Mg-metasomatism of oceanic gabbros and its control on Ti-clinohumite formation during eclogitization

In the high-pressure meta-ophiolites of Western Liguria (Italy), serpentinized ultramafites host bodies of eclogite, metarodingite and Ti-clinohumite ± Ti-chondrodite-bearing rocks. The latter contain relics of augite, ilmenite and apatite, which suggest derivation from pristine Fe-Ti-rich gabbros. The composition of relict mantle clinopyroxene in the host serpentinites indicates primary depleted peridotite compositions. Compared with their inferred protoliths, the Ti-clinohumite dikelets and the host serpentinites display significant changes in their major and trace element concentrations, indicating element exchange between the two rock systems. In particular, the Fe-Ti-rich gabbros were depleted in CaO and FeO and were strongly enriched in MgO. Analogous compositional variations are shown by altered gabbros enclosed in serpentinized peridotites from the obducted ophiolite sequences of the Northern Apennine. This evidence suggests that the observed Mg-enrichment recorded by the Ti-clinohumite metagabbros occurred in oceanic environments as the result of diffusive exchange between ultramafites and gabbros in presence of fluids related to serpentinization of the ultramafic country rocks. Alteration of the gabbro and concomitant Mg-uptake mostly caused extensive chloritization of the igneous plagioclase. Survival of igneous ilmenite and augite and their reaction with the hydrothermal chlorite during high-pressure metamorphism produced the observed Ti-clinohumite and Ti-chondrodite assemblages. The data presented thus indicate that crystallization of Ti-clinohumite assemblages was facilitated by a stage of oceanic alteration leading to Mg-enrichment of original Fe-Ti-rich gabbros. We suggest that during alteration, Mg-metasomatism occurred prior to rodingitization and was related to the earlier stages of peridotite serpentinization. Survival of oceanic chemical heterogeneities in the Ti-clinohumite rocks, indicates that element mobility during high-pressure recrystallization of these rocks was on a limited scale. This allowed preservation of their pre-subduction alteration features. Received: 13 July 1998 / Accepted: 3 November 1998     

Mineralogical,petrophysical, and acoustic features of serpentinites,indicators of the paleodynamic conditions of their genesis (by the example of the Main Uralian Fault zone)

The composition, structure, and properties of different genetic types of serpentinites developed after ultrabasic rocks are studied. The rocks were sampled from massifs located along the Main Uralian Fault, in a Paleozoic subduction zone. We consider specific features of serpentinites developed after chromite-bearing ultrabasic rocks, in metamorphic zones of carbonate rocks, and within the zone of weathering of ultrabasic rocks. A comparative study of the microstructure and chemical and phase compositions of serpentinites is carried out by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal, X-ray diffraction, and microprobe analyses. The petrophysical properties and acoustic emission of the rocks are examined. Several genetic and structural groups of serpentinites developed after different protoliths (mantle and crustal) in different geologic conditions are recognized.© 2014, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.     

The Avebury Ni deposit,Tasmania: A case study of an unconventional nickel deposit

The Avebury Ni deposit, which has a resource of 260,000 tons of Ni at a grade of 0.9%, is a unique example of a significant Ni sulfide deposit associated with an ophiolite sequence; the deposit is unique because it was formed by hydrothermal processes and also because ophiolites are generally considered unprospective for magmatic Ni sulfide mineralization. The deposit is hosted by Middle Cambrian cumulate peridotite and dunite rocks that were most probably formed from S-poor boninitic magmas. The mineralization, which consists principally of pentlandite, occurs in both serpentinites and skarns in the ultramafic cumulates. The ultramafic rocks are variably metasomatised as the result of the intrusion of the Late Devonian Heemskirk granite. Sulfide-rich and sulfide-poor portions of the ultramafic rocks are variably enriched in W, Bi, U, Pb, Mo, Sn and Sb relative to the primitive mantle. Modest to strong correlations between Cu, Au, Pd, REE, Sn, Mo, W and Ni provide strong evidence that the mineralization is hydrothermal in origin. In situ metasomatism of a magmatic Ni sulfide deposit is ruled out on the basis of poor or negative correlations between Ir, Ru, Rh and Pt when compared to Ni. Although the sulfide-free ultramafic rocks have high Ni contents, this Ni would have been unavailable to the ore-forming fluids as it was hosted in inaccessible sites, such as oxides and silicates. The strong correlations between Au, Pd and Ni suggest that the source of the Ni was magmatic sulfides somewhere at depth that not only have high Ni but also elevated Pd and Au contents.     

