Unusual Mineral Research Articles

P-T modeling of margarite + anorthite-bearing Al-rich metapelites in the Taebaeksan basin, South Korea: implications for accretion-related metamorphism during the Late Permian-Triassic orogeny

Greenschist-facies Al-rich metapelites of the Pyeongan Supergroup in the eastern part of the Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea, contain unusual mineral assemblages, including the associations Mrg + Cld + Ms ± Chl ± Cal, An + Mrg + Ms, and An + Ms ± Grt ± St (all rocks contain Qtz). The XMrg [Ca/(Ca + Na + K)] and XPa [Na/(Ca + Na + K)] values of margarite range from 0.12 to 0.92 and from 0.10 to 0.28, respectively. High-Ca plagioclase porphyroblasts are slightly zoned, from An85 in the core to An98 in the rim. The Mrg + Cld-bearing assemblage yields P-T conditions of ca. 450–480 °C, 4.0–5.0 kbar based on the intersection of isopleths of Fe/(Fe + Mg) of chloritoid and XPa of margarite in the MnO-Na2O-CaO-K2O-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (MnNCKFMASH) system. The anorthite-bearing mineral assemblages yield P-T conditions of ca. 480–520 °C, 3.8–4.4 kbar, and the An contents of plagioclase increased during decompression rather than during heating, based on isopleths of An content and the modal proportion of plagioclase. Phase relations in \(T - X_{CO_2 } \) pseudosections at 4 kbar in the CASH-CO2 system indicate that anorthite in the Al-rich metapelites grew during the consumption of margarite at \(X_{CO_2 } \) values of ca. 0.2–0.5 during sub-isothermal decompression at temperatures of 480–500 °C. Consequently, the overall P-T path for the formation of chloritoid, margarite and anorthite is characterized by relatively rapid compressional heating up to 480 °C at 5.0 kbar (geothermal gradient of 27–30 °C/km), followed by sub-isothermal retrograde decompression. This clockwise P-T path in the eastern part of the Taebaeksan Basin reflects the effects of the Late Permian-Triassic Songrim orogeny, which probably occurred at an accretionary forearc-related active continental margin.

Unusual mineralization with niobian titanite and Bi-tellurides in scheelite skarn from Kamenné doly quarry near Písek, Moldanubian Zone, Bohemian Massif

*� Correspondingauthor Clinopyroxene-garnet scheelite skarn containing accessory niobian titanite, native bismuth and Bi-tellurides of the Bi 2 X and Bi 5 X 3 series, together with Fe- and Fe-As sulphides, is associated with the contact of chondrodite marble with melanocratic granite-quartz syenite (durbachite). Hedenbergite-rich vein in this marble can be considered as an additional type of skarn. The presence of accessory niobian titanite is typical, in particular, of the veins. In addition to increased Nb contents (≤ 10.6 wt. % Nb 2 O 5 ; ≤ 0.164 apfu Nb) and locally Ta (≤ 4.07 Ta 2 O 5 ; ≤ 0.038 apfu Ta), it is relatively rich in Al (≤ 0.253 apfu). Locally it contains elevated Fe, Sn, Zr and F contents. Negative correlations of Al + F with R 4+ and Al + (Nb 5+ , Ta 5+ ) with R 4+ accompanied by low contents of Na in titanite correspond to the substi- tutions Al(OH,F)(TiO) -1 and Al(Nb,Ta)Ti -2 . Niobian titanite has anomalous composition if compared to skarn mineral assemblages worldwide. The Bi-(sulpho-) telluride with empiric formula Bi 1.98 (Te 0.66 S 0.34 Se 0.02 ) Σ1.02 is a member of the Bi 2 X series, whose members were described from numerous localities as unnamed minerals. In contrast to the publis- hed data this phase contains increased sulphur contents up to 0.33 apfu. The second Bi-(sulpho-) telluride with empiric formula (Bi 4.51 Fe 0.40 Cd 0.03 Pb 0.02 Sb 0.01 As 0.01 ) Σ4.98 (Te 1.58 S 1.36 Se 0.08 ) Σ3.02 is probably a S-rich member of the Bi 5 X 3 series. In the evolution of the skarn it is possible to distinguish stage I responsible for the formation of the older Mg- and younger Ca-skarns, and stage II, characterised by increased Fe contents. The scheelite-sulphide mineralization was formed during a third (retrogression) stage followed by brittle deformation. Emplacement of siderite ± quartz veins represents the fourth (terminal) stage of mineralization.

