Proterozoic copper deposits in NW Queensland,Australia: Sulfur isotopic data

Sulfur isotopic disequilibrium is commonly observed between associated pyrite and copper sulfides in NW Queensland. A sulfur isotopic study of copper mineralization in dolomites at Paradise Valley and arenites at Mammoth has allowed the significance of such disequilibrium to be evaluated. Copper mineralization at Paradise Valley is characterized by a greater enrichment in ³⁴S, with δ³⁴S values often greater than +30‰, for both copper sulfides and associated syngenetic/diagneetic pyrite. At Mammoth, copper sulfides have isotopic compositions (δ³⁴S=?15.9 to ?0.3‰) transitional between disseminated syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite (δ³⁴S=?5.7 to ?1.7‰) and epigenetic vein pyrite (δ³⁴S=?17.9 to ?7.1‰) suggesting progressive reaction and replacement of syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite by a copper-bearing mineralizing fluid under oxidizing conditions. The isotopic data, within the constraints imposed by geological and geochemical factors, support a model of reaction between copper-bearing mineralizing fluids and pre-existing syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite for both the carbonate- and arenite-hosted deposits.     

日本富山县中田浦滑坡滑带内的黄铁矿

日本富山县境内的中田浦滑坡剖面中产出以立方体为主要晶形的微小黄铁矿颗粒,它们多沿滑带土中的细裂缝分布。黄铁矿的产出状况、晶体形态以及滑带土的岩矿和地球化学特征均显示这些黄铁矿是滑带岩石粘土化作用过程的伴生产物,揭示滑带内的还原性氧化还原条件,它们总体受滑带的发生和发展所控制。因此,滑带土中的次生黄铁矿对于滑带土的形成具有特别的指相意义,有可能作为备选指标用来判断滑带的产生历史和发展进程,从而估计滑坡的发展演化。     

茅排金矿床中自然金和黄铁矿的成因矿物学特征

作者通过对新发现的茅排金矿的研究,测试了自然金、黄铁矿的物理性质、化学成分等,并论述了成因矿物学特征。文中指出自然金、黄铁矿在矿体垂向上晶体形态的分布规律,利用形态系数计算公式可判断矿体、矿带的延伸方向和剥蚀程度。并指出,明金常见,自然金成色高,矿石中贫硫化物,黄铁矿中金品位高、Sb、Hg极低、无As,Co/Ni比较稳定、晶胞参数和红外吸收峰偏大等是“茅排式”金矿床的特点。     

Pb-Zn-Cu accumulation from seafloor sedimentation to metamorphism: Constraints from ore textures coupled with elemental and isotopic geochemistry of the Tiemurt in Chinese Altay Orogen,NW China

The Tiemurt Pb-Zn-Cu deposit (metal reserve: 0.29 Mt (Pb + Zn) and 0.14 Mt Cu) is hosted in the Kangbutiebao Formation volcanic-sedimentary rocks in the Chinese Altay Orogen, NW China. Although some geological and geochemical characteristics of primary seafloor sedimentary mineralization are preserved, major fault-controlled Pb-Zn-Cu orebodies are adjacent to the Sarekbuobu orogenic gold deposit, and therefore it is also interpreted to be closely related to regional deformational-metamorphic processes. The seafloor sedimentary mineralization is evidenced by the occurrence of the banded ores and marine sulfate-originated sulfur isotopic compositions of the sulfides (bimodal δ³⁴S values of 17.29–18.67‰ and −25.03 to −17.58‰). The lead isotope compositions accord with the evolution line of mantle, implying that the Pb were chiefly sourced from the mantle-reservoir. The later deformational and metamorphic overprinting are recorded by the fault-controlled lodes with ore textures of epigenetic infilling and replacement. Besides well-developed CO₂-rich fluid inclusions, the D-O isotopic data of the overprinting fluids fall into the area between metamorphic fluids and meteoric water line, indicative of metamorphic fluids origin with meteoric water involvement. To further trace the Pb-Zn-Cu accumulation and remobilization processes, systematic in-situ trace elements in sulfides of different generations are analyzed using LA-ICP-MS. Ti-Mn-Cu-Pb-Zn-Bi concentrations in pyrite show a trend of progressive decrease from early to late generations. Similar decreasing trends of trace element concentrations are also present in sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite, although the combinations of trace element are slightly different. This indicates that the ore-forming metals (esp. Cu, Pb and Zn) were initially locked up in the crystal lattice of the VMS sulfides (especially pyrite). Deformational and metamorphic processes of the primary ores during the Permian-Triassic collisional orogeny have likely led to trace element remobilization and sulfides purification, which redistributed the metals and upgraded the ores. Combined with previous studies, we proposed that the Pb-Zn-Cu of Tiemurt had been accumulated from seafloor sedimentation (ca. 400 Ma) to deformation-metamorphism processes (ca. 240 Ma).     

