Pliocene marine deposits at Punta Maldonado, Guerrero state, Mexico

Diverse and abundant Foraminifera and Ostracoda assemblages were recovered from a measured stratigraphic section at Punta Maldonado, Guerrero state, Mexico. The planktonic species indicate an early Pliocene age, between 5.3 and 3.6 Ma; an early late Pliocene (around 2.4 Ma) planktonic assemblage also was recorded from isolated deposits. These ages contradict the Cretaceous–Paleogene age previously assigned to the sedimentary succession at Punta Maldonado. All indicators—benthic assemblages, ichnofacies, lithology, grain size, primary structures, mineralogy, body rock geometry, and facies—suggest deposition in the foreshore and offshore transition zones of a storm-dominated shallow siliciclastic shelf. The Ostracoda and Foraminifera indicate deposition around the outer neritic/upper bathyal boundary, which suggests an uplift of 320–400 m in the area during the Pliocene. This study represents the first report of Pliocene marine rocks in the southwestern coast of Mexico; the data presented contribute to regional geotectonic models.     

Biological influences on modern sulfates: Textures and composition of gypsum deposits from Guerrero Negro,Baja California Sur,Mexico

Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) deposits from a range of sedimentary environments at Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico were investigated for microscale texture and composition in order to differentiate features formed under substantial microbial influence from those for which microbial effects were relatively minor or absent. Gypsum deposits were classified according to their sedimentary environment, textures, crystal habit, brine composition and other geochemical factors. The environments studied included subaqueous sediments in anchialine pools and in solar salterns, as well as subsurface sediments of mudflats and saltpans. Gypsum that developed in the apparent absence of biofilms included crystals precipitated in the water column and subsedimentary discs that precipitated from phreatic brines. Subsedimentary gypsum developed in sabkha environments exhibited a sinuous microtexture and poikilitically enclosed detrital particles. Water column precipitates had euhedral prismatic habits and extensive penetrative twinning. Gypsum deposits influenced by biofilms included bottom nucleated crusts and gypsolites developing in anchialine pools and saltern ponds. Gypsum precipitating within benthic biofilms, and in biofilms within subaerial sediment surfaces provided compelling evidence of biological influences on crystal textures and habits. This evidence included irregular, high relief surface textures, accessory minerals (S°, Ca-carbonate, Sr/Ca-sulfate and Mg-hydroxide) and distinctive crystal habits such as equant forms and crystals having distorted prism faces.     

On the Yangtze—type Copper Deposits and Their Polygentic Origin

The so-called“Yangtze-type”copper deposits include:（1）Cu-bearing massive pyrite bed ,(2)Cu-bearing skarn and magnetite-type ore deposits,with replacement Cu-vein-type deposits near the metasomatic zone,and (3)mineralized intrusive bodies and breccia pipes ,some of which are known as porphyry copper ores(e.g.Chengmenshan).This type of ore deposits is a typical example to verify the polygenesis of inost of the deposits in China,as has been promoted by Prof.Tu Guangchi in view of the polycyclic development of the geological history in China.This paper is con-cemed with one sub-type of such deposits.     

Fluorite deposits at Encantada–Buenavista, Mexico: products of Mississippi Valley type processes

