Brad Van Gosen is a Research Geologist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center.
Science and Products
Distribution of Fibrous Erionite in the United States and Implications For Human Health
Fibrous erionite, a zeolite mineral, has been designated as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization and is believed to be the cause of extraordinarily high rates of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos - related diseases in several villages in Central Turkey. A recent study by the University of Hawaii in collaboration with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in Dunn County,
Heavy-Mineral Sand Resources in the Southeastern U.S.
We are assessing the extent of industrial mineral resources hosted by heavy-mineral sands in the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. “Heavy-mineral sands" (HMS) is a term commonly used in industry and geologic literature to describe layered sediments deposited in coastal environments that contain dense (“heavy") minerals of economic value. The heavy minerals extracted from these...
In Vitro Bioaccessibility Extractions from Previously Collected Uranium Mineral Deposit Samples, 1971 and 1981, Southwestern U.S
This data set provides total element concentration and simulated lung and gastric fluid bioaccessibility from previously collected Uranium mineral deposit samples (1971 and 1981, Southwestern U.S.) exploring possible exposures to other hazardous trace metals. Elevated total as well as simulated gastric and lung fluid concentrations were observed for arsenic, cobalt, manganese, thallium, vanadium a
Mineralogical analyses of drill core samples from the Canyon uranium-copper deposit, a solution-collapse breccia pipe, Grand Canyon area, Coconino County, Arizona, USA
This data release compiles the X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy analyses of drill core samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey that were selected to typify the uranium-copper ore bodies of the Canyon deposit. The deposit is hosted by a solution-collapse breccia pipe, in which mineralization exists from about 650 to 2,100 ft (200 to 640 m) below the surface (Mathisen and others, 20
Geochemical and mineralogical analyses of uranium ores from the Hack II and Pigeon deposits, solution-collapse breccia pipes, Grand Canyon region, Mohave and Coconino Counties, Arizona, USA
This data release compiles the whole-rock geochemistry, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy analyses of samples collected from the uranium ore bodies of two mined-out deposits in the Grand Canyon region of northwestern Arizona - the Hack II and Pigeon deposits. The samples are grab samples of ore collected underground at each mine by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) during the mid-1980s, w
Whole-rock geochemical data for the Bear Lodge alkaline complex, Wyoming: 2009 - 2013
This data release contains analytical data from a suite of rock samples collected within the Bear Lodge alkaline complex, northeast Wyoming, which hosts the Bear Lodge rare earth element (REE) deposit. Geochemistry data include major and trace element analytical results for 105 samples including alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites, and weathered and oxidized samples. Samples were collected from s
Geochemical analyses of bauxite and associated rocks from the Arkansas bauxite region, central Arkansas
This data release compiles major and trace element analytical results of samples of bauxite (aluminum ore) and associated rocks collected from the Arkansas bauxite region, located near the center of Arkansas in Pulaski and Saline Counties. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in April 2018 as part of the USGS' focus on increased understanding of the United States' critical m
Rare Earth Element Occurrences in the United States
This data release provides descriptions of more than 200 mineral districts, mines, and mineral occurrences (deposits, prospects, and showings) within the United States that are reported to contain substantial enrichments of the rare earth elements (REEs). These mineral occurrences include mined deposits, exploration prospects, and other occurrences with notable concentrations of the REEs. The incl
Reported historic asbestos mines, historic asbestos prospects, and other natural occurrences of asbestos in the conterminous United States
This data release is a compilation of six earlier reports on natural occurrences of asbestos in the conterminous United States, which were published separately; these are Van Gosen (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) and Van Gosen and Clinkenbeard (2011). The earlier reports were compilations divided by regions of the United States; in each report the data were provided in spreadsheet format. This data
Geochemical analyses of rock samples collected from mineral deposits and intrusions of the Bokan Mountain peralkaline granitic complex, Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska
This data set compiles the major and trace element chemistry of rock samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at Bokan Mountain, located in the southern part of Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska. Bokan Mountain was formed by an Early Jurassic peralkaline igneous complex that intruded into lower Paleozoic rocks of the Alexander terrane of southeast Alaska. The pluton and sur
Three GIS datasets defining areas permissive for the occurrence of uranium-bearing, solution-collapse breccia pipes in northern Arizona and southeast Utah
Some of the highest grade uranium (U) deposits in the United States are hosted by solution-collapse breccia pipes in the Grand Canyon region of northern Arizona. These structures are named for their vertical, pipe-like shape and the broken rock (breccia) that fills them. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these structures exist. Not all of the breccia pipes are mineralized; only a small percentage o
Locatable Mineral Assessment Tracts for the U.S. Geological Survey Sagebrush Mineral Resource Assessment Project
The polygon (vector) feature class represents locatable mineral resource assessment tracts (tracts of land) associated with the Department of the Interior (DOI) Sagebrush Focal Areas in Montana, Wyoming and Utah, central Idaho, and the Oregon-Nevada-Idaho border area. The mineral resources tracts are geographic areas that were assessed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and were determined to be
Generalized geologic map of the Absaroka-Beartooth study area, south-central Montana
No abstract available.
