Mineral composition of Laky tailings dam, Central Rhodopes, Bulgaria

Quartz, calcite, feldspars, kaolinite, mica (biotite or sericite), and chlorite were determined as predominant minerals. Dolomite, amphibole, and johansenite are presented in smaller quantities. Epidote, hypogene hematite, rarely silver nugget, garnet, rhodo-nite, and wollastonite are also observed. Pyrite and chalcopyrite, less often sphalerite and galena are the main ore minerals. The distribution of minerals is relatively homogeneous in the samples taken from the main area, although stratification is observed in depth, with alternat-ing layers rich in sulfides and those composed mainly of quartz. All cases of enrichment with heavy mineral fractions are associated with washing with seasonal processes and no permanent mineral distribution can be established. The results suggested that only quartz and feldspar minerals could be of interest for practical use.