山西吕梁袁家村条带状铁建造沉积相与沉积环境分析

山西吕梁作为华北克拉通上条带状铁建造(BIF)的重要产区之一,位于华北中央构造带中。袁家村BIF分布于吕梁岚县袁家村一带,极有可能是华北克拉通内最为典型的Superior型BIF。与华北克拉通其他大多数BIF相比,袁家村BIF具有明显的差异性,其中包括它的形成时代(2.3~2.1Ga)、铁建造类型和低级变质程度(低绿片岩相)等。因此,研究袁家村BIF具有特殊的研究意义,可为探讨大氧化事件之后古海洋氧化还原状态以及国内Superior型BIF的成因提供研究基础。袁家村BIF产于吕梁群袁家村组变沉积岩系的下部,前人根据上覆和下伏含火山岩地层的时代,推测袁家村组的形成时代为2.3~2.1Ga。BIF整体产状陡倾,沿北北东-北东东向呈L形带状分布。依据原生矿物的共生组合及产出特征,可将BIF沉积相划分为氧化物相(60%)、硅酸盐相(30%)和碳酸盐相(10%)。氧化物相是本区BIF最主要的沉积相,主要矿物为赤铁矿、磁铁矿和石英,从而可进一步划分为赤铁矿(24%)和磁铁矿(36%)亚相;硅酸盐相BIF以大量硅酸盐矿物出现为特征,散布于研究区,主要矿物组成除了石英和磁铁矿之外,还有铁黑硬绿泥石、绿泥石、铁滑石、镁铁闪石和阳起石等。在与碳酸盐相BIF构成过渡相的BIF中,还可发现大量的铁白云石。而碳酸盐相主要矿物为菱铁矿、铁白云石和石英等,主要发育于研究区的南部。依据含铁岩系构造格局特点复原获得了原始沉积相分布略图,沉积相主要呈南北向延展,自东向西显示出相变规律,西边为碳酸盐相,东边为氧化物相,其间是过渡的硅酸盐相。通过袁家村BIF的岩相学和含铁矿物化学成分的研究,可大致推测原始沉积的矿物组成为无定形硅胶、水铁矿、与铁蛇纹石和黑硬绿泥石组成类似的铁硅酸盐凝胶、富Al的粘土碎屑和含铁、镁、钙的碳酸盐软泥。这些沉积物在随后的成岩期和绿片岩相的区域变质作用下发生矿物之间的相互转变。BIF中主要含铁矿物的PO-P-Eh 2CO2和pH相关图解说明除了赤铁矿之外,其他矿物均是在较低氧逸度环境中形成的,且所有矿物共存的水体系为中性到弱碱性。袁家村BIF氧化物相中发育豆粒、内碎屑结构和板状交错层理等原始沉积构造,指示氧化相部分是在相对高能的浅水环境下沉积的。但BIF大部分应该形成于浪基面以下(200m)较为深水的环境中,沉淀可能同时发生于上部氧化和下部还原的水体之中,由于还原弱酸性的深部富铁海水在海侵的过程中上升到浅部相对氧化和弱碱性的浅水环境中,因为Eh、pH及氧逸度等物化条件的骤然变化,最终导致铁质的沉淀和沉积相自上而下的变化。     

冀东柞栏杖子BIF地球化学特征、形成时代及其地质意义

冀东地区柞栏杖子BIF出露于绿片岩相—低角闪岩相朱杖子岩群变质岩中。铁矿石主要由石英和磁铁矿组成,还含有少量透闪石和黑云母。主量元素主要为Si O2、Fe2O3和Fe O,其次为少量的Ca O和Mg O。较低的Al2O3含量、极低的Ti O2含量和高场强元素(HFSE)暗示,铁矿石中陆源碎屑物质含量很低。铁矿石的稀土元素含量较低,稀土元素配分模式特征为轻稀土元素相对亏损、重稀土元素相对富集。较明显的Eu正异常、轻微的Y正异常及较高的Y/Ho值的稀土元素特征,类似于高温热液和海水的混合热液,暗示成矿物质主要来自于海水和高温热液。对柞栏杖子BIF矿体夹层黑云斜长变粒岩进行SHRIMP锆石U-Pb定年,207Pb/206Pb年龄加权平均值为2572±8Ma(MSWD=5.8),可代表柞栏杖子BIF的形成年龄。综合前人研究,认为冀东地区变质级别不同的BIF物质来源相同、形成年代相近,BIF的变质可能和2500Ma左右华北克拉通东部陆块发生的地幔岩浆底侵事件有关。     

Gold Mineralization in Banded Iron Formation in the Amalia Greenstone Belt,South Africa: A Mineralogical and Sulfur Isotope Study

