Abstract
Quartz vein orientations, thickness and spacing data are analyzed from 10 transects each of mineralized and non-mineralized zones of Gadag region, which is a gold-bearing terrain within the Dharwar Craton (Southern India). Paleostress analysis reveals that the veins emplaced when fluid pressure (Pf) varied from Pf>σ2 (intermediate principle stress) to Pf < σ2. Variation in ΔR′ is estimated in the mineralized and non-mineralized zone during Pf fluctuation (Pf > σ2 to Pf < σ2). Variation in driving pressure ratio (ΔR′) for transects in mineralized zone is greater than in non-mineralized zone. Fractal dimension (Dc), Weibull modulus (α), vein intensity (Vi) and coefficient of vein spacing (Cv(S)) are calculated from vein data of each transect. Dc and α values are lower in mineralized zone vis-à-vis non-mineralized zone, thus implying that the former is weaker and has higher growth rate than the latter. Moreover, Vi and mean thickness of veins are higher in the mineralized zone than the non-mineralized zone. These differences in paleostress and vein statistical distributions are exploited to propose a three-axis “mineralization potential plot” designated P-D-F plot. This plot integrates ΔR′, α, Dc and Cv(S) data from each transect and it is established that points representing transects (data) from mineralized zone lie closer to the origin (0,0,0) than those in non-mineralized domain. The distance between origin and the point representing the transect in the P-D-F plot gives the “mineralization potential parameter” (Md). Lower Md implies higher mineralization potential. It is concluded that comparative studies of paleostress and vein distribution in mineralized and non-mineralized zones of an area can be very useful and the P-D-F plot developed through this study can be applied for exploration targeting.
Published Version
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