Breccia Matrix Research Articles

Vanished evaporites, halokinetic structure, and Zn-Pb mineralization in the world-class Angouran deposit, northwestern Iran

The Angouran deposit (19.3 Mt at 23.4% Zn and 4% Pb) is the second-largest Zn-Pb deposit in Iran. The deposit is hosted in a Neoproterozoic−Cambrian marble-schist sequence within a breccia pipe in a domal structure, with sulfide mineralization under low-temperature hydrothermal conditions (<200 ºC). The features of the ore-hosting breccias are similar to known halokinetic diapir breccias in the world but evaporite minerals are subtle. The common types of breccia clasts in the Angouran breccia pipe include a matrix-supported angular clast (float breccia) with highly variable sizes and orientations and exotic volcanic clasts. The volcanic clasts were derived from the underlying Miocene volcanic rocks, evidenced by the consistent petrography and zircon U-Pb ages dated at 20−19 Ma. Abundant smithsonite pseudomorphs after anhydrite and anhydrite inclusions within sphalerite and pre-ore marcasite in the breccia matrix indicate that the breccia pipe contains abundant anhydrite prior to the Zn-Pb mineralization. The enrichment of evaporite is also supported by the occurrence of considerable double-terminated quartz crystals that contain spherical and tabular carbonate inclusions and anomalously high Li, Na, and K concentrations, relatively high B concentration, and high δ18O values (up to 28.3‰). These observations suggest the Angouran deposit formed in a former halokinetic diapir breccia pipe. The halokinetic diapirism was possibly triggered by thrust loading of the marble-schist sequence over the Miocene evaporite beds during the Arabia-Eurasia continental collision. Halokinetic structures elsewhere in the Angouran region warrant this consideration. Most of the evaporite minerals in the breccia pipe were dissolved and replaced before and/or during subsequent Zn-Pb sulfide and smithsonite mineralization events. This study provides a good example for the identification of vanished evaporites, halokinetic structure, and associated Mississippi Valley-type mineralization.

Breccia for Diversion Tunnel Construction at Bener DAM in Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia: Fragments, Matrix, RMR

This study aimed to explain the detailed engineering geology investigation which has breccia geological units on Diversion Tunnel at Bener Dam, Purworejo Regency, Central Java Province. The investigation includes geological conditions both breccia fragment and matrix, to Rock Mass Rating (RMR) values each unit. The data were taken from face mapping tunnel with interval 10 meters at inlet 1-390 and 841-865 meters. The findings showed that geological engineering units consisted of Monomict Breccia. The geological units can be divided into geological engineering; Monomict Breccia Matrix (RMR 72-92), Polymict Breccia Matrix (RMR 82), Andesite Fragmen (RMR 52-62), and Tuff Fragmen (RMR 79-84). The discovery of Andesite and Tuff Fragments needs to be handled differently than Monomict Breccia or Polymict Breccia. Andesite Fragment unit with discontinuity of sheeting joint requires rock bolt reinforcement to be installed perpendicular to the discontinuity plane. While the dominant unit is the Tuff Fragment which has a UCS value of 5-7 MPa, it is not recommended to use the blasting excavation method even though it has an RMR value of 79-84.

Trace Element Characteristics of Pyrite and Arsenopyrite from the Golden Ridge Gold Deposit, New Brunswick, Canada: Implications for Ore Genesis

The Golden Ridge gold deposit is located in southwestern New Brunswick, in the Canadian Appalachians. Gold mineralization is consistently associated with acicular arsenopyrite, and to a lesser degree with pyrite, disseminated in host rocks, sulphide veinlets, quartz-carbonate veins, and the breccia matrix. According to petrographic-based textural differences, four types of pyrite and two types of arsenopyrite are recognized with associated assemblages. Based on SEM-BSE imaging and LA-ICP-MS spot analyses of the different types of pyrites and arsenopyrites, “invisible gold” (solid solution in the crystal lattice of pyrite and arsenopyrite or <100 nm nanoparticles) and micrometer-size inclusions were identified as the main forms of Au. Four syn-gold mineralization pulses of fluid are suggested. The initial hydrothermal fluid, which generated low-grade pyrite (Py-I) enriched in Sb, Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, and Bi, was followed by a second pulse of fluid enriched in arsenic and gold, generating coprecipitated Py-II and Asp-I. The third and fourth pulses were enriched in both arsenic and gold and precipitated Py-III, then coprecipitated Py-IV and Asp-II, which constitute the most important Au depositional episodes. The repeated occurrence of growth zones with Au enrichment in the arsenian pyrites (Py-II, Py-III, and Py-IV) indicate surface growth during metal deposition and disequilibrium crystallization processes.