The Blue Dot gold deposit, located in the Archean Amalia greenstone belt of South Africa, is hosted in an oxide (± carbonate) facies banded iron formation (BIF). It consists of three stratabound orebodies; Goudplaats, Abelskop, and Bothmasrust. The orebodies are flanked by quartz‐chlorite‐ferroan dolomite‐albite schist in the hanging wall and mafic (volcanic) schists in the footwall. Alteration minerals associated with the main hydrothermal stage in the BIF are dominated by quartz, ankerite‐dolomite series, siderite, chlorite, muscovite, sericite, hematite, pyrite, and minor amounts of chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite. This study investigates the characteristics of gold mineralization in the Amalia BIF based on ore textures, mineral‐chemical data and sulfur isotope analysis. Gold mineralization of the Blue Dot deposit is associated with quartz‐carbonate veins that crosscut the BIF layering. In contrast to previous works, petrographic evidence suggests that the gold mineralization is not solely attributed to replacement reactions between ore fluid and the magnetite or hematite in the host BIF because coarse hydrothermal pyrite grains do not show mutual replacement textures of the oxide minerals. Rather, the parallel‐bedded and generally chert‐hosted pyrites are in sharp contact with re‐crystallized euhedral to subhedral magnetite ± hematite grains, and the nature of their coexistence suggests that pyrite (and gold) precipitation was contemporaneous with magnetite–hematite re‐crystallization. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio of the dolomite–ankerite series and chlorite decreased from veins through mineralized BIF and non‐mineralized BIF, in contrast to most Archean BIF‐hosted gold deposits. This is interpreted to be due to the effect of a high sulfur activity and increase in fO₂ in a H₂S‐dominant fluid during progressive fluid‐rock interaction. High sulfur activity of the hydrothermal fluid fixed pyrite in the BIF by consuming Fe²⁺ released into the chert layers and leaving the co‐precipitating carbonates and chlorites with less available ferrous iron content. Alternatively, the occurrence of hematite in the alteration assemblage of the host BIF caused a structural limitation in the assignment of Fe³⁺ in chlorite which favored the incorporation of magnesium (rather than ferric iron) in chlorite under increasing fO₂ conditions, and is consistent with deposits hosted in hematite‐bearing rocks. The combined effects of reduction in sulfur contents due to sulfide precipitation and increasing fO₂ during progressive fluid‐rock interactions are likely to be the principal factors to have caused gold deposition. Arsenopyrite–pyrite geothermometry indicated a temperature range of 300–350°C for the associated gold mineralization. The estimated δ³⁴S_ΣS (= +1.8 to +2.5‰) and low base metal contents of the sulfide ore mineralogy are consistent with sulfides that have been sourced from magma or derived by the dissolution of magmatic sulfides from volcanic rocks during fluid migration.     

中国BIF型铁矿床地质特征和资源远景

BIF型铁矿床是中国最重要的铁矿床类型,占全国总查明资源储量55.2％.BIF型铁矿床主要分布在华北陆块,其次在扬子陆块.在华北陆块鞍山—本溪,密怀—冀东,五台—吕梁矿集区中铁矿床尤为集中,约占全国铁总探明储量41.5％.BIF型铁矿床在古太古代、中太古代、新太古代、古元古代和新元古代均有产出,但主要在新太古代—古元古...     

Origin of migmatite granite and its relations to iron deposits—An experimental study

Experiments have been conducted over a wide range of temperatures and pressures (300°–950°C, 500–2000 bars) in an attempt to gain some better understanding of the geological features of Precambrian migmatite granites and banded iron formation (BIF) widespread in Northeast China. Results indicate that the BIF of Anshan type is unstable under the action of sufficient alkaline solutions with some iron or aluminum silicates formed at the expense of quartz. Rock melting experiments show that the initial melting temperatures of phyllite, biotite plagioclase gneiss and migmatite granite range from 630° to 640°C, but those of BIF and plagioclase amphibolite are 150°–200° C higher. The authors suggest that migmatites in this region have resulted from partial melting and metasomatism. With respect to the relationship between migmatization and iron deposits, it has been experimentally revealed that the migmatites will not “digest” the BIF if they are separated by other wall rocks. But melting to various extents will take place in the BIF where migmatites are in direct contact with it. Additionally, the BIF will even become richer in iron under favorable conditions. This information may probably help guide our efforts to prospect for Precambrian iron deposits in regions with extensive occurrence of migmatites.     

Geochemical Constraints on the Origin of Banded Iron Formation‐Hosted Iron Ore from the Archaean Ntem Complex (Congo Craton) in the Meyomessi Area,Southern Cameroon

Banded iron formations (BIFs) are the most significant source of iron in the world. In this study, we report petrographic and geochemical data of the BIF from the Meyomessi area in the Ntem Complex, southern Cameroon, and discuss their genesis and the iron enrichment process. Field investigations and petrography have revealed that the studied BIF samples are hard; compact; weakly weathered; and composed of magnetite, subordinate quartz, and geothite. The geochemical composition of the whole rock reveals that iron and silica represent more than 98 wt% of the average composition, whereas Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and high‐field strength elements (HFSE) contents are very low, similar to detritus‐free marine chemical precipitates. The total iron (TFe) contents range from 48.71 to 65.32 wt % (average of 53.29 wt %) and, together with the low concentrations of deleterious elements (0.19 wt % P on average), are consistent with medium‐grade iron ores by global standards. This interpretation is confirmed by the SiO₂/Fe₂O_3total versus (MgO + CaO + MnO)/Fe₂O_3total discrimination plot in which most of the Meyomessi BIF samples fall in the field of medium‐grade siliceous ore. Only one sample (MGT94) plots in the high‐grade magnetite–geothite ore domain. The high Fe/Ti (376.36), Fe/Al (99.90), and Si/Al (29.26) ratios of the sample are consistent with significant hydrothermal components. The rare earth elements (REE) contents of the studied BIF samples are very low (∑REE: 0.81–1.47 ppm), and the Post‐Archaean Australian Shale (PAAS)‐normalized patterns display weak positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*: 1.15–1.33), suggesting a syngenetic low‐temperature hydrothermal solutions, similar to other BIF worldwide. However, the Meyomessi BIFs show high Fe contents when compared to the other BIFs. This indicates an epigenetic mineralization process affected the Meyomessi BIF. From the above results and based on the field and analytical data, we propose that the genetic model of iron ores at the Meyomessi area involves two stages of the enrichment process, hypogene enrichment of BIF protore by metamorphic and magmatic fluids followed by supergene alteration as indicated by the presence of goethite in the rocks.     

