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Paragenesis and Zoning

The document discusses paragenesis and zoning in ore deposits. Paragenesis refers to the sequence of mineral deposition, generally following the pattern of magnetite and ilmenite first, then silicates and cassiterite, and finally sulfides like pyrite and chalcopyrite. Zoning describes changes in mineral distribution spatially within a deposit, either laterally or vertically. There are three main types of zoning: epigenetic hydrothermal zoning on regional, district, and ore body scales; syngenetic hydrothermal zoning relative to a volcanic source following the sequence of iron, tin, copper, zinc, and lead; and sedimentary syngenetic zoning in sedimentary sulfide deposits with the sequence of

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4K views3 pages

Paragenesis and Zoning

The document discusses paragenesis and zoning in ore deposits. Paragenesis refers to the sequence of mineral deposition, generally following the pattern of magnetite and ilmenite first, then silicates and cassiterite, and finally sulfides like pyrite and chalcopyrite. Zoning describes changes in mineral distribution spatially within a deposit, either laterally or vertically. There are three main types of zoning: epigenetic hydrothermal zoning on regional, district, and ore body scales; syngenetic hydrothermal zoning relative to a volcanic source following the sequence of iron, tin, copper, zinc, and lead; and sedimentary syngenetic zoning in sedimentary sulfide deposits with the sequence of

Uploaded by

Irwan EP
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Paragenesis and Zoning

Paragenesis - sequence of deposition of ore and gangue minerals. Determined from both
microscopic and megascopic studies.
Zoning - distribution of ore minerals in space laterally and vertically.
Paragenesis
In general, all deposits show a similar pattern, some anomalies are present, but these are
generally rare. General sequence as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

magnetite, ilmemite, hematite


silicates
cassiterite, wolframite, molybdenite
pyrrhotite, lollingite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, cobalt and nickel arsenides
chalcopyrite, bornite, sphalerite
galena, tetrahedrite, lead sulfosalts, tellurides, cinnabar

Of course, not all minerals are present in any one deposit and the above sequence is
highly simplified. See Figure for an example of a more detailed paragenetic sequence.

Zoning
Can be defined by changes in ore or gangue minerals or both, by changes in the
percentages of metals, or by changes in metal/metal ratios or even isotopic variation.

1. epigenetic hydrothermal zoning


o regional - large scale zoning which often shows a rough correspondence to
orogenic belts or plate boundaries.

district - zoning on a district scale often related to intrusive centers of


facies changes in sedimentary rocks.

ore body - changes within a single ore body.


2. syngenetic hydrothermal zoning - zoning relative to a central volcanic source.
Very similar between deposits and well documented. Sequence is Fe--> (Sn)-->
Cu--> Zn--> Pb-->Ag-->Ba. An overlap of zones is common.
3. sedimentary syngenetic zoning - found in sedimentary sulfide ore deposits.
Sequence is Cu+Ag--> Pb-->Zn.
o

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