Quantitative major and trace elemental mapping by PIXE of concretionary pyrite from the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa

Abstract

AbstractSeveral concretionary pyrite grains displaying multiple, massive sulphide or silicate inclusion‐rich, annuli from two gold‐bearing reef horizons (Ventersdorp Contact Reef, Kimberley Reefs) in different parts of the Witwatersrand Basin were analysed by particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) for their major and trace element compositions. Both PIXE spot analysis and mapping of the distributions of major and trace elements were carried out, and EMPA was employed to obtain major element abundances for matrix corrections of PIXE analysis. Spatial analysis by PIXE is excellent in comparison with EMPA, as PIXE detection limits are lower by 1–2 orders of magnitude at comparable, short‐duration counting times (12 h for 4096 pixel analyses by PIXE). EMPA was successful in the identification of individual zones, for example on the basis of locally enriched minor elements Ni or As. This technique also provided essential standard‐based control on major element abundances for the standardless PIXE dynamic analysis. The compositional results obtained on concretionary pyrite grains by PIXE are distinctly different for each analysed grain, in terms of relative enrichment of certain minor and trace elements in specific zones. Gold was detected locally in the interiors of grains and/or along grain margins. The different results are discussed with regard to their possible meaning related to the origin of gold mineralization in the Witwatersrand ore deposit. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.