Hydrothermal alteration of the surface volcanic rocks at the Acoculco geothermal field,Mexico:a multi-parametric approach

The studies on hydrothermal alteration-induced eff ects in surface and subsurface rocks provide useful information in the characterization and exploitation of a geothermal reservoir.Generally,these studies are based on traditional,and reliable methods like petrography(primary and secondary minerals,and grade of alteration),and geochemistry(mobility of elements,changes in mass and concentration of elements,and fluid inclusions).Recently,apart from these established methods,some methods based on the geochemical(Chemical Index of Alteration,CIA;Weathering Index of Parkar,WIP;Loss on Ignition,LOI;and Sulfur,S)and rock magnetic properties(magnetic susceptibility,χlf;and percentage frequency-dependent susceptibility,χfd%)are also being applied in the identification of whether a rock is an altered or a fresh one.The Acoculco Geothermal Field(AGF),Mexico,is characterized by high temperature and very low permeability,and it is considered a promissory Enhanced Geothermal System.The following changes are observed in the rocks as a result of an increase in hydrothermal alteration:(1)an increase in CIA,LOI,and S values,and a decrease in WIP;(2)an increase in quartz and quartz polymorph minerals(silicification),and clay minerals(argillization);and(3)decrease inχlf values.At AGF,the most altered surface acid rocks are characterized by entirely quartz and its polymorphs,and clay minerals.The present study also indicates the applicability of the binary plots of major elements(felsic vs mafic component)and rock magnetic parameters(χlf vs.χfd%).The rock withχfd%value of 2-10 andχlf value<0.5×10^(-6)m^(3) kg^(-1)indicate the presence of single domain and stable single domain grains,which in turn suggests that it is an altered rock.These methods are simple to apply,rapid,reliable,and have the potential to become eff ective tools for the identifi cation of hydrothermally altered rocks during the initial stage of geothermal exploration.

ASTER Data Processing by Discrete Wavelets Transform and Band Ratio Techniques for the Identification of Lineaments and Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Poli, North Cameroon

The aim of this study is to carry out hydrothermal alteration mapping and structural mapping using ASTER images in order to identify indices that could guide mining exploration work in the Poli area and its surroundings. To achieve this, the ASTER images were first preprocessed to correct atmospheric effects and remove vegetation influence. Secondly, a lineament mapping was conducted by applying Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) algorithms to the First Principal Component Analysis (PCA1) of Visible Near-Infrared (VNIR) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) bands. Lastly, band ratio methods were applied to the VNIR, SWIR, and Thermal Infrared (TIR) bands to determine indices of iron oxides/hydroxides (hematite and limonite), hydroxyl-bearing minerals (chlorite, epidote, and muscovite), and the quartz index. The results obtained showed that the lineaments were mainly oriented NE-SW, ENE-WSW, and E-W, with NE-SW being the most predominant direction. Concerning hydrothermal alteration, the identified indices covered almost the entire study area and showed a strong correlation with lithological data. Overlaying the obtained lineaments with the hydrothermal alteration indices revealed a significant correlation between existing mining indices and those observed in the field. Mineralized zones generally coincided with areas of high lineament density exhibiting significant hydrothermal alteration. Based on the correlation between existing mining indices and the results of hydrothermal and structural mapping, the results obtained can then be used as a reference document for any mining exploration in the study area.

Relationship between Landslides, Geologic Structures, and Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in the Ohekisawa-Shikerebembetsugawa Landslide Area, Hokkaido, Japan

This paper elucidates the relationship between landslides, geologic structures, and hydrothermal alteration zones based primarily on X-ray powder diffraction and uniaxial compressive strength tests on weakly weathered and hydrothermally altered rocks from the Ohekisawa-Shikerebembetsugawa landslide area in Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido, Japan. The OHS （Ohekisawa slide） occurred on a dip slope of sedimentary rocks from the Upper Miocene Shikerepe Formation within a homocline, and also on weathered and hydrothermally altered rocks within the boundary area between the hydrothermal smectite zone and smectite-bearing mordenite zone. The SHS （Shikerebembetsugawa slide） occurred on a dip slope of sedimentary rocks from the Upper Miocene Hanakushibe Formation within wavy folds and was also controlled by a cap rock of Teshikaga Volcano Somma Lava. The SHS occurred also on weathered and hydrothermally altered rocks within the boundary area between the hydrothermal smectite zone and smectite-bearing laumontite zone. The mechanical properties of smectite, smectite-bearing mordenite, and smectite-bearing laumontite zone weakly weathered rocks indicate that they are very weak, soft rocks. These landslides are regarded as HAZLs （hydrothermal alteration zone landslides）. The hydrothermal alteration yielding smectite is thus closely related to these two ancient landslides, suggesting that the potential for HAZLs within a hydrothermal area can be assessed based on the swelling clay mineral-beating hydrothermal alteration types, dip slope, and cap rock.

