ABSTRACT
SEM and microprobe investigation revealed the presence of fluor-hydroxylapatite associated with Fe-oxides (goethite, hematite and magnetite), chamosite and quartz in the matrix of pseudo-autochthonous Fe-Ni ore from the Edessa (Vrita) deposit, having up to 0.18 wt% P2O5 The conditions during re-deposition, the diagenetic and meta-diagenetic stage of the ore and to a lesser extend the contribution from mafic ophiolitic rocks are the major factors controlling the composition of the apatite and the bulk rock of these apatite-bearing Fe-Ni laterites.
