Siliceous Limestone Research Articles

Genesis of the Kateba’asu gold deposit, Western Tianshan, China: Constraints from pyrite trace element, sulfur isotope, and quartz H-O isotopes

The Kateba’asu gold deposit, situated in the Western Tianshan of China, is one of the most significant discoveries in the world-class Tianshan gold belt. The deposit features two distinct mineralization styles. The early, subordinate skarn-type copper–gold mineralization occurs in the contact zone between monzogranite, diorite, and Silurian limestone, composed of garnet, diopside, epidote, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and gold. The later, primary lode-gold mineralization is hosted in the altered monzogranite characterized by pervasive quartz-pyrite-sericite-chlorite-K-feldspar alteration and a well-develped veining systems.Pyrite is the dominant sulfide mineral related to gold mineralization in the Kateba’asu gold deposit, with four types identified: Py0 from the early skarn copper–gold mineralization, and Py1 to Py3 from the later lode-gold mineralization. All types of pyrite are homogeneous and contain very low levels of lattice-bound gold. Py0 is euhedral and fine-grained, with relatively high Cu, Au, Co, and Ni contents, and displays a magmatic sulfur isotopic signature with δ34S ranging from 0.8 to 4.3 ‰. Py1 occurs as euhedral to subhedral, coarse-grained crystals within pyrite-quartz veins with higher concentrations of Co and Ni. Py2, which develops in the quartz-pyrite veins, is medium to coarse-grained and contains elevated levels of As, Cu, Zn, and Bi relative to Py1. Py3, found in polymetallic sulfide veins of the main lode-gold stage, is anhedral and medium to fine-grained with higher contents of As, Ag, Cu, Zn, Se, Te and lowest Co and Ni concentrations compared to Py1 and Py2. The positive correlations between Au-Te, Au-Bi, Au-Cu, and Pb-Bi across all pyrite types, along with the presence of visible gold in Py3, indicate that most gold occurs as micro-/nano-sized inclusions and as fissure gold. The δ34S values of Py1, Py2, and Py3 (7.6 to 11.8 ‰, 10.1 to 12.6 ‰, and 9.8 to 12.4 ‰, respectively) were attributed to an initial magmatic source and mixed with external sulfur subsequently from the wall rocks. The H and O isotopic compositions (δDH2O = −84.1 to −93.5 ‰; δ18OH2O = 1.8 to 6.6 ‰) of quartz from the lode-gold mineralization imply that ore-forming fluids were predominantly of magmatic origin, with a additional contribution from meteoric water. Taken together, a two-episode mineralization model was proposed for the formation of the Kateba’asu gold deposit. The early skarn mineralization stage is associated with the emplacement of diorite during the Early Carboniferous. In contrast, the subsequent lode-gold mineralization, occurring between the Late Carboniferous and Permian periods, represents a overprinted magmatic-hydrothermal gold system potentially linked to a deep-seated magmatic intrusion.

The manufacture of natural hydraulic limes: Influence of raw materials' composition, calcination and slaking in the crystal-chemical properties of binders

This study aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing process of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) by assessing the influence of raw materials' chemical- mineralogical composition and the effect of the slaking process. NHLs with variable hydraulicity were manufactured using 56 raw materials from carbonate outcrops in Andalusia (Spain). This study shows that siliceous limestones with microcrystalline quartz generate hydraulic phases after calcination. However, when the amount of this reactive silica exceeds 18% by weight, CaO is not formed, and only calcium silicates appear. It was also found that slaking of NHL leads to partial hydration of the most reactive calcium silicates, reducing the expected reactivity of the lime. Instead, exposure of NHL quicklimes to environmental relative humidity promotes the formation of disordered portlandite and reduces the partial hydration of hydraulic phases. Our findings demonstrate that standard slaking can be replaced by alternative methods for the studied binders.

Effects of Fineness and Morphology of Quartz in Siliceous Limestone on the Calcination Process and Quality of Cement Clinker.