Metal microspherules in breccias of the Onaping Formation, Sudbury impact structure, Ontario, Canada

AbstractMetallic microspheres have been found in rocks from the Onaping Formation of the Sudbury impact structure, Canada. Microspherules are common in contact breccias, the lowest part of the Dowling Member, and rare microspherules have been found in the upper sequences of the Dowling Member. Separate microspherules are dispersed in the breccia matrix and do not form clusters. The sizes of the microspheres range from 5 to 30 μm; most commonly, they are 8–15 μm in size. The microspherules have a regular spherical shape, and in some cases show concentric zonal structures. The microspherules consist mostly of the refractory elements Cr, Co, Fe, Mo, W, and Ti, with a predominant Ni content of 40–75 wt%. The formation of the Sudbury metal microspherules by condensation in a high‐temperature plume is suggested by their spherical shape, concentric‐zoned structure, uniform composition, and distribution in fallback breccias of the crater‐fill Onaping Formation. The content of the most refractory W in the composition of the microspheres indicates early condensation. A decrease in the content of W and an increase in the content of Ni in the microspheres of the upper layers relative to the content of these elements in the earliest microspheres of the contact layers indicate that they could have formed by fractional condensation during the expansion and cooling of the impact vapor plume. As source material, a combination of target rocks with high nickel content with a chondritic impactor is suggested.

Origin of breccia dolomites in the middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation, NW Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs

Deep to ultra-deep carbonate rocks have become a target for hydrocarbon exploration. The formation mechanisms of these deep to ultra-deep reservoirs are very complicated, and no consensus has yet emerged. This paper reports an investigation into the Middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation in the NW Sichuan Basin, China, which is a typical ultra-deep dolomite reservoir. Drilling-core and thin-section observations identified breccia matrix dolomite (MD) and interbreccia-filling dolomite (FD), of which the FD is commonly associated with sphalerite and barite. Geochemical analyses, including C and O isotopes, trace and rare earth element (REE) contents, and fluid inclusions, were conducted to investigate the origins of the different types of dolomite. Results indicate that the MDs generally retain the signature of syn-depositional seawater (relatively positive δ18O, low Fe and Mn, left-leaning REE patterns, and negative Ce anomalies), with involvement of meteoric water (relatively high Al, Ti and ΣREE). In contrast, the FDs were the diagenetic product of deep hydrothermal fluids (depleted δ18O, high Fe and Mn, and enrichment in MREEs), and the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions is much higher than the normal burial geothermal temperature. The breccia dolomite reservoirs of the Guanwushan Formation were deposited as reef-core micro-facies and formed during the depositional to early diagenetic stages, and were the result of subaerial seawater dolomitization and meteoric water karstification. However, hydrothermal fluids subsequently modified the reservoir by cementation and filling. The Guanwushan Formation is a typical case of an ultra-deep carbonate reservoir that formed during the depositional to early diagenetic stages but was filled at the burial stage. Therefore, the favorable reservoir zones associated with deposition and early diagenesis should be the targets of future exploration. The findings of this study are expected to be of general significance for deep and ultra-deep oil and gas exploration in other regions and countries.

An integrated study of core and borehole image data: palaeokarst development in late Permian siliceous dolomites and the structural evolution of the Loppa High from the Gohta discovery well, SW Barents Shelf

Abstract The Gohta discovery well 7120/1-3, drilled on the Loppa High in the SW Barents Shelf in northern Norway encountered a meteoric karst system hosted by the late Permian lower Røye Formation that formed during a period of sub-Triassic exposure. The karst system is preserved as a series of interbedded collapse breccias representing formerly open palaeocaves, matrix-rich breccias that represent palaeocave fills with in situ and reworked stalactites and stalagmites. Layers of ‘Swiss cheese’ texture are interpreted as zones of dissolution in marine-meteoric mixing zones that may have controlled the levels of palaeocave development within the Gohta structure. These other cavities and the matrix of karst breccias were infilled by layered fine doloarenite matrix interpreted as an internal fill generated by collapse. This was followed by a later matrix of dark grey argillaceous mudstone that is interpreted as an external fill that pre-dates the overlying Klappmyss Formation. The karst system has undergone complex early diagenesis that includes extensive dissolution, early leaching of silica, the precipitation of pyrite on internal surfaces and sediment and the precipitation of carbonate and silica as speleothems and vadose cement. A borehole imaging log (BIL) was run across the lower Røye and Triassic Klappmyss formations, including the cored interval that provides a record of inclination and azimuth of the karst fills and in situ Røye Formation. The core provides information about the origin and timing of the different karst fills, and the BIL provides information about their azimuth and inclination. This integrated use of core and BIL data allows the incremental tilting history of the Loppa High structure during exposure to be reconstructed. At present, the Gohta structure has a finite tilt of 5–10° to the SE. The plunge of in situ stalagmites and stalactites suggests that the karst system was initiated while the Røye Formation was slightly tilted to SE. The dip of karst components and the host stratigraphy indicate several phases of incremental tilting during deposition of the doloarenite and argillaceous mudstone karst matrix. There appears to have been a reversal of tilt of the Gohta structure prior to its onlap by the Klappmyss Formation.

