Tetrahedrite Group Minerals Research Articles

A Combined EPMA and LA-ICP-MS Investigation on Bi-Cu-Au Mineralization from the Kizhnica Ore Field (Vardar Zone, Kosovo)

This paper describes a newly discovered Bi-Cu±Au mineralization co-occurring with Pb-Zn-Ag hydrothermal mineralization within the Kizhnica-Hajvalia-Badovc ore field, central Kosovo, Vardar Zone. The mineralogy of two styles of Bi-Cu±Au mineralization was described using EPMA in combination with reflected and transmitted light microscopy. Hydrothermal Cu-Bi veinlets in the Kizhnica andesite quarry consist of Bi sulfosalts (bismuthinite, cosalite, aikinite, and krupkaite), pyrite, hematite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite group minerals. Disseminated Bi-Au-Cu-Te mineralization from the contact type of mineralization (hornfels) consists of Bi sulfosalts (cannizzarite, bismuthinite, galenobismutite, cosalite), associated with sulfarsenides (arsenopyrite, gersdorffite, and cobaltite), base metal sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena), native gold, native bismuth, and tetradymite. LA-ICP-MS analyses of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite indicate increased content of In and Sn in the Kizhnica Bi-Cu-Au mineralizing system, while LA-ICP-MS analyses in pyrites show the presence of many elements, e.g., Au, As, Co, Sb, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi related to the structure of pyrite or controlled by nano-inclusions. The results suggest a connection between Bi-Cu±Au mineralization and the proximity to intrusive rocks, which may be helpful for Au exploration in Kosovo.

Tetrahedrite group minerals of the Kekura reduced intrusion-related gold deposit, Western Chukotka, Russia

The Kekura gold deposit in Western Chukotka, Russia is spatially related to the granitic rocks of the Early Cretaceous Gvardeisky Complex. The deposit was formed during five mineralization stages: (1) cassiterite-scheelite-chalcopyrite-bornite-arsenopyrite, (2) molybdenite, (3) chalcopyrite-gold-bismuth tellurides, (4) arsenopyrite-gold-scheelite, and (5) stibnite-gold-silver. The tetrahedrite group minerals (Ttgs) were identified in stages 2, 4, and 5. In the molybdenite stage Ttgs are associated with digenite, bornite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite, and arsenopyrite. Ttgs from the arsenopyrite-gold-scheelite stage are associated with scheelite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and native gold with fineness of 800–850. Along with tetrahedrite, stibnite-gold-silver mineralization includes Ag-Au and Au-Ag-Hg alloys, native silver, sphalerite, stibnite, boulangerite. The molybdenite stage Ttgs display a wide range of the Sb/(Sb + As + Bi) ratio (sb) 0.06–0.85 and a narrow range of the Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratio (fe) 0.78–1.00, and are enriched in Cu (up to 5.767 apfu Cu at the M(1) site); the Ag content does not exceed 0.080 apfu. Ttgs of the arsenopyrite-gold-scheelite stage have the Cu-free at M(1) site, but are highly variable in the sb and fe values, ranging from 0.24 to 1.00, and from 0.14 to 1.00, respectively; the Ag concentration is higher than that in the molybdenite stage Ttgs, reaching 0.365 apfu. The stibnite-gold-silver tetrahedrite has high Ag (up to 3.442 apfu) and sb and fe ranging from 0.68 to 1.00 and from 0.10 to 0.84, respectively. Some Ttgs compositions of the molybdenite and stibnite-gold-silver stages are Bi-bearing that is caused by the replacement of previous Bi-minerals.