Metal accumulation during and after deposition of the Kupferschiefer from the Sangerhausen Basin,Germany

A densely sampled profile (58 cm in thickness) composed of 13 samples of the Kupferschiefer and overlying Zechstein carbonates from the Sangerhausen Basin, Germany has been analysed by various geochemical and microscopic methods in order to clarify the mechanism of base metal accumulation. In this location, the Kupferschiefer is only slightly influenced by the hematite-bearing, oxidized fluids calledRote Fäule.The determination of facies-dependent parameters along the profile indicates that Kupferschiefer from the Sangerhausen Basin was largely deposited in a marine environment; only at the beginning of Kupferschiefer sedimentation did euxinic conditions prevail. The bottom part of the profile is significantly enriched in trace elements such as Cu, Ph, Zn, As, Co, Ag and U. The Cu concentration amounts to 19.88 wt.%. Post-depositional oxidation of the organic matter is observed only in the transition zone between the Kupferschiefer and the Zechstein conglomerate indicating the influence of ascending, oxidizing brines. Microscopic analyses show that only Fe sulfides form framboidal textures; Cu minerals are present along the total profile preferentially in fractures and as patchy structures composed of chalcocite, chalcopyrite and bornite. In the highly mineralized bottom section, Cu sulfides are associated with pyrobitumen, sparry calcite and arsenopyrite. Results from maturation studies of organic matter suggest that the maximum temperature affecting the Kupferschiefer was approximately 130°C.A 3-step-process of metal accumulation is proposed. During deposition of the sediment, framboidal pyrite and pyrite precursors were precipitated by bacterial SO₄²⁻ reduction (BSR). During diagenesis the pyrite and pyrite precursors were largely replaced by mixed Cu/Fe minerals and by chalcocite (PR). In the section with very high Cu contents (> 8%) reduced sulfur from Fe-sulfides was not sufficient for precipitation of Cu and other trace metals from ascending solutions. In this part of the profile, thermochemical SO₄²⁻ reduction (TSR) occurred after pyrite replacement as indicated by the presence of pyrobitumen and sparry calcite.     

Mineral Components, Texture, and Forming Conditions of Hydrothermal Chimney on the East Pacific Rise at 9°-10°N

To characterize the hydrothermal processes of East Pacific rise at 9o-10oN, sulfide mineral compositions, textural, and geochemical features of chimney ores were studied using ore microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron microprobe techniques. Results show that there are three mineral assemblages for the hydrothermal chimney ores, namely: (i) anhydrite marcasite pyrite, (ii) pyrite sphalerite chalcopyrite, and (iii) chalcopyrite bornite digenite covellite. Mineral assemblages, zonational features, and geochemical characteristics of the ore minerals indicate that ore fluid temperature changed from low to high then to low with a maximum temperature up to 400 ℃. The chimney is a typical black smoker. The initial structure of the chimney was formed by the precipitation of anhydrites, and later the sulfides began to precipitate in the inner wall.     

