The oxidative dissolution of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and enargite (Cu3AsS4) by Leptospirillum ferrooxidans

Arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and enargite (Cu₃AsS₄) fractured in a nitrogen atmosphere were characterised after acidic (pH 1.8), oxidative dissolution in both the presence and absence of the acidophilic microorganism Leptospirillum ferrooxidans. Dissolution was monitored through analysis of the coexisting aqueous solution using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and coupled ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and chemical changes at the mineral surface observed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Biologically mediated oxidation of arsenopyrite and enargite (2.5 g in 25 ml) was seen to proceed to a greater extent than abiotic oxidation, although arsenopyrite oxidation was significantly greater than enargite oxidation. These dissolution reactions were associated with the release of ∼917 and ∼180 ppm of arsenic into solution. The formation of Fe(III)-oxyhydroxides, ferric sulphate and arsenate was observed for arsenopyrite, thiosulphate and an unknown arsenic oxide for enargite. ESEM revealed an extensive coating of an extracellular polymeric substance associated with the L. ferrooxidans cells on the arsenopyrite surface and bacterial leach pits suggest a direct biological oxidation mechanism, although a combination of indirect and direct bioleaching cannot be ruled out. Although the relative oxidation rates of enargite were greater in the presence of L. ferrooxidans, cells were not in contact with the surface suggesting an indirect biological oxidation mechanism. Cells of L. ferrooxidans appear able to withstand several hundreds of ppm of As(III) and As(V).     

Mineralogy of the Boroo Gold Deposit in the North Khentei Gold Belt,Central Northern Mongolia

Mineral assemblages and chemical compositions of ore minerals from the Boroo gold deposit in the North Khentei gold belt of Mongolia were studied to characterize the gold mineralization, and to clarify crystallization processes of the ore minerals. The gold deposit consists of low‐grade disseminated and stockwork ores in granite, metasedimentary rocks and diorite dikes. Moderate to high‐grade auriferous quartz vein ores are present in the above lithological units. The ore grades of the former range from about 1 to 3 g/t, and those of the latter from 5 to 10 g/t, or more than 10 g/t Au. The main sulfide minerals in the ores are pyrite and arsenopyrite, both of which are divisible into two different stages (pyrite‐I and pyrite‐II; arsenopyrite‐I and arsenopyrite‐II). Sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite are minor associated minerals, with trace amounts of bournonite, boulangerite, geerite, alloclasite, native gold, and electrum. The ore minerals in the both types of ores are variable in distribution, abundance and grain size. Four modes of gold occurrence are recognized: (i) “invisible” gold in pyrite and arsenopyrite in the disseminated and stockwork ores, and in auriferous quartz vein ores; (ii) microscopic native gold, 3 to 100 µm in diameter, that occurs as fine grains or as an interstitial phase in sulfides in the disseminated and stockwork ores, and in auriferous quartz vein ores; (iii) visible native gold, up to 1 cm in diameter, in the auriferous quartz vein ores; and (iv) electrum in the auriferous quartz vein ores. The gold mineralization of the disseminated and stockwork ores consists of four stages characterized by the mineral assemblages of: (i) pyrite‐I + arsenopyrite‐I; (ii) pyrite‐II + arsenopyrite‐II; (iii) sphalerite + galena + chalcopyrite + tetrahedrite + bournonite + boulangerite + alloclasite + native gold; and (iv) native gold. In the auriferous quartz vein ores, five mineralization stages are defined by the following mineral assemblages: (i) pyrite‐I; (ii) pyrite‐II + arsenopyrite; (iii) sphalerite + galena + chalcopyrite; (iv) Ag‐rich tetrahedrite‐tennantite + bournonite + geerite + native gold; and (v) electrum. The As–Au relations in pyrite‐II and arsenopyrite suggest that gold detected as invisible gold is mostly attributed to Au⁺¹ in those minerals. By applying the arsenopyrite geothermometer to arsenopyrite‐II in the disseminated and stockwork ores, crystallization temperature and logfs₂ are estimated to be 365 to 300 °C and –7.5 to –10.1, respectively.     

