The origin of fluids involved in the formation of gold-bearing skarns of the Andorra granite (Central Pyrenees,Spain): Sulphur isotope data

Summary Arsenopyrite-gold mineralization in the lower Paleozoic series of the eastern Pyrenees is of two types: disseminated in Hercynian metasediments, and veins cross-cutting the main foliation. In the central Pyrenees, gold-bearing arsenopyrite mineralizations have recently been discovered in skarns along the SW contact of the Andorra granite. The ore minerals are similar to those of the veins, with gold also being associated with arsenopyrite, bismuth and sulphides.The late Hercynian Andorra granite intruded Paleozoic metasediments of pre-Caradocian to Carboniferous age. Six types of skarns have developed at or close to the contact between the granite and Devonian limestones. Only three of these, the hedenbergite, pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite skarns, are sulphide-bearing. Gold grades in these skarns range from less than 0.8 g/t in pyrrhotite skarns to 7 g/t in arsenopyrite skarns.The ³⁴S of arsenopyrite from disseminated and vein mineralizations show values from 11 to 15, indicating a sulphur source of crustal origin. Vein sulphides are considered to have formed after a metamorphic remobilization of the sulphide rich disseminations in the Paleozoic series. Sulphur isotopic composition of skarn sulphides is variable: pyrrhotite from pyrrhotite skarns has a ³⁴S +, suggesting a sulphur of magmatic origin. Their gold grades are very low (>0.8 g/t). The heavier values of arsenopyrite from arsenopyrite skarns (³⁴S + 10) and of galena and sphalerite from hedenbergite skarns (³⁴S + 7) correlate with the higher gold grades (7 and 5 g/t, respectively). This is interpreted to reflect a contribution of wall-rock sulphur-rich fluids generated from the thermal metamorphism of arsenopyrite-bearing wall-rock metasediments (³⁴S + 12%o) during skarn formation or by assimilation of country rock by the granitic intrusion during its emplacement. The economic importance of these skarns appears to be related to the amount of crustal fluid involved in skarn formation.

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Lagerstättenbildende Fluide in den goldführenden Skarnen des Andorra-Granites, Zentralpyrenäen, Spanien: Schwefelisotopen-Daten

Zusammenfassung Arsenkies-Goldmineralisation in altpaläozoischen Serien der ostlichen Pyrenäen tritt in zwei Typen auf: Disseminiert in Hercynischen Metasedimenten, und in Gängen, die die Haupt-Foliation durchschlagen. In den Zentralpyrenäen wurden goldführende Arsenkies-Mineralisationen vor kurzem in Skarnen längs des SW-Kontaktes des Andorra-Granites entdeckt. Die Erzminerale sind ähnlich denen in den Gängen, wobei Gold mit Arsenkies, Wismut und Sulfiden assoziiert ist. Der spät-hercynische Andorra-Granit intrudierte paläozoische Metasedimente von Prä-Caradoc bis Karbon-Alter. Im Kontaktbereich Granit/Devonische Kalke kommen sechs Typen von Skarnen vor. Nur drei davon führen Sulflde, nämlich die Hedenbergit-, Magnetkies- und Arsenkiesskarne. Goldgehalte in diesen Skarnen schwanken von weniger als 0,8 g/t in Magnetkiesskarnen bis zu 7 g/t in Arsenkiesskarnen. Das ö34 S von Arsenopyrit in disseminierten und Gang-Mineralisationen schwankt von 11-15%o, und dies weist auf eine Schwefelquelle in der Kruste hin. Gangsulflde haben sich auch nach einer metamorphen Remobilisierung der Sulfid-reichen Disseminationen in den paläozoischen Serien gebildet. Die Schwefelisotopenzusammensetzung der Skarnsulfide schwankt: Magnetkies aus Magnetkiesskarnen hat ö34 S Werte von +4%o, dies weist auf magmatischen Ursprung hin. Ihre Goldgehalte sind sehr niedrig (<0,8 0,8 g/t). Die schwereren Isotopen von Arsenkies in Arsenkies-Skarnen ( ³⁴S+ 10%o) und von Bleiglanz und Zinkblende aus den Hedenbergit-Skarnen ( ³⁴S+ 7%o) lassen sich mit höheren Goldgehalten (7 und 5 g/t) korrelieren. Dies wird Fluiden zugeschrieben, die reich an Schwefel aus den Nebengesteinen sind und durch die thermale Metamorphose der Arsenkies-führenden Metasedimente (S + 12%o) während der Skarnbildung, oder durch Assimilation von Nebengestein durch den Granit wahrend seiner Platznahme entstanden sind. Die wirtschaftliche Bedeutung dieser Skarne scheint in einer direkten Beziehung zur Menge krustaler Fluide zu stehen.