Petroleum and aqueous fluid inclusions from the Encantada–Buenavista fluorite mineralized zone in northern Mexico were analyzed by microthermometry, UV fluorescence, Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM) to evaluate the geochemical evolution of the mineralizing fluids. Two-phase (petroleum or brine+vapor) and three-phase (petroleum+brine+vapor) inclusions are described. Aqueous and petroleum-rich inclusions commonly occur in the same plane. Vapor-decrepitated and stretched fluid inclusions are present. A low-salinity methane-saturated fluid and a high salinity-fluid with highly variable methane contents are recognized. H₂S is not quantified but is always detected in close association with methane. Petroleum inclusions are of two types: a low methane petroleum fluid (20 mol%) with low T_h (60 °C) and a petroleum fluid with a methane of content near 30 mol% and a T_h of 90 °C.Pressure and temperature diagrams for the aqueous and petroleum inclusions show three main intersects that allow P–T–X reconstruction of fluid evolution at La Encantada–Buenavista. A CH₄- and H₂S-rich low-salinity brine was mixed with oil that migrated under hydrostatic conditions with a thermal gradient of 70 °C/km. The arrival and mixing of a high-salinity aqueous fluid produced overpressure to 300 bars. A return to hydrostatic conditions was accompanied by an increase in the thermal gradient.The brine related to the fluorite orebodies appears to have a genetic relationship with the brines reported from the Jurassic petroleum basins located west of the fluorite bodies and similarities with reported fluids from Mississippi Valley type deposits. It is interpreted that the fluorine-rich fluids migrated toward the platform margins during the mid-Tertiary (30 to 32 Ma) using extension zones related to Basin and Range tectonism. Mixing of two different brines was responsible for precipitation and mineralization. Heat from magmas, related to tectonic extension, caused decrepitation and changes in the shape of fluid inclusions near the contact zones.     

Textural and fluid inclusion constraints on the origin of the banded-iron-formation-hosted gold deposits at Maevatanana,central Madagascar

The Maevatanana deposits consist of gold-bearing quartz–sulphide veins crosscutting banded iron formation (BIF) within a metamorphosed 2.5 Ga greenstone belt. The host rocks are dominated by a sequence of migmatites, gneisses, amphibolites, magnetite-rich quartzites and soapstones, intruded by large granitoid batholiths (e.g. the 0.8 Ga Beanana granodiorite). In the mineralised rocks, pyrite is the dominant sulphide, in addition to accessory chalcopyrite and galena. Outside the immediate ore zone, the BIF is dominated by quartz + magnetite ± hematite, accompanied by cummingtonite, albite and biotite. Gold occurs as globular grains (usually <500 μm) within quartz crystals close to the sulphides and as invisible inclusions within pyrite and chalcopyrite (up to 2,500 ppm Au content). Fluid inclusion textural and microthermometric studies indicate heterogeneous trapping of a low-salinity (∼3.6 wt.% eq. NaCl) aqueous fluid coexisting with a carbonic fluid. Evidence for fluid-phase immiscibility during ore formation includes variable L/V ratios in the inclusions and the fact that inclusions containing different phase proportions occur in the same area, growth zone, or plane. Laser Raman spectroscopy confirms that the vapour phase in these inclusions is dominated by CO₂ but shows that it may contain small amounts of CH₄ (<1 mol%), H₂S (<0.05 mol%) and traces of N₂. Fluid inclusion trapping conditions ranged from 220 to 380°C and averaged 250°C. Pressure was on the order of 1–2 kbar. The abundant CO₂ and low salinity of the inclusions suggest a metamorphic origin for the fluid. Likewise, the presence of H₂S in the fluid and pyritisation of the wall-rock indicate that gold was likely transported by sulphide complexing. Fluid immiscibility was probably triggered by the pressure released by fracturing of the quartzites during fault movements due to competence differences with the softer greenstones. Fracturing greatly enhanced fluid circulation through the BIF, allowing reaction of the sulphide-bearing fluids with the iron oxides. This caused pyrite deposition and concomitant Au precipitation, enhanced by fluid phase separation as H₂S partitioned preferentially into the carbonic phase.     