Interaction of thionocarbamate and thiourea collectors with sulphide minerals: a flotation and adsorption study

The ability of O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC), O-isobutyl-N-ethoxycarbonyl thionocarbamate (IBECTC) and butyl ethoxycarbonyl thiourea (BECTU) collectors to increase the flotation of the sulphide minerals, chalcopyrite, galena and pyrite, has been studied. For each collector, the flotation characteristics of these minerals, flotation rate constant and flotation recovery maximum, have been calculated from the flotation data and compared as a function of pH and collector concentration. Overall, the flotation performance of these collectors is stronger for chalcopyrite than for galena and pyrite. Flotation increases with collector concentration and decreasing pH values. For chalcopyrite, the collector performances of BECTU are slightly better than those of IPETC but far superior to those of IBECTC, especially at high pH values or at low collector concentrations. The flotation performance of these collectors has been shown to be in good agreement with the amount of collector adsorbed at the mineral surface. The affinity of BECTU for the various minerals has been calculated using a multilayer adsorption model.     

Gold Mineralization of the Gatsuurt Deposit in the North Khentei Gold Belt,Central Northern Mongolia

Mineral assemblages, chemical compositions of ore minerals, wall rock alteration and fluid inclusions of the Gatsuurt gold deposit in the North Khentei gold belt of Mongolia were investigated to characterize the gold mineralization, and to clarify the genetic processes of the ore minerals. The gold mineralization of the deposit occurs in separate Central and Main zones, and is characterized by three ore types: (i) low‐grade disseminated and stockwork ores; (ii) moderate‐grade quartz vein ores; and (iii) high‐grade silicified ores, with average Au contents of approximately 1, 3 and 5 g t^?1 Au, respectively. The Au‐rich quartz vein and silicified ore mineralization is surrounded by, or is included within, the disseminated and stockwork Au‐mineralization region. The main ore minerals are pyrite (pyrite‐I and pyrite‐II) and arsenopyrite (arsenopyrite‐I and arsenopyrite‐II). Moderate amounts of galena, tetrahedrite‐tennantite, sphalerite and chalcopyrite, and minor jamesonite, bournonite, boulangerite, geocronite, scheelite, geerite, native gold and zircon are associated. Abundances and grain sizes of the ore minerals are variable in ores with different host rocks. Small grains of native gold occur as fillings or at grain boundaries of pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite in the disseminated and stockwork ores and silicified ores, whereas visible native gold of variable size occurs in the quartz vein ores. The ore mineralization is associated with sericitic and siliceous alteration. The disseminated and stockwork mineralization is composed of four distinct stages characterized by crystallization of (i) pyrite‐I + arsenopyrite‐I, (ii) pyrite‐II + arsenopyrite‐II, (iii) galena + tetrahedrite + sphalerite + chalcopyrite + jamesonite + bournonite + scheelite, and iv) boulangerite + native gold, respectively. In the quartz vein ores, four crystallization stages are also recognized: (i) pyrite‐I, (ii) pyrite‐II + arsenopyrite + galena + Ag‐rich tetrahedrite‐tennantite + sphalerite + chalcopyrite + bournonite, (iii) geocronite + geerite + native gold, and (iv) native gold. Two mineralization stages in the silicified ores are characterized by (i) pyrite + arsenopyrite + tetrahedrite + chalcopyrite, and (ii) galena + sphalerite + native gold. Quartz in the disseminated and stockwork ores of the Main zone contains CO₂‐rich, halite‐bearing aqueous fluid inclusions with homogenization temperatures ranging from 194 to 327°C, whereas quartz in the disseminated and stockwork ores of the Central zone contains CO₂‐rich and aqueous fluid inclusions with homogenization temperatures ranging from 254 to 355°C. The textures of the ores, the mineral assemblages present, the mineralization sequences and the fluid inclusion data are consistent with orogenic classification for the Gatsuurt deposit.     

天马山硫金矿床金的赋存状肪及分布规律

矿床中金主要以独立矿物相存在，少数为细粒分散相，金的载体矿物主要有黄铜矿，毒砂，黄铁矿，综合脉石和磁黄铁矿等，金矿物主要为自然金，银金矿，平均成色745．57，金的嵌布类型有粒间金，包裹金，裂隙金3种，金在矿石中及不同矿体中的分布不均匀，金与流，金与砷的相关性因矿体类型及矿石类型的不同而有差异。     

青海东昆仑乌兰乌珠尔铜矿金属矿物特征及意义

通过详细的光、薄片研究,认为乌兰乌珠尔铜矿主要金属矿物有黄铁矿、黄铜矿、磁铁矿、磁黄铁矿、毒砂、闪锌矿、黑钨矿和锡石等.进一步通过金属矿物组合及其成分分析和流体包裹研究,推断乌兰乌珠尔铜矿的金属矿物主要是在高硫逸度较还原环境下形成的,其形成作用可划分为锡石-多金属和黄铜矿-多金属两个成矿阶段.结合乌兰乌珠尔区域地质和矿床地质的研究,确定该矿床为中高温热液Cu矿床.     

