The Jabali nonsulfide Zn–Pb–Ag deposit,western Yemen

The Jabali Zn–Pb–Ag deposit is located about 110 km east of Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, along the western border of the Marib-Al-Jawf/Sab'atayn basin. The economic mineralization at Jabali is a nonsulfide deposit, consisting of 8.7 million tons at an average grade of 9.2% zinc, derived from the oxidation of primary sulfides. The rock hosting both primary and secondary ores is a strongly dolomitized carbonate platform limestone of the Jurassic Shuqra Formation (Amran Group). The primary sulfides consist of sphalerite, galena and pyrite/marcasite. Smithsonite is the most abundant economic mineral in the secondary deposit, and is associated with minor hydrozincite, hemimorphite, acanthite and greenockite. Smithsonite occurs as two main generations: smithsonite 1, which replaces both host dolomite and sphalerite, and smithsonite 2, occurring as concretions and vein fillings in the host rock. At the boundary between smithsonite 1 and host dolomite, the latter is widely replaced by broad, irregular bands of Zn-bearing dolomite, where Zn has substituted for Mg. The secondary mineralization evolved through different stages: 1) alteration of original sulfides (sphalerite, pyrite and galena), and release of metals in acid solutions; 2) alteration of dolomite host rock and formation of Zn-bearing dolomite; 3) partial dissolution of dolomite by metal-carrying acid fluids and replacement of dolomite and Zn-bearing dolomite by a first smithsonite phase (smithsonite 1). To this stage also belong the direct replacement of sphalerite and galena by secondary minerals (smithsonite and cerussite); 4) precipitation of a later smithsonite phase (smithsonite 2) in veins and cavities, together with Ag- and Cd-sulfides.The δ¹⁸O composition of Jabali smithsonite is generally lower than in other known supergene smithsonites, whereas the carbon isotope composition is in the same range of the negative δ¹³C values recorded in most supergene nonsulfide ores. Considering that the groundwaters and paleo-groundwaters in this area of Yemen have negative δ¹⁸O values, it can be assumed that the Jabali smithsonite precipitated in different stages from a combination of fluids, possibly consisting of local groundwaters variably mixed with low-temperature hydrothermal waters. The carbon isotope composition is interpreted as a result of mixing between carbon from host rock carbonates and soil/atmospheric CO₂.The most favorable setting for the development of the Jabali secondary deposit could be placed in the early Miocene (~ 17 Ma), when supergene weathering was favored by major uplift and exhumation resulting from the main phase of Red Sea extension. Low-temperature hydrothermal fluids may have also circulated at the same time, through the magmatically-induced geothermal activity in the area.     

The solubility control of rare earth elements in natural terrestrial waters and the significance of PO 4 3− and CO 3 2− in limiting dissolved rare earth concentrations: A review of recent information

Rare earth element (REE) concentrations in alkaline lakes, circumneutral pH groundwaters, and an acidic freshwater lake were determined along with the free carbonate, free phosphate, and free sulfate ion concentrations. These parameters were used to evaluate the saturation state of these waters with respect to REE phosphate and carbonate precipitates. Our activity product estimates indicate that the alkaline lake waters and groundwaters are approximately saturated with respect to the REE phosphate precipitates but are significantly undersaturated with respect to REE carbonate and sulfate precipitates. On the other hand, the acidic lake waters are undersaturated with respect to REE sulfate, carbonate, and phosphate precipitates. Although carbonate complexes tend to dominate the speciation of the REEs in neutral and alkaline waters, our results indicate that REE phosphate precipitates are also important in controlling REE behavior. More specifically, elevated carbonate ion concentrations in neutral to alkaline natural waters tend to enhance dissolved REE concentrations through the formation of stable REE-carbonate complexes whereas phosphate ions tend to lead to the removal of the REEs from solution in these waters by the formation of REE-phosphate salts. Removal of REEs by precipitation as phosphate phases in the acid lake (pH=3.6) is inconsequential, however, due to extremely low [PO ₄ ^3– ] _F concentrations (i.e., 10^–23 mol/kg).     