Deep marine arc apron deposits and syndepositional magmatism in the Alisitos group at Punta Cono, Baja California, Mexico

Rocks exposed at Punta Cono include very fine-grained to coarse-grained tuffs, lapilli tuffs, and tuff breccias deposited in a deep marine environment. Syndepositional basaltic intrusive activity was common. In one locality a hyaloclastite-peperite complex formed. Slumped sections with fluidal basalt ‘clasts’, derived from intrusions that entered the sediment pile from below, are present elsewhere. Abundant soft-sediment folds in fine-grained laminated subaqueous fall-out tuff suggest steep gradients; these are cut by shallow channels filled with coarse-grained tuff, lapilli tuff, and rare tuff breccia. The combination of marine fossils, extreme textural immaturity, abundant slump features, and syndepositional magmatism indicates deposition upon the submarine flanks of an active volcano. Recognition of magma-wet sediment interaction is hampered in volcaniclastic rocks because of the similarity between host and intrusive fragments. Products of magma-water-sediment interactions at Punta Maria include: (1) jigsaw-puzzle hyaloclastite, formed by non-explosive hydroclastic fragmentation of magma upon contact with water and water-bearing sediment; (2) peperites, produced by mixing of magma with sediment; and (3) an unusual tuff breccia unit, the result of non-explosive mixing of ‘wisps’of lava with sediment during remobilization of an unconsolidated section. Low-explosivity magma-water-sediment interactions are favoured by relatively high hydrostatic pressures in sub-wave base settings.     

Ductile deformations of opposite vergence in the eastern part of the Guerrero Terrane (SW Mexico)

The Teloloapan volcanic arc in SW Mexico represents the easternmost unit of the Guerrero Terrane. It is overthrust by the Arcelia volcanic unit and is thrust over the Guerrero–Morelos carbonate platform. These major structures result from two closely related tectonic events: first, an eastward verging, ductile deformation (D1) characterized by an axial-plane schistosity (S1) supporting an E–W trending mineral stretching lineation (L1) and associated with synschistose isoclinal, curvilinear folds (F1). Numerous kinematic indicators such as asymmetrical pressure-shadows, porphyroclast systems, and micro-shear bands (S–C structures) indicate a top-to-the-east shear along L1. This first deformation was followed by another ductile event (D2) that produced a crenulation cleavage (S2) associated with westward overturned folds (F2), hence showing that the vergence of D2 is opposite to that of D1. Regionally, both D1 and D2 deformations have been identified east and west of the Teloloapan unit, in the Arcelia volcanic rocks as well as in the Mexcala flysch of Late Cretaceous age overlying the Guerrero–Morelos platform. This implies that all three units were deformed and thrust simultaneously, during the Late Cretaceous or Paleocene, prior to the deposition of the overlying, undeformed Eocene red beds of the Balsas group.     

Fluid inclusion and stable isotope study of the Cobre–Babilonia polymetallic epithermal vein system, Taxco district, Guerrero, Mexico

The Cobre–Babilonia vein system formed during a single major hydrothermal stage and is part of the Taxco district in Guerrero, southern Mexico. Homogenization and ice melting temperatures range from 160 to 290 °C and from − 11.6 to − 0.5 °C, respectively. We determined an approximate thermal gradient of 17 to 20 °C per 100 m using fluid inclusions. A thermal peak marked by the 290 °C isotherm is interpreted as a major feeder channel to the veins. The highest content of Zn + Pb in ore coincides with the 220 and 240 °C isotherms. Salinities of mineralizing fluids range from 0.8 to 15.6 wt.% NaCl equiv, and are distributed in two populations that can be related with barren or ore-bearing vein sections, with 0.8 to 6 wt.% NaCl equiv and 7 to 15.6 wt.% NaCl equiv, respectively. δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O water values from calcite from the Cobre–Babilonia vein system and the Esperanza Vieja and Guadalupe mantos range − 5.4‰ to − 10.4‰ and 9.9‰ to 13.4‰, respectively. δ³⁴S values range from 0‰ to 3.2‰ and − 0.7‰ to − 4.3‰ in sphalerite, − 4‰ to 0.9‰ in pyrite, and − 1.4‰ to − 5.5‰ in galena. Both fluid inclusion and stable isotope data are compatible with magmatic and meteoric sources for mineralizing fluids. Also, sulfur isotope compositions suggest both magmatic and sedimentary sources for sulfur.     

