The Ni-Cr-Co bearing magnetite ore of Nagaland, India - its mineralogical characteristics

In contrast to other magnetite ores of India, the magnetite ore deposit of Nagaland is unique in the sense that it is of igneous origin and is associated with ophiolites. The ore body is of strategic importance as it contains significant quantity of nickel, chromium and cobalt. This ore deposit is yet to be exploited. Five different bulk samples from this ore deposit have been mineralogically investigated. It reveals the dominance of magnetite constituting about 40 to 50 percent of the mass. The other oxide minerals recorded are martite, hematite, maghemite, lepidocrocite, goethite and chromite. Sulfides occur in traces. The ferromagnesian silicates are mostly altered to chlorites. Detailed investigation is required (and in progress) to establish the mode of occurrence and distribution of nickel and cobalt.