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Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Ore Geology Reviews

j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w. e l s ev i e r. c o m / l o c a t e / o r e g e o r ev

Geology, petrography and geochemistry of igneous rocks related to mineralized

skarns in the NW Neuquén basin, Argentina: Implications for Cordilleran
skarn exploration
Josefina Pons a,⁎, Marta Franchini a, Lawrence Meinert b, Leopoldo López-Escobar c, Laura Maydagán a
a
Centro Patagónico de Estudios Metalogenéticos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Buenos Aires 1400,
8300 Neuquén, Argentina
b
Department of Geosciences Smith College, Northampton, MA 01062, United States
c
Grupo Magmático, Instituto GEA, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción-3, Chile

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Five mineralized Cu, Au, and Fe skarns and related igneous rocks of the Andes Cordillera of NW Neuquén
Received 15 January 2010 (Paleogene Campana Mahuida, Caicayén and Cerro Nevazón) and SW Mendoza (Neogene Vegas Peladas and
Received in revised form 19 May 2010 Hierro Indio) provinces of Argentina (34–38°S) are reviewed to demonstrate that geochemical signatures of
Accepted 20 May 2010
igneous rocks can be used to predict the metal potential of skarn prospects of the Andes Cordillera of
Available online 27 May 2010
Argentina. These igneous rocks are calc-alkaline, metaluminous, and derived from a sub-arc mantle source
Keywords:
without residual garnet. They were emplaced at shallow depths. The Vegas Peladas, Hierro Indio, and Cerro
Igneous rocks Nevazón igneous rocks have similar major and trace element contents, and are typical of primitive, I-type
Mineralized Cu plutons associated with Fe skarns worldwide. The Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio plutons are, however, less
Fe reduced and they have lower Ni concentration than the Cerro Nevazón rocks, whose skarns have higher Au
Au skarns concentrations. In the Caicayén district, small skarns with sub-economic Cu concentrations and abundant
NW Neuquén Basin pyrite are associated with porphyry copper style alteration in igneous rocks that underwent amphibole
Argentina fractionation. Their chemical compositions are intermediate between the most primitive plutons associated
with Fe skarns and the most evolved plutons associated with Cu skarns, both with high fO2. At Campana
Mahuida a small porphyry copper deposit and associated Cu skarns are linked to andesite dikes and pluton
with similar SiO2 contents but richer in incompatible trace elements (K, Rb, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, and Th) than the
Mendoza, Cerro Nevazón and Caicayén igneous rocks. This suggests that their parental magmas evolved in an
open system and were contaminated with crustal material, thus resulting in the strongest fractionation of
amphibole and accessories phases. These intrusions share many features with typical Cu skarns-related
plutons.
© 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
There are 28 mineralized skarns in the Andes segment between
34° and 38°S known as Cordillera Principal of SW Mendoza and NW
Neuquén (Méndez et al., 1995; Franchini and Dawson, 1999;
Franchini, 2005; Franchini et al., 2007a, b, Pons et al., 2009). They
are related to Andean Cordillera plutons that are part of a magmatic
belt of calc-alkaline rocks caused by eastward subduction of the Nazca
(Farallon) plate beneath South America (Davison and Mpodozis,
1991; Franchini et al., 2003; Pons et al., 2007). Their ages decrease
from Paleogene, between 36° and 38°S, in NW Neuquén to Neogene
between 34 and 36°S, in SW Mendoza (Fig. 1; Franchini et al., 2003,
2007b; Pons et al., 2007).
⁎ Corresponding author. Tel./fax: + 54 299 4485344.
E-mail addresses: jpons@uncoma.edu.ar, josefina_pons@infovia.com.ar (J. Pons).
Skarn size and economic importance range from outcrops with
only exploratory trenching and sampling to small deposits (e.g.,
Hierro Indio and Vegas Peladas; Zanettini, 1999; Franchini and
Dawson, 1999; Franchini et al., 2007a, 2007b; Pons et al., 2009) that
have been mined for Fe and Cu in the early 1900s. Some of these
mineralized skarns are related to porphyry copper deposits (e.g.,
Campana Mahuida; Sillitoe, 1977; Franchini and Malvicini, 1998;
Chabert and Zanettini, 1999) or porphyry-style alteration and
mineralization (Caicayén District; Casé and Malvicini, 1999; Franchini
et al., 2000). Other examples are enriched in precious metals (e.g., Ag
at Cerro La Virgen and Aguas Amarillas skarns; Angelelli, 1984;
Franchini and Dawson, 1999, or Au at Cerro Nevazón; Franchini et al.,
1999).
This paper is a review of the geology, petrography and geochem-
istry of igneous rocks related to mineralized skarns in NW Neuquén
(Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón and Cerro Caicayén; Franchini
et al. 2003; Franchini 2005; Franchini et al., 2007a; Table 1) and SW

