Generations Of Magnetite Research Articles

Fossil micrometeorites from Monte dei Corvi: Searching for dust from the Veritas asteroid family and the utility of micrometeorites as a palaeoclimate proxy

We searched late Miocene sedimentary rocks in an attempt to recover fossil micrometeorites derived from the Veritas asteroid family. This study was motivated by the previous identification of a pronounced 3He peak (4-5x above background) within marine sediments with ages between ∼8.5–6.9 Ma ago (Montanari et al., 2017. GSA Bulletin, 129:1357–1376). We processed 118.9 kg of sediment from the Monte dei Corvi beach section (Italy), the global type-section for the Tortonian epoch (11.6–7.2 Ma). Samples were collected both before and within the 3He peak. Although a small number of iron-rich (I-type) fossil micrometeorites were recovered from each horizon studied (Ntotal = 20), there is no clear difference between the pre- and intra- 3He peak samples. All micrometeorites are compositionally similar, and three out of five horizons yielded similar abundances and particle sizes. Micrometeorites extracted from sediments at the base of the 3He peak were exclusively small (ø <75 µm), while micrometeorites extracted from sediments near the highest 3He values were relatively large (ø <270 µm). The recovered fossil micrometeorites are interpreted as samples of the background dust flux derived from metal-bearing chondritic asteroids. The presence of a 3He signature combined with the absence of fossil micrometeorites or extraterrestrial spinels (Boschi et al., 2019, Spec. Pap. Geol. Soc. Am. 542:383–391) unambiguously related to the Veritas event suggests that the Veritas family is composed of highly friable materials that rarely survive on the sea floor to become preserved in the geological record. Our data supports the existing hypothesis that the Veritas asteroid family is an aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrite parent body, one that contains minimal native metal grains or refractory Cr-spinels. The low yield of fossil micrometeorites at Monte dei Corvi is attributed to loss of particles by dissolution whilst they resided on the sea floor but also due to high sedimentation rates leading to dilution of the extraterrestrial dust flux at this site. As with other fossil micrometeorite collections (e.g. Cretaceous chalk [Suttle and Genge, EPSL, 476:132–142]) the I-type spherules have been altered since deposition. In most particles, both magnetite and wüstite remain intact but have been affected by solid state geochemical exchange, characterised by partial leaching of Ni, Co and Cr and implantation of Mn, Mg, Si and Al. In some particles Mn concentrations reach up to 16.6 wt%. Conversely, in some micrometeorites wüstite has been partially dissolved, or even replaced by calcite or ankerite. Finally, we observe evidence for wüstite recrystallisation, forming a second generation of magnetite. This process is suggested to occur by oxidation during residence on the seafloor and has implications for the use of fossil I-type micrometeorites as a potential proxy for probing Earth’s upper atmospheric composition (oxidative capacity) in the geological past. However, solutions to the limitations of post-depositional recrystallisation are suggested. Fossil I-type spherules remain a potential tool for palaeo-climatic studies.

Magneto-mineralogical characteristics of mafite-ultramafites of the Middle Bug River area and Holovaniv suture zone of the Ukrainian Shield (overview)