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This paper was presented at the IGCP 291 Project Symposium Metamorphic Fluids und Mineral Deposits, ETH Zürich, March 21–23, 1991.     

U-Pb age and lead isotopic characterization of Au-bearing skarn related to the Andorra granite (central Pyrenees,Spain)

Auriferous skarns are associated with post- and late-kinematic Hercynian granites that intruded into Cambro-Ordovician to Devonian sediments of the central Pyrenees. We determined the age of the Andorra granite and the associated skarn at 305 ± 3 Ma by U-Pb dating titanite from the endo-skarn. The sulfur isotopic composition from sulfides in the skarn (Cardellach et al. 1992) shows a significant variation with isotopically light sulfur (³⁴S +3) in the barren skarns and heavy sulfur (³⁴S +11) in the gold-bearing skarns. Outwards, it increasingly resembles sulfur from arsenopyrite disseminations in the Cambro-Ordovician sediments. The lead isotopic composition from sulfides of the skarns is very homogeneous (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.410, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.699, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.574) in contrast to the one in gold-bearing arsenopyrite veins and in arsenopyrite disseminations in the sediments (e.g. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb varies from 18.54 to 30.36). Combined, sulfur and lead isotope data indicate that the lead in the skarn is dominantly derived from the granite, whereas the sulfur is derived at variable portions from both the granite and the sediments.     

Emplacement fractures in granite plutons (Central Extremadura batholith,Spain)

Some plutons of the Central-Extremadura batholith show lateral widening at the final stage of their emplacement. Consequently, various fracture systems have developed, generally filled by aplites that appear both in the plutonic mass and in the metamorphic host rocks.The spatial arrangement of fractures may be interpreted in a simple model in which an important role is played by fluid pressure, as it determines the value of the acting effective stress and, naturally, the different failure mechanisms reflected in different dike systems.

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Zusammenfassung In einigen Granit-Plutonen des Zentralextremadura-Batholithen konnte eine laterale Ausdehnung in den Endetappen ihrer Platznahme festgestellt werden. Dabei wurden verschiedene Bruchsysteme entwickelt, die im allgemeinen mit Aplit gefüllt sind und sowohl im Inneren der plutonischen Masse als auch im metamorphen Nebengestein auftreten.Die spezielle Anordnung der Bruchsysteme konnte anhand eines einfachen Modells interpretiert werden. Dabei spielt der Durchströmungsdruck eine wichtige Rolle, da er den Wert der effektiven Spannung bestimmt und verschiedene Bruchmechanismen, die sich in verschiedenen Gangsystemen widerspiegeln.

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Résumé Quelques plutons du batholite de l'Estremadure centrale ont donné lieu à une expansion latérale au stade final de leur mise en place. Plusieurs systèmes de fractures se sont ainsi développées; elles sont généralement occupées par des aplites et apparaissent aussi bien à l'intérieur de la masse plutonique que dans l'encaissant métamorphique.La distribution spatiale de ces fractures a pu être interprétée par un modèle simple dans lequel la pression des fluides joue un rôle important: cette pression détermine la valeur de la contrainte effective et conditionne les divers mécanismes de facturation, qui se traduisent dans différents systèmes de filons.

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Mineralisation from Vall de Ribes area (Eastern Pyrenees,Spain)

Vein mineralisation with no preferred orientation, cutting lower Palaeozoic rocks, and local replacement deposits in dolomite show a zoning in tungsten-bismuth, arsenic and antimony minerals away from the adjacent late-Hercynian Costabona granite. A local reversed zoning is related to higher temperatures indicated by fluid inclusion study. Many of the minerals have not previously been reported from this area.     

The petrology and petrogenesis of some muscovite granite sills from the Barousse Massif,Central Pyrenees

The mineralogy, petrology and Rb-Sr isotope compositions of muscovite granite sills and associated pegmatites from the Barousse Massif, Central Pyrenees, are described. The petrogenesis of the granites is discussed with respect to their structure, mineral assemblages, mineral compositions and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. It is concluded that the muscovite granite sills have been intruded as magma, formed from the partial melting of continental crust at 276 million years. Progressive crystallisation of the siliceous magma has concentrated the aqueous phase in the remaining melt, and the associated pegmatites are the final expression of the crystallising intrusion.     