Meteoric water-basalt interactions. II: A field study in N.E. Iceland

The compositions of rain, snow, melt, spring and geothermal waters from the rift zone of N.E. Iceland can be explained by seaspray addition, chemical fractionation at the seawater-air interface, burning of fossil fuel, farming activities, purification by partial melting of snow and ice, dissolution of basalts and buffering by alteration minerals. The dissolution of the rocks appears to be incongruent. During solute acquisition, spring compositions move through the stability fields of kaolinite and smectite to the laumontite and illite fields. All but four of the springs are undersaturated with respect to calcite. Silica concentrations are compatible with the solubility of basaltic glass. The reactions reflected in the spring waters appear to have taken place sealed off from atmospheric CO₂ after initial saturation.The geothermal waters which are recharged by the spring waters are depleted in Mg and Ca but enriched in carbon and sulfur with respect to dissolution of primary rocks. Expressions are derived relating dissolution rates of rocks, age of groundwaters, physical properties of groundwaters and mass transfer. The characteristic rock particle radii in the cold water aquifers range from 0.2 to 2 cm and the characteristic crack openings are of the order 0.04 to 0.4 cm. Using laboratory studies on the Icelandic lavas as a guide, the residence times of the cold waters in the aquifers can be estimated at 60 days to 4 years. The average active surface area of the aquifers enclosing 1000 g of spring water is of the order of 0.6 to 6 m² and these 1000 g of water have reacted with 0.1 to 1 g of basaltic rocks. The same mass of thermal water has interacted with 100 to 300 g of unaltered rocks.     

Galvanic interactions between galena–sphalerite and their reactivity

The galvanic effect between the main associated mineralogical phases in a mineral sphalerite concentrate was evaluated using an alternative methodology. Comparative voltammetric studies were performed between high purity galena mineral (94.65%) and sphalerite concentrate (content of 78.11% sphalerite, ZnS; 13.64% galena, PbS; 0.57% chalcopyrite, CuFeS₂; 0.41% cadmium sulfide, CdS; and 0.11% arsenopyrite, FeAsS) using carbon paste electrodes (CPE) in order to identify galvanic interactions that affect their reactivity. The electrolyte was an aqueous solution of 0.1 M NaNO₃ (pH 6.5). The results showed that, in sphalerite concentrate, the electrochemical reactivity of the galena was diminished and displaced to more positive potentials with respect to the high purity galena mineral response. This behavior can be attributed to the galvanic protection offered by the sphalerite on the galena, thereby avoiding its free oxidation. On the other hand, sphalerite oxidation was diminished by the formation of a passive products film that is dissolved to more positive potentials which provokes oxidation of other minerals like CuFeS₂, (Zn,Cd)S and FeAsS present in a minor proportion in the sphalerite concentrate.     

Mineralogical and chemical characterization of wastes from the sulfuric acid industry in Falun, Sweden

 Wastes from the sulfuric acid industry are an environmental concern, because of the emission of acids, heavy metals, and sulfate to the environment. The wastes in Falun consist of 70–80% iron oxides, 10–20% silicates, less than 10% residual sulfides, and small amounts of secondary precipitates (iron hydroxides and Fe-, Zn- and Cu-sulfates). Due to the different behavior of sulfides during the roasting process, pyrrhotite and sphalerite are the major sulfide residues associated with lesser amounts of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. The leachates are low-pH and enriched in Zn, Fe, and SO₄. The acid ferric Fe-rich solution promotes the dissolution of sphalerite and favors the formation of Pb-sulfate coatings on galena, providing an armoring effect which slows down the further oxidation of the galena. The residual sulfides are the potential source for acid generation and metal release. During the roasting process, iron oxides retain small amounts of sulfur and sphalerite forms alteration rims containing Zn-oxides. The iron oxides and Zn-oxides are important contributors to SO₄ and Zn in the leachates. The conditions in the waste deposit are favorable for the precipitation of Zn-, Cu-Fe-sulfates (e.g. gunningite, chalcanthite, Zn-copiapite). The highly soluble sulfates play important roles in controlling the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, and SO₄ in the leachates. The mineralogical and geochemical data help to develop the reclamation strategies of this type of industrial wastes. Received: 26 April 1996 · Accepted: 27 July 1996     