The Archean BIF-hosted Cuiabá Gold deposit,Quadrilátero Ferrífero,Minas Gerais,Brazil

The Cuiabá Gold Deposit is located in the northern part of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The region constitutes an Archean granite–greenstone terrane composed of a basement complex (ca. 3.2 Ga), the Rio das Velhas Supergroup greenstone sequence, and related granitoids (3.0–2.7 Ga), which are overlain by the Proterozoic supracrustal sequences of the Minas (< 2.6–2.1  Ga) and Espinhaço (1.7 Ga) supergroups.The stratigraphy of the Cuiabá area is part of the Nova Lima Group, which forms the lower part of the Rio das Velhas Supergroup. The lithological succession of the mine area comprises, from bottom to top, lower mafic metavolcanics intercalated with carbonaceous metasedimentary rocks, the gold-bearing Cuiabá-Banded Iron Formation (BIF), upper mafic metavolcanics and volcanoclastics and metasedimentary rocks. The metamorphism reached the greenschist facies. Tectonic structures of the deposit area are genetically related to deformation phases D₁, D₂, D₃, which took place under crustal compression representing one progressive deformational event (E_n).The bulk of the economic-grade gold mineralization is related to six main ore shoots, contained within the Cuiabá BIF horizon, which range in thickness between 1 and 6 m. The BIF-hosted gold orebodies (> 4 ppm Au) represent sulfide-rich segments of the Cuiabá BIF, which grade laterally into non-economic mineralized or barren iron formation. Transitions from sulfide-rich to sulfide-poor BIF are indicated by decreasing gold grades from over 60 ppm to values below the fire assay detection limit in sulfide-poor portions. The deposit is “gold-only”, and shows a characteristic association of Au with Ag, As, Sb and low base-metal contents. The gold is fine grained (up to 60 μm), and is generally associated with sulfide layers, occurring as inclusions, in fractures or along grain boundaries of pyrite, the predominant sulfide mineral (> 90 vol.%). Gold is characterized by an average fineness of 0.840 and a large range of fineness (0.759 to 0.941).The country rocks to the mineralized BIF show strong sericite, carbonate and chlorite alteration, typical of greenschist facies metamorphic conditions. Textures observed on microscopic to mine scales indicate that the mineralized Cuiabá BIF is the result of sulfidation involving pervasive replacement of Fe-carbonates (siderite–ankerite) by Fe-sulfides. Gold mineralization at Cuiabá shows various features reported for Archean gold–lode deposits including the: (1) association of gold mineralization with Fe-rich host rocks; (2) strong structural control of the gold orebodies, showing remarkable down-plunge continuity (> 3 km) relative to strike length and width (up to 20 m); (3) epigenetic nature of the mineralization, with sulfidation as the major wall–rock alteration and directly associated with gold deposition; (4) geochemical signature, with mineralization showing consistent metal associations (Au–Ag–As–Sb and low base metal), which is compatible with metamorphic fluids.     

High-grade iron ore at Windarling, Yilgarn Craton: a product of syn-orogenic deformation, hypogene hydrothermal alteration and supergene modification in an Archean BIF-basalt lithostratigraphy

Banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted iron ore deposits in the Windarling Range are located in the lower greenstone succession of the Marda–Diemals greenstone belt, Southern Cross domain, Yilgarn Craton and constitute a total hematite–martite–goethite ore resource of minimum 52 Mt at 60 wt.% Fe (0.07 P). Banded iron formation is interlayered with high-Mg basalts at Windarling and precipitated during episodes of volcanic quiescence. Trace element content and the rare earth element (REE) ratios Y/Ho (42 to 45), Sm/Yb (1.5), together with positive La and Gd anomalies in ‘least-altered’ hematite–magnetite–metachert–BIF indicate the precipitation from Archean seawater that was fertilised by hydrothermal vent fluids with a basaltic HREE-Y signature. Hypogene iron ore in sub-greenschist facies metamorphosed BIF formed during three distinct stages: ore stage 1 was a syn- to post-metamorphic, syn-D₁, Fe–Ca–Mg–Ni–Co–P–REE metasomatism that produced local Ni–REE-rich Fe–dolomite–magnetite alteration in BIF. Hydrothermal alteration was induced by hot fluid flow controlled by brittle–ductile reactivation of BIF-basalt margins and crosscutting D₁ faults. The Ni–Co-rich content of dolomite and a shift in REE ratios in carbonate-altered BIF towards Archean mafic rock signature (Y/Ho to 31 to 40, Sm/Yb to 1 to 2 and Gd/Gd* to 1.2 to 1.4) suggest that high-Mg basalts in the Windarling Range were the primary source of introduced metals. During ore stage 2, a syn-deformational and likely acidic and oxidised fluid flow along BIF-basalt margins and within D₁ faults leached carbonate and precipitated lepidoblastic and anhedral/granoblastic hematite. High-grade magnetite–hematite ore is formed during this stage. Ore stage 3 hydrothermal specular hematite (spcH)–Fe–dolomite–quartz alteration was controlled by a late-orogenic, brittle, compressional/transpressional stage (D₄; the regional-scale shear-zone-related D₃ is not preserved in Windarling). This minor event remobilised iron oxides, carbonate and quartz to form veins and breccia but did not generate significant volumes of iron ore. Ore stage 4 involved Mesozoic(?) to recent supergene oxidation and hydration in a weathering environment reaching down to depths of ～100 to maximum 200 m below surface. Supergene ore formation involved goethite replacement of dolomite and quartz as well as martitisation. Important ‘ground preparation’ for supergene modification and upgrade were mainly the formation of steep D₁ to D₄ structures, steep BIF/basalt margins and particularly the syn-D₁ to syn-D₂ carbonate alteration of BIF that is most susceptible to supergene dissolution. The Windarling deposits are structurally controlled, supergene-modified hydrothermal iron ore systems that share comparable physical, chemical and ore-forming characteristics to other iron ore deposits in the Yilgarn Craton (e.g. Koolyanobbing, Beebyn in the Weld Range, Mt. Gibson). However, the remarkable variety in pre-, syn- and post-deformational ore textures (relative to D₁ and D₂) has not been described elsewhere in the Yilgarn and are similar to the ore deposits in high-strain zones, such as of Brazil (Quadrilátero Ferrífero or Iron Quadrangle) and Nigeria. The overall similarity of alteration stages, i.e. the sequence of hydrothermal carbonate introduction and hypogene leaching, with other greenstone belt-hosted iron ore deposits supports the interpretation that syn-orogenic BIF alteration and upgrade was crucial in the formation of hypogene–supergene iron ore deposits in the Yilgarn Craton and possibly in other Archean/Paleoproterozoic greenstone belt settings worldwide.     

Hydrothermal and resedimented origins of the precursor sediments to banded iron formation: sedimentological evidence from the Early Palaeoproterozoic Brockman Supersequence of Western Australia

The Early Palaeoproterozoic Brockman Supersequence comprises banded iron formation (BIF), bedded chert, limestone, mudrock, sandstone, breccia, tuffaceous mudstone, ashfall tuff and, in sections not reported here, basalt and rhyolite. Density current rhythms are preserved in sandstones, mudrocks, tuffaceous mudstones and limestones. Relics of similar rhythms in BIF imply that its precursor sediments were also deposited by density currents. Hemipelagic deposits are siliciclastic or mixed siliciclastic–volcaniclastic mudstones. Bedded chert, chert nodules and the chert matrix of BIF preserve evidence for formation by diagenetic replacement. For bedded chert (and chert nodules), silica replacement occurred before compaction close to or at the sediment–water interface, indicating that it is siliceous hardground. The chert matrix of BIF formed during compaction but before burial metamorphism. Original sediments were resedimented from two sources: (1) limestone, mudrock, sandstone, breccia and tuffaceous mudstone from a shelf; and (2) BIF from within the basin realm. Shelf sediments were resedimented to basin-floor fans during third-order lowstands. The precursor sediments to BIF are interpreted to have been granular hydrothermal muds, composed of iron-rich smectite and particles of iron oxyhydroxide and siderite that were deposited on the flanks of submarine volcanoes and resedimented by density currents. Resedimentation occurred by either bottom currents or gravity-driven turbidity currents, and the resulting sediment bodies may have been contourite drifts. The concept that BIF records high-frequency alternating precipitation from ambient sea water of iron minerals and silica is negated by this study. Instead, it is postulated that the precursor sediments to BIF originated in much the same way as modern Red Sea hydrothermal iron oxide deposits, implying that at least the particles of iron oxyhydroxide originated from the oxidation of vent fluids by sea water. Several orders of cyclicity in basin filling establish a relationship between rising to high sea levels, episodic sea-floor hydrothermal activity and BIF that is reminiscent of the link between eustacy and spreading-ridge pulses.     