Gold Mineralization at the Kyaukpahto Mine Area, Northern Myanmar

Abstract. Gold mineralization at Kyaukpahto occurs as a stockworks/dissemination style with localized breccia zones in silicified sandstones of the Male Formation (Eocene). The mineralization appears to be closely associated with NNE-SSW trending extensional faults probably related directly to the dextral movement of the Sagaing Fault system. Intense silicifica-tion associated with sericitization, argillic alteration and decalcification is recognized in the Kyaukpahto gold deposit. The important ore minerals associated with the gold mineralization are pyrite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite with minor amounts of other sulfides. Gold occurs as free particles or locked with pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite. Silver, copper, arsenic and antimony particularly appear to be good pathfinders and the best geochemical indicators of gold mineralization at Kyaukpahto. Electron microprobe analysis indicates that the fineness for the native gold ranges from 844 to 866. Present geological, mineralogical and geochemical investigations demonstrate that the Kyaukpahto gold deposit has been formed as a result of hydrothermal processes in a shallow level epithermal environment.     

Pyrite-hydrocarbon Interaction under Hydrothermal Conditions: an Alternative Origin of H2S and Organic Sulfur Compounds in Sedimentary Environments

Sulfate rocks and organic sulfur from sedimentary organic matter are conventionally assumed as the original sulfur sources for hydrogen sulfide(H_2S) in oil and gas reservoirs. However,a few recent experiments preliminarily indicate that the association of pyrite and hydrocarbons may also have implications for H_2S generation,in which water effects and natural controls on the evolution of pyrite sulfur into OSCs and H_2S have not been evaluated. In this study,laboratory experiments were conducted from 200 to 450° C to investigate chemical interactions between pyrite and hydrocarbons under hydrothermal conditions. Based on the experimental results,preliminary mechanism and geochemical implications were tentatively discussed. Results of the experiments showed that decomposition of pyrite produced H_2S and thiophenes at as low as 330°C in the presence of water and n-pentane. High concentrations of H_2S were generated above 450°C under closed pyrolysis conditions no matter whether there is water in the designed experiments. However,much more organic sulfur compounds(OSCs) were formed in the hydrous pyrolysis than in anhydrous pyrolysis. Generally,most of sulfur liberated from pyrite at elevated temperatures was converted to H_2S. Water was beneficial to breakdown of pyrite and to decomposition of alkanes into olefins but not essential to formation of large amounts of H_2S,given the main hydrogen source derived from hydrocarbons. In addition,cracking of pyrite in the presence of 1-octene under hydrous conditions was found to proceed at 200°C,producing thiols and alkyl sulfides. Unsaturated hydrocarbons would be more reactive intermediates involved in the breakdown of pyrite than alkanes. The geochemistry of OSCs is actually controlled by various geochemical factors such as thermal maturity and the carbon chain length of the alkanes. This study indicates that the scale of H_2S gas generated in deep buried carbonate reservoirs via interactions between pyrite and natural gas should be much smaller than that of thermochemical sulfate reduction(TSR) due to the scarcity of pyrite in carbonate reservoirs and the limited amount of long-chained hydrocarbons in natural gas. Nevertheless,in some cases,OSCs and/or low contents of H_2S found in deep buried reservoirs may be associated with the deposited pyrite-bearing rock and organic matters(hydrocarbons),which still needs further investigation.     

Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the Old Tailings Dam,Australia: Evaluating the effectiveness of a water cover for long-term AMD control