With the increasing depletion of high-quality raw materials, siliceous limestone, sandstone and other hard-to-burn raw materials containing crystalline SiO2 are gradually being used to produce clinker. This study investigates the influence of the quartz content and particle size in siliceous limestone on the calcination process and the resultant quality of cement clinker. Two different siliceous limestones were grinded to different fineness, and calcinated with some other materials. The content of the clinkers was analyzed with the XRD-Rietveld method and the microstructure of the clinkers was observed with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Three key outcomes of this study provide new insights on the use of siliceous limestone in cement production, namely that (i) reducing the fineness values of siliceous limestone from 15% to 0% of residue on a 0.08 mm sieve decreases the quantity of these larger quartz particles, resulting in an increase in C3S content by up to 8% and an increase in 28d compressive strength by up to 4.4 Mpa, which is 62.30 Mpa; (ii) the morphology of quartz-either as chert nodules or single crystals-affects the microstructure of C2S clusters in clinker, finding that chert nodules result in clusters with more intermediate phases, whereas large single crystals lead to denser clusters; (iii) the sufficient fineness values of siliceous limestone SL1 and SL2 are 5% and 7% of residue on a 0.08 mm sieve, respectively, which can produce a clinker with a 28d compressive strength greater than 60 Mpa, indicating that for different kinds of quartz in siliceous limestone, there is an optimum grinding solution that can achieve a balance between clinker quality and energy consumption without having to grind siliceous limestone to very fine grades.

Sedimentology and biostratigraphy of the Biancone Limestone Formation of the Tolmin Basin (Southern Alps, NW Slovenia)

The Tolmin Basin constitutes the western part of the Slovenian Basin, a large Mesozoic interplatform basin that was bounded to the north by the Julian Carbonate Platform and to the south by the Dinaric Carbonate Platform. Today, it is found along the structural boundary between the Southern Alps and the External Dinarides in northwestern Slovenia. After the drowning of the Julian Carbonate Platform, the Tolmin Basin was dominated by pelagic deposits, namely the Toarcian marlstones (Perbla Formation), the Aalenian to lower Tithonian siliceous limestones and radiolarites (Tolmin Formation), and the upper Tithonian to the Berriasian Biancone Limestone Formation. In this study, a basin-scale sedimentary evolution and calpionellid biostratigraphy of the latter is presented. The Biancone Limestone Formation is a calpionellid-bearing pelagic limestone typical of all deepened segments of the Adria microplate in this time interval. It is generally monotonous but shows considerable vertical and lateral variations. The lower boundary with radiolarites is sharp, revealing a pronounced and rapid overturn in pelagic sedimentation. The lower Berriasian slumps indicate a tectonic pulse. Rare beds of resedimented limestones, assigned to the middle Berriasian, are similar in composition to those intercalated in the underlying radiolarites. They thus show that the factors that led to a significant shift in pelagic sedimentation had little or no effect on shallow-marine carbonate production. In the upper Berriasian, an increase in clay content is evident in the formation, which is explained by the uplift and erosion of the propagating thrust belt in the Neotethys area, superimposed by humidification.

The Folster Lake Formation, Nunavut: remnant of a littoral to fluvio-deltaic source to the Paleoproterozoic-age Penrhyn basin

The Folster Lake Formation consists of Paleoproterozoic-age sedimentary cover units unconformably deposited on deeply weathered Archean basement of the Rae craton on Melville Peninsula, Nunavut. It comprises a lower member, formed of basal conglomerate, hematite-specularite iron-formation, mudstone, siltstone, silty limestone, and cross-bedded arkose, and an upper member dominated by arkose with planar and trough cross-beds, including giant (up to 10 m thick) compound cross-beds, overlain by quartz arenite with heavy mineral laminae. The entire succession has been historically interpreted as a near-shore, tide-dominated succession derived from a source to the southeast. Our field observations, supported by SHRIMP U–Pb analyses on detrital zircon, suggest that the Folster Lake Formation represents the remnants of a 1.91–1.88 Ga sand-dominated delta advancing on a tide-dominated shoreline, sourced by detritus eroded from the Thelon, Queen Maud, and Boothia-Somerset uplift to the west-northwest. This fluvio-deltaic system transported sediments to the Upper Penrhyn Group, which was contemporaneously being deposited in a basin opened to the southeast.

