Mineral resources of the Redcloud Peak and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas, Hinsdale County, Colorado

Abstract

Geochemistry 11 Analytical methods 11 Results of analyses of rock samples 12 Results of analyses of stream-sediment samples 12 Geophysics 14 Gravity survey and results 14 Aeromagnetic survey and results 17 Aeroradiometric survey and results 17 Electrical survey and results 20 Mineral and energy resource potential 20 Epithermal precious-metal (silver and gold) and base-metal (principally lead, zinc, and copper) deposits 20 Criteria for recognition of epithermal deposits 20 Evaluation of mineral resource potential for epithermal deposits General statement 22 Vein-type epithermal deposits 23 Breccia-pipe-type epithermal deposits 23 Volcanic-hosted disseminated-type epithermal deposits 23 Clastic-sediment disseminated-type epithermal deposits 26 Porphyry-type molybdenum and (or) copper deposits 26 Mineral resource potential for porphyry-type deposits in the Redcloud Peak Wilderness Study Area 26 Mineral resource potential for porphyry-type deposits in the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area 29 Alunite (aluminum) deposits 29 Uranium deposits 30 Mineral resource potential for vein uranium deposits 30 Mineral resource potential for disseminated uranium deposits 30 Energy sources other than uranium 30 Recommendations for further study 30 References cited 32 Appendix 37 Contents V 1. Comparison of trace-element concentrations in rock samples, San Juan Mountains 14 2. Distribution of anomalous elements and oxides in stream-sediment samples, Redcloud Peak and Handles Peak Wilderness Study Areas 15