BIF-hosted iron mineral system: A review

The BIF-hosted iron ore system represents the world's largest and highest grade iron ore districts and deposits. BIF, the precursor to low- and high-grade BIF hosted iron ore, consists of Archean and Paleoproterozoic Algoma-type BIF (e.g., Serra Norte iron ore district in the Carajás Mineral Province), Proterozoic Lake Superior-type BIF (e.g., deposits in the Hamersley Province and craton), and Neoproterozoic Rapitan-type BIF (e.g., the Urucum iron ore district).The BIF-hosted iron ore system is structurally controlled, mostly via km-scale normal and strike-slips fault systems, which allow large volumes of ascending and descending hydrothermal fluids to circulate during Archean or Proterozoic deformation or early extensional events. Structures are also (passively) accessed via downward flowing supergene fluids during Cenozoic times.At the depositional site the transformation of BIF to low- and high-grade iron ore is controlled by: (1) structural permeability, (2) hypogene alteration caused by ascending deep fluids (largely magmatic or basinal brines), and descending ancient meteoric water, and (3) supergene enrichment via weathering processes. Hematite- and magnetite-based iron ores include a combination of microplaty hematite–martite, microplaty hematite with little or no goethite, martite–goethite, granoblastic hematite, specular hematite and magnetite, magnetite–martite, magnetite-specular hematite and magnetite–amphibole, respectively. Goethite ores with variable amounts of hematite and magnetite are mainly encountered in the weathering zone.In most large deposits, three major hypogene and one supergene ore stages are observed: (1) silica leaching and formation of magnetite and locally carbonate, (2) oxidation of magnetite to hematite (martitisation), further dissolution of quartz and formation of carbonate, (3) further martitisation, replacement of Fe silicates by hematite, new microplaty hematite and specular hematite formation and dissolution of carbonates, and (4) replacement of magnetite and any remaining carbonate by goethite and magnetite and formation of fibrous quartz and clay minerals.Hypogene alteration of BIF and surrounding country rocks is characterised by: (1) changes in the oxide mineralogy and textures, (2) development of distinct vertical and lateral distal, intermediate and proximal alteration zones defined by distinct oxide–silicate–carbonate assemblages, and (3) mass negative reactions such as de-silicification and de-carbonatisation, which significantly increase the porosity of high-grade iron ore, or lead to volume reduction by textural collapse or layer-compaction. Supergene alteration, up to depths of 200 m, is characterised by leaching of hypogene silica and carbonates, and dissolution precipitation of the iron oxyhydroxides.Carbonates in ore stages 2 and 3 are sourced from external fluids with respect to BIF. In the case of basin-related deposits, carbon is interpreted to be derived from deposits underlying carbonate sequences, whereas in the case of greenstone belt deposits carbonate is interpreted to be of magmatic origin. There is only limited mass balance analyses conducted, but those provide evidence for variable mobilization of Fe and depletion of SiO₂. In the high-grade ore zone a volume reduction of up to 25% is observed.Mass balance calculations for proximal alteration zones in mafic wall rocks relative to least altered examples at Beebyn display enrichment in LOI, F, MgO, Ni, Fe₂O_3total, C, Zn, Cr and P₂O₅ and depletions of CaO, S, K₂O, Rb, Ba, Sr and Na₂O. The Y/Ho and Sm/Yb ratios of mineralised BIF at Windarling and Koolyanobbing reflect distinct carbonate generations derived from substantial fluid–rock reactions between hydrothermal fluids and igneous country rocks, and a chemical carbonate-inheritance preserved in supergene goethite.Hypogene and supergene fluids are paramount for the formation of high-grade BIF-hosted iron ore because of the enormous amount of: (1) warm (100–200 °C) silica-undersaturated alkaline fluids necessary to dissolve quartz in BIF, (2) oxidized fluids that cause the oxidation of magnetite to hematite, (3) weakly acid (with moderate CO₂ content) to alkaline fluids that are necessary to form widespread metasomatic carbonate, (4) carbonate-undersaturated fluids that dissolve the diagenetic and metasomatic carbonates, and (5) oxidized fluids to form hematite species in the hypogene- and supergene-enriched zone and hydroxides in the supergene zone.Four discrete end-member models for Archean and Proterozoic hypogene and supergene-only BIF hosted iron ore are proposed: (1) granite–greenstone belt hosted, strike-slip fault zone controlled Carajás-type model, sourced by early magmatic (± metamorphic) fluids and ancient “warm” meteoric water; (2) sedimentary basin, normal fault zone controlled Hamersley-type model, sourced by early basinal (± evaporitic) brines and ancient “warm” meteoric water. A variation of the latter is the metamorphosed basin model, where BIF (ore) is significantly metamorphosed and deformed during distinct orogenic events (e.g., deposits in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero and Simandou Range). It is during the orogenic event that the upgrade of BIF to medium- and high-grade hypogene iron took place; (3) sedimentary basin hosted, early graben structure controlled Urucum-type model, where glaciomarine BIF and subsequent diagenesis to very low-grade metamorphism is responsible for variable gangue leaching and hematite mineralisation. All of these hypogene iron ore models do not preclude a stage of supergene modification, including iron hydroxide mineralisation, phosphorous, and additional gangue leaching during substantial weathering in ancient or Recent times; and (4) supergene enriched BIF Capanema-type model, which comprises goethitic iron ore deposits with no evidence for deep hypogene roots. A variation of this model is ancient supergene iron ores of the Sishen-type, where blocks of BIF slumped into underlying karstic carbonate units and subsequently experienced Fe upgrade during deep lateritic weathering.     

