Alteration Mineralogy of the Zhengguang Epithermal Au-Zn Deposit, Northeast China: Interpretation of Shortwave Infrared Analyses During Mineral Exploration and Assessment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Wang ◽  
Jeanne B. Percival ◽  
Jeffrey W. Hedenquist ◽  
Keiko Hattori ◽  
Kezhang Qin
Keyword(s):  
Northeast China ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Absorption Feature ◽  
Hydrous Minerals ◽  
Propylitic Alteration ◽  
Identification Software ◽  
Shortwave Infrared ◽  
Host Rocks ◽  
Epithermal Au

Abstract Alteration mineralogy from shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy was compared with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses for samples from the Zhengguang intermediate sulfidation epithermal Au-Zn deposit, eastern Central Asian orogenic belt, northeast China. The SWIR and XRD analyses indicate that alteration minerals in the vein-adjacent halo mainly comprise quartz, illite, and locally pyrite (QIP) and chlorite, whereas samples from the pervasive propylitic alteration of host basaltic andesite lava contain epidote, chlorite, carbonate, montmorillonite, and locally illite. SWIR mineral identifications from automated mineral identification software may not always be accurate; thus, the results should be validated by the user. The wavelength position of the Al-OH (~2,200 nm; wAlOH) absorption feature can be used to approximate the composition of illite or white mica. However, caution is required when using the wAlOH value to assess paleotemperatures, as the composition of illite can be influenced by the composition of the host rocks or the hydrothermal fluid. In addition, values of the illite spectral maturity (ISM; ratio of the depth of the ~2,200 nm minima divided by the ~1,900 nm minima) can be affected by the presence of other hydrous minerals, quartz-sulfide veins, and absorption intensity (which can be a function of rock coloration). Despite these cautions, the spatial distribution and variation of the wAlOH and ISM values for illite suggest that the high paleotemperature hydrothermal upflow zones related to the Zhengguang Au-Zn deposit were located below ore zones I and IV, which are predicted to be proximal to the intrusive center of the system.

scholarly journals Linking Mineralogy to Lithogeochemistry in the Highland Valley Copper District: Implications for Porphyry Copper Footprints

2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 871-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Byrne ◽  
Guillaume Lesage ◽  
Sarah A. Gleeson ◽  
Stephen J. Piercey ◽  
Philip Lypaczewski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Material Transfer ◽  
Rock Composition ◽  
Porphyry Cu ◽  
Propylitic Alteration ◽  
Shortwave Infrared ◽  
Pathfinder Elements

Abstract The Highland Valley Copper porphyry deposits, hosted in the Late Triassic Guichon Creek batholith in the Canadian Cordillera, are unusual in that some of them formed at depths of at least 4 to 5 km in cogenetic host rocks. Enrichments in ore and pathfinder elements are generally limited to a few hundred meters beyond the pit areas, and the peripheral alteration is restricted to narrow (1–3 cm) halos around a low density of prehnite and/or epidote veinlets. It is, therefore, challenging to recognize the alteration footprint peripheral to the porphyry Cu systems. Here, we document a workflow to maximize the use of lithogeochemical data in measuring changes in mineralogy and material transfer related to porphyry formation by linking whole-rock analyses to observed alteration mineralogy at the hand specimen and deposit scale. Alteration facies and domains were determined from mapping, feldspar staining, and shortwave infrared imaging and include (1) K-feldspar halos (potassic alteration), (2) epidote veins with K-feldspar–destructive albite halos (sodic-calcic alteration), (3) quartz and coarse-grained muscovite veins and halos and fine-grained white-mica–chlorite veins and halos (white-mica–chlorite alteration), and two subfacies of propylitic alteration comprising (4) prehnite veinlets with white-mica–chlorite-prehnite halos, and (5) veins of epidote ± prehnite with halos of chlorite and patchy K-feldspar. Well-developed, feldspar-destructive, white-mica alteration is indicated by (2[Ca-C] + N + K)/Al values <0.85, depletion in CaO and Na2O, enrichment in K2O, and localized SiO2 addition and is spatially limited to within ~200 m of porphyry Cu mineralization. Localized K2O, Fe2O3, and depletion in Cu, and some enrichment in Na2O and CaO, occurs in sodic-calcic domains that form a large (~34 km2) nonconcentric footprint outboard of well-mineralized and proximal zones enriched in K. Water and magmatic CO2-rich propylitic and sodic-calcic–altered rocks form the largest lithogeochemical footprint to the mineralization in the Highland Valley Copper district (~60 km2). Calcite in the footprint is interpreted to have formed via phase separation of CO2 from a late-stage magmatic volatile phase. Several observations from this study are transferable to other porphyry systems and have implications for porphyry Cu exploration. Feldspar staining and shortwave infrared imaging highlight weak and cryptic alteration that did not cause sufficient material transfer to be confidently distinguished from protolith lithogeochemical compositions. Prehnite can be a key mineral phase in propylitic alteration related to porphyry genesis, and its presence can be predicted based on host-rock composition. Sodic-calcic alteration depletes the protolith in Fe (and magnetite) and, therefore, will impact petrophysical and geophysical characteristics of the system. Whole-rock loss on ignition and C and S analyses can be used to map enrichment in water and CO2 in altered rocks, and together these form a large porphyry footprint that extends beyond domains of enrichment in ore and pathfinder elements and of pronounced alkali metasomatism.