Molecular distribution and stable carbon isotopic composition of lipid biomarkers of Shin-Yan-Ny-Hu Mud volcanoes in southwestern Taiwan: Implications for the origin and diagenesis

The Shin-Yan-Ny-Hu (SYNH) MVs are typical subaerial mud volcanoes in southwestern Taiwan. The lipid biomarkers and their stable carbon isotopes were firstly examined to delineate the mud breccia sources, depositional environments, thermal maturity, probable source strata and the migration framework of volcanic fluid. The sediment organic matter within active SYNH MVs principally stemmed from the petroleum derivatives, bacteria and terrigenous C3 plants suggested by the following indicators: the CPI of n-alkanes (∼1); the distribution and δ13C values of saturate, fatty acids and the plot of Pr/n-C17 vs. Ph/n-C18 ratios. The Pr/Ph ratios, the plot of Pr/n-C17 vs. Ph/n-C18 and the plot of Pr/Ph vs. O/C30 Hopane ratios implied that the sediment organic matter was deposited in a marine deltaic sedimentary environment under an oxic depositional environment. The C30 βα/C30 αβ, Tmax, 22 S/(22 S + 22 R) ratios of homohopane (C31) and bishomohopane (C32), MPI1, MPI2, F1, F2, Tmax vs. HI and the Pr/n-C17 vs. Ph/n-C18 ratios revealed that the Type III organic material was early thermal maturity and the burial depth of mud breccia matrix was estimated around 4–5 km bsf.

Geological and hypogene mineralization characteristics of the hematite‐rich Pelusa IOCG prospect, Antofagasta Region, Northern Chile

AbstractThe Japón, Tailandia and China Sur deposits in the Pelusa mineralized area correspond to a hematite‐dominant IOCG clan within the coastal Cordillera in the Antofagasta Region, Northern Chile, and their mineralization occurs in basaltic to andesitic volcanic rocks of the Jurassic La Negra Formation. In addition to geological and mineralogical descriptions, bulk chemistry of the host rocks, microthermometric and sulfur isotropic analyses were performed to elucidate ore‐forming characteristics of the three orebodies. Chemical data of the host rocks indicate a subalkaline calc‐alkaline affinity with enrichment of the incompatible LILEs, displaying a typical pattern of igneous rocks formed in subduction zones as a general characteristic of the Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous magmatic arc. Chalcopyrite is the predominant hypogene copper mineral, that variously occurs as veinlets, disseminations and breccia matrix. Fluid inclusions data indicate formation temperatures of the hypogene mineralization ranging mostly from 186 to 377°C, with a high‐salinity range of 30.1 and 45.0 wt% NaCl. The sulfur isotopic ratios (δ34SCDT) of pyrite and chalcopyrite present a narrow range of values from −10.6 to −7.5‰. The negative values in the limited range imply that sulfide minerals of the Pelusa area were formed under a relatively oxidizing and/or neutral pH condition, compared with other Chilean IOCG deposits.

New Insights into the Rare Earth Element Mineralization of the Storkwitz Carbonatite, Germany

ABSTRACTThe Storkwitz carbonatite breccia, located near Delitzsch, Germany, is one of the few European domestic rare earth elements (REE) deposits, but is relatively understudied owing to more than 100 m of Cenozoic sedimentary cover. We present the results of a petrological investigation of the recently acquired ∼700 m-deep SES 1/2012 borehole. The Storkwitz breccia is composed of clasts of country rock and carbonatite ranging from <1 mm to ∼30 cm in size, cemented by ankeritic carbonatite. Extensive fenitization and biotitization mainly affects clasts of coarse-grained granitoids and medium-grained dolomite-calcite-carbonatites. An intersection of Storkwitz breccia at 425 m to 542 m contains local REE enrichment up to ∼1.7 wt.%. total rare earth oxides, which is predominantly contained in a REE-fluorcarbonate bearing mineral assemblage. The assemblage locally forms irregularly shaped vug-like features and rare hexagonal pseudomorphs in clasts of fine-grained ankerite-carbonatite. The REE-fluorcarbonate mineral assemblage formed prior to brecciation in the ankerite-carbonatite, which paragenetically fits with recent experimental and fluid inclusion data demonstrating the importance of late magmatic processes in forming carbonatite-hosted REE mineralization, possibly from an evolved ‘brine-melt' phase. Our findings indicate that minor REE recrystallization and redistribution occurred during late-stage hydrothermal or supergene processes, without leading to significant REE enrichment in the upper part of the breccia compared to the lower part. Cross-cutting faults represent the last deformation event and post-date carbonatite intrusion and fenitization. They may represent important conduits for late-stage hydrothermal or supergene fluids responsible for recrystallization of the breccia matrix to a cryptocrystalline oxide mineral assemblage. Our findings highlight the importance of REE enrichment in late-stage ‘brine-melt' phases through magmatic fractionation and in situ hydrothermal replacement.

