Alteration Mineral Assemblages Research Articles

A way to hydrothermal paroxysm, Colli Albani volcano, Italy

The main issue addressed in this work is the process leading to fluid subsurface entrapment and pressure increase up to hydrofracturing and, possibly, to paroxysm in a hydrothermal setting, in order to envisage such processes and mitigate their effects in the volcanically active study area and elsewhere. A field and laboratory multidisciplinary approach is used in the fossil (late Pleistocene) portion of an active hydrothermal system (Colli Albani volcano, Rome, Italy). In this area, sulfate and sulfide mineralizations and strongly altered ignimbrites are exposed. The alteration acme occurs on top of a buried normal fault, where abundant degassing is still active, and fades away in 2–3 km. Based on pervasive versus discrete alteration styles, mineral assemblages, and further evidence, proximal and distal alteration domains are recognized. Both domains underwent steam-heated advanced argillic alteration with likely temperatures up to ~400 °C in the proximal domain and less than 150 °C in the distal domain. The process of hydrothermal alteration progressively and severely depleted many elements from the most permeable rock units, whereas the lowest-permeable unit (Tufo Lionato) underwent fracture and porosity healing accompanied by both mass and volume gain. In the proximal domain, the advanced argillic hydrothermal alteration eventually formed a substantial barrier to fluids. The hydrothermal fluids accumulated in and below this barrier, which was then suddenly hydrofractured when heat-driven hydraulic pressure overcame the effective stress, thus possibly leading to hydrothermal paroxysm. The decompression associated with hydrofracturing enhanced gas exsolution and mineral precipitation from the entrapped overpressured fluids. Mineral precipitation contributed, in turn, to fracture healing and to reinitiation of a new cycle of hydrothermal fluid entrapment. The key preconditions for the occurrence of the inferred processes are the contrasting compositions of K-alkaline host rocks and acidic alteration fluids, as also previously documented in other similar settings elsewhere.

Geochronological, isotopic and mineral geochemical constraints on the genesis of the Diyanqinamu Mo deposit, Inner Mongolia, China

The Diyanqinamu Mo deposit, located in central Inner Mongolia in China, is a newly discovered Mo deposit. Due to the lack of detailed deposit-scale studies, the metallogenesis of the deposit has been a matter of debate. In this study, petrography, zircon U–Pb geochronology, Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes, and apatite mineral geochemistry have been used to constrain the genesis of the Diyanqinamu Mo deposit.Petrographic evidence indicates that the granites in the Diyanqinamu deposit have experienced fluid exsolution, as demonstrated by the corroded quartz in the porphyritic granites, skeletal quartz in the aplitic granites, and the unidirectional solidification texture (UST) in the apex of the aplitic granites. Sr and Nd isotopic data of the purple fluorite from the fluorite±molybdenite veins, showing the (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7046–0.7052, avg. 0.7048) and εNd(t) values (2.4–3.8, avg. 3.3) are similar to those of the porphyritic- and aplitic granites. This similarity implies that the Mo ore-forming fluids may have been derived from the granitic magmas. The hypothesis is further supported by the fluorine content (3.79–5.48wt.%, avg. 4.53wt.%) in apatite from the porphyritic granites and the widely distributed fluorite in the hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, which indicate that the porphyritic granites contain high F content and the hydrothermal fluids are also F-rich. Petrographic observation also shows that magnetite occurs commonly in the hydrothermal mineral assemblages, indicating that the hydrothermal fluids are characterized by high oxygen fugacity (fO2). It is important to note that the intruding granites are essentially barren, and the Mo is mainly hosted in the andesite and volcaniclastic rocks. In comparison, Pb isotopic compositions of molybdenite are similar to those of both the andesite and K-feldspar from the porphyritic granites, which suggests that both the intruding granites and ore-hosting andesite have contributed to the ore-forming materials. This hypothesis is further supported by the abnormally high Mo for the andesite.Our new evidence suggests that the Diyanqinamu Mo deposit may have formed in a post-collisional extensional environment. Ore-forming materials may have been derived mainly from the granites and minimally from the host rocks. The ore fluids are characterized by high fO2 and being F-rich, and the trigger for the Mo mineralization has been attributed to the reduction of fO2 and/or temperature for the ore fluids.

Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposits in Western Java, Indonesia: Gold-Silver Selenide-Telluride Mineralization

DOI: 10.17014/ijog.v1i2.180The gold-silver ores of western Java reflect a major metallogenic event during the Miocene-Pliocene and Pliocene ages. Mineralogically, the deposits can be divided into two types i.e. Se- and Te-type deposits with some different characteristic features. The objective of the present research is to summarize the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Se- and Te-type epithermal mineralization in western Java. Ore and alteration mineral assemblage, fluid inclusions, and radiogenic isotope studies were undertaken in some deposits in western Java combined with literature studies from previous authors. Ore mineralogy of some deposits from western Java such as Pongkor, Cibaliung, Cikidang, Cisungsang, Cirotan, Arinem, and Cineam shows slightly different characteristics as those are divided into Se- and Te-types deposits. The ore mineralogy of the westernmost of west Java region such as Pongkor, Cibaliung, Cikidang, Cisungsang, and Cirotan is characterized by the dominance of silver-arsenic-antimony sulfosalt with silver selenides and rarely tellurides over the argentite, while to the eastern part of West Java such as Arinem and Cineam deposits are dominated by silver-gold tellurides. The average formation temperatures measured from fluid inclusions of quartz associated with ore are in the range of 170 – 220°C with average salinity of less than 1 wt% NaClequiv for Se-type and 190 – 270°C with average salinity of ~2 wt% NaClequiv for Te-type.

Spectral characteristics of minerals in alteration zones associated with porphyry copper deposits in the middle part of Kerman copper belt, SE Iran

Visible near infrared and shortwave infrared (VNIR-SWIR, 350 to 2500nm) reflectance spectra obtained from an analytical spectral device (ASD) have been used to define alteration zones adjacent to porphyry copper deposits (PCDs), in the central part of Kerman magmatic arc, SE Iran. The spectral analysis identified sericite, illite, halloysite, montmorillonite, dickite, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, biotite, chlorite, epidote, calcite, jarosite, and iron oxyhydroxides (e.g. hematite, goethite) of hydrothermal and supergene origin. Identified alteration zones are classified into six principal types namely phyllic, phyllic/propylitic, propylitic, potassic, argillic and advanced argillic. The iron oxide minerals in the oxidized zone were also identified using spectral analysis. Results of spectral analyses of samples are consistent with mineralogical data obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and petrographic studies. Spectroscopic studies by ASD demonstrate that this tool is very useful for semi-quantitative and cost effective identification of different types of alteration mineral assemblages. Furthermore, it can provide a valuable tool for evaluating aerial distribution of alteration minerals while coupled with remote sensing data analysis.

Vertical and Lateral Variation of Mineralogy and Chemistry in the Early Jurassic Mt. Milligan Alkalic Porphyry Au-Cu Deposit, British Columbia, Canada

The moderately tilted and faulted Early Jurassic Mt. Milligan Au-Cu deposit provides a cross-section view of the hydrothermal alteration, sulfide mineralogy, and geochemical zonation of a silica-saturated alkalic porphyry system over a vertical distance approaching 700 m. Magnetite-bearing potassic alteration and associated Au-Cu form a core to the system in the central monzonitic stock and adjacent basaltic trachyandesite host rock. Lateral to the high-temperature core are sodic-calcic and inner and outer propylitic alteration assemblages. Chalcopyrite dominates the high-temperature potassic core whereas pyrite is the predominant sulfide within and outboard from the sodic-calcic assemblage. A funnel-shaped remnant of carbonate-rich phyllic alteration of the host supracrustal rocks in the fault-bounded 66 zone represents the upper auriferous alteration in the alkalic porphyry Au-Cu system. Alteration mineral assemblage, S isotope (ranging from δ 34S –5‰ relative to Canon Diablo Troilite in the core to δ 34S +0.5‰ in the periphery), and limited fluid inclusion data suggest mineralization at the Au-Cu alkalic porphyry system was derived from an oxidized, CO2-bearing magmatic fluid that rose upward along the margins and through the Magnetite Breccia stock. Laterally from the Au-Cu mineralized potassic core, magmatic fluid evolved through water-rock interaction, mixing with an external fluid as shown by a shift in calculated 87Sr/86Sr for alteration minerals to values higher than magmatic values, declining temperature, or some combination of all. Variations in trace element concentrations of epidote (V, Mn, Sb, Zr, As, and Bi) and pyrite (Mn, As, Zr, Pb, and Bi) across the deposit show a local high degree of variability, but general increases or decreases in overall trends in their median values are inferred to reflect the hydrothermal evolution of the system. Pistachite ratios of epidote show an outward decrease in ferric iron as recorded in the pistachite ratio changing from PS36 to PS25, suggesting less oxidizing conditions on the system periphery. Additionally, light rare-earth elements in epidote fractionate toward the core of the deposit, and the height of positive Eu anomalies also appears to have a similar spatial trend. In pyrite, there is a general increase in trace element concentration toward the epidote-pyrite–rich outer propylitic assemblage forming the system periphery. Alteration mineralogy and trace element signatures indicate the southeastern portion of the deposit, the 66 zone, is a down-dropped segment from higher in the paleohydrothermal system. S isotope signatures of sulfides within and surrounding the stratiform Upper Trachyte unit in the 66 zone indicate structural channeling of oxidizing fluids that likely were the distal and cooler expression of more oxidizing magmatic-derived hydrothermal fluids responsible for potassic alteration and Au-Cu in the subjacent Magnetite Breccia zone, the main orebody.