Sulfosalts record evolution of Cu-Bi-Co-Ni-As mineralization at Baycheh-Bagh deposit, NW Iran

Minerals of the tetrahedrite group and Bi-bearing sulfosalts and sulfides have been identified in different mineral associations in the polymetallic (Cu-Bi-Co-Ni-As) vein deposit at Baycheh-Bagh, Zanjan Province, NW Iran. The tetrahedrite group members span the complete compositional range from tetrahedrite to tennantite with Fe and less common Zn being the dominant divalent cation. Two generations of tetrahedrite group minerals can be distinguished recording changes in chemical as well as redox conditions of the mineralizing fluid. The first generation (Ia, Ib) includes tennantite-(Fe) succeeded by tetrahedrite-(Zn) to tennantite-(Fe) of variable intermediate composition. Bismuthian tennantite-(Fe) containing up to 1.17 apfu Bi represents the second generation (II) formed during the final hydrothermal stage. Bismuthian tennantite is characterized by primary growth zoning and slight Cu excess; the latter indicating an increase in the oxidation state of the fluid. The compositional variation and zoning of tetrahedrite group minerals reflect multiple pulses of hydrothermal solutions with varying As/Sb content. The significant substitution of Bi for (As + Sb) in the X site in generation II tennantite indicates higher activity of Bi in the late ore fluids. The late-stage Bi-rich assemblages also comprise emplectite, wittichenite, bismuthinite, aikinite and native bismuth. Luzonite is also found with these assemblages. These minerals mainly belong to the final stage of mineralization and formed between ∼200 and 300 °C.

Mineralogie křemenných žil ložiska cínových rud Hřebečná u Abertam v Krušných horách (Česká republika)

An extraordinary rich mineral assemblage (more than 35 determined mineral species) has been discovered in quartz greisen mineralization found at dump material of the abandoned Mauritius mine. This mine is situated about 1 km N of the Hřebečná village, 16 km N of Karlovy Vary, Krušné hory Mountains, Czech Republic. The studied mineralization with its textural and mineralogical character differs significantly from the usual fine-grained greisens mined in this area. The primary mineralization is represented by coarse-grained quartz and fluorapatite with sporadic zircon, monazite-(Ce), xenotime-(Y) and very rare cassiterite. Besides common sulphides (arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite-group minerals), Bi-sulphosalts (aikinite, bismuthinite, berryite, cuprobismutite, emplectite, wittichenite) were determined. Members of the tetrahedrite group also contain increased amounts of Bi - in addition to Bi-rich tennantite-(Zn) and tennantite-(Fe), microscopic zones represented by the not approved Bi-dominant analogue of tennantite („annivite-(Zn)“) were also found. The primary mineralization was intensively affected by supergene processes. Chalcopyrite and sphalerite are replaced by Cu sulphides - especially anilite and digenite, and more rarely by geerite, spionkopite and covellite. Some of the fluorapatite grains in the vein quartz were decomposed and mrázekite, mixite, libethenite, pseudomalachite, hydroxylpyromorphite, metatorbernite as well as rare dzhalindite crystallized in the resulting cavities. However, the most abundant supergene phases are the minerals of the alunite supergroup - crandallite, goyazite, plumbogummite, svanbergite and waylandite. The detailed descriptions, X-ray powder diffraction data, refined unit-cell parameters and quantitative chemical composition of individual studied mineral phases are presented.

Výrazně zonální tetraedrit-tennantit z Kramolína, rudní revír Michalovy Hory (Česká republika)

The crystals of significantly zonal tetrahedrite-tennantite were found in the mine dump material of the Grubenwall 42 mine, Kramolín, the Michalovy Hory ore district, western Bohemia (Czech Republic). Tetrahedrite-tennantite forms layer of tetrahedral, partly corroded crystals up to 1 mm in size on a crust of crystalline quartz in association with chalcopyrite and cerussite. Individual zones in oscillatory zoned crystals are represented by three members of tetrahedrite group minerals - tetrahedrite-(Zn), tennantite-(Zn) and rare tennantite-(Fe). The observed range of AsSb-1 substitution is unusual within a single crystal and indicates high variability of the As/Sb ratio in the hydrothermal fluids.