MAPPING THE MINERAL ZONATION AT THE ERNEST HENRY IRON OXIDE COPPER-GOLD DEPOSIT: VECTORING TO Cu-Au MINERALIZATION USING MODAL MINERALOGY

Abstract Iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits form in spatial and genetic relation to hydrothermal iron oxide-alkali-calcic-hydrolytic alteration and thus show a mappable zonation of mineral assemblages toward the orebody. The mineral zonation of a breccia matrix-hosted orebody is efficiently mapped by regularly spaced samples analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy-integrated mineral analyzer technique. The method results in quantitative estimates of the mineralogy and allows the reliable recognition of characteristic alteration as well as mineralization-related mineral assemblages from detailed mineral maps. The Ernest Henry deposit is located in the Cloncurry district of Queensland and is one of Australia’s significant IOCG deposits. It is known for its association of K-feldspar altered clasts with iron oxides and chalcopyrite in the breccia matrix. Our mineral mapping approach shows that the hydrothermal alteration resulted in a characteristic zonation of minerals radiating outward from the pipe-shaped orebody. The mineral zonation is the result of a sequence of sodic alteration followed by potassic alteration, brecciation, and, finally, by hydrolytic (acid) alteration. The hydrolytic alteration primarily affected the breccia matrix and was related to economic mineralization. Alteration halos of individual minerals such as pyrite and apatite extend dozens to hundreds of meters beyond the limits of the orebody into the host rocks. Likewise, the Fe-Mg ratio in hydrothermal chlorites changes systematically with respect to their distance from the orebody. Geochemical data obtained from portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) and petrophysical data acquired from a magnetic susceptibility meter and a gamma-ray spectrometer support the mineralogical data and help to accurately identify mineral halos in rocks surrounding the ore zone. Specifically, the combination of mineralogical data with multielement data such as P, Mn, As, P, and U obtained from p-XRF and positive U anomalies from radiometric measurements has potential to direct an exploration program toward higher Cu-Au grades.

Origin of breccia in mud volcanoes of the Andaman accretionary prism: Implications for forearc processes

Mud volcanoes at convergent margins are important pathways through which clay minerals and fluids, collectively known as mud breccia, originating from deep within forearcs, are ejected at the surface, opening an important window to shallow level processes in subduction zones. Although the mud breccia is the only detachable part of a subducting slab at shallow depths, its origin and implications for the chemistry of crustal material getting recycled into the mantle remain largely unknown. To understand the chemical transformation of slabs within forearcs and the chemistry of recycled components in accretionary subduction zones, we carried out a detailed mineralogical, geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic study of matrix of the mud breccia ejected at the mud volcanoes of the Andaman accretionary prism, located at the Indian Plate-Burma Plate convergent margin. Our current and an earlier study on these mud volcanoes reveal that the clay-quartz rich mud matrix, and accompanying water from mineral dehydration and thermogenic hydrocarbons are extracted from depths more than 6 km in the forearc, from tectonic mélanges located at the base of the accretionary prism, in the décollement zone. The mud breccia ascends rapidly through the heavily deformed accretionary wedge and gets emplaced into the overlying soil horizon, incorporating rock clasts from the geological formations of the wedge and minor organic matter from the soil. Major-Trace element contents and isotopic ratios of mud matrix indicate that they contain materials derived from both the altered oceanic crust and terrigenous sediment of the slab, with the former contributing the most (> 80%). All data point to the scenario that only a small fraction of the terrigenous sediment of the slab gets recycled into the mantle at the Andaman subduction zone, which in turn gets reflected in the relatively pristine isotopic compositions of the arc lavas erupted at the Barren Island volcano.

The Jaguar hydrothermal nickel sulfide deposit: Evidence for a nickel-rich member of IOCG-type deposits in the Carajás Mineral Province, Brazil

