Tube fossils from gossanites of the Urals VHMS deposits,Russia: Authigenic mineral assemblages and trace element distributions

The occurrence, types, morphology, and mineralogical characteristics of tube microfossils were studied in gossanites from twelve VHMS deposits of the Urals. Several types of tube microfossils were recognized, including siboglinids, polychaetes and calcerous serpulids, replaced by a variety of minerals (e.g. hematite–quartz, hematite–chlorite, carbonate–hematite) depending on the nature of the substrate prior to the formation of the gossanites. Colonial hematite tube microfossils (~ 150 μm across,1–2 mm long) are composed of hematitic outer and inner walls, and may exhibit a cellular structure within their cavities. Spherical forms are saturated with Fe-oxidizing bacteria inside the tubes – probably analogues of trophosomes. Colloform stromatolitic outer wall surfaces are characterized by the presence of numerous interlaced filaments of hematite (2–3 μm diameter, up to 1–2 mm long). Between tube microfossils, the hematitized cement contains bundles of hematitized filaments with structures similar to the hyphae of fungi. Hematite–chlorite tube microfossils are scattered in gossanites, mostly as biological debris. They are typically 30 to 300 μm in diameter and 1 to 5 mm long. The layered structure of their tube walls is characterized by hematite–quartz and chlorite layers. Abundant filamentous bacteria coated by glycocalix and chlorite stromatolite are associated with hematite–chlorite tubes. The carbonate–hematite tube microfossils (up to 300 μm across, 2–3 mm long) occur in carbonate-rich gossanites. The tubes are characterized by fine (~ 10 μm thick) walls of hematite and cavities dominated by relatively dark carbonate or hematite. Carbonates may be present both in walls and cavities. Stromatolite-like leucoxene or hematite–carbonate aggregates were also found in association with tubes. Randomly oriented filaments are composed of ankerite. Single filaments are composed of individual cells, typically smaller than 100 nm across, similar to that of magnetotactic bacteria.Three dimensional tomographic images of all types of tube microfossils demonstrate a clear wavy microlayering from outer and inner walls, which may reflect segmentation of the tube worms. The traces of burrowing or fragments of glycocalix with relict spheres are typical of tube microfossils from gossanites.The carbon isotopic composition of carbonates associated with tube microfossils from hematite–quartz, hematite–carbonate, and hematite–chlorite gossanites average − 7.2, − 6.8, –22.8‰, PDB, respectively. These values are indicative of a biogenic origin for the carbonates. The oxygen isotopic composition of these carbonates is similar in all three gossanite types averaging + 13.5, + 14.2, + 13.0‰ (relative to SMOW), and indicative of active sulfate reduction during the diagenetic (and anadiagenetic) stages of the sediments evolution. The trace element characteristics of hematite from tube microfossils are characterized by high contents of following trace elements (average, ppm): Mn (1529), As (714), V (540), W (537), Mo (35), and U (5). Such high contents are most likely the result of metal and metalloid sorption by fine particles of precursor iron hydroxides during the oxidation of sulfides and decomposition of hyaloclasts via microbially-mediated reactions.     

Platinum-group element (PGE) deposits and occurrences: Mineralization styles,genetic concepts,and exploration criteria

PGE mineralization has been identified in various rock types and at various stratigraphic levels in layered intrusions of any age, size and magmatic lineage, but the most important deposits occur as relatively narrow stratiform reefs in the lower to central ultramafic–mafic portions of large tholeiitic intrusions of late Archean to early Proterozoic age. One of the main challenges in exploration is that the reefs tend to be sulfide-poor. In many chromitites, magnetitites and silicate-hosted ores, the rocks contain no visible sulfides, possibly due to (late) magmatic sulfide resorption. As a result, some deposits may have been overlooked, particularly those in the upper portions of the intrusions that were in the past considered to be relatively unprospective. Amongst lithogeochemical tools, Cu/Pd ratios have proven to be particularly useful to evaluate the PGE potential of intrusions and to delineate the position of the reefs within the intrusions.The origin of the PGE mineralization remains controversial. A possible explanation for the low sulfide contents of many PGE-rich intrusions is that most of their parental magmas were strongly undersaturated in sulfur and at least partially derived from the S-poor and PGE-enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle. Sulfide saturation upon emplacement in the crust may have been reached during differentiation. Empirical evidence supports theoretical considerations that chromite and magnetite precipitation may be particularly conducive to trigger sulfide melt saturation, due to a pronounced decrease in FeO content of the magma. The importance of magma mixing in triggering sulfide supersaturation remains unclear. The same applies to contamination; some intrusions show a distinct crustal component, but many others do not, and there is little if any correlation between sulfide content and crustal component. Together with the general paucity of sulfides in the intrusions this could suggest that contamination is not critical in reef formation and may indeed be a negative factor.Other processes may also be relevant to reef formation. Data from the well-studied Bushveld Complex suggest that the magmas had reached sulfide saturation prior to emplacement, and that sulfides were entrained in the magma during ascent and emplacement. Sulfide entrainment has previously been recognised as one of the key factors in the formation of massive Ni–Cu sulfide deposits, and it is suggested here that it is also relevant to the formation of PGE deposits.     

