Magnetic, structural and Mössbauer study of soils from an ancient mining area in Huancavelica-Peru

Abstract We present the magnetic, structural and 57 Fe Mossbauer characterization of soils collected from an ancient mercury contaminated city named Huancavelica in Peru. The results indicate that silicates carbonates are main mineralogical constituents samples. In addition, Mössbauer spectra at room temperature reveal, presence two components: a magnetic component related to Fe-oxides (magnetite, hematite, goethite) high non-magnetic +3 spin configuration tetrahedral coordination silicates. magnetization measurements screening paramagnetic, ferromagnetic antiferromagnetic signals, typical containing different iron minerals. Remarkably Verwey Morin transitions corresponding magnetite respectively, screened by paramagnetic signal major silicate components Overall, mainly composed crystalline amorphous silicates, calcites bearing which Andean soils.