The Jaguar Ni sulfide deposit (mineral reserves of 58.6 Mt at 0.95 wt% Ni) occurs along a regional fault zone in the Carajás Mineral Province in the Amazonian Craton, Brazil. This study presents the first detailed description of the Jaguar deposit and provides a basic framework to constrain the origin of the Ni sulfide mineralization. Jaguar nickel sulfide orebodies are associated with ductile-brittle hydrothermal alteration zones developed over felsic subvolcanic or granitic country rocks. Prominent features of the Jaguar deposit include: i. its location along regional scale deep fault systems, ii. extensive zones of biotite-chlorite alteration overprinted by magnetite-apatite-quartz alteration zones, iii. sulfide mineralization occurring as steeply dipping orebodies closely associated with magnetite-apatite rich bodies, iv. sulfides that are disseminated or form the matrix of breccias consisting of pyrite and millerite, with minor pentlandite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite, v. pyrite, magnetite and apatite occur mostly as euhedral to subhedral crystals enclosed in irregular aggregates of fine-grained anhedral millerite, vi. sulfide mineralization with high Ni (Ni/S ~ 0.15–0.30) and Co (Co/S ~ 0.005–0.015) contents, high Ni/Cu ratios (~5–25) and low Zn and PGE contents, vii. metal association consisting of LREE, Fe, U, P, Pb, Bi, Te, Ni, and Co, and viii. mineralized zones with high F contents and a positive correlation of F with S, Ni and P2O5. The geological setting and characteristics of the Jaguar deposit are similar to the iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits in the Carajás Mineral Province, indicating that they all belong to a regional hydrothermal system. The existence of nickel-rich members of IOCG type mineralizations in the Carajás Mineral Province was previously suggested for other deposits (e.g., GT34, Castanha) and interpreted as deeper portions of the IOCG mineral system. The close association of nickel sulfide mineralization in the Jaguar deposit with magnetite-apatite-rich breccias may be interpreted as an iron-oxide-apatite (IOA) member within the regional hydrothermal system. In contrast to most hydrothermal nickel deposits in the world, the Jaguar deposit is neither hosted by mafic-ultramafic rocks nor associated with black shales. Therefore, the Jaguar deposit is interpreted as an uncommon hydrothermal Ni deposit associated with the IOCG mineral system in the Carajás Mineral Province. Our results provide new insights for worldwide exploration for Ni sulfide deposits in geological environments different from those traditionally considered prospective.

Mud volcanoes in the Gulf of Cadiz as a manifestation of tectonic processes and deep-seated fluid mobilization

Numerous mud volcanoes (MVs) are scattered through the Gulf of Cadiz (GoC), most of which are situated close to the WNW-ESE trending fault system in this region. In this study we have investigated six MVs in locations adjacent to major tectonic lineaments with the purpose of defining fluid and solid mobilization depth and ascent through the accretionary prism. Three of them, R2, D2 and Funky Monkey MVs, were discovered during RV Meteor cruise M149 in 2018. Their morphologies were characterized by multibeam bathymetry and vary from flat-topped to cone-shaped, reflecting different nature of the emitted products and variable degrees of activity. Mud breccias and pore fluids were sampled at the summits of all MVs to determine their physical properties and composition of the solid and liquid fractions. The physical properties and lithological changes demonstrate recent activity of Yuma, Ginsburg, Meknes and Funky Monkey MVs. At these sites, we traced back the origin of venting fluids to clay mineral dehydration through major and minor elements geochemistry, high content of illite in the mud breccia matrix and calculated reaction temperatures of 60–100 °C using the Mg–Li geothermometer. Differences in fluid composition imply a dominant clay dehydration signal in the shallow MVs and a stronger crustal input in the deeper MV (Funky Monkey). In contrast, R2 and D2 MVs are textbook inactive mud domes, showing no venting and a chemical composition/reaction temperature similar to seawater. If crustal input in MVs fluids will be confirmed by subsequent studies (e.g., through Sr isotopes), this could lead to a rethinking of fluid migration in the GoC, where transform faults (and MVs located close to them) focus the crustal signal from depth. Based on the MVs active state and the geochemistry of the fluids, we can distinguish which structure would be more suitable for further analyses (B isotopes, illite crystallinity) in order to identify possible sources of hydrocarbon-rich fluids channeled through MVs. • Six mud volcanoes of the Gulf of Cadiz are described through morphology, sedimentology, mineralogy and geochemistry. • Three new mud volcanoes were discovered during expedition M149 on RV Meteor and hereby characterized for the first time. • Morphology and geochemical signals show marked variations between different parts of the Gulf of Cadiz accretionary prism. • Pronounced crustal input and reduced clay dehydration is present in deeper mud volcanoes located along strike-slip faults.