Mafites and ultramafites manifest in the magnetic field as significant magnetic anomalies due to the high content of magnetite, titanomagnetite and iron-magnesium silicates. Studying the mineralogy and magnetic properties of Archean rocks formed deep in the lower crust and uplifted to the surface allows to understanding the sources of magnetic anomalies. Such rocks are known in the Ukrainian shield, in particular in the Middle Bug River region and in the Holovaniv suture zone (HSZ). We consider mafic-ultramafic assemblages of the rocks of this region, their mineral composition and magnetic characteristics, manifestations in the magnetic field, and the distribution of magnetic minerals. Several mafic-ultramafic associations of different ages, composed of effusive, sedimentary-effusive and intrusive formations, are recognized for the area the Pobuzkiy ore mining region. Most of them were transformed intensively by metamorphism of granulite (to eclogite) facies and by intense tectonic and diaphoretic processes. The main volcanics and volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks belong to the Tivriv stratum of the Paleoarchean Dniester-Bug and Neoarchaean Bug series. Mantle rocks were the protolith of the Tivriv stratum, which are similar in composition to oceanic basalts. The Pavliv stratum is considered as a part of the Dniester-Bug series. It is composed mainly of two-pyroxene crystal schists (sometimes amphibolized, often with significant magnetite content (up to 10 %)), magnetite-orthopyroxene crystal schists, and bodies of ferruginous quartzites. Both series contain gneiss complexes, as well as bodies of basite-hyperbasites. Mafic rocks are mainly represented by hornblende-pyroxene crystal schists and amphibolites. Ultramafite and mafit-ultramafite intrusive bodies were mapped in the central and northern parts of the HSZ where they are presented by rocks of the hyperbasite and gabbro-peridotite formations. The Holovaniv block of the HSZ is spatially coincident with the Holovaniv gravitational maximum and magnetic anomalies, which are probably caused by the rooting of mafit-ultramafits from the upper mantle along deep fault zones. Magnetic sources with increased magnetization were identified within the district of Haivoron. They are associated with pyroxene schists, gneisses, coarse-grained pyroxene schists, and ferruginous quartzites. The high values of magnetic parameters of the rocks of the Haivoron-Zavallya region are explained by the presence of eulysites and magnetite-hypersthene crystal schists. Within the area of occurence of charnockite-enderbite rocks, the magnetic field with increased intensity and a large-mosaic structure is observed. Differentiation of the magnetic properties of the rocks of the upper part of the Earth’s crust, the shape and low power of the sources indicate their possible primary magmatic formation in the form of massifs and dykes with further metamorphic transformations. Magnetite is the main magnetic mineral of mafite-ultramafites according to thermomagnetic analysis and ore microscopy. Several generations of magnetite are observed. Early generations (reliably magmatic) are present in the dark-colored minerals as point inclusions and emulsion discharges along fissures (disintegration structures of solid solutions). The increase of the amount of magnetite in all types of rocks is associated with superimposed secondary transformations. Redistribution of iron occurs in the recrystallization zones with the formation of clusters of secondary coarse-grained magnetite. According to the hypothesis, the magnetite of ferruginous quartzites has metamorphic origin, while the origin of the magnetite of iron-carbonate and iron-siliceous formations is a controversial issue. It depends on the determination of the genesis of the original substance.

Ore-forming environment of Pb−Zn mineralization related to granite porphyry at Huangshaping skarn deposit, Nanling Range, South China

Multiple metallogenic types (skarn-type and vein-type) related to hypabyssal granites are found at the Huangshaping polymetallic deposit in the Nanling Range, South China. To constrain the crystallization and mineralization processes of skarn formation, three generations of magnetite and pyrrhotite from the hydrous silicate stage, oxide stage, early quartz–sulfide stage, and late quartz–sulfide stage were distinguished. The geochemical compositions of magnetite and pyrrhotite were obtained by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) and in-situ ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results show that there may be silicate inclusions in magnetite and interaction of wall rock occurred in the mineralization process. The geochemical trends recorded in pyrrhotite show the influence of limestone during the crystallization of pyrrhotite. The re-equilibration temperatures of Po I, Po II, and Po III are 420.46, 380.45, and 341.81 °C, respectively, which suggests a continuous evolution following the high-temperature W–Sn mineralized system. The content change of Ni and V reflects a gradual decrease of oxygen fugacity from Mag I to Mag III, while the sulfur fugacity calculated from pyrrhotite gradually decreases. This continuous skarn mineralization evolution process helps us to better understand the change of metallogenic environment in the retrograde stage of the Huangshaping deposit.

Mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis of the Chahgaz (XIVA Anomaly) Kiruna-type iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposit, Bafq district, Central Iran

The Chahgaz iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposit is one of the main IOA deposits in the Bafq metallogenic province, Central Iran. The Chahgaz mineral deposit is hosted by Early Cambrian felsic to intermediate, altered subvolcanic to effusive rocks that range compositionally from granite to diorite. Geochemical, geochronologic and tectonomagmatic investigations of various host rock types in the Bafq province indicate that mineralization was the product of Early Cambrian active continental margin processes that evolved calc-alkaline felsic igneous rocks followed by formation of diabase dykes in a back-arc basin environment. Magnetite is present in massive magnetite-rich ore bodies and veinlets that cut the massive ore bodies. Detailed macro- and micro-scopic characterization of mineralized samples and host rocks reveals a paragenetic sequence containing three generations of magnetite that are distinguished from one another compositionally and texturally. The massive ores contain apatite in trace amounts, consistent with IOA deposits globally, and locally exhibit textures that are visually similar to lava flow structures, as described for the El Laco IOA deposit, Chile. The ore bodies contain miarolitic cavities that are filled by calcite, hematite and quartz. The host rocks for the Chahgaz deposit have undergone widespread hydrothermal metasomatism including Na-Ca, K-, Mg-, Si-, sericitic, argillic and carbonatization alteration. The compositions of two generations of magnetite, referred to as Mag1 and Mag2, in massive ore overlap compositions reported for igneous and high-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal magnetite. The third generation of magnetite, which is referred to as Mag3 and is present in veinlets cross-cutting the massive magnetite ore bodies, overlaps compositions reported for low to moderate temperature magmatic-hydrothermal magnetite. Pyrite is present as disseminated grains coeval with Mag1 and micro-fracture filling in the massive magnetite-rich ore bodies.The δ18O values obtained for magnetite from representative samples of massive magnetite Mag1 ore range between 2.18 and 6.32‰ and are consistent with δ18O values reported for igneous and magmatic-hydrothermal magnetite from other deposits in the Bafq district and globally. The δ34S values for pyrite range from 22.54 to 24.94‰ and are consistent with an evaporitic sulfur source; plausibly by magma contamination with evaporitic rocks of the Early Cambrian Volcano-Sedimentary Sequence (ECVSS). The data presented here are consistent with formation of the massive magnetite-rich ore bodies in the Chahgaz IOA deposit by an iron-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluid.