Establishing a shallow water cover over tailings deposited in a designated storage facility is one option to limit oxygen diffusion and retard oxidation of sulfides which have the potential to form acid mine drainage (AMD). The Old Tailings Dam (OTD) located at the Savage River mine, western Tasmania contains 38 million tonnes of pyritic tailings deposited from 1967 to 1982, and is actively generating AMD. The OTD was constructed on a natural gradient, resulting in sub-aerial exposure of the southern area, with the northern area under a natural water cover. This physical contrast allowed for the examination of tailings mineralogy and geochemistry as a function of water cover depth across the OTD. Tailings samples (n = 144, depth: ≤ 1.5 m) were collected and subjected to a range of geochemical and mineralogical evaluations. Tailings from the southern and northern extents of the OTD showed similar AMD potential based on geochemical (NAG pH range: 2.1 to 4.2) and bulk mineralogical parameters, particularly at depth. However, sulfide alteration index (SAI) assessments highlighted the microscale contrast in oxidation. In the sub-aerial zone pyrite grains are moderately oxidized to a depth of 0.3 m (maximum SAI of 6/10), under both gravel fill and oxidized covers, with secondary minerals (e.g., ferrihydrite and goethite) developed along rims and fractures. Beneath this, mildly oxidized pyrite is seen in fresh tailings (SAI = 2.9/10 to 5.8/10). In the sub-aqueous zone, the degree of pyrite oxidation demonstrates a direct relationship with cover depth, with unoxidized, potentially reactive tailings identified from 2.5 m, directly beneath an organic-rich sediment layer (SAI = 0 to 1/10). These findings are broadly similar to other tailings storage facilities e.g., Fox Lake, Sherritt-Gordon ZnCu mine, Canada and Stekenjokk mine, Sweden where water covers up to 2 m have successfully reduced AMD. Whilst geotechnical properties of the OTD restrict the extension of the water cover, pyrite is enriched in cobalt (up to 2.6 wt%) indicating reprocessing of tailings as an alternative management option. Through adoption of an integrated mineralogical and geochemical characterization approach for tailings assessment robust management strategies after mine closure can be developed.     

Sulfide minerals in Seelyville Coal III,Chinook Mine,Indiana

Sulfide minerals in coal bed III at the Chinook Mine, Indiana, are pyrite, marcasite, and rarely sphalerite. Pyrite occurs as framboids concentrated mainly in exinite, as bands or lenses in vitrinite and clay partings, as cell fillings in fusinite, and in cleats. Marcasite normally occurs in association with clusters of pyrite framboids within micro-organic remains. Sphalerite occurs exclusively in fusinite associated with cleat pyrite. The iron sulfides, which are of authigenic origin, were formed during the biochemical stage of coalification during the accumulation and compaction of peat. The factor that limited their formation in such an environment was the availability and reactivity of iron. Chemical heterogeneity in the peat swamps where the sulfides formed existed even on a microscopic scale. The iron sulfides were commonly precipitated in localized micro-environments that were favorable for their formation. The metamorphic stage of coalification did not affect the iron sulfides significantly, although it may have been responsible for the recrystallization of pyrite framboids and minor deformation of pyrite in fusinite and its local mobilisation.     

Cracking mechanisms during galena mineralization in a sandstone-hosted lead–zinc ore deposit: case study of the Jinding giant sulfide deposit, Yunnan, SW China

There are two types of lead–zinc ore bodies, i.e., sandstone-hosted ores (SHO) and limestone-hosted ores (LHO), in the Jinding giant sulfide deposit, Yunnan, SW China. Structural analysis suggests that thrust faults and dome structures are the major structural elements controlling lead–zinc mineralization. The two types of ore bodies are preserved in two thrust sheets in a three-layered structural profile in the framework of the Jinding dome structure. The SHO forms the cap of the dome and LHO bodies are concentrated beneath the SHO cap in the central part of the dome. Quartz, feldspar and calcite, and sphalerite, pyrite, and galena are the dominant mineral components in the sandstone-hosted lead–zinc ores. Quartz and feldspar occur as detrital clasts and are cemented by diagenetic calcite and epigenetic sulfides. The sulfide paragenetic sequence during SHO mineralization is from early pyrite to galena and late sphalerite. Galena occurs mostly in two types of cracks, i.e., crescent-style grain boundary cracks along quartz–pyrite, or rarely along pyrite–pyrite boundaries, and intragranular radial cracks in early pyrite grains surrounding quartz clasts. The radial cracks are more or less perpendicular to the quartz–pyrite grain boundaries and do not show any overall (whole rock) orientation pattern. Their distribution, morphological characteristics, and geometrical relationships with quartz and pyrite grains suggest the predominant role of grain-scale cracking. Thermal expansion cracking is one of the most important mechanisms for the generation of open spaces during galena mineralization. Cracking due to heating or cooling by infiltrating fluids resulted from upwelling fluid phases through fluid passes connecting the SHO and LHO bodies, provided significant spaces for crystallization of galena. The differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between pyrite and quartz led to a difference in volume changes between quartz grains and pyrite grains surrounding them and contributed to cracking of the pyrite grains when temperature changed. Combined thermal expansion and elastic mismatch due to heating and subsequent cooling resulted in the radial and crescent cracking in the pyrite grains and along the quartz–pyrite grain boundaries.     

