Advances in our understanding of the gem corundum deposits of the West Pacific continental margins intraplate basaltic fields

Recent discoveries over the last decade of new gemfields, exploitation of new and existing deposits, and application of relatively new techniques have greatly increased our knowledge of the basalt-derived gem sapphire–ruby–zircon deposits. In this paper we focus on the Late Mesozoic to Cenozoic intraplate basaltic fields of the West Pacific continental margins. We review advances made in understanding the genesis of these deposits, based on the application of newer techniques. We also critically review existing data on the gem corundum deposits, in order to further refine a model for their origin.In some of the intraplate basaltic fields, corundum-bearing xenoliths have been found showing a range of PT formation conditions from 790 °C at 0.85 GPa to as much as 1100 to 1200 °C at 1.0 to 2.5 GPa. Although most magmatic sapphires contain syngenetic inclusions of columbite-group phases, zircon, spinel and rutile, some contain additional nepheline and K-feldspar, suggesting crystallization from more undersaturated alkaline magma while the Weldborough field of NE Tasmania also contains molybdenite and beryl, suggesting at least some interaction with more fractionated ‘granitic-type’ magmas. There is a large range in PT conditions calculated for the metamorphic rubies (from 780 to 940 °C, through 800 to 1150 °C up to 1000 to 1300 °C). Fluid/melt inclusion studies on magmatic corundums generally suggest that they formed in a CO₂-rich environment from a ‘syenitic’ melt under a range of T conditions from 720 to 880 °C up to 1000 to 1200 °C. Oxygen isotope studies reveal that typical magmatic corundums have values of + 4.4 to 6.9‰, whereas metamorphic corundums from the same basaltic host have lower values of + 1.3 to 4.2‰.Geochronological studies have shown that some fields produced a simple eruptive and zircon/corundum crystallization event while others had multiple eruptive events but only one or two zircon crystallization events. For a few fields, some corundums/zircons crystallized in storage regions and then remained relatively inert for periods of 200 to 400 Ma without significant change before transport to the surface in the Cenozoic. Tectonic studies of the Australian region suggest that many of the corundums crystallized from magmas related to episodic basaltic volcanism in a tectonic regime of extension, associated with the opening of the Tasman and Coral Seas. For the Asian region, the magmatic–polygenetic corundums within the basaltic fields largely crystallized in a tectonic regime of distributed E–W extension, whereas the metamorphic-metasomatic corundums crystallised in a transpressional regime associated with the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate (e.g., [Garnier, V., Giuliani, G., Maluski, H., Ohnenstetter, D., Deloule, E., 2003. Ar–Ar and U–Pb ages of marble-hosted ruby deposits from Central and South-east Asia. Geophysical Research Abstracts 5, 03751; Garnier, V., Giuliani, G., Ohnenstetter, D., and Schwarz, D., 2004. Les gisements de corindon: classification et genese. Les placers a corindon gemme. Le Regne Mineral 55, 7-47; Garnier, V., Ohnenstetter, D., Giuliani, G., Maluski, H., Deloule, E., Phan Trong, T., Pham Van, L., Hoang Quang, V., 2005a. Age and significance of ruby-bearing marble from the Red River Shear Zone, Northern Vietnam. Canadian Mineralogist 43, 1315–1329]).     

