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Introduction to ore-forming processes, by Laurence Robb

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DOI: 10.1007/s00126-006-0089-z

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Miner Deposita
DOI 10.1007/s00126-006-0089-z
BOOK REV IEW
Walter Pohl
Introduction to ore-forming processes, by Laurence Robb
Blackwell Science, 2005, ISBN 0-632-06378-5, Price GBP 32.50, USD 78.95
# Springer-Verlag 2006
This is an excellent book. According to the author, it is
aimed at senior undergraduate or graduate students and at
practicing geologists. In the Introduction (15 pp), the
author’s aim and approach and the general aspects of
mineral resources are explained, including the classifica-
tion used, the nature of a viable mineral deposit, the
difference between mineral resources and ore reserves,
some general definitions, the periodic table of elements,
names and chemical formulas of common ore and
gangue minerals, the geological time scale, and the
concepts of sustainability and environmental responsi-
bility. As all other chapters, the Introduction ends with a
concise summary and print sources suggested for further
reading.
The core of the book consists of four parts (Igneous
Processes, Hydrothermal Processes, Sedimentary/surficial
Processes, and Global Tectonics and Metallogeny), each
containing one or two chapters for a total of six.
Considering the author’s scientific home at Johannes-
burg, in the center of the giant South African mineral
districts, a closer look at his presentation of the processes
that formed this endowment can be expected to reveal his
approach.
Chapter 1 presents Igneous Ore-Forming Processes (55
pp). Topics and case studies treated in seven “boxes” (text,
figures, and photographs) are listed at the head of the
chapter. As a prelude to discussing processes, the crustal
architecture, its mineral endowment, magma types and
metal contents, and the fertility variations of magmas are
introduced. The role of the Earth’s mantle in ore formation
is explained by sub-chapters on diamond (with a box
describing concisely the Orapa mine in Botswana and
Argyle in Australia) and on metal transfer from the mantle
W. Pohl (*)
Institut für Umweltgeologie, Technische Universität
Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig,
Postfach 3329,
38023 Brunswick, Germany
e-mail: walter.pohl@tu-bs.de
into the crust. Typical for the approach taken in this book is
the following sub-chapter on “Partial Melting and Crystal
Fractionation as Ore-Forming Processes.” This is sup-
ported by several figures, petrologic diagrams, and by
equations that relate concentrations in parent and daughter
phases to physical conditions and other parameters.
Examples used for illustrative purposes include the
Zaaiplaats tin deposit and the UG1 chromitite seam
(Bushveld Complex). Further topics in Chapter 1 comprise
liquid immiscibility (examples in boxes are the Ni–Cu ores
of Kambalda, Australia, the Merensky Reef in the
Bushveld Complex, and the Ni–Cu deposits of Sudbury,
Canada) and a general model for mineralization in layered
mafic intrusions.
The following chapters are headed by Magmatic-
Hydrothermal Ore-Forming Processes (Chapter 2), Hydro-
thermal Ore-Forming Processes (Chapter 3), Surficial and
Supergene Ore-Forming Processes (Chapter 4), Sedimen-
tary Ore-Forming Processes (Chapter 5), and Ore Deposits
in a Global Tectonic Context (Chapter 6).
The text of the book is very well-written. The author
describes lucidly (and patiently) all important features of
specific processes, so that the reader can easily follow his
arguments. The explanations include references to the
originators of important concepts. The depth of treatment
conforms to the author’s intents—it will enable students
and other readers to understand most current scientific
discussions in economic geology. In contrast to typical
American textbooks, the author does not provide sample
problems, exercises, or questions.
The author focuses on geological, petrological, and
chemical aspects of ore-forming processes. Obviously, he
did not intend to cover all important types of ore deposits
(there is, for example, no reference to unconformity-type
uranium deposits or carbonatites), nor are all methods
presented, that illuminate processes (e.g. isotope geo-
chemistry). By design, the book does not provide a
systematic overview of mineral deposits. The coverage of
ore-formation processes is quite comprehensive, however,
including concise descriptions of the origin of evaporites,
petroleum, and coal. In some cases, the book’s organi-
zation surprises the reader, as the treatment of “biologi-
cally mediated processes of metal precipitation” in
Chapter 3 on “Hydrothermal Ore-Forming Processes”.
The only term in the Index leading to this site is
“biomineralization,” while “microbes, bacteria, archaea,
etc.” are not listed. I can only suggest that in future
editions, the Index should be enlarged to facilitate a rapid
search for specific topics.
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The book’s 211 figures and photographs are printed in
gray tones, the first are quite good, while the photos are not
always well-rendered. There are 23 pages of references,
mainly dating from 1970–2000. As explained above, the
Index, with only five pages, is not satisfactory. Overall,
however, I am convinced that this book will be very useful
to all geologists, young or experienced, who wish to learn
more about ore-forming processes.