Yüksek Mn İçeriğine Sahip Bir Cüruf Üzerinde Mineralojik ve Kimyasal Değerlendirme

During fieldwork conducted in the Kırıkkale/Erenler area, a bright metallic gray-black, high-density sample (D1), markedly distinct from the surrounding lithology, was observed in association with sedimentary rocks. D1 measures approximately 6 cm in diameter, weighs 200 g, is nodular in form, exhibits locally vesicular textures on its surface, and is non-magnetic. Its fractured surfaces display a metallic luster, and its internal structure lacks distinct grain textures or concentric zoning. SEM–EDS analyses reveal that the sample contains high Mn (61–88%) and low Fe (5–6%). XRD analyses identified the presence of manganosite (MnO) and cohenite ((Fe,Ni,Co)₃C) minerals. This mineral assemblage and chemical composition indicate formation under high-temperature, reducing, and carbon-rich conditions. Furthermore, EDS analyses show that the sample contains low levels of P, S, and Ni. Considering all these data (morphological, mineralogical, and chemical characteristics) together, it is concluded that D1 is not a natural formation, but rather a piece of industrial slag with the characteristics of ferromanganese slag, formed by smelting manganese and iron together under high-temperature and reducing conditions, produced through industrial metallurgical processes, and most likely generated during ferromanganese production.This study demonstrates that materials of artificial origin but natural appearance can be distinguished through detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses. It also provides an important example to prevent similar industrial residues from being mistakenly classified in geological contexts. The location of the slag sample near a railway is consistent with the use of such waste materials as fill. It is concluded that the D1 slag sample possesses the characteristics of an industrial slag fragment rich in metals, formed by heating a manganese-iron mixture in a blast furnace, similar to ferromanganese.