发育完整的灰岩风化壳及其矿物学和地球化学特征

对于碳酸盐岩土覆土壤成因、尽管碳酸盐岩风化残积成土说被多数学者认同,但由于碳酸盐岩中酸不溶物含量极低,在风化成土过程中会伴随着巨大的体积缩小变化,原岩结构和半风化带无法保留,从而缺失了探索上覆土壤物质来源的重要中间环节,使得这种观点缺乏野外宏观证据的支持。最近,我们在贵州、湖南等地发现了数个以泥质灰岩和泥质白云岩为基岩的碳酸盐岩风化壳剖面,尚保留有较好的原岩结构,具有明显的风化壳分带和过渡现象。这些风化壳剖面的发现为深入研究碳酸盐岩风化成土过程提供了良好的研究场所。本文选取了较为典型的吉首泥灰岩风化壳剖面,从矿物学地球化学的角度来探讨碳酸盐岩风化壳的形成过程和发育特征,结果表明该风化壳既遵循非碳酸盐岩（主要是结晶岩类）风化壳的发育特征,也具有自己独特的地球化学演化规律。风化壳总体特点受碳酸盐中的酸不溶物矿物组合及化学成分的影响甚至控制,风化非碳酸盐风壳相似的发育特征。吉首泥灰岩风化壳剖面的发育特征和作者早先提出 的碳酸盐岩风化成土的两阶段模式是一致的,即以碳酸盐矿物大量淋失、酸不溶物逐渐堆积或残积为特征的早期阶段和残积物进一步风化成土的阶段,后一阶段的演化类似非碳酸盐岩类的风化过程。     

An example of application of factor analysis on geochemical stream sediment survey in Umm Khariga Area, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Geochemical reconnaissance survey of Wadi Umm Khariga in the southern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt was carried out in an area of 30 Km². The results of 79 stream sediment samples analyzed for Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Ti, and Zn after hot extraction with aqua regia were treated with simple and multivariate statistical methods. Titanium, Cu, Co, Ni, and Cr show lognormal distribution, whereas the other elements are normally distributed. The correlation between Fe and Mn and most of the analyzed elements suggest coprecipitation process that could be significant in controlling the distribution of these elements. Regression analysis was effective in correcting the effects of Fe and Mn by calculating the residuals. R-mode factor analysis produced a four-factor model, which accounts for 79.1% of the total variance in the data. Factor 1 (rCr, rCo, Ni) scores are correlated spatially with the area underlain by the serpentinites, metarhyolites, and metadacites. Factor 2 (rLi, rZn, rTi, Rb, K) scores are correlated with the metarhyolites, metadacites, and metapyroclastics. Factor 3 (Cu, rTi, Pb) scores characterize the metabasalts, meta-andesites, metarhyolites, and metadacites, thus reflecting the parent rocks as dominant influencing factors. Factor 4 (Mn, Fe) scores reflect the secondary environment effects. Discriminant analysis delineated an anomalous area for Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, Ti, Mn, Pb, and Li with probable occurrence of economic mineral deposits.     

香港花岗岩风化分级化学指标体系与风化壳分带

火成岩的化学风化过程实质上就是碱、碱土金属组分水解淋失与脱硅富铁铝化的地球化学过程。不同风化程度的岩石处于整个化学风化过程的不同阶段,因而具有不同的化学成分和风化度指标。笔者在对香港九龙两个地方5个钻孔共计150件不同深度、不同风化程度的样品化学全分析结果与岩土风化程度宏观判别结果的相互对比、选择和确认的基础上,建立了香港地区花岗岩风化岩土风化程度工程分级的化学指标体系。这一研究成果的提出不仅有利于提高花岗岩风化岩土工程分类的科。学性、可靠性和实用性,而且可以为风化岩土工程特性与风化作用关系研究提供理论依据。     

The use of mantle normalization and metal ratios in the identification of the sources of platinum-group elements in various metal-rich black shales