Petrography and Geochemistry of Limestone Upper Cretaceous Kometan Formation (Azmir Anticline): A Preliminary Assessment for Cement Production Suitability in the Kurdistan Region Northeast Iraq

A succession of slightly siliceous limestone of the Kometan Formation is studied geochemically and strati graphically. The studied area is located on the SW limb of the Azmir anticline at the northeastern of Sulaimaniyah city. The studied section is situated at longitudes 45°38'310"E and latitudes 35°36'129''N inside the Folded Zone, Kurdistan Region, northeastern Iraq. The exposed section is sampled for lab studies, and inspected by eyes and hand lenses in the field. In this study, petrographic and geochemical analyses of 17 limestone samples were carried out. This study aims to investigate the major oxides of the limestone samples, using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), for preliminary assessment for possible cement production. A petrographic study was also carried out, in order. Depending on the petrographic study, three major microfacies were recognized: lime mudstone microfacies, lime wackestone microfacies, and lime packstone microfacies, which subdivided into four submicrofacies are planktonic foraminifera lime mudstone submicrofacies, planktonic foraminifera lime wackestone submicrofacies, and planktonic foraminifera lime packstone submicrofacies and heterohelix lime packstone submicrofacies. The geochemical analysis shows that a range of variations in constituents: LOI (35.90% to 42,72%), SiO2 (3.77% to 14.66%), CaO (42.59% to 49.95%), Al2O3 (0.44% to 2.22%), Fe2O3 (0.02% to 0.78%) and MgO (1.50% to 2.26%); K2O and Na2O are present in traces. The high CaO (49.95%) indicates that calcite is the primary carbonate mineral. Due to mineralogical considerations, CaO with LOI shows a positive correlation, whereas CaO with SiO2 shows a negative correlation. The low MgO contents in calcitic limestone and calcitic limestone with chert nodules recommend a lack of dolomitization process. The silica modulus and lime saturation factor from geochemical data indicated that the siliceous limestone samples from the Kometan Formation and Azmir Anticline can be used in the cement-making process provided they are processed for silica removal treatment to reduce its percentage to less than 8%, as required level, where the CaO can be automatically enriched. Depending on field observation, petrography, and geochemistry analysis, we conclude that the source of the chert or silica minerals is diagenetic processes and depositional environment origin.

Mineralization processes of the Mount Garnet Zinc deposit, NE Queensland (Australia): Insights from garnet geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology

The Mount Garnet Zinc deposit in NE Queensland, Australia, is located in the region of voluminous magmatism associated with the formation of Palaeozoic continental arcs of Gondwana. Ore-forming events of this deposit are related to the intrusion of the Kennedy Igneous Association (KIA) – a large suite of igneous rocks spanning Late Carboniferous to Early Permian in age – into the Silurian limestone (Chillagoe Formation) in the Hodgkinson Province (Mossman Orogen). Petrographic observations and in situ major and trace element analysis reveal the sequence of garnet growth and fluid-rock interaction during skarn formation. Three types of garnets are identified, Grt I (including IA and IB) and Grt II. Grt IB is related to Zn-Pb mineralization. All garnets have elevated Sn and W and the highest levels of W and Sn are observed in Grt II. Garnet U-Pb ages of Grt IB provide the first direct geochronological result of hydrothermal minerals in the Mount Garnet region. New data argues that the base metal mineralization may take place during early Permian period and be sourced from the Claret Creek Supersuite. Sn-W mineralization may be associated with the O’Briens Creek Supersuite.

Sediment‐hosted disseminated gold mineralization at the Gegalaw deposit in Central Myanmar

