Brad Van Gosen is a Research Geologist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center.
Science and Products
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...
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,
Filter Total Items: 15
Geochemical data for carbonatite samples from the Mountain Pass rare earth element deposit, southeast California
This data release contains whole-rock major, minor, and trace element geochemical data for carbonatite samples from the Mountain Pass rare earth element (REE) deposit located in southeastern California. The Mountain Pass deposit is the largest REE deposit in the United States and in 2021, produced 43,000 metric tons (expressed as rare-earth-oxide equivalent; U.S. Geological Survey, 2022). Samples
Microanalysis of samples collected from the Sulfur Springs Draw calcrete-type uranium deposit in the Southern High Plains, Texas, USA
This data release presents the results of microanalysis of 2 samples SSD15_01A (1 thin section and 1 composite chip sample), and SSD15_01B (1 thin section). The samples were collected in 2015 by U.S. Geological Survey geologists Bradley Van Gosen and Susan Hall from surface exposures of uranium mineralization in Sulfur Springs Draw, in Martin County, Texas (Van Gosen and Hall, 2017). The samples w
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
U-Pb age determinations of uraninite by electron microprobe analyses of ore samples from two solution-collapse breccia pipe uranium deposits, Grand Canyon region, northwest Arizona, USA
This data release compiles the electron microprobe spot analyses of U, Th, and Pb concentrations in uraninite (U oxide) particles, and corresponding calculated age determinations, measured in samples of ore from two uranium-copper breccia pipe ore bodies, the Canyon (Pinyon Plain) and Hack II deposits. The U-rich samples that were analyzed typify the deposits hosted by solution-collapse breccia pi
Whole-rock geochemical data for alkaline intrusive rocks in the Wet Mountains area of Custer and Fremont Counties, south-central Colorado, USA
This data release contains the whole-rock major and trace element analyses of 51 samples of intrusive igneous rocks from the Wet Mountains area of Custer and Fremont counties of south-central Colorado, collected by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) geologists. The samples were collected from breccias, veins and thin dikes, and a variety of carbonatite, felsic, mafic, and ultramafic intrusions across
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 and X-ray diffraction analyses of drill core samples from the Canyon uranium-copper deposit, a solution-collapse breccia pipe, Grand Canyon area, Coconino County, Arizona
This data release compiles the major and trace element analytical results of drill core samples that typify the uranium-copper ore bodies of the Canyon deposit, located about 6.1 miles (10 km) south-southeast of Tusayan, Arizona. The Canyon deposit lies from about 750 to 2,000 ft (230 to 610 m) below the surface at latitude 35.88333 North, longitude -112.09583 West (datum WGS 1984). Energy Fuels,
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
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: 98
Laboratory simulation of groundwater along uranium-mining-affected flow paths near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Mining of volumetrically small, but relatively enriched (average 0.6% U3O8) breccia pipe uranium (BPU) deposits near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA has the potential to affect groundwater and springs in the area. Such deposits also contain base metal sulfides that can oxidize to generate acid mine drainage and release trace metals. In this study, sequential batch experiments were conducted to simu
Reconnaissance study of the major and trace element content of bauxite deposits in the Arkansas bauxite region, Saline and Pulaski Counties, central Arkansas
The Arkansas bauxite district, which comprises about 275 square miles (710 square kilometers) of central Arkansas, produced an order of magnitude more bauxite and alumina than the other bauxite districts in the United States combined. Bauxite was mined in the region continuously from 1898 to 1982. These bauxites are laterite deposits, formed from intensive in-place weathering of the exposed surfac
The critical minerals initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project: USMIN
The objective of the US Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN) is to develop a comprehensive twenty-first century geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the US. Since May 2017, the project has focused on critical minerals. Data for critical minerals that are produced as products are relative
Bayesian modeling of non-stationary, univariate, spatial data for the Earth sciences
Some Earth science data, such as geochemical measurements of element concentrations, are non-stationary—the mean and the standard deviation vary spatially. It is important to estimate the spatial variations in both statistics because such information is indicative of geological and other Earth processes. To this end, an estimation method is formulated as a Bayesian hierarchical model. The method r