It has been shown that Ni/Cu versus Pd/Ir and Cu/Ir versus Ni/Pd ratios, as well as mantle-normalized metal patterns can be successfully used to evaluate the effects of partial melting, crystal fractionation and sulfide saturation in mafic and ultramafic rocks. Platinum-group element (PGE) enrichments occur in Zn-, Cu- and Ni-rich black shales in a number of geological settings. These facies are generally associated with the development of continental rift structures, both without significant volcanic activity (examples in Canada, China, Finland and Poland) and with volcanic activity (Czech Republic and Namibia). Using the same element ratios as were used in mafic igneous rocks, it is evident that metal-rich black shales associated with volcanic rocks reflect the fractionation of PGEs in volcanogenic facies. It is further concluded that, in metal-rich black shales in which distributions of Ni and Cu have been altered by various processes, the Cu/Ir versus Ni/Pd and Ni/Cu versus Pd/Ir ratios plots are applicable for determination of the source of PGEs only after careful evaluation of Ni and Cu enrichments.Editorial handling: A. Brown, D. Lentz     

Cobalt as an exploration tool in the Outokumpu zone, Finland

The Outokumpu region in eastern Finland is an integral part of the Precambrian formations of the Karelidic orogeny. The copper-cobalt ore deposits discovered in the region are associated with a lithologic complex that consists of serpentinites, skarns, carbonate rocks and quartzites. The outer zone of this rock association adjacent to the surrounding mica schists is commonly occupied by black schists. The association constitutes the coherent stratigraphic sequence known as the Outokumpu zone, which is the environment in which the ore deposits of the Outokumpu type occur. The total length of the ribbon-like zone is about 240 km. Three Cu---Co ore deposits: Outokumpu, Vuonos and Luikonlahti are currently being exploited and four sub-economic ore showings have been found in the zone. All the deposits and ore showings are of the polymetallic sulphide type with copper, zinc, cobalt and nickel. There are also small amounts of silver, gold, tin and selenium in the orebodies. These stratabound ore deposits are submarine volcanic exhalative in origin. The immediate host rock of the ore is commonly quartzite, interpreted as a chemical silica precipitate.The Outokumpu copper-cobalt ore deposit was discovered in 1910. Owing to its economic potential, the Outokumpu zone is one of the most thoroughly studied parts of the Finnish Precambrian. More than 1000 holes have been drilled from the surface into the zone and provide a large source of material for lithogeochemical studies.The association does not lend itself easily to geophysical investigations because of its complex geology, characterized by black schists and other rocks giving a strong geophysical response. For this reason, and because of the extensive drilling, lithogeochemistry has become an important exploration tool in the region.The discovery of the blind Vuonos ore deposit in 1965 was the result of a comprehensive lithogeochemical study carried out in the early 1960's. Several old prospects were sampled in the Outokumpu zone and the sulphide phase was analyzed for Cu, Co, Ni and Zn.Clustering of the analytical data gives five groups of rock types: (1) quartzite-skarn-dolomite; (3) black schists; (4) mica schists; (5) copper-cobalt ore (Huhma and Huhma, 1970). The locations of these groups in Ni---Co and Cu---Co diagrams and in an Co---Cu---Ni triangular diagram are shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The nickel content of serpentinites varies between 1500 and 2200 ppm and that of cobalt between 70 and 110 ppm. Thus the Ni/Co ratio averages 20:1. In the quartzite-skarn-dolomite-group the nickel content ranges from 900 to 3000 ppm and the cobalt content from 50 to 120 ppm. The Ni/Co 150 to 500 ppm and the cobalt content from 20 to 60 ppm. The Ni/Co ratio is about 10:1. Mica gneisses are poor in sulphides. Their nickel content averages from 40 to 90 ppm and the cobalt content from 15 to 30 ppm.The copper-cobalt ore occupies a discrete area in the Ni---Co diagram. Its nickel content varies between 1000 and 2000 ppm and the cobalt content between 1000 and 3000 ppm. The copper-cobalt diagram shows that the cobalt content of the serpentinites and the quartzite-skarn-dolomite group is fairly constant varying between 60 and 140 ppm. The copper content ranges from zero to 100 ppm in the former and from 10 to 100 ppm in the latter. In black schists the copper content varies from 100 to 300 ppm, the cobalt content being some tens of ppm. The mica gneisses are somewhat poorer in their Cu and Co contents. In this case too, the copper-cobalt ore has a Cu---Co content distinctly apart from those of the other groups.In the Cu---Co---Ni triangular diagram the serpentinite and the quartzite groups plot near the Ni apex of the triangle, the relative Ni content being 94–96% and that of Cu less than 1%. The black schists and mica gneisses have their own area near the centre of the Cu---Ni join with the Co content not exceeding 10%. There are several exceptions where points in the diagrams described above plot outside the normal field. Most of these anomalous points are located between the normal area of the rock type and that of the Cu---Co ore. The Ni---Co diagram in particular demonstrates that the deviations are due to the increase in the Co content.In summary, the anomalies of the Outokumpu type have: (1) a Ni/Co ratio lower than 15:1; and (2) a Cu percentage of the sum Cu+Co+Ni = 100 higher than 5. These anomaly units are applied to rank the analytical data of the Outokumpu zone. It is evident from the diagrams that the increase in cobalt content outside its normal field is the prime indication of the proximity of the ore. Being rather constant, the nickel content is used as a reference. Thus a decrease in the Ni/Co ratio indicates the presence of the ore. In some cases the decrease in the Ni/Co ratio may be due to a local decrease in the Ni content. The anomaly can be checked by the Cu/Cu+Ni+Co ratio. Except when testing the anomalies with Co, Cu and Ni as described above, the Co content alone can be used as an indicator of the proximity of a Cu---Co orebody. This was tested in one section of the Vuonos orebody (Fig. 4). The pyrite phase of the quartzites was selectively leached and its Co content analyzed. It was noted that the Co content of pyrite increased somewhat when the orebody was approached along strike.Before this method can be used more widely, the stratigraphic position and the structure of the potential ore horizon must be known fairly accurately. The proximity of an orebody can also be evaluated by means of the Co content of the black schists. As shown above, the Co content of the black schists is usually considerably under 100 ppm; it is usually over 100 ppm only adjacent to an orebody. Consequently, the extensive data on black schists in the Outokumpu zone can be sorted into potential and less potential ones.     

