ROMAN GOLD MINING IN THE „KARTH“, EASTERN ALPS, AUSTRIA

 

Research project, financed by the Austria Science Fund (FWF, Project P 30790-G25)

Analysis of gold and heavy minerals

 

The aim of the master thesis at the Chair of Geology and Economic Geology (Montanuniversität Leoben) is the limitation of the possible provenance of the placer gold. Samples of the gold-bearing sediment (Loipersbacher Rotlehmserie) and streams originating from the Rotlehmserie are juxtaposed in opposition to comparison samples and literature data. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) allows multiple magnification with a high depth of sharpness. The composition of elements at the surface can be determined by combining SEM with an Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Further measurements with LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry) and an Electron Microprobe (EMP) provide precise information about the chemical composition of the gold. Additional analysis of heavy minerals limits the provenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact

Simone Elmer, BSc

Univ.-Prof. Mag.rer.nat. Dr.mont. Frank Melcher

University of Leoben

Chair of geology and economic geology

Peter-Tunner-Straße 5

8700 Leoben

 

e-mail Simone Elmer: simone.elmer@stud.unileoben.ac.at

e-mail Frank Melcher: frank.melcher@unileoben.ac.at