A preliminary stable isotope study on Mogok Ruby, Myanmar

The primary occurrence of ruby in the Mogok area, northern Myanmar is exclusively found in marble along with spinel–forsterite-bearing marble and phlogopite–graphite marble. These marble units are enclosed within banded biotite–garnet–sillimanite–oligoclase gneisses. Samples of these marbles collected for C–O stable isotope analysis show two trends of δ¹³C–δ¹⁸O variation resulting most likely from fluid–rock interactions. Ruby-bearing marble and phlogopite–graphite marble follow a trend with coupled C–O depletion, whereas spinel–forsterite-bearing marble follows a δ¹⁸O depletion trend with relatively constant δ¹³C values. Ruby formation might have resulted from CO₂-rich fluid–rock interaction, while spinel–forsterite-bearing marble was genetically related to CO₂-poor fluid–rock interaction. Both fluids may have arisen from external sources. Based on graphite Raman spectral thermometry, the estimated temperature for phlogopite–graphite marble, and probably ruby-bearing marble, was lower than 607 °C, and for spinel–forsterite-bearing marble, lower than 710 °C. Contrasting C/O diffusion between graphite/ruby/spinel/forsterite and calcite, local variations of isotopic compositions of newly formed minerals as a result of non-pervasive fluid infiltration, and open-system isotopic disturbance during cooling may have affected C-/O-isotopic fractionations between minerals. The estimated high formation temperatures for ruby and spinel/forsterite imply that the parental fluids may have been related to nearby igneous intrusions and/or metamorphic processes. Whether these two types of fluid were genetically related is unclear based on the present data.     

The use of WorldView-2 satellite imagery to model urban drainage system with low impact development (LID) Techniques

Within a wide range of best management practices for stormwater management in urban areas, there has been an increasing interest in source control measures. Source controls such as low-impact development (LID) techniques are potentially attractive as retrofit options for older developed areas that lack available land to implement conventional measures such as stormwater management ponds. Hence, distributed urban drainage models requiring detailed representation of developed drainage areas should be developed to accurately estimate the benefits that LIDs may provide. This study (1) presents a two-stage classification process on a high-resolution WorldView-2 image, and (2) demonstrates how to use the extracted land cover information in the subsequent hydrologic modelling and assessment of different LIDs’ performance. The proposed two-stage classification method achieved an overall accuracy of 80.6%, whereas a traditional pixel-based achieved 68.4% in classifying the same urban area into six land cover classes. From the classification results, the hydrologic properties of micro-subcatchments were imported in the United States Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Management Model to assess the performance of LIDs. A reduction of run-off volume 18.2% and 37.1% was found with the implementation of porous pavement and bioretention, respectively, in a typical low-rise residential area located in the city of San Clemente, California, US. The study demonstrates the use of high-resolution remote sensing image to aid in evaluating LID retrofit options, and thus benefits in situations where detailed drainage area information is not available.     

澳大利亚造山型金矿和侵入岩有关金矿系统流体包裹体资料和矿化过程的比较

We have examined the fluid inclusion data and fluid chemistry of Australian orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits to determine if similar mineralization processes apply to both styles of deposits.The fluid inclusion data from the Yilgarn craton,the western subprovince of the Lachlan orogen,the Tanami,Tennant Creek and Pine Creek regions,and the Telfer gold mine show that mineralization involved fluids with broadly similar major chemical components(i.e.H_2O NaCl CO_2±CH_4±N_2).These deposits formed over a wide range of temperature-pressure conditions(<200 to>500℃,<100～400MPa).Low salinity, CO_2-bearing inclusions and low salinity aqueous inclusions occur in both systems but the main difference between these two types of deposits is that most intrusion-related gold deposits also contain at least one population of high-salinity aqueous brine.Oxygen and hydrogen isotope data for both styles of deposit usually cannot distinguish between a magmatic or metamorphic source for the ore-bearing fluids.However,sulfur and lead isotope data for the intrusion-related gold deposits generally indicate either a magmatic source or mixing between magmatic and sedimentary sources of fluid.The metamorphic geothermal gradients associated with intrusion-related gold deposits are characterized by low pressure,high temperature metamorphism and high crustal geothermal gradients of>30/km.Where amphibole breakdown occurs in a granite source region,the spatially related deposits are more commonly associated with Cu-Au deposits rather than Au-only deposits that are associated with lower temperature granites.The dominant processes thought to cause gold precipitation in both types of deposits are fluid-rock interaction(e.g.desulfidation)or phase separation.Consideration of the physical and chemical properties of the H_2O-NaCl-CO_2 system on the nature of gold precipitation mechanisms at different crustal levels infers different roles of chemical(fluid-rock interaction)versus rheological(phase separation and/or fluid mixing)host-rock controls on gold deposition.This also implies that at the site of deposition,similar precipitation mechanisms operate at similar crustal levels for both orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits.     

