Separation of Sericite from Quartz by Amine Flotation

Separation of sericite from quartz by flotation was indvestigated using dodecylammonuim acetate (DAA) as a collector. Obtained results are summarized as follows.1) Sericite floats in acidic solution, however, a great amount of DAA is required for the flotation of sericite.2) In acidic solution (pH=2.5), sericite can separate selectively from quartz. The addition of Al3+ decreases the amout of DAA required for the flotation of sericite.3) In alkaline solution (pH=10.5), selective separation of sericite from quartz is not so good as might be expected from the results obtained from the flotation tests of quartz and sericite. When Al3+is added, however, quartz is depressed and sericite floats selectively.