0169-1368/$ – see front matter © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2010.05.006
 Author's personal copy
38 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58
Fig. 1. Location map of the skarn prospects associated with Paleogene (Campana
Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón and Caicayén) and Neogene (Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio)
igneous rocks and of other volcanic centers from the Southern Volcanic Zone segment
(SVZ) and Transitional Southern Volcanic Zone (TSVZ, modified from López Escobar,
1984; Tormey et al., 1991; Franchini et al., 2003).
Mendoza (Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio; Franchini et al., 2007b;
Pons et al., 2007; Pons et al., 2009; Table 1), including the main
characteristics of each deposit. The compositions of Neuquén and
Mendoza igneous rocks (Appendices A-D) are compared to the
subduction-related plutons associated with Fe, Au, Cu and Zn skarns
in other parts of the world (Meinert, 1995) to address the relationship
between pluton composition and the metal content of associated
skarns. Interestingly, although the igneous rocks from NW Neuquén
and SW Mendoza seem to have formed from similar mantle-
generated magmas, differences in the evolutionary trends of these
magmas correlate with the styles of alteration and mineralization in
the resulting skarns. Thus, the geochemical signatures of igneous
rocks can be useful in predicting the metal potential of the numerous
skarn prospects of the Andes Cordillera of western Argentina, even
where outcrops are limited.
2. Setting
The study areas are located in the Andes Cordillera, in the segment
belonging to the actual Southern Volcanic Zone (Fig. 1; SVZ, 33°–46°S;
Hildreth and Moorbath, 1988; Tormey et al., 1991; Ferguson et al.,
1992) where the thickness of continental crust decrease from the
north (Northern SVZ) between 33° and 34°30′S (65–60 km; Hildreth
and Moorbath, 1988 and references therein) to the south (55 km;
Transitional SVZ between 34.5° and 37°S) and Southern SVZ between
37° and 46° (42–35 km; López Escobar, 1984; Tormey et al., 1991;
Ramos et al., 2004). In this region, Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimen-
tation and magmatism were superimposed on a Paleozoic basement
of accreted continental and oceanic terranes (Mpodozis and Ramos,
1998). A significant feature is the NW-trending Cortaderas lineament,
220 km in length (36°S; Ramos and Kay, 2006), that correlates with a
change in the structure of the underlying continental crust and mantle
lithosphere (Ramos and Kay, 2006). This lineament separates two
regions with differences in the geometry of the subducting slab and
crustal rheology and marks the southern limit of a Miocene shallow
subduction zone. North of the lineament, Neogene backarc magma-
tism changes from an early Miocene non-arc-like chemistry, to a late
Miocene arc-like chemistry and then back to a Pliocene non-arc
chemistry (Kay et al., 2006). South of the lineament, Neogene backarc
magmatism is absent (Kay et al., 2006) and the region was
characterized by a constant normal subduction with little fluctuations
in the position of arc front from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary
(Ramos and Kay 2006).
3. Geological framework of NW Neuquén and SW Mendoza
The Campana Mahuida, Nevazón and Caicayén districts are located
in the Cordillera Principal of NW Neuquén, along the western
boundary of the Thrust Belt segments of the Chos Malal and Agrio
Fold Belts defined by Bracaccini (1970) and Ramos (1978) (Fig. 2). The
region is characterized by a series of E-verging folds and related
thrusts which developed a complex thrust front that is bounded to the
east by an area of gentle folding. These fold belts are bordered on the
NW and SE, respectively, by the Cordillera del Viento anticline and the
Loncopué graben, an extensional structure filled with Plio-Pleistocene
basalts (Ramos, 1999). The Agrio and Chos Malal Fold Belts consist of
7000 m of Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks that uncon-
formable overlie Permian–Triassic volcaniclastic basement (the
Choiyoi Group; Fig. 2). The structures of the area have a N–S
orientation and are dominated by folds with complex faults. This
area was affected by Paleogene magmatism which cuts the fold and
fault structures (e.g., Cerro Negro, Cerro Mayal, Cerro Caicayén,
Collipilli, Franchini et al., 2003).
The Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio prospects are located in the
fold and thrust belt of Malargüe (34°–36°S; Kozlowski et al., 1993;
Mingramm et al., 1993), in the central-south Andes segment known
as Cordillera Principal of SW Mendoza province (Fig 2; Ramos,
1993). During the Late Triassic–Early Tertiary, this region located
east of the arc–trench system, was characterized by a series of fault-
bounded depressions, and the tectonic regime was dominated by
extension and subsidence with local episodes of uplift, folding, and
erosion (Gulisano and Gutiérrez-Pleimling, 1995). These basins
were filled with more than 6000 m of Late Triassic to Paleocene
marine and continental sedimentary rocks that unconformably
overlie the Permian–Triassic volcaniclastic basement of the Choiyoi
Group (Fig. 2). Compressional tectonics began in the Tertiary
(Gulisano and Gutiérrez-Pleimling, 1995) forming the thick-skinned
Malargüe fold and thrust Belt (Kozlowski et al., 1993). This
compression was followed by widespread volcano-plutonic activity,
represented in this segment by three magmatic cycles (Ramos and
Nullo, 1993): the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene Molle Group
(Haller et al., 1985; Nullo, 1985), the widespread Miocene Huincán
Formation (Nullo, 1985; Bouza, 1991; Baldauf et al., 1992), and
young Pleistocene volcanism (Ramos and Nullo, 1993). Typical
Cordilleran I-type plutons were emplaced into the Mesozoic–
Cenozoic sedimentary sequences along the main (N–S) thrust faults
and folds (Ramos and Nullo, 1993).
4. General characteristics of mineralized skarns and associated
igneous rocks
4.1. The Cerro Nevazón skarns
Three mineralized skarn bodies occur at the contact of the
Paleogene (60.1 ± 1.6 to 56 ± 1.7 Ma) igneous rocks with the Jurassic
micritic limestone siltstone and sandstone and Cretaceous black shale
(Table 1). The skarns are similar to Au-rich skarn deposits elsewhere
(Franchini et al., 1999; Table 1). The igneous rocks consist of three
stocks and numerous sills and dikes and crop out along the eastern
boundary of the Cordillera del Viento (Fig. 2), between Cajón del
Medio and Cajón Grande creeks. The stocks intruded the core of an
anticline and occur as three discontinuous outcrops with an elliptical
shape, elongated in the N–S direction; these may be apices of a single
Table 1
Synthesis of the main characteristics of skarns from Cerro Nevazón, Campana Mahuida, Caicayén, Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio districts.