西山-中央油帯および片貝ガス田における流紋岩質貯留岩の二次孔隙と変質作用について

The Miocene gas reservoirs in the volcanics of the Nishiyama Central (Chuo) oil field (NC field) and the Katagai gas field (KG field) in the Niigata district, Japan, primarily consist of altered rhyolitic rocks. This study aims to understand the porosity systematics of the altered rhyolitic rock gas reservoirs. The alteration minerals in the rhyolitic tuffs and lavas are quartz, albite, adularia, illite, and chlorite with small amounts of mixed-layer clay minerals, smectite, zeolite minerals, calcite, and pyrite. Altered rhyolitic rocks contain primary pore spaces (bubbles) and secondary pore spaces (vugs, fractures, perlitic cracks, interstitial pores, and leached pores). Interstitial and leached pores formed by hydrothermal alteration comprise the pore space of the gas reservoirs. Secondary euhedral albite crystals, which replace volcanic glass, are typically present in the interstitial pores. The crystallization of secondary euhedral albite is critical to the formation of gas reservoirs. The dissolution of secondary albite resulted in the formation of the leached pores. The presence of alteration minerals, such as adularia, illite, chlorite, mixed-layer clay minerals, and quartz in the leached pores resulted in microporosity. However, adularia and mixed-layer clay minerals are absent from the main reservoir of the KG field. The diameter of the interstitial and leached pores ranges from 0.02 to 3 μm and 2μm to 2 mm or more, respectively. Micropores less than 1 μm are predominantly present in the spaces filled with clay minerals.δ34S data for disseminated and vein-type pyrite from Miocene mudstone, rhyolitic rocks, and basalt indicate mixing of reduced sulfur from mudstone or basement rocks with magmatic sulfur.The pore characteristics, the alteration mineral assemblage, and δ34S data in the NC and KG fields suggest that the interstitial pores formed early and the leached pores owing to hydrothermal alteration by seawater followed. Subsequently, alteration minerals filled the micropores during diagenesis.

Mapping patterns of mineral alteration in volcanic terrains using ASTER data and field spectrometry in Southern Peru

Because formation of ore deposits is linked to volcanic and post-volcanic processes, an understanding of alteration style in volcanic regions has important applications in economic geology.We use ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) data and field spectrometry for mineral mapping in selected Miocene to Quaternary volcanic areas in Southern Peru to better characterize and understand the Tertiary volcanic evolution in this region. Our goal is to characterize volcanic regions near Puquio (Ayacucho) by correlating areas of intense alteration and related ignimbrite outflow sheets. In particular, we spectrally and mineralogically map different types and intensities of alteration based on remote sensing and ground-truth data.ASTER ratio images, alteration indices and false color composites were used to select ground-training areas for sample collection and field spectrometry. Alteration samples were characterized geochemically, mineralogically and spectrally. Absorption features correlate with chemical properties (e.g. iron content). Hyperspectral data from field spectrometry allow identification of important alteration minerals such as kaolinite and smectite. Alteration mineral assemblages range from silicic to argillic to “zeolite-type”. Using a support vector machine classification (SVM) algorithm on ASTER data, we mapped the different types and intensities of alteration, along with unaltered ignimbrite and lava flows with an accuracy of 80%. We propose a preliminary model for the interpretation of alteration settings, discuss the potential eruption sites of the ignimbrites in the region and, propose pH and temperature estimates for the respective classes based on the mineral assemblages identified.

Porphyry Cu-Mo Stockwork Formation by Dynamic, Transient Hydrothermal Pulses: Mineralogic Insights from the Deposit at Butte, Montana

The systematic distribution of vein and alteration mineral assemblages in porphyry Cu deposits largely arises from changes in the temperature and pressure of fluids that traversed fractures throughout the hydrothermal system. Magmatic and hydrothermal minerals record the complex history of the fluctuating temperature and pressure regime as hydrothermal fluids transfer heat from their magmatic source to cold wall rock in response to lithostatic-to-hydrostatic pressure variations. We examine the thermal profile of the porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in Butte, Montana, by determining formation temperatures for magmatic and hydrothermal samples representing different time frames and depths within the deposit, in context with sample pressure estimates. We use three independent mineral thermobarometers: Ti in quartz, Zr in rutile, and X Mg -Ti in biotite, from which we estimate that final dike injection temperature, and hence the initial magmatic-hydrothermal fluid temperature, was ~700°C while the ambient host-rock temperature was ~450° to 500°C. We find a magmatic-hydrothermal continuum represented in hydrothermal veins, ranging from ~710° to

The Kamoa Copper Deposit, Democratic Republic of Congo: Stratigraphy, Diagenetic and Hydrothermal Alteration, and Mineralization