Genesis and composition of endogenous borates in the skarns of the Eastern and Central Pyrenees

This paper addresses the genesis and composition of endogenous borates and other minerals from the magnesian-skarn aureoles at the contacts between dolomites and Hercynian granitoid intrusions of the Eastern and Central Pyrenees (Querigut and Costabonne peak massifs in France, and the Monchi deposit in Spain). It was shown that these occurrences and other magnesian skarns in the Sierra Morena Range, Spain, genetically belong to the periclase depth facies: zoned metasomatic aureoles of dolomites of primitive structure complicated by the development of periclase marble zones. The near-contact zones of the intrusions are represented by the granitoids of increasing basicity and alkalinity, which indicates the assimilation of host rocks by overheated granitic magmas. The postmagmatic stage was marked by the formation of magnesium and magnesium-iron borates of diverse composition in calciphyres and marbles, replacement of forsterite by humites in the calciphyres, and the development of silicates of decreasing Mg mole fraction after pyroxene skarns; the latter is accompanied by magnesium migration into the outer zones of the aureole. It was determined that the studied deposits of France contain boron minerals (kotoite, suanite, and pertsevite) previously unknown for this region in association with fluoborite and late szaibelyite. In skarns of Spain, the high-Fe borates are represented by monomineral aggregates of fine-prismatic parallel oriented crystals of vonsenite or its coarse-grained masses. It is conceivable that sulfide-bearing magnesian skarns and calciphyres of the studied deposits contain magnesium hydroxysulfides: tochilinite (after pyrrhotite) and valleriite (after chalcopyrite).     

Upper cretaceous biostratigraphy of the south-central Pyrenees (Lleida,Spain)

Abstract

Biostratigraphical data using larger foraminifera and planktonic foraminifera permitted us to establish the correlation between shallow platform sediments rich in larger foraminifera (Montsec and Serres Marginals thrust sheets) and deeper ones containing planktonic foraminifera (Boixols thrust sheet).

Consequently, the Santa Fe limestones containing Ovalveolina-Praealveolinaassemblage represent the Cenomanian. Early Turonian ( ‘IT~ archaeocretacea and P. helvetica zones) exist in both, Montsec and Boixols thrust sheets and it is constituted by Pithonella limestones. Late Turonian (M. schneegansi zone) is only present in Boixols thrust sheet (Reguard Fm.), the Montsec thrust sheet having an erosive hiatus.

Late Coniacian-Early Santonian (D. Concavata zone) is represented in the Montsec thrust sheet (Cova Limestones) and in the eastern part of the Boixols thrust sheet (St. Corneli Fm.) by two differents facies giving two different microfaunal assemblages; the firts one, characterized by Ophtalmidiidae s.l indicate a restricted lagoonal environment while the second one, characterized by diverses species of complex agglutinated, Fabulariidae, Meandropsinidae and Rotaliidae, represents an open shallow platform. In the Boixols thrust sheet (Anseroles Fm.) dominate the planktonic foraminifera and small benthic.

In the late Santonian (D. asyrnetrica zone) the sea reached as far as Serres Marginales thrust sheet where sediments (Tragó de Noguera unit) are terrigenous and deposited in a very shallow platform. In the Montsec thrust sheet (Montsec marls) the larger foraminifera indicate a platform deeper than that of the Serres Marginals thrust sheet. In the Boixols thrust sheet the sediments are deposited in an outer platform (Herbasavina Fm.) or turbiditic basin (Mascarell Mb.).

During Campanian times the transgresion reaches the maximum. In the Serres Marginals sediments are deposited in a restricted shallow environment rich in Meandropsinidae (Serres Limestones). In the Montsec thrust sheet they are deposited in a platform with patch reefs and shoals (Terradets limestones) and in the Boixols one in an outer platform, talus and/or basin.

During Early Maastrichtian times (C. falsostuarti zone) terrigenous materials arrived in the basin, the rate of sedimentation increased outstripping the subsidence rate and the retreat of the sea to the north. Late Maastrichtian (C. gansseri zone) is only present in the Boixols thrust sheet.     