东天山黑峰山、双峰山及沙泉子(铜)铁矿床的矿物微量和稀土元素地球化学特征

东天山黑峰山铁矿床、双峰山铁矿床以及沙泉子铜铁矿床位于新疆哈密盆地以南,是东天山阿齐山-雅满苏构造带的重要矿床。文章利用磁铁矿、黄铁矿和方解石的微量元素及稀土元素组成示踪了这些矿床的成矿流体来源和性质,初步探讨了矿床的成因类型。激光剥蚀（LA）-ICP-MS磁铁矿微量元素分析表明,三个矿床的磁铁矿具有非常低的w（V）、w（Cr）和w（Ti）（平均分别为68×10^-6、13×10^-6和237×10^-6）,指示磁铁矿形成于热液过程而不是岩浆分异。黄铁矿中较高的Cu含量可能反映了含Cu矿物微颗粒的存在。黄铁矿中较低的Pb、Zn含量可能反映了成矿流体中较低的Pb²⁺和Zn²⁺浓度。黄铁矿中的Co/Ni比值表明这些矿床均为火山-热液成因。三个矿床黄铁矿的稀土元素总量都很低（ΣREE为0.58×10^-6~3.02×10^-6）,黑峰山铁矿中的黄铁矿轻、重稀土元素分馏不明显,双峰山铁矿和沙泉子铜铁矿中的黄铁矿均为轻稀土元素富集型,（La/Yb）_N分别为3.51~13.4和2.76~17.2。三个矿床略有差别的方解石稀土元素配分模式,反映了其流体组成和形成机制的差别。黑峰山铁矿中的重稀土元素富集型的方解石稀土元素配分模式为方解石Sm-Nd定年提供了依据。三个矿床的黄铁矿和方解石均无Ce异常,黑峰山铁矿中的黄铁矿和方解石表现为负Eu异常,而双峰山铁矿和沙泉子铜铁矿中的黄铁矿和方解石表现为正Eu异常,反映了三个矿床均形成于较高的温度,前者成矿流体可能为碱性,后两者成矿流体为酸性、还原性。结合前人研究成果认为,黑峰山铁矿、双峰山铁矿及沙泉子铜铁矿均为火山热液-充填（交代）矿床。     

The Pechenga Ni-Cu deposits, Russia: Data on PGE and Au distribution and sulphur isotope compositions

Summary The Early Proterozoic Ni-Cu deposits of the Pechenga ore field, located in the northwestern part of Russia, are associated with gabbro-wehrlite intrusions which are cogenetic with ferropicritic volcanics. The total PGE content of the ores and Ni-bearing ultramafics varies widely, showing a positive correlation with sulphur content, and reaching 2-3 ppm in the massive and breccia ores. Barren intrusions and sulphide-free ultramafic lithologies of the ore-bearing intrusions, as well as ferropicritic volcanics, have low PGE contents and are depleted in noble metals relative to Ni and Cu. Accommodation of PGE in sulphides and PGE depletion in low-sulphur ultramafic rocks are consistent with a magmatic model, implying partitioning of PGE from silicate melt to sulphides and indicating sulphide saturation and separation of the immiscible sulphide liquid at an early stage of the magma's history, prior to ferropicrite eruption and gabbro-wehrlite emplacement.A juvenile sulphur source for a number of Ni-Cu ore deposits and prospects (Kaula, Kotselvaara, Kammikivi, Sputnik-Verkhnee, Yuzhnoe) and barren intrusions is indicated by uniform ³⁴S values, ranging from c.-1.0 to +2.5. In contrast, ores associated with the large intrusive bodies (Pilgujärvi, Kierdzhipor), characterised by ³⁴S values ranging from c.1 to 7, are contaminated by crustal sulphur from the host metasedimentary rocks. This contamination apparently occured during magma ascent through the host sulphide-rich shales.Metamorphic hydrothermal alteration of the rocks led to remobilisation of the sulphide ores. Au was leached from massive and breccia ores and redeposited as native gold in zones of talc-carbonate alteration and stringer sulphides. Sedimentary sulphur from the host metasedimentary rocks has been introduced into the stringer zone Ni-Cu mineralisation and zones of talc-carbonate alteration by metamorphic fluids.Zusammenfassung Die altproterozoischen Kupfer-Nickel-Lagerstätten von Pechenga (Petsamo) in Nordwest-Russland sind mit Gabbro-Wehrlit Intrusionen assoziiert. Diese wiederum sind co-genetisch mit ferropikritischen Vulkaniten. Der gesamte PGE-Gehalt der Erze und Nickel-führender Ultramafite variiert beträchtlich und zeigt eine positive Korrelation mit dem Schwefelgehalt. PGE-Gehalte erreichen bis zu 2-3 ppm in den massiven und in den Breckzien-Erzen. Erzfreie Intrusionen und Sulfid-freie ultramafische Lithologien der erzführenden Intrusionen, sowohl wie auch ferropikritische Vulkanite haben niedrige PGE-Gehalte und sind, relativ zu Nickel und Kupfer, an Edelmetallen verarmt. Der Einbau von PGE in Sulfiden, sowie PGE-Abreicherung in schwefelarmen ultramafischen Gesteinen entsprechen einem magmatischen Modell. Dieses impliziert eine Fraktionierung von PGE aus der Silikatschmelze in Sulfide. Es weist weiterhin auf Sulfid-Sättigung und Abtrennung der Sulfidschmelze zu einem frühen Studium der magmatischen Entwicklung, vor der Ferropikrit-Eruption und vor der Platznahme der Gabbro-Wehrlite, hin.Eine juvenile Schwefelquelle für eine Anzahl von Nickel-Kupfer-Erzlagerstätten und Prospekten (Kaul, Kotselvaara, Kammikivi, Sputnik-Verkhnee, Yuzhnoe) und erzfreie Intrusionen wird durch gleichförmige ³⁴S-Werte bewiesen, die von ca. 1,0 bis 2,5% reichen. Im Gegensatz dazu sind Erze, die mit den großen Intrusiv-Körpern (Pilgujärvi, Kierdzhipor), assoziiert sind, durch ³⁴S-Werte von 1 bis 7% charakterisiert; letztere sind durch krustalen Schwefel aus den umgebenden metasedimentären Gesteinen kontaminiert. Diese Kontamination fand offensichtlich während des Magmenaufstieges durch die sulfidreichen Schiefer statt.Metamorphe hydrothermale Alteration der Gesteine führte zur Remobilisation der Sulfiderze. Gold wurde aus massiven und Breckzien-Erzen herausgelöst und als gediegenes Gold in Zonen von Talk-Karbonat-Alteration und stringer-Sulfiden abgesetzt. Sedimentärer Schwefel aus den metasedimentären Wirtsgesteinen ist in die stringer Nickel-Kupfer-Mineralisation und in Zonen von Talk-Karbonat-Alteration durch metamorphe Fluide zugeführt worden.