Aggregation and Differentiation of Gold and Silver during the Formation of the Gold-Bearing Weathering Crusts (on the Example of Kazakhstan Deposits)

The supergene Au in weathering crusts of both the Suzdal and Raygorodok deposits is characterized by enhanced fineness, grain size, crystallinity, and the appearance of botryoidal aggregates of crystals. In the weathering crust of the Suzdal deposit, the exogenous Au is associated primarily with scorodite and carbonates; for Raygorodok, with chalcocite, bornite, hydrocarbonates and Cu hydrosulfates. The difference in the mineral associations of supergene Au at the deposits is determined by the occurrence of various mineral concentrators of Au in the primary endogenous substrate: arsenopyrite and pyrite at the Suzdal deposit and chalcopyrite with pyrite at the Raygorodok deposit. Due to the much greater mobility of Ag in the supergene zone, the weathering crusts are likely to contain submicron microinclusions of Ag minerals beyond the zones of Au concentration.     

金矿自然重砂矿物组合规律及其找矿指示意义

对云南、海南、江西、湖北、河南、新疆、浙江、山东、辽宁等27个省185个典型金矿床的自然重砂矿物进行统计分析,发现自然重砂矿物对金矿具有良好的响应,自然金、黄铁矿、方铅矿、黄铜矿、白铅矿、辰砂等对寻找金矿具有指示意义。不同成因类型的金矿床反映出的自然重砂矿物组合不同,斑岩型金矿床的标型指示矿物组合为自然金+黄铁矿+方铅矿+重晶石+闪锌矿+白铅矿+金红石,卡林型—类卡林型金矿床的标型指示矿物组合为自然金+黄铁矿+方铅矿+辉锑矿+毒砂+雄(雌)黄,而造山型+矽卡岩型+热液型+构造蚀变岩型金矿床的标型指示矿物组合为自然金+黄铁矿+方铅矿+辰砂。不同区域的金矿床反映出的自然重砂矿物组合也各有差异,闪锌矿为南方各省金矿床的特征矿物,辰砂和白钨矿为北方地区金矿床的特征矿物,重晶石和白铅矿为西部地区金矿的特征矿物。综合研究认为,自然重砂具有直接找矿和指导找矿的作用,按照特定成因类型和区域金矿床所建立的自然重砂矿物组合对建立矿床找矿模型具有重要的意义。     

Effects of phospholipid on pyrite oxidation in the presence of autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria

Pyrite oxidation occurring in solutions containing iron oxidizing autotrophic bacteria, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans), and/or heterotrophic bacteria, Acidiphilium acidophilum (A. acidophilum), has been investigated. Under the conditions used, the amount of pyrite oxidized in the presence of both species was similar to the amount oxidized in the presence of A. ferrooxidans alone over a period of 30 days. Pretreatment of pyrite with the phospholipid, [1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (23:2 Diyne PC)], to form an adsorbed organic layer reduced the amount of pyrite oxidation in the absence of bacteria and in the presence of A. ferrooxidans. The addition of lipid to pyrite prior to its exposure to a mixed A. ferrooxidans/A. acidophilum solution also showed initial oxidation suppression. However, after 4-5 days the effectiveness of the lipid in suppressing pyrite oxidation was lost and oxidation of the mineral proceeded at a rate that was similar to lipid-free pyrite in the presence of both microbial populations. If, however, lipid/pyrite was pretreated with UV radiation to induce cross-linking of the lipid tails (via polymerization of diacetylene groups in the tails), the lipid layer showed a strong suppression of pyrite oxidation for up to at least 30 days in the presence of both microbial populations. It was also shown with in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) that the introduction of lipid to pyrite with colonized A. ferrooxidans led to the displacement of a fraction of surface bound bacteria. This lipid-induced displacement was confirmed by ex situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).     