A riparian plant community from the upper Maastrichtian of the Pyrenees (Catalonia,NE Spain)

Angiosperms began to colonise riparian habitats very soon in their evolutionary history, probably already in the Aptian, but it is still poorly known when flowering plants finally dominated entirely these kind of communities as they do in the present. A new fossil plant locality (Molí del Baró-1) from the upper Maastrichtian of the Southern Pyrenees is described in which meandering river facies represent one of the first riparian communities formed only by angiosperms. The fossil assemblage consists of abundant leaves, seeds, logs and sporomorphs. Angiosperms remains dominate in all these cases and the leaf sample is mostly composed of a new eudicot willow-like species, Saliciphyllum gaetei sp. nov., the palm Sabalites longirhachis and an helophytic monocot. Pollen remains suggest that the later belonged to Typhaceae. Most of these plant remains were parautochthonous and deposited in a pond formed in the accretional part of a meander loop. The locality of Molí del Baró-1 represents an unique plant fossil assemblage in the uppermost Cretaceous of southern Europe. It clearly differs from those reported in other Maastrichtian localities of the Pyrenees (Fumanya and South Isona) and from the Campanian-Maastrichtian of Austria and Romania. In addition, it reflects a surprisingly modern physiognomy for a Late Cretaceous riverine plant assemblage that was built up with willow-like plants, palms and reeds.     

The Barranco de Arás flood of 7 August 1996 (Biescas, Central Pyrenees, Spain)

Geomorphic effects observed in the Barranco (creek) de Arás basin are used to characterize the flood. Sediment features allow to qualify the flood as essentially a water flow. Using the critical section method, the peak flood discharge is estimated to be between 400 and 600 m³ s⁻¹. Similar results were obtained using a paleohydraulic formula based on the size of the largest mobilized clasts. Using the rational method with available rainfall data, the discharge for a recurrence interval of 500 years is estimated to be between 150 and 200 m³ s⁻¹. These results agree with predictions obtained using curves of peak discharge versus basin area based on regional data. Several trenches dug on the fan showed that the size of boulders mobilized by the event is larger that those left by previous floods at the same place. When the estimated peak flood discharge is related to the basin area, values between 20 and 30 m³ s⁻¹ km⁻² are obtained, demonstrating that the Barranco de Arás flood was most unusual.     

Diapiric emplacement in the upper crust of a granitic body: the La Bazana granite (SW Spain)

The ascent and emplacement of granites in the upper crust is a major geological phenomenon accomplished by a number of different processes. The active processes determine the final geometry of the bodies and, in some favourable cases, the inverse problem of deducing mechanisms can be undertaken by relying on the geometry of plutons. This is the case of the La Bazana granitic pluton, a small Variscan igneous body that intruded Cambrian rocks of the Ossa-Morena Zone (SW Iberian Massif) in the core of a large late upright antiform. The granite shows no appreciable solid-state deformation, but has a late magmatic foliation whose orientation, derived from field observations, defines a gentle dome. The regional attitude of the main foliation in the country rock (parallel to the axial plane of recumbent folds) is NW–SE, but just around the granite, it accommodates to the dome shape of the pluton. Flattening in the host rock on top of the granite is indicated by boudinaged and folded veins, and appears to be caused by an upward pushing of the magma during its emplacement. The dome-shaped foliation of the granite, geometrically and kinematically congruent with the flattening in the host rock, can be related in the same way to the upward pushing of the magma. The level of final emplacement was deduced from the mineral associations in the thermal aureole to be of 7–10 km in depth. Models of the gravity anomaly related to the granite body show that the granite has a teardrop–pipe shape enlarged at its top. Diapiric ascent of the magma through the lower middle crust is inferred until reaching a high viscous level, where final emplacement accompanied by lateral expansion and vertical flattening took place. This natural example suggests that diapirism may be a viable mechanism for migration and emplacement of magmas, at least up to 7–10 km in depth, and it provides natural evidence for theoretical discussion on the ability of magmatic diapirs to pierce the crust.     