REMAINS OF PALEOFLORA IN THE BRECCIAS OF THE ONAPING FORMATION, SUDBURY IMPACT STRUCTURE, ONTARIO, CANADA

Electron microscopic investigations of four breccia samples of the Onaping Formation, Sudbury impact structure, Canada, have been carried out for the search of possible remains of paleoflora and identification of the nature of organic matter and their composition. Two forms of plant remains were discovered in the breccias. The first form is represented by single plant particles scattered in the matrix of breccias and included in gas vesicles in devitrified glasses. These particles are leaf-shaped, stem-shaped, tubular, and spherical objects, ranging from 5-10 to 200-300 µm in size. It is supposed that algal flora inhabiting the sea basin before the Sudbury impact was the source of this form of plant residues in breccias. The second form of plant remains in breccias is represented by plant detritus in carbon-bearing fragments of mudstones included in the breccia matrix. These fragments, reaching a size to 1000-1200 µm, have irregular shapes and complicated rugged contacts with the host breccia. Plant residues in mudstones are mainly ribbon-like scraps from 3-5 to 200-300 µm long, some while rare particles have a more complex shape. The matrix of the mudstones is a heterogeneous fine-grained clay-like substance with a network of micron-wide open joint fissures. The carbon content in mudstone matrix ranges from 7-10 to 20-25 wt%. Muddy bottom sediments of the pre-impact sea basin are supposed to be a source of mudstone fragments in breccias, while the algal flora inhabited the sea during their sedimentation served as a source of plant detritus in mudstones. Fragments of mudstones and floral residues are an important source of organic carbon in breccias of the Onaping Formation. The discovery of paleofloral remains in the breccias indicates the existence of a previously unknown complex algal flora that inhabited the pre-impact sea before the impact event 1.85 billion years ago at the very end of the Paleoproterozoic. The Sudbury impact structure is comparable in size to the Chicxulub impact structure, the formation of which caused the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction. We assume that the formation of the Sudbury structure had a catastrophic impact on the paleoflora of the late Paleoproterozoic, the remnants of which were preserved in the breccias of the Onaping Formation.

Geology, petrography and mineralogy of explosive breccias of Sallanlatva, Kola Region

The Sallanlatva massif belongs to the group of Paleozoic alkaline-ultrabasic complexes wide spread in the Kola Region (the northwestern part of the Fennoscandian Shield). In the central part of this massif, the host ijolite and urtites contain calcite, ankerite, ankerite-dolomite and siderite carbonatites. The explosive processes that led to the formation of carbonatite breccias in the calcite and ankerite-dolomite carbonatites occurred in Sallanlatva massife in the last stages of the carbonatite magmatism. There are two types of explosive carbonatite breccias in the Sallanlatva massif: (1) glimmerite-calciocarbonatite breccias, and (2) siderite-dolomite breccias. Analysis of the mineral composition of fragments and matrix and the shape of fragments in breccias has shown that the first material to intrude into the host calcite and ankerite-dolomite carbonatites was calcite melt. After that, dolomite melt penetrated through the fracture zones, which resulted in the formation of siderite-dolomite breccias. The differences in the mineral composition of the breccia matrix suggest that the residual carbonatite melts originate from separate magma chambers. The chamber with calcite melt was located at great depth, and some captured glimmerite fragments were abraded during the melt upwelling. Silicate-dolomite melts lifted from a shallower depth; the captured fragments of siderite carbonatites retained their angular shape. Late hydrothermal processes yielded veins and caverns with Ba-Sr-P-S-Ti-REE mineralization in the breccias and host rocks.

Cherts, spiculites, and collapse breccias – Porosity generation in upper Permian reservoir rocks, Gohta discovery, Loppa High, south-western Barents Sea

Spiculitic cherts are uncommon reservoir rocks and their porosity evolution is poorly understood compared to sandstones and carbonates. In the Gohta oil and gas discovery on the Loppa High in the south-western Barents Sea, the reservoir is in brecciated, silicified, and dolomitized Permian spiculites below the Permian/Triassic unconformity. It represents the infill of several collapsed cave systems with spiculite clasts in a micritic matrix, separated by intact cave roofs of shale and spiculite facies. The cave collapse was related to dissolution of less resistant (?limestone and ?spiculitic) beds, due to percolation of freshwater during latest Permian – earliest Triassic emersion. During later transformation of opal-A to opal-CT, associated growth of silica concretions left the margins of spiculite clasts depleted in SiO2 and thus highly porous. Subsequent transformation of opal-CT to quartz resulted in precipitation of texture-preserving quartz and chalcedony cements. The latter show a systematic decrease of δ18O from the first to last precipitated phase, implying crystallization under increasing temperatures during renewed Middle–Late Triassic burial. Later diagenesis includes in situ brecciation and fracturing, dolomitization affecting mainly the micritic matrix of cave-collapse facies, chemical compaction, and calcite cementation. The best reservoir properties are in cave-collapse facies (commonly 10–25% and 0.03–19 mD) where the pore system is dominated by (1) uncemented interspicule pores and central parts of spicule molds within clast margins, and (2) intercrystalline pores between dolomite crystals in the breccia matrix. The primary depositional facies have much lower porosity and permeability (rarely exceeding 10% and 1 mD, respectively). This study shows that porosity in the cave fill most likely formed by local redistribution of silica to form concretions and dissolution of the carbonate matrix to source the growth of dolomite crystals, while prolonged subaerial exposure only played an indirect role by isolating spiculite clasts and preventing their complete silicification during burial.