Magnetite texture and trace-element geochemistry fingerprint of pulsed mineralization in the Xinqiao Cu-Fe-Au deposit, Eastern China

Abstract The origin of stratabound deposits in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Valley Metallogenic Belt (MLYRB), Eastern China, is the subject of considerable debate. The Xinqiao Cu-Fe-Au deposit in the Tongling ore district is a typical stratabound ore body characterized by multi-stage magnetite. A total of six generations of magnetite have been identified. Mt1 is commonly replaced by porous Mt2, and both are commonly trapped in the core of Mt3, which is characterized by both core-rim textures and oscillatory zoning. Porous Mt4 commonly truncates the oscillatory zoning of Mt3, and Mt5 is characterized by 120° triple junction texture. Mt1 to Mt5 are commonly replaced by pyrite that coexists with quartz, whereas Mt6, with a fine-grained foliated and needle-like texture, commonly cuts the early pyrite as veins and is replaced by pyrite that coexists with calcite. The geochemistry of the magnetite suggests that they are hydrothermal in origin. The microporosity of Mt2 and Mt4 magnetite, their sharp contacts with Mt1 and Mt3, and lower trace-element contents (e.g., Si, Ca, Mg, and Ti) than Mt1 and Mt3 suggest that they formed via coupled dissolution and reprecipitation of the precursor Mt1 and Mt3 magnetite, respectively. This was likely caused by high-salinity fluids derived from intensive water-rock interaction between the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids associated with the Jitou stock and Late Permian metalliferous black shales. The 120° triple junction texture of Mt5 suggests it is the result of fluid-assisted recrystallization, whereas Mt6 formed by replacement of hematite as a result of fracturing. The geochemistry of the magnetite suggests that the temperature increased from Mt2 to Mt3 and implies that there were multiple pulses of fluids from a magmatic-hydrothermal system. Therefore, we propose that the Xinqiao stratiform mineralization was genetically associated with multiple influxes of magmatic hydrothermal fluids derived from the Early Cretaceous Jitou stock. This study demonstrates that detailed texture examination and in situ trace-elements analysis under robust geological and petrographic frameworks can effectively constrain the mineralization processes and ore genesis.

Textures and geochemistry of magnetite: Indications for genesis of the Late Paleozoic Laoshankou Fe-Cu-Au deposit, NW China

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) have been employed to determine major and trace elemental concentrations in magnetite from different ores in the Laoshankou deposit, which is the most important Fe-Cu-Au deposit in the northern margin of East Junggar. Two magnetite-associated paragenetic sequences have been defined in Laoshankou, including amphibole-epidote-magnetite alteration/mineralization (stage II) and pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization (stage III-B). On the basis of the magnetite textures and chemical compositions, we have identified six generations of magnetite from three types of ores/rocks, including the high-Ti inclusion-rich M-1-A and inclusion-free M-1-B in massive magnetite-epidote-amphibole ores (type H1) from stage II; the low-Ti, high-Si, inclusion-rich M-1-C in massive magnetite-sulfide ores (type H2) from stage II; the ubiquitous low-Ti M-2 and pristine low-Ti, low-Si M-3 in both H1 and H2 types; and M-4 within massive chalcopyrite-magnetite ores (type H3) from stage III-B. The discriminations of V versus Ti, Ca + Mn + Al versus Ti + V, and Fe versus V/Ti, as well as mineral assemblages and trace element concentrations of Cr (<1000 ppm) and V (<300 ppm), collectively imply that all the generations of magnetite are hydrothermal in origin, and more likely similar to those in iron-oxide copper-gold deposits. The diverse textural and chemical features among these generations of magnetite indicate that they have formed from distinct process. The earliest M-1-A and M-1-B in type H1 ore and M-1-C in type H2 ore were replaced by M-2 along fractures and/or grain boundaries of the M-1-A/B/C, forming a number of mineral inclusions via dissolution and reprecipitation. Following this, M-3 veins generally crosscut all of these above types. Finally, high-Co, Ni, and REE-rich fluid formed the chalcopyrite-associated M-4 with dark-light zoning in the type H3 ore from pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization. These elevated lithophile (REE) and chalcophile (Co, Ni) elements within the chalcopyrite (sulfide)-associated M-4 further suggest that non-magmatic fluid dominated in the fluid system, with intensive fluid-rock interactions and low-temperature, Cl, and Cu-rich external fluid accounting for the Cu-Au mineralization.