AbstractGegalaw is one of the gold deposits situated in the Sagaing Fault zone, which marks the boundary between the Central Myanmar Basin to the west and the Mogok metamorphic belt to the east. The gold mineralization is mainly confined along northeast striking faults between carbonaceous silty limestone of the Kywethe Chaung Formation and carbonaceous and calcareous shale of the Eocene Male Formation. Hydrothermally induced dissolution breccia associated with progressive silica replacement increase near the northeast trending faults. The hydrothermal alteration associated with the mineralization is silicification in addition to illite‐kaolinite argillic alteration, of which illite is dated by the K‐Ar method as 40.26 ± 0.91 Ma. Sulfide minerals contained in the ores are mainly pyrite and arsenopyrite, with minor to trace amounts of marcasite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite, among which pyrite and arsenopyrite are the hosts of gold. Pyrite and arsenopyrite are divided into diagenetic and hydrothermal stages, based on their mineral textures. Diagenetic stage pyrites are framboidal (Py1A) and coalescent framboidal (Py1B). Those of the hydrothermal stage are zoned pyrite with porous cores (Py2) and compact rims (Py4). In addition, euhedral homogeneous pyrites with or without compact rim are present (Py3). Some pyrites show pseudomorphs of ilmenite (Py3i) and carbonate minerals, possibly ankerite (Py3c). Arsenopyrites are also divided into porous, sooty arsenopyrite (Apy1), and compact arsenopyrite (Apy2) that co‐exists with Py3 and Py4 pyrites. Electron probe microanalysis for sulfides indicates that Py1A and Py1B are deficient in Fe while Py2, Py3 and Py4 are deficient in S compared to stoichiometry of pyrite. Such deficiencies are compensated by metal ions such as Co2+ and Ni2+ for Py1A, As2+ for Py1B, and As1− for Py2, Py3, and Py4. Arsenic equilibrium temperature of Apy2‐Py3 pairs shows a mode range of 250–270°C. Detected gold concentrations (~650 ppm) in arsenian pyrite (Py2, Py3, and Py4) indicate that gold in pyrite are below the solubility, suggesting that gold is present as solid‐solution in pyrite. Sulfur isotopic values of the pyrites in the unaltered host rocks are −18.9‰ and −8.9‰, and those of the pyrites from the hydrothermal altered rocks range from −17.3‰ to −0.5‰. These similar negative δ34S ranges of the pyrites suggest that the source of sulfur is dominated in biogenic reduction origin. Nevertheless, the two relatively heavier sulfur isotopic values (−4.9‰ and −0.5‰) suggest a contribution of an external hydrothermal fluid source. The research results indicate that gold mineralization occurred by infiltration of auriferous reduced hydrothermal fluids into the carbonaceous silty limestone and carbonaceous and calcareous shale through northeast trending secondary faults of the dextrally moving Sagaing Fault system and the fluids reacted with framboidal pyrite as well as iron‐bearing minerals in the host rocks to precipitate gold‐bearing arsenian pyrite. The age of hydrothermal illite suggests a link to the right‐lateral strike‐slip movement of the Sagaing Fault that is related to the collision of the Indian and Asian plates.

Late Sinemurian and Early Pliensbachian Radiolaria from Mount Rettenstein (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria). Part 2. Entactinaria and Spumellaria

On Mount Rettenstein (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria) a 95-m-thick Lower Jurassic succession of grey siliceous limestone and marl allowed us to study well-preserved and diverse radiolarian assemblages. The succession crossing the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary yielded seven productive radiolarian samples, five of which were assigned to the Upper Sinemurian and two to the Lower Pliensbachian. In this article, we present 24 species and nine genera belonging to the order Entactinaria, and 66 species and 27 genera to the order Spumellaria. One genus (Tetractoma Cifer nov. gen.) and six species are described as new: Charlottalum austriacum Cifer nov. sp., Crucella optima Cifer nov. sp., Hexapyramis? sphaericus Cifer nov. sp., Paronaella triangularis Cifer nov. sp., Pseudoheliodiscus rotaformis Cifer nov. sp., and Tetractoma tollmanni Cifer nov. gen. nov. sp. In the Sinemurian, by far the most abundant genus amongst either Spumellaria and Entactinaria is Gorgansium. The Pliensbachian samples are, on the other hand, dominated by the genera Archaeocenosphaera and Praeconocaryomma. Compiled stratigraphic and geographic ranges as well as synonymies, descriptions and remarks are provided.

Initial Upper Paleolithic in North China: New data from Shuidonggou locality 9

The timing and dispersal of modern humans into Northeast Asia has been a subject of hot debate, fueled by increasing discoveries of previously unknown human species in the region, including the so-called Denisovans. In this debate, archaeological assemblages identified as Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) play a key role as they are often seen as possible markers for the dispersal of modern human culture across Eurasia. In North China, the presence of IUP blade assemblages is well-established at the Shuidonggou site complex (SDG), particularly at SDG locality 1 (SDG1). In this study, we present a preliminary analysis of another blade-dominated lithic assemblage from SDG locality 9 (SDG9). Applying a combination of typological and technological approaches, we demonstrate that, similar to SDG1, the lithic reduction patterns represented at SDG9 are centered on the use of the recurrent Levallois method to produce blades and elongated flakes, a technological feature that is characteristic of the IUP technology. However, the SDG9 assemblage also exhibits some differences to SDG1, including the dominant use of siliceous limestone as raw material, the absence of prismatic and sub-prismatic cores, and limited retouched pieces. These disparities indicate possible regional variation and diversities in IUP assemblages at SDG.

