Depositional age and tectonic environment of the Gouap banded iron formations from the Nyong group,SW Cameroon:Insights from isotopic,geochemical and geochronological studies of drillcore samples

The discovery of the Gouap banded iron formations(BIFs)-hosted iron mineralization in the northwestern of the Nyong Group(Ntem Complex)in southwestern Cameroon provides unique insights into the geology of this region.In this contribution,we firstly report detailed study of geochemistry,isotopic and geochronology of well preserved samples of the Gouap BIFs collected from diamond drillcores.The Gouap BIFs consist mainly of amphibole BIFs and amphibole-pyrite BIFs characterized by dominant Fe_(2)O_(3)+SiO_(2)contents and variable contents of CaO,MgO and SO_(3),consistent with the presence of amphibole,chlorite,epidote and pyrite,formed during amphibolite facies metamorphism and overprinted hydrothermal event.The amphibole–pyrite BIFs are typically enriched in trace and rare earth elements(REE)compared to the amphibole BIFs,suggesting the influence of detrital materials as well as secondary hydrothermal alteration.The Post Archean Australian Shale(PAAS)-normalized REE–Y profiles of the Gouap BIFs display positive La,Eu anomalies,weak negative Ce anomalies,indicating a mixture of low-temperature hydrothermal fluids and relatively oxic conditions probably under relative shallow seawater.We present here the first isotopic data of BIFs within the Ntem Complex.Theδ^(30)Si_(NBS28)values of the quartz from the Gouap BIFs vary from-1.5‰to-0.3‰and from-0.8‰to-0.9‰for the amphibole BIFs and amphibole–pyrite BIFs,respectively.The quartz hasδ^(18)OV-SMOW values of 6.8‰–9.5‰(amphibole BIFs)and 9.2‰–10.6‰(amphibole–pyrite BIFs).The magnetite from the Gouap BIFs showsδ^(18)O values ranging from-3.5‰to-1.8‰and from-3‰to-1.7‰for the amphibole BIFs and amphibole–pyrite BIFs,respectively.Moreover,the pyrite grains in the amphibole–pyrite BIFs displayδ34S values of 1.1‰–1.8‰.All isotopic data of the Gouap BIFs confirm that they might have precipitated from low-temperature hydrothermal fluids with detrital input distant from the volcanic activity.According to their geochemical and isotopic characteristics,we propose that the Gouap BIFs belong to the Superior type.In situ U–Pb zircon dating of BIFs was conducted to assess the BIF depositional age based on strong evidence of zircon in thin section.The Gouap BIFs were probably deposited at 2422±50 Ma in a region where sediments extended from continental shelf to deep-water environments along craton margins like the Caue Formation of the Minas Supergroup,Brazil.The studied BIFs have experienced regional hydrothermal activity and metamorphism at 2089±8.3 Ma during the Eburnean–Transamazonian orogeny.These findings suggest a physical continuity between the protocratonic masses of both Sao Francisco and Congo continents in the Rhyacian Period.

Influence of contamination on banded iron formations in the Isua supracrustal belt, West Greenland: Reevaluation of the Eoarchean seawater compositions

