Evidence for aqueous activity on comet 81P/Wild 2 from sulfide mineral assemblages in Stardust samples and CI chondrites

The discovery of nickel-, copper-, and zinc-bearing iron sulfides from comet 81P/Wild 2 (Wild 2) represents the strongest evidence, in the Stardust collection, of grains that formed in an aqueous environment. We investigated three microtomed TEM sections which contain crystalline sulfide assemblages from Wild 2 and twelve thin sections of the hydrothermally altered CI chondrite Orgueil. Detailed structural and compositional characterizations of the sulfide grains from both collections reveal striking similarities. The Stardust samples include a cubanite (CuFe₂S₃) grain, a pyrrhotite [(Fe,Ni)_1−xS]/pentlandite [(Fe,Ni)₉S₈] assemblage, and a pyrrhotite/sphalerite [(Fe,Zn)S] assemblage. Similarly, the CI-chondrite sulfides include individual cubanite and pyrrhotite grains, cubanite/pyrrhotite assemblages, pyrrhotite/pentlandite assemblages, as well as possible sphalerite inclusions within pyrrhotite grains. The cubanite is the low temperature orthorhombic form, which constrains temperature to a maximum of 210 °C. The Stardust and Orgueil pyrrhotites are the 4C monoclinic polytype, which is not stable above ∼250 °C. The combinations of cubanite and pyrrhotite, as well as pyrrhotite and pentlandite signify even lower temperatures. The crystal structures, compositions, and petrographic relationships of these sulfides constrain formation and alteration conditions. Taken together, these constraints attest to low-temperature hydrothermal processing.Our analyses of these minerals provide constraints on large scale issues such as: heat sources in the comet-forming region; aqueous activity on cometary bodies; and the extent and mechanisms of radial mixing of material in the early nebula. The sulfides in the Wild 2 collection are most likely the products of low-temperature aqueous alteration. They provide evidence of radial mixing of material (e.g. cubanite, troilite) from the inner solar system to the comet-forming region and possible secondary aqueous processing on the cometary body.     

Geochemistry and mineralogy of Platinum-group elements in the Ransko gabbro–peridotite massif,Bohemian Massif (Czech Republic)

The Ransko gabbro-peridotite massif in Eastern Bohemia is a strongly differentiated intrusive complex of Lower Cambrian age. The complex hosts low grade Ni-Cu ores mainly developed close to the contact of olivine-rich rocks with gabbros, in troctolites and, to a much lesser extent, in both pyroxene and olivine gabbros and plagioclase-rich peridotites. The ore zone is characterized by strong serpentinization and uralitization. The total Ni + Cu locally reaches up to 4 wt%. Anomalous concentrations of platinum-group elements (PGE's) (maximum 532 ppb Pd, 182 ppb Pt, 53 ppb Rh, 15 ppb Ru, 41 ppb Ir) were detected in samples of Cu-Ni and Ni-Cu ores (maximum 2.63 wt% Ni and 2.31 wt% Cu) from the Jezírka orebody. The main ore paragenesis includes pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite, cubanite, pyrite, magnetite, mackinawite, valleriite, ilmenite and sphalerite. During this work, michenerite, froodite, sperrylite, gold, native bismuth, altaite, tsumoite, hessite, an unnamed Bi-Ni telluride, cobaltite-gersdorffite and galena were newly identified. The host rocks originated through partial melting of a slightly depleted mantle source with noble metals scavenged from this primitive magma prior to the development of these rocks.     

Ore Mineralization in Ultramafic and Metasomatic Rocks of the Ospin–Kitoi Massif,Eastern Sayan

In the Ospin–Kitoi ultramafic massif of the Eastern Sayan, accessory and ore Cr-spinel are mainly represented by alumochromite and chromite. Copper–nickel mineralization hosted in serpentinized ultramafic rocks occurs as separate grains of pentlandite and pyrrhotite, as well as assemblages of (i) hexagonal pyrrhotite + pentlandite + chalcopyrite and (ii) monoclinal pyrrhotite + pentlandite + chalcopyrite. Copper mineralization in rodingite is presented by bornite, chalcopyrite, and covellite. Talc–breunnerite–quartz and muscovite–breunnerite–quartz listvenite contains abundant sulfide and sulfoarsenide mineralization: pyrite, gersdorffite, sphalerite, Ag–Bi and Bi-galena, millerite, and kuestelite. Noble metal mineralization is represented by Ru–Ir–Os alloy, sulfides, and sulfoarsenides of these metals, Au–Cu–Ag alloys in chromitite, laurite intergrowth, an unnamed mineral with a composition of Cu₃Pt, orcelite in carbonized serpentinite, and sperrylite and electrum in serpentinite. Sulfide mineralization formed at the late magmatic stage of the origination of intrusion and due to fluid–metamorphic and retrograde metasomatism of primary rocks.     