Isothermal kinetics of zinc ferrite reduction using a CO-CO2-Ar gas mixture

The isothermal kinetics of zinc ferrite in a COCO2-Ar atmosphere were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied in studying the mechanism of reduction roasting. Linear-fitting of the measured data indicates that the growth of nuclei model is the kinetic model, and the overall Ea was 72.75 kJ/mol; the kinetic equation was derived as follows: [−ln(1−α)]32=3.1054×106⋅PCO0.766⋅VCO1.135⋅e−72.75×103RT⋅t. The CO intensity impacts the reaction rate more significantly than the CO concentration. The XRD and XPS results of the roasted products reveal that due to the migration of zinc ions together with oxygen ions during reductive roasting, the generation of magnetite is much faster than zinc oxide, indicating that the nucleation of zinc oxide is the rate-determining step.

Trace element geochemistry of magnetite and pyrite and sulfur isotope geochemistry of pyrite and barite from the Thanewasna Cu-(Au) deposit, western Bastar Craton, central India: Implication for ore genesis

The Thanewasna copper belt in Bastar Craton of central India is well-known for Cu ± Au mineralization. In this study, we use major and trace element chemistry of magnetite, hematite, and pyrite, as well as the sulfur isotope composition of chalcopyrite, pyrite and barite from the deposit to characterize the mineralization and to constrain its petrogenesis. The mineralization is hosted in quartz-chlorite veins associated with 2.5 Ga and 1.6 Ga granitoids. The mineralization is focused along the NW-SE trending Thanewasna brittle-ductile shear zone and comprises disseminated and vein-hosted Cu-sulfides, mainly chalcopyrite and pyrite intergrown with minor magnetite, hematite, and sulfide-free barite. The associated hydrothermal alteration is characterized by pervasive potassic-sodic alteration and chloritization. Calcite and sulfide-bearing barite veins postdate the Fe-oxide and Cu-sulfide ores. At least two generations of magnetite, hematite, and pyrite were identified based on their textural and trace element characteristics.Texturally early magnetite (Mag-I) displays oxy-exsolution of ilmenite and is of magmatic origin, representing the pre-mineralization igneous assemblage of the host rocks. Texturally later magnetite (Mag-II) is of hydrothermal origin and replaces Mag-I. It has high Co and Mg concentrations and shows dissolution and re-precipitation texture as well as evidence for high-temperature annealing. Martitisation of Mag-I and II associated with chloritization and Cu-Au mineralization produced hematite.The δ34SVCDT of syn-mineralization pyrite and chalcopyrite (−0.77‰ to −4.28‰) is suggestive of magmatic sources for the sulfur. Post-mineralization barite veins have δ34SVCDT between +10.31‰ and +17.55‰ which indicate that the sulfur was derived from seawater sulfate without going through an intermediate stage of reduction. Variation in the sulfur isotopic compositions of sulfide and sulfate was the result of dilution and cooling of the metalliferous fluid after interaction with meteoric fluids, which triggered the deposition of Cu ± Au along structural weak planes.The widespread presence of iron-rich breccias, association with crustal-scale shear zone, pervasive K-Na alteration, chloritic and advanced argillic alteration, the involvement of magmatic and non-magmatic fluid and Cu-Fe-Au-Ag-Ba-REE metal association are all suggestive of IOCG-style mineralization at Thanewasna. This supported by the Ti, Al + Mn, Ti + V concentrations and Ti/V, Ni/Cr, Ni/(Cr + Mn) ratios of Mag-II and hematite. The Co/Ni ratios of pyrite further supports a hydrothermal origin of the deposit, unrelated to skarns or copper porphyry, having similarity with known IOCG deposits. The identification of IOCG-type deposits in the Thanewasna region gives a boost to deeper sub-surface exploration in this belt as well as in similar geological setting elsewhere.

