Metallogenetic process of Xunmei hydrothermal field (26°S), South Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Constraints from in-situ sulfur isotope and trace elements of sulfides

Abstract

Seafloor hydrothermal sulfides at slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges (MORs) are of economic and scientific significance. The formation of newly discovered submarine hydrothermal sulfides on the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge (SMAR), particularly with respect to the fluid evolution, remains poorly understood. The Xunmei hydrothermal field is a typical volcanic dome-type hydrothermal field at 26°S on the SMAR. Based on the mineralogical zonation and assemblages, six distinct ore-forming stages were identified from low- to high-temperature stages with a seafloor weathering stage. The crystallinity of pyrite/marcasite and grain size of chalcopyrite increase gradually from the outer rim to the inner conduit of a sulfide chimney. The positive δ34SV-CDT values of pyrite/marcasite (2.1‰–8.2‰), chalcopyrite (2.5‰–5.6‰), and sphalerite (2.9‰–7.0‰) suggest 62%–91% of S was derived from the leaching of basement basalts, 9%–38% from reduction of seawater sulfate. In situ trace element data for sulfides show enrichments in Mn, Ag, Tl, and Pb in outer zones A and B, while enrichments in Se, In, and Sn in inner zones C and D, indicating an increase in precipitation temperature during chimney growth. Low pyrite Co contents, low Tl/Pb, low Sb/Pb, low Bi/Pb, high As, Ag, Cu, and Pb concentrations, suggesting that the pyrites precipitated from fluids that may have undergone supercritical phase separation during their ascent. High-temperature, Cl-depleted, vapor-rich hydrothermal fluids discharged into ambient cold seawater over multiple stages and probably evolved from low (<240 °C) to medium (∼ 263 °C) and high (∼ 317 °C) temperatures, reached a highest temperature of ∼335 °C, and then evolved to medium to low temperatures (∼ 270 °C to <240 °C) during the wanning of hydrothermal venting. The sulfur fugacity (fS2) likely evolved from a relatively low to high condition within the scope of intermediate sulfidation, and then decreased to low condition. The redox states (fO2) probably were strongly affected by seawater influx and evolved from relatively oxidized to original reduced conditions. The salinity decreased during chimney growth. Sulfide precipitation in the Xunmei hydrothermal field probably was the result of a combination of fluid-seawater mixing and phase separation. We propose a chimney growth and hydrothermal evolution models for the Xunmei hydrothermal field.