A Series of Papers on Fluid-Mineral Equilibrium Applied to Mineral Deposits: Preface

Abstract

The four papers that follow this brief introduction are examples of fluid-mineral equilibrium geochemistry and chemical mass transfer as it is applied to mineral deposits, a field pioneered by the late Harold (Hal) C. Helgeson (November 13, 1931–May 28, 2007). Although Helgeson is best known as a geochemist, he started his career as an economic geologist and it could be said that his time in the mines shaped his later geochemical contributions to the general field of economic geology. Hal was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota. After completing a degree in geology at Michigan State University, he worked for a year as an exploration geologist for Technical Mine Consultants in Athabasca, Saskatchewan, and at Blind River, Ontario (1953–1954). He then served two years during the Korean War as a photo-radar intelligence officer in the 497th Recon. Tech. Squadron of the U.S. Air Force in Wiesbaden, Germany. After his military service he spent four years as a mining and exploration geologist for Anglo-American …