New data on mineral forms of rare metals in phosphogypsum wastes

Phosphogypsum is an industrial waste of the processing of Khibiny apatite concentrate into chemical fertilizers by sulfurous technology. This is a valuable and promising technogenous rare-metal feedstock. The samples of fresh and old phosphogypsum were studied using precision physical techniques of analytical electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis. These studies allowed the discovery of new and unusual mineral compositions including strontium and rare earth metals in mineral fractions of phosphogypsum. The appearance of a new generation of technogenous rare-metal raw material permits us to characterize the prospects of its industrial use and to develop nonwaste technologies of its complex treatment.

MIL 03443, a dunite from asteroid 4 Vesta: Evidence for its classification and cumulate origin

Abstract– The absence of dunite (>90 vol% olivine) in the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) meteorite suite, when viewed with respect to spectroscopic and petrologic evidence for olivine on Vesta, is problematic. Herein, we present petrologic, geochemical, and isotopic evidence confirming that Miller Range (MIL) 03443, containing 91 vol% olivine, should be classified with the HED clan rather than with mesosiderites. Similarities in olivine and pyroxene FeO/MnO ratios, mineral compositions, and unusual mineral inclusions between MIL 03443 and the diogenites support their formation on a common parent body. This hypothesis is bolstered by oxygen isotopic and bulk geochemical data. Beyond evidence for its reclassification, we present observations and interpretations that MIL 03443 is probably a crustal cumulate rock like the diogenites, rather than a sample of the Vestan mantle.

Applying the box plot to the recognition of footwall alteration zones related to VMS deposits in a high-grade metamorphic terrain, South Africa, a lithogeochemical exploration application

Alteration zones (more commonly foot wall alteration zones) are related to volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VMS) deposits and represent unique features that may be targeted during exploration. Of these, the chloritic foot wall alteration pipe is the most extensive and characteristic of VMS deposits. This feature is geochemically identified by a strong relative enrichment in aluminium and magnesium and a coupled depletion in calcium and sodium, giving rise to chloritic rocks in the primary environment of formation. During high grade regional metamorphism such chloritic precursor rock types are replaced by an unusual mineral paragenesis, typically containing magnesium rich cordierite, phlogopite, orthoamphiboles or orthopyroxenes and aluminium rich minerals such as sillimanite and corundum. This suggests that the unusual geochemical features of the alteration zone, retained during the deformation and metamorphism, should be recognisable in lithogeochemical exploration. The massive sulfide deposit in the eastern part of the metamorphic Namaqua Province, South Africa, at Areachap, Kantienpan and the defunct Prieska Cu–Zn Mine are hosted by a Mid-Proterozoic volcano sedimentary succession known as the Areachap Group. These deposits were affected by a complex deformation and metamorphic history and represent examples of upper amphibolite to granulite grade metamorphosed VMS deposits. The application of the known lithogeochemical methods is especially complicated where the geology is not well understood, due to the poor rock exposure of complexly deformed and metamorphosed areas, such as in the eastern part of the Namaqua Province. The box plot presents a more readily applicable lithogeochemical method to characterize and identify the alteration process, but it was designed for relatively un-metamorphosed environments. It is demonstrated here that the box plot may also be applied to high-grade metamorphic terrains and that the mineral phases used in defining the boxplot in low grade metamorphic environments may be replaced by their equivalents in high grade metamorphic terrains. The compositional trends of the metamorphic minerals themselves may be used in defining the boxplot for high grade metamorphic terrains. These include the transition of: annite to phlogopite; grossular to almandine or pyrope, augite to enstatite or clinoenstatite, and hornblende to gedrite or cummingtonite. Close to the ore zone, the relative Mg content of pyroxene, cordierite and biotite are higher than further away from this zone. It could be demonstrated that the changes in the mineral compositions are gradational when comparing unaffected rocks with progressively more altered wall rocks. Conclusions based on an application of the isocon method demonstrate that primary footwall alteration zones in the Areachap Group's VMS deposits are characterized by elemental depletion of Na 2O, CaO, Sr, Ni, V and La and enrichment of MgO, Fe 2O 3(total), S, Zn, SiO 2, Co and F. It is shown that the whole rock compositions of rocks that were independently identified as the metamorphic equivalents of altered rocks, using the isocon method, plot in the correct place in the box plot for high grade regionally metamorphosed terrains. This establishes the box plot as an effective and practical tool for lithogeochemical exploration for VMS deposits in complexly deformed high grade metamorphosed terrains.