Uranium isotopic evidence for the origin of the Bahariya iron deposits, Egypt

The economic iron ore deposits of Egypt are located at Bahariya Oasis in the Lower Middle Eocene limestone. The main iron minerals are goethite, hematite, siderite, pyrite, and jarosite. Manganese minerals are pyrolusite and manganite. Gangue minerals are barite, glauconite, gibbsite, alunite, quartz, halite, kaolinite, illite, smectite, palygorskite, and halloysite. Geochemical comparison between the ore and the Nubia sandstone showed that the ore is depleted in the residual elements (Al, Ti, V, and Ni) and enriched in the mobile elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ba, and U) which indicates that the Bahariya iron ore is not a lateritic deposit despite the deep weathering in this area. On the other hand, the Nubia sandstone showed depletion in the mobile elements, which demonstrates the leaching process in the Nubia Aquifer. The presence of such indicator minerals as jarosite, alunite, glauconite, gibbsite, palygorskite, and halloysite indicate that the ore was deposited under strong acidic conditions in fresh water.Isotopic analyses of the uranium in the amorphous and crystalline phases of the ore, in the country rocks, and dissolved in the Nubia Aquifer water, all support the conclusion that U and Fe were precipitated together from warm ascending groundwater. U and Fe display strong co-variation in the ore, and the ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio of the newly precipitated U in the country rock and the leached component of U in the groundwater are identical. There is only slightly more uranium in the amorphous phase than in the crystalline and only a slightly lower ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio, suggesting that the iron in the two phases have a similar origin. Comparison of the excess ²³⁴U in the water and in the total ore leads to the conclusion that the precipitation of the U, and by inference the iron, occurred within the last million years. However, that both precipitation and leaching of U have occurred over the last 300,000 years is evidenced by the extreme ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U disequilibria observed in some of the samples. Some of the amorphous depositional events have been very recent, perhaps within the last 10,000 years.     

Lunar deposits of possible pyroclastic origin

Glass droplets of possible pyroclastic origin are present in the lunar regolith at the Apollo 11, 15, and 17 sites. The droplets may be derived from deposits, interbedded with mare lava flows, which have been partly mixed into the regolith by impact processes. Orange glass droplets from the Apollo 17 site (spheres, ovoids, broken droplets) are both chemically and texturally homogeneous and have rare olivine phenocrysts. None of the droplets contain shock damaged crystals which are common in glass produced during meteorite impacts. The droplets are similar to those formed in terrestrial lava fountains and are here interpreted as tephra.The homogeneous glass droplets sampled at the Apollo 11, 15 and 17 sites are located on or close to mare basin rims. Vents for the youngest mare lava flows, located near basin rims, have been identified photogeologically. Dark mantle deposits, interpreted as pyroclastic blankets in some locations, and numerous rules are also present on the mare surface, near basin rims. The glass droplets, having ages nearly contemporaneous with the associated mare lavas, may be concentrated locally near such vent areas. This association is in accordance with the limited extent of ash deposits from terrestrial lava fountains (? km from the vent).     

Sulphur and sulphate-oxygen isotopes and the origin of the silvermines deposits,Ireland