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Die Nickel-Kupfer-Lagerstätten von Pechenga, Rußland: PGE- und Au-Verteilung und Schwefelisotopen

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With 8 Figures     

Major, trace element and isotope geochemistry (Sr-Nd-Pb) of interplinian magmas from Mt. Somma-Vesuvius (Southern Italy)

Summary Major, trace element and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb) data are reported for representative samples of interplinian (Protohistoric, Ancient Historic and Medieval Formations) activity of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius volcano during the last 3500 years. Tephra and lavas exhibit significant major, trace element and isotopic variations. Integration of these data with those obtained by previous studies on the older Somma suites and on the latest activity, allows to better trace a complete petrological and geochemical evolution of the Mt. Somma-Vesuvius magmatism. Three main groups of rocks are recognized. A first group is older than 12.000 yrs, and includes effusive-explosive activity of Mt. Somma. The second group (8000–2700 yrs B.P.) includes the products emitted by the Ottaviano (8000 yrs. B.P.) and Avellino (3550 yrs B.P.) plinian eruptions and the interplinian activity associated with the Protohistoric Formation. Ancient Historic Formation (79–472 A.D.), Medieval Formation (472–1139 A.D.) and Recent interplinian activity (1631–1944 A.D.) belong to the third group of activity (79–1944 A.D.). The three groups of rocks display distinct positive trends of alkalis vs. silica, which become increasingly steeper with age. In the first group there is an increase in silica and alkalis with time, whereas an opposite tendency is observed in the two younger groups. Systematic variations are also evident among the incompatible (Pb, Zr, Hf, Ta, Th, U, Nb, Rb, Cs, Ba) and compatible elements (Sr, Co, Cr). REE document variable degrees of fractionation, with recent activity displaying higher La/Yb ratios than Medieval and Ancient Historic products with the same degree of evolution. N-MORB normalized multi-element diagrams for interplinian rocks show enrichment in Rb, Th, Nb, Zr and Sm (> ^*10 N-MORB). Sr isotope ratios are variable, with Protohistoric rocks displaying ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr =  0.70711–0.70810, Ancient Historic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70665–0.70729, and Medieval ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70685–0.70803. Neodymium isotopic compositions in the interplinian rocks show a tendency to become slightly more radiogenic with age, from the Protohistoric (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51240–0.51247) to Ancient Historic (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51245–0.51251). Medieval interplinian activity (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd: 0.51250–0.51241) lacks meaningful internal trends. All the interplinian rocks have virtually homogeneous compositions of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb in acid-leached residues (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼15.633 to 15.687, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼38.947 to 39.181). Values of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb are very distinctive, however, and discriminate among the three interplinian cycles of activity (Protohistoric: 18.929–18.971, Ancient Historic: 19.018–19.088, Medieval: 18.964–19.053). Compositional trends of major, trace element and isotopic compositions clearly demonstrate strong temporal variations of the magma types feeding the Somma-Vesuvius activity. These different trends are unlikely to be related only to low pressure evolutionary processes, and reveal variations of parental melt composition. Geochemical data suggest a three component mixing scheme for the interplinian activity. These involve HIMU-type and DMM-type mantle and Calabrian-type lower crust. Interaction between these components has taken place in the source; however, additional quantitative constraints must be acquired in order to better discriminate between magma characteristics inherited from the sources and those acquired during shallow level evolution. Received May 5, 2000; revised version accepted June 19, 2001     