Garnet–spinel–corundum–quartz-bearing titanohematite veins in eclogite from the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane: Imprint of a short-lived, high-temperature metamorphic stage

Eclogite-hosted garnet–spinel–corundum–quartz-bearing titanohematite veins and lenses (10–20 cm in width) are described for the first time in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic terrane. Some of the lenses were aligned parallel to the foliation of the host eclogite, suggesting that they were the product of ductile deformation of one titanohematite layer. A vein composed of titanohematite + ilmenite + hematite + spinel + garnet + corundum + quartz + K-feldspar + albite was studied in detail. Ti–Fe oxides account for up to >80% and Al-rich phases for ∼15% of the total volume of this vein. Electron microprobe analyses show that the titanohematite solid solution was made up of 0.75 hematite + 0.25 ilmenite. The unusual mineral assemblage of garnet + spinel + corundum + quartz implies that this vein could have experienced high temperatures (>900 °C). Although the garnets showed well-defined Mg and Mn diffusion zoning in the rim as a result of the high temperature event, slight Mg and Mn growth zoning was preserved in the core. Thus, we suggest that the Sulu UHP terrane could have experienced a short-lived, high-temperature (>900 °C) stage during exhumation. Garnets in the titanohematite vein were characterized by extremely low trace-element contents. Petrological and geochemical features of the veins suggest that they could be metamorphic products of igneous cumulates composed of magnetite + plagioclase ± clinopyroxene.

The unusual mineral vaterite in shells of the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea from the UK

Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) with abnormally thickened shell valves were found in four rivers in the UK (Rivers Yare, Waveney, Thames and New Bedford River). The material making up these malformations was the rare calcium carbonate polymorph vaterite. Vaterite is seldom found in the natural environment because it is less stable than the other calcium carbonate polymorphs (aragonite and calcite). In the few reported cases of vaterite formation in molluscs, it is usually related to unusual biomineralisation events such as shell regeneration, pearls and initial stages of shell formation. We compared two populations from the Rivers Yare and Waveney in the Norfolk Broads, UK, one (River Waveney) displaying dominantly the normal Corbicula shell form with aragonitic shells. In the River Yare population, all individuals sampled had shell deformations to different extents. These deformations were apparent as bulges on the inside of the ventral shell margin. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the shell material in the bulges of recently collected clams was vaterite. Other parts of the deformed shells were aragonitic. The shell deformations alter the shell morphology, leading to higher and wider shells. The shell microstructure is fibrous in the vateritic parts and crossed-lamellar in the aragonitic parts of deformed or non-deformed shells. The cause for the malformations is probably a disrupted biomineralisation process in the bivalves. Fossil Corbicula specimens from the late Pleistocene had similar deformations, suggesting that this is not a response to anthropogenic causes, such as pollution.

Melilite-group minerals at Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania

Oldoinyo Lengai and the volcanic centres of the Lake Natron–Engaruka province contain melilite as a widespread mineral. Extraordinarily Na–Al-rich melilites (up to 6 wt.% Na 2O and 9 wt.% Al 2O 3) from recent explosive eruptions are among the most Na-rich ever reported. Their unusual mineral composition leads to optical properties with vivid birefringence colours of 2nd order. The continuous variation in mineral composition from common åkermanite to Na–Al–melilite ( alumoåkermanite) is documented and reflects the whole peralkaline trend of Oldoinyo Lengai. The data presented allow the volcano's evolution from primitive olivine melilitites to highly evolved and peralkaline combeite–wollastonite nephelinites to be traced. Melilite compositions of Oldoinyo Lengai extend the magmatic field in the Ca 2Fe(Si 2O 7)–Ca 2Mg(Si 2O 7)–(CaNa)Al(Si 2O 7) end-member ternary compositional diagram.