Reconnaissance geologic map of the Sliderock Mountain area, Sweet Grass and Stillwater counties, Montana
The remains of a deeply eroded Late Cretaceous stratovolcano centered near Sliderock Mountain dominate the map area. The volcano consists mostly of lahars, although basaltic andesite lava flows are also present. An extensively eroded, weakly mineralized hypabyssal intrusive complex, inferred to represent the volcano's solidified magma chamber, intrudes previously erupted lava flows and associated
Stratigraphic framework of coal beds underlying the northeastern part of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana
The area of investigation is located in the northeast part of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation (fig. 1) on the western flank of the Williston Basin. It covers about 450 square miles and is made up of parts of Daniels, Sheridan, and Roosevelt counties. Exploratory drilling for coal and logging of seismograph drill holes in 1978-1981 were done with the support of the Branch of Indian Affairs as pa
Filter Total Items: 97
Assessment of undiscovered resources in calcrete uranium deposits, Southern High Plains region of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, 2017
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates a mean of 40 million pounds of in-place uranium oxide (U3O8) remaining as potential undiscovered resources in the Southern High Plains region of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. This estimate used a geology-based assessment method specific to calcrete uranium deposits.
Rare-earth elements
The rare-earth elements (REEs) are 15 elements that range in atomic number from 57 (lanthanum) to 71 (lutetium); they are commonly referred to as the “lanthanides.” Yttrium (atomic number 39) is also commonly regarded as an REE because it shares chemical and physical similarities and has affinities with the lanthanides. Although REEs are not rare in terms of average crustal abundance, the concentr
The discovery and character of Pleistocene calcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains of west Texas, United States
This report describes the discovery and geology of two near-surface uranium deposits within calcareous lacustrine strata of Pleistocene age in west Texas, United States. Calcrete uranium deposits have not been previously reported in the United States. The west Texas uranium deposits share characteristics with some calcrete uranium deposits in Western Australia—uranium-vanadium minerals hosted by n
Rare earth mineral potential in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain from integrated geophysical, geochemical, and geological approaches
We combined geophysical, geochemical, mineralogical, and geological data to evaluate the regional presence of rare earth element (REE)−bearing minerals in heavy mineral sand deposits of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. We also analyzed regional differences in these data to determine probable sedimentary provenance. Analyses of heavy mineral separates covering the region show strong correlation
Geology and mineral resources of the North-Central Idaho Sagebrush Focal Area: Chapter C in <em>Mineral resources of the Sagebrush Focal Areas of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming</em>
SummaryThe U.S. Department of the Interior has proposed to withdraw approximately 10 million acres of Federal lands from mineral entry (subject to valid existing rights) from 12 million acres of lands defined as Sagebrush Focal Areas (SFAs) in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming (for further discussion on the lands involved see Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5089–A). The purpo
By
Energy and Minerals, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, National Minerals Information Center
Coastal deposits of heavy mineral sands; Global significance and US resources
Ancient and modern coastal deposits of heavy mineral sands (HMS) are the principal source of several heavy industrial minerals, with mining and processing operations on every continent except Antarctica. For example, HMS deposits are the main source of titanium feedstock for the titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments industry, obtained from the minerals ilmenite (Fe2+TiO3), rutile (TiO2) and leucoxene (
Element concentrations in surface soils of the Coconino Plateau, Grand Canyon region, Coconino County, Arizona
This report provides the geochemical analyses of a large set of background soils collected from the surface of the Coconino Plateau in northern Arizona. More than 700 soil samples were collected at 46 widespread areas, sampled from sites that appear unaffected by mineralization and (or) anthropogenic contamination. The soils were analyzed for 47 elements, thereby providing data on metal concentrat
Thorium as a nuclear fuel
No abstract available.
