Ore mineralization in volcanic rocks from the submarine rises of the Sea of Japan

Abstract

The electron microprobe investigation of volcanic rocks from the submarine rises of the Sea of Japan revealed for the first time numerous inclusions of small grains containing metals (Cu, Zn, Sn, Ni, Pb, As, Cr, W, Ti, Ta, Fe, and Ag), mainly as native elements, intermetallic compounds, phosphides, oxides, sulfides, and sulfates. These grains are usually confined to the walls of microscopic fractures and pores or fill microscopic cavities and interstices in the groundmass and in rock-forming minerals. Taking into account that native metals, intermetallic compounds, and phosphides are indicative of a high-temperature gaseous fluid, it can be supposed that such a fluid was the source of metals.