Middle Proterozoic Vein-Hosted Gold Deposits in the Pontes e Lacerda Region,Southwestern Amazonian Craton,Brazil

Structural, geochemical, and isotope studies were carried out on the gold deposits of the Pontes e Lacerda region (Mato Grosso state, Brazil), where rocks of the Aguapei and Rondoniano mobile belts (southwestern Amazonian craton) occur. The orebodies are hosted in metavolcanic, gneiss-granite, quartzite, tonalite, and granite units. Tectonics involve oblique overthrusting (from northeast to southwest), which led to the formation of recumbent folds and thrusts (pathways for the mineralizing fluids), upright folds, and faults with dominant strike-slip component. These unconformities represent potential sites for mineralization. During geological mapping, it was observed that the orebodies consist of quartz, pyrite, and gold, and that the hydrothermal alteration zone contains quartz, sericite, pyrite (altered to limonite), and magnetite (altered to hematite). Chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite occur only in the Onca deposit. Chemical analysis of sulfides indicates high contents of Bi, Se, and Te in sulfides and gold, suggesting plutonic involvement in the origin of hydrothermal solutions.

K-Ar dating of hydrothermal sericites from gold veins yielded ages in the range from 960 to 840 Ma, which may indicate the age of original crystallization of sericite. Pb-Pb dating in galenas yielded model ages in the range from 1000 to 800 Ma for the Onca deposit, which is in agreement with K-Ar ages. Pb-isotopic ratios indicate high U/Pb and low Th/Pb for the upper-crustal Pb source before incorporation in galena crystals. The Pontes e Lacerda gold deposits yielded ages correlated to the Aguapei event and probably were formed during a Proterozoic contractional tectonic period in the southwestern part of the Amazon craton, which may characterize an important metallogenic epoch in the Pontes e Lacerda region.     

Sulfide evolution in high-temperature to ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic rocks from Lützow–Holm Complex, East Antarctica

The high-temperature (HT) to ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphic rocks from Lützow–Holm Complex, East Antarctica show a systematic difference between sulfide assemblages in the rock matrix and those found as inclusions in the silicates stable in high-temperatures. Matrix sulfides are commonly pyrite with or without pentlandite and chalcopyrite. On the other hand, inclusion sulfides are pyrrhotite with or without pentlandite and chalcopyrite lamellae. When recalculated into integrated single-phase sulfide compositions, inclusion sulfides from the UHT region showed a wider range of solid–solution composition than the inclusion sulfides from the HT region. The host minerals of the sulfides with extreme solid–solution compositions are those stable at the peak of metamorphism such as orthopyroxene and garnet. One of the most extreme ones is included in orthopyroxene coexisting with sillimanite ± quartz, which is the diagnostic mineral assemblage of UHT metamorphism. These observations suggest that sulfide inclusions preserve their peak metamorphic compositions. Pyrrhotite did not revert to pyrite because of the closed system behavior of sulfur in inclusion sulfides. On the other hand, in the rock matrix where the open system behavior of sulfur is permitted, original sulfides were partly to completely altered by the later fluid activity.     

Sulfide minerals in Coal Bed V,minnehaha mine,Sullivan County,Indiana

Polished and thin section examinations of samples from Indiana Coal Bed V (Springfield) have shown three sulfides to be present; namely pyrite, marcasite and sphalerite. Pyrite and marcasite are dominant forms whereas sphalerite is very minor. These sulfides appear to have formed in four distinct stages as judged on the basis of mineralogy and mineral texture. Pyrite occurs as framboids throughout the coal seam, as fibrous crystals in two horizons of the coal and in massive form as cleat fillings and cell fillings in fusinite and semi-fusinite. Marcasite occurs in spherical polycrystalline and twinned grains, as polycrystalline overgrowths on framboids, as cementing material for clusters of framboids, as blocky polycrystalline grains and with pyrite as cell fillings in fusinite and semi-fusinite. Sphalerite occurs exclusively as cell fillings in semi-fusinite. The paragenetic sequence indicates fluctuations in the overall coal bed chemistry. Individual sections display evidence of chemical variation on the micro scale.     

