Paleoredox conditions, hydrothermal history, and target vectoring in the Macmillan Pass base-metal district, Yukon, Canada: 2 – Pyrite paragenesis and mineral chemistry

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 1233-1259
Author(s):  
Claire Leighton ◽  
Daniel Layton-Matthews ◽  
Jan M. Peter ◽  
Michael G. Gadd ◽  
Alexandre Voinot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Unconsolidated Sediments ◽  
Lateral Migration ◽  
Sulfide Mineralization ◽  
Ambient Seawater ◽  
Clastic Sediment ◽  
Icp Ms

ABSTRACT The MacMillan Pass district in Yukon, Canada, hosts the Tom and Jason clastic sediment-hosted Zn-Pb-Ag-(Ba) deposits. Pyrite-bearing drill core samples were collected from seven drill holes that intersected sulfide mineralization and time-stratigraphically equivalent rocks at varied spatial distances extending up to 3 km away from the deposits to assess the relative timing of pyrite mineralization and the chemistry of pyrite paragenesis. There are four pyrite morphologies: framboids and polyframboids (Py1), subhedral to euhedral inclusion-free crystals (Py2a), silicate inclusion-bearing nodules with serrated edges (Py2b), and euhedral idiomorphic overgrowths on preexisting pyrite morphologies (Py3). These morphological varieties correspond in time from syngenetic to earliest diagenetic growth (Py1), early to late diagenetic growth (Py2a, Py2b), and metamorphic crystallization and/or recrystallization of previous textural varieties (Py3). A representative subset of pyrite grains was analyzed for trace element contents and distributions by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Analyses by LA-ICP-MS reveal that each textural variety of pyrite has a distinct trace element composition that also varies depending on stratigraphic unit. A suite of clastic sediment-hosted sulfide mineralization-related elements was incorporated into Py2 within sulfide mineralized units at greater abundances than that in unmineralized units (e.g., Zn, As, Pb, Tl, Bi). Lead abundances and Pb/Se and As/Mo values in pyrite are the most robust vectoring tools documented. The timing for clastic sediment-hosted Zn-Pb mineralization was syn and/or post late diagenesis (Py2b). A Ba-enriched horizon was identified in rocks and this is interpreted to be the distal time-stratigraphic equivalent unit to Zn-Pb mineralization. The Ba-enriched horizon contains Py2 with anomalous metal (Tl, Co, Mn, Cd, Zn, Sb) contents and abundant macroscopic baryte, and it is interpreted to represent the distal expression of sulfide mineralization-forming hydrothermal activity. Four genetic models for mineralization are reviewed; however, the only model that is consistent with our whole rock and pyrite geochemistry involves venting of buoyant hydrothermal fluid, mixing with ambient seawater, and remaining or sinking into unconsolidated sediments, with lateral migration up to 2–3 km from the vent source.

White Mica Geochemistry: Discriminating Between Barren and Mineralized Porphyry Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-354
Author(s):  
Camilo Uribe-Mogollon ◽  
Kierran Maher
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Electron Microprobe ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Element Concentrations ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Increasing Trends ◽  
Phyllic Alteration

Abstract The Grasshopper prospect, located 23 km west-southwest from Dillon, Montana, presents exposed zones of phyllic alteration assemblages comprising the early and late phyllic styles. The mineral chemistry of white micas from both phyllic alteration zones was evaluated by short-wave infrared spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The early phyllic expression consists of white to green micas characterized by longer Al-OH absorption wavelengths (2,204–2,210 nm), whereas the late phyllic phase contains white micas with shorter Al-OH absorption wavelengths (2,197–2,204 nm). Correlation with electron microprobe data found that the Tschermak substitution in the white micas is mainly controlled by Mg concentrations. Based on LA-ICP-MS data, higher Mn and Sr concentrations characterize white micas from the early phyllic alteration, whereas higher concentrations of B, Ba, Cr, Cs, Cu, Li, Rb, Sc, Sn, Ti, Tl, V, and W are present in white micas from the late phyllic style. Systematic zoning patterns of trace element concentrations in white micas from the early and late phyllic alteration styles were confirmed at Grasshopper. In general, increasing trends toward the center of the system were observed in V, Cu, Sc, Sn, W, and Zn, whereas increasing trends outward from the hydrothermal center were reported in Li and Cs. Comparison of the trace element concentrations of white micas from the early phyllic style from the barren system of Grasshopper and the mineralized system of Copper Cliff indicates significant differences in Zn, Cr, B, Tl, Sn, and Cs. Therefore, we propose a preliminary discrimination (Zn + Cr + B vs. Tl + Sn + Cs) plot that can be used to differentiate white micas from the early phyllic alteration among mineralized and weakly to unmineralized systems.