Sulfur isotope and trace element data from ore sulfides in the Noranda district (Abitibi,Canada): implications for volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit genesis

We examine models for volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) mineralization in the ~2.7-Ga Noranda camp, Abitibi subprovince, Superior Province, Canada, using a combination of multiple sulfur isotope and trace element data from ore sulfide minerals. The Noranda camp is a well-preserved, VMS deposit-rich area that is thought to represent a collapsed volcanic caldera. Due to its economic value, the camp has been studied extensively, providing a robust geological framework within which to assess the new data presented in this study. We explore previously proposed controls on mineralization within the Noranda camp and, in particular, the exceptional Au-rich Horne and Quemont deposits. We present multiple sulfur isotope and trace element compositional data for sulfide separates representing 25 different VMS deposits and “showings” within the Noranda camp. Multiple sulfur isotope data for this study have δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of between ?1.9 and +2.5?‰, and Δ³³S_V-CDT values of between ?0.59 and ?0.03?‰. We interpret the negative Δ³³S values to be due to a contribution of sulfur that originated as seawater sulfate to form the ore sulfides of the Noranda camp VMS deposits. The contribution of seawater sulfate increased with the collapse and subsequent evolution of the Noranda caldera, an inference supported by select trace and major element analyses. In particular, higher concentrations of Se occur in samples with Δ³³S values closer to 0?‰, as well as lower Fe/Zn ratios in sphalerite, suggesting lower pressures and temperatures of formation. We also report a relationship between average Au grade and Δ³³S values within Au-rich VMS deposits of the Noranda camp, whereby higher gold grades are associated with near-zero Δ³³S values. From this, we infer a dominance of igneous sulfur in the gold-rich deposits, either leached from the volcanic pile and/or directly degassed from an associated intrusion.     

Subduction and melting processes inferred from U-Series, Sr-Nd-Pb isotope, and trace element data, Bicol and Bataan arcs, Philippines

We present U-series, Sr-Nd-Pb isotope, and trace element data from the two principal volcanic chains on Luzon Island, developed over oppositely dipping subduction zones, to explore melting and mass transfer processes beneath arcs. The Bataan (western) and Bicol (eastern) arcs are currently subducting terrigenous and pelagic sediments, respectively, which have different trace element and isotopic compositions. The range of (²³⁰Th/²³⁸U) disequilibria for both arcs is 0.85-1.15; only lavas from Mt. Mayon (Bicol arc) have ²³⁰Th activity excesses. Bataan lavas have higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd than Bicol lavas (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7042-0.7046, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51281-0.51290 vs. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70371-0.70391, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51295-0.51301) and both arcs show steep linear arrays towards sediment values on ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagrams. Analysis of incompatible element and isotopic data allows identification of a sediment component that, at least in part, was transferred as a partial melt to the mantle wedge peridotite. Between 1% and 5% sediment melt addition can explain the isotopic and trace element variability in the rocks from both arcs despite the differences in sediment supply. We therefore propose that sediment transfer to the mantle wedge is likely mechanically or thermally limited. It follows that most sediments are either accreted, reside in the sub-arc lithosphere, or are recycled into the convecting mantle. However, whole-sale sediment recycling into the upper mantle is unlikely in light of the global mid-ocean ridge basalt data. Fluid involvement is more difficult to characterize, but overall the Bicol arc appears to have more fluid influence than the Bataan arc. Rock suites from each arc can be related by a dynamic melting process that allows for ²³⁰Th ingrowth, either by dynamic or continuous flux melting, provided the initial (²³⁰Th/²³²Th) of the source is ∼0.6-0.7. The implication of either model is that inclined arrays on the U-Th equiline diagram may not have chronologic significance. Modeling also suggests that U-series disequilibria are influenced by the tectonic convergence rate, which dictates mantle matrix flow. Thus with slower matrix flow there is a greater degree of ²³⁰Th ingrowth. While other factors such as prior mantle depletion and addition of a subducted component may explain some aspects of U-series data, an overall global correlation between tectonic convergence rate and the extent of U-Th disequilibria may originate from melting processes.     

Petrogenesis of Monte Vulture volcano (Italy): inferences from mineral chemistry,major and trace element data

The paper presents major and trace element data and mineral compositions for a series of foiditic-tephritic to phonolitic rocks coming from Monte Vulture, Southern Italy, and investigates their origin, evolution and relationship with the other centres of the Roman province.Major and trace element variation in the foiditic to tephritic suite agrees with a hypothesis of evolution by simple crystal/liquid fractionation, whereas the early erupted phonolitic trachytes and phonolites have geochemical characteristics which do not support their derivation from tephritic magma by crystal fractionation. Foiditic and phonolitic rocks have mineral compositions which are interpreted as indicating magma mixing. However geochemical evidence shows that this process did not play an important role during the magma evolution.The Vulture rocks have compositional peculiarities such as high abundance of Na₂O, CaO, Cl and S, when compared with other Roman volcanics. Instead, the distribution of incompatible elements is similar to those of Roman rocks, except for a lower content of Rb and K, higher P and lower Th/Ta and Th/Nb ratios which are still close to the values of arc volcanics.The high contents of Na, Ca and of volatile components are tentatively attributed to the interaction of magma with aqueous solutions, rich in calcium sulphate and sodium chloride, related to the Miocene or Triassic evaporites occurring within the sedimentary sequence underlying the volcano. The distribution pattern of the incompatible elements is interpreted as indicative of magma-forming in a subduction modified upper mantle and of the peculiar location of M. Vulture.     