Petrochemical Investigation of the Antique Ophiolite (Philippines): Implications on Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide and Podiform Chromitite Deposits

Abstract: The Antique ophiolite, located in Panay island (west‐central Philippines), corresponds to several tectonic slices within the suture zone between the Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB) and the North Palawan Block (NPB). It includes dismembered fragments of a basaltic sequence, dominantly pillow‐lavas with minor sheet flows, rare exposures of sheeted dikes, isotropic gabbros, subordinate layered mafic and ultramafic rock sequences and serpentinites. Most of the ophiolite units commonly occur as clasts and blocks within the serpentinites, which intrude the whole ophiolitic body, as well as, the basal conglomerate of the overlying Middle Miocene sedimentary formation. The volcanic rock sequence is characterized by chemical compositions ranging from transitional (T)‐MORB, normal (N)‐MORB and to chemistry intermediate between those of MORB and island arc basalt (IAB). The residual upper mantle sequence is harzburgitic and generally more depleted than the upper mantle underlying modern mid‐oceanic ridges. Calculations using whole‐rock and mineral compositions show that they can represent the residue of a fertile mantle source, which have undergone degrees of partial melting ranging from 9‐22.5 %. Some of the mantle samples display chondrite‐nor‐malized REE and extended multi‐element patterns suggesting enrichments in LREE, Rb, Sr and Zr, which are comparable to those found in fore‐arc peridotites from the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana (IBM) arc system. The Antique ultramafic rocks also record relatively oxidizing mantle conditions (Δlog f_O2 (FMQ)=0.9‐3.5). As a whole, the ophiolite probably represents an agglomeration of oceanic ridge and fore‐arc crust fragments, which were juxtaposed during the Miocene collision of the PMB and the NPB. The intrusion of the serpentinites might be either coeval or subsequent to the accretion of the oceanic crust onto the fore‐arc. Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits occur either in or near the contact between the pillow basalts and the overlying sediments or interbedded with the sediments. The morphology of the deposits, type of metals, ore texture and the nature of the host rocks suggest that the formation of the VMS bodies was similar to the accumulation of metals around and in the subsurface of hydrothermal vents observed in modern mid‐oceanic ridge and back‐arc basin rift settings. The podiform chromitites occur as pods and subordinate layers within totally serpentinized dunite in the residual upper mantle sequence. No large coherent chromitite deposit was found since the host dunitic rocks often occur as blocks within the serpentinites. It is difficult to evaluate the original geodynamic setting of the mineralized bodies since the chemistry of the host rocks were considerably modified by alteration during their tectonic emplacement. A preliminary conclusion for Antique is that the VMS is apparently associated with a primitive tholeiitic intermediate MORB‐IAB volcanic suite, the chemistry of which is close to the calculated composition of the liquid that coexisted with the podiform chromitites.     