Geology and genesis of the Early Paleozoic Zhengguang intermediate-sulfidation epithermal Au-Zn deposit, northeast China

2020 ◽  
Vol 124 ◽  
pp. 103602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Wang ◽  
Kezhang Qin ◽  
Guoxue Song ◽  
Xuyong Pang ◽  
Guangming Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Northeast China ◽  
Early Paleozoic ◽  
Epithermal Au

Mineralogical and Isotopic Characteristics of Sodic-Calcic Alteration in the Highland Valley Copper District, British Columbia, Canada: Implications for Fluid Sources in Porphyry Cu Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 841-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Byrne ◽  
Robert B. Trumbull ◽  
Guillaume Lesage ◽  
Sarah A. Gleeson ◽  
John Ryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Source ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Porphyry Cu ◽  
Mineral Assemblages ◽  
Alteration Minerals ◽  
External Water ◽  
Host Rocks

Abstract The Highland Valley Copper porphyry Cu (±Mo) district is hosted in the Late Triassic Guichon Creek batholith in the Canadian Cordillera. Fracture-controlled sodic-calcic alteration is important because it forms a large footprint (34 km2) outside of the porphyry Cu centers. This alteration consists of epidote ± actinolite ± tourmaline veins with halos of K-feldspar–destructive albite (1–20 XAn) ± fine-grained white mica ± epidote. The distribution of sodic-calcic alteration is strongly influenced by near-orthogonal NE- and SE-trending fracture sets and by proximity to granodiorite stocks and porphyry dikes. Multiple stages of sodic-calcic alteration occurred in the district, which both pre- and postdate Cu mineralization at the porphyry centers. The mineral assemblages and chemical composition of alteration minerals suggest that the fluid that caused sodic-calcic alteration in the Guichon Creek batholith was Cl bearing, at near-neutral pH, and oxidized, and had high activities of Na, Ca, and Mg relative to propylitic and fresh-rock assemblages. The metasomatic exchange of K for Na, localized removal of Fe and Cu, and a paucity of secondary quartz suggest that the fluid was thermally prograding in response to magmatic heating. Calculated δ18Ofluid and δDfluid values of mineral pairs in isotopic equilibrium from the sodic-calcic veins and alteration range from 4 to 8‰ and −20 to −9‰, respectively, which contrasts with the whole-rock values for least altered magmatic host rocks (δ18O = 6.4–9.4‰ and δD = −99 to −75‰). The whole-rock values are suggested to reflect residual magma values after D loss by magma degassing, while the range of hydrothermal minerals requires a mixed-fluid origin with a contribution of magmatic water and an external water source. The O-H isotope results favor seawater as the source but could also reflect the ingress of Late Triassic meteoric water. The 87Sr/86Srinital values of strongly Na-Ca–altered rocks range from 0.703416 to 0.703508, which is only slightly higher than the values of fresh and potassic-altered rocks. Modeling of those data suggests the Sr is derived predominantly from a magmatic source, but the system may contain up to 3% seawater Sr. Supporting evidence for a seawater-derived fluid entrained in the porphyry Cu systems comes from boron isotope data. The calculated tourmaline δ11Bfluid values from the sodic-calcic domains reach 18.3‰, which is consistent with a seawater-derived fluid source. Lower tourmaline δ11Bfluid values from the other alteration facies (4–10‰) suggest mixing between magmatic and seawater-derived fluids in and around the porphyry centers. These results imply that seawater-derived fluids can infiltrate batholiths and porphyry systems at deep levels (4–5 km) in the crust. Sodic ± calcic alteration may be more common in rocks peripheral to porphyry Cu systems hosted in island-arc terranes and submarine rocks than currently recognized.

scholarly journals Mineralogy, Mineral Chemistry and SWIR Spectral Reflectance of Chlorite and White Mica