Carbonate platform depositional sequences, Upper Cretaceous, south-central Pyrenees (Spain)

The Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Maastrichtian) of the south-central Pyrenees shows five carbonate platform sequences where the major parameters are tectonism, relative sea-level fluctuations and inherited depositional profile. Depositional geometries and basin analysis permit an understanding of the depositional history.Five depositional sequences have been recognized: (1) The Santa Fe sequence (Middle-Upper Cenomanian), a ramp to a skeletal rimmed shelf with an escarpment bypass margin. The lower boundary is an angular unconformity and the upper one records a sea-level drop. The platform location of the margin was determined by a listric normal fault. (2) An abrupt sea-level rise drowned the former platform. The Congost sequence (Turonian-Lower Coniacian), a distally steepened ramp with erosional distal deep slope. The depositional model was largely controlled by pre-existing basin morphology. Cessation of platform development was due to a relative sea-level drop. (3) The Sant Corneli sequence (Upper Coniacian-Lower Santonian), a mixed terrigenous-skeletal homoclinal ramp with upright margin, deep slope and dysaerobic basin. The slope results from the backstepping by 24 km of the previous margin and gentle basin tilting. The platform margin remained more or less at the same position, and relief between platform and slope increased indicating continuous relative sea-level rise. The upper boundary is an angular unconformity at the platform margin produced by an abrupt sea-level rise and platform drowning, and by listric normal faulting. (4) The Vallcarga sequence (Upper Santonian-Campanian), a distal-steepened skeletal homoclinal ramp, erosional escarpment and turbidite basin, which corresponds to the Mesozoic maximum marine expansion. A listric normal fault created two depositional areas: a more or less flat footwall block with a north-northwest prograding carbonate ramp.     

Palaeoecology of Late Triassic marine assemblages from the proto-Atlantic Basin (Ayamonte,SW Spain)

The Triassic represents a critical period that attests to the diversification of marine ecosystems. This paper analyses the stratigraphy of the easternmost Mesozoic series of the Algarve Basin in the Ayamonte sector (SW Spain). Two sets forming this series are described. The first, mainly siliciclastic, was deposited in continental contexts represented by fluvial and lacustrine environments with bioturbation associated with swamp-like environments (Taenidium) or with plain alluvial sediments (Labyrintichnus terrerensis, Planolites). This ichnoassemblage corresponds to the ichnofacies of Scoyenia. The second set, is carbonate-dominated and shows a remarkable palaeontological content comprising bivalves and gastropods, which made it possible to review our current knowledge of the regional stratigraphy of the Triassic in this area. Trigonodus-Isocyprina form this association for bivalves and Coeslostylina and Coeslostylina-Spirostylus-Mathilda for gastropods allowing to infer a Late Triassic (Carnian-Rhaetian) age for the Ayamonte area. The characteristic trace fossils of the carbonate sections are represented by Thalassinoides Treptichnus pollardi and Helminthoidichnites tenuis, which belong to the proximal expression of the Cruziana ichnofacies. Shallow marginal, low energy, and brackish and locally lacustrine conditions are inferred for this carbonate-dominated set, alternating with episodes of normal salinity, and towards the top, with punctuated episodes of higher energy. This palaeoenvironmental context is congruent with the palaeogeographical scenario conditioned by the existence of a threshold of major order that would indicate the initial breaking of Pangea and the opening of the Tethys in the eastern Mediterranean.     

Cretaceous–Tertiary tectonic inversion of the Cotiella Basin (southern Pyrenees,Spain)

The Cotiella Nappe includes one of the most important Mesozoic basins of the southern Pyrenees, which was subsequently inverted during the Tertiary compression. The Late Cretaceous Cotiella Basin is here interpreted as the western sector of the Cretaceous Cotiella-Bóixols basin (100᎜ km wide), located in the central part of the southern Pyrenees. The present-day complex structure of the Cotiella Nappe is the result of the inversion process, linked to the emplacement of basement thrust sheets of the Axial zone. In its western sector, the Cotiella Nappe consists of several superimposed thrust sheets, with complex geometry, becoming simpler towards the east, with a single thrust surface and smaller displacements. The Cotiella-Bóixols basin underwent strong subsidence during the Early Cretaceous at its eastern sector, and its depocentre migrated westward during the Late Cretaceous. The reconstruction of the sedimentary basin to the pre-compressional stage shows that during the Mesozoic the Cotiella-Bóixols basin was located to the south of a basement high, which later became the Pyrenean Axial Zone. From a balanced cross section, it can be inferred that the Cotiella, north-verging extensional system was connected with the north-Pyrenean rift by means of a 10-km deep horizontal detachment. The compressional Tertiary detachment within the upper crust was shallower than the extensional detachment, and individualised four basement thrust sheets, which form the Axial Zone antiform.     