Geochemistry of the Rare Earth elements in spilites from the oceanic and continental crust

Analytical data including major elements, the Rare Earths, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr are presented for twenty-three spilites from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Hercynian part of the Variscan geosyncline in Germany, and several localities in Switzerland. Low grade metamorphism (up to approximately 400° C) and spilitization of basaltic rocks apparently do not alter the original Rare Earth element (REE) distributions. This fact permits comparison of the spilites and unaltered tholeiitic basalts from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The relative REE distributions thus appear suitable for delineating the original basalt types of spilites formed by metamorphism. The spilites from the Hercynian part of the Variscan geosyncline have a REE distribution pattern which is characteristic of continental tholeiites. It is thus probable that during the formation of this geosyncline the principal magma extruded was of tholeiitic composition and that these rocks were later converted to spilites by metamorphism.     

Geochemistry,mineralogy and petrogenesis of the northeast Niğde volcanics,central Anatolia,Turkey

The volcanics exposed in the northeast Niğde area are characterized by pumiceous pyroclastic rocks present as ash flows and fall deposits and by compositions ranging from dacite to rhyolite. Xenoliths found in the volcanics are basaltic andesite, andesite and dacite in composition. These rocks exhibit linear chemical variations between end‐member compositions and a continuity of trace element behaviour exists through the basaltic andesite–andesite–dacite–rhyolite compositional range. This is consistent with the fractionation of ferromagnesian minerals and plagioclase from a basaltic andesite or andesite parent. These rocks are peraluminous and show typical high‐K calc‐alkaline differentiation trends with total iron content decreasing progressively with increasing silica content. Bulk rock and mineral compositional trends and petrographic data suggest that crustal material was added to the magmas by subducted oceanic crust and is a likely contaminant of the source zone of the Niğde magmas. The chemical variations in these volcanics indicate that crystal liquid fractionation has been a dominant process in controlling the chemistry of the northeast Niğde volcanics. It is also clear, from the petrographic and chemical features, that magma mixing with disequilibrium played a significant role in the evolution of the Niğde volcanic rocks. This is shown by normal and reverse zoning in plagioclase and resorption of most of the observed minerals. The xenoliths found in the Niğde volcanics represent the deeper part of the magma reservoir which equilibrated at the higher pressures. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The supergene thorium and rare-earth element deposit at Morro do Ferro, Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The thorium and rare-earth element (Th-REE) deposit at Morro do Ferro formed under supergene lateritic weathering conditions. The ore body consists of shallow NW-SE elongated argillaceous lenses that extend from the top of the hill downwards along its south-eastern slope. The deposit is capped by a network of magnetite layers which protected the underlying highly weathered, argillaceous host rock from excessive erosion. The surrounding country rocks comprise a sequence of subvolcanic phonolite intrusions that have been strongly altered by hydrothermal and supergene processes.From petrological, mineralogical and geochemical studies, and mass balance calculations, it is inferred that the highly weathered host rock was originally carbonatitic in composition, initially enriched in Th and REEs compared to the surrounding silicate rocks. The intrusion of the carbonatite caused fenitic alteration in the surrounding phonolites, consisting of early potassic alteration followed by a vein-type Th-REE mineralization with associated fluorite, carbonate, pyrite and zircon. Subsequent weathering has completely decomposed the carbonatite forming a residual supergene enrichment of Th and REEs.Initial weathering of the carbonatite has created a chemical environment that might have been conductive to carbonate and phosphate complexing of the REEs in groundwaters. This may have appreciably restricted the dissolution of primary REE phases. Strongly oxidic weathering has resulted in a fractionation between Ce and the other light rare earth elements (LREEs). Ce³⁺ is oxidized to Ce⁴⁺ and retained together with Th by secondary mineral formation (cerianite, thorianite), and by adsorption on poorly crystalline iron- and aluminium-hydroxides. In contrast, the trivalent LREEs are retained to a lesser degree and are thus more available for secondary mineral formation (Nd-lanthanite) and adsorption at greater depths down the weathering column. Seasonally controlled fluctuations of recharge waters into the weathering column may help to explain the observed repetition of Th-Ce enriched zones underlain by trivalent LREE enriched zones.     