Application of Spectral Angle Mapper Classification to Discriminate Hydrothermal Alteration in Southwest Birjand, Iran, Using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Image Processing

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Spectral Angle Mapper （SAM） classification method for determining the optimum threshold （maximum spectral angle） to unveil the hydrothermal mineral assemblages related to mineral deposits. The study area indicates good potential for Cu-Au porphyry, epithermal gold deposits and hydrothermal alteration well developed in arid and semiarid climates, which makes this region significant for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer （ASTER） image processing analysis. Given that achieving an acceptable mineral mapping requires knowing the alteration patterns, petrochemistry and petrogenesis of the igneous rocks while considering the effect of weathering, overprinting of supergene alteration, overprinting of hypogene alteration and host rock spectral mixing, SAM classification was implemented for argillic, sericitic, propylitic, alunitization, silicification and iron oxide zones of six previously known mineral deposits： Maherabad, a Cu-Au porphyry system; Sheikhabad, an upper part of Cu-Au porphyry system; Khoonik, an Intrusion related Au system; Barmazid, a low sulfidation epithermal system; Khopik, a Cu-Au porphyry system; and Hanish, an epithermal Au system. Thus, the investigation showed that although the whole alteration zones are affected by mixing, it is also possible to produce a favorable hydrothermal mineral map by such complementary data as petrology, petrochemistry and alteration patterns.

Application of Airborne Geophysical and ASTER Data for Hydrothermal Alteration Mapping in the Sar-Kuh Porphyry Copper Area, Kerman Province, Iran

Known deposits are appropriate sites for investigating significant exploratory keys that could be helpful in mineral exploration in corresponding regions or similar areas. This study was performed to delineate hydrothermal alteration model and some geophysical characteristics of the SarKuh porphyry copper deposit located within the southern part of the central Iranian Cenozoic magmatic belt (CICMB). Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images have been used to produce hydrothermal alteration map using a fractal-aided spectral angle mapper (SAM) method. Airborne data were used to study magnetic-radiometric properties of the deposit. Image processing of ASTER images and laboratory studies proved the presence of two types of phyllic ale ration called intense and weak phyllic based on abundance of sericite mineral. It realized that radiometric anomalies of 40K, eTh and eU are limited to boundary of phyllic zone. Radiometric ratios e.g. eTh/40K were good enough to enhance phyllic zone.

The Activity of Major Faults and the Hydrothermal Alteration Zone at Tianchi Volcano of Changbaishan

It is found by field investigation that the near horizontal top surface of the brown or brick-red hydrothermal alteration zone varies obviously in elevation at different sections of the same layer on the caldera’s inner wall of Tianchi, with that at the north section near the Tianwen Peak about 110 m higher than that at the south near the Jiangjun Peak in Korea. The top surface of the hydrothermal alteration zone can be taken as key horizon to tectonic movement. The difference indicates that the total uplift height of the NW wall of the Liudaogou-Tianchi-Jingfengshan fault, the principal fault trending NE at Tianchi, is bigger than that of the SE wall ever since the occurrence of hydrothermal alteration. This also explains why the topography in the northwest side of Tianchi is steeper and with more developed river system than in the southeast. The uplifting of the northeastern wall is bigger than that of the southwest along the principal NW-trend fault, namely, the Baishanzhen-Tianchi-Jince fault. It is observed from characters of hydrothermal alteration and the palaeoresiduum, that the recent vertical movement rate along the principal NE-trend fault is larger than that of the principal NW-trend fault. The two faults intersect at Tianchi, dividing the volcano into 4 blocks, with the uplift magnitudes decreasing successively in the order of the north, the west, the east and the south block. The biggest uplift of the north block corresponds well to the shallow magma batch in the north of Tianchi observed by DSS and telluric electromagnetic sounding, and etc. and they may be related with the causes.