Chemismus a klasifikace minerálů skupiny tetraedritu z ložisek v Peru

The quantitative study of chemical composition of 42 samples of the tetrahedrite group minerals from 16 deposits in Peru provided new data enabling their detailed classification within this group. The majority of samples are usual members of tetrahedrite group: tennantite-(Zn) (Casapalca, Castrovirreyna, Huanzala, Mundo Nuevo, Palomo, Pasto Bueno, Quiruvilca, Huarón, Morococha), tetrahedrite-(Zn) (Huachocolpa, Julcani, Palomo, Pasto Bueno, San Genaro), tetrahedrite-(Fe) (Julcani, Mercedes, Quiruvilca) and tennantite-(Fe) (Milpo, Pachapaqui, Huampar, Huanzala, Quiruvilca). The recently approved new member of this group tennantite-(Cu) was found in two samples from the Julcani ore district. At sample from the San Genero mine, recently approved argentotetrahedrite-(Zn) and an unnamed new member „argentotennantite-(Fe)“ were determined.

Geochemistry of tetrahedrite group minerals and associated silver paragenesis in the Boguszów baryte deposit, Poland

Primary ore mineralization in the abandoned Boguszów baryte-polymetallic deposit, located in the Intra-Sudetic Depression, was studied by reflected light microscopy and electron microprobe. Ore minerals, occurring as veinlets, irregular aggregates and lenses in baryte veins are hosted by the Upper Carboniferous Chełmiec rhyodacite laccolith. They are dominated by galena, sphalerite (with Cd up to 0.04 apfu) and tetrahedrite group minerals (TGM). Four generations of the TGM were distinguished according to textural features and Ag content: (1) low-Ag tetrahedrite-(Zn) (Ag: 0.22–0.6 apfu), (2) Ag-enriched tetrahedrite-(Zn) and Ag-enriched tetrahedrite-(Fe) (Ag: 0.71–1.45 apfu), (3) members of the freibergite series: “freibergite-(Fe)” and “freibergite-(Zn)” (Ag: 3.21–3.48 apfu; Hg: up to 0.75 apfu), (4) member of the “freibergite-(Fe)” series (Ag: 5.32–5.78 apfu). Several elongated inclusions of Ag-bearing sulphosalts within galena crystals were observed (members of the series “freibergite-(Fe)” and “freibergite-(Zn)”, pyrargyrite and polybasite). These polymetallic silver-bearing ores were mined in Boguszów from the 15th to the 19th century. Additionally, small grains of cobalt-enriched löllingite and gersdorffite were observed, which were formed from fluids sourced from the ultramafic basement. The textural characteristics of the ore, the mineral paragenesis and the chemical composition of individual ore minerals indicate low-temperature crystallization conditions.

Mn-nabohacené tetraedrity z rumunských ložisek Cavnic, Botești a Săcărâmb

Eight samples of members of tetrahedrite group from Romanian deposits were examined in terms of their chemical composition studied by means of electron microprobe; five samples from Cavnic, two from Botești and one from Săcărâmb. Mean composition of all samples is corresponding to tetrahedrite-(Zn) and most of them contain Mn. The three Cavnic tetrahedrites contain up to 0.17 apfu, the two Botești samples contain up to 0.42 apfu and the Săcărâmb sample up to 0.83 apfu Mn. Pb and Sn were present at levels up to 0.01 apfu but entering of Pb and Sn into the crystal structure of tetrahedrite group minerals is questionable. In spite of the significant presence of Te is characteristic for the Botești and Săcărâmb deposits, the studied tetrahedrites from these deposits are virtually Te-free (only locally contents of Te up to 0.05 apfu were detected in one sample).