The Kamoa copper deposit is located in the Katanga Province of the southern Democratic Republic of Congo outside of the area previously considered prospective for large copper deposits. With a 1% Cu cutoff, the hypogene ore zone of Kamoa spans over 81 km2, varying in thickness from 2 to 15 m, and is currently laterally unconstrained. The deposit is hosted at the stratigraphic contact between hematitic and locally pyritic Mwashya Subgroup sandstones and overlying fine-grained pyritic diamictites of the Grand Conglomerat unit of the Nguba Group. The Mwashya sandstones appear to have been deposited in a marginal marine to fluvial environment. The Grand Conglomerat diamictite contains glacially derived mass transport and sediment gravity flow deposits. The unit appears to have been deposited in a tectonically active, locally anoxic marine environment. The contact between the Mwashya and Grand Conglomerat units represents a major change in depositional style during what was probably a period of rapid subsidence or sea level rise. The majority of the Kamoa orebody occurs within the lowermost portion of the Grand Conglomerat unit that contains siltstones with high concentrations of diagenetic framboidal and later cubic pyrite that may be indicative of early hydrothermal activity. Later hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages within the Grand Conglomerat are stratigraphically zoned, changing from a potassic alteration and silicification assemblage in the lowermost stratigraphic units to a dominantly magnesian alteration assemblage higher in the stratigraphy. Ore stage sulfide minerals are zoned vertically away from the Mwashya-Grand Conglomerat contact, changing from chalcocite to bornite to chalcopyrite to pyrite with increased stratigraphic height. Copper sulfide minerals occur as fine-grained disseminations within the diamictite matrix that probably represent replaced diagenetic pyrite as well as in coarse-grained mineral rims on diamictite clasts. The rims are best developed in the lowermost stratigraphic units and gradually lessen in size, vertical elongation, and abundance up stratigraphic section. Sulfur isotope studies indicate that most of the sulfur in the copper sulfides was derived from earlier formed diagenetic iron sulfide. Fluid inclusion analyses indicate that the ore-forming fluid was saline, ~23 to 26 wt % NaCl wt equiv, and had homogenization temperatures (T h ) ranging from 210° to 240°C.

A two-stage evolution model for the Amantaytau orogenic-type gold deposit in Uzbekistan

A lithogeochemical, mineral chemical, isotopic, and fluid inclusion study of barren, low-, and high-grade Au-mineralized samples from the shear zone-hosted Amantaytau gold deposit, Uzbekistan, shows that the local host rocks, Late Ordovician–Earlz Silurian carbonacous shales, are likely to have been an important source of Au, As, Ni, and S in the formation of the deposit. Syn-depositional pyrite in these shales contains on average 0.23 ppm Au, 1,083 ppm As, and 861 ppm Ni. The distribution of rare earth elements (REE) indicates a homogeneous source of light REE, whereas the heavy REE distribution reflects most likely primary variations in the sediments. The mineralized zone is marked by a positive Eu anomaly, which supports reducing conditions during the mineralization. A hydrothermal overprint by an aqueous–carbonic fluid is reflected in a high-grade Au-mineralized sample by δ13C values of −13.0 ‰ (V-PDB). The δ34S values in pyrite (−0.13 to +7.30 ‰ CDT) from barren and mineralized samples are consistent with marine sulfate being the principal source of the ore sulfur. Assuming a formation temperature of between 300 and 400 °C for the main stage of mineralization, as indicated by the alteration mineral assemblage, the calculated δ18Ofluid is between 9.5 and 13.4 ‰ V-SMOW, which points at a metamorphic origin of the ore fluid.

Chemical composition of rock-forming minerals in granitoids associated with Au–Bi–Cu, Cu–Mo, and Au–Ag mineralization at the Freegold Mountain, Yukon, Canada: magmatic and hydrothermal fluid chemistry and petrogenetic implications