New sulphur and sulphate-oxygen isotope measurements for the main discordant and stratiform lead-zinc-barite orebodies at Silvermines Co. Tipperary, allow reappraisal of previously offered differing interpretations (Graham, 1970; Greig et al., 1971) of the bearing of sulphur isotopes on the genesis of this important Irish deposit. The following aspects of the data are confirmed: barite ³⁴ S-values range from 17–21, similar to lower Carboniferous seawater sulphate: stratiform sulphide lens pyrites have ³⁴ S-values ranging from –13 to –36; vein sulphide ³⁴ S-values range from –8 to 4; sulphide ³⁴ S-values increase upwards and outwards respectively in the related discordant and stratiform G orebodies; galena-sphalerite isotope palaeotemperatures are not too consistent, ranging from 40 to 430°C (using the calibration of Czamanske and Rye (1974). New facts are as follows: barite ¹⁸O-values range from –13 to –17, stratiform barites ranging from 13 to 14.5; sulphides separated from a single stratiform ore lens hand specimen usually have ³⁴ S_sl > ³⁴ S_ga > ³⁴ S_py; the outward decrease in ³⁴ S-values in the stratiform G orebody is confined to the first few hundred feet only; pyrite ³⁴ S-values progressively increase downwards through one stratiform sulphide orebody; yet variations of 13 occur within a single colloform pyrite structure from another stratiform orebody. It is concluded that there were at least two sources of sulphur, seawater sulphate and deep-seated sulphur. The former was the dominant source of all sulphate and, via biogenic reduction, of the sulphur in the bulk of the stratiform sulphide. The latter was the source of the sulphur in the vein sulphides. There was minimal isotopic interaction between the cool seawater sulphate and the warm unwelling ore fluid sulphur species, even though the latter precipitated under near isotopic equilibrium conditions when the temperature dropped and/or the pH and Eh increased. The lack of isotopic equilibrium between pyrite and ore sulphides in the stratiform ore lenses may result from the latter having precipitated slightly later than the former because of solubility relationships. Overall the present isotopic evidence supports considerable geological evidence favoring a syngenetic origin for the stratiform Silvermines orebodies.     

On the origin of non-tidal flaser bedding in point bar deposits of the river Ajay, Bihar and West Bengal, NE India

Flaser bedding of non-tidal origin has been described from point bar deposits of the Ajay river, NE India. Mud drapes are deposited during waning flood phases. The preferential accumulation of curled, desiccated mud laminae in ripple troughs during periods of exposure produces mud streaks resembling classical flaser bedding. This process of non-tidal flaser formation is unlike the common tidal origin related to flood and ebb cycles, and the less common mechanism of formation in fluvial systems by deposition of mud in ripple troughs after floods.     

Sulfur isotopic evidence for the supergene origin of alunite deposits,Tolfa district,Italy

Sulfur isotope abundance data for minerals of the historically important alunite deposits of the Tolfa district indicate (1) compositional similarity between sulfates and sulfides (mean S³⁴ values of +5.5⁴ and +6.3⁴ permil respectively), (2) negligible fractionation factors (0.995 to 1.004) for sulfate-sulfide mineral pairs, (3) two distinct sulfide isotopic populations characterized by pyrite (+8.3⁴ permil) and marcasite (–1.0⁵ permil) and with associated alunite displaying a covariant isotopic shift, and (4) possible contamination of the hydrothermal system by evaporite sulfate (+25.1 permil) because hypogene pyrite, galena, and cinnabar are enriched in S³⁴ (+6.1 to +10.3 permil). We suggest that alunite, barite, and possibly marcasite are of supergene origin and that the sulfate-sulfur was derived from the surficial oxidation of sulfides. Our conclusion is compatible with the geologic evidence and confirms the supergene hypothesis for the genesis of Tolfa alunites proposed by Fuchs and De Launay (1893) and De Launay (1906; 1913).