Development characteristics and genetic analysis of dense limestone reservoirs in the Taiyuan Formation of the Ordos Basin, China

Tight limestone reservoirs in the Permian Taiyuan Formation of the Ordos Basin have garnered increasing attention in recent years, emerging as a pivotal domain in the quest for natural gas exploration. This research delves into the comprehensive investigation of petrology, reservoir space, reservoir physical properties, and microscopic characteristics through the examination of field outcrops, core observations, thin section identification, scanning electron microscopy, stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, and testing. The systematic analysis focused on elucidating the development characteristics of these reservoirs and identifying the controlling factors governing favorable reservoir conditions. Based on our research analysis, the specific rock types with the potential to serve as excellent reservoirs, includes bioclastic silty limestone, bioclastic micrite limestone, and algal-rich limestone. The predominant reservoir spaces within these formations were found to consist of dissolved pores, residual bioclastic cavity pores, intercrystalline pores, and microfractures. These reservoirs exhibit an average porosity of 2.1%, and an average permeability of 0.22 × 10−3 μm2, indicating their classification as low porosity and low permeability reservoirs. The formation of favorable reservoirs in the Taiyuan Formation limestone was determined to be influenced by many factors; notably, the favorable sedimentary microfacies associated with bioclastic shoals and bioherms provided the foundational material basis for the formation of reservoirs, influencing the type of reservoir space and its extensive planar distribution. Penecontemporaneous karstification, guided by high-frequency cycles, was favorable for the formation of dissolution holes, effectively improving reservoir performance and facilitating the development of thick limestone reservoirs. Furthermore, fractures were identified as crucial agents in improving the seepage capacity of these tight limestone reservoirs. Drawing from our research results, this study offers valuable guidance for the future exploration of limestone formations in the Taiyuan Formation in the Ordos Basin. Additionally, these findings hold considerable significance as a reference point for research and exploration endeavors focused on bioclastic limestone reservoirs in the North China Platform.

The Perturbation of the Guadalupian Marine Environment Triggered by Early-Stage Eruption of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province: Rare Earth Element and Sr-Nd Isotope Evidence from Zunyi Manganese Deposit, South China

Pure marine chemical sediments are archives of geochemical proxies for the composition of seawater and may provide information about the ancient hydrosphere–atmosphere system. The early stage of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) was characterized by the subaqueous eruption of mafic igneous rocks around the J. altudaensis zone of the Capitanian Stage that has been proposed to have contributed to the Guadalupian mass extinction. However, detailed mechanisms and the impact of the eruption on the Guadalupian marine environment have yet to be assessed. Here, to examine the Guadalupian marine environment, we studied major and trace element concentrations, particularly rare earth element and yttrium data, along with high-precision Sr-Nd isotope ratios, of three types of Mn ores (i.e., clastic, massive, and oolitic) and siliceous limestones from the Zunyi Mn deposit in South China formed following the early-stage eruption of the ELIP. Our results indicate that the clastic Mn ores contain notable detrital mafic aluminosilicates. In contrast, the massive and oolitic Mn ores and siliceous limestones preserved the pristine geochemical signatures of the Middle–Late Permian seawater characterized by distinctly low (87Sr/86Sr)i and high εNd(t) values. These data indicate a strong impact of the early-stage submarine eruptions of the ELIP on the marine environment in South China and worldwide, likely through intensive seawater–rock interaction.