Distribution Patterns of Ag in Hydrothermal Precipitates from the Okinawa Trough

The Okinawa Trough is characterized by enrichment of Ag in hydrothermal precipitates; however, the distribution of this enrichment remains poorly constrained. This study presents the results of a field-emission scanning electron microscopy and electron-microprobe analysis based mineralogical and geochemical investigation of the spatial distribution of Ag within Ag-rich sulfide samples from the Okinawa Trough. The tetrahedrite, covellite, and galena in these samples contain high concentrations of Ag(average values of 1.60, 0.78, and 0.23 wt%, respectively) and also various Ag sulfosalts. Examination of the Ag budget of these samples indicates that most of the Ag is hosted by tetrahedrite followed by galena. The Ag within tetrahedrite is incorporated by substitution into the Cu site, whereas galena becomes Ag-enriched by the coupled incorporation of monovalent Ag, Tl, and Cu, and trivalent Sb and Bi into Pb lattice sites. Tetrahedrite and galena containing higher concentrations of Sb favor increased Ag substitution. Four sets of Ag host minerals are identified with distinct ore formation temperatures. Tetrahedrite and galena concentrate the majority of Ag at medium temperatures(150–300°C). Other Ag host minerals concentrate only minor or trace amounts of Ag, including massive sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite at high temperatures(300°C), colloform pyrite and sphalerite at low temperatures(150°C), and Ag-sulfosalts at even lower temperatures(100°C).     

云南保山金厂河铁铜铅锌多金属矿床Rb-Sr等时线测年及其地质意义

金厂河铁铜铅锌多金属矿床位于保山地块北部、NS向保山-施甸复背斜与NNW向澜沧江断裂锐角交汇部位的南部。矿体呈层状、似层状产于寒武系核桃坪组金厂河背斜的层间裂隙中,受NW向、NE向断裂交汇处的控制。选取闪锌矿及其共生的方铅矿、黄铜矿、石英样品,应用Rb-Sr同位素测年方法,获得闪锌矿等时线年龄为（118.9±5.9） Ma,闪锌矿+方铅矿等时线年龄为（119.3±1.7） Ma,闪锌矿+黄铜矿等时线年龄为（120.3±5.1） Ma,闪锌矿+石英等时线年龄为（117.0±2.4） Ma,闪锌矿+方铅矿+石英等时线年龄为（118.7±1.5） Ma,闪锌矿+方铅矿+黄铜矿等时线年龄为（119.6±1.6） Ma,闪锌矿+方铅矿+黄铜矿+石英等时线年龄为（118.9±1.4） Ma。Rb-Sr定年结果表明,金厂河铁铜铅锌多金属矿床的成矿时代为117~120 Ma,为早白垩世。热液矿物组合的 （⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr）_i平均值为0.713?885,与保山地块内志本山岩体的（⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr）_i值接近,指示其成矿物质主要来源于地壳,成矿作用与保山地块内燕山晚期花岗岩岩浆活动有关,结合矿区重力负异常特点,推测矿区内存在隐伏的中-酸性岩体。通过地球动力学背景探讨,认为该矿床的形成可能是对中特提斯洋闭合过程中腾冲地块与保山地块碰撞造山作用的响应,与地块内部受碰撞影响而导致地壳深熔所产生的岩浆作用有关。     

Hydrochemical characteristics of Lastochka Spa (Primorye, Far East of Russia)

This study presents new data on major, trace and REE element concentration of groundwaters in Lastochka spa located in the northern part of Primorye, Far East of Russia. The studied area is characterized by two types of groundwaters issued from a spring and wells: fresh waters with low mineralization (Total Dissolved Solids is up to 400 mg/l) and high pCO₂ waters with high mineralization (TDS is up to 4700 mg/l). New data and previous δ¹³C_(TIC), oxygen (δ¹⁸O) and hydrogen (δ²H) isotope data indicate that these waters result from meteoric water infiltration in the Sikhote–Alin mountain, circulating at shallow depths in sedimentary rocks. CO₂ in groundwater is of mantle origin.     

