Abstract
Early diagenetic sediment-hosted stratiform copper (eSSC) mineralization results from low-temperature cuprous chloride complexes carried by saline aqueous solution circulating through footwall aquifers. Favorable copper solubilities are attained in moderately oxidizing, near-neutral pH solutions. That specific oxidation level is not determined by co-existence with hematite, with its near-indiscriminant control over Eh. Instead, redbed footwall aquifers are signatures of diagenetic oxidation. Relentless in-situ oxidation of ferrous minerals in redbeds produces pore waters too reduced to transport copper, thus eliminating compaction waters as ore solutions. Continuous early influxes of descending oxygen-rich meteoric waters which have assimilated evaporitic salts may redden aquifers and still retain oxidation levels capable of carrying copper to form downstream eSSCs.
Highlights
Most of our efforts to design genetic models for sediment-hosted stratiform copper (SSC) deposits are reasonable and well-conceived
All early diagenetic stage of sediment-hosted stratiform copper (eSSC) are associated with intracontinental rifts occurring at low-paleolatitudes, under hot, dry climates, and are almost
Two prominent general models emerged to explain the transport of eSSC-stage copper at the scale: (a) compaction-driven cupriferous pore waters [8,17,18]; and (b) topography-driven basin scale: (a) compaction-driven cupriferous pore waters [8,17,18]; and (b)
Summary
Most of our efforts to design genetic models for sediment-hosted stratiform copper (SSC) deposits are reasonable and well-conceived. Input variables may be difficult to quantify and structure (e.g., when did mineralization occur relative to other events?), and quantitative modeling is often difficult or beyond our reach. Our science is highly descriptive and our analyses may be open to various interpretations. Some observations require near-inescapable interpretations, which in turn constrain and strengthen our interpretations. The intent of this communication is to urge close attention to chemical constraints on certain parameters (e.g., oxidation levels of ore solutions) used in designing models for the early diagenetic stage of sediment-hosted stratiform copper (eSSC) mineralization
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