Textures and Chemical Compositions of Magnetite from Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) and Kiruna-Type Iron Oxide-Apatite (IOA) Deposits and Their Implications for Ore Genesis and Magnetite Classification Schemes

AbstractTextural and compositional data of magnetite from Igarapé Bahia, Alemao, Sossego, Salobo, and Candelaria iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) and El Romeral Kiruna-type iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits show that some magnetite grains display oscillatory zoning or have been reequilibrated by oxy-exsolution, coupled dissolution and reprecipitation (CDR) reactions, and/or recrystallization. Textures formed via CDR are most widespread in the studied samples. The original oscillatory zoning was likely derived from the crystal growth during fluctuating fluid compositions rather than from variation in temperature and oxygen fugacity. The oxy-exsolution of ilmenite in magnetite is attributed to increasing oxygen fugacity and decreasing temperature with alteration and mineralization, resulting in product magnetite with lower Ti and higher V contents. Recrystallization of some magnetite grains is commonly due to high-temperature annealing that retained primary compositions. Two different types of CDR processes are defined according to textures and chemical compositions of different generations of magnetite. The first generation of magnetite (Mag-1) is an inclusion-rich and trace element-rich core, which was replaced by an inclusion-poor and trace element-poor rim (Mag-2). The third generation of magnetite (Mag-3), inclusion poor but trace element rich, occurs as veins replacing Mag-2 along fractures or grain margins. Type 1 CDR process transforming Mag-1 to Mag-2 is more extensive and is similar to processes reported in skarn deposits, whereas type 2 CDR process is local, transforming Mag-2 to Mag-3. During type 1 CDR process, minor and trace elements Si, K, Ca, Mg, Al, and Mn in magnetite are excluded, and Fe contents increase to various extents, in contrast to type 2 CDR process, which is characterized by increased contents of Si, K, Ca, Mg, Al, and Mn. Type 1 CDR process is possibly induced by the changing fluid composition and/or decreasing temperature during progressive alteration and ore formation, whereas type 2 CDR process can be interpreted as post-ore replacement due to a new pulse of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids.The identification of magnetite core (Mag-1) with igneous origin and rim (Mag-2) with magmatic-hydrothermal origin in the Sossego IOCG and El Romeral IOA deposits supports a fluid changing from magmatic to magmatic-hydrothermal during IOCG and IOA formation and indicates a genetic link between these two deposit types. The large data set here further demonstrates that magnetite is susceptible to textural and compositional reequilibration during high-temperature magmatic and magmatic-hydrothermal processes. Reequilibrated magnetite, particularly that formed by CDR processes, has a chemical composition that can be different from that of primary magnetite. Modified magnetite, therefore, cannot be used to discriminate its primary origin or to interpret its provenance in overburden sediments. Therefore, in situ chemical analysis of magnetite combined with textural characterization is necessary to understand the origin of magnetite in IOCG and IOA deposits.

Process Mineralogy and Pre-Treatment of the Poperechny Deposit Magnetite Ore

The study data on mineralogy and process properties of magnetite ore of the Poperechny deposit (Maly Khingan) are presented. The mineral composition, structure and texture of the ore are analyzed, and signs of its contact-metasomatic nature are determined. Two generations of magnetite are revealed. Extractability of iron at recovery of 94.39% is proved experimentally, including 78.72% to concentrate and 15.67% to middlings. Iron recovery of rougher concentrates is 40.74–42.74%. It is found that the ore contains noble metals: gold is represented by free grains 0.05–0.2 mm in size; platinum and platinoids (Os, Ir, Ru) are revealed as micronodules in magnetite jaspilite and dolomite in concentrates.

A genetic link between magnetite mineralization and diorite intrusion at the El Romeral iron oxide-apatite deposit, northern Chile

El Romeral is one of the largest iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits in the Coastal Cordillera of northern Chile. The Cerro Principal magnetite ore body at El Romeral comprises massive magnetite intergrown with actinolite, with minor apatite, scapolite, and sulfides (pyrite ± chalcopyrite). Several generations of magnetite were identified by using a combination of optical and electron microscopy techniques. The main mineralization event is represented by zoned magnetite grains with inclusion-rich cores and inclusion-poor rims, which form the massive magnetite ore body. This main magnetite stage was followed by two late hydrothermal events that are represented by magnetite veinlets that crosscut the massive ore body and by disseminated magnetite in the andesite host rock and in the Romeral diorite. The sulfur stable isotope signature of the late hydrothermal sulfides indicates a magmatic origin for sulfur (δ34S between − 0.8 and 2.9‰), in agreement with previous δ34S data reported for other Chilean IOA and iron oxide-copper-gold deposits. New 40Ar/39Ar dating of actinolite associated with the main magnetite ore stage yielded ages of ca. 128 Ma, concordant within error with a U-Pb zircon age for the Romeral diorite (129.0 ± 0.9 Ma; mean square weighted deviation = 1.9, n = 28). The late hydrothermal magnetite-biotite mineralization is constrained at ca. 118 Ma by 40Ar/39Ar dating of secondary biotite. This potassic alteration is about 10 Ma younger than the main mineralization episode, and it may be related to post-mineralization dikes that crosscut and remobilize Fe from the main magnetite ore body. These data reveal a clear genetic association between magnetite ore formation, sulfide mineralization, and the diorite intrusion at El Romeral (at ~ 129 Ma), followed by a late and more restricted stage of hydrothermal alteration associated with the emplacement of post-ore dikes at ca. 118 Ma. Therefore, this new evidence supports a magmatic-hydrothermal model for the formation of IOA deposits in the Chilean Iron Belt, where the magnetite mineralization was sourced from intermediate magmas during the first Andean stage. In contrast, the beginning of the second Andean stage is characterized by shallow subduction and a compressive regime, which is represented in the district by the emplacement of the Punta de Piedra granite-granodiorite batholith (100 Ma) and marks the end of iron oxide-apatite deposit formation in the area.