Magnesia mixture as a regulator in the separation of pyrite from chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite

The aim of this paper is to find an effective method for the separation of the undesirable constituents, namely, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite from pyrite used for the production of H₂SO₄. A new effective method is developed for co-depressing chalcopyrite with arsenopyrite by AsI₃, followed by the addition of magnesia mixture. This method has been shown to be based on the fact that iron sites exist in the three minerals, whereas copper and arsenic sites exist only in chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite, respectively. This is coupled with the ability of both Cu(I) and Cu(II) to precipitate As(III) in the form of insoluble copper arsenides, namely Cu₃As, Cu₃As₂. In contrast, neither Fe(II) nor Fe(III) form stable arsenides. Consequently, As³⁺ ions are selectively adsorbed onto the surface of chalcopyrite. The facility for oxidizability of As(III) is well known and hence it adsorbs oxygen from the pulp and changes to As(V) of higher valency and smaller size, with ionic potential over 10. Accordingly, it yields a stable complex anion with covalent bonding, namely, [AsO₄]^3?. These newly created arsenate sites on the surface of chalcopyrite, as well as the corresponding original arsenate sites on the surface of arsenopyrite combine with magnesia mixture to form cations leading to the formation of tightly abutting strongly hydrophilic layers of … AsO₄NH₄Mg.6H₂O. The spread of this hydrophilic film on arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite surfaces leads to the screening of their surfaces, making them difficult of access for the collector, ethyl xanthate. Since the pK_a of xanthic acid occurs at pH below 3, xanthate species predominate at pH above 8 and are adsorbed selectively on the pyrite surface in sufficient quantity for its selective flotation and hence for its separation to take place in the pH range 8–9.     

Copper–Gold Skarn Mineralization at the Karavansalija Ore Zone,Rogozna Mountain,Southwestern Serbia

Karavansalija ore zone is situated in the Serbian part of the Serbo‐Macedonian magmatic and metallogenic belt. The Cu–Au mineralization is hosted mainly by garnet–pyroxene–epidote skarns and shifts to lesser presence towards the nearby quartz–epidotized rocks and the overlying volcanic tuffs. Within the epidosites the sulfide mineralogy is represented by disseminated cobalt‐nickel sulfides from the gersdorfite‐krutovite mineral series and cobaltite, and pyrite–marcasite–chalcopyrite–base metal aggregates. The skarn sulfide mineralization is characterized by chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, bismuth‐phases (bismuthinite and cosalite), arsenopyrite, gersdorffite, and sphalerite. The sulfides can be observed in several types of massive aggregates, depending on the predominant sulfide phases: pyrrhotite‐chalcopyrite aggregates with lesser amount of arsenopyrite and traces of sphalerite, arsenopyrite–bismuthinite–cosalite aggregates with subordinate sphalerite and sphalerite veins with bismuthinite, pyrite and arsenopyrite. In the overlying volcanoclastics, the studied sulfide mineralization is represented mainly by arsenopyrite aggregates with subordinate amounts of pyrite and chalcopyrite. Gold is present rarely as visible aggregate of native gold and also as invisible element included in arsenopyrite. The fluid inclusion microthermometry data suggest homogenization temperature in the range of roughly 150–400°C. Salinities vary in the ranges of 0.5–8.5 wt% NaCl eq for two‐phase low density fluid inclusions and 15–41 wt% NaCl eq for two‐phase high‐salinity and three‐phase high‐salinity fluid inclusions. The broad range of salinity values and the different types of fluid inclusions co‐existing in the same crystals suggest that at least two fluids with different salinities contributed to the formation of the Cu–Au mineralization. Geothermometry, based on EPMA data of arsenopyrite co‐existing with pyrite and pyrrhotite, suggests a temperature range of 240–360°C for the formation of the arsenopyrite, which overlaps well with the data for the formation temperature obtained through fluid inclusion microthermometry. The sulfur isotope data on arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and marcasite from the different sulfide assemblages (ranging from 0.4‰ to +3.9‰ δ³⁴S_CDT with average of 2.29 δ³⁴S_CDT and standard deviation of 1.34 δ³⁴S_CDT) indicates a magmatic source of sulfur for all of the investigated phases. The narrow range of the data points to a common source for all of the investigated sulfides, regardless of the host rock and the paragenesis. The sulfur isotope data shows good overlap with that from nearby base‐metal deposits; therefore the Cu–Au mineralization and the emblematic base‐metal sulfide mineralization from this metallogenic belt likely share same fluid source.     