CuFeNiS mineral assemblages in upper-mantle peridotites from the Table Mountain and Blow-Me-Down Mountain ophiolite massifs (Bay of Islands area,Newfoundland): Their relationships with fluids and silicate melts

Plastically deformed ultramafic rocks in the Table Mountain and Blow-Me-Down Mountain ophiolites comprise a basal unit of slightly depleted Iherzolites, an intermediate sequence of strongly depleted harzburgites and an upper zone of dunites, also referred to as a transition zone intensively percolated by basaltic melts or magmatic fluids. Thirty-five samples including all of the above rock types have been investigated on 100 polished thin sections for CuFeNiS mineral assemblages. Most of them contain traces of CuFeNi sulfides, native metals and locally Ni arsenide. Compositional features of opaque assemblages as well as their textural sites in the rocks indicate that the present CuFeNiS minerals derive from an upper-mantle sulfide component through extensive subsolidus re-equilibration down to 100°C. The primitive component (predominant pentlandite, minor pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite) is preserved as sulfide inclusions in chromites of the transition zone, due to a subsolidus re-equilibration in a closed system. On the contrary, sulfide assemblages interstitial to silicates and spinel have extensively reacted with reducing serpentinizing fluids to produce sulfur-deficient sulfides such as heazlewoodite and mackinawite and native metals (native copper and awaruite). Microscale variations of redox conditions and the removal of Fe from the silicate during serpentinization may account for the peculiar “grain-by-grain” equilibrium state of intergranular assemblages. In spite of low-temperature alteration, a gradual depletion in sulfide component has been recognized from the basal lherzolites to the intermediate harzburgites while the sulfide content gradually increases in the transition zone (up to 0.2% by volume). The first pattern is consistent with the low-melting nature of the sulfide component in mantle melting processes. Microstructural criteria such as the absence of sulfide inclusions in olivine neoblasts demonstrate that the sulfide component postdates plastic deformation of the transition zone. The sulfide-enrichment pattern is thus ascribed to the percolation of a sulfur-saturated basaltic magma into residual dunites.     

Opaque phases in type-II chondrules from CR2 chondrites: Implications for CR parent body formation

We report the results of a detailed study of sulfide-bearing opaque assemblages from the MAC 87320, EET 92011, and Renazzo CR carbonaceous chondrites. The objectives of this study are to (1) characterize sulfide and associated phases within CR2 chondrites; (2) determine the petrographic relationship between sulfides, metals, and chondrules; (3) constrain the history of type-II chondrules; (4) ascertain the environments in which type-II chondrules formed and were altered; and (5) unravel the formation and alteration history of the CR parent body as recorded in sulfide-bearing assemblages. Sulfide-bearing opaque assemblages occur primarily within type-II (FeO-rich) chondrules. The sulfide assemblages are concentrated near the chondrule edges. Assemblages in MAC 87320 are composed of troilite, phosphate, and Ni-rich metal. EET 92011 contains assemblages composed of pentlandite, troilite, and Ni-rich metal. The assemblages in Renazzo contain tochilinite, magnetite, troilite, pentlandite, and phosphate. In all of the assemblages in Renazzo the tochilinite is fine grained and intimately mixed with troilite, pentlandite, or magnetite. Opaque assemblages in CR chondrites record a complex history that includes both high- and low-temperature processes. The morphology and composition of sulfides in CR2 chondrites suggests that the sulfide-bearing assemblages originally formed in gas-solid reactions in the nebula at temperatures above the Fe-FeS eutectic (988 °C). Many of the assemblages were subsequently aqueously altered on the CR-chondrite parent body to various degrees at temperatures from ∼50 to 200 °C. We combine these observations and interpretations to provide a detailed model of the history of the CR parent body.     

