Abstract
Research Article| August 01, 1990 Colloidal transport of gold and silica in epithermal precious-metal systems: Evidence from the Sleeper deposit, Nevada James A. Saunders James A. Saunders 1Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1990) 18 (8): 757–760. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1990)018<0757:CTOGAS>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation James A. Saunders; Colloidal transport of gold and silica in epithermal precious-metal systems: Evidence from the Sleeper deposit, Nevada. Geology 1990;; 18 (8): 757–760. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1990)018<0757:CTOGAS>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Bonanza-vein gold ore from the Sleeper deposit, Nevada, was deposited at a depth of less than 500 m and exhibits a characteristic texture of alternating colloform bands of fine-grained quartz and bands of opaline silica containing abundant electrum. Textural evidence indicates that the quartz bands recrystallized from a gel-like amorphous precursor, whereas the gold-rich bands were deposited originally as amorphous precipitate formed by the coagulation of colloidal silica and gold particles. Gold and silica precipitated initially as colloidal particles at deeper levels in the hydrothermal system and were mechanically transported upward by the hydraulic action of the ore-forming fluids. Coagulation of the colloidal particles may have been caused by solution cooling or boiling, and catalyzed by hydrated polycationic Al3+ aqueous species. Transport of gold as colloidal particles in epithermal systems indicates that, at least in some instances, higher gold content is possible than in true solution. A gold-enriched ore fluid appears necessary to explain the origin of the bonanza-grade ore at the Sleeper mine, and the colloidal gold transport process locally might have played a role in the genesis of the more-common disseminated epithermal precious-metal deposits. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.
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