A geochemical evaluation of perennial spring activity and associated mineral precipitates at Expedition Fjord,Axel Heiberg Island,Canadian High Arctic

Two groups of perennial springs are observed in the Canadian High Arctic at Expedition Fjord on Axel Heiberg Island at Colour Peak and Gypsum Hill. Saline discharge (∼1.3–2.5 molal NaCl) produces a variety of calcite (travertine) and gypsum-rich precipitates. Saturation index calculations of the spring waters at Colour Peak suggest CO₂ degassing from the waters causes calcite precipitation. Gypsum precipitation dominates at Gypsum Hill, where spring waters have lower alkalinity and higher SO₄ concentrations. Mineral accumulations form both channel and rimstone pool morphologies as a result of varying slope conditions. At Colour Peak, confined flow in steep slope areas develop massive structures in contrast to more friable, porous accumulations in areas where waters fan out on shallower slopes; these morphological variations lead to corresponding varying apparent rates of mineral precipitation. Mineral precipitation at Gypsum Hill is far less notable as a result of lower discharge rates and annual degradation by icing formation. Microscopic observations and geochemical analyses of the channel precipitates at Colour Peak reveal alternating light (calcite spar) and dark (anhedral microcrystalline calcite combined with organic matter and non-carbonate minerals) laminae. Rimstone pools forming in lower sections of spring discharge are composed of accumulations of large euhedral calcite crystals interbedded with allochthonous inputs. High concentration of dissolved solids is responsible for slow travertine precipitation rates, which occurs during winter. This precipitation is further retarded during summer months by the introduction of crystal growth inhibitors such as Fe³⁺ and deposition of organic matter and soil sediments.     

Features of acid–saline systems of Southern Australia

The discovery of layered, SO₄-rich sediments on the Meridiani Planum on Mars has focused attention on understanding the formation of acid–saline lakes. Many salt lakes have formed in southern Australia where regional groundwaters are characterized by acidity and high salinity and show features that might be expected in the Meridiani sediments. Many (but not all) of the acid–saline Australian groundwaters are found where underlying Tertiary sediments are sulfide-rich. When waters from the formations come to the surface or interact with oxidised meteoric water, acid groundwaters result. In this paper examples of such waters around Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, and Lake Dey-Dey, South Australia, are reviewed. The acid–saline groundwaters typically have dissolved solids of 30–60 g/L and pH commonly <4.5. Many contain high concentrations of Fe and other metals, leached from local sediments. The combination of acidity and salinity also releases Ra. Around salt-lakes, these acidic waters often emerge at the surface in marginal spring zones where the low density (ρ ∼ 1.04) regional water flows out over the denser (ρ ∼ 1.16) lake brines. In the spring zones examined, large amounts of Fe are commonly precipitated. In a few places minerals of the alunite-jarosite family are formed which can trap many other metals, including Ra. The studied groundwater systems were discovered by U exploration programs following up radiometric anomalies related to this Ra. Evaporation concentrates the lesser soluble salts (gypsum and some halite) on the surface of the lakes. The lake brines contain most of the more soluble salts and form a column within the porous sediments which is held in place by hydrostatic forces around the salt-lake. These brines are near-neutral in pH.     