Banded Iron Formations（BIFs） are chemical sediments, ubiquitously distributed in the Precambrian supracrustal belts; thus their trace element compositions are helpful for deciphering geochemical evolution on the Earth through time. However, it is necessary to elucidate factors controlling the whole-rock compositions in order to decode the ancient seawater compositions because their compositions are highly variable. We analyzed major and trace element contents of the BIFs in the 3.8-3.7 Ga Isua supracrustal belt（ISB）, southern West Greenland. The BIFs are petrographically classified into four types：Black-,Gray-, Green-and White-types, respectively. The Green-type BIFs contain more amphiboles, and are significantly enriched in Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, heavy rare earth element（HREE） and U contents. However,their bulk compositions are not suitable for estimate of seawater composition because the enrichment was caused by secondary mobility of metamorphic Mg, Ca and Si-rich fluid, involvement of carbonate minerals and silicate minerals of olivine and pyroxene and/or later silicification or contamination of volcanic and clastic materials. The White-type BIFs are predominant in quartz, and have lower transition element and REE contents. The Gray-type BIFs contain both quartz and magnetite. The Black-type BIFs are dominated by magnetite, and contain moderate to high transition element and REE contents. But,positive correlations of V, Ni, Zn and U contents with Zr contents suggest that involvement of detrital,volcanic and exhalative materials influences on their contents. The evidence for significant influence of the materials on the transition element contents such as Ni in the BIFs indicates the transition element contents in the Archean ocean were much lower than previously estimated. We reconstructed secular variations of V,Co, Zn and U contents of BIFs through time, which show Ni and Co contents decreased whereas V, Zn and U contents increased through time. Especially, the Ni and Co contents drastically decreased in the Mesoarchean rather than around the Great Oxidation Event. On the other hand, the V,Zn and U contents progressively increased from the Mesoarchean to the Proterozoic. Stratigraphical trends of the BIFs show increase in Y/Ho ratios and decrease in positive Eu anomaly upwards, respectively. The stratigraphic changes indicate that a ratio of hydrothermal fluid to seawater component gradually decrease through the deposition, and support the Eoarchean plate tectonics, analogous to the their stratigraphic variations of seafloor metalliferous sediments at present and in the Mesoarchean.

Spectral characteristics of banded iron formations in Singhbhum craton,eastern India:Implications for hematite deposits on Mars

Banded iron formations （BIFs） are major rock units having hematite layers intermittent with silica rich layers and formed by sedimentary processes during late Archean to mid Proterozoic time. In terrestrial environment, hematite deposits are mainly found associated with banded iron formations. The BIFs in Lake Superior （Canada） and Carajas （Brazil） have been studied by planetary scientists to trace the evolution of hematite deposits on Mars. Hematite deposits are extensively identified in Meridiani region on Mars. Many hypotheses have been proposed to decipher the mechanism for the formation of these deposits. On the basis of geomorphological and mineralogical studies, aqueous environment of deposition is found to be the most supportive mechanism for its secondary iron rich deposits. In the present study, we examined the spectral characteristics of banded iron formations of Joda and Daitari located in Singhbhum craton in eastern India to check its potentiality as an analog to the aqueous/marine environment on Mars. The prominent banding feature of banded iron formations is in the range of few millimeters to few centimeters in thickness. Fe rich bands are darker （gray） in color compared to the light reddish jaspilitic chert bands. Thin quartz veins （〈4 mm） are occasionally observed in the handspecimens of banded iron formations. Spectral investigations have been conducted in VIS/NIR region of electromagnetic spectrum in the laboratory conditions. Optimum absorption bands identified include 0.65, 0.86, 1.4 and 1.9 μm, in which 0.56 and 0.86 μm absorption bands are due to ferric iron and 1.4 and 1,9 μm bands are due to OH/H2O. To validate the mineralogical results obtained from VlS/NIR spectral radiometry, laser Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques were utilized and the results were found to be similar. Goethite-hematite association in banded iron formation in Singhbhum craton suggests dehydration activity, which has altered the primary iron oxide phases into the secondary iron oxide phases. The optimum bands identified for the minerals using various spectroscopic techniques can be used as reference for similar mineral deposits on any remote area on Earth or on other hydrated planetary surfaces like Mars.

Insight into the Origin of Iron Ore Based on Elemental Contents of Magnetite and Whole-Rock Geochemistry:A Case of the Bipindi Banded Iron Formations,Nyong Complex,SW Cameroon