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Zusammenfassung Die Schwefel-Isotopen-Häufigkeiten von Mineralen der historisch wichtigen Alunit-Vorkommen des Gebietes um Tolfa zeigen (1) eine große Ähnlichkeit der Isotopen-Zusammensetzungen zwischen Sulfaten und Sulfiden (Mittelwerte für S³⁴ von +5,5₄ bzw. +6,3₄), (2) höchstens sehr geringe Fraktionierungs-Faktoren (0,995 bis 1,004) für Mineralpaare von Sulfat und Sulfid, (3) zwei verschiedene Gruppen von Isotopenverhältnissen bei den Sulfiden, und zwar für Pyrit (+8,3₄) und Markasit (–1,0₅), wobei der jeweils begleitende Alunit ähnliche Unterschiede aufweist, und (4) eine mögliche Beeinflussung des hydrothermalen Systems durch Sulfat aus Salzlagerstätten (+25,1), weil hypogener Pyrit, Galenit und Zinnober eine Anreicherung von S³⁴ zeigen (+6,1 bis +10,3). Wir nehmen an, daß Alunit, Baryt und möglicherweise auch Markasit supergen gebildet wurden, und daß der Sulfat-Schwefel durch die Oxydation von Sulfiden an der Erdoberfläche entstand. Unsere Schlußfolgerung ist mit den geologischen Befunden vereinbar und bestätigt die supergene Hypothese für die Bildung der Alunitvorkommen von Tolfa, wie sie von Fuchs und De Launay (1893) und De Launay (1906; 1913) vertreten wurde.

     

Continental drift and the origin of certain mineral deposits

In the course of continental drift, the following subsequent phases are recognized: early arid advanced graben stages, and, after continental breakup, early and advanced drift stages; possibly concluded by a later drift stage.Several mineral potentials of the sea bed or its subsurface do not originate in connection with continental drift (e.g. placers), others are only conditionally related (e. g. hydrocarbons, phosphorites, oozes with U and other metals). Only the metalliferous muds of the Red Sea type and the manganese nodules of the deep sea can be attributed to specific stages.Metalliferous muds form preferably during the early drift stage. An economic evaluation of the Red Sea occurrences is under way. It is assumed that fossil deposits of this type origin are relatively common; prospective areas are tentatively indicated.Manganese nodules with interesting values of Ni, Cu, Co are generated on abyssal plains formed during the advanced drift stage, in particular in areas of extremely low sedimentation. The nodules may represent a major economic potential; sizable fossil deposits of this type can, however, not be expected.

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Zusammenfassung Im Ablauf der Kontinentaldrift werden, aufeinanderfolgend, das frühe und das fortgeschrittene Grabenstadium und, nach Auseinanderbrechen der kontinentalen Kruste, das frühe und das fortgeschrittene Driftstadium unterschieden; die Entwicklung mag durch das späte Driftstadium abgeschlossen werden.Verschiedene Mineralpotentiale des Meeresbodens und seines Untergrundes haben keinen ersichtlichen Zusammenhang mit Kontinentaldrift (z. B. Seifen), andere nur bedingte (z. B. Kohlenwasserstoffe, Phosphorite, organische Schlämme mit Uran und anderen Metallen). Lediglich die Erzschlämme vom Rotmeertyp und die Manganknollen der Tiefsee sind bestimmten Stadien zuzuordnen.Erzschlämme entstehen bevorzugt im frühen Driftstadium. Eine wirtschaftliche Bewertung der bisher aus dem Roten Meer bekannten Vorkommen ist eingeleitet. Eine mäßig häufige Verbreitung fossiler Lagerstätten dieser Genese ist abzuleiten; Hinweise für prospektive Areale deuten sich bereits an. Manganknollen mit interessanten Gehalten an Ni, Cu, Co bilden sich in den Ebenen der Tiefsee, die im Zuge des fortgeschrittenen Driftstadiums entstehen, und zwar in den Gegenden geringster Sedimentation. Die Manganknollen mögen ein großes wirtschaftliches Potential vorstellen; nennenswerte fossile Lagerstätten sind jedoch nicht zu erwarten.