Postmagmatic,hydrothermal origin of sulfide and arsenide mineralizations at Limassol Forest,Cyprus

The Ni-Co-Cu ores of Pevkos and Lakxia tou Mavrou, Limassol Forest, Cyprus, have been investigated microscopically and by electron microprobe analysis. At Pevkos, the mineral association consists of pyrrhotite, pentlandite, maucherite, chalcopyrite, cubanite, magnetite, chromite and valleriite with minor amounts of westerveldite, bornite, neodigenite, covellite and cobaltite. The mineralization at Lakxia tou Mavrou comprises pyrrhotite, pentlandite, löllingite, chalcopyrite, cubanite and chromite with traces of magnetite, pyrite, maucherite and valleriite. Paragenetic, compositional and textural features suggest a nonmagmatic origin for the sulfides and arsenides; they were deposited during serpentinization of the ultramafic host rocks. A conceptual model for mineralization linked to decreasing temperatures in a hydrothermal system is presented.     

Some replacement phenomena in copper-nickel sulphide ores

On the basis of microscopic studies a new mode of formation of monoclinic pyrrhotite (from Norilsk) is proposed whereby the monoclinic polymorph formed through a leakage of solutions which, upon seepage along micro-fissures in an oxidizing environment, affected the hexagonal polymorph by carrying away a certain amount of iron. Experimental evidence is considered to be insufficient for using monoclinic pyrrhotite as a geologic thermometer; we only can say that it formed below 300° to 325°C. A similar interpretation is proposed for the formation of troilite and hexagonal pyrrhotite at Voronezh where troilite is replaced by hexagonal pyrrhotite and the process involves partial substitution of ferric for ferrous ions. Replacement during the hydrothermal stage of Cu-Ni ore deposition includes the following changes: pentlandite and chalcopyrite to mackinawite (Norilsk ores); cubanite and magnetite to valleriite. At Norilsk and Monchegorsk, valleriite and mackinawite were formed during late stages of serpentinization of the country rock. A relation between replacement effects in sulfide ore-bodies and serpentinization processes in basic and ultra-basic country rocks is shown to exist. The bearing of alterations involving olivine, secondary silicates, rutile, magnetite and the sulfides is considered.

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Zusammenfassung Auf Grund mikroskopischer Studien wird eine neue Bildungsweise für den monoklinen Magnetkies von Norilsk vorgeschlagen: Er soll sich beim Durchsickern von Lösungen in Mikrospalten in einer oxidierenden Umgebung aus der hexagonalen Modifikation gebildet haben. Die Verwendung des monoklinen Magnetkieses als geologisches Thermometer auf Grund experimenteller Resultate ist unzulänglich; wir können nur sagen, daß er sich unter 300°–325°C bildete. Eine ähnliche Interpretation wird vorgeschlagen für die Bildung von Troilit und hexagonalem Magnetkies in Voronezh, wo hexagonaler Magnetkies an die Stelle von Troilit tritt und der Vorgang eine partielle Ablösung von zweiwertigem Eisen durch dreiwertiges Eisen nach sich zieht. Folgende Umwandlungen fanden während des hydrothermalen Stadiums der Cu-Ni-Erzablagerung statt: Pentlandit und Chalcopyrit zu Mackinawit (Norilsk Erze); Cubanit und Magnetit zu Valleriit. In Norilsk und Monchegorsk bildeten sich Valleriit und Mackinawit während der letzten Phasen der Serpentinbildung in Nebengesteinen. Es wird bewiesen, daß eine Verbindung besteht zwischen den Umwandlungen der sulfidischen Erzkörper und der Serpentinisierung der basischen und ultra-basischen Nebengesteine. Auch werden Wirkung und Ausmaß der Umwandlungen von Olivin, sekundären Silikaten, Rutil, Magnetit und Sulfiden untersucht.