Genesis of clinopyroxene-amphibole xenoliths from Birket Ram: trace element and petrologic constraints

The xenolith suite of Birket Ram is composed of a mafic granulite series and an ultramafic series of clinopyroxene-amphibole (CA) nodules. The petrographic characteristics of the CA nodules show that they were formed as crystal fractionates from a basaltic melt. The trace element data on the nodules show that the xenoliths could have been crystal fractionates from an evolved Golan basalt magma. The trace element data require that more than one parent magma was responsible for the formation of the CA nodule series. In particular, the lack of coherence between the mineralogy of the nodules and the trace element abundances plus the dispersion of the trace element data argue for the involvement of several parent magmas. Rare contact relationships between the granulites and the CA nodules indicate that at least some of the CA nodules were formed within the lower crust. The pressure of formation is estimated to have been in the range 550–800 MPa based on geophysical models for the crustal structure in the region.     

The structural evolution of dunite and chromite ore from the Kharcheruz Massif,the Polar Urals

The Kharcheruz block of the Syumkeu ultramafic massif is a southern fragment of the Khadata ophiolitic belt, which closes the ophiolites of the Polar Urals in the north. The block, striking in the latitudinal direction, is sheetlike in shape and primarily composed of dunite with nearly latitudinal zones of chromite mineralization. The dunites are subject to ductile deformation various in intensity, and this variability is displayed in their heterogeneous structure and texture. The following microstructural types are distinguished by the variety and intensity of their deformation: protogranular → mesogranular → porphyroclastic → porphyrolath → mosaic. The petrostructural patterns of olivines pertaining to the above types reflect conditions of ductile deformation. Protogranular dunite is formed as a product of pyroxene decomposition in mantle harzburgite accompanied by annealing recrystallization at a temperature above 1000°C. Mesogranular dunite is formed as a product of high-temperature plastic flow by means of translation sliding in olivine and diffuse creep at a temperature dropping from 1000 to 650°C and at a low rate (<10^–6 s^–1). Cr-spinel segregates into linear zones of disseminated chromite mineralization within zones of bedding-plane plastic flow. Porphyroclastic and mosaic dunites are formed under conditions of intense deformation at a temperature of 500–750°C and at a significant rate (>10^–6 s^–1). Dunite is deformed by means of syntectonic recrystallization and subordinate translation gliding. Linear zones of disseminated mineralization undergo destruction thereby, with the formation of lenticular chromitite bodies from which ductile olivine is squeezed out with the formation of densely impregnated and massive ores.     

The Gumeshevo skarn-porphyry copper deposits in the Central Urals,Russia: Evolution of the ore-magmatic system as deduced from isotope geochemistry (Sr,Nd, C,O, H)

The Early Devonian Gumeshevo deposit is one of the largest ore objects pertaining to the dioritic model of the porphyry copper system paragenetically related to the low-K quartz diorite island-arc complex. The (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_t and (ɛ_Nd)_t of quartz diorite calculated for t = 390 Ma are 0.7038–0.7045 and 5.0–5.1, respectively, testifying to a large contribution of the mantle component to the composition of this rock. The contents of typomorphic trace elements (ppm) are as follows: 30–48 REE sum, 5–10 Rb, 9–15 Y, and 1–2 Nb. The REE pattern is devoid of Eu anomaly. Endoskarn of low-temperature and highly oxidized amphibole-epidote-garnet facies is surrounded by the outer epidosite zone. Widespread retrograde metasomatism is expressed in replacement of exoskarn and marble with silicate (chlorite, talc, tremolite)-magnetite-quartz-carbonate mineral assemblage. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of epidote in endoskarn and carbonate in retrograde metasomatic rocks (0.7054–0.7058 and 0.7053–0.7065, respectively) are intermediate between the Sr isotope ratios of quartz dioritic rocks and marble (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70784 ± 2). Isotopic parameters of the fluid equilibrated with silicates of skarn and retrograde metasomatic rocks replacing exoskarn at 400°C are δ¹⁸O = +7.4 to +8.5‰ and δD = −49 to −61‰ (relative to SMOW). The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of carbonates in retrograde metasomatic rocks after marble are −5.3 to +0.6 (relative to PDB) and +13.0 to +20.2% (relative to SMOW), respectively. Sulfidation completes metasomatism, nonuniformly superimposed on all metasomatic rocks and marbles with formation of orebodies, including massive sulfide ore. The δ³⁴S of sulfides is 0 to 2‰ (relative to CDT);⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of calcite from the late calcite-pyrite assemblage replacing marble is 0.704134 ± 6. The δ¹³C and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of postore veined carbonates correlate positively (r = 0.98; n = 6). The regression line extends to the marble field. Its opposite end corresponds to magmatic (in terms of Bowman, 1998b) calcite with minimal δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (−6.9 ‰, +6.7‰, and 0.70378 ± 4, respectively). The aforementioned isotopic data show that magmatic fluid was supplied during all stages of mineral formation and interacted with marble and other rocks, changing its Sr, C, and O isotopic compositions. This confirms the earlier established redistribution of major elements and REE in the process of metasomatism. A contribution of meteoric and metamorphic water is often established in quartz from postore veins.     