Chromitites from the Fiskenæsset anorthositic complex, West Greenland: clues to late Archaean mantle processes

Abstract Chromitites in the late Archaean Fiskenæsset anorthosite complex are characterized by a most unusual mineral assemblage: highly calcic plagioclase, iron-rich aluminous chromites and primary amphibole. In particular, the chromite compositions are atypical of chromitites in layered igneous intrusions. However, rare occurrences of this mineral assemblage are found in modern arcs and it is proposed here that the late Archaean calcic anorthositic chromitites formed by the partial melting of unusually aluminous harzburgite in a mantle wedge above a subduction zone. This melting process produced a hydrous, aluminous basalt, which fractionated at depth in the crust to produce a variety of high-alumina basalt compositions, from which the anorthosite complex with its chromitite horizons formed as a cumulate within the continental crust. The principal trigger for the late precipitation of chromite is thought to have been the removal of Al from the basaltic melt through plagioclase crystallization, and the build-up of Cr through an absence of clinopyroxene. It is proposed that the aluminous mantle source of the parent magma was produced by the melting of a harzburgitic mantle refertilized by small-volume, aluminous slab melts. This process ceased at the end of the Archaean because the dominant mechanism of crust generation changed such that melt production shifted from the slab into the mantle wedge, thus explaining why highly calcic anorthosites are almost totally restricted to the Archaean.

LREE-rich hibonite in ultrapotassic rocks in southern India

We describe a rare terrestrial occurrence of hibonite (CaAl 12TiO 19) from the ultrapotassic rocks which occur as veinlets in graphite-bearing spinellite in the Achankovil Shear Zone (ACSZ), southern India. The ultrapotassic rocks are characterized by an unusual mineral assemblage, kalsilite + leucite + corundum + spinel + perovskite + apatite + hibonite ± phlogopite, along with mantle-derived graphite and Fe-sulfides. Three types of hibonite were identified in terms of chemical zoning as observed in back scattered images: (i) unzoned hibonite, (ii) zoned hibonite with brighter core and dark rim, and (iii) zoned hibonite with brighter core, a less bright intermediate zone and a dark outer rim corresponding to the variations in the distribution of LREEs (light rare earth elements), Ca, Al and Ti in the hibonite structure. The core regions of hibonite are highly enriched in LREEs and Sr, and depleted in Ca, Ti and Al, compared to the rim areas. Chondrite-normalized REE distribution patterns for hibonite exhibit extreme LREE enrichment (La N/Yb N = 763 to 374,494) with a negative Eu anomaly. Apatite displays MREE-enriched patterns. Partitioning of LREEs in hibonite and apatite crystallized from the melts is chiefly determined by their preference for hibonite > apatite. We propose a model that considers the formation of the LREE-rich Ti-depleted hibonite from ultrapotassic silica-undersaturated melts. We envisage that the melts were generated by low degree partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing peridotite that was fertilized in LREEs. The ultrapotassic rock that occurs as veins along the ACSZ represents a melt influx associated with deep-seated extension after the final amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent.

A life detection problem in a High Arctic microbial community

Fluorescent labeling of bacterial cell walls, DNA, and metabolic processes demonstrates high (potentially single molecule) sensitivity, is non-invasive, and in some cases can differentiate strains and species. Robust microscopes such as the custom instruments presented here can provide good image quality in the field and are potentially suitable for flight. However, ambiguous or false-positive results with bacterial stains can occur and can create difficulties in interpretation even on Earth. We present a “real” life detection problem in a sample of biofilms taken from the Canadian High Arctic. The samples consisted of numerous small sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and larger structures resembling fungi or diatoms. The identity of these latter structures remained ambiguous until electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy were performed, indicating that they were unusual sulfur minerals probably precipitated by the bacterial communities. While such mineral structures may possibly serve as biosignatures after the cells have disappeared, it is important that they not be mistaken for cells themselves. It is also possible that unusual mineral structures will be performed under extraterrestrial conditions, so great care is needed to differentiate cell structures from minerals.