     

The opaque minerals and economic geology of the nemeiben ultramafic complex,saskatchewan, canada

The main rock types of the Nemeiben ultramafic complex form grossly concentric layers of clinopyroxenite, websterite, wehrlite and dunite. These rocks were partially amphibolitized late in the Hudsonian orogeny; consequently numerous relict primary textural and mineralogical features are preserved. Disseminated primary magmatic nickeliferous pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite, magnetite and chromite occur throughout this complex and local concentrations of sulfides occur. Textures, mineralogy and chemistry of these phases are indicative of a high temperature magmatic origin. Unmixing phenomena in pyrrhotite are attributable to post crystallization dissociation of a high temperature Fe-Ni-Cu-Co monosulfide solid solution. A secondary assemblage of fine-grained iron oxides, sulfides and native metals developed in altered ultramafic rocks. Magnetite and hematite, bravoite, violarite and millerite are among the minerals formed during serpentinization. Trace amounts of nickeliferous copper, native gold and silver occur in hematite veinlets and at the center of hematized former sulfide grains. Supergene alteration has affected most of the sulfides. Thus the most plausible explanation of the opaque minerals is that they represent a metamorphosed primary magmatic assemblage modified by supergene alteration.     

Nickel-sulfide ores in ultrabasites of Khabarnyy massif (South Urals)

The mineralized area (fig. 1) lies inside a large dunitic body. The sulfides are small phenocrysts of pentlandite (with chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite); chromite is generally present and metasomatic magnetite is locally abundant, as replacer of the sulfides. A genetic connection of the sulfides with the dunites is indicated. There is no evidence of any epigenetic segregation of the ore minerals and hence no reason to expect presence of economic ores in this particular part of the massif. — V.P. Sokoloff     

Hydrothermal processes in partially serpentinized peridotites from Costa Rica: evidence from native copper and complex sulfide assemblages

Native metals and metal alloys are common in serpentinized ultramafic rocks, generally representing the redox and sulfur conditions during serpentinization. Variably serpentinized peridotites from the Santa Elena Ophiolite in Costa Rica contain an unusual assemblage of Cu-bearing sulfides and native copper. The opaque mineral assemblage consists of pentlandite, magnetite, awaruite, pyrrhotite, heazlewoodite, violarite, smythite and copper-bearing sulfides (Cu-pentlandite, sugakiite [Cu(Fe,Ni)₈S₈], samaniite [Cu₂(Fe,Ni)₇S₈], chalcopyrite, chalcocite, bornite and cubanite), native copper and copper–iron–nickel alloys. Using detailed mineralogical examination, electron microprobe analyses, bulk rock major and trace element geochemistry, and thermodynamic calculations, we discuss two models to explain the formation of the Cu-bearing mineral assemblages: (1) they formed through desulfurization of primary sulfides due to highly reducing and sulfur-depleted conditions during serpentinization or (2) they formed through interaction with a Cu-bearing, higher temperature fluid (350–400 °C) postdating serpentinization, similar to processes in active high-temperature peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems such as Rainbow and Logatchev. As mass balance calculations cannot entirely explain the extent of the native copper by desulfurization of primary sulfides, we propose that the native copper and Cu sulfides formed by local addition of a hydrothermal fluid that likely interacted with adjacent mafic sequences. We suggest that the peridotites today exposed on Santa Elena preserve the lower section of an ancient hydrothermal system, where conditions were highly reducing and water–rock ratios very low. Thus, the preserved mineral textures and assemblages give a unique insight into hydrothermal processes occurring at depth in peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems.     

Mineralogy and texture of Fe-Ni sulfides in CI1 chondrites: Clues to the extent of aqueous alteration on the CI1 parent body

To better understand the role of aqueous alteration on the CI1 parent body, we have analyzed the texture, composition and mineral associations of iron nickel sulfides in four of the five known CI1 chondrites.The most commonly-occurring sulfide present in the CI1 chondrites is the iron-deficient Fe,Ni sulfide pyrrhotite ([Fe,Ni]_1−xS), that has a composition close to that of stoichiometric troilite (FeS). Three of the CI1s (Alais, Ivuna and Tonk) also contain pentlandite ([Fe,Ni]₉S₈), although pentlandite is a rare phase in Ivuna. Cubanite (CuFe₂S₃) was found in both Alais and Ivuna in this study, although it has also been reported in Orgueil (MacDougall and Kerridge, 1977). The pyrrhotite grains in all four chondrites form hexagonal, rectangular or irregular shapes, and show no evidence of Ni or Co zoning. The pyrrhotite grains in Orgueil and Ivuna are, in general, smaller, and show more “corrosions,” or “embayments,” than those in Alais or Tonk.We suggest that the precursor sulfide present in the CI1 chondrites was troilite which, during brecciation and oxidation on the parent body at a temperature of 100°C or less, converted the troilite to magnetite and pyrrhotite with pentlandite inclusions. Subsequently, continued alteration on the parent body removed pentlandite—partially from Alais, Tonk and Ivuna, completely from Orgueil—leaving behind pyrrhotite with spaces (“corrosions”) where the pentlandite had been. Ni derived from the pentlandite was incorporated into ferrihydrite, onto the surface of which the Ni,Na sulfate Ni-bloedite formed.Based on the size and abundant “corrosions” within pyrrhotite grains, combined with observations from other authors, we conclude that Orgueil and Ivuna have undergone a greater degree of alteration than Alais and Tonk. Further work is needed to assess the conditions under which pentlandite would be dissolved preferentially to pyrrhotite, as the study of terrestrial literature indicates that the latter mineral is preferentially removed.     

