Talc-investigation in Norfjord, western Norway

Abstract

Fortrolig til 01.01.2002. A Reconnaissance study of talc has been carried out in selected parts of the Norfjord area. In the area between Norfjord and Hornindalsvannet a considerable number of ultramafic lenses occur along a certain level in the host rock. The ultramafites are highly schistose and consist primarily of serpentine. Talc-carbonate rocks\/soapstone occur along the margins. Based on our field visit, the talc-carbonate rocks appeared to be intimately interlayered with the host serpentinite, such that large, homogeneous, high-quality volumes of pure rocks were not proven. For this reason, whiteness-values are rather low (53-71%). Despite the negative results, it is still possible that some of the larger ultramafic lenses in the area carry more pure talc-carbonate rocks. South of Norfjord, in the vicinity of Davik, talc-carbonate rocks occur at the margins of three closely associated ultramafic lenses termed \"Storekleberen and \"Sørekleberen\". The deposits have been studied by Fure (1996). A commented summary of his investigation is given in this report.