Rapid development of negative Ce anomalies in surface waters and contrasting REE patterns in groundwaters associated with Zn–Pb massive sulphide deposits

Ground and surface waters collected from two undisturbed Zn–Pb massive sulphide deposits (the Halfmile Lake and Restigouche deposits) and active mines in the Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC), NB, Canada were analysed for the rare earth elements (REE). REE contents are highly variable in waters of the BMC, with higher contents typical of waters with higher Fe and lower pH. There are significant differences between ground- and surface waters and between groundwaters from different deposits. The REE contents of surface waters are broadly similar within and between deposit areas, although there are spatial variations reflecting differences in pH and redox conditions. Surface waters are characterised by strong negative Ce anomalies ([Ce/Ce*]_NASC as low as 0.08), produced by oxidation of Ce³⁺ to Ce⁴⁺ and preferential removal of Ce⁴⁺ from solution upon leaving the shallow groundwater environment. Groundwaters and seeps typically lack significant Ce anomalies reflecting generally more reducing conditions in the subsurface environment and indicating that Ce oxidation is a rapid process in the surface waters. Deeper groundwaters at the Halfmile Lake deposit are characterised by REE patterns that are similar to the host lithologies, whereas most groundwaters at the Restigouche deposit have LREE-depleted patterns compared to NASC. Halfmile Lake deposit groundwaters have generally lower pH values, whereas Restigouche deposit groundwaters show greater heavy REE-complexation by carbonate ions. Shallow waters at the Halfmile Lake and Stratmat Main Zone deposits have unusual patterns which reflect either the adsorption of light REE onto colloids and fracture-zone minerals and/or precipitation of REE–phosphate minerals. Middle REE-enrichment is typical for ground- and surface waters and is highest for neutral pH waters. The labile portion of stream sediments are generally more middle REE-enriched than total sediment and surface waters indicating that the REE are removed from solution by adsorption to Fe- and Mn-oxyhydroxides in the order middle REE≥light REE>heavy REE.     

广东天堂铜铅锌多金属矿床Rb-Sr等时线年龄及其地质意义

文章选取8件闪锌矿、3件方铅矿和1件黄铁矿样品,采用Rb-Sr等时线定年方法测定天堂铜铅锌多金属矿床的成矿时代.获得闪锌矿等时线年龄为(98.1±1.6) Ma,闪锌矿+方铅矿等时线年龄为(99±2)Ma,闪锌矿+方铅矿+黄铁矿等时线年龄为(98.2±1.3) Ma,闪锌矿+黄铁矿等时线年龄为(97.87±0.96) Ma,方铅矿+黄铁矿等时线年龄为(98.6±4.2) Ma.Rb-Sr定年结果表明,天堂铜铅锌多金属矿床的成矿时代为98 Ma左右,矿床形成于晚白垩世早期,可能与135Ma之后太平洋板块的运动方向发生转向,使得中国大陆包括华南板块在内均处于持续伸展阶段有关.硫化物矿石Rb-Sr所得的Sr同位素初始比(87Sr/86Sr)i平均值为0.7117,小于陆源硅酸盐的值(0.720),高于地幔Sr的初始值0.707,结合笔者对该矿床所做的S、Pb等同位素组成特征研究,显示成矿物质来源于壳幔混合.研究表明,利用特定矿床的主要矿石矿物,采用Rb-Sr等时线定年方法通过共生矿物组合和单矿物相互约束,可以有效地确定成矿时代,这对了解矿床的成矿背景等具有一定的指示意义.     