The tetrahedrite group: Nomenclature and classification

AbstractThe classification of the tetrahedrite group minerals in keeping with the current IMA-accepted nomenclature rules is discussed. Tetrahedrite isotypes are cubic, with space group symmetry I43m. The general structural formula of minerals belonging to this group can be written as M(2)A6M(1)(B4C2)X(3) D4S(1)Y12S(2)Z, where A = Cu+, Ag+, ☐ (vacancy), and (Ag6)4+ clusters; B = Cu+, and Ag+; C = Zn2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Cu+, and Fe3+; D = Sb3+, As3+, Bi3+, and Te4+; Y = S2– and Se2–; and Z = S 2–, Se2–, and ☐. The occurrence of both Me+ and Me2+ cations at the M(1) site, in a 4:2 atomic ratio, is a case of valency-imposed double site-occupancy. Consequently, different combinations of B and C constituents should be regarded as separate mineral species. The tetrahedrite group is divided into five different series on the basis of the A, B, D, and Y constituents, i.e., the tetrahedrite, tennantite, freibergite, hakite, and giraudite series. The nature of the dominant C constituent (the so-called “charge-compensating constituent”) is made explicit using a hyphenated suffix between parentheses. Rozhdestvenskayaite, arsenofreibergite, and goldfieldite could be the names of three other series. Eleven minerals belonging to the tetrahedrite group are considered as valid species: argentotennantite-(Zn), argentotetrahedrite-(Fe), kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe), giraudite-(Zn), goldfieldite, hakite-(Hg), rozhdestvenskayaite-(Zn), tennantite-(Fe), tennantite-(Zn), tetrahedrite-(Fe), and tetrahedrite-(Zn). Furthermore, annivite is formally discredited. Minerals corresponding to different end-member compositions should be approved as new mineral species by the IMA-CNMNC following the submission of regular proposals. The nomenclature and classification system of the tetrahedrite group, approved by the IMA-CNMNC, allows the full description of the chemical variability of the tetrahedrite minerals and it is able to convey important chemical information not only to mineralogists but also to ore geologists and industry professionals.

Silver-rich sulfide mineralization in the northwestern termination of the Western Cycladic Detachment System, at Agios Ioannis Kynigos, Hymittos Mt. (Attica, Greece): A mineralogical, geochemical and stable isotope study

Identification of silver-rich sulfide mineralization in the abandoned mines at northern Hymittos Mt (central Attica, Greece) district has made this region important due to its structural relation to the world-class Lavrion mining district (25 km SE of Hymittos Mt.). At Agios Ioannis Kynigos mine veins of oxidized Fe-Pb-Zn-Ag ore are hosted in mylonitic marbles that were predominantly affected by brittle-ductile deformation associated with the West Cycladic Detachment System. The major sulfides are galena and arsenian pyrite which develop as open-space filling (fractures and vugs), disseminations and veinlets. Galena contains abundant inclusions of Pb-As-Sb-Cu-Ag sulfosalts (tetrahedrite group minerals, bournonite, jalpaite). An unusual silver-rich galena ore i.e from 192 to 1500 ppm Ag, is recorded from the present study, with Ag hosted mainly in Ag-tetrahedrite, acanthite and jalpaite. Compositionally pyrite shows As enrichment and the highest As concentration i.e. up to 3.9 wt% is found in the core of the oscillatory zoned pyrites.Values of δ34S of galena are isotopically light (−11.2 to −12.2‰), which suggests a sedimentary component to the ore fluid, that is likely derived from leaching of the meta-sedimentary (calc-mica schists) wall rocks. Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of ore-stage carbonates show values i.e δ13CV-PDB (‰) = −8.2 to −11.7‰ and δ18O = 24.3 to 25.9‰ and for the non-mineralized carbonates δ13CV-PDB (‰) = +0.33 to 2.52‰ and δ18O = 20.8 to 26.1‰. The C and O isotopic composition of the carbonate wall rock distal to the orebody is typical of marine carbonates, whereas hydrothermal carbonates (brown calcite and dolomite) are dominated by an external, light C source. The lowest δ13CV-PDB values are recorded from cerussite and correspond to the low temperature supergene alteration from meteoric waters. The homogenized values of δ18O in the mineralized carbonates indicate interaction of fluid with host carbonates under a low fluid/rock ratio. The Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization at Agios Ioannis Kynigos bears many similarities with the low-temperature carbonate replacement-style mineralization in Kamariza, Lavrion area. Ore deposition in the northern Hymittos detachment fault is focused in the structurally upper parts of the detachment fault where circulation of meteoric fluids is dominant in the hydrothermal system.