Structural Mapping of the Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone Using PALSAR Remote Sensing Data,Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for Sediment‐hosted/Orogenic Gold Mineral Systems Exploration

The Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the major structural zones in Sundaland, Southeast Asia. It forms the boundary between the Gondwana‐derived Sibumasu terrane in the west and Sukhothai Arc in the east. The BRSZ is genetically related to the sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold deposits associated with the major lineaments in the Central Gold Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. In this investigation, the Phased Array type L‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) satellite remote sensing data were used to map major geological structures in Peninsular Malaysia and provide detailed characterization of lineaments and curvilinear structures in the BRSZ, as well as their implication for sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold exploration in tropical environments. Major structural lineaments such as the Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) and Lebir Fault Zone, ductile deformation related to crustal shortening, brittle disjunctive structures (faults and fractures) and collisional mountain range (Main Range granites) were detected and mapped at regional scale using PALSAR ScanSAR data. The major geological structure directions of the BRSZ were N–S, NNE–SSW, NE–SW and NW–SE, which derived from directional filtering analysis to PALSAR fine and polarimetric data. The pervasive array of N–S faults in the Central Gold Belt and surrounding terrain is mainly linked to the N–S trending of the Suture Zone. N–S striking lineaments are often cut by younger NE–SW and NW–SE‐trending lineaments. Gold mineralized trend lineaments are associated with the intersection of N–S, NE–SW, NNW–SSE and ESE–WNW faults and curvilinear features in shearing and alteration zones. Compressional tectonic structures such as the NW–SE trending thrust, ENE–WSW oriented faults in mylonite and phyllite, recumbent folds and asymmetric anticlines in argillite are high potential zones for gold prospecting in the Central Gold Belt. Three generations of folding events in Peninsular Malaysia have been recognized from remote sensing structural interpretation. Consequently, PALSAR satellite remote sensing data is a useful tool for mapping major geological structural features and detailed structural analysis of fault systems and deformation areas with high potential for sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold deposits and polymetallic vein‐type mineralization along margins of Precambrian blocks, especially for inaccessible regions in tropical environments.     

Zn–Pb–Cu volcanic-hosted massive sulphide deposits: criteria for distinguishing brine pool-type from black smoker-type sulphide deposition

Eight Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide deposits that appear to have formed on the sea floor (seven in Spain, one in Tasmania) are believed to have been precipitated in brine pools, based on the salinities and temperatures of fluid inclusions in underlying stockworks. Comparing the geological features of these deposits with those of the Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide ores of the Hokuroku Basin, Japan, which have formed as mounds from buoyant fluids of low salinity, shows that brine pool deposits have: (1) potentially very large size and tonnage, and high aspect ratio, (2) higher Zn/Cu and Fe/Cu values, (3) no evidence of chimneys, (4) relatively abundant framboidal pyrite and primary mineral banding, (5) reduced mineral assemblages (pyrite-arsenopyrite/pyrrhotite), and minor or rare barite in the massive sulphide, (6) associated stratiform and/or vein carbonates, (7) relatively unimportant zone refining, (8) lack of vertical variation in sphalerite and sulphur isotopic compositions, and (9) evidence of local bacterial sulphate reduction. Application of these criteria to the Rosebery deposit in Tasmania, for which there are no fluid inclusion data, leads to the conclusion that the southern section was deposited as separate lenses in a brine-filled basin or basins. Other potential candidates include Brunswick no. 12 and Heath Steele (Canada), Woodlawn and Captains Flat (New South Wales), Hercules and Que River (Tasmania), and Tharsis and the orebodies at Aljustrel (Spain and Portugal). Recently published fluid inclusion data for Gacun (China) and Mount Chalmers (Queensland) suggest that not all ores deposited from highly saline fluids have reduced mineral assemblages.     