Deformation partitioning during folding and transposition of quartz layers

Banded iron formation (BIF) from the Quadrilátero Ferrı́fero (southeastern Brazil) shows a compositional layering with alternating iron-rich and quartz-rich layers. This layering was intensively folded and transposed at a centimeter/millimeter scale through a component of bedding-parallel shear related to flexural slip at middle to high greenschist facies conditions (400–450 °C). The microstructure and c-axis fabrics of normal limbs, inverted limb and hinge zones of a selected isoclinal fold were analyzed combining optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and digital image analysis. In the normal limbs, recrystallized quartz grains show undulose extinction, relatively dry grain boundaries, c-axes at high angle to foliation and a pervasive grain shape fabric (GSF) indicating operation of crystal-plastic processes. In the inverted limb, quartz grains show more serrated and porous (“wet”) grain boundaries; the GSF is similar to that of the normal limb, but c-axes are oriented at 90° to those of the normal limb. We interpreted these characteristics as reflecting operation of solution-precipitation deformation in inverted limbs, as a consequence of grains having been rotated to an orientation that was hard to basal 〈a〉 glide, but easy to dissolution-precipitation creep. This deformation partitioning between crystal-plasticity and solution-transfer during folding/transposition of quartz may explain the common occurrence of layered quartz rocks, where individual layers show alternating c-axis fabrics with opposite asymmetries but a consistent GSF orientation. Such characteristics may reflect an earlier event of pervasive folding/transposition of a preexisting layering.     

A review on the Huoqiu banded iron formation (BIF), southeast margin of the North China Craton: Genesis of iron deposits and implications for exploration

The Huoqiu iron ore field in northwest Anhui Province is located in the North China Craton (NCC). As a large banded iron formation (BIF) iron ore field, ore bodies occur in a middle-high grade of Neoarchean metamorphic formation, forming a banded silicon–iron series from north to south. The main ore bodies can be divided into two sub-belts from bottom to upper layers, i.e. the A + B ore belt consisting of leptynite–schist–magnetite–quartz formation, and the D ore belt consisting of schist–marble–hematite–quartz formation. Based on a dataset from geological settings, geophysical and geochemical exploration, ore-forming conditions and structural analysis of the iron deposit, we discuss structural types, sedimentary environments, deep tectonic and ore-controlling factors as well as characteristics and distribution of this colossal BIF ore field in the Huoqiu region.Using LA-ICP-MS techniques, we obtained the oldest U–Pb age of ca. 2.7 Ga for plagioclase amphibolite as its original rock, and 1.8 Ga for magmatic granite in the Huoqiu Group. The Hf isotopes of zircon were also determined, resulting in the oldest Hf model age of 3.5 Ga.Geochemical data indicate that the protolithes of amphibolites belong to a series of subalkaline rocks with enrichments of large ion lithophile elements and depletions of high field strength elements, which are typical volcanic arc rocks. The amphibolites have low K₂O concentrations with low ratios of Ti/V (22.7 to 25.9 averaging 24.5), similar to island arc tholeiite. This suggests that the iron deposit and BIF are of the Superior type in the Huoqiu region.     

Mineralogy and trace-element geochemistry of the high-grade iron ores of the Águas Claras Mine and comparison with the Capão Xavier and Tamanduá iron ore deposits, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil

Several major iron deposits occur in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF), southeastern region of Brazil, where metamorphosed and heterogeneously deformed banded iron formation (BIF) of the Cauê Formation, regionally called itabirite, was transformed into high- (Fe >64%) and low-grade (30%?2O₃, with a higher amount of detrimental impurities, especially MnO, in the soft ore. Both hard and soft ores are depleted in trace elements. The high-grade ores at the Águas Claras Mine have at least a dual origin, involving hypogene and supergene processes. The occurrence of the hard, massive high-grade ore within “fresh” dolomitic itabirite is evidence of its hypogene origin. Despite the contention about the origin of the dolomitic itabirite (if this rock is a carbonate-rich facies of the Cauê Formation or a hematite–carbonate precursor of the soft high-grade ore), mineralogical and geochemical features of the soft high-grade ore indicate that it was formed by leaching of dolomite from the dolomitic itabirite by meteoric water. The comparison of the Águas Claras, Capão Xavier and Tamanduá orebodies shows that the original composition of the itabiritic protore plays a major role in the genesis of high- and low-grade soft ores in the QF. Under the same weathering and structural conditions, the dolomitic itabirite is the more favorable to form high-grade deposits than siliceous itabirite. Field relations at the Águas Claras and Capão Xavier deposits suggest that it is not possible to form huge soft high-grade supergene deposits from siliceous itabirite, unless another control, such as impermeable barriers, had played an important role. The occurrence in the Tamanduá Mine of a large, soft, high-grade orebody formed from siliceous itabirite and closely associated with hypogene hard ore suggests that large, soft, high-grade orebodies of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, which occur within siliceous itabirite, have a hypogene contribution in their formation.     