The Relationship Between Cave Minerals and H2S - Rich Thermal Waters along Cerna Valley (SW Romania)

Within the Cerna Valley in southwestern Romania, over a 100 caves were formed in the Jurassic and Cretaceous limestone that outcrops on the valley walls. Three aspects are prominent when entering most of the caves in this region: the presence of considerable gypsum deposits, the amount of guano, and the cave temperature. High temperature anomalies are uncommon in the cave environment. In certain caves in the lower part of Cerna Valley, however, one can measure air temperatures as high as 40°C. This situation is due to the presence of thermal water pooling or flowing through the caves or to the hot steam that rises along fractures from deeper thermal water pools. As a result, these caves provide a unique set of conditions that allowed for the deposition of a suite of unusual minerals. This study presents the results of fifty-seven mineral samples that were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, geochemical, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope analyses with the scope of linking the cave minerals with likely hypogene speleogenetic processes. Here we document the occurrence of twenty-two secondary cave minerals, among which, apjonite and tamarugite are the first recorded occurrences in a limestone cave environment. The minerals fall into three distinct associations: sulfate-dominated (Diana Cave), phosphate-dominated (Adam Shaft), and sulfate-phosphate-nitrate-rich assemblage (Great Salitrari Cave). Additional isotopic measurements (δ34S) performed on sulfate speleothems contribute valuable information on both minerals and cave origins.

Unusual mantle mineral group from chromitite orebody Cr-11 in Luobusa ophiolite of Yarlung-Zangbo suture zone, Tibet

A wide variety of unusual mantle has been reported from podiform chromitite orebodies Cr-31 and Cr-74 in the Luobusa (罗布莎) ophiolite, Tibet. A detailed investigation of chromitite orebody Cr-11, located in the Kangjinla (康金拉) district at the eastern end of the ophiolite, has revealed many of the same minerals, including diamond, moissanite, and some native elements, alloys, oxides, sulphides, silicates, carbonates, and tungstates. This orebody is particularly rich in diamonds, with over 1 000 grains recovered from about 1 100 kg sample of chromitite. More detailed studies and experiments are needed to understand the origin and significance of these unusual minerals because they have not been found in situ. It is a great breakthrough in mineralogical research that we have picked up more than 40 kinds of minerals from the Kangjinla chromite deposit in Luobusa. It is notable that a large amount of diamonds were firstly discovered from the Kangjinla chromite deposit as well as many other unusual minerals, such as moissanites, rutiles, native irons, and metal alloys. Especially, that diamond was found again in different chromitites in the same ophiolite belt provided new key evidence for discussing the origin of the diamond and the hosted chromitite and ophiolite. The mantle mineral group in Tibet has great significance in mineralogy and geodynamics.

Iodine-rich waters involved in supergene enrichment of the Mantos de la Luna argentiferous copper deposit, Atacama Desert, Chile

Recent studies have suggested the involvement of highly saline deep formation waters that modified preexisting Cu assemblages to form atacamite during supergene oxidation of Cu deposits in the Atacama region. In this report, we document the occurrence of (Ag-I) inclusions hosted by supergene chalcocite from Mantos de la Luna, an argentiferous Upper Jurassic stratabound Cu deposit in the Coastal Range of northern Chile. The presence of this unusual mineral assemblage indicates that iodargyrite precipitated from reducing iodine-rich waters, suggesting that the fluids involved in supergene enrichment of Cu deposits in the Coastal Range were more complex than previously thought. This suggests the prevalence of hyperarid conditions during the latest stages of supergene enrichment of the Mantos de la Luna Cu deposit in the Atacama region, supporting the notion that supergene enrichment processes in hyperarid areas are dynamic in nature and do not exclusively require the presence of meteoric water.

THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE BEHAVIOR OF CHAROITE

The effect of thermal annealing on charoite, K 5 Ca 8 (Si 6 O 15 ) (Si 2 O 7 ) (Si 4 O 9 ) (OH)·3H 2 O, have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and thermoluminescence (TL). The chemical composition, established by electron-probe micro-analysis (EPMA), indicates significant amounts of Na, Ba, Fe and F; the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) results reveal the presence of unusual minerals such as tinaksite and aegirine. The cell parameters of both natural and preheated charoite, determined by XRD, are (i) a 19.786(2), b 32.003(3), c 7.8565(9) A, α 90, β 97.159, γ90°, with a F(30) of 43 for the non-annealed sample, and (ii) a 19.567(2), b 31.821(3), c 7.1171(7) A, α 90, β 94.000(2), γ 90°, with a F(30) of 19 for charoite heated to 710°C. The thermal effect indicates a shortening of the cell edges, Δ a 0.219(2), Δ b 0.182, Δ c 0.739 A, and the β angle tilts only by 3.16°. The DTA–TG and TL emission suggest: (i) a thermal interval of 80°–290°C, explained by the dehydration of charoite, involving different types of H 2 O, i.e. , hydrogen-bonded to the framework and non-bonded H 2 O, and (ii) an interval 2900°–480°C, resulting from a dehydroxylation process.

Mars on Earth: soil analogues for future Mars missions

Preparations for missions to Mars are a major concern for scientists. Predicting how equipment and experiments will perform on the planet is difficult because tests are restricted to Earth. Mars soil analogues are being used to solve this problem. These terrestrial materials are chemically and physically similar to martian soils and, because they contain unusual minerals and trace amounts of organic matter, are scientifically interesting in their own right. However, no current analogue is appropriate for all necessary tests. Here we describe Mars soil analogues, identify limitations and suggest the need for new Mars simulants.

Si-P impure Al-Goethite Mineralization on the island of Dugi Otok (Central Adriatic, Croatia)

At the western seaward coast of the island of Dugi Otok, unusual goethite mineralization occurs as the infilling of a system of thin crevices in the Upper Cretaceous limestones of the Adriatic carbonate platform. Goethite is exceptionally well ordered and shows a variety of chemical compositions ranging from almost pure FeO·OH to Al-substituted composition accompanied by high Si and P impurity. The most characteristic textural type assemblages are goethite and coarse grained calcite in composite aggregates. These aggregates contain Al-substituted goethite with metamorphic silicate minerals embedded in the core, (black goethite) armoured by the XRD-pure, almost stoichiometric goethite (brown goethite). The geochemical and mineralogical features of the mineralization suggest an ascending solution from a hidden metamorphic source. We speculate that the source could have been activated by the thermal influx linked to the Pliocene intraplate magmatism in the eastern segment of Adria.

Low-temperature serpentinization processes and kimberlite groundwater signatures in the Kirkland Lake and Lake Timiskiming kimberlite fields, Ontario, Canada: implications for diamond exploration

Groundwaters from diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in the Kirkland Lake and Lake Timiskaming regions display unusual geochemical characteristics and signatures compared with groundwaters from the surrounding host rock. Reaction modelling was used to better constrain water/rock ratios, alteration mineralogy and groundwater geochemistry. A soil-zone Ca-HCO 3 − water from glacial till was reacted, using a reaction-modelling program, with three different suites of minerals: a kimberlite suite, a felsic intrusive suite and a mafic intrusive suite. Decreasing pH and alkalinity with increasing water/rock ratios in model reactions with the kimberlite suite suggest that sampled groundwaters are from both the hypabyssal facies (high pH and alkalinity; low water/rock ratios) and the diatreme facies (low pH and alkalinity; high water/rock ratios). Geochemical concentrations of sampled groundwaters from kimberlites were compared to modelled waters; results indicate that these waters are different from those flowing through local felsic or mafic intrusive rocks. The kimberlitic groundwaters, and modelled waters, contain low concentrations of Mg and Fe, high concentrations of K and Ca, have elevated pH (up to 12.45), and are defined as a Ca-OH − water for the A4 and B30 kimberlites. In contrast, the C14, Diamond Lake and 95-2 kimberlites contain groundwaters that have higher Mg and Fe, lower Ca and K concentrations, and relatively low pH (8.5–10). The reaction model suggests that different minerals precipitate where the water interacts with different kimberlite facies and/or where a different water/rock ratio exists. More hydroxide phases form where pH and hydroxide alkalinity are high. Where kimberlite waters interact with host-rock waters, minerals not likely to be found otherwise, such as magnesite, brucite and magnetite, may be detected along fractures, or near seeps or springs where groundwater comes to surface. Exploration for kimberlites can benefit from the use of groundwater. Groundwater interaction with kimberlitic rocks produces characteristic aqueous geochemical anomalies due to low-temperature serpentinization reactions. The identification of geochemical anomalies in the groundwaters down-flow of a kimberlite and the unusual mineral assemblages that may precipitate from these groundwaters may aid in the location of undiscovered kimberlites.