Caledonian formation of gold-bearing sulfide depositions in Early Proterozoic gabbroids in the northern Ladoga region

We have studied Pb isotopic systems of K-feldspar, pyrite, and pyrrhotine from gabbroids and ore of the Velimyaki Early Proterozoic massif in the northern Ladoga region in the southeastern part of the Fennoscandian Shield. The isochronous Pb–Pb age of sulfides has been determined as ～450 Ma, which corresponds to intersection of the regression line with the lead accumulation curve with μ = 10.4–10.8; the model Pb age of sulfides is close to isochronous under the condition that the composition of lead evolved from a geochemical reservoir with an age of 1.9 Ga. The isotopic parameters of the lead in sulfides and K-feldspar indicate their formation in upper crust conditions (μ = ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb > 10). From the obtained data, it follows that the isotopic composition of lead in K-feldspar corresponds to a Proterozoic age (1890 Ma) of magmatic crystallization of the rocks in the massif, and strongly radiogenic lead sulfides testify, with the greatest probability, to the later (Caledonian) formation of sulfide ores.     

Geology,mineralogy, and sulfur isotope geochemistry of the Sargaz Cu–Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit,Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone,Iran

The Sargaz Cu–Zn massive sulfide deposit is situated in the southeastern part of Kerman Province, in the southern Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone of Iran. The stratigraphic footwall of the Sargaz deposit is Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic (?) pillowed basalt, whereas the stratigraphic hanging wall is andesite. Mafic volcanic rocks are overlain by andesitic volcaniclastics and volcanic breccias and locally by heterogeneous debris flows. Rhyodacitic flows and volcaniclastics overlie the sequence of basaltic and andesitic rocks. Based on the bimodal nature of volcanism, the regional geologic setting and petrochemistry of the volcanic rocks, we suggest massive sulfide mineralization in the Sargaz formed in a nascent ensialic back-arc basin. The current reserves (after ancient mining) of the Sargaz deposit are 3 Mt at 1.34% Cu, 0.38% Zn, 0.08%Pb, 0.24 g/t Au, and 7 g/t Ag. The structurally dismembered massive sulfide lens is zoned from a pyrite-rich base, to a pyrite?±?chalcopyrite-rich central part, and a sphalerite–chalcopyrite-rich upper part, with a sphalerite-rich zone lateral to the upper part. The main sulfide mineral is pyrite, with lesser chalcopyrite and sphalerite. The feeder zone, comprised of a vein stockwork consists of quartz–sulfide–sericite pesudobreccia and, in the deepest part, chlorite–quartz–pyrite pesudobreccia. Footwall hydrothermal alteration extends at least 70–80 m below the massive sulfide lens and more than a hundred meters along strike from the massive sulfide lens. Jasper and Fe–Mn bearing chert horizons lateral to the sulfide deposit represent low-temperature hydrothermal precipitates of the evolving hydrothermal system. Based on mineral textures and paragenetic relationships, the growth history of the Sargaz deposit is complex and includes: (1) early precipitation of sulfides (protore) on the seafloor as precipitation of fine-grained anhedral pyrite, sphalerite, quartz, and barite; (2) anhydrite precipitation in open spaces and mineral interstices within the sulfide mound followed by its subsequent dissolution, formation of breccia textures, and mound clasts and precipitation of coarse-grained pyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite–tennantite, galena and barite; (3) replacement of pre-existing sulfides by chalcopyrite precipitated at higher temperatures (zone refining); (4) continued “refining” led to the dissolution of stage 3 chalcopyrite and formation of a base-metal-depleted pyrite body in the lowermost part of the massive sulfide lens; (5) carbonate veins were emplaced into the sulfide lens, replacing stage 2 barite. The δ³⁴S composition of the sulfides ranges from +2.8‰ to +8.5‰ (average, +5.6‰) with a general increase of δ³⁴S ratios with depth within the massive sulfide lens and underlying stockwork zone. The heavier values indicate that some of the sulfur was derived from seawater sulfate that was ultimately thermochemically reduced in deep hydrothermal reaction zones.     

