Geochemical and petrological study of the Precambrian iron metallogenic province of Southeast Missouri

The general purpose of this dissertation was to investigate and establish petrological and geochemical relationships, if any, between the Precambrian iron deposits and associated host rocks. A more specific objective was to determine the distribution of some significant minor elements in the rocks and mineral deposits and to include specific mineralogical and petrological studies of the iron deposits and country rocks important to a better understanding of the genetic and geochemical relationships ... A primary task in the investigation was the study of the trace element population of individual iron deposits and establishment of differences, if they exist, between the deposits. The amount and distribution of trace elements within individual deposits was also to be studied from available samples and possible correlation of mineral horizons made on this basis. Another objective was the analysis of the trace elements of the iron oxides associated with different igneous rocks and to compare these with those in the mineral deposits. Mobility of trace element content, if any, between the primary and secondary iron ore minerals was another goal. An overriding purpose of study, of course, was to determine if a genetic relationship might exist between the known igneous rocks of the province and the iron deposits --Purpose and Scope, Introduction, pages 2-3