mineralogy
 Mineral characteristics (composition, crystallinity)
 Relative mineral proportion
 In a variety of ways…as discussed today
 These data can be output in a format that brings the spectral

data easily into a geological context, for analysis and
integration with other project data sets
 As well as dissemination to other project geologists

AusSpec
Concluding remarks
 Spectral data provide many layers of information that can be
utilised
 Mineralogy
 Mineral characteristics – composition, crystallinity
 Relative proportions of minerals
 These data when used together with other geological data

sets can provide vital information to assist in understanding
an alteration system
 Often allow delineation of an alteration footprint that may be
significantly wider than the mineralisation
ADD VALUE TO DRILLING $$$
AusSpec
End of workshop
 Time to look at your data sets….
AusSpec

2010 AusSpec Workshop Slides

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2010 AusSpec Workshop Slides

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AusSpec Workshop:

Spectral Analysis and its Application

Presented by Dr Sasha Pontual

 How can spectral data satisfy these requirements?

 What are the deliverables of spectral analysis and how can

 Map mineral zonation

 Better understand relationships between alteration and

 The minerals typically occur in zones that reflect changing

 The recognition of alteration mineral zoning can help identify

Figure from Terry Leach 1995

Lab- and field-based spectrometers Lab-based

UV Visible NIR SWIR Mid-IR Far-IR

UV Visible NIR SWIR Mid-IR Far-IR

UV Visible NIR SWIR Mid-IR Far-IR

 Clays and Micas (i.e. kaolinite, pyrophyllite, illite, biotite etc.)

PIMA, ASD, HyChips, HyLogger

 Most commonly influenced and dominated by iron, ferric and ferrous.

 Hematite main feature is

 Goethite main feature is

near 930nm, and there

 Both have intense charge

NULL transfer bands affecting

0.271 absorption features

600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400

 Vis-NIR: Apart from the Fe-oxides, most minerals cannot

Water and OH OH Water AlOH

Calculation of Hull Quotient

to the Reflectance Hull

 Also known as „continuum removal‟.

 Features are broader than in SWIR

 Have characteristic spectral signatures in the SWIR (1300-

Kaolinites, white micas,

 identification of different phases of alteration,

Vital Information can be obtained

 Relative depths of diagnostic features

 Wavelength of diagnostic AlOH

 Muscovite – “normal” K mica

Chlorite FeOH wavelength MgOH wavelength

Mg Chlorite 2240-2249nm 2320-2329nm

Int Chlorite 2250-2256nm 2330-2348nm

Fe Chlorite 2257-2265nm 2349-2360nm

 Wavelengths of siderite more

Mix of illite + Fe carbonate

 Al, Fe, Mg smectites can

Spectrum = X% Mineral 1+Y% Mineral 2+Z% Mineral 3

Multiple scattering weak

 Additional absorption features;

Chlorite + white mica

380nm 1400nm 2500nm AusSpec

400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400

400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400

1200 1400 1600 1800

 No preparation necessary BUT

 Never measure soils/powders through plastic,

 Consistent – the same features down hole –

 Multiple measurements per interval

 Possible to selectively avoid sulphide concentrations (or

 Core logging, continuous measurement and imaging of

 Good assessment of relative mineral proportions

 Minerals in veins etc become mixed in sample

 Best when sampled intervals are not >3m. 1m

 Fine grained powder surface

 Absorption features may appear weaker

 Dissemination of sulphides may be a problem

 RH mouse button click on an absorption

 Do not rely on these interpretations at face value only the