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Résumé Au cours de la dérive continentale on distingue, successivement, un stade premier et un stade avancé de formation du Graben et, après la dislocation de l'écorce continentale, un stade premier et le stade avancé de la dérive; ce développement peut être terminé par un stade tardif ou final de dérive.Plusieurs potentialités minérales du fond de la mer et de son soubassement ne sont pas visiblement liées à la dérive continentale (par exemple placers); d'autres ne montrent que certaines relations avec ce dernier processus (par exemple hydrocarbures, phosphorites, boues organiques contenant de l'uranium et d'autres métaux). Seules les boues métallifères du type «Mer Rouge »et les nodules de manganèse de la mer abyssale sont à attribuer à certains stades.Des boues métallifères sont formées surtout au cours du premier stade de dérivol. Une évaluation économique des gisements de la Mer Rouge connus jusqu'à présent est abordée. On peut en déduire la répartition assez fréquente de gisements fossilifères de cette genèse. Des indications concernant les surfaces à prospecter en resorrtent désà. Des nodules de manganèse avec des teneurs intéressantes en nickel, cuivre, et cobalt se forment dans les plaines abyssales, qui naissent au cours du stade avancé de la dérive, et, à la vérités, dans les zones de très faible sédimentation. Les nodules de manganèse représentent peut-être un grand potentiel économique; toutefois, il ne faut pas s'attendre à l'existence de gisements fossiles notables.

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The origin of very flinty dry-valley deposits in the Marlow area,Buckinghamshire, England

Some of the soils on the floors of dry chalkland valleys north of the River Thames in the Marlow area have surface horizons of moderately to very flinty, weakly or non-calcareous, poorly sorted loams, which were deposited in the late Holocene. These overlie typical chalkland gelifluction and periglacial fluvial deposits. Fine calcareous colluvial loams also occur but are less common than in valleys elsewhere on the English chalk. Particle size and mineralogical analyses suggest that the loamy matrix of the flinty surface horizons was derived from loess and early Tnames terrace deposits or Clay-with-flints occurring on interfluves between the dry-valleys. On the evidence of their poorly sorted nature, lack of carbonate, abundance of large flints and irregularly ridged surfaces, it is suggested that they originated mainly as valley-side debris flows.     

The geochemistry of mafic metavolcanics: implications for the origin of the Devonian massive sulfide deposits at Zlaté Hory,Czechoslovakia

Mafic metavolcanic rocks in the area of the Zlaté Hory massive sulfide deposits are interpreted as convergent plate-margin basalts and basaltic andesites metamorphosed to the greenschist facies. According to the major- and trace-element compositions the metabasites exhibit island-arc tholeiitic to low-K, calc-alkaline composition.Approximately 50% of samples of maifc metavolcanics studied have a salient negative anomaly of Ce in chondrite-normalized REE patterns. The Ce-depleted greenschists are thought to represent hydrothermally altered equivalents of metabasites of island-arc tholeiitic composition. The alteration was accompanied by the sulfide mineralization. That is indicated by enrichment in Ba and S together with correlation of the Ce/Ce* values and CO₂ abundances in the Ce-depleted rocks. The Ce anomaly may be caused by alteraton of ore-forming, seawaterderived solutions. The occurrence of Ce-depleted greenschists supports the hypothesis of the volcanogenic origin of the ore deposits in the Zlaté Hory area.     

Sulfur isotopes and origin of some sulfide deposits,New England,Australia

The S-isotopic compositions of sulfide deposits from Steinmann, granitoid and felsic volcanic associations have been examined. Ores of Steinmann association have ³⁴S values close to zero per mil (³⁴S=+0.3±3.1) it appears they are of mantle origin. Isotopically, ores of granitoid association regularly show a variable enrichment in ³²S relative to meteoritic (³⁴S=–2.7±3.3). The composition is in accord with an upper mantle/lower crustal source. Two stratiform accumulations of felsic volcanic association show a narrow spread of ³⁴S values (+0.2 to 2.4); a mantle origin for the sulfur in these deposits is favored. In contrast, vein, stockwork and cement ores are moderately enriched in ³²S relative to meteoritic (³⁴S=–4.0±6.4). These ores are polygenetic; sulfur and metals appear to have been leached from local country rocks where volcanogenic and biogenic sulfur predominate.