scholarly journals Geochemical signatures of mineralizing events in the Juomasuo Au–Co deposit, Kuusamo belt, northeastern Finland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Vasilopoulos ◽  
Ferenc Molnár ◽  
Hugh O’Brien ◽  
Yann Lahaye ◽  
Marie Lefèbvre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Sulfur Isotope ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Metasedimentary Rocks ◽  
Metavolcanic Rocks ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Host Rocks ◽  
Relationship Of

AbstractThe Juomasuo Au–Co deposit, currently classified as an orogenic gold deposit with atypical metal association, is located in the Paleoproterozoic Kuusamo belt in northeastern Finland. The volcano-sedimentary sequence that hosts the deposit was intensely altered, deformed, and metamorphosed to greenschist facies during the 1.93–1.76 Ga Svecofennian orogeny. In this study, we investigate the temporal relationship between Co and Au deposition and the relationship of metal enrichment with protolith composition and alteration mineralogy by utilizing lithogeochemical data and petrographic observations. We also investigate the nature of fluids involved in deposit formation based on sulfide trace element and sulfur isotope LA-ICP-MS data together with tourmaline mineral chemistry and boron isotopes. Classification of original protoliths was made on the basis of geochemically immobile elements; recognized lithologies are metasedimentary rocks, mafic, intermediate-composition, and felsic metavolcanic rocks, and an ultramafic sill. The composition of the host rocks does not control the type or intensity of mineralization. Sulfur isotope values (δ34S − 2.6 to + 7.1‰) and trace element data obtained for pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite indicate that the two geochemically distinct Au–Co and Co ore types formed from fluids of different compositions and origins. A reduced, metamorphic fluid was responsible for deposition of the pyrrhotite-dominant, Co-rich ore, whereas a relatively oxidized fluid deposited the pyrite-dominant Au–Co ore. The main alteration and mineralization stages at Juomasuo are as follows: (1) widespread albitization that predates both types of mineralization; (2) stage 1, Co-rich mineralization associated with chlorite (± biotite ± amphibole) alteration; (3) stage 2, Au–Co mineralization related to sericitization. Crystal-chemical compositions for tourmaline suggest the involvement of evaporite-related fluids in formation of the deposit; boron isotope data also allow for this conclusion. Results of our research indicate that the metal association in the Juomasuo Au–Co deposit was formed by spatially coincident and multiple hydrothermal processes.

scholarly journals Rare and Critical Metals in Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Magnetite, and Titanite from the Vathi Porphyry Cu-Au±Mo Deposit, Northern Greece

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 630
Author(s):  
Christos L. Stergiou ◽  
Vasilios Melfos ◽  
Panagiotis Voudouris ◽  
Lambrini Papadopoulou ◽  
Paul G. Spry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Critical Metals ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Porphyry Cu ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Quartz Monzonite ◽  
Ore Minerals ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry

The Vathi porphyry Cu-Au±Mo deposit is located in the Kilkis ore district, northern Greece. Hydrothermally altered and mineralized samples of latite and quartz monzonite are enriched with numerous rare and critical metals. The present study focuses on the bulk geochemistry and the mineral chemistry of pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, and titanite. Pyrite and chalcopyrite are the most abundant ore minerals at Vathi and are related to potassic, propylitic, and sericitic hydrothermal alterations (A- and D-veins), as well as to the late-stage epithermal overprint (E-veins). Magnetite and titanite are found mainly in M-type veins and as disseminations in the potassic-calcic alteration of quartz monzonite. Disseminated magnetite is also present in the potassic alteration in latite, which is overprinted by sericitic alteration. Scanning electron microscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of pyrite and chalcopyrite reveal the presence of pyrrhotite, galena, and Bi-telluride inclusions in pyrite and enrichments of Ag, Co, Sb, Se, and Ti. Chalcopyrite hosts bornite, sphalerite, galena, and Bi-sulfosalt inclusions and is enriched with Ag, In, and Ti. Inclusions of wittichenite, tetradymite, and cuprobismutite reflect enrichments of Te and Bi in the mineralizing fluids. Native gold is related to A- and D-type veins and is found as nano-inclusions in pyrite. Titanite inclusions characterize magnetite, whereas titanite is a major host of Ce, Gd, La, Nd, Sm, Th, and W.

The Giant Chalukou Porphyry Mo Deposit, Northeast China: The Product of a Short-Lived, High Flux Mineralizing Event

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingqing Zhao ◽  
Degao Zhai ◽  
Ryan Mathur ◽  
Jiajun Liu ◽  
David Selby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Precision ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Ionization Mass ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Porphyry Cu ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Porphyry Mo Deposit

Abstract Whether giant porphyry ore deposits are the products of single, short-lived magmatic-hydrothermal events or multiple events over a prolonged interval is a topic of considerable debate. Previous studies, however, have all been devoted to porphyry Cu and Cu-Mo deposits. In this paper, we report high-precision isotope dilution-negative-thermal ionization mass spectrometric (ID-N-TIMS) molybdenite Re-Os ages for the newly discovered, world-class Chalukou porphyry Mo deposit (reserves of 2.46 Mt @ 0.087 wt % Mo) in NE China. Samples were selected based on a careful evaluation of the relative timing of the different vein types (i.e., A, B, and D veins), thereby ensuring that the suite of samples analyzed could be used to reliably determine the age and duration of mineralization. The molybdenite Re-Os geochronology reveals that hydrothermal activity at Chalukou involved two magmatic-hydrothermal events spanning an interval of 6.92 ± 0.16 m.y. The first event (153.96 ± 0.08/0.63/0.79 Ma, molybdenite ID-N-TIMS Re-Os age) was associated with the emplacement of a granite porphyry dated at 152.1 ± 2.2 Ma (zircon laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-microscopic [LA-ICP-MS] U-Pb ages), and led to only minor Mo mineralization, accounting for <10% of the overall Mo budget. The bulk of the Mo (>90%) was deposited in less than 650 kyr, between 147.67 ± 0.10/0.60/0.76 and 147.04 ± 0.12/0.72/0.86 Ma (molybdenite ID-N-TIMS Re-Os ages), coincident with the emplacement of a fine-grained porphyry at 148.1 ± 2.6 Ma (zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages). The high-precision Re-Os age determinations presented here show, contrary to the finding of a number of studies of porphyry Cu and Cu-Mo systems, that the giant Chalukou porphyry Mo deposit primarily formed in a single, short-lived (<650 kyr) hydrothermal event, suggesting that this may also have been the case for other giant porphyry Mo deposits.