Genesis of the Mengxing Pb-Zn deposit in Baoshan block, SW China: Constraints from geology, fluid inclusion and isotopes

The Mengxing Pb-Zn deposit is located in the central-southern Baoshan block, SW China, which contains over 1.02 Mt metals with the average Pb + Zn grade of 12.12 %. In this deposit, the orebodies are mainly stratabound and developed in the Silurian limestone of the Shangrenheqiao Formation. The mineral assemblage is mainly consisted of sulfides, quartz, calcite and barite. Based on petrographic observation, three mineralization stages have been recognized, including the pre-ore, syn-ore (including stage I and II) and post-ore stages. Fluid inclusion study shows that the ore-forming fluid in Mengxing deposit belongs to a NaCl-H2O-(CO2) system with medium–high temperature (187.3–320.1 °C) and medium–low salinity (2.1–17.9 wt% NaCl equiv.). H-O-S-Pb isotopic studies reveal that the ore-forming fluid dominantly originated from magmatic water, and reacted with organic matter preserved in sedimentary strata at stage I and mixed with metamorphic/meteoric water at stage II. The sulfur for mineralization was mainly contributed by magmatic sulfur. Marine sulfates preserved in Silurian sedimentary strata also contributed some ore-forming sulfur in stage II. The ore-forming metals in Mengxing deposit were jointly contributed by sedimentary strata and deeply concealed granitic magmatism. Based on these geological and geochemical characteristics, we suggest that the Mengxing Pb-Zn mineralization is Epithermal type and formed in multiple stages.

Application of integrated geological and structural investigations to the discovery of new mineral zones related to the Daping gold deposit, Southwest China

The Daping gold deposit is one of the largest gold deposits in the Ailaoshan gold belt of SW China. It has proven gold reserves of more than 70 tonnes and has been mined for 36 years. Finding new orebodies to extend the mine life has become urgent since the main gold orebodies are almost depleted. Ore deposit types in the Daping area include quartz-vein and porphyry gold types of mineralization. The quartz-vein ores are hosted in late Proterozoic diorite and Silurian limestones and controlled by NW trending faults. We have studied the ore-controlling structures to determine palaeo-stress directions of V1-2-3 and V37 orebodies, and the distribution of gold mineralization in the V1-2-3 orebodies. Based on the field observation, we identified six stages of structure in the Daping gold deposit, i.e., pre-mineralization (stage 1), syn-mineralization (stages 2 to 4), and post-mineralization (stages 5 and 6). The spatial distribution of gold orebodies at Daping is mainly controlled by the compressional faults of stage 1 that is associated with the Ailaoshan orogenic belt, and overprinted by structures of later stages. Orebodies from gold deposits in orogenic belts commonly have greater vertical dimensions than horizontal dimensions, suggesting that V1-2-3 orebodies may extend to deeper area.Our data indicate that higher gold grades and the thickest parts of the orebodies are associated with deeper parts of the V1-2-3 orebodies (up to 800 m in depth), and are likely related to a concealed mineralized porphyry which was intersected in drill core and identified as xenolith in lamprophyre dikes in the underground mine workings. The quartz-vein type gold mineralization at the Daping gold deposit was possibly overprinted by the porphyry gold mineralization, as indicated by the discovery of the new quartz-vein-associated orebodies beneath the current levels of Daping gold deposit and associated porphyry gold orebodies at Daping gold area.

Late Sinemurian and Early Pliensbachian Radiolaria from Mount Rettenstein (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria). Part 1. Nassellaria

Well-preserved and diverse radiolarian assemblages were recovered from a continuous 95 m-thick Lower Jurassic succession of grey siliceous limestone and marl on Mount Rettenstein (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria). A total of seven radiolarian samples across the Late Sinemurian–Early Pliensbachian boundary were studied – five samples were assigned to the Upper Sinemurian and two samples to the Lower Pliensbachian. In total, 188 radiolarian species have been identified. In this article, we present 90 species and 33 genera belonging to the order Nassellaria. One genus and five species are described as new: Katroma hasta Cifer nov. sp., Tipiforma missoniae Cifer nov. gen. nov. sp., Trexus rotundus Cifer nov. sp., Wrangellium mediterraneum Cifer nov. sp., and Zhamoidellum spinosum Cifer nov. sp. In the Sinemurian, the most abundant nassellarian genera are Droltus, Parahsuum and Saitoum. The Pliensbachian yields an entirely different nassellarian assemblage dominated by the genera Zhamoidellum and Lantus. Compiled stratigraphic and geographic ranges as well as a synonymy, descriptions and remarks are provided.