The chemical compositions of rock-forming minerals have been determined for both altered and least-altered igneous rocks spatially associated with numerous mineralized zones (Nucleus Au–Bi–Cu–As deposit, Revenue Au ± Cu and Stoddart Cu–Mo ± W mineral occurrences, and Laforma Au–Ag deposit) across the Freegold Mountain area, Yukon, Canada. Within the study area, K-feldspar has a narrow compositional range (89.4–91% Or), whereas plagioclase spans a wide range (4.4–70.07% An). In all of the investigated samples, T Ab = T An = T Or, suggesting that magmatic equilibrium between the coexisting plagioclase and K-feldspar was maintained. Igneous amphibole phenocrysts from hypabyssal dikes are typically calcic, whereas the Stoddart Cu–Mo ± W, Laforma Au–Ag, and Goldy Au mineralization are associated with Mg-enriched primary amphibole of edenite composition, and Au–Bi–Cu–As mineralization from Nucleus is related to Al-enriched primary amphibole of ferropargasite composition. Primary biotite phenocrysts across the Freegold Mountain area re-equilibrated with oxidized magma (f(O2) values between 10–13 and 10–11.5 bars, lying between the Ni/NiO and the magnetite/haematite buffers). However, biotite and amphibole phenocrysts from Stoddart, Goldy, Laforma, and the Highway zones crystallized from a more oxidized magma, as indicated by their elevated X Mg up to 0.65, relative to biotite and hornblende from Nucleus and Revenue characterized by a lower X Mg (typically < 0.50). This suggests that various sources and (or) rapid emplacement were involved in magma genesis, as further supported by the considerable variation of pressure (1.8–7.3 kb) of amphibole crystallization and of the total Al content in least-altered biotite (2.6–2.9 afu) within the Freegold Mountain area. Biotite and apatite equilibrated within the T range of 520–780°C, consistent with temperatures of equilibration between ilmenite and magnetite, and their compositions indicate that they formed from an oxidized I-type magma. Magma differentiated by fractional crystallization (indicated by the presence of normally zoned plagioclase with Ca-rich cores and Na-enriched outer rims) and multiple magma mixing (supported by the presence of reversed zoned plagioclase and coexistence of normally and reversely zoned plagioclase). Lower X Mg biotite associated with the mineralized (Cu–Mo ± W) potassic alteration incorporated more F and Cl relative to least-altered biotite with higher X Mg. In both Nucleus and Revenue Au–Cu mineralizations, secondary biotite composition varies with respect to the associated alteration mineral assemblages. Although secondary biotite in the skarn re-equilibrated with F-poor fluids, secondary biotite from the pervasive biotitization is related to F- and Cl-enriched fluids, and secondary biotite from the phyllitic zone is related to F-, Cl-, and Mg-depleted fluids, thus consistent with a change in mineralizing fluid composition during mineralization.

Structural genesis of the Eunsan and Moisan low-sulphidation epithermal Au–Ag deposits, Seongsan district, Southwest Korea

The Seongsan district in the Jindo–Haenam basin of southwest Korea comprises Precambrian gneissic basement, overlain and intruded by Cretaceous volcanic (98–71 Ma) and plutonic (86–68 Ma) rocks, respectively. Haenam Formation volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks are the dominant rock type exposed in the district and are the main host to high-sulphidation (82–77 Ma) and low-sulphidation (79–73 Ma) epithermal deposits. The Eunsan and Moisan low-sulphidation epithermal deposits have similar vein mineralogy, zoned hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, structural framework and interpreted deformation events. These similarities suggest that they formed by district-scale hydrothermal fluid flow at about 77.5 Ma. At this time, ore fluid movement along subvertical WNW-trending faults was particularly focussed in dilatant fault bends, jogs, and at intersections with N-trending splays. At Eunsan, Au–Ag ore shoots coincide with these areas of structural complexity, whereas at Moisan, narrower ore zones correspond with several parallel, poorly connected veins. A secondary control on the location of ore zones is the intersection between mineralised WNW-striking structures and rocks of the Haenam Formation. The higher permeability and porosity of these rocks, in comparison with mudstones and siltstones of the underlying Uhangri Formation, resulted in the more efficient lateral migration of ore fluids away from subvertical faults and into wall rocks. The intersection between subvertical WNW-striking faults and the gently dipping Haenam Formation imparts a low angle SW plunge to both ore bodies. WNW-striking post-mineralisation faults displace ore zones up to 100 m and complicate the along-strike exploration and mining of WNW-trending ore zones. Future exploration strategies in the district involve the systematic testing of WNW-trending mineralised structures along strike from known deposits, with a particular emphasis on identifying structurally complex areas that experienced local dilation during the mineralisation event. Poorly exposed regions have historically been under-explored. However, based on the proposed exploration model for the Eunsan and Moisan deposits, these areas of poor outcrop are now considered important target areas for hidden ore bodies using ground-based geophysical exploration tools, such as seismic surveys.

Supergene mineralization of the Medvědín uranium deposit, Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic

3 �InstituteofEarthSciences,�FacultyofScience,�MasarykUniversity,�Kotlařska�2,�611�37�Brno,�CzechRepublic * �Correspondingauthor † �DedicatedtoeverlastingmemoryofoutstandingmineralogistIng.�ZdeněkMrazek,�CSc.�(1952-1984) Supergene mineralization of the hydrothermal vein uranium deposit Medvědin (Krkonose Mts., northern Bohemia) is rather varied both in number of the mineral phases and their chemical variation. The supergene minerals agardite- (Y), autunite/metaautunite, dewindtite, churchite-(Y), kasolite, new unnamed phase Pb(Ce,REE) 3 (PO 4 ) 3 (OH) 2 . nH 2 O, parsonsite, phosphuranylite, plumbogummite, pseudomalachite, pyromorphite, saleeite, torbernite/metatorbernite and uranophane were studied using powder XRD, EPMA, IR-spectroscopic and thermal analysis, contributing significantly to the clarification of their crystal chemistry. The alteration mineral assemblage consisting mostly of uranyl phosphates and silicates exhibits relatively high contents of REE and Pb. Minerals with a composition corresponding to pure mine- ral end-members have not been observed; instead most of the studied phases represent members of isomorphic series. Studied mineral assemblage is a stable association in surface conditions resulting apparently from a long-term alteration of the primary uranium mineralization.

