Element partitioning in ferruginous and pyritic phosphorite from the continental margin off Morocco

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Abstract
Phosphorites from the continental shelf off Morocco have been analysed for major elements and Fe, Mn, V, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, Na, Sr, S, and for carbonate. In pyritic phosphorites Cu, Ni, Zn, and As are present mainly in minor pyrite and organic carbon. In ferruginous phosphorites As, Mn, and V are associated with goethite. In the ferruginous phosphorites Cu, Ni, and Zn may have been introduced in association with organic matter and pyrite during phosphorite formation and been retained during subsequent destruction of these phases by weathering. In all phosphorites Na and Sr are present mainly in carbonate-fluorapatite. Sulphur in the ferru-ginous phosphorites occurs only in carbonate-fluorapatite. In the pyritic samples it is partitioned between pyrite and francolite (carbonate-fluorapatite).