The Bipindi iron ore district is located in the central section of the Nyong Complex at the northwestern margin of the Congo Craton in Southwest Cameroon.This iron district contains numerous iron mineralization hosted by the Mewongo,Bibole,Kouambo,and Zambi banded iron formations(BIFs).These BIFs contain magnetite as the main iron ore mineral associated with pyrite,and gangue minerals are quartz with minor chlorite and amphibole.The origin of iron ore from these BIFs was investigated using a combination of in-situ magnetite and whole-rock chemistry.The studied BIF ore samples have a narrow range of TFe between 30.90 wt.%and 43.20 wt.%,indicating a low-grade ore.The geochemical signatures of magnetite such as low contents of base metals(e.g.,Cu,Co,V,and Zn)and low Co/Zn ratios<0.85 indicate a hydrothermal origin.Combined with the geochemical features of these BIFs,e.g.,high Fe/Ti and Fe/Al ratios(mean>600 and>75,respectively),we suggest that magnetite was derived from a mixture of seawater and~0.1%low-temperature hydrothermal fluids in an oxidizing environment.Collectively,low-temperature hydrothermal and later metamorphic fluids were necessary for the transformation of the protolith Nyong Complex BIFs to iron ore.

Origin of the Neoproterozoic Baijianshan Banded Iron Formation at the Southeastern Margin of the Tarim Block in NW China:Implication for an Extremely Reducing Ocean

The Neoproterozoic banded iron formations(BIFs)were closely associated with the“Snowball Earth”during the breakup of the Rodinia,thus they played an important role in our understanding of the atmospheric and oceanic oxygen levels during this period.In this contribution,the Neoproterozoic(ca.737 Ma)Baijianshan BIF at Southeast Tarim,northwestern China was identified.Magnetite is the dominated iron-species,which occurs as the lamina interbedded with chert.The BIF contains low concentrations of trace elements,and is depleted in light rare earth elements(LREEs)based on comparison with the Post-Archean Australian Shale(PAAS).In addition,the BIF exhibits slightly positive La-Eu anomalies,negligible Ce anomalies,insignificant Y anomalies,chondritic Y/Ho ratios(23-32),and slightly chondritic initial ε_(Nd)(t=737 Ma)values(−0.45 to 1.46,averaging 0.37).All these features indicate that the precipitation of Baijianshan BIF was closely related to the submarine low-T hydrothermal fluids with little detrital contribution.Moreover,the Baijianshan BIF is characterized by the significant enrichment of heavy Fe isotopes,with δ^(57)Fe_(IRMM-014) values ranging from 1.78‰ to 3.05‰,revealing the partial oxidation of Fe^(2+) into Fe^(3+) during the precipitation of this BIF.Our data suggest that the formation of Baijianshan BIF was closely associated with a significantly reducing ocean,which most likely was isolated from the oxidized atmosphere by a local ice sheet.This Neoproterozoic Baijianshan ocean has the initial oxygen levels as low as,or even lower than that of Archean and Paleoproterozoic oceans.

Neoproterozoic Banded Iron Formation in the Central Tianshan, NW China: The Shalong Example

Objective Banded Iron Formations （BIFs） are ferruginous chemical sedimentary rocks that precipitated throughout the Precambrain, which constitute the most important iron resources in the world. The majority of BIFs were developed in the Neoarchean and early Paleoproterozoic periods （3.2-1.8 Ga）, which are well known and have been mined for centuries. Another type of the BIFs which was formed in the Neoproterozoic period （0.85-0.7 Ga） is much smaller in scale but widespread on the Earth and record important information of the evolution of the Earth. The Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic BIFs have been well studied and understood, while few detailed studies on Neoproterozoic BIFs have been made, and only a few modem geochronology studies were carried out on Neoproterozoic BIFs.

Geochemical Characteristics of Wuyang Siliceous Rocks in the Southern Margin of North China Craton and its Constraint on the Formation Environment of BIF of Tieshanmiao Formation