Deposits name Latitude Longitude Province Size and grade Host rocks Ore forming intrusion Skarn mineralogy Ore mineralogy References
Age and lithology Age, composition and alteration
Prograde Retrograde

Cerro Nevazón 36°47′S 70°29′W NW Up to 162 ppm As, 58 ppm Upper Jurassic silstone 56–60.1 Ma K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar Inner zone: gart ± pyx ± scp ± amph, po N py, cp, mt,, Franchini and Innes
Au skarn 36°49′S Neuquén siltstone (Lotena F.), micritic (Lotena F.), micritic ages calc-alkaline gabbro-diorite ido ± ttn ± qtz ± cal ± sulfides ep, cal, asp, sl, mo, mc, (1997), Franchini et
limestone (La Manga F.) and limestone (La Manga F.) stock, andesite dikes act, bio, fds (up to 4%) qtz, chl, electrum al. (1999),
sandstone (Tordillo F.) and and sandstone (Tordillo pyx, scp, gart(Ad31–66 Pi11-3), Intermediate zone: pyx ± preh Franchini et al.
Cretaceous micritic black F.) and Cretaceous qtz ep, amph, qtz in bx scp ± gart ± ttn ± qtz ± cal ± (2003)
shale (Vaca Muerta F.) micritic black shale (Vaca sulfides (8%)
Muerta F.) Outer zone: wo ± scp ±