Carbonate-replacement Pb–Zn–Ag ± Au mineralization in the Kamariza area, Lavrion, Greece: Mineralogy and thermochemical conditions of formation

Carbonate-replacement Pb–Zn–Ag ± Au deposits in the Kamariza area, Lavrion district, Attica, Greece, are genetically related to the emplacement of Miocene andesitic dikes within a rapidly extending continental back-arc basin, which formed during exhumation of the Attic-Cycladic Crystalline Belt. Replacement veins as well as chimneys and mantos of massive sulfides are the major orebody types with mantos grading into chimneys and veins. Ore minerals are similar among the various types of orebodies in the Kamariza area and consist of sulfides and sulfarsenides (pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, gersdorffite, marcasite), native metals (Au and Bi), Sn-bearing phases (petrukite), sulfosalts and sulfbismuthites of Ag, Bi, Cu, Pb, As, Sb (tetrahedrite-group minerals, bournonite, boulangerite, stephanite, pyrargyrite, semseyite, enargite, bismuthinite, lillianite homologues, Cu-matildite, aikinite, Ag-aikinite, mummeite, emplectite, wittichenite). The elemental association of Bi, Au, and Ag is common. The assemblages gersdorffite-bismuthinite-native gold and native gold-native bismuth are evidence for a contribution of magmatic components to the hydrothermal system. A fluctuation in the sulfidation states of the ore fluid during the evolution of the Kamariza system is evident from the deposition of early arsenopyrite, as well as of enargite-luzonite and both low-Fe and Fe-rich sphalerite in the same samples. Microthermometry of fluid inclusion assemblages show that carbonate replacement mineralization was deposited from a warm to hot (100°C to 400°C), low to moderately saline (1.8 to 17.3 wt% NaCl equiv) fluid. Eutectic temperatures of fluid inclusions as low as −55°C suggest the presence of CaCl2 in addition to NaCl, in the ore fluid. The Kamariza deposit occurs distal to the Plaka granodiorite intrusion and the associated porphyry-Mo mineralization, but is likely to be genetically related to a granitoid buried at depth.

Copper valence, structural separation and lattice dynamics in tennantite (fahlore): NMR, NQR and SQUID studies

Electronic and magnetic properties of tennantite subfamily of tetrahedrite-group minerals have been studied by copper nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and SQUID magnetometry methods. The temperature dependences of copper NQR frequencies and line-width, nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate T 1 −1 and nuclear spin-echo decay rate T 2 −1 in tennantite samples in the temperature range 4.2–210 K is evidence of the presence of field fluctuations caused by electronic spins hopping between copper CuS3 positions via S2 bridging atom. The analysis of copper NQR data at low temperatures points to the magnetic phase transition near 65 K. The magnetic susceptibility in the range 2–300 K shows a Curie–Weiss behavior, which is mainly determined by Fe2+ paramagnetic substituting ions.

A comparative mineralogical study of Te-rich magmatic-hydrothermal systems in northeastern Greece

Several magmatic-hydrothermal systems in northeastern Greece (western Thrace and Limnos Island) are highly enriched in tellurides which, in addition to native gold and electrum, represent major carriers of precious metals in the ore. Deposition near the porphyry-epithermal transition for several systems is indicated by field relations and by the presence of key minerals (Pb- and Ag-rich tellurides, Bi-sulfosalts and Bi-tellurides/tellurosulfides). Hessite, stutzite, sylvanite, petzite, coloradoite, altaite, unnamed Ag-sulfotelluride, native tellurium and electrum are abundant in intermediate sulfidation quartz-carbonate veins together with zincian tetrahedrite-group minerals, chalcopyrite and galena. The presence of hessite, goldfieldite, native gold and enargite or famatinite suggests deposition at a high sulfidation state. The main stage of telluride deposition took place at ∼275 °C at log fTe2 values of −8.5 to −7.1 and log fS2 values of −10.8 to −9.0, based on the Fe-content in sphalerite and the sulfide-telluride mineralogy. The close spatial association of telluride mineralization with intrusive centers of intermediate composition, the base metal enrichment and the trace element signature involving Au, Ag, Te, Bi, Sn and Mo suggest that ore-forming components were introduced at the porphyry-epithermal transition. Potential sources of tellurium are the high-K calc-alkaline (western Thrace) to shoshonitic (Limnos) intrusive rocks.