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 471
Author(s):  
Jonathan Cloutier ◽  
Stephen J. Piercey ◽  
Jonathan Huntington
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Spectral Response ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Spectral Studies ◽  
Spectral Signature ◽  
Absorption Feature ◽  
Chemical Information ◽  
Interlayer Cations ◽  
Spectral Interpretation

Hyperspectral reflectance has the potential to provide rapid and low-cost mineralogical and chemical information that can be used to vector in mineral systems. However, the spectral signature of white mica and chlorite, despite numerous studies, is not fully understood. In this study, we review the mineralogy and chemistry of different white mica and chlorite types and investigate what mineralogical and chemical changes are responsible for the apparent shifts in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopic absorption features. We demonstrate that the spectral signature of white mica is more complex than previously documented and is influenced by the Tschermak substitution, as well as the sum of interlayer cations. We show that an increase in the interlayer deficiencies towards illite is associated with a change from steep to shallow slopes between the wavelength position of the 2200 nm feature (2200 W) and Mg, Al(VI) and Si. These changes in slope imply that white micas with different elemental chemistry may be associated with the same 2200 W values and vice versa, contrary to traditional interpretation. We recommend that traditional interpretations should only be used in true white mica with sum interlayer cations (I) > 0.95. The spectral signature of trioctahedral chlorite (clinochlore, sheridanite, chamosite and ripidolite) record similar spectral relationships to those observed in previous studies. However, dioctahedral Al-rich chlorite (sudoite, cookeite and donbassite) has a different spectral response with Mg increasing with 2250 W, which is the opposite of traditional trioctahedral chlorite spectral interpretation. In addition, it was shown that dioctahedral chlorite has a 2200 W absorption feature that may introduce erroneous spectral interpretations of white mica and chlorite mixtures. Therefore, care should be used when interpreting the spectral signature of chlorite. We recommend that spectral studies should be complemented with electron microprobe analyses on a subset of at least 30 samples to identify the type of muscovite and chlorite. This will allow the sum I of white mica to be obtained, as well as estimate the slope of 2200 W absorption trends with Mg, Al(vi), and Si. Preliminary probe data will allow more accurate spectral interpretations and allow the user to understand the limitations in their hyperspectral datasets.

scholarly journals Geochemistry, Paragenesis, and Wall-Rock Alteration of the Qatruyeh Iron Deposits, Southwest of Iran: Implications for a Hydrothermal-Metasomatic Genetic Model

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Asadi ◽  
Mohammad Ali Rajabzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Model ◽  
Wall Rock ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Wall Rock Alteration ◽  
Propylitic Alteration ◽  
Iron Deposits ◽  
Geochemical Analyses ◽  
Southwest Of Iran ◽  
Host Rocks

The Qatruyeh iron deposits, located on the eastern border of the NW-SE trending Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone, southwest of Iran, are hosted by a late Proterozoic to early Paleozoic sequence dominated by metamorphosed carbonate rocks. The magnetite ores occurred as layered to massive bodies, with lesser amounts of disseminated magnetite and hematite-bearing veins. Textural evidences, along with geochemical analyses of the high field strengths (HFSEs), large ion lithophiles (LILEs), and rare earth elements (REEs), indicate that the main mineralization stage occurred as low-grade layered magnetite ores due to high-temperature hydrothermal fluids accompanied by Na-Ca alteration. Most of the main ore-stage minerals precipitated from an aqueous-carbonic fluid (3.5–15 wt.% NaCl equiv.) at temperatures ranging between 300° and 410°C during fluid mixing process, CO2 effervescence, cooling, and increasing of pH. Low-temperature hydrothermal activity subsequently produced hematite ores associated with propylitic alteration. The metacarbonate host rocks are LILE-depleted and HFSE-enriched due to metasomatic alteration.

scholarly journals In situ measurement of CO<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub> from aircraft over northeast China and comparison with OCO-2 data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Sun ◽  
Minzheng Duan ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
Rui Han ◽  
Denghui Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Northeast China ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Mixing Ratios ◽  
Swir Band ◽  
Shortwave Infrared ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Abstract. Several satellites have been launched to monitor the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, especially CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere, through back-scattered hyperspectral radiance in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) band. The vertical profiles of greenhouse gases and aerosol could strongly affect the results from these instruments. To investigate the effects of the vertical distribution of CO2 on uncertainty in SWIR satellite retrieval results, we conducted observations of the vertical profiles of CO2, CH4, and aerosol particles at 0.6–7 km above sea level using a Beechcraft King Air 350ER in Jiansanjiang (46.77° N, 131.99° E), Heilongjiang province, Northeast China, on August 7–12, 2018. The profiles from this aircraft captured a decrease in CO2 from 2 km to the minimum altitude due to uptake from vegetation at the surface in summer. CH4 measurements showed an average 0.5 ppm increase from 2.0 to 0.6 km, which may result from emissions from the large area of paddy fields below, and a constant mole fraction between 1.951 and 1.976 ppm was recorded at 2 km and above. Comparison of CO2 profiles from a new version of the carbon cycle data assimilation system Tan-Tracker (v1), retrievals from OCO-2 and aircraft measurements was conducted. The results from OCO-2 and the assimilation model system Tan-Tracker captured the vertical structure of CO2 above 3 km, whereas below 3 km, the values from OCO-2 and Tan-Tracker model were lower than those from in situ measurements. Column-averaged CO2 volume mixing ratios calculated from in situ measurements showed biases of −2.39 ± 2.02 ppm and −0.61 ± 0.49 % compared to OCO-2 retrievals.