Placer-type rare earth element deposits: Chapter 4
No abstract available.
Natural thorium resources and recovery: Options and impacts
This paper reviews the front end of the thorium fuel cycle, including the extent and variety of thorium deposits, the potential sources of thorium production, and the physical and chemical technologies required to isolate and purify thorium. Thorium is frequently found within rare earth element–bearing minerals that exist in diverse types of mineral deposits, often in conjunction with other minera
Book review: Rare earth elements—A new approach to the nexus of supply, demand and use: exemplified along the use of neodymium in permanent magnets
This book is part of the “Springer Theses” published by Springer, a book series designed to highlight and share outstanding Ph.D. research. As explained by Springer (on the second page), this series “brings together a selection of the very best Ph.D. theses from around the world and across the physical sciences.” I admire Springer for this endeavor because a large number of exceptional theses are
First steps of integrated spatial modeling of titanium, zirconium, and rare earth element resources within the Coastal Plain sediments of the southeastern United States
The Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States has extensive, unconsolidated sedimentary deposits that are enriched in heavy minerals containing titanium, zirconium, and rare earth element resources. Areas favorable for exploration and development of these resources are being identified by geochemical data, which are supplemented with geological, geophysical, hydrological, and geographical da
Science and Products
- Science
Distribution of Fibrous Erionite in the United States and Implications For Human Health
Fibrous erionite, a zeolite mineral, has been designated as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization and is believed to be the cause of extraordinarily high rates of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos - related diseases in several villages in Central Turkey. A recent study by the University of Hawaii in collaboration with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in Dunn County,Heavy-Mineral Sand Resources in the Southeastern U.S.
We are assessing the extent of industrial mineral resources hosted by heavy-mineral sands in the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. “Heavy-mineral sands" (HMS) is a term commonly used in industry and geologic literature to describe layered sediments deposited in coastal environments that contain dense (“heavy") minerals of economic value. The heavy minerals extracted from these... - Data
In Vitro Bioaccessibility Extractions from Previously Collected Uranium Mineral Deposit Samples, 1971 and 1981, Southwestern U.S
This data set provides total element concentration and simulated lung and gastric fluid bioaccessibility from previously collected Uranium mineral deposit samples (1971 and 1981, Southwestern U.S.) exploring possible exposures to other hazardous trace metals. Elevated total as well as simulated gastric and lung fluid concentrations were observed for arsenic, cobalt, manganese, thallium, vanadium aMineralogical analyses of drill core samples from the Canyon uranium-copper deposit, a solution-collapse breccia pipe, Grand Canyon area, Coconino County, Arizona, USA
This data release compiles the X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy analyses of drill core samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey that were selected to typify the uranium-copper ore bodies of the Canyon deposit. The deposit is hosted by a solution-collapse breccia pipe, in which mineralization exists from about 650 to 2,100 ft (200 to 640 m) below the surface (Mathisen and others, 20Geochemical and mineralogical analyses of uranium ores from the Hack II and Pigeon deposits, solution-collapse breccia pipes, Grand Canyon region, Mohave and Coconino Counties, Arizona, USA
This data release compiles the whole-rock geochemistry, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy analyses of samples collected from the uranium ore bodies of two mined-out deposits in the Grand Canyon region of northwestern Arizona - the Hack II and Pigeon deposits. The samples are grab samples of ore collected underground at each mine by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) during the mid-1980s, wWhole-rock geochemical data for the Bear Lodge alkaline complex, Wyoming: 2009 - 2013
This data release contains analytical data from a suite of rock samples collected within the Bear Lodge alkaline complex, northeast Wyoming, which hosts the Bear Lodge rare earth element (REE) deposit. Geochemistry data include major and trace element analytical results for 105 samples including alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites, and weathered and oxidized samples. Samples were collected from sGeochemical analyses of bauxite and associated rocks from the Arkansas bauxite region, central Arkansas