Three-dimensional geological modelling and direction of hydrothermal alteration of Horne deposit, Blake River Group, Quebec, Canada

The Horne deposit with rich Cu and Au in Noranda region of Black River Group in Quebec has high economic significance.Current researches on Horne deposit are mostly based on two-dimensional maps and statistical data.It is hard to reflect the spatial structure and characteristics of Horne orebody directly.In this paper,GIS was used to digitize the mining plan-view maps at different depths,stope maps,the boundary of the massive sulfide in drilling trajectories as well as the grade data of Au and Cu of Horne deposit.Meanwhile,the authors established the grade attribute database.Subsequently the three-dimensional(3D)geological model and grade attribute model of Horne orebody were established by Geological Object Computer Aided Design(GOCAD).Positions of two vents and directions of hydrothermal alteration in Horne deposit were inferred based on the property of the major fault,characteristics of hydrothermal alteration,the enrichment morphology and spatial distribution of high-grade Cu in the Cu attribute model.

The influence of silica on reaction rates and molecular hydrogen(H_(2))generation during olivine hydrothermal alteration

Hydrothermal alteration of olivine greatly influences geodynamics and the recycling of volatiles(such as water and carbon)in subduction zones.Silica is an important component of geological fluids,and its influence on the hydrothermal alteration of olivine remains poorly constrained.In this study,we performed experiments at 300–515℃ and 3.0 kbar(1 bar=10^(5)Pa)by reacting well homogenized mixtures of olivine and silica powders with saline solutions(0.5 mol L^(−1)NaCl).Silica greatly influences the reaction pathways,reaction rates,and molecular hydrogen(H_(2))formation during olivine hydrothermal alteration.In experiments at 300℃ and 3.0 kbar with mixtures of olivine and 10 wt%silica,olivine was replaced by serpentine and talc.The proportions of serpentine and talc were determined according to standard curves based on infrared spectroscopy analyses.Around 6.5%serpentine and 12%talc were produced after an experimental duration of 7 days,which had no change after a longer period(14 days).Compared to the kinetics in silica-free systems,the rates of olivine hydrothermal alteration in experiments with 10 wt%silica are much lower.The overall reaction is:4.5Forsterite+5.5SiO_(2),aq+4H_(2)O=Serpentine+2Talc.With the addition of more silica(20 wt%and 40 wt%),olivine was transformed into talc.The rates of reaction were much faster,e.g.,for experiments with olivine and 20 wt%silica,43%of talc was produced after 14 days,which increased to 77%for experiments with 40 wt%silica over the same period.The overall reaction is:3Forsterite+5SiO_(2),aq+2H_(2)O=2Talc.In experiments at 400–505℃ and 3.0 kbar,the promoting effect of silica on olivine hydrothermal alteration was also observed,which is closely associated with a decrease in Gibbs free energies of olivine hydrothermal alteration.At 300℃ and 3.0 kbar,silica decreased H_(2)formed during olivine hydrothermal alteration by around an order of magnitude,resulting in an increase in oxygen fugacity.Based on measured H_(2),we calibrated oxygen fugacities,ranging from 0.96 to 3.41 log units below FMQ(fayalite-magnetitequartz buffer assemblage).This study suggests that the infiltration of SiO_(2)-bearing fluids into peridotites greatly influences redox conditions and the rates of olivine hydrothermal alteration.

Hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase microphenocrysts and glass in basalts from the East Pacific Rise near 13°N: An SEM-EDS study

