Abstract
Mineralogical studies performed on crusts, nodules and earthy masses from the Romanian caves Gaura cu Muscă, Gaura Haiducească and Peștera Zidită have revealed the presence of three different phosphate associations. The minerals have been identified by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Five phosphates have been identified in the samples, with hydroxylapatite the only common mineral in all the three caves. Brushite, taranakite, leucophosphite and variscite are the other phosphates identified. Associated minerals include gypsum, calcite, quartz and illite-group minerals. Aside from differences in the lithology, the occurrences of the different phosphate minerals indicate variable pH and humidity conditions near or within the guano accumulations.
Recommended Citation
Giurgiu, Alexandra and Tămaş, Tudor
(2013)
Mineralogical data on bat guano deposits from three Romanian caves,
Studia UBB Geologia
58
(2): 13-18
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5038/1937-8602.58.2.2
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/geologia/vol58/iss2/art2