Primary stratigraphic controls on ore mineral assemblages in the Wannaway komatiite-hosted nickel-sulfide deposit,Kambalda camp,Western Australia

The 18 m-long UWA-04-02 drillcore from the Fe-Ni-Cu-PGE Wannaway deposit in the Widiemooltha Dome district (Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia) intersects the whole sequence of a komatiite-hosted layer of metal-rich sulfide magma. In spite of regional deformation and amphibolite facies metamorphism the sequence in the drillcore still preserves some of the original, magmatic textures and assemblages and these were examined in a great detail. The magmatic orebody typically consists of basal massive sulfides grading to net-textured (matrix) and disseminated sulfide mineralization upward into the komatiite host. The ore zone is underlined by sulfide-rich black shale passing to basalts. Country rock xenoliths are locally enclosed in the massive sulfides. Portions of the drillcore untouched by penetrative deformation and with minimal imprint by late-stage serpentinization allow the construction of a fairly complex framework where mineral assemblages and mineral chemistry of sulfides, spinels and silicates vary systematically with stratigraphy and may reflect original conditions of ore deposition. The general ore assemblage is dominated by Fe-sulfide and pentlandite, with minor sphalerite and chalcopyrite, spinels (Zn-rich chromite, Ti-magnetite), alabandite (MnS), accessory PGE-rich sulfarsenides and tellurides and rare molybdenite. Monoclinic and high-S hexagonal pyrrhotite and fresh Zn-Mn-rich chromite characterize the basal massive facies, whereas the matrix ore facies is marked by magnetite, sphalerite and a gradually S-depleted and reduced assemblage now represented by troilite exsolving low-S hexagonal pyrrhotite and alabandite. Compositional modifications of the Fe-sulfides across the whole orebody and occurrence of alabandite testify to progressive sulfur loss concomitant with the establishment of low fO₂ conditions over several meters upsequence in the matrix ore facies. PGE-rich sulfarsenides disseminated across the whole mineralized sequence display igneous textures and PGE fractionation trends. The composition of olivine intergrown with matrix sulfides and in the serpentinized hangingwall komatiite deviates from the typical unmetamorphosed komatiite-related, highly-forsteritic type. However the Fe, Mn and Zn contents of olivine crystals decrease systematically and gradually with distance from mineralization towards the hangingwall komatiite. Contamination may be an alternative to metamorphic recrystallization of olivine as the cause of these trends. The role of contamination is also shown by the trends of whole-rock data from the mineralized sequence across the entire drillcore. Textures and mineral chemistry of minerals from the different rock facies in the drillcore are evaluated in terms of metamorphic effects, although the remarkable relationship observed between stratigraphy and several major and accessory phases over metric distances is suggestive of alternative options including primary processes involving the komatiitic lava flow in its interaction both with the black shale substrate and with the sulfide melt ponding at its base.     