桂西那弱银金矿床矿物组合特征及银和金的赋存状态研究

广西天峨那弱银金矿床以银矿为主,共/伴生金及铅、锌、锑等金属,矿物组合在右江盆地内为首次发现。矿体受那弱背斜及其轴向断层控制,赋矿层位为中三叠统百逢组含钙质浊积岩系。矿石矿物以硫锑铅矿、铁闪锌矿、黄铁矿、毒砂和方铅矿为主;脉石矿物主要有石英、方解石、绢云母等。主要矿石矿物由早到晚的生成顺序为:毒砂→黄铁矿→铁闪锌矿→硫锑铅矿→方铅矿。单矿物化学分析显示硫锑铅矿含Ag最高,其次为闪锌矿;黄铁矿含Au相对较高。EPMA测试结果表明Ag于方铅矿中含量最高,其次为硫锑铅矿;主要矿石矿物中毒砂含Au相对较高,其余矿物中Au含量均偏低。因矿石中的铅矿物主要为硫锑铅矿,可以认为那弱银金矿床的Ag主要赋存于硫锑铅矿中,Au主要赋存于毒砂与黄铁矿中,二者均以显微-次显微状态赋存于载体矿物中。根据矿物组合及其相互交代、切割关系等特征,将矿床划分为2个成矿期共4个成矿阶段。其中,第一成矿期为金的成矿期,矿物组合为黄铁矿和毒砂,由于后期成矿作用的叠加,仅保留一个成矿阶段;第二成矿期为银铅锌成矿期,矿物组合为方铅矿-闪锌矿-硫锑铅矿;包含第二至第四共3个完整的成矿阶段。该矿床Ag、Au共生是不同期次成矿作用叠加的结果。     

Silver-Bearing and Associated Minerals in El Zancudo Deposit, Antioquia, Colombia

The occurrence and the chemical compositions of ore minerals (especially the silver‐bearing minerals) and fluid inclusions of the El Zancudo mine in Colombia were investigated in order to analyze the genetic processes of the ore minerals and to examine the genesis of the deposit. The El Zancudo mine is a silver–gold deposit located in the western flank of the Central Cordillera in Antioquia Department. It consists mainly of banded ore veins hosted in greenschist and lesser disseminated ore in porphyritic rocks. The ore deposit is associated with extensive hydrothermally altered zones. The ores from the banded veins contain sphalerite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, Ag‐bearing sulfosalts, Pb‐Sb sulfosalts, and minor chalcopyrite, electrum, and native silver. Electrum is included within sphalerite, pyrite, and arsenopyrite, and is also partially surrounded by pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite. Native silver is present in minor amounts as small grains in contact with Ag‐rich sulfosalts. Silver‐bearing sulfosalts are argentian tetrahedrite–freibergite solid solution, andorite, miargyrite, diaphorite, and owyheeite. Pb‐Sb sulfosalts are bournonite, jamesonite, and boulangerite. Two main crystallization stages are recognized, based on textural relations and mineral assemblages. The first‐stage assemblage includes sphalerite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena and electrum. The second stage is divided into two sub‐stages. The first sub‐stage commenced with the deposition and growth of sphalerite, pyrite, and arsenopyrite. These minerals are characterized by compositional growth banding, and seem to have crystallized continuously until the end of the second sub‐stage. Tetrahedrite, Pb‐Cu sulfosalts, Ag‐Sb sulfosalt, and Pb‐Ag‐Sb sulfosalts crystallized from the final part of the first sub‐stage and during the whole second sub‐stage. However, one Pb‐Ag‐Sb sulfosalt, diaphorite, was formed by a retrograde reaction between galena and miargyrite. The minimum and maximum genetic temperatures estimated from the FeS content of sphalerite coexisting with pyrite and the silver content of electrum are 300°C and 420°C, respectively. These estimated genetic temperatures are similar to, but slightly higher than the homogenization temperatures (235–350°C) of primary fluid inclusions in quartz. The presence of muscovite in the altered host rocks and gangue suggest that the pH of the hydrothermal solutions was close to neutral. Most of the sulfosalts in this deposit have previously been attributed as the products of epithermal mineralization. However, El Zancudo can be classified as a xenothermal deposit, in view of the low pressure and high temperature genetic conditions identified in the present study, based on the mineralogy of sulfosalts and the homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions.     