Rapid Formation of Porphyry and Skarn Copper-Gold Mineralization in a Postsubduction Environment: Re-Os and U-Pb Geochronology of the Ok Tedi Mine, Papua New Guinea

Abstract The Ok Tedi copper-gold mine in Western Province, Papua New Guinea, is situated in the western part of the Ok Tedi Complex where monzodiorite to quartz monzonite intrusions are associated with porphyry- and skarn-style copper-gold mineralization. The Pleistocene age of the intrusive rocks and mineralization provides an opportunity to study the longevity of the magmatic and hydrothermal evolution at Ok Tedi through U-Pb dating of zircon and high-precision Re-Os dating of molybdenite. Six main phases of intrusive rocks can be recognized within the mine area, with the sequence of intrusion indicated by contact relationships. Each has been dated by the SHRIMP U-Pb technique with correction for Th-U disequilibrium based on the U and Th content of each sample. In order of intrusion from oldest to youngest these include: Sydney Monzodiorite (1.368 ± 0.045 Ma), Warsaw Monzodiorite (1.269 ± 0.039 Ma), Kalgoorlie Monzodiorite (1.261 ± 0.050 Ma), Ningi Quartz Monzonite Porphyry (QMP)(1.229 ± 0.051 Ma), Bonn Quartz Monzonite (1.219 ± 0.040 Ma), and Fubilan QMP (1.213 ± 0.049 Ma). The intrusions are alkaline, high K to shoshonitic rocks with high Sr/Y ratios typical of Cu-fertile arc magmas. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns have minor or no negative Eu anomalies and downward sloping to listric-shaped HREE patterns typical of arc magmas in which high water contents supress plagioclase fractionation in favor of an evolution by hornblende ± garnet ± titanite fractionation. Cu-Au mineralization at Ok Tedi can be divided into four main stages based on crosscutting relationships: (1) skarn-endoskarn and associated vein-style mineralization in the Darai Limestone, Ieru siltstone, and Sydney Monzodiorite; (2) porphyry-style veins and breccias within the Ningi QMP and older intrusions, and at Siltstone Ridge: (3) porphyry-style veins and breccias in the Fubilan QMP and older intrusions: and (4) skarn-style mineralization in the lower part of the Darai Limestone along the Taranaki thrust. High-precision Re-Os dating of molybdenite has enabled a chronology to be established for the first three stages. Molybdenite from a quartz-mushketovite-epidote-carbonate-pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite vein in clinopyroxene- and garnet-altered Sydney Monzodiorite has an age of 1.3206 ± 0.0020 Ma, and this dates the formation of the Gold Coast and Berlin skarns. Molybdenite from a quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite vein in the sericite-altered Sydney Monzodiorite yields an age of 1.3166 ± 0.0043 Ma, and a quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite vein with K-feldspar alteration selvages hosted in Ieru siltstone beneath the Gold Coast skarn has an age of 1.3031 ± 0.0015 Ma. Samples of molybdenite from quartz-sulfide veins from Siltstone Ridge have ages of 1.2116 ± 0.0029 and 1.2078 ± 0.0031 Ma. Molybdenite from a quartz-K-feldspar-pyrite-molybdenite vein, which overprints propylitic alteration in the Sydney Monzodiorite, has an age of 1.2120 ± 0.0024 Ma. These samples date porphyry-style mineralization in and around the Ningi QMP and at Siltstone Ridge. A sample of molybdenite from the matrix of hydrothermal intrusive breccia in the Fubilan QMP has an age of 1.2146 ± 0.0020 Ma, similar to the age of the adjacent Siltstone Ridge mineralization, and is interpreted to have been mechanically incorporated into the breccia during its formation. Several samples have been dated from the Fubilan porphyry system, including molybdenite from the matrix of a hydrothermal intrusive breccia (1.1648 ± 0.0020 Ma) and three samples from veins which postdate the breccias: a vuggy quartz-sulfide vein (1.1532 ± 0.0027 Ma), chalcopyrite-pyrite-molybdenite vein (1.1446 ± 0.0028 Ma), and duplicate analyses of a molybdenite-only vein (1.1326 ± 0.0034 and 1.1297 ± 0.0026 Ma) in agreement at 2σ. Molybdenite from a quartz-K-feldspar-biotite-magnetite-pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite vein in endoskarn-altered Sydney Monzodiorite (beneath the Gold Coast skarn) has an age of 1.1459 ± 0.0012 Ma, and a similar vein without magnetite hosted in Warsaw Monzodiorite has an age of 1.1438 ± 0.0042 Ma, both within error of the chalcopyrite-pyrite-molybdenite vein in Fubilan QMP. Intrusive rocks in the Ok Tedi mine were emplaced over a period of approximately 200,000 years, with Cu-Au mineralization formed in discrete episodes of much shorter duration. The Gold Coast skarn and associated porphyry-style veins in Sydney Monzodiorite and Ieru siltstone formed in 14,000 to 21,000 years (n = 3), the Siltstone Ridge porphyry system in 2,000 to 12,000 years (n = 4), and the Fubilan porphyry system in 31,000 to 40,000 years (n = 6). The Taranaki skarn has not been dated in the mine area due to a lack of molybdenite, but geologic relationships indicate it is younger than the Fubilan QMP.