TEXTURAL ANALYSIS OF STRONGLY ALTERED KIMBERLITE: EXAMPLES FROM THE EKATI DIAMOND MINE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA

Two massive, poorly sorted pyroclastic kimberlite deposits from the Fox and Koala pipes at the Ekati diamond mine, Northwest Territories, Canada present different styles of alteration. The first, at Fox, has an interstitial medium-alteration assemblage dominated by saponite, serpentine (lizardite), and microlitic diopside. The second, at Koala, has an alteration assemblage of serpentine (antigorite), carbonate, and minor saponite. They share the following sequence of events. Fine-grained matrix material has been serpentinized and replaced to varying degrees within each deposit, and the proportions of the preserved mineralogy of the interstitial medium reflect the nature and degree of alteration. Fine kimberlite ash is likely to have been hydrated and serpentinized soon after deposition by volcanic fluids percolating through the kimberlite vent fill deposits. Replacement, dissolution, and infilling of primary and secondary pore space are commonly observed textural features, and indicate that several phases of alteration have occurred, either as distinct episodes or, more likely, as part of a progressive sequence. The proportion of accessory lithic fragments contained within the deposits is much greater at Fox (15 to 35%) than at Koala (<10%) and has influenced the style of alteration in two ways. First, a greater proportion of cold lithic clasts acted as heat sinks and decreased the emplacement temperature of the Fox deposit as a whole. Second, a greater proportion of granodioritic lithic clasts, especially of smaller grain sizes, provided accessible sources of silica, aluminum, and calcium to the system, thus influencing the resulting alteration mineral assemblage.

ASTER 분광분석을 통한 해남지역 강고령토변질 암석의 식별

해남 천열수 광화대는 우리나라 남서부에 위치하고 있으며, 저유황계 천열수 금-은 광상(은산-모이산)과 점토광상(옥매산, 성산, 춘산)을 배태하고 있다. 백악기 화산활동과 관련된 천열수 광상과 이와 함께 수반되는 열수변질작용은 열수변질광물들로 구성된 대규모의 대상분포를 야기 시켰다. 명반석-석영, 명반석-딕카이트-석영, 딕카이트-카올리나이트-석영의 광물조합을 갖는 강고령토변질작용으로 변질된 암석들은 옥매산, 성산, 춘산지역에 노출되어 있다. 세 개의 가시근적외선 밴드, 여섯 개의 단파장적외선 밴드, 다섯 개의 열적외선 밴드로 구성된 Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)는 해남 천열수 광화대 내 강고령토변질작용을 받은 암석들을 식별하는데 사용되었다. 열수변질광물들의 특정한 분광특성들은 연구지역내 변질 받지 않은 암석들로부터 강고령 토변질작용을 받은 암석들의 식별을 가능하게 한다. 연구지역 내 강고령토변질작용을 받은 암석들을 주로 구성하는 명반석, 딕카이트, 카올리나이트는 대표적인 함 Al-O-H 광물로 <TEX>$2.20{\mu}m$</TEX>에서 강한 흡수특성을 갖는다. ASTER 밴드조합 및 밴드비 변환은 강고령토변질작용을 받은 암석과 비변질 암석으로부터 획득된 DN 값의 차이를 증가시킨다. 옥매산, 성산, 춘산지역으로부터 강고령토변질작용을 받은 암석들 내 명반석과 딕카이트-카올리나이트는 각각 1.523과 1.737의 평균 DN 값을 갖는다. 이러한 DN 값은 비변질 지역으로부터 획득된 DN (각각 평균 1.211과 1.308)값에 비해 훨씬 높다. ASTER 영상은 지표환경에서 열수변질광물의 분포특성을 원격적으로 제공할 수 있다. 이러한 측면에서 ASTER 분광분석과 야외지질조사 결과의 좋은 상관성은 ASTER 분광분석이 광물자원탐사의 초기 단계에서 유용한 탐사방법이 될 수 있음을 제시한다. The Haenam epithermal mineralized zone is located in the southwestern part of South Korea, and hosts low sulfidation epithermal Au-Ag deposit (Eunsan-Moisan) and clay quarries (Okmaesan, Seongsan, and Chunsan). Epithermal deposits and accompanying hydrothermal alteration related to Cretaceous volcanism caused large zoned assemblages of hydrothermal alteration minerals. Advanced argillic-altered rocks with mineral assemblages of alunite-quartz, alunite-dickite-quartz, and dickite-kaolinite-quartz exposed on the Okmaesan, Seongsan, and Chunsan area. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), with three visible and near infrared bands, six shortwave infrared bands, and five thermal infrared bands, was used to identify advanced argillic-altered rocks within the Haenam epithermal mineralized zone. The distinct spectral features of hydrothermal minerals allow discrimination of advanced argillic-altered rocks from non-altered rocks within the study area. Because alunite, dickite, and kaolinite, consisting of advanced argillic-altered rocks within the study area are characterized by Al-O-H-bearing minerals, these acid hydrothermal minerals have a strong absorption feature at <TEX>$2.20{\mu}m$</TEX>. The band combination and band ratio transformation cause increasing differences of DN values between advanced argillic-altered rock and non-altered rock. The alunite and dickite-kaolinite of advanced argillic-altered rocks from the Okmaesan, Seongsan, and Chunsan have average DN values of 1.523 and 1.737, respectively. These values are much higher than those (1.211 and 1.308, respectively) of non-altered area. ASTER images can remotely provide the distribution of hydrothermal minerals on the surface. In this way good relation between ASTER spectra analysis and field data suggests that ASTER spectral analysis can be useful tool in the initial steps of mineral exploration.

