Tools for remote exploration: a Lithium (Li) dedicated spectral library of the Fregeneda-Almendra aplite-pegmatite field

Currently, there is big market pressure for raw materials like lithium (Li) that has driven new satellite image applications for Li exploration. However, there are no reference spectra for petalite (a Li-mineral) in large, open spectral datasets. In this work, a spectral library was built exclusively dedicated to Li-minerals and Li-pegmatite exploration through satellite remote sensing. The database includes field and laboratory spectra collected in the Fregeneda-Almendra region (Spain-Portugal) from (i) distinct Li-minerals (spodumene, petalite, lepidolite); (ii) several Li-pegmatites and other outcropping lithologies to allow satellite-based lithological mapping; (iii) areas previously misclassified as Li-pegmatites using machine learning algorithms to allow comparisons between these regions and the target areas. The potential future uses of this spectral library are reinforced by its major advantages: (i) data is provided in a universal file format; (ii) it allows to compare field and laboratory spectra; (iii) a large number of complementary data allows the comparison of shape, asymmetry, and depth of the absorptions features of the distinct Li-minerals.

The peer-reviewed data descriptor for this dataset has now been published in MDPI Data - an open access journal aiming at enhancing data transparency and reusability, and can be accessed here: https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5729/6/3/33. Please cite this when using the dataset.