Chimneys in Paleozoic massive sulfide mounds of the Urals VMS deposits: Mineral and trace element comparison with modern black,grey, white and clear smokers

In the Urals, a wide range of well-preserved chimneys are found in VMS deposits, which are associated with ultramafic (Atlantic type: Dergamysh), mafic (Cyprus type: Buribay), bimodal mafic (Uralian type: Yubileynoye, Sultanovskoye, Yaman-Kasy, Molodezhnoye, Uzelga-4, Valentorskoye) and bimodal felsic (Kuroko or Baymak type: Oktyabrskoye, Tash-Tau, Uselga-1, Talgan, Alexandrinskoye) sequences. Chimneys have also been found in the Safyanovskoye deposit (Altay type) that is hosted by intercalated felsic lavas and carbonaceous shales. A combination of geological, mineralogical and trace element data provide a general outline for comparison between chimneys from the Urals deposits and modern vent sites. The chimneys from the Dergamysh deposit show a broad affinity with those from the Rainbow and other vent sites associated with serpentinites of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The chimneys from the Buribay deposit are similar to the black smokers of the EPR vent sites including the scarcity of rare minerals. The chimneys from the Urals type of the VMS deposits show some similarities with grey smokers from the Brother Volcano and PACMANUS sites. The chimneys from the Baymak type of the VMS deposits resemble grey and white smokers of the PACMANUS and grey smokers of the Suiyo vent sites. The chimneys from the Safyanovskoye deposit are similar to the black and clear smokers from the Okinawa Trough. Mineral assemblages are controlled by the combination of host rock composition and physico-chemical conditions of the ore-forming processes. Amount of colloform pyrite, isocubanite and pseudomorphic pyrite and marcasite after pyrrhotite decreases in the chimneys across the range from ultramafic and mafic to felsic-hosted deposits and is concomitant with increase in the contents of sphalerite, galena, bornite, fahlores, native gold and barite across this range. The chimneys from the Urals type contain abundant tellurides and sulfoarsenides, while these minerals are rare (except for hessite) in the Baymak type deposits. In the same range, the buffering capacity of host rocks decreases in contrast to the increase in ƒS₂ and ƒO₂. With the exception of the Safyanovskoye deposit, trace element assemblages in chalcopyrite vary to reflect the host rock: ultramafic (high Se, Sn, Co, Ni, Ag and Au) → mafic (high Co, Se, Mo and low Bi, Au and Pb) → bimodal mafic (high Te, Au, Ag, Bi, Pb, Co, moderate Se, and variable As and Sb) → bimodal felsic (high As, Sb, Mo, Pb, moderate Bi, and low Co, Te and Se). In sphalerite of the same range, the contents of Bi, Pb, Ag, Au and Sb increase versus Fe, Se and Сo. The variations in trace elements in colloform pyrite coincide with these changes. The specific mineral changes in the local ranges from Cu- to Zn-rich chimneys in each VMS deposit are similar to the general changes in the range of host rock classes of the deposits. However, the local T, ƒS₂ and ƒO₂ changes can broadly be interpreted in terms of contribution of variable oxygenated cold seawater to the subseafloor and seafloor hydrothermal processes.     

Geochemistry of Late Mesozoic mafic dykes in western Fujian Province of China： Sr-Nd isotope and trace element constraints

The Bancun diabase dyke and the Bali hornblende gabbro dyke in western Fujian Province were emplaced in the Early and Late Cretaceous periods, respectively; the former is designated to calc-alkaline series and the latter to K-high-calc-alkaline rock series. Both the dykes are characterized by such geochemical characteristics as high Al and Na2O>K2O. As for the Bancun dyke, Al2O3=16.32%–17.54% and K2O/Na2O=0.65–0.77; as for the Bali dyke, Al2O3=16.89%–17.81% and K2O/Na2O=0.93–0.99. Both the Bancun and Bali mafic dykes are relatively enriched in LILE and LREE, but depleted in HSFE, displaying the geochemical characteristics of continental marginal arc, with high initial Sr isotopic ratios and low εNd (t) values. The (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of the Bancun diabase dyke are within the range of 0.708556–0.70903 and their εNd (t) values vary between -6.8 and -6.3; those of the Bali hornblende dyke are within the range of 0.710726–0.710746 and their εNd (t) values are -4.7– -4.9, showing the characteristics of enriched mantle EM II. The isotope and trace element data showed that the mafic dykes have not experienced obvious crustal contamination, and metasomatism caused by subduction fluids is the main factor leading to LILE and LREE enrichments. The enriched mantle is the source region for the mafic dykes, and mixing of subduction fluid metasomatized enriched mantle and EM II-type mantle constituted the mantle source region of both the Bancun and Bali mafic dykes. Upwelling of the asthenosphere mantle provided sufficient heat energy for the generation of magmas. In accordance with the discrimination diagram of their tectonic settings as well as their trace element geochemical characteristics, it is considered that the dykes both at Bancun and Bali possess the characteristics of continental marginal arc, revealing the tectonic environment of formation of the mafic dykes, the continental dynamic background as an intraplate tensional belt in which the mafic dykes were emplaced. Meanwhile, it is also indicated that the tensional tectonic stress mechanism is responsible for the formation of the mafic dykes in western Fujian Province.     

