Geology and Origin of Supergene Ore at the Lavrion Pb‐Ag‐Zn Deposit, Attica, Greece

Abstract

AbstractThe Lavrion carbonate‐hosted Pb‐Ag‐Zn deposit in southeast Attica, Greece, consisted of significant non‐sulfide ore bodies. The polymetallic sulfide mineralization was subjected to supergene oxidation, giving rise to gossan. The principal non‐sulfide minerals of past economic importance were smithsonite, goethite and hematite. The supergene mineral assemblages occupy secondary open spaces and occur as replacement pods within marble. Calamine and iron ore mainly filled open fractures. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy of samples of oxidized ore indicate complex gossan mineralogy depending on the hypogene mineralogy, the degree of oxidation and leaching of elements, and the local hydrologic conditions. Bulk chemical analysis of the samples indicated high ore‐grade variability of the supergene mineralization. On multivariate cluster analysis of geochemical data the elements were classified into groups providing evidence for their differential mobilization during dissolution, transport and re‐precipitation. The mode of occurrence, textures, mineralogy and geochemistry of the non‐sulfide mineralization confirm that it is undoubtedly of supergene origin: the product of influx into open fractures in the country rock of highly acidic, metal‐rich water resulting from the oxidation of pyrite‐rich sulfide protore. Dissolution of carbonates led to opening of the fractures. Mineral deposition in the supergene ore took place under near‐neutral to mildly acidic conditions. The supergene dissolution and re‐precipitation of Fe and Zn in the host marble increased metal grades and separated iron and zinc from lead, thereby producing economically attractive deposits; it further contributed to minimization of pollution impact on both soil and ground water.