Characteristic elemental compositions of the Yangtze River and Yellow River surface sediments and their geological background

Significant differences are noticed in major and trace element compositions between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River surface sediments.The former sediments are rich in some major elements such as K,Fe,Mg,Al,and most of the trace elements which show wide variations in element concentrations,whereas the Yellow River sediments only have higher Ca,Na,Sr,Ba,Th,Ga,Zr,Hf contents and show slight variations in element contents.In the Yangtze River Basin are widely distributed intermediate-acid igneous rocks and complicated source rocks together with strong chemical weathering which determine the elemental compositions of the Yangtze River sediments,while the elemental compositions of the Yellow River sediments are decided by the chemical composition of loess from the Loess Plateau and intense physical weatering.Cu,Zn,Sc,Ti,Fe,V,Ni,Cr,Co,Li and Be can be used to distinguish the Yangtze River sediments from te Yellow River sediments and be treated as tracers for both the sediments to study the processes of their mixing and diffusion in the coastal zones of China.     

Distribution of chemical elements in calc-alkaline igneous rocks,soils, sediments and tailings deposits in northern central Chile

This study follows the paths of 32 chemical elements in the arid to semi-arid realm of the western Andes, between 27° and 33° S, a region hosting important ore deposits and mining operations. The study encompasses igneous rocks, soils, river and stream sediments, and tailings deposits. The chemical elements have been grouped according to the Goldschmidt classification, and their concentrations in each compartment are confronted with their expected contents for different rock types based on geochemical affinities and the geologic and metallogenic setting. Also, the element behavior during rock weathering and fluvial transport is here interpreted in terms of the ionic potentials and solubility products. The results highlight the similarity between the chemical composition of the andesites and that of the average Continental Crust, except for the higher V and Mn contents of the former, and their depletion in Mg, Ni, and Cr. The geochemical behavior of the elements in the different compartments (rocks, soils, sediments and tailings) is highly consistent with the mobility expected from their ionic potentials, their sulfates and carbonates solubility products, and their affinities for Fe and Mn hydroxides. From an environmental perspective, the low solubility of Cu, Zn, and Pb due to climatic, chemical, and mineralogical factors reduces the pollution risks related to their high to extremely high contents in source materials (e.g., rocks, altered zones, tailings). Besides, the complex oxyanions of arsenic get bound by colloidal particles of Fe-hydroxides and oxyhydroxides (e.g., goethite), thus becoming incorporated to the fine sediment fraction in the stream sediments.     

强风化条件下基性岩的识别方法—以赞比亚卡皮萨比地区为例

赞比亚卢菲利安弧中西段有大量辉长岩体发育。由于本区风化严重,辉长岩常被厚土壤层覆盖。辉长岩中的铜含量常高于其沉积围岩,易于形成铜异常。为了将辉长岩形成的异常与矿致异常区别开,有必要对土壤覆盖层下的辉长岩进行识别。作者对卡皮萨比地区的化探数据采用相关分析和因子分析进行了研究,认为铜异常与基性岩浆作用有关。根据野外地质观察、音频大地电磁测量、高精度磁法测量、槽探和钻探等工作,认为:地表砖红色土壤、高磁高阻地质体和Sc-Ti-V-Fe-Co-Ni-Cu的元素组合是识别强风化条件下隐伏基性岩体的标志。     

Analysis of a weathered profile on sulfide mineralization at Mugga Mugga, Western Australia