Petrology and geochemistry of sphalerite from the Cambrian VHMS deposits in the Rosebery-Hercules district,western Tasmania: Implications for gold mineralisation and Devonian metamorphic-metasomatic processes

Summary Sphalerite is the major ore mineral in the Zn-rich, volcanic-hosted massive sulphide deposits of western Tasmania. These deposits have been affected by regional metamorphism to upper greenschist facies, and associated tectonic deformation related to the Devonian Tabberabberan Orogeny. The southern end of the Rosebery deposit has undergone metasomatic replacement related to a post-orogenic Devonian granite intrusion.Sphalerite from VHMS deposits in the Rosebery district varies widely in colour, grain size and texture. Compositional variation of the sphalerites was studied for three purposes (1) to investigate effects of the Devonian overprinting, (2) to provide pressure (depth) estimates at the time of Fe-S-O replacement during the Devonian, and (3) to deduce the effect ofa _FeS(a _{S 2}) on gold deposition and subsequent remobilisation.Sphalerite from the Rosebery deposit shows an FeS range from 2.0 to 20.0 mole%, with a bimodal distribution; a mode of 16.0 mole% FeS was noted for the F(_J) lens where Devonian metasomatism prevailed, whereas a mode of 2.4–4.0 mol% FeS was found for the other lenses. Sphalerite from the Hercules deposit has a range of 2.0–10.0 mole% FeS, whereas sphalerite from the South Hercules deposit ranges from 4.0-12.0 mole% FeS. VHMS sphalerites also contain minor copper, manganese and cadmium.The bimodal distribution of FeS content in Rosebery sphalerite suggests that the primary VHMS mineralisation underwent at least two periods of post-depositional re-equilibration. The FeS content in sphalerite in equilibrium with hexagonal pyrrhotite and pyrite indicates that the Devonian replacement occurred at a pressure off 3.0 ± 0.5 kb, corresponding to 8.0 ± 0.1 km depth.The relationship between FeS content in sphalerite and gold grades at Rosebery, Hercules and South Hercules displays complex patterns that reflect either variations in the initial depositional conditions an the seafloor (pH, temperature anda _{S 2}), or later Devonian metamorphic and metasomatic recrystallisation.Zusammenfassung Zinkblende ist das dominierende Erzmineral in den Zn-reichen, in vulkanischen Gesteinen beheimateten, massiven Sulfidlagerstätten West-Tasmaniens. Diese Lagerstätten sind von einer Regionalmetamorphose der oberen Grünschieferfazies und einer assoziierten Deformation, die der devonischen Tabberabberan Orogenese zuzuschreiben ist, überprägt worden. Das Südende der Rosebery Lagerstätte ist von einer metasomatischen Verdrängung, die mit einer post-orogenen, devonischen Granitintrusion im Zusammenhang steht, erfaßt worden.Die Zinkblende von VHMS Lagerstätten des Rosebery Distriktes variiert weitgehend in ihrer Farbe, Korngröße und Textur. Die Variation der chemischen Zusammensetzung der Zinkblende wurde aus drei Gründen untersucht: (1) um die Effekte der devonischen Überprägung zu studieren, (2) um zu Abschätzungen des Druckes (Tiefe) zur Zeit der Fe-S-O Verdrängung während des Devons zu gelangen, und (3) um die Auswirkung von^aFeS (^aS2) auf die Goldablagerung und folgende Remobilisation abzuleiten.Der FeS Gehalt der Zinkblende der Rosebery Lagerstätte reicht von 2.0 bis 20.0 Mol%, mit einer bimodalen Verteilung; ein Maximum bei 16.0 Mol% FeS ist für die F(_J) Linse charakteristisch, wo devonische Metasomatose vorherrscht, während ein zweites Maximum bei 2.0–4.0 Mol% FeS bei den anderen Linsen festgestellt wurde. Der FeS Gehalt der Zinkblende der Süd-Hercules Lagerstätte reicht von 4.0 bis 12.0 Mol%. Die VHMS Zinkblenden führen auch untergeordnet Kupfer, Mangan und Cadmium.Die bimodale Verteilung des FeS Gehaltes in der Rosebery Zinkblende läßt vermuten, daß die VHMS Mineralisation, nach ihrer Bildung, von mindestens zwei Perioden der Reequilibrierung erfaßt worden ist. Der FeS Gehalt in der Zinkblende im Gleichgewicht mit hexagonalem Pyrrhotin und Pyrit weist darauf hin, daß die devonische Verdrängung bei einem Druck von 3.0 ± 0.5 kb, vergleichbar mit 8.0 ± 0.1 km Tiefe, stattgefunden hat.Der Zusammenhang des FeS Gehalt in der Zinkblende mit den Goldgehalten in Rosebery, Hercules und Süd-Hercules ist komplex und spiegelt entweder unterschiedliche, primäre Bildungsbedingungen am Meeresboden (pH, Temperatur und^aS₂), oder spätere, devonische metamorphe und metasomatische Rekristallisation wider.

