Abstract
The primary mineralization in the famous Lavrion mine in the Lavreotiki area, Attica (Greece), associated with a granodiorite intrusion of Upper Miocene age and composed of massive sulphide Pb-Zn-Ag ores [sphalerite, pyrite and galena (B.P.G)], has been extensively studied. The present study is focused on thin, hard, dark brown to black Fe-Mn crusts (a few mm to cm in thickness) in the Legrena valley, SW Lavreotiki, aiming to provide new insights on that type of Fe-Mn-mineralization. The scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) data presented revealed the presence of fine rounded fragments, resembling nodules (up to 200 μm) and fossilized bacteriomorphic Fe-Mn-oxides/hydroxides, within brecciated and foliated zones of carbonate rocks. They exhibit unusual features when compared to the common massive Fe-Mn mineralization with regards the following: (a) the extensive occurrence of bacteriomorphic Fe-oxides/hydroxides and their micro-textures; and (b) the minor elements (K, Na, P, S, Ca, As and Cl). The occurrence of abundant bacteriomophic Fe-Mn-oxides/hydroxides in the samples from the Legrena valley may reflect their catalytic role in the redox reactions during ore-forming processes. The characteristic features of that type of Fe-Mn mineralization seems to be the result of multistage supergene processes superimposed over initial hydrothermal stages. Such a multistage remobilization and precipitation of metals along open space surfaces on karstified carbonates during a subsequent stage of their initial precipitation may be widespread in the Attica region, Greece.
Highlights
The famous Lavrion mine in Attica (Greece) is well known for the production of silver, since ancient times
The Fe-Mn-mineralization is widespread along the detachment zones in the Attic-Cycladic belt, it exhibits a complex mineralogical and chemical composition and more research is required for better understanding the genesis of that type of mineralization [1,5,7,10,11,12]
Along with bulk ore major and trace elements composition, aiming to provide new insights into this type of Fe-Mn-mineralization
Summary
The famous Lavrion mine in Attica (Greece) is well known for the production of silver, since ancient times (earlier than 1000 B.C.). It represents a major Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD), associated with a granodiorite intrusion of Upper Miocene age [1]. Hydrothermal fluids originating from Miocene intrusions led to high-temperature carbonate stratabound Pb-Ag-Zn ore deposits. Fe-Mn mineralization throughout Lavreotiki area, Lavrion, extending to NE Attica is commonly hosted within carbonate rocks, close to the contact with the detachment faults between lower and upper marbles and with the Kessariani schists [1,5,8,9,10,11] (Figure 1). The Fe-Mn-mineralization is widespread along the detachment zones in the Attic-Cycladic belt (including Attica), it exhibits a complex mineralogical and chemical composition and more research is required for better understanding the genesis of that type of mineralization [1,5,7,10,11,12]
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