The Archean komatiite-hosted, PGE-bearing Ni–Cu sulfide deposit at Vaara, eastern Finland: evidence for assimilation of external sulfur and post-depositional desulfurization

Archean komatiites host important resources of Ni, Cu, Co, and PGE, particularly in Western Australia and Canada. In Finland, several small, low-grade sulfide deposits have been found in komatiites, including the ca. 2.8 Ga Vaara deposit in the Archean Suomussalmi greenstone belt. It occurs in the central part of the serpentinized olivine cumulate zone of a komatiitic extrusive body and is composed of disseminated interstitial sulfides consisting of pyrite, pentlandite, millerite, violarite, and chalcopyrite accompanied by abundant magnetite. Although currently subeconomic, the mineralization is interesting due to the very high chalcophile element contents of the sulfide fraction (38 wt% Ni, 3.4 wt% Cu, 0.7 wt% Co, 22.4 ppm Pd, and 9.5 ppm Pt). The sulfides occur in relatively Cr-poor olivine cumulates suggesting involvement of a chromite-undersaturated magma. The parental magma was an Al-undepleted komatiite with an estimated MgO content of at least 24 wt%. In contrast to the common komatiite types in the eastern Finland greenstone belts, the Vaara rocks are moderately enriched in LREE relative to MREE, suggesting that crustal contamination played an important role in the genesis of the Vaara deposit. Multiple sulfur isotope data reveal considerable mass-independent sulfur isotope fractionation both in country rock sedimentary sulfides (Δ³³S ranges from ?0.50 to +2.37?‰) and in the Vaara mineralization (Δ³³S ranges from +0.53 to +0.66?‰), which provides strong evidence for incorporation of crustal sulfur. Extensive replacement of interstitial sulfides by magnetite and the presence of millerite- and violarite-bearing, pyrrhotite-free sulfide assemblages indicate significant post-magmatic, low-temperature hydrothermal oxidation of the primary magmatic pyrrhotite-pentlandite-chalcopyrite assemblages and associated sulfur loss that led to a significant upgrading of the original metal tenors of the Vaara deposit.     

Polymetamorphism of ores in Precambrian stratiform massive sulfide deposits at Ambaji-Deri,Western India

Massive stratiform zinc-lead-copper sulfide ores, in association with cordierite-anthophyllite rocks, occur in adjacent localities of Ambaji and Deri, in Western India. The metasedimentary country rocks, interlayered with amphibolites and intruded by acidic to intermediate plutonic rocks, belong to the Precambrian Delhi Supergroup. The ore minerals identified by detailed mineragraphic studies include: sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite (both monclinic and hexagonal phases), magnetite, ilmenite, rutile, arsenopyrite, molybdenite, cubanite, mackinawite, boulangerite, gudmundite, meneghinite, lautite, tenantite, native bismuth, native silver, chalcocite and covellite. The common sulfide-silicate schistosity in the ores, flowage of sulfide streaks and tails around rotated poikiloblasts and in their pressure shadow region developed during early folding (F₁) and regional metamorphism of the rocks under green schist facies condition. These were superimposed by a pervasive hornfelsic fabric involving sulfides and silicates and including microfabrics due to annealing and grain growth in sulfides, during a subsequent phase of low pressure thermal metamorphism and related tectonism (F₂). Finally certain deformation features and some uncommon fabrics like martensitic lamellae in galena and subgrains in sphalerite developed during a mild deformation episode (F₃) in the waning stages of tectonism in the area. Compositional change in the ores during thermal metamorphism was minimal.     

Genesis of PGE mineralization in the Wengeqi mafic–ultramafic complex, Guyang County, Inner Mongolia, China

The Wengeqi complex in Guyang County, Inner Mongolia, is one of several Pd–Pt-mineralized Paleozoic mafic–ultramafic complexes along the north-central margin of the North China. The complex comprises pyroxenites, biotite pyroxenites, amphibole pyroxenites, gabbros, and amphibolites. Zircons extracted from a pyroxenite yield a U–Pb SHRIMP age of 399?±?4?Ma. Several 2–6-m wide syngenetic websterite dikes contain 1–3?ppm Pd?+?Pd and are dominated by pyrite–chalcopyrite–pyrrhotite–magnetite–(pentlandite) assemblages with minor sperrylite, sudburyite, and kotuskite. Textural relationships indicate that pyrite has replaced magmatic chalcopyrite and that magnetite has replaced magmatic pyrrhotite. The mineralization is enriched in Pd–Pt–Cu > Au >> Rh–Ir–Os–Ni > Ru, similar to other occurrences of hydrothermally modified magmatic mineralization, but very different from the much less fractionated compositions of magmatic PGE mineralization. Textural, mineralogical, and geochemical relationships are consistent with alteration of an original magmatic Fe–Ni–Cu sulfide assemblage by a S-rich oxidizing high-temperature (deuteric) hydrothermal fluid.     