Mineralogy of telluride-bearing epithermal ores in the Kassiteres-Sappes area, western Thrace, Greece

The Kassiteres-Sappes district represents a multi-centered, porphyry-epithermal system developed during the Oligocene to Miocene at a composite calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline volcanic edifice. Precious and base metal mineralization postdates the emplacement of dacite and rhyolite porphyries and is partly superimposed on earlier microdiorite-related porphyry-style mineralization exposed at the Koryfes Hill prospect. A second mineralized porphyry-type system genetically related to a dacite porphyry body developed near the St Demetrios deposit. Tellurides occur mainly at the St Barbara prospect and the St Demetrios deposit. Based on petrographic, electron microprobe, and scanning electron microscope analyses, hessite, petzite, sylvanite, altaite, stutzite and native tellurium occur in the St Barbara prospect. These tellurium-bearing minerals are hosted in intermediate-sulfidation type veins and accompanied by pyrite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite-group minerals, galena and native gold/electrum. The St Demetrios mineralization includes hessite, altaite, stutzite, and tetradymite in close spatial relation to a high-sulfidation assemblage composed of enargite, chalcopyrite, goldfieldite, and native gold. Tellurides were deposited at logfTe2 values of −8.5 to −7.1 and logfS2 values of −10.7 to −7.9 (275 °C). The ore systems are characterized by Au, Ag, Te, Bi, and Mo, which suggests a magmatic contribution to the mineralizing fluids. Ore-forming components were likely derived from both the dacite and rhyolite porphyries.

TELLURIDE MINERALOGY OF THE GOLDEN MILE DEPOSIT, KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, is a mesozonal gold deposit unusual because of its enormous size (>1,457 tonnes of gold) and because tellurides are responsible for approximately 20% of gold production. Gold mineralization is hosted primarily by Archean-aged dolerites and basalts that have been metamorphosed to the greenschist facies. This mineralization occurs in hundreds of auriferous and telluride-bearing lodes, which have been classified into three structural types on the basis of orientation: main (trending NNW), caunter (trending NW) and cross lodes (trending NE). Three distinct styles of hydrothermal mineralization are present in the deposit. The early Fimiston-style lodes are characterized by main, caunter and cross lodes. The Oroya-style lodes (V- and Te-rich) occur in later dilational jogs and veinlets within a shear zone. Both of these are overprinted by the younger Mount-Charlotte-style mineralization (quartz-vein stockwork). Nineteen tellurium-bearing minerals occur in the Golden Mile deposit. Calaverite, petzite, coloradoite, altaite and native gold are most common throughout the deposit, whereas tellurantimony, melonite, hessite, stutzite, krennerite and sylvanite are rare in the main and caunter lodes. In addition, hessite and montbrayite are found in trace amounts in the cross and main lodes, respectively. There is no systematic distribution of tellurides within a given lode. Tellurides in Fimiston-style ores formed at ca. 300° to 170°C during cooling of the deposit. Values of f (Te2) and f (S2) determined at 300°C on the basis of the stability of native elements, tellurides and sulfides, are ca. log f (Te2) in the range −11.4 to −6.8 and log f (S2) in the range −12.6 to −5.5. No spatial variations in the composition of native gold, tetrahedrite-group minerals and tellurides occur in the Golden Mile deposit, although there is a weak to moderate decrease in gold fineness with depth. Marked differences in telluride mineralogy in and between individual lodes likely reflect variations in physicochemical conditions during ore formation or mechanisms of precious-metal deposition.