High-grade metamorphic rocks and peridotites along the Leiza Fault (Western Pyrenees,Spain)

Acid and basic granulites, migmatites, and lherzolites outcrop along the Leiza Fault (Navarra, Spain) in the western extremity of the Pyrenean Belt. The protoliths of the acid granulites have granodioritic composition. Textural and mineralogical data suggest that the acid granulites evolved from a first, syn kinematic medium-pressure granulite-facies stage [garnet-biotite I-Kfsp] to a post-kinematic granulite-facies stage of lower pressure and higher temperature [garnet-biotite II-cordierite-Kfsp-(spinel?), kinzigites]. Basic granulites were formed from protoliths with composition of tholeiitic to alkaline basalts. Basic granulites exhibit millimeter size subidiomorphic garnets dispersed through the matrix and smaller coronitic garnets between opaques or orthopyroxenes and plagioclase. Thermo-barometric estimates for the peak of the granulite-facies metamorphism are c. 800°C and 8 kbar. The migmatites presumably represent a shallower level of metamorphism (andalusite/sillimanite-Kfsp). Scapolite in the basic granulites was formed during a post-granulitic metamorphic episode. The lherzolites have been intensely brecciated and serpentinized, which makes difficult the comparison of their evolution with that observed in the other rocks associated with the Leiza Fault. Acid and basic granulites, migmatites, and lherzolites along the Leiza Fault may be correlated with similar rocks outcropping elsewhere in the North-Pyrenean Zone and along the North-Pyrenean Fault as tectonic slices and massifs. By analogy with those rocks, the granulitefacies metamorphism observed in the rocks studied must be Hercynian in age. The Leiza Fault constitutes, therefore, the western continuation of the North-Pyrenean Fault, and the rocks studied (except perhaps the lherzolites) may be considered as remnants of an Hercynian metamorphic massif, dismembered as a consequence of the activity of the fault at the end of the Hercynian cycle and during the Alpine tectonometamorphic events.     

Reverse modelling of detachment folds; application to the Pico del Aguila anticline in the South Central Pyrenees (Spain)

A simple method to estimate fold-amplification and thrust-movement rates for detachment folds is documented and illustrated by its application to a symmetrical detachment fold in the Southern Pyrenees, Spain. The technique provides a complete record of the kinematic evolution of detachment folds and is based on the application of equations for detachment folds involving limb rotation. The method uses the stratal pattern of the syntectonic sediments and assumes that these growth strata were deposited horizontally, that the folds involve a homogeneous competent unit detached over a ductile horizon, and that the folds can be represented by chevronkink bands. The procedure is applicable to any detachment fold with associated growth strata that display wedge geometries (‘progressive unconformities’) indicating limb rotation through time. This method can be used for both detachment folds formed with constant limb length or variable limb length, and it can also accommodate undecompacted or decompacted growth strata.     

Mineralogy, geochemistry and geological significance of tourmaline-rich rocks from the Paleozoic Cinco Villas massif (western Pyrenees, Spain)