EOCHEMICAL, MINERALOGICAL AND DIAGENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE CHERT IN THE HATAY REGION, S-TURKEY: ITS ORIGIN AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs) were studied to determine the formation of chert and siliceous limestones, which are predominantly observed in the Okçular formation. Cherts are divided into four types according to their varying forms depending on the deposition and diagenesis stages: (Type-I) layered cherts formed by direct precipitation from sea water, (Type-II) nodular cherts with rim formed by replacement, (Type-III) homogeneous chert nodules without rim, (Type-IV) chert micro nodules with high porosity. The porosity of stylolite-fracture networks and the chemical composition of seawater played a role in the formation of different types and sizes in cherts. The rim of Type II nodular cherts has significant color changes and porosity up to 20%. Anomalies of major and trace elements, especially La, Y, Sc, Ce, Th, U and Gd values, indicate direct deposition and replacement of early diagenetic pelagic deposits of cherts in the oxidized marine environment. Total (REE)+Y values, high LREE/HREE ratio and low Ce values indicate that dissolved seawater of chemical or biogenetic origin has a role in silicification. According to the similarity of the hierarchical cluster analysis of the chemical contents of the Okçular formation and the ophiolites, the silicon in the chert formation originates from the ophiolites.

Natural Resources Exploitation in Sulfate-Resisting Portland Cement Manufacturing: Towards Quality Improvement and Reduction of Environmental Impact.

Sulfate-resisting (SR) Portland cement is commonly used in building works to improve concrete’s durability against external sulfate attack. This attack is considered a very serious chemical aggression that causes damage and cracking of concrete structures. These special cements have a very particular mineralogical composition, C3A ≤ 3% and (2C3A + C4AF) ≤ 20%, which makes the cementitious matrix resistant to sulfate attack. This kind of product is very difficult to manufacture since low alumina (C3A) necessitates the use of a high kiln temperature in order to keep a sufficient liquid phase necessary to maintain the stability of the cement manufacturing process. In this context, this study aims to optimize SR Portland cement raw meals using natural materials collected from different regions in Tunisia, mainly ordinary limestone, siliceous limestone, black marl, grey marl, iron ore, and natural fluorapatite. The collected specimens were characterized by an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in order to determine its elemental chemical composition. The optimization of the SR Portland cement raw meal combinations was done by means of a calculation tool based on the chemical composition of each used raw material and the variation of burning modules (LSF, SIM, and ALM). It has been found that natural fluorapatite integration (0%–15%) in raw mix preparation leads to the raw meals required for the SR Portland cement standard (C3A ≤ 3% et 2 C3A + C4AF ≤ 20%). Moreover, it was shown that the estimated SR raw meals ensure the cement manufacturing process stability (acceptable burning modules “LSF = 100; SIM = 3; ALM = 0.91 and sufficient liquid phase) and decrease the CO2 emissions in cement production.

Integrated stratigraphy (radiolarians, calcareous nannofossils, carbon and strontium isotopes) of the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian transition at Mt. Rettenstein, Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria

A 95 m thick succession of grey siliceous limestone and marl on Mount Rettenstein in the Northern Calcareous Alps allowed us to study well-preserved and diverse radiolarian assemblages across the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary. The distribution of 31 most characteristic radiolarian species is presented. Ammonites of the Jamesoni Subzone, the topmost subzone of the Jamesoni Zone, have been previously found in the upper part of the section. The radiolarian data are complemented with calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy, and carbon and strontium isotope analyses of bulk carbonate samples. A negative stable carbon isotope excursion (CIE) occurs in the middle part of the section and is correlated to the supraregional Sinemurian – Pliensbachian Boundary Event. Radiolarian assemblages below the negative CIE belong to the C anutus rockfishensis – Wrangellium thurstonense and Jacus ? sandspitensis radiolarian zones. Katroma clara and several other species belonging to the subsequent Canutus tipperi – Katroma clara Radiolarian Zone first occur at the beginning of the negative CIE. The first occurrence of the nannofossil Similiscutum cruciulus , which defines the base of the NJ4 Calcareous Nannofossil Zone, was recognized near the top of the negative CIE, 10 m above the inferred stage boundary. The strontium isotope ratio is due to diagenetic alteration of bulk micrite systematically shifted to higher values, but clearly decreases across the stage boundary. This decrease is compatible with the trend of the standard 87 Sr/ 86 Sr curve established in skeletal calcite. This is the first time radiolarian zones across the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary in Europe can be tied to calcareous nannofossil zones and chemostratigraphy and also calibrated to chronostratigraphy. These results contribute to the stability of Lower Jurassic radiolarian zones and will allow the recognition of the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary in deep-marine successions where ammonites are absent. • Dating Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary in deep-marine sediments with radiolarians. • Lower Jurassic radiolarian zones calibrated to chemostratigraphy. • Lower Jurassic radiolarian zones calibrated to calcarenous nannofossils. • Sinemurian–Pliensbachian negative CIE recognized in the Northern Calcareous Alps.