江苏盘石山玄武岩中橄榄岩包体的氧同位素和微量元素地球化学

本文研究了8个来自江苏盘石山新生代碱性玄武岩中的橄榄岩包体，利用ICP—MS技术测定了橄榄岩中单斜辉石的微量元素组成；利用激光氟化技术系统地分析了橄榄石、单斜辉石和斜方辉石的氧同位素比值。结果显示，盘石山橄榄岩包体矿物的氧同位素比值落在“正常”地幔矿物的氧同位素变化范围之内，而且矿物之间达到了氧同位素平衡。部分单斜辉石不相容元素富集的特征表明，有些样品经历了隐性地幔交代作用（cryptical metasomatism），配合氧同位素的数据来看，影响盘石山上地幔的交代介质为来自地幔内部的熔体，不合有地壳组分。从盘石山和安徽女山（盘石山以北约100km）的对比看来，影响女山上地幔的洋壳流体可能来自于华南一华北陆陆碰撞之前的海洋板块俯冲，因此华南一华北的深部缝合带可能就在女山和盘石山之间。     

Origin of facies zonation in microbial carbonate platform slopes: Clues from trace element and stable isotope geochemistry (Middle Triassic,Dolomites, Italy)

Limestones containing radiaxial fibrous cements were sampled along the southern slope of the late Anisian (Middle Triassic) Latemar carbonate platform in the Dolomites, northern Italy. The Latemar upper slopes comprise massive microbial boundstone, whereas lower slopes are made of clinostratified grainstone, rudstone and breccia. Samples are representative of a seawater column from near sea‐level to an aphotic zone at about 500 m water depth. Radiaxial fibrous cements were analyzed for carbon (δ¹³C) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O) stable isotopic composition, as well as major and trace element content, to shed light on the origin of the slope facies zonation. The δ¹³C vary between 1·7‰ and 2·3‰ (Vienna Pee‐Dee Belemnite), with lowest values at palaeo‐water depths between 70 m and 300 m. Radiaxial fibrous cements yielded seawater‐like rare earth element patterns with light rare earth element depletion (Nd_SN/Yb_SN ≈ 0·4), superchondritic yttrium/holmium ratios (≈55) and negative cerium anomalies. Cadmium reaches maximum values of ca 0·5 to 0·7 μg/g at palaeo‐water depths between 70 m and 300 m; barium contents (0·8 to 1·8 μg/g) increase linearly with depth. The downslope patterns of δ¹³C and cadmium suggest increased nutrient and organic matter contents at depths between ca 70 m and 300 m and point to an active biological pump. The peak in cadmium and the minimum of δ¹³C mark a zone of maximum organic matter respiration and high nutrient and organic matter availability. The base of this zone at ca 300 m depth corresponds with the transition from massive microbial boundstone to clinostratified grainstone, rudstone and breccia. The microbial boundstone facies apparently formed only in seawater enriched in organic matter, possibly because this organic matter sustained benthic microbial communities at Latemar. The base of slope microbialites on high‐relief microbial carbonate platforms may be a proxy for the depth to maximum respiration zones of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic periplatform basins.     

Listvenite-related gold deposits of the South Urals (Russia): A review

The Urals is a complex fold belt, which underwent long geological evolution. The formation of most gold deposits in the Urals is related to the collision stage. In this paper, we review some relatively small listvenite-related gold deposits, which are confined to the large Main Uralian fault zone and some smaller faults within the Magnitogorsk zone. The Mechnikovskoe, Altyn-Tash, and Ganeevskoe deposits are studied in detail in this contribution. They comprise the ore clusters along with other numerous small gold deposits, and constituted the sources for the gold placers exploited in historical time. The gold is hosted by metasomatites (listvenites, beresites) and quartz veins with economic gold grades (up to 20 g/t Au). Listvenites are developed after serpentinites and composed of quartz, fuchsite, and carbonates (magnesite, dolomite) ± albite. Volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks are altered to beresites, consisting of sericite, carbonates (dolomite, ankerite), quartz and albite. Pyrite and chalcopyrite are major ore minerals associated with gold; pyrrhotite, Ni sulfides, galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite and Au-Ag tellurides are subordinate and rare. Gold in these deposits is mostly high-fineness (>900‰). The lower fineness (∼800‰) is typical of gold in assemblage with polymetallic sulfides and tellurides. The ores have been formed from the NaCl–CO₂–H₂O ± CH₄ fluids of low (∼2 wt% NaCl-equiv.) to moderate (8–16 wt% NaCl-equiv.) salinity at temperatures of 210–330 °C. The oxygen isotopic composition of quartz (δ¹⁸O) varies from 14.7 to 15.4‰ (Mechnikovskoe deposit), 13.2 to 13.6‰ (Altyn-Tash deposit) and 12.0 to 12.7‰ (Ganeevskoe deposit). The oxygen isotopic composition of albite from altered rocks of the Ganeevskoe deposit is 10.1‰. The calculated δ¹⁸O_H2O values of the fluid in equilibrium with quartz are in a range of 5.7–6.3, 4.2–4.6 and 6.3–6.7‰ respectively, and most likely indicate a magmatic fluid source.     