Sulfide Oxidation and Production of Gossans,Ashanti Mine,Ghana

At the Justice mine, in the Ashanti goldfields of southwestern Ghana, chemical weathering of gold- bearing sulfide-rich lodes has produced a series of characteristic mineralogical and geochemical features that are diagnostic. In this type of gold mineralization, the most abundant sulfides are arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite with minor bornite and sphalerite. Gold occurs predominantly as native gold, spatially associated and chemically bound with arsenopyrite. Elsewhere gold-silver tellurides are present in quartz veins. During sulfide oxidation, arsenopyrite is replaced by amorphous and crystalline Fe-Mn arsenates, goethite, hematite, and arsenolite in box- and ladderwork textures. In the extremely weathered gossans exposed at surface or in exploration pits, goethite, hematite, and scorodite are present as pseudomorphs of oxidized arsenopyrite, which can be used as a visual pathfinder for gold-arsenic mineralization. As with arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite alteration produces boxwork and ladderwork textures with the sulfide replaced by goethite, hematite, and a complex limonite. Copper sulfides and goethite replace bornite and chalcopyrite in ladder-type textures. With more intensive weathering, this assemblage is replaced by cuprite, goethite, and hematite. Gold mineralogy in the gossan is complex, with evidence of in situ precipitation of supergene gold as well as alteration of hypogene native gold. The concentration of pathfinder elements decreases in the gossan as a result of supergene leaching. Mass- balance calculations confirm that gossan production largely is in situ and, consequently, the hypogene geochemical dispersion patterns are preserved even though the proportion of many elements decreases as intensity of weathering increases.

The problem remains of discriminating between auriferous and non-auriferous gossans, or those produced by pedological concentration of iron. Although mineral textures such as box-and ladderwork replacement and mineral pseudomorphs are useful field criteria, the most reliable guide for evaluation still is trace-element geochemistry. By use of multi-element discriminant analysis, gossans of different origins can be distinguished (along with their surface expression) from ironstones and barren lateritic soils. In regional reconnaissance studies, the evaluation of trace-element geochemistry as a discriminant along with field mapping may indicate gold potential of even extremely altered products of mineralization and, in so doing, provide a basis for the classification of weathered samples.     

Occurrences of iron sulfides in Ohio coals

The iron sulfides in seven different Ohio coals have been studied by polished-section ore microscopy, scanning electron microscopy augmented with EDS analyses, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The iron sulfides in the coals exhibit a large array of textures and interrelationships which reflect site-specific environmental changes that occurred during the deposition of the sulfides. Sulfide deposition occurred principally during the depositional and diagenetic phases of the formation of the precursor peats. Pyrite and marcasite are present in most of the samples examined. Pyrite occurs as isolated and clustered euhedra, isolated and clustered framboids and spheres, cell-fillings, cleat- and fracture-fillings, replacements of plant debris, and as a porous or spongy-textured variety deposited within and around sulfide masses and grains. Marcasite occurs as polycrystalline spheres, polycrystalline rims and bands within and around clusters of pyrite spheres and framboids, as cell-fillings, and as replacements of plant debris. A typical sequence of iron sulfide deposition in texturally complex sulfide grains and masses is: (1) pyrite framboids or spheres; (2) deposition of marcasite around the relict framboids and clusters of framboids; and (3) spongy pyrite deposited as an outer fringe around sulfide masses and as infillings within the masses. The sulfides exhibit a persistent, although not universal, association with clays, and it is likely that much of the iron now present as sulfides was delivered to the depositional environment adsorbed on clay minerals. The iron sulfides tend to be localized in zones parallel to the banding in the coals. Such localization is most pronounced with respect to specific varieties of iron sulfides such as marcasite spheres, pyrite framboids, zones of pyrite euhedra, and occurrences of texturally complex grains and masses. Such zones are believed to represent depositional environments favorable for the precipitation of specific types of iron sulfides. These stratigraphic microenvironments changed during the times of deposition and diagenesis of the precursor peats and resulted in sequential deposition of the different forms of iron sulfides particularly evident in texturally complex sulfide grains. Chemically significant variables most likely were pH and availability of certain trace elements. The factors favoring precipitation of marcasite rather than pyrite are not clearly understood.The textures of the iron sulfides will prove to be important in understanding the reactivity of pyrite and marcasite in causing acid mine drainage and possibly spontaneous combustion of coal and mine waste, and will be important in the continuing development of effective methods of coal cleaning.     