User guide to the bayesian modeling of non-stationary, univariate, spatial data using R language package BMNUS
Bayesian modeling of non-stationary, univariate, spatial data is performed using the R-language package BMNUS. A unique advantage of this package is that it can map the mean, standard deviation, quantiles, and probability of exceeding a specified value. The package includes several R-language classes that prepare the data for the modeling, help select suitable model parameters, and help analyze th
Heavy mineral sands resources in China
About 200 known coastal deposits of heavy mineral sands (HMS) occur in China, in which considerable mineral resources of titanium, zircon, rare earth elements, and thorium exist in the forms of ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite. More than 20 of these HMS deposits are reported as having been or are actively being mined in China during the past three decades, of which 12 have been reported to h
Calcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains, USA
The Southern High Plains (SHP) is a new and emerging U.S. uranium province. Here, uranyl vanadates form deposits in Pliocene to Pleistocene sandstone, dolomite, and limestone. Fifteen calcrete uranium occurrences are identified; two of these, the Buzzard Draw and Sulfur Springs Draw deposits, have combined in-place resources estimated at about 4 million pounds of U3O8. Ore minerals carnotite and f
Rare earth element mineral deposits in the United States
Because of their unique special chemical properties, many of the metals in the group of rare earth elements (REEs) have essential applications in 21st century technologies. Examples of products that use REEs are cell phones, computers, fluorescent and light-emitting-diode lights, flat-screen television and computer monitors, and in high-strength magnets used by clean energy technologies such as th
Titanium mineral resources in heavy-mineral sands in the Atlantic coastal plain of the southeastern United States
This study examined titanium distribution in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States; the titanium is found in heavy-mineral sands that include the minerals ilmenite (Fe2+TiO3), rutile (TiO2), or leucoxene (an alteration product of ilmenite). Deposits of heavy-mineral sands in ancient and modern coastal plains are a significant feedstock source for the titanium dioxide pigment
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
Science and Products
- Science
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...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, - Data
Filter Total Items: 15
Geochemical data for carbonatite samples from the Mountain Pass rare earth element deposit, southeast California
This data release contains whole-rock major, minor, and trace element geochemical data for carbonatite samples from the Mountain Pass rare earth element (REE) deposit located in southeastern California. The Mountain Pass deposit is the largest REE deposit in the United States and in 2021, produced 43,000 metric tons (expressed as rare-earth-oxide equivalent; U.S. Geological Survey, 2022). SamplesMicroanalysis of samples collected from the Sulfur Springs Draw calcrete-type uranium deposit in the Southern High Plains, Texas, USA
This data release presents the results of microanalysis of 2 samples SSD15_01A (1 thin section and 1 composite chip sample), and SSD15_01B (1 thin section). The samples were collected in 2015 by U.S. Geological Survey geologists Bradley Van Gosen and Susan Hall from surface exposures of uranium mineralization in Sulfur Springs Draw, in Martin County, Texas (Van Gosen and Hall, 2017). The samples wIn 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 aU-Pb age determinations of uraninite by electron microprobe analyses of ore samples from two solution-collapse breccia pipe uranium deposits, Grand Canyon region, northwest Arizona, USA
This data release compiles the electron microprobe spot analyses of U, Th, and Pb concentrations in uraninite (U oxide) particles, and corresponding calculated age determinations, measured in samples of ore from two uranium-copper breccia pipe ore bodies, the Canyon (Pinyon Plain) and Hack II deposits. The U-rich samples that were analyzed typify the deposits hosted by solution-collapse breccia piWhole-rock geochemical data for alkaline intrusive rocks in the Wet Mountains area of Custer and Fremont Counties, south-central Colorado, USA
This data release contains the whole-rock major and trace element analyses of 51 samples of intrusive igneous rocks from the Wet Mountains area of Custer and Fremont counties of south-central Colorado, collected by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) geologists. The samples were collected from breccias, veins and thin dikes, and a variety of carbonatite, felsic, mafic, and ultramafic intrusions acrossMineralogical 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 and X-ray diffraction analyses of drill core samples from the Canyon uranium-copper deposit, a solution-collapse breccia pipe, Grand Canyon area, Coconino County, Arizona