High-resolution LA-ICP-MS trace-element mapping of magmatic biotite: A new approach for studying syn- to post-magmatic evolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab Azadbakht ◽  
David R. Lentz
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Fluid Phase ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Magma Crystallization ◽  
Topaz Granite

ABSTRACT Biotite grains from 22 felsic intrusions in New Brunswick were mapped in situ using a laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). We investigated the extent to which biotite can retain its magmatic zoning patterns and, where zoning does exist, how it can be used to elucidate early to late stage, syn-magmatic to post-crystallization processes. Although the major element and halogen contents of the examined biotite phenocrysts are homogeneous, two-thirds of the grains display trace-element zoning for Ba, Rb, and Cs. The results also indicated that zoning is better retained in larger grains (i.e., > 500 × 500 μm) with minimal alteration and mineral inclusions. An exceptionally well-zoned Li-rich siderophyllite from the Pleasant Ridge topaz granite in southwestern New Brunswick shows Ti, Ta, Sn, W, Cs, Rb, and V (without Li or Ba) zoning. Cesium values increase from 200 to 1400 ppm from core to rim. Conversely, Sn and W values decrease toward the rim (50 to 10 and 100 to 10 ppm, respectively). Tantalum and Ti values show fewer variations but drop abruptly close to the rim of the grain (100 to 20 and 2000 to 500 ppm, respectively). These observations may indicate crystallization of mineral phases with high partition coefficients for these highly incompatible elements (except Ti) (e.g., cassiterite and rutile) followed by fractionation of a fluid phase at a later stage of magma crystallization. The preservation of zoning may indicate rapid cooling post-crystallization of the parent magma.

Using Mineral Chemistry to Aid Exploration: A Case Study from the Resolution Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposit, Arizona

2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 813-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Cooke ◽  
Jamie J. Wilkinson ◽  
Mike Baker ◽  
Paul Agnew ◽  
Josh Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Blind Test ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Porphyry Cu ◽  
The North ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Volcaniclastic Rocks

Abstract The giant, high-grade Resolution porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the Superior district of Arizona is hosted in Proterozoic and Paleozoic basement and in an overlying Cretaceous volcaniclastic breccia and sandstone package. Resolution has a central domain of potassic alteration that extends more than 1 km outboard of the ore zone, overlapping with a propylitic halo characterized by epidote, chlorite, and pyrite that is particularly well developed in the Laramide volcaniclastic rocks and Proterozoic dolerite sills. The potassic and propylitic assemblages were overprinted in the upper parts of the deposit by intense phyllic and advanced argillic alteration. The district was disrupted by Tertiary Basin and Range extension, and the fault block containing Resolution and its Cretaceous host succession was buried under thick mid-Miocene dacitic volcanic cover, obscuring the geologic, geophysical, and geochemical footprint of the deposit. To test the potential of propylitic mineral chemistry analyses to aid in the detection of concealed porphyry deposits, a blind test was conducted using a suite of epidote-chlorite ± pyrite-altered Laramide volcaniclastic rocks and Proterozoic dolerites collected from the propylitic halo, with samples taken from two domains located to the north and south and above the Resolution ore zone. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data of epidote provided indications of deposit fertility and proximity. Competition for chalcophile elements (As, Sb, Pb) between coexisting pyrite and epidote grains led to a subdued As-Sb fertility response in epidote, consistent with epidote collected between 0.7 and 1.5 km from the center of a large porphyry deposit. Temperature-sensitive trace elements in chlorite provided coherent spatial zonation patterns, implying a heat source centered at depth between the two sample clusters, and application of chlorite proximitor calculations based on LA-ICP-MS analyses provided a precisely defined drill target in this location in three dimensions. Drilling of this target would have resulted in the discovery of Resolution, confirming that epidote and chlorite mineral chemistry can potentially add value to porphyry exploration under cover.

scholarly journals Trace-Element Distribution on Sulfide Mineralization in Trento Province, NE Italy

Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 736
Author(s):  
Gianluca Bianchini ◽  
Claudio Natali ◽  
Paolo Ferretti ◽  
Lara Casagrande ◽  
Manuel Conedera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Element Distribution ◽  
Trace Element Distribution ◽  
Sulfide Mineralization ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Local Soil