柿竹园和香炉山W多金属矿床中硫化物微量元素特征:来自原位LA-ICP-MS分析

华南包括两个世界级的W矿带,分别是南岭和江南造山带W成矿带。柿竹园W多金属矿床位于南岭地区,香炉山W矿床位于江南造山带东北部。两个矽卡岩W矿床都发育硫化物成矿阶段。但硫化物和成矿元素组成存在显著的差异。前者由含Pb、Zn、Ag硫化物和黝铜矿、银黝铜矿、含Ag斜方辉铅铋矿和铁硫锡铜矿硫盐组成;后者主要为磁黄铁矿。柿竹园远接触带Pb-Zn-Ag矿脉中硫化物(闪锌矿、黄铜矿、方铅矿和磁黄铁矿)较富集B、Mn、Cr、Sb、Sn和Hg,香炉山似层状矽卡岩和硫化物-白钨矿矿体中硫化物(磁黄铁矿、黄铜矿和闪锌矿)较富集W、Se和Bi。两个矿床中黄铜矿、闪锌矿和方铅矿较富集Ag,黄铜矿、闪锌矿富集In和Sn,闪锌矿还富集Cd。两个矿床中的硫化物微量元素分析表明与矽卡岩W矿成矿相关的硫化物可载有多种微量元素。这些元素参与到硫化物中程度由多种因素控制。具体如下,硫化物中B含量高低与成矿相关岩体中B含量相关;在相对高温和还原条件下,硫化物中W含量较高;闪锌矿中Mn和Cd与Zn发生取代作用; Cr可以一定程度进入到硫化物中,并受成矿流体中Cr含量影响; Se与S发生了一定程度的取代进入硫化物,并受流体中它的含量控制; Bi在闪锌矿与黄铜矿易形成固溶体;硫化物中Sb含量受初始流体中它的含量影响,方铅矿中易包裹一定的辉锑矿(Sb_2S_3)或含Sb的硫盐矿物; Ag是否形成独立的矿物相和进入哪些硫化物中,取决于流体中Ag的初始含量和硫化物的沉淀次序;硫化物中Hg的含量受温度影响。     

Stable isotope and fluid inclusion studies on the Mount Black lead‐zinc deposit,southern New South Wales

The Mount Black Pb‐Zn deposit is a quartz‐galena‐sphalerite replacement body in the Silurian Cooleman Limestone. Fluid inclusion homogenisation temperatures range from 120° to 170°C for paragenetically early sphalerite, to 210° to 315°C for late quartz, and 245° to 320°C for calcite from contiguous recrystallised limestone. Fluid salinities increased with rising temperature, during deposition of the minerals, and the fluid composition changed from NaCl‐rich to possibly CaCl₂‐NaCl (‐?MgCl₂)‐rich brines.

δ³⁴S values of sphalerite and galena range from —8.1 to —2.7 per mil, and —13,5 to —4.4 per mil respectively. Although a magmatic source for sulphur is not excluded, it is suggested that most probably the sulphur was derived by biogenic reduction of sea‐water sulphate during diagenesis. Carbon and oxygen isotope data for the Cooleman Limestone range from compositions typical of Silurian marine carbonate in samples distant from the deposit, to fluctuating, but ¹²C‐ and ¹⁶O‐enriched in recrystallised material adjacent to the quartz‐sulphide rocks. ¹²C‐enrichment probably reflects organic carbon oxidation during karst formation, continuing later during limestone recrystallisation and accompanied by ¹⁶O‐enrichment during the action of saline formation waters.

The process of formation of the Mount Black deposit may have been analogous to that of Mississippi Valley‐type deposits, but modified by and/or resulting from, an increasing geothermal gradient caused by nearby synchronous intrusions.     

Redox chemistry of uranium and iron,radium geochemistry,and uranium isotopes in the groundwaters of the Lode`ve Basin,Massif Central,France

This paper discusses the geochemistry, origin and evolution of groundwaters in the Lode`ve Basin Massif Central, France, including major and trace elements (U, Ra, Ba and Fe) and the significance of the redox potential. These groundwaters originate from thermal waters by CO₂ outgassing and mixing with meteoric waters. The measured redox potential (Eh > −50 mV) is generally controlled by the ferric oxide-Fe²⁺ equilibrium; below this potential the groundwaters are saturated with respect to FeS.Redox systems other than Fe are not necessarily at equilibrium, and this is particularly true for U. In the relatively reduced waters (Eh< 100mV), U concentrations may be controlled by coffinite or uraninite. Above 100 mV, U concentrations range from 10 to 200 ppb; they correspond either to mineral dissolution, or could be controlled by an oxidized mineral.Radium mobility is strongly dependent on SO₄ concentration, and it coprecipitates with barite. Radium probably has its origin in calcium-sodium bicarbonate type waters and is not related to U mineralization.     