Telluride mineralogy of the low-sulfidation epithermal Emperor gold deposit, Vatukoula, Fiji

¶The epithermal, low sulfidation Emperor gold telluride deposit in Fiji, hosted by Late Miocene-Early Pliocene shoshonitic rocks, is spatially related to a low-grade porphyry Cu system on the western flank of the Tavua Caldera. Gold is largely in the form of “invisible” gold in arsenian pyrite but 10 to 50% of gold is in the form of precious metal tellurides. Gold mineralization occurs in steeply dipping dikes and faults, flat-dipping structures (<45°), referred to locally as “flatmakes,” and at the intersection of two or more structures referred to as “shatter zones.” Petrographic, electron microprobe, and scanning electron microscope analyses of ores from some of the more recently discovered orebodies, Matanagata, Matanagata East, and R1 reveal that tellurium-bearing minerals, sylvanite, calaverite, krennerite, petzite, hessite, coloradoite, melonite, native tellurium, and rare benleonardite, formed during various hydrothermal stages, hosted in quartz, and to a lesser extent arsenian pyrite and tetrahedrite group minerals. Sylvanite followed by krennerite are the two most common tellurides in these orebodies. These tellurides show no systematic spatial distribution within flatmakes but there appears to be a higher concentration of tellurides where the flatmake intersects steep structures. Gold-rich tellurides preceded the formation of silver-rich tellurides and were constrained at 250 °C in log f S2 and log f Te2 space at −12.7 to −10.1 and −9.4 to −7.8, respectively, based on sulfide and telluride stabilities, and the composition of sphalerite. Ore forming components, such as Au, Ag, Te, Cu, V, and S, were likely derived from Late Miocene-Early Pliocene monzonites in and adjacent to the Tavua caldera.

Oxidation state and electronic configuration determination of copper in tetrahedrite group minerals by L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy

L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy employing a synchrotron radiation source has been used to study the electronic structure and valency of Cu in the chemically and structurally complex tetrahedrite group of minerals. Mechanical mixtures of Cu2+O and Cu+FeS2 were used to estimate the relative cross sections of Cu2+ and Cu+; the absorption of Cu2+ at 931 eV is 25 times greater than that of Cu+ at 945 eV. Using this calibration, Cu2+/Cu ratios were found to vary from 0.00 to 0.054 in the tetrahedrite samples studied; the highest proportion of Cu2+ occurs in synthetic tetrahedrites with a composition close to Cu12Sb4S13. This study reveals the utility of the technique for determining the valence state of copper in complex minerals, allowing the crystal chemistry to be more fully characterised.

X–Ray Powder Diffraction Data for Synthetic Varieties of Tetrahedrite

AbstractA series of five synthetic tetrahedrite-group minerals has been prepared and examined using powder X-ray diffraction in order to update current powder data and provide a validation test of cell dimension prediction equations. The tetrahedrites (nominally (Cu10X2)Sb4S13 with X = Zn, Cd, Mn, Hg and Fe) have the following properties: zincian tetrahedrite, a = 10.3833 (1) Å, Dx = 4.974 (1) g/cm3, F30 = 264 (0.004, 31), M20 = 279; cadmian tetrahedrite, a = 10.5066 (1) Å, Dx = 5.073 (1) g/cm3, F30 = 208 (0.004, 37), M20 = 249; manganoan tetrahedrite, a = 10.4384 (1) Å, Dx = 4.822 (1) g/cm3, F30 = 274 (0.003, 33), M20 = 302; mercurian tetrahedrite, a = 10.5071 (1) Å, Dx = 5.570 (1) g/cm3, F30 = 150 (0.006, 35), M20 = 156; ferroan tetrahedrite, a = 10.3630 (1) Å, Dx = 5.002 (1) g/cm3, F30 = 253 (0.004, 33), M20 = 281. The experimental unit cell dimensions obtained in this study are in excellent agreement with calculated values produced using regression equations developed previously.