PGE and PGM in the Luanga mafic-ultramafic intrusion in Serra dos Carajás (Pará State, Brazil)

The late Archean, Luanga mafic-ultramafic complex intrudes an Archean greenstone belt, that is mainly composed of ultramafic and mafic metavolcanics. The Luanga intrusion consists of dunite, peridotite, gabbro and norite; chromitite seams and layers are present in the ultramafic rocks.A metamorphic overprint transformed the primary paragenesis into a serpentine-talc-chlorite-tremolite and magnetite association. The magnetite is commonly altered to Fe-hydroxides. Unaltered chromite commonly displays atoll-like textures and a chemical composition typical of stratiform chromites (Cr₂O₃ below 45 wt%).Base-metal sulfides, base-metal alloys, platimum-group minerals and platinum group element bearing phases are present in the form of inclusions in the silicate assemblages and in or on the edges of chromite grains. The main minerals detected are pentlandite, pyrrhotite, millerite, chalcopyrite and mackinawite, Fe---Ni alloy, braggite, sperrylite and platinum group elements (PGE) bearing sulfo-arsenides. Braggite is associated with the chromite, whereas sperrylite lies on the edges of or is included in silicates. The PGE content of the massive and disseminated chromities is dominated by Pt (up to 8900 ppb) and the chondrite-normalized PGE profile shows a cuspidal shape with a Pt peak.The main hypothesis for the source of the PGE-rich magma, which fractionated the chromitite-bearing ultramafic magma, consists of a relatively primitive mantle that partially melted in the late Archean.     

Platinum-group element, Gold, Silver and Base Metal distribution in compositionally zoned sulfide droplets from the Medvezky Creek Mine, Noril’sk, Russia

Concentrations of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Re, Zn and Platinum-group elements (PGE) have been determined in sulfide minerals from zoned sulfide droplets of the Noril’sk 1 Medvezky Creek Mine. The aims of the study were; to establish whether these elements are located in the major sulfide minerals (pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and cubanite), to establish whether the elements show a preference for a particular sulfide mineral and to investigate the model, which suggests that the zonation in the droplets is caused by the crystal fractionation of monosulfide solid solution (mss). Nickel, Cu, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Pd, were found to be largely located in the major sulfide minerals. In contrast, less than 25% of the Au, Cd, Pt and Zn in the rock was found to be present in these sulfides. Osmium, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re were found to be concentrated in pyrrhotite and pentlandite. Palladium and Co was found to be concentrated in pentlandite. Silver, Cd and Zn concentrations are highest in chalcopyrite and cubanite. Gold and platinum showed no preference for any of the major sulfide minerals. The enrichment of Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re in pyrrhotite and pentlandite (exsolution products of mss) and the low levels of these elements in the cubanite and chalcopyrite (exsolution products of intermediate solid solution, iss) support the mss crystal fractionation model, because Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re are compatible with mss. The enrichment of Ag, Cd and Zn in chalcopyrite and cubanite also supports the mss fractionation model these minerals are derived from the fractionated liquid and these elements are incompatible with mss and thus should be enriched in the fractionated liquid. Gold and Pt do not partition into either iss or mss and become sufficiently enriched in the final fractionated liquid to crystallize among the iss and mss grains as tellurides, bismithides and alloys. During pentlandite exsolution Pd appears to have diffused from the Cu-rich portion of the droplet into pentlandite.     

Sulfides associated with podiform bodies of chromite at Tsangli,Eretria, Greece

Small bodies of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, minor pentlandite, and magnetite occur at the peripheries of podiform bodies of chromite in ultramafic ophiolitic rocks at Tsangli, Eretria, central Greece. Banding of magnetite and sulfide within the bodies is reminiscent of magmatic banding. A magmatic origin has been proposed for similar sulfide masses in the Troodos ophiolite (Panayiotou, 1980). The compositions of the host rocks, chromite, and of the sulfides have been investigated. On average, the sulfide mineralization, recalculated to metal content in 100% sulfide, contains 0.55% Ni, 5.15% Cu, 0.29% Co, 9 ppb Pd, 179 ppb Pt, 16 ppb Rh, 112 ppb Ru, 31 ppb Ir, 58 ppb Os, and 212 ppb Au. These metal contents, particularly the high Cu/(Cu+Ni) ratio of 0.78 and the Pt/(Pd+Pt) ratio of 0.95, are inconsistent with the sulfides having reached equilibrium with their Ni rich host rocks at magmatic temperatures and accordingly it is concluded that they are not of magmatic origin. The average ³⁴S value of the sulfide bodies is +2 while that of a sample of pyrite from country-rock schist is –15.6. These values are inconclusive as to the origin of the sulfur. It is suggested that the sulfides have been precipitated by hydrothermal fluids, possibly those responsible for the serpentinization of the host rocks. The source of the metals may have been the host rocks themselves.     