中国前寒武纪铁矿床时空分布和演化特征

前寒武纪是中国铁矿重要成矿期,该时期的铁矿资源／储量占全国的656％。前寒武纪铁矿床类型可分（火山）沉积变质型铁矿床、与火山-侵入活动有关的铁矿床、沉积型铁矿床、复合成矿作用型铁矿床和岩浆型铁矿床五类,再细分为条带状铁建造铁矿床、与细碧角斑质火山-侵入活动有关的中浅变质铁矿床、沉积-变质热液改造型铁矿床等8个亚类。（火山）沉积变质型铁矿床是前寒武纪铁矿床的主要类型,其储量、矿产地和开采量均占全国首位,其中最主要的是条带状铁建造铁矿床亚类,是前寒武纪的特征类型,是仅发育在前寒武纪时期的铁矿床。中国最古老的铁矿床形成于古太古代,新太古代是中国铁矿最重要的形成时期,此期间形成铁矿的储量约占全国铁矿总储量50％,矿床类型是与绿岩带有关的阿尔戈马型条带状铁建造铁矿床。中国前寒武纪铁矿床主要分布在中国东部、陆块区和陆块边缘和内部的裂谷中,其成矿规模、成矿区域、成矿类型和成矿演化特点明显。     

澜沧江铁矿带惠民式-疆峰式铁矿床特征与含铁建造

通过对惠民式和疆峰式铁矿的研究,认为它们都是受变质中基性火山岩建造控制的海相火山-沉积型铁矿床,前者兼有条带状含铁建造(BIF)和粒状含铁建造(GIF)的特征,而后者则为条带状含铁建造.它们均具备元古代条带状铁硅建造铁矿的特征,满足形成前寒武纪大型条带状含铁建造的“大型海洋热液供应系统、作为沉积仓储的大陆架体貌及有能力...     

鞍本地区大孤山条带状铁建造含铁矿物和相分带特征及形成环境分析

鞍山-本溪条带状铁建造(Banded Iron Formation,简称BIF)位于华北克拉通东北缘,是世界上典型BIF之一,也是我国最重要的铁矿资源基地。大孤山位于鞍山地区南部矿带,为新太古代典型的Algoma型BIF,与华北克拉通其它大多数BIF相比,具有较低变质程度(绿片岩相-低角闪岩相)和较完整的沉积相分布特征。因此,通过大孤山BIF的研究有利于追踪Algoma型BIF的原生矿物组成及其后期成岩-变质过程,进而通过分析原生矿物形成的物理化学条件探讨古海洋环境。依据原生矿物共生组合及产出特征,可将大孤山BIF沉积相划分为氧化物相(30%)、硅酸盐相(50%)和碳酸盐相(20%)。氧化物相主要分布于主矿体南部,主要矿物组成为磁铁矿和石英;硅酸盐相分布于主矿体中部,主要矿物组成除了石英和磁铁矿之外,还有黑硬绿泥石、绿泥石、镁铁闪石等;碳酸盐相分布于矿体北部,主要矿物组成为菱铁矿、磁铁矿和石英等。本文通过大孤山BIF岩相学观察和含铁矿物化学成分研究,推测原生沉积物的组成为无定形硅胶、三价铁氢氧化物和富铝粘土碎屑,在经历了成岩和低级变质作用后转变为具不同相带的条带状铁建造。通过分析磁铁矿、菱铁矿和黑硬绿泥石等矿物在不同P_(O_2)-P_(CO_2)和pH-Eh条件下的共生相图可知,这些矿物均是在较低氧逸度、中到弱碱性环境下形成。综合考虑矿物成分、共生组合及受变质作用较弱等信息,本文推测制约原生矿物形成的控制因素主要是古海水氧化还原状态、酸碱度、CO_2含量和硫逸度。     

Chemical sedimentary protoliths in the > 3.75 Ga Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (Québec,Canada)

Analyses of chemical sedimentary precipitates such as banded iron formation (BIF) provide a direct means to explore the nature and composition of the early hydrosphere. The recently discovered > 3750 Myr old Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (NSB) in the Northeast Superior Province (Québec, Canada) hosts a suite of iron oxide-rich (± pyroxene and amphibole) units that are interpreted to be the metamorphosed equivalents of Fe oxide-facies BIF, and a collection of BIF-like Ca–Fe–Mg silicate rocks. The NSB rocks provide a rare glimpse of trace metal availability in Eoarchean (ca. 3800 Ma) seawater. As they may be contemporaneous with the relatively well-studied Isua Supracrustal Belt of southern West Greenland, their comparison provides an opportunity to enhance our basic understanding of the Eoarchean oceans at a global scale. Work since the initial discovery of the NSB in 2001 has established the basic lithological, geochemical and petrographic characteristics of these BIF and BIF-like rocks. Here we review the current state of knowledge of NSB rocks of probable chemical sedimentary origin, including aspects of their geology, likely origin and age. We conclude by examining the implications of results thus far for our understanding of early seawater compositions, and for the emergence of life in the context of early metallo-enzyme evolution.     

Characterization of Banded Iron Formations by Two-Dimensional XRF Imaging and XANES Analyses

Abstract: Synchrotron radiation-induced X–ray fluorescence (SR–XRF) and conventional X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were applied to determine the distributions of iron, manganese, calcium, titanium, and silicon, and chemical forms of iron and trace manganese in three banded iron formation (BIF) samples. The XRF imagings on the weathered and altered BIF from the Cleaverville Formation (3. 3–3. 1 Gyr), Western Australia, showed redistributions of iron, calcium, and manganese with the disappearance of the primary bandings, while, in contrast, titanium preserved its primary depositional distribution. The XRF imagings on the BIF from the Hamersley Group (2. 5 Gyr), Western Australia, showed that manganese and titanium distribute originally at boundary region between the iron-rich mesoband and the silica-rich mesoband. The X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) analysis revealed that the chemical forms of manganese and iron well represent the rhythmic change of the bandings.     

