Reconnaissance of radioactive rocks of Massachusetts
Trace Elements Investigations 69
Prepared by the Geological Survey for the United States Atomic Energy Commission
- Donald H. Johnson
During the 1948 and 1949 field seasons radiometric car traverses were made along the numbered federal and state highways and along many unnumbered roads of Massachusetts.
Near Worcester pegmatitic rocks are estimated to contain about 250 pounds of uranium and 8,500 pounds of thoria per foot of depth. Near Southbridge pegmatitic rocks are estimated to contain about 6,500 pounds of thoria per foot of depth.
A central belt was estimated to contain about 0.003 percent equivalent uranium but less than 0.001 percent uranium in nearly all roadside materials.
Several smaller localities of radioactivity similar to that of the central belt were found but none appear to be important economically.
Massachusetts is not considered a favorable area for uranium deposits, although some low-grade deposits of thorium are present.
Additional publication details
- Publication type:
- Publication Subtype:
- USGS Numbered Series
- Reconnaissance of radioactive rocks of Massachusetts
- Series title:
- Trace Elements Investigations
- Series number:
- Year Published:
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Report: 16 p.; 2 Plates: 15.46 x 10.93 inches and 15.93 x 16.76 inches
- United States