Effect of oxidation potential and zinc sulphate on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite

The effects of oxidation potential (Eh) and zinc sulphate on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite were investigated at pH 9.0. The flotation recovery of these minerals is Eh dependent with maximum separation obtained at 275 mV SHE. Zinc sulphate addition improved this mineral separation at an Eh value of 275 mV by selectively depressing pyrite flotation. A different result was obtained at lower Eh values where zinc sulphate addition improved chalcopyrite flotation but had no or little effect on pyrite flotation. These opposite effects of zinc sulphate on mineral flotation were reconciled by examining the surface species of these minerals. The selective depression of pyrite flotation by zinc sulphate was also confirmed in the flotation of two copper ores.     

Geology,mineralogy, geochemistry and δ34S of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits in Song Hien structure,NE Vietnam

The Song Hien rift basin is considered to be one of the most important regions of gold mineralisation in North East Vietnam. A number of gold deposits in the Song Hien rift basin are hosted in Triassic and Devonian sedimentary formations of the basin. The largest among them are the Bo Va, Tham Riem and Khung Khoang deposits. The Bo Va deposit is hosted in carbonaceous sedimentary rocks of Triassic age, whereas the Tham Riem and Khung Khoang deposits are hosted in carbonaceous sedimentary rocks of Devonian ages. Based on the mineral composition of the ores, the deposits can be divided into to two types: (i) pyrite dominated and (ii) pyrite-arsenopyrite dominated. The Khung Khoang is of the first type and the Bo Va and Tham Riem deposits belong to the second type. The isotopic composition of pyrite and arsenopyrite in the Tham Riem deposit however, is close to that for the ores of the Bo Va deposit. The δ³⁴S value for pyrite ranging from −3.7‰ to −7.4‰ and for arsenopyrite ranging from −3.2‰ to 7.4‰. The δ³⁴S of pyrite in the ore from the Khung Khoang deposit however, has a much heavier isotopic composition of +18.9 to +20.2‰. A narrow range of the variation of sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite and arsenopyrite, the presence of visible gold as inclusions, the presence of chalcopyrite, sphalerite and other inclusions in arsenopyrite and pyrite, the large size of the grains of major ore minerals allow us to assume that the primary gold ores of the Bo Va and Tham Riem deposits underwent metamorphic transformations. The absence of arsenic, antimony, mercury and other characteristic elements in the ores of the Khung Khoang deposit, and substantially heavier isotopic composition of sulfur similar to the sulfur isotopic composition of marine sulfates in the Devonian, allow us to assume another source of the ore components, not connected with the Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Song Hien rift.     

The San Jorge porphyry copper deposit, Mendoza, Argentina: a combination of orthomagmatic and hydrothermal mineralization

The San Jorge porphyry copper deposit (SJPCD) is hosted by Carboniferous clastic sedimentary rocks and Permian intrusions located within the Permo-Triassic belt of Chile and Argentina. Its hypogene mineralization and alteration are products of superposed orthomagmatic and hydrothermal events that were strongly fault controlled. Copper related to orthomagmatic processes includes disseminated chalcopyrite in the matrix of porphyritic granodiorite and andesite, and chalcopyrite with tourmaline and quartz in breccias, both of which have accompanying potassic alteration. Soon thereafter, disseminated chalcopyrite is associated with a structurally controlled silicification of the sedimentary sequence. Finally, multiple episodes of hydrofracturing, probably driven by a deep-seated intrusion, deposited sulfide minerals in veinlets throughout the sedimentary sequence; the centers of these systems are characterized by potassic alteration. Total sulfides, which include chalcopyrite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite, and pyrite:chalcopyrite form a linear NNE trend, parallel to the main faults. Quartz–sericite is the dominant alteration and is ubiquitous. Zones of potassic alteration can be delineated even though phyllic alteration can be superposed. Much of the system evolved under reducing conditions. Despite uplift along a reverse fault during the Tertiary, and subsequent erosion, the system is preserved at high levels. Supergene processes redistributed copper in secondary oxides and sulfides. These processes were more effective where the deposit is covered by unconsolidated alluvial sediments. The unique history of the San Jorge deposit renders it an important variation of porphyry copper-style mineralization.     

