Stratiform copper deposits of the western Carpathians, Czechoslovakia

Abstract

The Caledonian, Variscan, and Alpine metallogenic epochs of the western Carpathians are characterized by typomorphic minerals forming different types of deposits in various geological formations. The metals involved include Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au, Hg, and Sb (Ilavsky and Cillik, 1959; Slavik et al., 1967; Varcek, 1967; Ilavsky, 1968).Stratiform cupriferous deposits of volcanogenic-sedimentary origin occur in the following geologic formations and zones (Fig. 1):1. In the Cambrian of the Spissko-Gemerske Rudohorie ore mountains (the so-called Gelnica series of the Gemerides) are polymetallic stratiform deposits of Pb-Zn-Cu ores and pyrite.2. In the Ordovician of the Gelnica series similar polymetallic stratiform deposits of Pb-Zn-Cu ores and pyrite occur.3. In the Silurian of the same series and in the same zone are stratiform pyrite-cupriferous deposits which are of considerable economic importance.4. In the Permian (Variscan metallogenic epoch) stratiform cupriferous deposits are present in both the zone of the Gemerides and the zone of the Tatroveporides, among them are ores containing U, Mo, and Cu.5. In the Alpine metallogenic epoch stratiform cupriferous ores formed during part of the geosynclinal stage (Lower Triassic).Besides stratiform volcanogenic-sedimentary deposits there are also other types of cupriferous ores in the Western Carpathians. They include disseminations in lavas, manto-type replacements, hydrothermal veins, and skarns.