Ore Deposits

Pressure

Temperature

Characteristics of water

Temperature

Mineral solubility

Density

Ore Deposits
Composition of aqueous ore-forming fluids

Typical ore fluid compositions

Consensus is that ore fluids contain:

x0 to x000 ppm Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe
0.x to x0 ppb Au, Ag, Hg

Mineral solubility

Ore Deposits
Solubility of metals:

ZnS + 2H+ = Zn2+ + H2S

KSP = [Zn2+][H2S]

Given that:
S = [H2S] ~ 0.1m (typical of most solutions); and
KSP = 10-14 @200C and neutral pH, then:
[Zn2+] = 10-13 moles/l

Complexation agents: Cl-, F-, SO42-, OH-, HS-, etc.

Mineral solubility

Ore Deposits
Metal solubility also is a function of other variables, the most important of which
are pH and oxidation state

Gangue mineral solubility controlled by:

Mineral solubility

Ore Deposits
Gangue mineral solubility

Extreme supersaturation:
colloidal particles

Mineral textures depend on:

Supersaturation

High supersaturation:
dendritic, radiating xls

Ppt rates
Crystal chemistry

Moderate supersaturations:
twinning and hopper xls
Low supersaturation:
rough, curved surfaces
Near equilibrium:
equant or elongate xls

Coarse crystalline
comb texture

Mineral solubility

Fine crystalline
colloidal banding

Ore Deposits
Sources of ore components:
Fluids:

Ligands:

Metals:

Mineral solubility