Laboratory and field spectral induced polarization measurements for characterization of graphite ores

Summary Aiming at the development of an efficient prospection technique, we have investigated the capabilities of the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method for the prospection of graphite and the quantification of its textural parameter. Here, we present SIP imaging results from the grounds of a former graphite mine. The study area is located close to Zettlitz in Lower Austria, where a graphite mine was active between 1855 and 1966. Moreover, SIP laboratory measurements have been performed on synthetic samples using well-defined composition and content of graphite and samples retrieved from the field site. We demonstrate here the application of the SIP method for the characterization of graphite. Based on laboratory and field measurements, we demonstrate that SIP measurements are sensitive to changes in the grain size and volumetric content of graphite soil and rock samples. Moreover, both field and laboratory results reveal a significant frequency dependence on the electrical properties of graphite.