贵州筲箕湾铅锌矿床硫化物中Tl-Cd-Ga富集机制及地质意义

筲箕湾铅锌矿床位于黔西北铅锌成矿区中部,为该区铅锌矿床中的又一典型代表,其金属资源量（Pb＋Zn）超过20万t。本文利用电感耦合等离子体质谱（ICP-MS）分析了不同类型矿石中原生矿石硫化物（黄铁矿、闪锌矿和方铅矿）中分散元素含量,结果显示除Cd含量较高外,Ga、In、Se、Tl和Re的富集程度均较低。不同分散元素在硫化物中表现出不同的富集规律,表现为Ga含量在闪锌矿中最高,黄铁矿次之,方铅矿最低;方铅矿中Tl含量高于闪锌矿,黄铁矿最低;Cd在闪锌矿中含量最高,方铅矿次之,黄铁矿最低;从黄铁矿→方铅矿→闪锌矿In含量依次升高;Re含量表现出在闪锌矿中最高,黄铁矿次之,方铅矿最低;Se富集程度从黄铁矿→方铅矿→闪锌矿依次升高。Ga、In和Re在不同颜色闪锌矿中富集程度相似,而Se、Cd和Tl则相对富集在棕色闪锌矿中。统计发现闪锌矿中Zn含量与Cd、Ga含量不呈类质同象的负相关特征,而其中的Fe含量与Cd、Ga含量间表现出曲线相关或负相关特征,暗示Cd、Ga可能是通过替代先进入闪锌矿中的Fe而占据其晶格,这可能是一种新的机制。闪锌矿Ga、Cd、In含量及Ga/In、Zn/Cd比值等参数,指示筲箕湾铅锌矿床形成于中-高温条件,其矿床成因类型与沉积-改造型相似。     

Sulfide oxidation and distribution of metals near abandoned copper mines in coastal environments,Prince William Sound,Alaska, USA

The oxidation of sulfide-rich rocks, mostly leftover debris from Cu mining in the early 20th century, is contributing to metal contamination of local coastal environments in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Analyses of sulfide, water, sediment, precipitate and biological samples from the Beatson, Ellamar, and Threeman mine sites show that acidic surface waters generated from sulfide weathering are pathways for redistribution of environmentally important elements into and beyond the intertidal zone at each site. Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits composed of pyrrhotite and (or) pyrite + chalcopyrite + sphalerite with subordinate galena, arsenopyrite, and cobaltite represent potent sources of Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Co, Cd, and Hg. The resistance to oxidation among the major sulfides increases in the order pyrrhotite ? sphalerite < chalcopyrite ? pyrite; thus, pyrrhotite-rich rocks are typically more oxidized than those dominated by pyrite. The pervasive alteration of pyrrhotite begins with rim replacement by marcasite followed by replacement of the core by sulfur, Fe sulfate, and Fe–Al sulfate. The oxi dation of chalcopyrite and pyrite involves an encroachment by colloform Fe oxyhydroxides at grain margins and along crosscutting cracks that gradually consumes the entire grain. The complete oxidation of sulfide-rich samples results in a porous aggregate of goethite, lepidocrocite and amorphous Fe-oxyhydroxide enclosing hydrothermal and sedimentary silicates. An inverse correlation between pH and metal concentrations is evident in water data from all three sites. Among all waters sampled, pore waters from Ellamar beach gravels have the lowest pH (∼3) and highest concentrations of base metals (to ∼25,000 μg/L), which result from oxidation of abundant sulfide-rich debris in the sediment. High levels of dissolved Hg (to 4100 ng/L) in the pore waters probably result from oxidation of sphalerite-rich rocks. The low-pH and high concentrations of dissolved Fe, Al, and SO₄ are conducive to precipitation of interstitial jarosite in the intertidal gravels. Although pore waters from the intertidal zone at the Threeman mine site have circumneutral pH values, small amounts of dissolved Fe²⁺ in the pore waters are oxidized during mixing with seawater, resulting in precipitation of Fe-oxyhydroxide flocs along the beach–seawater interface. At the Beatson site, surface waters funneled through the underground mine workings and discharged across the waste dumps have near-neutral pH (6.7–7.3) and a relatively small base-metal load; however, these streams probably play a role in the physical transport of metalliferous particulates into intertidal and offshore areas during storm events. Somewhat more acidic fluids, to pH 5.3, occur in stagnant seeps and small streams emerging from the Beatson waste dumps. Amorphous Fe precipitates in stagnant waters at Beatson have high Cu (5.2 wt%) and Zn (2.3 wt%) concentrations that probably reflect adsorption onto the extremely high surface area of colloidal particles. Conversely, crystalline precipitates composed of ferrihydrite and schwertmannite that formed in the active flow of small streams have lower metal contents, which are attributed to their smaller surface area and, therefore, fewer reactive sorption sites. Seeps containing precipitates with high metal contents may contribute contaminants to the marine environment during storm-induced periods of high runoff. Preliminary chemical data for mussels (Mytilus edulis) collected from Beatson, Ellamar, and Threeman indicate that bioaccumulation of base metals is occurring in the marine environment at all three sites.     