The interactions of seafloor hydrothermal fluid with igneous rocks can result in leaching elements from the rocks,creating potential ore-forming fluids and influencing the chemical compositions of near-bottom seawater.The hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase microphenocrysts and basaltic glass in the pillow basalts from one dredge station(103°57.62′′W,12°50.55′N,water depth 2480 m)on the East Pacific Rise(EPR)near 13°N were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry(EDS).The results show that the edges of the plagioclase microphenocrysts and the basaltic glass fragments are altered but the pyroxene and olivine microphenocrysts in the interior of the pillow basalts appear to be unaffected by the hydrothermal fluids.In addition,our results show that the chemical alteration at the rims of the plagioclase microphenocrysts and the edges of basaltic glass fragments can be divided into separate types of alteration.The chemical difference in hydrothermal alteration of the plagioclase microphenocrysts and the basaltic glass indicate that different degrees of hydrothermal fluid-solid phase interaction have taken place at the surface of the pillow basalts.If the degree of hydrothermal fluid-solid phase interaction is relatively minor,Si,Al,Ca and Na diffuse from the inside of the solid phase out and as a result these elements have a tendency to accumulate in the edge of the plagioclase microphenocrysts or basaltic glass.If the degree of hydrothermal fluid-solid phase interaction is relatively strong,Si,Al,Ca and Na also diffuse from the inside of solid phase out but these elements will have a relatively low concentration in the edge of the plagioclase microphenocrysts or basaltic glass.Based on the chemical variation observed in the edges of plagioclase microphenocrysts and basaltic glass,we estimate that the content of Si,Al and Fe in the edges of plagioclase microphenocrysts can have a variation of 10.69%,17.59%and 109%,respectively.Similarly,the Si,Al and Fe concentrations in the edges of basaltic glass can have a variation of 9.79%,16.30%and 37.83%,respectively,during the interaction of hydrothermal fluids and seafloor pillow basalt.

Decoding Subsurface Secondary Mineralisation and its Impact on Cohesive Strength:An Outcome of the Deep Scientific Drilling Program in the Koyna-Warna Seismogenic Region,Western India

The Koyna-Warna seismogenic region overlying the Deccan volcanic province of Western India has been experiencing the recurrence of earthquakes since 1967 soon after the impoundment of the Koyna Dam.A large number of small to medium-magnitude shallow focus earthquakes(>100,000)have been detected in this intraplate region during the last six decades.In the present study,the core samples recovered from the borehole‘KBH3’drilled upto 1134 m depth in the pre-Deccan granitoids basement rocks of this region have been subjected to mineralogical and geochemical studies.

Petrophysical characteristics of rocks and sulfides from the SWIR hydrothermal field

Study of petrophysical properties of rocks in seafioor hydrothermal fields has great significance for inves- tigation of seafloor hydrothermal activities, especially for polymetallic sulfides prospecting. In the present study, based on the current experimental conditions, we conducted systematic experiments to measure the magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, porosity, density, as well as acoustic wave velocity of seafloor rocks and sulfides. Subsequently, we measured the physical characteristics of hydrothermal sulfides, basalts and peridotites which were collected from newly discovered seafloor hydrothermal fields at 49.6°E, 50.5°E, 5 1°E, 63.5°E, and 63.9°E of the Southwest Indian Ridge （SWIR）. Previously available and newly collected data were combined to characterize the physical differences between polymetallic sulfides and rocks. We also discussed the impact of hydrothermal alteration on the bedrock and demonstrated how these petrophysical properties of rocks can help in geophysical prospecting of seafloor hydrothermal fields as indicators.

Double Convective Hydrothermal System beneath Massive Sulfide Orebody in Gacun Deposit,Southwestern China