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Petrologie und Geochemie der Zinkblende aus der kambrischen VHMS Lagerstätte im Roseberry-Hercules Distrikt, West-Tasmanien: Hinweise für Goldmineralisation und devonische, metamorphe-metasomatische Prozesse

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With 14 Figures     

Geodynamic settings and tectonic model of skarn gold deposits in China: An overview

Seventy skarn-type gold deposits, including 1 super-large, 19 large and 24 medium-sized, are known from different geotectonic units of China. They contain a total resource of approximately 1000 t of gold (625 t in South China), and account for 20% of China's gold reserves. These skarn deposits are sited in collisional orogenic belts, fault-controlled magmatic belts and reactivated cratonic margins. All of the Chinese skarn gold provinces were affected by Phanerozoic collisional orogenesis. The timing of the metallogenic events and the spatial–temporal distribution of the Chinese skarn gold deposits indicates that they were formed during ore-forming processes linked to the transition from shortening to extension in the geodynamic evolution of a collision orogen, and not to subduction systems as is commonly advocated for porphyry copper systems around the Pacific Rim.     

U–Pb Zircon Age Constraining the Source and Provenance of Gem‐Bearing Late Cenozoic Detrital Deposits,Mamfe Basin,SW Cameroon

Zircons and other heavy minerals (corundum, rutile, ilmenite, magnetite, sillimanite) are identified in the Nsanaragati gem corundum placer deposit, in the western part of the Mamfe sedimentary basin, SW Cameroon. These alluvial minerals have different morphological characteristics and zircons, in particular, vary mostly in colour and shape. They are reddish, brownish, yellowish, pink or colourless. These minerals form rounded and sub‐rounded alluvial grains, prismatic, pyramidal or dipyramidal crystals. Reddish zircons retain their original crystallographic shape. Trace element and U–Pb isotopic geochemical analyses of these reddish zircons, using the LA‐ICP‐MS method give significant Hf (4576–6334 ppm), Th (46–1565 ppm) and U (66–687 ppm) contents, with Th/U ratio ranging from 0.6 to 3.0. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U corrected mean age gave 12.39 ± 0.55 Ma, which characterizes an Upper Cenozoic (Serravallian) magmatic event. The zircons are probably sourced from a magmatic field in the South eastern boundary of the Cross River Formation. The Cameroon Volcanic Line of basaltic and alkaline lavas and intrusions which lie east of the Mamfe Basin mostly range in age from 37 Ma to <1 Ma. The zircons may also relate to the Mount Bambouto plateau lavas which lie northeast of the Mamfe sedimentary basin and have an eruptive age range of 21–14 Ma. The oldest Nsanaragati reddish zircon ages overlap within error with the end stages of the Bambouto eruptions. This eruptive or a related episode provides a potential source for megacrystic reddish zircons within the Nsanagarati placer deposit.