Identifying areas of high economic-potential copper mineralization using ASTER data in the Urumieh–Dokhtar Volcanic Belt, Iran

This study investigates the application of spectral image processing methods to ASTER data for mapping hydrothermal alteration zones associated with porphyry copper mineralization and related host rock. The study area is located in the southeastern segment of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Volcanic Belt of Iran. This area has been selected because it is a potential zone for exploration of new porphyry copper deposits. Spectral transform approaches, namely principal component analysis, band ratio and minimum noise fraction were used for mapping hydrothermally altered rocks and lithological units at regional scale. Spectral mapping methods, including spectral angle mapper, linear spectral unmixing, matched filtering and mixture tuned matched filtering were applied to differentiate hydrothermal alteration zones associated with porphyry copper mineralization such as phyllic, argillic and propylitic mineral assemblages. Spectral transform methods enhanced hydrothermally altered rocks associated with the known porphyry copper deposits and new identified prospects using shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands of ASTER. These methods showed the discrimination of quartz rich igneous rocks from the magmatic background and the boundary between igneous and sedimentary rocks using the thermal infrared (TIR) bands of ASTER at regional scale. Spectral mapping methods distinguished the sericitically- and argillically-altered rocks (the phyllic and argillic alteration zones) that surrounded by discontinuous to extensive zones of propylitized rocks (the propylitic alteration zone) using SWIR bands of ASTER at both regional and district scales. Linear spectral unmixing method can be best suited for distinguishing specific high economic-potential hydrothermal alteration zone (the phyllic zone) and mineral assemblages using SWIR bands of ASTER. Results have proven to be effective, and in accordance with the results of field surveying, spectral reflectance measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In conclusion, the image processing methods used can provide cost-effective information to discover possible locations of porphyry copper and epithermal gold mineralization prior to detailed and costly ground investigations. The extraction of spectral information from ASTER data can produce comprehensive and accurate information for copper and gold resource investigations around the world, including those yet to be discovered.

Reproducing hydrogeochemical conditions triggering the formation of carbonate and phyllosilicate alteration mineral assemblages on Mars (Nili Fossae region)

[1] The cooccurrence of Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate and stratigraphically lower, phyllosilicate-bearing rock units, identified in the Nili Fossae region on Mars, may reveal a CO2-driven aqueous alteration process on ancient Mars. We reproduce hydrogeochemical conditions for concurrent carbonate and phyllosilicate formation in rock columns by using hydrogeochemical one-dimensional transport modeling, which is based on chemical equilibrium thermodynamics. Our models assume the isochemical, low-temperature equilibration of ultramafic rocks with pure water at varying atmospheric CO2 partial pressure, water-to-rock ratio, temperature, and rock composition. Equilibration among (1) mineral assemblages of olivine-rich rocks (18–28 wt% MgO), (2) pure water (water-to-rock ratio: 500–50 mol mol−1), (3) CO2 transferred from the atmosphere (CO2 partial pressure lower than ∼2 bars and higher than ∼0.01 bar) at ∼278 K, and (4) 100,000 years of diffusive mass transport create hydrogeochemical conditions enabling the concurrent formation of Mg-rich Mg-Fe-Ca solid-solution carbonate and stratigraphically lower phyllosilicate-rich alteration assemblages in rock columns. The modeled composition of alteration mineral assemblages, their depth distribution, and carbonate composition are similar to the observations from the Nili Fossae region. Higher equilibration temperature (373 K) results in the formation of Ca-dominated Ca-Mg carbonate instead of Mg-rich Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate and in an inverse stratification with phyllosilicate-rich units overlying carbonate-rich units. Modeling results suggest that rocks in the Nili Fossae region, hosting the carbonate and phyllosilicate mineral assemblage, have been exposed to a groundwater alteration process driven by atmospheric CO2 partial pressures ranging between ∼2 bars and ∼0.01 bar at low temperature (∼278 K).