The Gacun Kuroko-type deposit, Southwestern China, is hosted in rhyolitic rocks associated with the underlying mafic rocks occurred in the - 1000 m deep fault - bounded basin within the intra -arc rifting zone which formed on the Triassic Yidun island - arc. Two vertically separated alteration systems are recognized: one is conformable or semiconformable alteration zone developed in - 150 m thick mafic unit 1-1.5 km below the massive sulfide ore body; the other is discordant alteration pipe directly surrounded around stockwork ore within rhyolitic unit. The lower conformable alteration zone extending for several kilometers along strike is characterized by silicification and epidotization which result in the development of quartz vein and quartz-epidote vein systems in mafic lava flows and replacement of primary minerals and groundmass in spilitized mafic volcanics and dikes by quartz, epidote - group minerals and sodic plagioclase. Sulfides often occur in the vein system and altered mafic volcanics. Quartz solubility relation indicates that silicification is a consequence of interaction of Si- saturated fluids with mafic rocks in a higher temperature system (T>340℃), intensifying by intrusion of mafic dike or high-level acidic magma chamber. The alteration pipe of diameter about 2 km shows a similar mineralogical zoning to Kuroko deposits of Japan. The sequence is quartz + hyalophane; sericite + chlorite + quartz and zeolite-like zones from core to margins of the pipe. The chlorite core only occurs in the root part of the alteration pipe and downwards transfers into epidote - chlorite and epidote - quartz vein swarm extending 500 m downwards. The felsic rocks away from the orebody and alteration pipe took place district-scale alteration, which has typical low-temperature mineral association: illite + albite + quartz + calcite. Whole -rock and quartz δ18O values indicate that district - scale alteration is a result of interaction of seawater with rocks at lower temperature (T<200℃)under water-dominated condition. However, the altered rocks from the pipe show remarkably δ18O enrichment, and bulk -rock δ18O values decreased gradually toward stockwork orebody from 15.1‰-l5. 75‰ in zeolite-like zone and 12. 05‰-14. 2‰ in sericite - quartz zone to 11.3 ‰ - 14. 4‰ in quartz - hyalophane zone. The filled temperatures of fluid inclusions in quartz and sphalerite lie in the ranges of 280 -320 ℃ for quartz - hyalophane zone and 250 ℃ to 297 ℃ for sericite-quartz zone. The estimated δ18O values of hydrothermal fluids are 7. 98‰ and3.2‰, respectively, based on quartz δ18O data in the deposit. The lower conformable alteration is considered to be approximately coeval with the alteration pipe, based on the SiO2 concentration in the fluids, which restrict the main fluid - rock reaction zone to be located in mafic horizon by quartz barometer, and metal element flux calculation and sulfide - epidote vein system developed both in alteration systems. High - salinity fluid inclusions in gangue quartz (>8% eq. NaCl) from stockwork ore and in quartz phenocryst (>40% eq. NaCl) in footwall rhyolite strongly suggest the existence of hot-saline brine to react with mafic complex and leach metal components, which probably originates mainly from magmatic fluid derived from high-level acidic magma chamber. The brine layer located in mafic unit possibly heats and drives the overlying single -pass convective seawater reacting with felsic rocks. The 'density window' may be expected to occur on the interface between seawater and brine layer, when the brine becomes to be gravitationally instability by the turbulent entrainment of seawater during magmatic and/or tectonic activities. The sulfide mineralization and alteration pipe is inter preted as an effect of the 'density window' through which the mixed fluids of brine with seawater adiabatically discharges upwards.

A New Report of Serpentinites from Northern Central Indian Ridge(at 6°S)—An Implication for Hydrothermal Activity

Serpentinites from the inside corner high （6°38.5′S/68°19.34′E） from the Northern Central Indian Ridge （NCIR） are comprised mainly of high Mg-rich lizardite and chrysotile pseudomorphs with varying morphologies. ＇Mesh rim＇, ＇window＇, ＇hourglass＇ and ＇bastite＇ are the most common textures displayed by both chrysotile and lizardite. Numerous chrysotile veins in association with cross cutting magnetite veins indicate an advanced stage of serpentinisation. The relatively high abundance of chrysotile and lizardite suggest their close association and formation at a temperature below 250℃. Abundant ＇mesh rim＇ and ＇bastite＇ texture and variegated matrix reveal that the present serpentinites might have formed due to the interaction of harzburgite and seawater. Positive Eu anomaly （Eu/Eu^＊ up to ＋3.38）, higher La/Sm （up to 4.40） and Nb/La （up to 6.34） ratios suggest substantial hydrothermal influence during the formation of the serpentinites.

Resolving impact volatilization and condensation from target rock mixing and hydrothermal overprinting within the Chicxulub impact structure

This work presents isotopic data for the non-traditional isotope systems Fe,Cu,and Zn on a set of Chicxulub impactites and target lithologies with the aim of better documenting the dynamic processes taking place during hypervelocity impact events,as well as those affecting impact structures during the post-impact phase.The focus lies on material from the recent IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 Hole M0077A drill core obtained from the offshore Chicxulub peak ring.Two ejecta blanket samples from the UNAM 5 and 7 cores were used to compare the crater lithologies with those outside of the impact structure.The datasets of bulk Fe,Cu,and Zn isotope ratios are coupled with petrographic observations and bulk major and trace element compositions to disentangle equilibrium isotope fractionation effects from kinetic processes.The observed Fe and Cu isotopic signatures,with δ^(56/54)Fe ranging from0.95‰to 0.58‰and δ^(65/63)Cu from0.73‰to 0.14‰,mostly reflect felsic,mafic,and carbonate target lithology mixing and secondary sulfide mineral formation,the latter associated to the extensive and long-lived(>105 years)hydrothermal system within Chicxulub structure.On the other hand,the stable Zn isotope ratios provide evidence for volatility-governed isotopic fractionation.The heavier Zn isotopic compositions observed for the uppermost part of the impactite sequence and a metamorphic clast(δ^(66/64)Zn of up to 0.80‰and 0.87‰,respectively)relative to most basement lithologies and impact melt rock units indicate partial vaporization of Zn,comparable to what has been observed for Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary layer sediments around the world,as well as for tektites from various strewn fields.In contrast to previous work,our data indicate that an isotopically light Zn reservoir(δ^(66/64)Zn down to0.49‰),of which the existence has previously been suggested based on mass balance considerations,may reside within the upper impact melt rock(UIM)unit.This observation is restricted to a few UIM samples only and cannot be extended to other target or impact melt rock units.Light isotopic signatures of moderately volatile elements in tektites and microtektites have previously been linked to(back-)condensation under distinct kinetic regimes.Although some of the signatures observed may have been partially overprinted during post-impact processes,our bulk data confirm impact volatilization and condensation of Zn,which may be even more pronounced at the microscale,with variable degrees of mixing between isotopically distinct reservoirs,not only at proximal to distal ejecta sites,but also within the lithologies associated with the Chicxulub impact crater.