Tsumoite (BiTe) and associated Ni-PGE mineralization from Gondpipri mafic-ultramafic complex,Bastar Craton,Central India: mineralogy and genetic significance

This paper reports the occurrence of Tsumoite (a bismuth telluride) in the Heti Cu-Ni-PGM prospect, Gondpipri mafic-ultramafic complex, Central India. The Gondpipri complex consists of several tectonically dismembered gabbronorite-gabbro-anorthositic gabbro — olivine gabbro -websterite disposed in ～10 km long tonalite-trondhjemitegranodiorite (TTG) and charnockite-enderbite suite of rocks. The mineralization occurs in the sulphide zone hosted by gabbro variants. The host rocks have been deformed and metamorphosed to granulite grade and subjected to various degrees of hydrothermal alteration. The mineralization comprises chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite, cubanite, millerite, and pyrite. In addition to these, occur (1) tsumoite (2) PGM in the form of moncheite, merenskyite, Pd-mellonite, and Pt-Pd-Te-Bi-Fe-S alloy. The present study indicates that the mineralization occurs in two stages related to: (i) magmatic and (ii) hydrothermal remobilization and transport of Cu-rich sulphides, tsumoite and PGM, and their re-deposition in hydrosilicate alteration zones. It is possible that the mineralization at Heti formed at different stages of bismuth activity under variable fS₂, T, and fTe₂ conditions due to change in total concentration of Te and S and /or cooling. Since the role of S is limited, Te and cooling are important factor influencing mineralogy and composition of tsumoite and associated mineralization. Mineralization occurs in two different modes of occurrences. The early mineralisation occur as blebs, specks and dissemination of sulphides, viz. pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite and minor pyrite ± PGM, whereas later mineralisation occur as stringers, minor veins of sulphides viz. pyrite, millerite, cubanite, sijenite, tsumoite and ± PGM. Mineral assemblages and textural relationships at Heti has indicated precipitation of tsumoite and associated PGM along fractures and secondary silicates, which confirms their hydrothermal origin.     

Platinoids in the Kaalamo Differentiated Massif in the Northern Ladoga Region,Karelia, Russia

The Kaalamo massif is located in the Northern Ladoga region, Karelia, on the extension of the Kotalahti Belt of Ni-bearing ultramafic intrusions in Finland. The massif, 1.89 Ga in age, is differentiated from pyroxenite to diorite. Nickel–copper sulfide mineralization with platinoids is related to the pyroxenite phase. The ore consists of two mineral types: (i) pentlandite–chalcopyrite–pyrrhotite and (ii) chalcopyrite, both enriched in PGE. Pd and Pt bismuthotellurides, as well as Pd and Pt tellurobismuthides, are represented by the following mineral species: kotulskite, sobolevskite, merenskyite, michenerite, moncheite, keithconnite, telluropalladinite; Pt and Pd sulfides comprise vysotskite, cooperite, braggite, palladium pentlandite, and some other rare phases. High-palladium minerals are contained in pentlandite–chalcopyrite–pyrrhotite ore. Native gold intergrown with kotulskite commonly contains microinclusions (1–3 μm) of Pd stannides: paolovite and atokite. Ore with 20–60% copper sulfides (0.2–6.0% Cu) contains 5.1–6.6 gpt PGE and up to 0.13–2.3 gpt Au. Pd minerals, arsenides and sulfoarsenides of Pt, Rh, Ir, Os, and Ru are identified as well. These are sperrylite, ruthenium platarsite, hollingworthite, and irarsite; silvery gold and paolovite have also been noted. All these minerals have been revealed in the massif for the first time. The paper also presents data on the compositions of 25 PGE minerals (PGM) from Kaalamo ores.