S-isotope investigations and geothermometric application of bismuthinites

Bismuthinites and (so far as present) coexisting pyrites and/or chalcopyrites from about 50 sulfide bearing deposits were analysed S-isotopically. The natural occurrences data are genetically interpreted and compared with experimental S-isotopic fractionation values between the correspondent synthetic phases. The practicability of the bismuthinite/pyrite and bismuthinite/chalcopyrite sulfur-isotope geothermometer is discussed using results of paragenetic, petrological and fluid inclusion studies. The S-isotope fractionation of some emplectite-chalcopyrite occurrences are treated analogously on the base of theoretical fractionation calculations.