Genesis of anhydrite in hydrothermally altered basalt from the East Pacific Rise near 13°N

This study reports the occurrence of anhydrite in hydrothermally altered pillow basalt （12°50.55＇N, 103°57.62＇W, water depth 2 480 m）, which may have been produced in the basalt during seawater-basalt interaction in the laboratory. The existence of anhydrite in the altered basalt indicates extensive high- temperature hydrothermal alteration at the surface of seafloor pillow basalt. Microprobe analysis shows significant chemical zoning in the hydrothermally altered pillow basalt, in which Ca, Si and A1 contents de- crease and P, Fe, Mn, Cr and S contents increase from fresh basalt to altered basalt. The negative correlation between Rb-Sr and Li-Sr, and negative correlation between Li-Ca and Rb-Ca in the high-temperature vent fuids show that these fluids underwent anhydrite precipitation before fluid jetting due to mixing with sea- water in the sub-seafloor. Based on these observations, we show that not all Ca in the anhydrite comes from basalt in the reaction zone, and that the basalts on the seafloor or in the upflow zone may also provide Ca for anhydrite.

Significant Mercury Isotope Anomalies in Hydrothermal Altered Coals from the Huaibei Coalfield,China

Igneous intrusion into coal-bearing strata can cause an abrupt increase of temperature-pressure and trigger hydrothermal circulation at the igneous rock-coal contact zone. The conductive heat of intruded lnagma and convective migration of secondary hydrothermal fluids have been observed to significantly alter the concentrations and modes of occurrence of mercury （Hg） in thermally-intruded coals.

Fe-bearing minerals and implications for gold mineralization for the Wangu deposit in Central Jiangnan Orogen

Hydrothermal alteration with bleaching of host rocks is the most important prospecting indicator for gold deposits in the Jiangnan Orogen Belt.The alteration has been identified as pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization and the Fe of siderite in the alteration zone is derived from the host rocks rather than fluids.In addition,such alteration decreases in intensity and width with depth and gold mineralization also occur in the non-bleached rocks,casting doubt on the reliability of the prospecting indicator.Detailed petrographic work and SEM analysis on the Wangu deposit indicate that there are two types of siderites,i.e.,Sd1 and Sd2.Among them,Sd1 grains are relatively small and distributed along the planes of unaltered host rocks,while Sd2 grains,only occurring in the altered slates,are commonly larger.Both types of siderites were altered by auriferous fluids,producing porous cores and minerals such as pyrite,quartz,and ankerite.Compared with unaltered parts,the altered parts have lower Fe,but higher U,Pb,and REE.In addition,Sd1 and Sd2 are similar in Mn,Na,V,and Sr concentrations but different in Fe and Mg.The occurrence and geochemical compositions of both siderites indicate that Sd1 could be transformed into Sd2 by pre-mineralization alteration through dissolution-reprecipitation.Chlorite is another important Fe-bearing mineral in the host rocks,and EPMA analysis suggests that it is ripidolite with relatively high Fe contents.Consequently,chlorite can also provide Fe to form the pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization.Geochemical modeling demonstrates that both ripidolite and siderite can result in sulfidation and therefore gold precipitation.As a result,this study demonstrates that pre-ore alteration with characterized bleaching is not a prerequisite for gold mineralization despite of its prominent features.Due to the presence of Fe-bearing Sd1 and chlorite,gold mineralization could still occur through sulfidation in the unaltered rocks.