A mechanism for the formation of the mineralized Mn deposits at Merehead Quarry, Cranmore, Somerset, England

AbstractMississippi Valley type galena deposits emplaced into Carboniferous limestones throughout the Mendip Hills during the late Permian or Triassic period were locally exposed to the action of seawater during the Jurassic period following regional uplift and erosion of the intervening strata. Oxidation of galena initiated the deposition of manganate minerals from the seawater, and these adsorbed heavy metals from both the seawater and local environment. A subsequent hydrothermal event heated the lead-manganate deposits causing decomposition of the galena and creating the conditions which led to the formation of the suite of unusual secondary minerals – including a number of rare oxychlorides – now found at Merehead. Heating of the manganate phases converted them to Mn oxides and released the entrained heavy metals which were then incorporated into unusual mineral phases. The impervious Mn oxide coating which enclosed the cooling Pb-rich areas isolated them chemically, leading to closed-system behaviour. The high-T phases at Merehead are similar to those found in the Pb-bearing silicic skarns at Långban, whilst the suite of secondary minerals which evolved in the closed-system environments bears striking similarities to the ‘anomalous sequence’ of minerals found at the Mammoth-St. Antony Mine. The complexity of these formation processes probably explains the rarity of Mendip-type Pb-Mn deposits. The collective importance of the disconformity, the hydrothermal event, and subsequent sealing of the deposits are recognized for the first time, and the temperature of the hydrothermal event is shown to have been much greater than has heretofore been realized. Silurian volcanic strata underlying the Carboniferous limestones which have previously been assumed to be the source of heavy metals are shown to have been uninvolved in the process.

Mineralogical and geochemical evidence for coupled bacterial uranium mineralization and hydrocarbon oxidation in the Shashagetai deposit, NW China

Unusual mineral structures have recently been found in a sandstone-hosted roll-type uranium deposit in the Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Shashagetai deposit, the northern Ordos basin, NW China. The structures possess a chemical composition and crystal structure characteristic of mineral coffinite [(USiO 4) 1− x (OH) 4 x ], which occurs as nanoparticles with size ranging from 5 to 25 nm. These structures are interpreted to be fossilized microorganisms, based on mineralogical biosignatures including morphology, size, occurrence of biogenic coffinite as nano-crystals, and biological elements such as P. The intimate intergrowth of coffinite with secondary pyrite of bacterial origin, as defined by low δ 34S values, and calcite cements with petroleum-derived carbon supports its biogenic origin. Oil inclusions in the host sandstone are characterized by abundant n-alkanes, slightly increased Pr/nC 17 and Ph/nC 18 ratios, significant amounts of demethylated hopanes and tricyclic terpanes, and the existence of unresolved complex mixtures. These characteristics are interpreted to be a result of mixing of an earlier, heavily degraded oil with a later charged fresh oil; subsequently the oils were slightly degraded. These lines of evidence lead to the proposal that the reduction of sulfate and oxidization of petroleum are likely synchronous with reduction of hexavalent [U(VI)] to tetravalent [U(IV)] uranium by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The discovery of a natural association of microorganism-like structures, a uranium mineral, and biodegraded petroleum has implications for uranium biomineralization and fossil fuel exploration.