The pink topaz-bearing calcite, quartz, white mica veins from Ghundao Hill (North West Frontier Province, Pakistan): K/Ar age, stable isotope and REE data

Summary In the area of the Ghundao Hill (Northern Frontier Province, Pakistan) an orange-yellow to cherry-red topaz is found in calcite, quartz, white mica veins crosscutting the schistosity of probably Silurian to Devonian gray limestones. Topaz with such a range of colours is traded as Imperial Topaz. Low fluorine contents of about 15 wt.%, oxygen isotope thermometry, K/Ar age determination on white mica, fluid inclusion data and mineral textures indicate that the topaz from Ghundao Hill crystallized at temperatures of about 230 °C during the Eocene Himalayan tectonothermal event and not from a late to postmagmatic granite-related fluid. The pink Topaz from Ghundao Hill shares the coexistence with carbonates, low fluorine content and a crystallization at low temperature and pressure during a regional tectonothermal event with the Imperial Topaz from Ouro Preto (Brazil) and from the Sanarka/Kamenka rivers (South Urals, Russia). The efficiency of topaz to remove fluorine from fluids at low temperature explains how topaz can be formed from metamorphic fluids that are typically poor in fluorine. High CO₂ activity produced in the fluids by metamorphic decarbonatisation reactions and Al buffering by white mica prevented fluorination of carbonates stabilising topaz relative to fluorite.     

Tracing element sources of hydrothermal mineral deposits: REE and Y distribution and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes in fluorite from MVT deposits in the Pennine Orefield,England

Fluorite from Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) deposits in the South Pennine Orefield, England, displays significantly different distributions of rare earths and yttrium (REY) compared to fluorite from similar MVT deposits in the North Pennine Orefield. Samples from the South Pennine Orefield display negative Ce and positive Gd and Y anomalies but lack any Eu anomaly, indicating that the REY were mobilized from relatively pure marine sedimentary carbonates. In marked contrast, fluorite from the North Pennine Orefield lacks any Ce and Gd anomalies but shows a pronounced positive Eu anomaly, suggesting that the REY were provided by different source rock(s), that the mineralizing hydrothermal fluid had experienced higher temperatures prior to fluorite precipitation, and that it was derived from deeper crustal levels in the north compared to the south. The isotopic composition of Sr in Blue John fluorite from the South Pennine Orefield suggests that Sr was mobilized from Lower Carboniferous (Tournaisian) limestones, whereas Pb isotopes suggest that in contrast to REY and Sr, Pb was derived from aluminosilicate rocks. Neither Nd nor Sr or Pb isotopes can be used to radiometrically date the formation of Blue John fluorite. All isotope systems studied indicate that the limestone host rock of this fluorite mineralization did not contribute to the trace element budget of the hydrothermal fluid. Our results show that different solutes in a natural water (hydrothermal fluid, groundwater, etc.) may be derived from different sources, and that the study of a small set of elements or isotope ratios may not provide full insight into the genesis or history of a mineralization or a hydrothermal fluid. Our data provide evidence for the uncoupling of Sr, Nd and Pb during fluid-rock interaction and fluid migration, and show that the use of plots such as ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr vs. _Nd. to learn about mixing relationships (as is commonly done in igneous geochemistry) is unreliable when applied to natural waters and their precipitates.Editorial handling: B. Lehmann     

Origin and formational history of some Pb-Zn deposits from Alborz and Central Iran: Pb isotope constraints

Several Pb-Zn deposits and occurrences within Iran are hosted by Mesozoic–Tertiary-aged sedimentary and igneous rocks. This study reports new Pb isotope analyses for galena from 14 Pb-Zn deposits in the Alborz and Central Iran structural zones. In general, Pb isotope ratios are extremely variable with data plotting between the upper crustal and orogenic curves in a plumbotectonic diagram. The latter may be attributed to Pb inputs from crustal and mantle end-members. Most of the galena samples are characterized by high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios, suggesting significant input of Pb from old continental crust or pelagic sediment. Pb isotope data also indicate that some of the deposits, which are hosted by sedimentary rocks in Central Iran and Alborz, have similar Pb isotopic compositions and hence suggest similar source regions. Most of the galenas yield Pb model ‘ages’ that vary between ~140 and ~250 Ma, indicating that mineralization resulted from the extraction of ore-bearing fluids from Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic sequences. The similarity in Pb isotope ratios for the Pb-Zn deposits located within these zones suggests analogous crustal evolution histories. Our preferred interpretation is that Pb-Zn mineralization within the sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Central Iran and Alborz tectonic regions occurred following a Late Cretaceous–Tertiary accretionary stage of crustal thickening in Iran.