AN APS MINERALIZATION IN THE KAOLIN DEPOSIT DESA-TORAGET FROM NORTHERN SULAWESI, INDONESIA

Two different types of APS minerals are described for the first time f rom the Desa Toraget kaolin deposit (Sulawesi, Indonesia). Type I is a near end member alunite with some PO43- substituting for (SO4)(2-). T he second type contains Ca at a maximum of 0.28 in the structural form ula and as a consequence of this, phosphate (-0.47) increased at the e xpense of S0(4)(2-)(1.53). The compositional data attest to a solid so lution between woodhouseite and pure alunite. Desa Toraget kaolin mine ralization, hence may be classified as ''advanced argillic alteration' ' which requires high oxidation and sulfidation and is related in time and space to the Quaternary volcanic activity. In view of the genetic linkage between epithermal An mineralization and high sulphidation ka olinitic alteration elsewhere, the study area might be considered as a potential target for Au exploration.