Origin of two Verwey transitions in different generations of magnetite from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure, USA

AbstractWe observed two different Verwey transition temperatures in fragments of crystalline basement rocks and impact sediments from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure, USA. Our study aims to the question if this feature can be used as shock indicator in impact craters. We distinguished three generations of magnetite. (1) Primary magnetite in crystalline basement rocks has average grain sizes up to several hundreds of micrometers and shows a regular TV at ≈ 121 K. (2) Shocked magnetite occurs in fragments of crystalline basement rocks and also in the suevite and impact breccia. These magnetites show two Verwey transitions—a regular one and a “low‐temperature transition” (LTV) at around 89 K. LTV is related to a small grain size fraction, whereas a larger grain size fraction (some hundreds of micrometers) causes the regular TV. The small grain size fraction contains a distinctly higher amount of superficially oxidized material due to the high surface/volume ratio, which causes a decrease of the Verwey transition temperature (LTV). (3) A secondary magnetite generation shows also two Verwey transition temperatures, one at 121 K and a LTV range between 91 and 105 K. The LTV in this generation is also linked to thin oxidized surface layers. This study shows that especially the Verwey transition temperature of small magnetite grains reacts very sensitively to surface oxidation and can therefore not be used as a reliable pressure indicator for impact structures on Earth.

Oxygen isotope and fluid inclusion study of the Sorkhe-Dizaj iron oxide-apatite deposit, NW Iran

The Sorkhe-Dizaj orebody is located 32 km southeast of Zanjan within the Tarom subzone of the Alborz-Azarbaijan structural zone. It is hosted mainly in quartz monzonite-monzodiorite and, to a lesser extent, in volcanoclastic rocks. Mineralization occurs in the form of stockwork and veins, comprising predominantly magnetite and actinolite, with minor pyrite and chalcopyrite. Two generations of magnetite and apatite are inferred: the first as disseminations in the host rock and the second mainly as an alteration product of actinolite, secondary K-feldspar, silica, sericite, chlorite and epidote. Fluid inclusion studies were carried out on second-generation apatite, and late-stage quartz to understand the geochemical evolution of the ore-bearing fluids. Fluid inclusions are of three types, i.e. primary, secondary, and pseudo-secondary. These inclusions are liquid or vapour single-phase, two-phase rich in liquid or vapour, and three-phase. Homogenization temperatures of second-generation apatite are inferred to be between 209°C and 520°C (mostly between 290°C and 320°C), indicating salinities of 9.08–21.61 wt.% NaCl equiv. At 342°C, the δ18O values range from 9‰ to 11.32‰ for the second-generation magnetite associated with coeval apatite. Fluid inclusions in the late-stage quartz veins are inferred to have homogenized between 186°C and 263°C, with δ18O values ranging between 2.5‰ and 7.4‰ at 220°C. Oxygen isotopes in the late-stage carbonate veins have values of 3.28–6.14‰ at 100°C. These data in the late-stage veins imply introduction of a cooler, less saline, isotopically depleted fluid, probably meteoric water. Field observations, mineral parageneses, and fluid inclusion + oxygen isotope data suggest that the magnetite-apatite veins formed from a predominantly magmatic-derived fluid. Introduction of cooler meteoric water in the final stage of mineralization reduced δ18O values, facilitating precipitation of sulphides, quartz, and carbonate veins.

