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Kernite, ideally Na (OH) ∙3H O, is a major constituent of borate deposits and one of the most important mineral commodities of B. The chemical composition and crystal structure of kernite from the Kramer Deposit (Kern County, California) were investigated by a suite of analytical techniques (i.e., titrimetric determination of B content, gravimetric method for Na, ion selective electrode for F, high- mass loss for H O content, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy for REE and other minor elements, elemental analysis for C, N, and H contents) and single-crystal X‑ray (at 293 K) and neutron (at 20 K) diffraction. The concentrations of more than 50 elements were measured. The general experimental formula of the kernite sample used in this study is Na (OH) ∙3.01H O. The fraction of other elements is, overall, insignificant: excluding B, kernite from the Kramer Deposit does not act as geochemical trap of other technologically relevant elements (e.g., Li, Be, or REE). The X‑ray and neutron structure model obtained in this study confirms that the structure of kernite is built up by: two (crystallographically independent) triangular BO OH groups and two tetrahedral BO groups, which share corner-bridging O atoms to form threefold rings, giving chains running along [010], and NaO (OH)(OH ) and NaO (OH)(OH polyhedra. Positional disorder of two H sites of H O molecules was observed by the neutron structure refinement and corroborated by the maximum-entropy method calculation, which consistently provided a model based on a static disorder, rather than a dynamic one. The H-bonding network in the structure of kernite is complex, pervasive, and plays a primary role on its structural stability: the majority of the oxygen sites are involved in H-bonding, as or as . The potential utilizations of kernite, as a source of B (B ~50 wt%), are discussed, on the basis of the experimental findings of this study.

The crystal structure and crystal chemistry of kurnakovite from Kramer Deposit (Kern County, California), ideally MgB3O3(OH)5·5H2O, were investigated by single-crystal neutron diffraction (data collected at 293 and 20 K) and by a series of analytical techniques aimed to determine its chemical composition. The concentration of more than 50 elements was measured. The empirical formula of the sample used in this study is Mg0.99(Si0.01B3.00)Σ3.01O3.00(OH)5·4.98H2O. The fraction of rare earth elements (REE) and other minor elements are, overall, insignificant. Even the content of fluorine, as a potential OH-group substituent, is insignificant (i.e., ~0.008 wt%). The neutron structure model obtained in this study, based on intensity data collected at 293 and 20 K, shows that the structure of kurnakovite contains: [BO2(OH)]-groups in planar-triangular coordination (with the B-ions in sp2 electronic configuration), [BO2(OH)2]-groups in tetrahedral coordination (with the B-ions in sp3 electronic configuration), and Mg(OH)2(H2O)4-octahedra, connected into (neutral) Mg(H2O)4B3O3(OH)5 units forming infinite chains running along [001]. Chains are mutually connected to give the tri-dimensional structure only via hydrogen bonding, and extra-chains \"zeolitic\" H2O molecules are also involved as \"bridging molecules.\" All the oxygen sites in the structure of kurnakovite are involved in hydrogen bonding, as donors or as acceptors. The principal implications of these results are: (1) kurnakovite does not act as a geochemical trap of industrially relevant elements (e.g., Li, Be, or REE), (2) the almost ideal composition makes kurnakovite a potentially good B-rich aggregate in concretes (for example, used for the production of radiation-shielding materials for the elevated ability of 10B to absorb thermal neutrons), which avoids the risk to release undesirable elements, for example sodium, that could promote deleterious reactions for the durability of cements.

The Kangerlussuaq region of East Greenland hosts a variety of early Tertiary extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks related to continental break up and the passage of the ancestral Iceland plume. These intrusive bodies include a number of gabbroic macrodykes, two of which—the Miki Fjord Macrodyke, and the newly discovered Togeda Macrodyke—contain Cu–PGE–Au sulphide mineralisation along their margins. Sulphides occur as disseminated interstitial blebs and rounded globules of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite with some Fe–Ti oxides and platinum-group minerals, comprising largely Pd bismuthides and tellurides. The globules are interpreted to have formed from fractionation of trapped droplets of an immiscible Cu- and Pd-rich sulphide melt and show geopetal indicators. Sulphur isotopes imply a local crustal source of S in these from pyritic sediments of the Kangerlussuaq Basin. Thus, generation of these sulphide occurrences was controlled by local country rock type. Low Ni/Cu and Pt/Pd ratios, also present in the Platinova reefs in the Skaergaard Intrusion, indicate that early fractionation of olivine may have depleted the magma of Ni and suggest the likely presence of a large magma chamber at depth. Xenoliths of Ni-rich olivine cumulates in the Miki Fjord Macrodyke may have been sourced from such a body. The location of thus far unidentified conduit or feeder zones to the macrodykes beneath the present day surface may represent potential targets for more massive sulphide orebodies.

Net Interest Income - During the three months ended March 31, 2005, net interest income grew to $1.5 million, compared to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2004. Net interest income was negatively impacted by a $46,000 charge to interest income related to nonaccrual loans during the first quarter of 2005. Net interest margin increased to 3.28% in the first quarter of 2005 compared to 3.23% in 2004. Interest rate spread was 2.99% compared to 2.93% in the year-ago period. Excluding the impact of the interest charge-off, margin and spread in 2005 were 3.38% and 3.08%, respectively. The yield on assets fell to 5.50% during 2005 compared to 5.66% in 2004. Excluding the impact of the interest reversal, the yield on performing assets was 5.60%, an increase of 7 basis points from the linked quarter. The cost of funds increased 24 basis points during the quarter, primarily due to a higher volume of and an increasing rate paid on money market accounts. Noninterest Income - Noninterest income increased $38,000 during the first quarter of 2005 compared to the first quarter of 2004, primarily due to a higher number of deposit accounts serviced in 2005. The Company sold its credit card portfolio during the first quarter of 2005. Proceeds from the sale of the portfolio were approximately $257,000 and the gain on the sale was approximately $10,000. Nonperforming loans totaled $1.2 million at March 31, 2005, compared to $1.1 million at December 31, 2004. Loans are considered nonperforming if they are impaired or if they are in nonaccrual status. Most of the nonperforming loan balances were associated with two loans to one borrower, each secured by multifamily residential real estate. These loans totaled $723,000 at March 31, 2005. The properties securing these loans were sold and the notes refinanced to unrelated borrowers in April 2005 with no loss of principal. The allowance for loan losses totaled $1.3 million at March 31, 2005. Net charge-offs and the provision for loan losses totaled $12,000 and $92,000 during the quarter, respectively.