Mineralization of the Zechstein Lower Anhydrite in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline

Abstract

The paper presents the characteristics of ore mineralization of the Lower Anhydrite in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. Both reduced and oxidized (Rote Fäule) rocks have been investigated. Reduced anhydrites are characterized by significant variability of metal concentrations and sulphide minerals. The most intensely mineralized anhydrites occur above the oxidized bottom part of the Lower Anhydrite. Mineralization in this part is dominated by copper sulphides (chalcocite, digenite, covellite, bornite and chalcopyrite) which are accompanied by galena and sphalerite. Further away from the oxidized zone, zinc and lead sulphides predominate over copper sulphides, and pyrite mineralization is also observed. Complex intergrowths and replacement textures of sulphides, as well as intergrowths of the ore minerals with sulphates and carbonates are considered to have formed after lithification of the enclosing sediments, and indicate that the original associations of sulphides were overprinted by superimposed later mineralization. Oxidized anhydrites generally have no significant concentrations of metals like Cu, Pb and Zn. The relict mineralization there is represented by remnants of tiny grains of copper sulphides (mainly covellite, digenite and chalcocite) and pyrite, profoundly altered as a result of their partial replacement by hematite. This mineralization present in the oxidized anhydrites indicates that hematite emplacement overlapped deposition of the original sulphides and extended oxidation up into the Lower Anhydrite. Position of the reduced and oxidized areas of anhydrites enriched in metals indicates centres of the most intense activity of the ascending mineralizing fluids.