The mineralogy and geochemistry of the massive pyrite-pyrrhotite mineralization, which contains minor magnetite, sphalerite and galena, the weathered profile and surface gossan at Mugga Mugga in Western Australia have been examined. Reactions between amphibolite wall rocks and acid waters from the oxidation of the iron sulfides have resulted in distinct mineralogical zonation of the weathered profile which is further modified near the surface by lateritization. At the base of the weathered zone an opaline chert (Opal-CT) has been precipitated from fluctuations of the water table. A gossanous zone from 25.14–68.80 m with boxworks after massive pyrite is modified by abundant kaolinite, dickite and an alunite-type mineral derived from amphibolite wall rocks, while above 25.14 m both plinthite and mottled clay zones of a laterite profile are evident. Some characteristics of a mature gossan profile – sulfate-phosphate-arsenate near the base, a carbonate zone higher in the profile, and an oxide zone near the surface – overprint the gross zonation.At the interface between sulfide and weathered rock Mg, Ca, K, S, Zn, Cd, Hg, Ba are depleted, As, Sb, Mo, Cr and V contents increase and in the weathered zone, SiO₂, TiO₂, P₂O₅, SO₃, Pb, Zn, Hg, Sb, Co, Ni, W, Ba, Sr and Zr decrease up the profile whilst Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CO₂, Cu and As increase. Of the elements associated with the massive pyrite (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, As, Cd, Hg, Sb, Co, Ni) anomalous concentrations of Pb, Cu, Ag, As and Sb occur in the surface gossan despite the possibility of complete leaching by highly acidic solutions. These anomalies are similar to those found in gossans over pyrite mineralization elsewhere in the Yilgarn Block.     

Geochemistry of Khor Um-Safi ophiolitic serpentinites,central Eastern desert,Egypt: Implications for neoproterozoic arc-basin system in the Arabian-Nubian shield

Serpentinites in the Eastern Desert of Egypt are the most distinctive lithological unit in the Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) ophiolite sequence which associated with major suture zones. Khor Um-Safi (KUS) serpentinites represent dismembered fragments of ophiolitic rocks located in the central Eastern Desert (CED) of Egypt.KUS serpentinites exhibit affinity to the typical metamorphic peridotites with harzburgitic protolith compositions. Their opaque mineral assemblage (pentlandite, heazlewoodite and magnetite) is similar to that observed in oceanic serpentinites and implies serpentinization under highly reducing conditions. They have refractory major element compositions with Al₂O₃ contents comparable to oceanic and active margin peridotites as well as Pan-African serpentinites. The Cr and TiO₂ contents reflect evolution within a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) environment. This implication is confirmed by the Al₂O₃/SiO₂ and MgO/SiO₂ ratios which akin to ANS ophiolitic peridotites in fore-arc setting. Their enrichment in compatible trace elements (Cr, Ni and Co) reveals a depleted mantle peridotite protolith.Modelling trace elements indicates that they represent the mantle residues from 15 to 20 % melting of spinel peridotite at oxygen fugacity conditions of the QFM + 1 buffer. This range of melt extraction is consistent with the typical range of SSZ peridotite. Oxygen fugacity estimation suggests evolution under more oxidizing regime similar to modern fore-arc basin system. Moreover, this implication indicates that the KUS mantle represents arc lithosphere interacted with arc melt.     

Geochemistry of S,Cu, Ni,Cr and Au-PGE in the garnet amphibolites from the Akom II area in the Archaean Congo Craton,Southern Cameroon

The fresh and weathered garnet amphibolites, from the Akom II area in the Archaean Congo Craton, were investigated to determine the S, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Au-PGE values. The garnet amphibolites are composed of amphibole, plagioclase, garnet, quartz, and accessory apatite, spinel, sericite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and non-identified opaque minerals. The presence of apatite, sericite, and two generations of opaque minerals suggests that they might be affected by hydrothermal alteration. They are characterized by moderate Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, V, Zn, and Co contents with negative Eu- and Ce-anomalies. The sulfur concentrations are variable (380–1710 ppm). According to the sulfur contents, amphibolites can be grouped into two: amphibolites with low contents, ranging between 380 and 520 ppm (av. = 457 ppm); and amphibolites with elevated contents, varying from 1140 to 1710 ppm (av. = 1370 ppm). Amphibolites contain contrast amounts of Cu (∼ 1800 to 5350 ppm) while nickel contents attain 121 ppm. Chromium contents vary from 43 to 194 ppm. Sulfur correlates positively with Cu and Cr, but negatively with Ni and Ni/Cr ratio. The total Au-PGE contents attain 59 ppb.The presence of amphibole and feldspars confirms the low degree of amphibolite weathering. The secondary minerals are constituted of kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite and hematite. Despite the accumulation of some elements, the major and trace element distribution is quite similar to that of fresh amphibolites. Nevertheless, the weathering processes lead to the depletion of several elements such as S (239–902 ppm), Cu (520–2082 ppm), and Ni (20–114 ppm). Chromium and Au-PGE show an opposite trend marked by a slight enrichment in the weathered amphibolites. Amidst the Au-PGE, Pd (60 ppb) and Pt (23 ppb) have elevated contents in the fresh rocks as well as in the weathered materials. The PPGE contents are much higher than IPGE contents in both types of materials. The Pd/Pt, Pd/Rh, Pd/Ru, Pd/Ir, Pd/Os, and Pd/Au values indicate that Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os and Au are more mobile than Pd. Chondrite-normalized base metal patterns confirm the abundance of Pd and the slight enrichment of Au-PGE in weathered rocks. Palladium, Rh and Ir are positively correlated with S. Conversely Pt and Ru are negatively correlated with S and Au is not correlated with S. Despite the high and variable S and Cu contents, the garnet amphibolites possess low Au-PGE and other base metals contents.     