Two genetic types of volcanic-hosted massive sulfide mineralizations from the Eastern Desert of Egypt

Volcanic-hosted (Cu–Zn–Pb) massive sulfide mineralizations are described from four prospects in the Eastern Desert: Helgate, Maaqal, Derhib, and Abu Gurdi. Helgate and Maaqal prospects are hosted in island arc volcanics in a well-defined stratigraphic level. Massive sulfides form veins and lenses. Although these veins and lenses are locally deformed, sulfides from Helgate and Maaqal prospects show primary depositional features. They form layers and colloidal textures. Sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena are the major sulfides. Gangue minerals are represented by chlorite, quartz, and calcite. The sulfide mineralizations at Helgate and Maaqal are Zn-dominated. Derhib and Abu Gurdi prospects occur as disseminations, small massive lenses, and veins along shear zones in talc tremolite rocks at the contact between metavolcanics and metasedimentary rocks. The host rocks at Derhib and Abu Gurdi are metamorphosed to lower amphibolite facies as revealed by silicate mineral assemblage and chemistry. Chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, and galena are the major sulfide minerals while pyrrhotite is less common. Recrystallization, retexturing and remobilization of sulfide minerals are reflecting postdepositional metamorphic and structural modifications. Electrum and Ag–Pb–Bi tellurides are common accessories. Gangue minerals comprise amphiboles of actinolite and actinolitic hornblende composition, talc, and chlorite. The ores at Derhib and Abu Gurdi are Cu–Zn and Zn-dominated, respectively. The distinct geological, petrographical, and geochemical differences between sulfide mineralizations at Helgate–Maaqal on one hand and Derhib and Abu Gurdi on the other hand suggest two genetic types of sulfide mineralizations; Helgate–Maaqal prospects (type 1) are similar to the Archean analogs from Canada (Noranda type), while Derhib and Abu Gurdi (type 2) show similarity to ophiolite-associated deposits similar to those described from Cyprus, Oman, and Finland. In genetic type 1, ore minerals were deposited on the seafloor; the role of postdepositional hydrothermal activity is limited. In genetic type 2, base metals were part of the ultramafic rocks and were later redistributed and mobilized during deformation to be deposited along shear zones. The dominance and diversity of tellurides in genetic type 2 highlight the role of metamorphic–hydrothermal fluids.     

Microchemical Characterization of Natural Gold and Copper Alloys from the Ancient Um Shashoba Gold Mine,South Egypt

The SEM-EDX technique was applied to investigate Au, and Cu＋Sn alloyed grains in the mineralization of the Um Shashoba mine for achieving further understanding of occurrences, internal structures and microchemistry of Au and Cu alloys and associated minerals, and mineralization type. This study is aiming at the genetic history of ore-bearing fluid events, geochemical evaluation and exploration significance. The results showed that the mineralization could be considered as a single major episode generated by metamorphic mesothermal solution rich in sulfides and unsaturated respect to Au. It was differentiated into many stages; started with formation of auriferous pyrite that was pseudomorphed by secondary hematite, limonite and goethite. Three phases of Au alloy were precipitated, and Cu＋Sn and Ag-rich alloys were produced respectively and followed by deposition of two generations of barren pyrite. Calcite and ankerite were crystalized, surrounded and partially replaced some of early formed minerals. Finally, barren muscovite recrystallized around and inside both later formed carbonate minerals that were free of any sign of Au in their structures. The processes of deformation, recrystallization, annealing, dissolution, remobilization and re-precipitation played the most important roles in the genetic history of the mineralization.