Typomorphic characteristics of ore minerals from XS copper-tungsten deposit,central Jiangxi,China and their practical significance

Typomorphic peculiarities of ore minerals are discussed from a theoretical approach, as exemplified by studies of wolframite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, marmatite, molybdenite, arsenopyrite and cassiterite from the XS copper-tungsten deposit. Important data on ore genesis can be obtained from the study of typomorphic peculiarities of ore minerals in terms of chemical composition, physical properties, morphology and crystal structure.     

Polymetallic Mineralization at the Nakakoshi Copper Deposits, Central Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract: Polymetallic mineralization at the Nakakoshi deposits, Kamikawa town, central Hokkaido, occur as fracture-filling veins in Cretaceous slate of the Hidaka Supergroup. Ten veins have been recognized in NE-SW and E-W directions. Sericite in altered slate which is the host of the deposits, was dated at 31. 1 Ma, Oligocene in age.
No. 9 vein consists of massive chalcopyrite ore with various kinds of minerals such as pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, Ag-minerals and Cu–Zn–Fe–In–Sn–S minerals, quartz and sericite. Chalcopyrite and pyrite contain sphalerite star and sphalerite with chalcopyrite emulsions. Maximum indium contents of sphalerite and the Cu–Zn–Fe–In–Sn–S minerals are 1. 8 and 16. 3 wt%, respectively. The sulfur isotopic ratios, δ³⁴S of ore minerals, range from –12. 9 to –9. 6%. Formation temperatures of the sulfide minerals are estimated as 300–500°C, based on the paragenesis and chemical compositions of the minerals.     

金矿床中黄铁矿-毒砂-辉锑矿标型及金的赋存状态——以湖南省金矿床为例

湖南及类似地区的金矿床,金高度富集在黄铁矿、毒砂和辉锑矿中.这些载金的硫（砷）化物具有各自特征性的标型.由于黄铁矿、尤其是毒砂中的金大多属于质点小于0.1 μm的不可见金,不仅在光学显微镜下无法找到,即使利用电子探针和在高倍电镜下进行金的特征X射线扫描亦未发现金矿物富集区.由此引起了这类矿物中的金是呈超微细粒形式存在,还是以类质同像存在于其矿物晶格中的不同看法.所以,研究黄铁矿和毒砂的标型特征,查明金的赋存状态,对金的利用十分重要.经有关矿床多项实验研究及选矿试验结果,认为黄铁矿与毒砂中的不可见金,除次显微金外主要应为“纳米金”（矿物金）,而非晶格金（结构金）.     

Ore and Skarn Mineralogy of the Yamato Mine,Yamaguchi Prefecture,Japan, with Emphasis on Silver‐, Bismuth‐, Cobalt‐, and Tin‐bearing Sulfides

Assemblages and chemical compositions of ore minerals from the Yamato mine, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, were investigated in detail to clarify its characteristics as a skarn deposit. Special attention was paid to silver‐, bismuth‐, cobalt‐, and tin‐bearing sulfide minerals and native gold at the mine, which are described here for the first time. Samples of arsenopyrite‐dominant massive ore, and garnet‐rich, clinopyroxene‐garnet‐rich, and wollastonite‐bearing skarn ores were collected from the mine dump. Arsenopyrite is the most abundant ore mineral (>80 vol.%) in the massive ore, in association with both As‐poor/free and As‐bearing pyrite. The major ore minerals in the skarn specimens are pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite, along with minor argentite, Ag‐Pb‐Bi sulfate, matildite, bismuthinite, native bismuth, molybdenite, scheelite, stannite, stannoidite, cassiterite, cobaltite, gersdorffite, and Co‐rich violarite. In addition, native gold is observed in the interstices of gangue minerals. Based on the mineral assemblages and textures of the specimens examined, the major ore minerals formed in the early stage of mineralization, and the Bi‐, Ag‐, Co‐, Ni‐, As‐ and Sn‐mineralization occurred in the middle stage. Native gold was deposited in the late stage. The estimated formation temperature of the middle mineralization stage was 312±5 °C, according to iron and zinc partitioning between stannite and coexisting sphalerite. The mineralogical properties and mineralization process of the Yamato mine are consistent with those of common skarn‐ and vein‐type ore deposits associated with ilmenite‐series granitoids in the San‐yo and San‐in districts.