Goldschmidt Conference Abstract 2006

Trace element geochemistry of magnetite Scaling NIST SRM 3149

and pyrite in Fe oxide (±Cu–Au) analysis and isotopic
mineralised systems: Insights into the natural samp
geochemistry of ore-forming fluids J. CARIGNAN1, H. W
M.J. CAREW1, G. MARK1,2, N.H.S. OLIVER1, N. PEARSON3 1
CRPG-CNRS, 15, Rue Notre-Dame
1 54501, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex
EGRU, School of Earth Sciences, James Cook University,
cnrs-nancy.fr)
Australia (mickc@ivancorp.net; nick.oliver@jcu.edu.au) 2
2 KLODG, Institute of Geochemistry
Monash Ore Geology Research and Exploration Group, School
Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China (h
of Geosciences, Monash University, Australia (geordie.mark@
sci.monash.edu.au)
3 There is actually no consensus on
GEMOC, Macquarie University, Australia (norm.pearson@
used as the ‘‘delta zero’’ reference for S
mq.edu.au)
concerned scientists suggested the use th
we report its composition (lot 992106)
LA-ICP–MS analyses of magnetite and pyrite from Fe oxide
solution which was already used as
(Cu–Au) (e.g. Ernest Henry, Osborne, Starra and Mount Elliott)
2002). The technique used is the on line
and related deposits in northwest Queensland, Australia shows
generation, coupled to a MC-ICP–MS I
that these minerals are enriched in a diverse suite of elements.
collision cell, as described by Rouxe
Magnetite typically contains detectable Ti, Si, Al, Mg, Sc, Co, 76
SeMERCK measured for the NIST SR
Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Sn, Pb, Mn, V, Cr and Mo, whereas co-genetic
(± is 2 times the standard deviation from
pyrite contains detectable Ti, Co, As, Si, Se and Ni. Comparison
sions). Recalculated d82/76Se relative
of ore-related and barren systems shows that magnetite and pyrite
CRPG and MH495 Se solutions
exhibit differences in relative trace element concentrations, where
1.53 ± 0.20&, 2.01 ± 0.2& (2.06 ± 0.1
magnetite associated with ore typically contains lower Ti, V and
!3.04 ± 0.30&.
Cr and higher Sc and Mo, while Co and As were higher in ore-re-
Literature values (d82/76Se) may be
lated pyrite. These chemical differences are common for many
3149 scale. Troilite from various iron m
Cu–Au ore systems in the district, and potentially indicate that
trial rocks yield an average compositio
magnetite and pyrite can be employed as geochemical mineral
small variation of ±0.39& and of ±0
indicators toward ore-forming systems.
ments have a slightly larger range
The main factors considered important in controlling magne-
1.11&). Sulfides from modern hydrothe
tite and pyrite geochemistry include: (i) fluid composition; (ii) pro-
ious black shales yield rather nega
cess of ore formation (e.g. fluid mixing and fluid–rock
!1.26 ± 2.6& and !0.57 ± 4.9% and
interaction); and/or (iii) physicochemical conditions (e.g. T, foo)
compositions. New results obtained at C
during mineral deposition. Given that the minerals in this study
shales revealed high variations of their d
largely occur as open-space fill (e.g., veins), they were probably
to 4.9&. In these specific rocks, Se oc
formed in fluid-buffered environments where contributions from
forms (Se!2 and Se0). Se isotopes are t
the host rocks via element exchange were minimal. Consequently,
ation cycle of rocks and subsequent pha
we propose that the chemistry of magnetite and pyrite in the ore
to redox conditions.
systems probably reflects the geochemistry of the precipitating flu-
id(s) which considered together with the stable isotope character-
istics and complex chemistry of ore-forming fluids from the Ernest Reference
Henry and Starra Cu–Au deposits suggests a significant magmatic Rouxel, O., Ludden, J., Carignan, J., Ma
Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 66, 3191–319
contribution to the metal budget of the ore deposits (1).

doi:10.1016/j.gca.2006.06.079
Reference
Williams, P.J., Dong, G., Ryan, C.G, Pollard, P.J., Rotherham, J.F.,
Mernagh, T.P., Chapman, L.H., . Econ. Geol. 96, 875–883.

doi:10.1016/j.gca.2006.06.078