Petrography and Geochemistry of the Radioactive Albitites and their Genesis: Maonda Area, North Rajasthan

A partly concealed radioactive alibitized pegmatoid/quartz albitite body (1200 m x 0.5 to 20 m) containing 0.010 to 0.190% U₃O₈ and 0.007 to 0.076% ThO₂ and about 20 brick red coloured albitite lenses varying in dimension from 13 m x 7 m to 220 m x 12-30 m and containing 0.022 to 3.50% U₃O₈ and 2 are described at Banjaron Ki Dhani, new Maonda in north Rajasthan. Davidite, brannerite, rutile, anatase, zircon, monazite and traces of uraninite have been identified in the albitites. A metasomatic origin for the albitites is suggested. The distribution of albitites along NE-SW to NW-SE and E-W trending weak structural planes and the coincidence of 'Albitite Line' with Kaliguman lineament, demonstrates the tectonic control of albitization.