Metasomatism and ore formation at contacts of dolerite with saliferous rocks in the sedimentary cover of the southern Siberian platform

The data on the mineral composition and crystallization conditions of magnesian skarn and magnetite ore at contacts of dolerite with rock salt and dolomite in ore-bearing volcanic—tectonic structures of the Angara—Ilim type have been integrated and systematized. Optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, Raman and IR spectroscopy, and methods of mineralogical thermometry were used for studying minerals and inclusions contained therein. The most diverse products of metasomatic reactions are found in the vicinity of a shallow-seated magma chamber that was formed in Lower Cambrian carbonate and saliferous rocks under a screen of terrigenous sequences. Conformable lodes of spinel-forsterite skarn and calciphyre impregnated with magnesian magnetite replaced dolomite near the central magma conduit and apical portions of igneous bodies. At the postmagmatic stage, the following mineral assemblages were formed at contacts of dolerite with dolomite: (1) spinel + fassaite + forsterite + magnetite (T = 820−740°C), (2) phlogopite + titanite + pargasite + magnetite (T = 600–500°C), And (3) clinochlore + serpentine + pyrrhotite (T = 450°C and lower). Rock salt is transformed at the contact into halitite as an analogue of calciphyre. The specific features of sedimentary, contact-metasomatic, and hydrothermal generations of halite have been established. The primary sedimentary halite contains solid inclusions of sylvite, carnallite, anhydrite, polyhalite, quartz, astrakhanite, and antarcticite; nitrogen, methane, and complex hydrocarbons have been detected in gas inclusions; and the liquid inclusions are largely aqueous, with local hydrocarbon films. The contact-metasomatic halite is distinguished by a fine-grained structure and the occurrence of anhydrous salt phases (CaCl2 · KCl, CaCl2, nMgCl2 · mCaCl2) and high-density gases (CO2, H2S, N2, CH4, etc.) as inclusions. The low-temperature hydrothermal halite, which occurs in skarnified and unaltered silicate rocks and in ore, is characterized by a low salinity of aqueous inclusions and the absence of solid inclusions. The composition and aggregative state of inclusions in halite and forsterite indicate that salt melt-solution as a product of melting and dissolution of salt was the main agent of high-temperature metasomatism. Its total salinity was not lower than 60%. The composition and microstructure of magnetite systematically change in different mineral assemblages. Magnetite is formed as a result of extraction of iron together with silicon and phosphorus from dolerite. The first generation of magnetite is represented by mixed crystals, products of exsolution in the Fe-Mg-Al-Ti-Mn-O system. The Ti content is higher at the contact of dolerite with rock salt, whereas, at the contact with dolomite, magnetite is enriched in Mg. The second generation of magnetite does not contain structural admixtures. The distribution of boron minerals and complex crystal hydrates shows that connate water of sedimentary rocks could have participated in hydrothermal metasomatic processes.

A note on the occurrence and formation of magnetite in the carbonatites of Sevvattur, North Arcot district, Tamil Nadu, Southern India

The important accessory mineral magnetite is ubiquitously present within all constituent members of the Proterozoic zoned carbonatite body of the Sevvattur complex, North Arcot District, Tamil Nadu in southern India. The carbonatite appears to have been mainly emplaced as an arcuate or crescent-shaped, zoned intrusion. The carbonatite contain two generations of magnetite that occur as (1) opaque dust-like inclusions in the carbonate minerals, and (2) large euhedral phenocrysts. The latter measures up to 10 cm in length, are primary in nature and found mainly associated with essential minerals within the ferro-carbonatites (para-ankeritic carbonatites). In this paper, we present the detailed ore petrographic features of magnetite occurring within carbonatites of the Sevvattur complex. It is suggested that fine dust-like inclusions in the carbonate minerals may have formed at a late stage through dissociation of ankerite to calcite and magnetite. This occurred during upward migration of melts from a deep magma chamber that subsequently suffered secondary oxidation. The phenocryst variety, however, crystallized directly as primary minerals in the magma.

GLADIUSITE, Fe3+2(Fe2+,Mg)4(PO4)(OH)11(H2O), A NEW HYDROTHERMAL MINERAL SPECIES FROM THE PHOSCORITE CARBONATITE UNIT, KOVDOR COMPLEX, KOLA PENINSULA, RUSSIA