Ore-microscopic and geochemical characteristics of gold-bearing sulfide minerals,El Sid Gold mine,Eastern Desert,Egypt

Gold deposits at El Sid are confined to hydrothermal quartz veins which contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite and galena. These veins occur at the contact between granite and serpentinite and extend into the serpentinite through a thick zone of graphite schist. Gold occurs in the mineralized zone either as free gold in quartz gangue or dissolved in the sulfide minerals. Ore-microscopic study revealed that Au-bearing sulfides were deposited in two successive stages with early pyrite and arsenopyrite followed by sphalerite and galena. Gold was deposited during both stages, largely intergrown with sphalerite and filling microfractures in pyrite and arsenopyrite.Spectrochemical analyses of separated pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite and galena showed that these sulfides have similar average Au contents. Pyrite is relatively depleted in Ag and Te. This suggests that native gold was deposited in the early stage of mineralization. Arsenopyrite and galena show relatively high concentrations of Te. They are also respectively rich in Au and Ag. Tellurides are, thus, expected to be deposited together with arsenopyrite and galena.     

铅锌硫化矿物从铅-锌-还原型硫热液系统中晶出时的硫同位素分馏规律

本文试图在Pinckney及Rafter(1972)工作的基础上讨论闪锌矿和方铅矿同时从铅锌-还原型硫热液系统中晶出时的硫同位素分馏规律。     

Natural arsenic contamination in waters from the Pesariis village,NE Italy

High arsenic (As) concentrations, >900 μg/L, were measured in Ca–Mg–SO₄ waters from springs and drainages in the village of Pesariis in the Carnic Alps (NE Italy). Oxidation of the outcropping arsenian marcasite ore deposits of the area is proposed as the mechanism for As release into oxygenated waters during runoff. Nevertheless, the limited extension of the ore deposit and the relatively low As content of the mineralization suggest that sulfide weathering might not be the only process responsible for the highest As concentration in groundwaters. An additional mechanism involves As adsorption onto ferric iron particulate during oxidation, the drawdown in reducing environment at depth during water infiltration, and the release of ferrous iron and sorbed arsenic to the water columns by reductive dissolution of hydrous ferric oxides (HFO). This yields the observed Fe–As correlation. Newly formed HFO precipitates when groundwaters discharge to aerated conditions, leading to the removal of As, which strongly partitions into the iron-rich sediments, adsorbed onto the surface of amorphous Fe₂O₃·xH₂O. The calculated and measured As concentration in sediments exceeds 10% by weight. Furthermore, geochemical and isotopic data indicate that the As-rich reservoir partly mixes with shallower aquifers, commonly tapped for drinking supply, representing a natural hazard for inhabitants.