Application of the sphalerite geobarometer to some skarn-type ore deposits

Based on the equation recently determined, formation pressures of skarn-type ore deposits were estimated from the composition of sphalerite coexisting with pyrite and hexagonal pyrrhotite. As criteria for equilibrium among sphalerite, pyrite and hexagonal pyrrhotite, the following three points were carefully checked on each specimen: 1) the presence of hexagonal pyrrhotite, 2) no time sequences among the formation of sulfide minerals, and 3) no compositional variation in sphalerite. Most of the Cu-Fe skarn deposits studied were formed under pressures of more than 1 kb, whereas Zn-Pb(-Cu-Fe) deposits tend to have formed at relatively shallow environments, namely under less than 1 kb. The calculated pressures are qualitatively consistent with the depth of formation of deposits estimated from the geological evidences. The sphalerite geobarometry is quite sensitive even at low pressure ranges, and it is applicable to the deposits formed under shallow conditions.