湖北清江和尚洞风化岩壁放线菌分离及基于16S rRNA的种类分析

为探究湖北清江和尚洞岩壁放线菌物种组成及其与碳酸盐岩相互作用的关系,分别采集该洞穴无光区风化岩壁样品2份（W1和W2）和弱光区风化岩壁样品1份（W3）,采用经改良的5种已知放线菌分离培养基及1种自主设计的风化岩壁浸汁培养基两种策略优化设计分离培养基。采用稀释涂布法分离放线菌,并选择放线菌特异引物进行16S rRNA基因扩增和序列测定并构建系统发育树。结果表明,从3份风化岩壁样品中共纯化到放线菌72株,分属于放线菌纲（Actinobacteria）的4个属:链霉菌属（Streptomyces,69株）、红球菌属（Rhodococcus,1株）、冢村氏菌属（Tsukamurella,1株）和微杆菌属（Microbacterium,1株）,其中链霉菌属为优势菌属。无光区样品W1和W2分离到菌株较少,分别为9株和10株,而弱光区样品W3分离到菌株较多,为53株。研究结果为进一步研究放线菌与洞穴碳酸盐矿物相互作用的潜在关系奠定了基础。      

GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS IN JINCHUAN SUPER-LARGE SULFIDE COPPER-NICKEL DEPOSIT, JINCHANG CITY, GANSU PROVINCE, CHINA

The platinum-group element geochemistry of rocks and ores from Jinchuan super-large copper-nickel sulfide deposit is systemically studied in this paper. The Cu/Pd mean ratio of Jinchuan intrusion is lower than that of original mantle magma, which indicates that these ultrabasic rocks were crystallized from magma that lost Pd in the form of melting segregation of sulfides. The PGE of the rocks show trend of partial melting, similar to that of mantle peridotite, which shows that magma formation occurs during rock-forming and ore-forming processes. The chondrite normalized PGE patterns of the rocks and ores are well related to each other, which signifies the signatures of multi-episode magmatic intrusion, melting and differentiation in the formation processes of rocks and ores. In addition, analyses about the relation between PGE and S, and study on Re-Os isotopes indicate that few contamination of the crustal substances occurred during the magmatic intrusion and the formation of deposit. However, contamination by crustal substances helps to supply part of the S for the enrichment of PGE. Meanwhile, the hydrothermal process is also advantageous for the enrichment of PGE, especially lbr Pt and Pd, due to deep melting segregation. The characteristic parameters （such as Pt/（Pt＋Pd）, （Pt＋Pd）/（Ru＋Ir＋Os）, Pd/Ir, Cu/（Ni＋Cu）, and so on.） for platinum-group elements for Jinchuan sulfide copper-nickel deposit show the same features as those for sulfide copper-nickel deposit related to basic magma, which also illustrates its original magma property representative of Mg-high tholeiite. Therefore, it is the marie （not ultramafic） magma that resulted in the formation of the superlarge sulfide copper-nickel deposit enriched in Cu and PGE. To sum up, the geochemical characteristics of platinum-group elements in rocks and ores from Jinchuan copper-nickel sulfide deposit are constrained by the continental rift tectonic environment, the parent magma features, the enriched mantel magma source, the complex metallogenesis and PGE geochemical signatures, and this would be rather significant for the study about the genetic mechanism of copper-nickel sulfide deposits.