Tourmaline-rich rocks associated with clastic metasedimentary rocks of Carboniferous age occur in the Cinco Villas massif, western Pyrenees. Three types of tourmaline-rich rocks were distinguished: (1) Fine-grained stratiform tourmaline-rich rocks, which are associated with carbonaceous metapelites (TR1); (2) stratabound tourmaline-rich rocks, associated with metapelites in the contact aureole of the Aya granitoid pluton (TR2); (3) stratabound to massive tourmaline-rich rocks, associated with psammopelites in contact with granites and pegmatites (TR3). Tourmalines belong to the schorl–dravite solid solution series and have a wide compositional range, from nearly end-member dravite for TR1 tourmalines to schorl for TR3 tourmalines; TR2 tourmalines have intermediate compositions. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) typically varies between 0.02 and ≈0.55, increasing from TR1 to TR3. The TR1 tourmalines commonly display a discontinuous chemical zoning with Fe-rich green cores (8–8.5% FeO) and Mg-rich colorless rims (10–11% MgO). In contrast, crystals that exhibit fine growth lamellae appear to lack significant chemical zoning. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions also reveal major differences between TR1 and TR3 tourmalines, the former displaying heavier δ¹⁸O values (17.7–19‰) and δD values (−35 to −42‰) than TR3 tourmalines 11 to 13‰ and −47 to −76‰, respectively. The TR2 tourmalines show intermediate values of 11.3 to 14.6‰ for δ¹⁸O and −40 to −55‰ for δD. Linear and continuous chemical variations obtained for major and trace elements of the whole rocks reflect mixing between clay-rich and quartz-rich end-members, indicative that some tourmaline-rich rocks contain a significant detrital component. Chondrite normalized REE (rare earth element) patterns of tourmaline-rich rocks are similar to those of surrounding unaltered clastic metasediments, except for some TR1 rocks which are characterized by low contents of ΣREE. Mass-balance calculations show that tourmaline-forming processes plus metamorphism led to mass and volume changes at mesoscopic scales (≈10% for the TR1 tourmalinites). Silicon, Fe, Mn, and REE elements were partially lost from sedimentary rocks, whereas Mg and particularly B were added to pelitic sediments. Available data, nevertheless, do not allow an assessment of the boron source. Formation of the TR1 tourmaline-rich rocks probably was the net result of several processes, including direct precipitation from B-rich hydrothermal fluids or colloids, early diagenetic reactions of carbonaceous pelitic sediments with these fluids, and subsequent recrystallization during regional metamorphism. The TR2 tourmaline-rich rocks mainly developed by metamorphic recrystallization of TR1. Tourmaline-rich rocks and veins adjacent to pegmatites and granitic rocks (TR3) are the result of boron metasomatism; the primary boron having been recycled from stratiform tourmalinites during regional metamorphism and magmatism. Received: 18 November 1996 / Accepted: 25 April 1997     

Mineralogy and environmental relevance of AMD-precipitates from the Tharsis mines,Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW,Spain)

This paper documents the solid phases associated to acid mine drainage (AMD) at the Tharsis mines (SW Spain). It provides an inventory of the AMD-precipitates, describing their main modes of occurrence and mineral assemblages. Results indicate that iron, aluminum and magnesium sulfates predominate in the assemblages. They occur as efflorescences composed of complex mixtures of metallic salts, and as ochres (jarosite combined with goethite). Also, their distributions illustrate two hydrochemical environments: the open pits, which reflect a proximal secondary paragenesis; and the downstream river banks (Meca River), which represent a more evolved paragenesis, resulting from the evolution of AMD produced throughout the system. These environments can be differentiated by composition and variety of minerals, which is considerably lower along the Meca River.The newly-formed minerals have monitoring significance and proved capable of participating in cycles of retention–liberation of hydrogen ions, sulfate, and metals. In a semi-arid climate, the importance of the AMD-precipitates as environmental indicators is stressed. They may help to understand the response of the system to the episodic rainfall events that occur after prolonged dry periods.     

Structural and magnetic fabric study of the Marimanha granite (Axial Zone of the Pyrenees)

The structural and magnetic fabric study of the Marimanha granite, Axial Zone of the Pyrenees, provides new data to characterize the zonation and the internal structure of the pluton. The Marimanha granite intrudes Cambro–Ordovician clastic rocks and Silurian–Devonian limestones and slates. The zonation of the low field magnetic susceptibility, consistent with the petrological zonation of the igneous body, indicates a concentric arrangement of rock types, with more basic compositions at the external areas. This pluton is characterized by a low susceptibility, and rock–magnetic studies indicate a majority of “paramagnetic” samples. Magnetic foliations strike parallel to petrographic contacts and to contours of zonation of magnetic susceptibility, and show a dominant NE–SW strike, steeply dipping towards the North. Locally, in the northern border of the pluton foliation directions become perpendicular to petrographic contacts and depict sigmoidal trajectories. Magnetic lineations are characterized by the predominance of NE–SW trends with shallow plunges to the NE and SW. These foliations and lineations are parallel to the slight elongation of internal petrographic zonation. Magnetic fabric within the granitoid body and internal elliptical shape of petrographic zonation, suggest an intrusion contemporary with a transpressional regime and NNW–SSE shortening, syntectonic with the late stages of the Variscan orogeny. These results are in accordance with anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility studies of others plutons in the Pyrenees. To explain the origin of the Marimanha granite we propose magma ascent through faults at depth and emplacement by ballooning in situ at the rheological boundary between Cambro–Ordovician and Siluro–Devonian metasediments.