This data release compiles major and trace element analytical results of samples of bauxite (aluminum ore) and associated rocks collected from the Arkansas bauxite region, located near the center of Arkansas in Pulaski and Saline Counties. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in April 2018 as part of the USGS' focus on increased understanding of the United States' critical mRare Earth Element Occurrences in the United States
This data release provides descriptions of more than 200 mineral districts, mines, and mineral occurrences (deposits, prospects, and showings) within the United States that are reported to contain substantial enrichments of the rare earth elements (REEs). These mineral occurrences include mined deposits, exploration prospects, and other occurrences with notable concentrations of the REEs. The inclReported historic asbestos mines, historic asbestos prospects, and other natural occurrences of asbestos in the conterminous United States
This data release is a compilation of six earlier reports on natural occurrences of asbestos in the conterminous United States, which were published separately; these are Van Gosen (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) and Van Gosen and Clinkenbeard (2011). The earlier reports were compilations divided by regions of the United States; in each report the data were provided in spreadsheet format. This dataGeochemical analyses of rock samples collected from mineral deposits and intrusions of the Bokan Mountain peralkaline granitic complex, Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska
This data set compiles the major and trace element chemistry of rock samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at Bokan Mountain, located in the southern part of Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska. Bokan Mountain was formed by an Early Jurassic peralkaline igneous complex that intruded into lower Paleozoic rocks of the Alexander terrane of southeast Alaska. The pluton and surThree GIS datasets defining areas permissive for the occurrence of uranium-bearing, solution-collapse breccia pipes in northern Arizona and southeast Utah
Some of the highest grade uranium (U) deposits in the United States are hosted by solution-collapse breccia pipes in the Grand Canyon region of northern Arizona. These structures are named for their vertical, pipe-like shape and the broken rock (breccia) that fills them. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these structures exist. Not all of the breccia pipes are mineralized; only a small percentage oLocatable Mineral Assessment Tracts for the U.S. Geological Survey Sagebrush Mineral Resource Assessment Project
The polygon (vector) feature class represents locatable mineral resource assessment tracts (tracts of land) associated with the Department of the Interior (DOI) Sagebrush Focal Areas in Montana, Wyoming and Utah, central Idaho, and the Oregon-Nevada-Idaho border area. The mineral resources tracts are geographic areas that were assessed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and were determined to be - Maps
Generalized geologic map of the Absaroka-Beartooth study area, south-central Montana
No abstract available.Reconnaissance geologic map of the Sliderock Mountain area, Sweet Grass and Stillwater counties, Montana
The remains of a deeply eroded Late Cretaceous stratovolcano centered near Sliderock Mountain dominate the map area. The volcano consists mostly of lahars, although basaltic andesite lava flows are also present. An extensively eroded, weakly mineralized hypabyssal intrusive complex, inferred to represent the volcano's solidified magma chamber, intrudes previously erupted lava flows and associatedStratigraphic framework of coal beds underlying the northeastern part of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana
The area of investigation is located in the northeast part of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation (fig. 1) on the western flank of the Williston Basin. It covers about 450 square miles and is made up of parts of Daniels, Sheridan, and Roosevelt counties. Exploratory drilling for coal and logging of seismograph drill holes in 1978-1981 were done with the support of the Branch of Indian Affairs as pa - Publications
Filter Total Items: 97
Assessment of undiscovered resources in calcrete uranium deposits, Southern High Plains region of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, 2017
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates a mean of 40 million pounds of in-place uranium oxide (U3O8) remaining as potential undiscovered resources in the Southern High Plains region of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. This estimate used a geology-based assessment method specific to calcrete uranium deposits.Rare-earth elements