scholarly journals Mineral Exploration in Mawat Region, Kurdistan-Iraq, Based on Satellite Data and Terrain Prospection

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-272
Author(s):  
Marinko Oluić ◽  
Sreten Romandić ◽  
Ratko Vasiljević
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Data ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Digital Processing ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Measured Concentration ◽  
Copper Mineralization ◽  
Rock Formations ◽  
Lithological Composition ◽  
Color Composite ◽  
Host Rocks

The main goal of the presented exploration was to estimate potential for mineralization in the Mawat ophiolitic massif in Kurdistan, Iraq. The aim of the study was to explore existing copper mineralization and assessor elements gold, platinoids and chromium. Geological exploration detected two types of Cu occurrence a) secondary Cu carbonates (malachite) and b) Cu sulfides (chalcopyrite-pyrite). The Mawat region is mostly built of ultrabasic and basic rocks: peridotites, gabbros, serpentinites and basalts which are heavily deformed, with faults mostly oriented NNW-SSE, and NE-SW. The first phase of exploration comprised digital processing of ASTER and QuickBird satellite images, with appropriate geometrical and radiometric corrections and transformation into coordinate system. Color composite images were produced in different scales. They served to define lithological composition, tectonic settings, location of the points of interest etc. The field work was designed to check satellite data in situ, with focus on perspective rock formations, which might host copper mineralization, and other elements. The host rocks of the ore occurrences are primarily gabbros and metagabbros intersected by diabase dykes, epidote and quartz veins. Secondary mineralization is the product of surficial weathering and it is represented by malachite and limonite. The geophysical survey was very useful in the detection of area with elevated induced polarization and low resistivity. Three perspective areas have been selected for detailed explorations: Waraz, Mirava-Chenara and Konjirin-Kuradawi. The concentration of copper varies highly in very wide ranges; the maximum measured concentration of Cu was determined in Waraz area 6.7%. Some rock samples also show concentration of gold from 0.36 to 2.59 ppm Au. Keywords: Mawat ophiolitic massif, geologic-geophysical explorations, copper mineralization, Kurdistan-Iraq

Petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry of the Lower Cretaceous oil-prone coal and host rocks from the Laoheishan Basin, northeast China

2018 ◽  
Vol 191 ◽  
pp. 7-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Song ◽  
Zhaojun Liu ◽  
Doris Gross ◽  
Qingtao Meng ◽  
Yinbo Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Cretaceous ◽  
Northeast China ◽  
Host Rocks

scholarly journals CENOZOIC TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE EASTERN ALPS – A RECONSTRUCTION BASED ON 40AR/39AR WHITE MICA, ZIRCON AND APATITE FISSION TRACK, AND APATITE (U/Th)-He THERMOCHRONOLOGY

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
W. Kurz ◽  
A. Wölfler ◽  
R. Handler
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Evolution ◽  
Fission Track ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Apatite Fission Track ◽  
Major Fault ◽  
Fission Track Ages ◽  
Fault Gouges ◽  
Host Rocks

The Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Eastern Alps is defined by nappe assembly within the Penninic and Subpenninic units and their subsequent exhumation. The units above, however, are affected by extension and related faulting. By applying distinct thermochronological methods with closure temperatures ranging from ~450° to ~40°C we reveal the thermochronological evolution of the eastern part of the Eastern Alps. 40Ar/39Ar dating on white mica, zircon and apatite fission track, and apatite U/Th-He thermochronology were carried out within distinct tectonic units (Penninic vs. Austroalpine) and on host rocks and fault- related rocks (cataclasites and fault gouges) along major fault zones. We use particularly the ability of fission tracks to record the thermal history as a measure of heat transfer in fault zones, causing measurable changes of fission track ages and track lengths. Additionally, these studies will provide a general cooling and exhumation history of fault zones and adjacentcrustal blocks.

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