华北克拉通前寒武纪BIF铁矿研究:进展与问题

研究表明,BIF铁矿在华北克拉通的分布具有一定规律性.大规模BIF铁矿主要发育在绿岩带分布区的鞍山-本溪、冀东、霍邱-舞阳、五台、鲁西和固阳等地;华北克拉通时代最古老的BIF形成于古太古代,最年轻BIF形成于古元古代早期,但BIF铁矿的峰期为新太古代晚期(2.52 ～2.56Ga);BIF铁矿类型可划分为阿尔戈马型和苏比利尔湖型两类,但华北以晚太古代绿岩带中的阿尔戈马型为主,仅吕梁的古元古代袁家村铁矿具典型苏比利尔湖型铁矿特征.根据BIF在绿岩带序列中的产出部位和岩石组合关系,可将华北BIF划分为:1)斜长角闪岩(夹角闪斜长片麻岩)-磁铁石英岩组合;2)斜长角闪岩-黑云变粒岩-云母石英片岩-磁铁石英岩组合;3)黑云变粒岩(夹黑云石英片岩)-磁铁石英岩组合;4)黑云变粒岩-绢云绿泥片岩-黑云石英片岩-磁铁石英岩组合;5)斜长角闪岩(片麻岩)-大理岩-磁铁石英岩组合等5种类型.华北克拉通BIF形成时代与早前寒武纪岩浆活动的时间基本一致(2.5～2.6Ga),但与华北克拉通陆壳增生的峰期(2.7～2.9Ga)有一定偏差,其原因可能与新太古代晚期华北克拉通构造-热事件十分强烈有关.华北克拉通新太古代BIF大多形成于岛弧环境,但局部地区(如固阳)BIF铁矿可能形成于深部有地幔柱叠加的岛弧环境.华北克拉通BIF富矿主要有三种类型:原始沉积、受后期构造-热液叠加改造和古风化壳等,但总体不发育富铁矿,国外发育的风化壳型富铁在我国甚为少见.本文认为在探讨BIF铁矿类型时,需要从绿岩带发育序列进行综合判别.阿尔戈马型铁矿一般产于克拉通基底(绿岩带)环境,苏比利尔湖型铁矿一般形成于稳定克拉通上的海相沉积盆地或被动大陆边缘.华北克拉通BIF铁矿地球化学研究结果表明,BIF铁矿无Ce负异常且Fe同位素为正值,从而暗示铁矿沉淀的环境为低氧或缺氧环境,而铕正异常可能指示BIFs为热水沉积成因,其机制可能为海水对流循环从新生镁铁质-超镁铁质洋壳中淋滤出F(e)和Si等元素,在海底排泄沉淀成矿,而条带状构造的形成可能归咎于成矿流体的脉动式喷溢.但对于BIF铁矿的物质来源、成矿条件和机制、富铁矿成因、华北克拉通不发育苏比利尔湖型铁矿的原因等方面,仍需深入研究.     

辽宁本溪歪头山条带状铁矿的成因类型、形成时代及构造背景

辽宁鞍本地区位于华北克拉通东北缘,分布有诸多大型-特大型条带状铁矿床。本文对该区歪头山铁矿进行了岩石学、矿物学及年代学研究。歪头山铁建造以条带状铁矿石为主,兼含有少量的块状矿石,其顶底板围岩及矿体夹层主要为太古界鞍山群斜长角闪岩。元素地球化学分析表明,铁矿石富集重稀土[(La/Yb)_PAAS=0.24~0.33],具La正异常(La/La^*=1.43~1.61)、Eu正异常(Eu/Eu^*=2.40~4.54)及Y正异常(Y/Y^*=1.10~1.30),Y/Ho值平均30.59,Sr/Ba值平均17.62,Ti/V值平均19.45,反映成矿物质可能来源于由海底火山活动带来的高温热液与海水的混合溶液。铁矿石无明显Ce负异常(Ce/Ce^*=0.92~1.06),暗示BIF沉积时海水处于缺氧环境。除Fe₂O₃^T与SiO₂外,铁矿石中其它氧化物含量均非常低,且贫Th、U、Zr等具有陆源性质的元素,表明大陆碎屑物质对BIF贡献极少。斜长角闪岩稀土元素配分型式近于平坦[(La/Yb)_N=0.80~1.10],无明显Ce异常(Ce/Ce^*=0.95~0.99)与Eu异常(Eu/Eu^*=0.88~1.16);其大离子亲石元素富集,高场强元素无明显亏损。地球化学分析表明,斜长角闪岩原岩可能为产于弧后盆地的玄武质火山岩。锆石形态与微量元素分析显示,斜长角闪岩中的锆石均属岩浆成因。SIMS锆石U-Pb定年显示斜长角闪岩原岩形成于2533±11Ma,代表了歪头山BIF的成矿年龄;在玄武质岩浆喷发过程中,还捕获了一组年龄为2610±5Ma的锆石。电子探针分析显示磁铁矿成分纯净(FeO^T=92.04%~93.05%),其标型组分特征暗示歪头山BIF属沉积变质型铁矿。综合分析认为,歪头山铁矿属Algoma型BIF,成矿与弧后盆地岩浆活动密切相关,指示了新太古代末华北克拉通普遍发育的一期BIF成矿事件。