Disconformity between the El Abra Formation underlying the “Temazcal unit” in Cerro Quemado locality, Temazcal, San Luis Potosí, Mexico: Biostratigraphy and microfacies analysis

On the western part of the Valles–San Luis Potosí Platform located in Cerro Quemado near Temazcal, municipality of Armadillo de Los Infante, two sequences crop out. The lower one is the shallow-water El Abra Formation of the mid–upper Cenomanian, unconformably covered by a deep-water deposit of the upper Maastrichtian informally called here the “Temazcal unit.” The succession presents a nonconforming contact between these two sedimentary units, displaying a hiatus as the result of a time of non-deposition in the sedimentary record, showing a subaerial exposure with erosion yielding topographic relief. Based on the lithological changes from the underlying limestone toward the overlying silty limestone, as well as a detailed biostratigraphic study based on foraminiferal associations that provide an accurate dating, it has been possible to estimate the magnitude of the hiatus, which spans from the lower part of the Turonian, including the Coniacian, the Santonian, and possibly the lower part of the Maastrichtian.

The Wombat Hole Prospect, Benambra, Victoria, Australia: a Cu–Bi–(Te) exoskarn with unusual supergene mineralogy

AbstractThe Wombat Hole Prospect is a small copper–bismuth–(tellurium) exoskarn cropping out in the Morass Creek gorge, near Benambra, in eastern Victoria, Australia. Its main primary sulfide constituent is bornite in a grossular‒vesuvianite matrix. The skarn formed in a megaclast of Lower Silurian limestone from metal-bearing fluids accompanying the high-level emplacement of the Late Silurian–Lower Devonian Silver Flat Porphyry. Though the primary bornite mineralisation has been nearly obliterated by weathering, there are small relict patches containing exsolved grains of wittichenite (Cu3BiS3) and chalcopyrite, as well as inclusions of bismuth tellurides in the tetradymite group, namely sulphotsumoite (Bi3Te2S) and hedleyite (Bi7Te3). Joséite-A (Bi4TeS2), a mineral with a formula Bi3(Te,S)4, several unnamed Cu–Bi‒Te phases and minute grains of native bismuth have also been detected. Pervasive veining by chrysocolla throughout the garnet‒vesuvianite host contains a range of unusual secondary bismuth minerals that have crystallised at various times. These include mrázekite, namibite, pucherite, schumacherite and eulytine. Other secondary minerals present include wulfenite, bismutite, azurite, malachite and a poorly-crystalline bismuth oxide containing several weight percent tellurium. Rare grains of gold (electrum) containing up to 23 wt.% Ag are also present. The assemblage of grossular–vesuvianite with minor diopside is indicative of formation in a low-${\rm X}_{{\rm C}{\rm O}_ 2}$ environment under fluid-buffered conditions. A temperature range between ~650°C and as low as ~150°C can be estimated from the exsolution of wittichenite and chalcopyrite from the bornite. The tetradymite-group inclusions formed first under low values of $f_{{\rm S}_ 2}$ /$f_{{\rm T}{\rm e}_ 2}$, with bornite crystallising as values increased. The primary Cu‒Bi‒Te mineralogy and the unusual secondary mineral assemblage makes the Wombat Hole skarn unique in southeastern Australia. The deposit provides scope for studying the mobility of elements such as Bi and Te over short distances during weathering of hypogene ore minerals.