The rare-earth elements (REEs) are 15 elements that range in atomic number from 57 (lanthanum) to 71 (lutetium); they are commonly referred to as the “lanthanides.” Yttrium (atomic number 39) is also commonly regarded as an REE because it shares chemical and physical similarities and has affinities with the lanthanides. Although REEs are not rare in terms of average crustal abundance, the concentrThe discovery and character of Pleistocene calcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains of west Texas, United States
This report describes the discovery and geology of two near-surface uranium deposits within calcareous lacustrine strata of Pleistocene age in west Texas, United States. Calcrete uranium deposits have not been previously reported in the United States. The west Texas uranium deposits share characteristics with some calcrete uranium deposits in Western Australia—uranium-vanadium minerals hosted by nRare earth mineral potential in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain from integrated geophysical, geochemical, and geological approaches
We combined geophysical, geochemical, mineralogical, and geological data to evaluate the regional presence of rare earth element (REE)−bearing minerals in heavy mineral sand deposits of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. We also analyzed regional differences in these data to determine probable sedimentary provenance. Analyses of heavy mineral separates covering the region show strong correlationGeology and mineral resources of the North-Central Idaho Sagebrush Focal Area: Chapter C in <em>Mineral resources of the Sagebrush Focal Areas of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming</em>
SummaryThe U.S. Department of the Interior has proposed to withdraw approximately 10 million acres of Federal lands from mineral entry (subject to valid existing rights) from 12 million acres of lands defined as Sagebrush Focal Areas (SFAs) in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming (for further discussion on the lands involved see Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5089–A). The purpoByEnergy and Minerals, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, National Minerals Information CenterCoastal deposits of heavy mineral sands; Global significance and US resources
Ancient and modern coastal deposits of heavy mineral sands (HMS) are the principal source of several heavy industrial minerals, with mining and processing operations on every continent except Antarctica. For example, HMS deposits are the main source of titanium feedstock for the titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments industry, obtained from the minerals ilmenite (Fe2+TiO3), rutile (TiO2) and leucoxene (Element concentrations in surface soils of the Coconino Plateau, Grand Canyon region, Coconino County, Arizona
This report provides the geochemical analyses of a large set of background soils collected from the surface of the Coconino Plateau in northern Arizona. More than 700 soil samples were collected at 46 widespread areas, sampled from sites that appear unaffected by mineralization and (or) anthropogenic contamination. The soils were analyzed for 47 elements, thereby providing data on metal concentratThorium as a nuclear fuel
No abstract available.Placer-type rare earth element deposits: Chapter 4
No abstract available.Natural thorium resources and recovery: Options and impacts
This paper reviews the front end of the thorium fuel cycle, including the extent and variety of thorium deposits, the potential sources of thorium production, and the physical and chemical technologies required to isolate and purify thorium. Thorium is frequently found within rare earth element–bearing minerals that exist in diverse types of mineral deposits, often in conjunction with other mineraBook review: Rare earth elements—A new approach to the nexus of supply, demand and use: exemplified along the use of neodymium in permanent magnets
This book is part of the “Springer Theses” published by Springer, a book series designed to highlight and share outstanding Ph.D. research. As explained by Springer (on the second page), this series “brings together a selection of the very best Ph.D. theses from around the world and across the physical sciences.” I admire Springer for this endeavor because a large number of exceptional theses areFirst steps of integrated spatial modeling of titanium, zirconium, and rare earth element resources within the Coastal Plain sediments of the southeastern United States
The Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States has extensive, unconsolidated sedimentary deposits that are enriched in heavy minerals containing titanium, zirconium, and rare earth element resources. Areas favorable for exploration and development of these resources are being identified by geochemical data, which are supplemented with geological, geophysical, hydrological, and geographical da