Genesis of Carbonate Breccia Containing Invisible Gold in Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea

The Yemi breccia developed and is distributed within the Paleozoic carbonate rock (Maggol Formation) in the central part of the Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea. Explanation for the genesis of the Yemi breccia has been controversial. We investigated the petrological and mineralogical properties of the breccia and the matrix materials at 60 outcrops. The Yemi breccia is divided into crackle, mosaic, and chaotic breccias based on morphology. In addition, these are divided into blackish, reddish, grayish, and white to pinkish matrix breccias according to the materials of the matrix. Quartz, calcite, pyrite, hematite (after pyrite), and minor epidote, chlorite, and opaque materials mainly comprise the matrix materials. The pyrite grains from the Yemi breccia can be divided into two types based on the mineral texture: diagenetic and hydrothermal. We analyzed the chemistry of pyrite and hematite (after pyrite) from the Yemi breccia with an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer (EPMA). Invisible gold was detected within the pyrite grains by EPMA and disseminated micron-sized isolated gold particles were discovered by backscattered electron (BSE) images. The texture of Au-bearing pyrite and gold particles in the Yemi breccia is especially well matched with pyrite and gold from the Shuiyindong Carlin-type hydrothermal gold deposits, China. Therefore, we suggest an important role of hydrothermal fluid in karstification within the Paleozoic carbonate rock.

Carbon‐rich microfossils preserved in the Proterozoic crater‐filling breccias of the Sudbury impact structure, Canada

AbstractTwo forms of carbon‐rich microfossils were discovered in the breccias of the Onaping Formation, Sudbury impact structure. The first form is represented by single particles scattered in the matrix of the breccias and included in the vesicles in altered glass. These particles are leaf‐shaped, stem‐shaped, tubular, and spherical objects ranging from 5–10 μm to 200–300 µm in size. It is suggested that algal flora inhabiting the ocean basin before the Sudbury impact was the source of plant material in the Onaping Formation. The second form of carbon‐rich microparticles in the Onaping Formation is represented by plant detritus in carbon‐bearing fragments of mudstones included in the breccia matrix. The microparticles in the mudstones are mainly ribbon‐like shreds from 3–5 µm to 200–300 µm long, while rare particles have more complex shapes. The matrix of the mudstones is a fine‐grained clay‐like substance with a network of micron‐wide open‐joint fissures. Contents of carbon in the mudstone matrix are 12–15 wt%. Muddy bottom sediments of the pre‐impact sea are supposed as a source of mudstone fragments in the breccias. Fragments of mudstones and carbon‐rich microparticles are an important source of organic carbon in the breccias of the Onaping Formation. Discovery of microfossils in the breccias of the Onaping Formation suggests the presence of a previously unknown complex algal flora that inhabited the pre‐impact sea before the impact event 1.85 billion years ago at the very end of the Paleoproterozoic.

Aubrite Pesyanoe: Clues to composition and evolution of the enstatite achondrite parent body

AbstractThe Pesyanoe aubrite is an essentially polymict regolith breccia comprised by fragments of different highly magnesian pyroxenitic lithologies: albite; anorthoclase and labradorite‐bearing pyroxenites; diopside and magnesian augite pyroxenites; roedderite‐ and forsterite‐bearing pyroxenites; and impact glasses; porphyritic and melt matrix breccia fragments; FeO‐rich chondritic inclusions; and exotic oxidized clasts. The parent magma of Pesyanoe probably was carbon saturated, as suggested by pyroxenite fragments containing igneous‐textured carbon phases, possibly graphite. The composition of feldspar and trapped melt inclusions in enstatite indicates occurrence of at least three metaluminous melt sources with different (K + Na)/Al and K/(K + Na) atomic ratios on the Pesyanoe parent body and has records of K and Na loss from the melt, possibly due to evaporation from the parent body surface. The roedderite‐ and forsterite‐bearing rocks probably crystallized from a peralkaline melt. We propose that peralkaline melt could be formed from a metaluminous melt(‐s) due to gravitational segregation of djerfisherite‐bearing metal‐sulfide liquid in the lower horizon of the magma chamber and following oxidation of the magma. This should lead to enrichment of silicate melt in K2O and Na2O and increasing of (K + Na)/Al > 1, allowing forsterite and roedderite to crystallize. Rocks enriched in K and containing rare K‐bearing minerals were found among both magmatic and melt rocks. This may imply an insignificant role of regolith transport in the process of the breccia’s formation and, therefore, an origin of all of the breccia components from a local region of the Pesyanoe parent body, probably from a single complex igneous massif.