Gladiusite, ideally Fe 3+ 2 (Fe 2+ ,Mg) 4 (PO 4 )(OH) 11 (H 2 O), monoclinic, a 16.959(2), b 11.650(3), c 6.266(6) A, β 90.00(5)°, V 1238(1) A 3 , space group P 2 1 / n , Z = 4, is a new mineral species from hydrothermal assemblages associated with the phoscorite–carbonatite unit of the Kovdor alkaline-ultramafic complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia. It occurs in vugs within veins of mineralized dolomite carbonatite. Associated minerals are dolomite, pyrochlore, several generations of magnetite, pyrite, rutile, a ternovite-like phase, catapleiite, bobierrite, rimkorolgite, juonniite, strontiowhitlockite, collinsite (including a Sr-rich variety) and chlorite. Gladiusite occurs as acicular aggregates and as free-standing radial clusters ( 3 , respectively. Gladiusite is biaxial negative and strongly pleochroic, α 1.722(2), β 1.730(2), γ 1.737(2), 2 V calc. = 78.3°. The strongest reflections in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [ d in A( I )( hkl )] are: 9.61(53)(110), 6.87(77)(210), 5.83(89)(020), 4.805(100)(220), 3.787(62)(130), 3.533(84)(230), and 2.868(66)(140). Electron-microprobe analysis and Mossbauer spectroscopy gave (wt.%) FeO 25.00, Fe 2 O 3 29.90, MgO 11.16, MnO 0.78, P 2 O 5 12.46, TiO 2 0.04, H 2 O(calc.) = 20.18, sum = 99.51 wt.%; the H 2 O content, obtained by the Penfield method, is 19.7 wt.%. The unit formula is Fe 3+ 2.00 [Fe 2+ 2.02 Mg 1.61 Fe 3+ 0.17 Mn 2+ 0.06 ] ∑3.86 (P 1.02 O 4 )(OH) 11 (H 2 O) on the basis of 16 O atoms. The simplified formula is Fe 3+ 2 (Fe 2+ ,Mg) 4 (PO 4 )(OH) 11 (H 2 O). Crystal-structure study showed gladiusite to be extensively twinned on [001]. Gladiusite is considered to be a product of hydrothermal alteration of pyrrhotite and fluorapatite, the primary Fe and P minerals in the dolomite carbonatite. The mineral is named in accordance with the morphology of the crystals, which resemble double-edge swords ( gladius , in Latin) in SEM images.

UM MODELO PARA A EVOLUÇÃO MICROESTRUTURAL DOS MINÉRIOS DE FERO DO QUADRILÁTEO FERRÍFERO. PARTE I - ESTRUTURAS E RECRISTALIZAÇÃO

In the Quadrilátero Ferrífero iron ore district, the Cauê Formation of the Minas Supergroup comprise banded iron formations, called itabirites, of Lower Proterozoic age enclosing iron rich ore bodies. Although many ore bodies are associated with syntectonic enrichment processes, due to the leaching of gangue minerals like quartz and carbonates, others are probably of sedimentary origin and were recrystallized during the tectonometamorphic development of the region.Three generations of magnetite and four of hematite are recognized in these rocks. They display a clear textural relationship in zones of high and low strain, with the development of two main deformational events under variable metamorphic conditions and different tectonic levels.The first part of this paper one describes the recrystallization phenomena and its relation to the main structures, while in the second part the developed textures and its association to the strain are presented.

The Relation between Chemical Analysis and Mineralogy of Oxidized Titaniferous Magnetites in some Scottish Dolerites

Summary The ore minerals consist of very heterogeneous phases probably produced during late stage oxidation of an original magnetite-ulvospinel solid solution. They usually contain a first generation of well-formed ilmenite lamellae with a second generation intergrowth, composed of magnetite and ilmenite, between them. The second generation, fine intergrowth of magnetite and ilmenite was formed by the late oxidation of the original Mt-Ulv55 at temperatures below the magnetite-ulvospinel solvus. Due to incomplete oxidation some of the intrusions contain Fe-Ti oxides with a small amount of Fe2TiO4 still remaining in the magnetite phase. In other intrusions after complete oxidation of Fe2TiO4 a transition to the oxidation of Fe3O4 and FeTiO3 has occasionally been observed. The late oxidation has produced very complex and heterogeneous phases and in order to recalculate the phases present from chemical analysis of the magnetic fraction it is shown that theoretical considerations of the oxidation process must be taken into account. Graphs for deducing the original and present mineralogical composition from the chemical composition are presented. Since all these specimens show reversed magnetization and contain a late generation of magnetite the reversal of the magnetization direction may be related to the CRM.

Some observations on the nature of magnetite in the Orgueil meteorite

Morphological and compositional evidence suggests that at least two generations of magnetite are present in Orgueil. Formation of magnetite on the parent body cannot be ruled out, however the observations seem to favour a pre-accretionary origin for both major varieties.

Ore mineral relations in the Cuyuna sulfide deposit, Minnesota

The Cuyuna sulfide deposit is located in south central Aitkin County in an outlying area of the Cuyuna Iron Range, Minnesota. The principal ore minerals are pyrrhotite and pyrite, whereas magnetite and marcasite are subordinate. In addition, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, ilmenite, covellite, hematite, and goethite are present in minor quantities. Four generations of pyrite two generations of marcasite and three generations of Magnetite have been recorded. The genetic and textural relations displayed by the ore minerals indicate that an iron formation, originally containing sedimentary sulfide and carbonate facies, was profundly modified through subsequent metamorphic and supergene events.