Feldspar and Nepheline Syenite Potential in British Columbia

Feldspathic materials are used in the glass and ceramic industries as a source of alkalis, alumina and silica. These elements affect the rate and temperature of melting. fluidity of the melt and physical properties of the finished product. Silica, sodium, potassium and alumina ratios in the feldspar product vary for each industrial user, however, iron must be limited to less than 0. I per cent and other heavy metals such as copper and manganese must be virtually absent in the commercial product. Glass manufacturers demand a product with grain-size in the range -40 + 100 mesh while ceramic producers require finer material at -200 or -325 mesh. The glass industry requires materials which are free of refractory minerals such as corundum, spine1 or mica. Table 3-2-l lists chemical analyses of some feldspathic and aluminous materials and demonstrates the wide range of products acceptable to manufacturers. There is currently no production of feldspar or nepheline syenite in western Canada and British Columbia imports feldspathic sand from Idaho and nepheline syenite from Ontario. Market research indicates that, with an aggressive marketing strategy, there is good potential to replace imports and develop additional markets on the west coast and in Pacific Rim countries (McVey. 1988). During 1987 the Geological Survey Branch carried out a review of nine occurrences of feldspar-rich or nepheline syenite rocks. Seven sites are discussed in this report; two prospects, Hellroaring Creek and Lumby have been described previously (White, 19X8a and b). The mapping and sampling program was followed by mineral processing tests at CANMET laboratories of Energy, Mines Resources Canada in Ottawa. The sites were chosen on the basis of access and the presence of pegmatite, feldspathic sand, nepheline syenite or phonolite. This preliminary report describes these occurrences and their physical characteristics, and evaluates their potential as a commercial source of feldsparornepheline syenite. A more detailed Open File report on feldsparinepheline syenite is planned. All the sites are situated in southern British Columbia; most are near established transportation networks (Figure 3.2. I ). Results indicate the Scuzzy Creek and Trident Mountain sites can produce feldspathic product which will meet commercial specifications for glass and ceramic manufacturing and are similar to material currently imported (Table 3.2. I ). The Lumby and Hellroaring Creek sites, which contain glass/ceramic grade feldspathic materials, (White, 19XFa and b) are presently being evaluated by industry.