The Chromite Deposits of Stillwater and Sweetgrass Counties, Montana

In writing this report, two objects were kept in mind, (1) to explain, if possible, the origin of the chromite deposits found in Sweetgrass and Stillwater Counties, and (2) to bring up to date all information on these deposits which had thus far been available. The work done consisted of study of the rocks and ores of the area under the microscope, both as thin sections and as polished sections, practically all of which was done at the Montana State School of Mines, during the school year of 1928 - 1929. The rock specimens and much information as to their locations and probable compositions were obtained from Mr. P. F. Minister, of the East Butte Copper Company. United States Geological Survey Bulletin 725-A, Deposits of Chromite in California, Oregon, Washington, and Montana, and the unpublished report on the Chromite deposits of the Boulder River, prepared by Prof. C. H. Clapp of the University of Montana, were frequently referred to and considerable material was drawn from them. The map of the Boulder River area is from Clapp's report.

The Extraction of Chromate Salts from Montana Chromite

In this thesis I have tried to determine the suit­able temperature, time and the amount of soda ash and lime needed for the calcining process. The leaching and purification tests were studied experimentally. The earlier process for making chromate from chromite was not the same as is used today. There­fore I have found it useful to put into this thesis the newest method for making chromate salts and their important uses.

Some Chromite Deposits in Madison County, Montana

Chromite occurs in Madison County, Montana, in two areas, one three miles southwest of Silver Star, the other five miles southeast of Sheridan. The ore bodies are small, lenticular masses surrounded by metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the pre-Cambrian Cherry Creek series. The ore was deposited from the hydrothermal solutions which serpentinized the surrounding metamorphic host rocks.

The Beneficiation of Montana Silver Star Chromite Ore

It is known that there are large deposits of chromium ore in Stillwater and Carbon Counties in South-Central Montana. The late James F. Kemp of Columbia University, stated in 1928, that these were the largest chromium deposits in the United States and probably in the world, although they were not considered of commercial grade as compared with foreign ores.

The Application of a Laboratory Induction Furnace to the Selective Smelting of a Montana Chromite Concentrate

The purpose of this experimental work was to determine with the utilization of a laboratory sized induction furnace a method whereby a high-iron Montana chromite concentrate could be successfully smelted to yield a product suitable for the subsequent production of standard ferrochrome.

Induction Furnace Smelting of Montana Chromite

In 1939 the total world production of crude chromite was approximately 1,167,000 metric tons; of which the United States produced only 3,672 metric tons and imported over 317,500 metric tons. Imports came mostly from the Philippine Islands, Cuba, South Africa, and Rhodesia.

Chromite Deposits Near Red Lodge and Silver Star, Montana

The Red Lodge and Silver Star chromite deposits of Montana have stimulated much interest during periods of war. The Red Lodge deposit is 25 miles southwest of Red Lodge which is also the nearest railroad point. Several workings are scattered throughout the area, exposing lense-like ore bodies averaging 33% chrome oxide. Silver Star is a much smaller deposit 5 miles west of Silver Star, Montana, which is its nearest rail­road point. Lenses of chromite are exposed by pits and trench­es, which average approximately 36% chromic oxide.

A Preliminary Investigation of Chromite

The purpose of this thesis was to study the effects of cryolite and a mixture of cryolite and aluminum oxide on a chromite concentrate with special reference to the ability to break the bond between the ferrous iron and chromic oxide in the chromite.

Roasting and Leaching of Montana Chromite

The United States, although the leading consumer of chromite, depends almost entirely on imports for its supply. Domestic production of chromite is limited, because high-grade imported ore is plentiful and inexpensive in normal times. There are several large deposits of chromite in the United States, representing millions of tons of low grade ore. These deposits form a strategic reserve that must be used in time of national emergency.

Caustic Leaching of Montana Chromite

Chromite is the most important ore used for the production of chromium and chromium alloys. At present, the domestic production is insignificant as compared with the amount of chromite consumed in the United States.