Pyrite–anhydrite–magnetite–pyroxene-type deposits and coexisting hydrothermal fluids in Mesozoic volcanic basins, Yangtze River Valley, China

Anhydrite–pyrite–magnetite–pyroxene–type deposits occur in the Mesozoic volcanic areas of the Middle–Lower Yangtze Valley in China. These deposits are hosted in alkaline basaltic rocks, and are generally accompanied by melanocratic and leucocratic alteration zones, both of which are characterized by a distinct vertical zonation pattern. Investigation of these zones indicates that the chemical compositions of solid solutions and polymorphs of various minerals vary spatially in the alteration profile, upwards from the lowest level, and outwards from the center. Here we report a case study on the Luohe deposit. In the melanocratic-alteration zone, the composition of magnetite (including trace elements Ti, V, Mg, Mn), pyroxene (Mg, Fe 2+, Fe 3+, Al 2O 3), plagioclase (An x Ab 1 − x ), pyrite (Co, Ni) and apatite (F, CeO 2 + Y 2O 3 + La 2O 3) changes with depth. The isotherms of hydrothermal fluids determined from fluid inclusion data, including homogenization temperature and salinity, also vary with depth. Activity diagrams were constructed from mineral and isotherm analysis to estimate the chemical constraints on the alteration-mineral assemblages and the coexisting hydrothermal solutions for the Na 2O–K 2O–CaO–MgO–FeO–Fe 2O 3–A1 2O 3–SiO 2–H 2SO 4–H 2S–HCI–H 2O system at 350 to 600 °C and 500 bars (50 MPa), assuming that the major alteration mineral assemblages along the profile reflect the nature of the coexisting hydrothermal solutions. The activity diagrams adopted the major minerals as buffers to fix the activities of the aqueous species in the system, simulating the physicochemical conditions of the magnetite–anhydrite–pyroxene equilibrium and of solid solutions of diopside–hedenbergite, grossular–andradite and anorthite–albite found in the profile. This study provides an approach to modeling the chemical constraints of coexisting fluids in ore-alteration zones based on field observations.

Geothermal surface alteration of basalts, Krýsuvík Iceland—Alteration mineralogy, water chemistry and the effects of acid supply on the alteration process

The geothermal surface alteration of basalts and associated water chemistry at Krýsuvík, SW Iceland were studied. The geothermal area was characterised with zones of intensive surface alteration, steam vents, mud pots and hot springs. The steam-heated geothermal surface waters had pH values between 1.69 and 7.67 and total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations between 154 and 6660 ppm, with Cl and SO 4 concentration decreasing and increasing with decreasing pH, respectively. Alteration mineral assemblages observed were strongly associated with the surface intensity. In areas of most intensive activity the basaltic rocks were altered to amorphous silica, anatase and pyrite with a crust of native sulphur at the surface. With decreased activity, kaolinite became important, as well as iron oxyhydroxides and oxides. On the flanks of the area montmorillonite was the predominant alteration product. Based on these observations the surface geothermal activity was divided into three groups: (1) high activity areas with active steam vents and mud pots and intensive acid leaching, (2) medium activity areas where the ground is hot, steam vents and mud pots are uncommon and the surface alteration is less intensive and (3) low activity areas on the margins of the surface geothermal activity. The primary factors influencing the steam-heated acid sulphate alteration of basalts included the redox state (oxidation front), supply of acids and pH, and the extent of reaction. The formation of iron- and sulphur-containing minerals and the respective elemental mobility depended on the redox conditions with pyrite formation under reduced conditions and goethite and/or hematite under oxidised conditions. At low pH, Ca, Mg, K and Na were mobile and leached out, whereas Fe, Ti and Al and to a large degree Si were retained in the alteration product. At higher pH values > 5 the mobility of Ca, Mg, K and Na was reduced due to the formation of clays.

Hydrothermal formation of Clay-Carbonate alteration assemblages in the Nili Fossae region of Mars

The Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) has returned observations of the Nili Fossae region indicating the presence of Mg-carbonate in small (< 10 km sq 2), relatively bright rock units that are commonly fractured (Ehlmann et al., 2008b). We have analyzed spectra from CRISM images and used co-located HiRISE images in order to further characterize these carbonate-bearing units. We applied absorption band mapping techniques to investigate a range of possible phyllosilicate and carbonate minerals that could be present in the Nili Fossae region. We also describe a clay-carbonate hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblage in the Archean Warrawoona Group of Western Australia that is a potential Earth analog to the Nili Fossae carbonate-bearing rock units. We discuss the geological and biological implications for hydrothermal processes on Noachian Mars.