Precambrian banded iron formation(BIF)is one of the most important mineral resources in China,mostly abundant in the North China Craton(NCC)with relatively less common in South China.Since the BIF and siliceous rocks both originated from chemical deposition,the syngenetic BIF and Siliceous rocks can help evaluate their environment of formation.We examine here the mineralogy and geochemistry of siliceous rocks associated with the Tieshanmiao Formation BIF,aiming to decipher the conditions of formation of both BIF and Siliceous rocks in the Wuyang area in the NCC.Analysis of the geochemical characteristics of whole rock shows that the Si O2 content of the siliceous rock ranges from 90.11%to 94.85%and is relatively high overall.Trace element contents of Ba and U are also high,the Ba/Sr ratio ranges from 3.89 to 25.28 and the U/Th ratio ranges from 0.09 to 0.20.Finally,theΣREE value of rare earth elements ranges from 57.03 ppm to 152.59 ppm,and these indexes all indicate that siliceous rock resulted from hydrothermal deposition.Plots of Al2 O3-Si O2,Si O2/(K2 O+Na2 O)-Mn O2/Ti O2 and Mn-10×(Cu+Co+Ni)-Fe in discrimination diagrams also verify this interpretation.However,both the Mg O content,ranging from 0.16 to 0.32,and the Fe/Ti ratio,ranging from 2.50 to 9.72,suggest that terrigenous material was added during the depositional process.Major and trace element parameters of siliceous rock,such as the Al/(A1+Fe+Mn)ratio(from 0.81 to 0.93),Mn O/Ti O2(from 0.00 to 0.17),Al/(Al+Fe)(from 0.82 to 0.93),Sc/Th ratio(from 0.21 to 0.50),U/Th(from 0.09 to 0.20),(La/Yb)N(from 0.83 to 3.04),and the(La/Ce)N(from 0.01 to 0.02)all imply that the siliceous rock formed in a continental margin.In addition,the Sr/Ba ratio from 0.08 to 0.26,theδCe value from 0.31 to 0.90,and theδEu value from 0.14 to 0.58,all indicate that the siliceous rock was formed at a relatively deeper water depth and under weak hydrodynamic conditions.Siliceous rock and BIF formed in the same geological setting,with the Si O2/(K2 O+Na2 O)ratio of siliceous rock ranging from 28.61 to 47.43,the Si O2/Al2 O3 ratio from 16.53 to 32.37,and the Si O2/Mg O ratio from 287.28 to 592.81,which are all in agreement with chemical deposition associated with volcanic eruptions.The Al2 O3/Ti O2 ratio from 37.82 to 50.30 indicates that the magma source of siliceous rock was of slightly intermediate composition.During the Late Archean in the Wuyang area,the high concentration and high purity Si O2 quickly precipitated from hydrothermal fluids to finally result in the accumulation of siliceous rock in a marginal sea,while the input corresponding to iron formation components was deposited to form iron formation layers,and limestone was only the product formed during the deposition intervals of siliceous rock and iron formations.In this study,the synsedimentary siliceous rocks of BIF act as a new way to provide direct evidence to understand the formation environment of BIF due to its high geochemical stability.

Granulite Facies Metamorphic Age and Tectonic Implications of BIFs from the Kongling Group in the Northern Huangling Anticline

We report preliminary results of a geochemical study on banded iron formations （BIFs） in the Zhaojiayangpo （赵家阳坡） area from the Kongling （崆岭） Group in the northern Huangling （黄陵） anticline, on the northern margin of the Yangtze craton. The CL （cathodoluminescence） images of zircons mostly have sector zoning, fir-tree zoning and patched zoning, and a few show core-rim tex-tures with rims having patched zoning. The calculated formation temperatures using the Ti-in-zircon thermometer are 660-808 ℃ （714 ℃C in aver-age）, all indicating that the BIFs underwent granulite facies metamorphism. The age of zir-cons with granulite facies metamorphism is 1 990±14 Ma by LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, indi-cating that there was a significant granulite fa-cies tectonothermal event in the northern Huangling anticline in the Paleoproterozoic, which may be related with tectonic thermal events of the metamorphism caused by the as-sembly of the Columbia supercontinent with South China. Moreover, the REE pattern ischaracterized by depletion in LREE while relatively flat in HREE, LaN/YbN=0.26, with a positive Eu anomaly （Eu/Eu^＊---1.59）, which reveals its hydrothermal sedimentation origin and it may have formed in the environment of submarine exhalation.