Sulfide mineralization in the province of Trento (northeastern Italy) includes various mineral assemblages that are often silver-rich and have been exploited in different phases from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. This study investigates mineralized rocks from three historically important sites (Calisio mount, Erdemolo lake, and the locality of Cinque Valli), providing new analytical data (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry on bulk rocks, and Scanning Electron Microscopy on thin sections) that demonstrate that parageneses do not only include galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite but also accessory minerals, such as tetrahedrite, tennantite, acanthite, and sulfosalts (matildite/polybasite). This explains the high content of As (up to 278 ppm), Bi (up to 176 ppm), and Sb (up to 691 ppm) that are associated with Pb–Cu–Zn mineralization. Notably, trace-element ratios indicate that, although closely associated from a geographical point of view, the studied sites are not genetically related and have to be referred to in distinct mineralization events, possibly induced by three diverse magmatic and hydrothermal phases that occurred in the Variscan post-orogenic setting. Besides geological and petrogenetic reconstruction, the new data outline potential geochemical risks, as they reveal a high concentration of elements characterized by marked toxicity that can be transferred into the local soil and water. Therefore, future studies should be devoted to better investigating the metal distribution in the surroundings of ancient mining sites and their geochemical behavior during the weathering processes.

scholarly journals Coupled Substitutions of Minor and Trace Elements in Co-Existing Sphalerite and Wurtzite

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Pring ◽  
Benjamin Wade ◽  
Aoife McFadden ◽  
Claire E. Lenehan ◽  
Nigel J. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Significant Variation ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Trace Element Chemistry ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Coupled Substitution ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Growth Zoning

The nature of couple substitutions of minor and trace element chemistry of expitaxial intergrowths of wurtzite and sphalerite are reported. EPMA and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses display significant differences in the bulk chemistries of the two epitaxial intergrowth samples studied. The sample from the Animas-Chocaya Mine complex of Bolivia is Fe-rich with mean Fe levels of 4.8 wt% for wurztite-2H and 2.3 wt% for the sphalerite component, while the sample from Merelani Hills, Tanzania, is Mn-rich with mean Mn levels in wurztite-4H of 9.1 wt% and for the sphalerite component 7.9 wt% In both samples studied the wurtzite polytype is dominant over sphalerite. LA-ICP-MS line scans across the boundaries between the wurtzite and sphalerite domains within the two samples show significant variation in the trace element chemistries both between and within the two coexisting polytypes. In the Merelani Hills sample the Cu+ + Ga3+ = 2Zn2+ substitution holds across both the wurztite and sphalerite zones, but its levels range from around 1200 ppm of each of Cu and Ga to above 2000 ppm in the sphalerite region. The 2Ag+ + Sn4+ = 3Zn2+ coupled substitution does not occur in the material. In the Animas sample, the Cu+ + Ga3+ = 2Zn2+ substitution does not occur, but the 2(Ag,Cu)+ + Sn4+ = 3Zn2+ substitution holds across the sample despite the obvious growth zoning, although there is considerable variation in the Ag/Cu ratio, with Ag dominant over Cu at the base of the sample and Cu dominant at the top. The levels of 2(Ag,Cu)+ + Sn4+ = 3Zn2+ vary greatly across the sample from around 200 ppm to 8000 ppm Sn, but the higher values occur in the sphalerite bands.

scholarly journals U-Pb zircon age of the youngest magmatic activity in the High Tatra granites (Central Western Carpathians)

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Burda ◽  
Aleksandra Gawęda ◽  
Urs Klötzli
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Magmatic Activity ◽  
Zircon Age ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Central Western Carpathians ◽  
High Tatra Mountains

Abstract Detailed cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircon crystals, coupled with Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon dating was used to develop new insights into the evolution of granitoids from the High Tatra Mountains. The zircon U-Pb results show two distinct age groups (350±5 Ma and 337±6 Ma) recorded from cores and rims domains, respectively. Obtained results point that the last magmatic activity in the Tatra granitoid intrusion occurred at ca. 330 Ma. The previously suggested age of 314 Ma reflects rather the hydrothermal activity and Pb-loss, coupled with post-magmatic shearing.

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