ASTER data processing and fusion for alteration minerals and silicification detection:Implications for cupriferous mineralization exploration in the western Anti-Atlas,Morocco

Alteration minerals and silicification are typically associated with a variety of ore mineralizations and could be detected using multispectral remote sensing sensors as indicators for mineral exploration.In this investigation,the Visible Near-Infra-Red(VNIR),Short-Wave Infra-Red(SWIR),and Thermal Infra-Red(TIR)bands of the ASTER satellite sensor derived layers were fused to detect alteration minerals and silicification in east the Kerdous inlier for cupriferous mineralization exploration.Several image processing techniques were executed in the present investigation,namely,Band Ratio(BR),Selective Principal Component Analysis(SPCA)and Constrained Energy Minimization(CEM)techniques.Initially,the BR and SPCA processing results revealed several alteration zones,including argillic,phyllic,dolomitization and silicification as well as iron oxides and hydroxides.Then,these zones were mapped at sub-pixel level using the CEM technique.Pyrophyllite,kaolinite,dolomite,illite,muscovite,montmorillonite,topaz and hematite were revealed displaying a significant distribution in relation with the eastern Amlen region lithological units and previously detected mineral potential zones using HyMap imaging spectroscopy.Mainly,a close spatial association between iron oxides and hydroxide minerals,argillic,and phyllic alteration was detected,as well as a strong silicification was detected around doleritic dykes unit in Jbel Lkest area.A weighted overlay approach was used in the integration of hydrothermal alteration minerals and silicification,which allowed the elaboration of a new mineral alteration map of study area with five alteration intensities.ASTER and the various employed processing techniques allowed a practical and cost effective mapping of alteration features,which corroborates well with field survey and X-ray diffraction analysis.Therefore,ASTER data and the employed processing techniques offers a practical approach for mineral prospection in comparable settings.

On the Genesis of the Super-large Baguamiao Gold Deposit in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province

The Baguamiao gold deposit in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, is a recentlyexplored super-large gold ore deposit. A comprehensive and deep-going study has revealedthat it is a polygenetic deposit: early-stage mineralization due to shearing, middle-stagemineralization due to hydrothermal alteration, and late-stage mineralization due toweathering, leaching and concentration at shallow depths. Shearing played a dominant role inthe formation of gold orebodies.

Multi-stage rodingitization of ophiolitic bodies from Northern Apennines(Italy): Constraints from petrography, geochemistry and thermodynamic modelling

The investigated mantle bodies from the External Ligurians(Groppo di Gorro and Mt.Rocchetta)show evidences of a complex evolution determined by an early high temperature metasomatism,due to percolating melts of asthenospheric origin,and a later metasomatism at relatively high temperature by hydrothermal fluids,with formation of rodingites.At Groppo di Gorro,the serpentinization and chloritization processes obliterated totally the pyroxenite protolith,whereas at Mt.Rocchetta relics of peridotite and pyroxenite protoliths were preserved from serpentinization.The rodingite parageneses consist of diopside+vesuvianite+garnet+calcite+chlorite at Groppo di Gorro and garnet+diopside+serpentine±vesuvianite±prehnite±chlorite±pumpellyite at Mt.Rocchetta.Fluid inclusion measurements show that rodingitization occurred at relatively high temperatures(264-334℃ at 500 bar and 300-380℃ at 1 kbar).Garnet,the first phase of rodingite to form,consists of abundant hydrogarnet component at Groppo di Gorro,whereas it is mainly composed of grossular and andradite at Mt.Rocchetta.The last stage of rodingitization is characterized by the vesuvianite formation.Hydrogarnet nucleation requires high Ca and low silica fluids,whereas the formation of vesuvianite does not need CO2-poor fluids.The formation of calcite at Groppo di Gorro points to mildly oxidizing conditions compatible with hydrothermal fluids;the presence of andradite associated with serpentine and magnetite at Mt.Rocchetta suggests Fe^3+-bearing fluids with fO2 slightly higher than iron-magnetite buffer.We propose that the formation of the studied rodingite could be related to different pulses of hydrothermal fluids mainly occurring in an oceancontinent transitional setting and,locally,in an accretionary prism associated with intra-oceanic subduction.