This data release compiles the major and trace element analytical results of drill core samples that typify the uranium-copper ore bodies of the Canyon deposit, located about 6.1 miles (10 km) south-southeast of Tusayan, Arizona. The Canyon deposit lies from about 750 to 2,000 ft (230 to 610 m) below the surface at latitude 35.88333 North, longitude -112.09583 West (datum WGS 1984). Energy Fuels,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 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 data - 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 - Multimedia
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Filter Total Items: 98
Laboratory simulation of groundwater along uranium-mining-affected flow paths near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Mining of volumetrically small, but relatively enriched (average 0.6% U3O8) breccia pipe uranium (BPU) deposits near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA has the potential to affect groundwater and springs in the area. Such deposits also contain base metal sulfides that can oxidize to generate acid mine drainage and release trace metals. In this study, sequential batch experiments were conducted to simuReconnaissance study of the major and trace element content of bauxite deposits in the Arkansas bauxite region, Saline and Pulaski Counties, central Arkansas
The Arkansas bauxite district, which comprises about 275 square miles (710 square kilometers) of central Arkansas, produced an order of magnitude more bauxite and alumina than the other bauxite districts in the United States combined. Bauxite was mined in the region continuously from 1898 to 1982. These bauxites are laterite deposits, formed from intensive in-place weathering of the exposed surfacThe critical minerals initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project: USMIN
The objective of the US Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN) is to develop a comprehensive twenty-first century geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the US. Since May 2017, the project has focused on critical minerals. Data for critical minerals that are produced as products are relativeBayesian modeling of non-stationary, univariate, spatial data for the Earth sciences
Some Earth science data, such as geochemical measurements of element concentrations, are non-stationary—the mean and the standard deviation vary spatially. It is important to estimate the spatial variations in both statistics because such information is indicative of geological and other Earth processes. To this end, an estimation method is formulated as a Bayesian hierarchical model. The method rUser guide to the bayesian modeling of non-stationary, univariate, spatial data using R language package BMNUS
Bayesian modeling of non-stationary, univariate, spatial data is performed using the R-language package BMNUS. A unique advantage of this package is that it can map the mean, standard deviation, quantiles, and probability of exceeding a specified value. The package includes several R-language classes that prepare the data for the modeling, help select suitable model parameters, and help analyze thHeavy mineral sands resources in China
About 200 known coastal deposits of heavy mineral sands (HMS) occur in China, in which considerable mineral resources of titanium, zircon, rare earth elements, and thorium exist in the forms of ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite. More than 20 of these HMS deposits are reported as having been or are actively being mined in China during the past three decades, of which 12 have been reported to hCalcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains, USA
The Southern High Plains (SHP) is a new and emerging U.S. uranium province. Here, uranyl vanadates form deposits in Pliocene to Pleistocene sandstone, dolomite, and limestone. Fifteen calcrete uranium occurrences are identified; two of these, the Buzzard Draw and Sulfur Springs Draw deposits, have combined in-place resources estimated at about 4 million pounds of U3O8. Ore minerals carnotite and fRare earth element mineral deposits in the United States
Because of their unique special chemical properties, many of the metals in the group of rare earth elements (REEs) have essential applications in 21st century technologies. Examples of products that use REEs are cell phones, computers, fluorescent and light-emitting-diode lights, flat-screen television and computer monitors, and in high-strength magnets used by clean energy technologies such as thTitanium mineral resources in heavy-mineral sands in the Atlantic coastal plain of the southeastern United States
This study examined titanium distribution in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States; the titanium is found in heavy-mineral sands that include the minerals ilmenite (Fe2+TiO3), rutile (TiO2), or leucoxene (an alteration product of ilmenite). Deposits of heavy-mineral sands in ancient and modern coastal plains are a significant feedstock source for the titanium dioxide pigmentAssessment 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 n