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pyx ± gart ± sulfides
(10%) scp(Me34–61) N

J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

pyx(Hd7–79Jo0.3-6) N
gart(Ad17–98 Pi1–3) N wo, ido, qtz
Campana Mahuida 38°14′S 70°32′W NW 0.05% Cu; 0.3 g/t Au o.p. Upper Jurassic silstone 61 ± 1.4 Ma (SHRIMP U–Pb age gart(Ad46–98 Pi2–17), pyx, ep, qtz act, chl, py, mt, hm, cp, mc, Franchini and
porphyry Cu–Cu Neuquén (Lotena F.), micritic of zircon calc-alkaline andesite qtz, cal, bn, mo, Malvicini (1998)
skarn limestone (La Manga F.) dikes with potassic, propylitic, silica– and references
and sandstone (Tordillo phyllic alteration gart(Ad37–85), py there in
F.) act,ep, pyx(Hd16–25 Jo4)
Caicayén porphyry 37°27′S 70°27′W NW 0.02–4.6% Cu; 0.1–1.1%Znup Upper Jurassic black shale 44.7 Ma K–Ar in whole-rock Inner zones: gart(Ad95–97 Pi2), ep,clz py, po, mt, sl, mc, Franchini and
Cu–Cu skarn Neuquén to 0.3 g/t Au; up to 10 g/t Ag; (Lotena F.), micritic and calc-alkaline quartz andesite pyx(Hd28–60 Jo3–6) qtz ep, chl, cp, hm Malvicini (1998),
8.5–100 ppm As; up to algal limestone and andesite sills and dikes with Outer zone: pyx(Hd28–60) ± cal,qtz and references
168 ppm Pb, up to100 ppm interbedded with nodular potassic, propylitic, phyllic sulfides ± qtz sd, there in, Franchini
A. o.p. gypsum (La Manga F.). alteration ep, gart(Ad45–90Pi), silica, et al. (2000),
pyx (Hd18–39Jo), qtz py Llambías and
Rapela (1989)
Vegas Peladas 35°20′S 69° 57′W SW 39–69.5% Fe Lower to Middle Jurassic 15.19 ± 0.24 Ma Rb–Sr calc- Inner zone: gart(Ad31–89 Pi0–2), Ab96–98, mt N hm N py ≫ N cp Pons et al. (2007),
Fe skarn Mendoza 260 ppm Cu shales, limestone, and alkaline diorite to tonalite pyx ± qtz ep, cal, Pons et al. (2009)
2.9 ppm Ag mudstone–wackestone stocks, dikes, Ort87–93, Ort87–93 Distal veins: gart(Ad96–100) ± qzt, act, and references
(Puchenque and Calabozo act, ep, fds, qtz, ttn, cal, chl pyx (Hd72–29 Jo1–4) chl, ttn, there in;
Fs.) Fe
oxides
Hierro Indio 34°59′S 69°47′W SW 0.450 m.t. with 63% Fe op Lower Cretaceous 15 Ma 40Ar/39Ar in plagioclase gart(Ad32-96 Pi0.5-1.8) N N pyx, ep, cal, mt N hm, py, cp Angelelli (1984),
Fe skarn Mendoza fossiliferous limestone calc-alka porphyritic andesite to ap ± Fe oxides qzt, mal, az, cris Elizalde and
(Vaca Muerta F.) and trachyte sills and microgranular amph, Gonzalez Laguinge
calcareous shale (Chachao diorite stock zo, clz, ido, bio, qtz, chl, flap, (1954), Franchini et
F.) cal ep, flap op al. (2007b), Rigal
(1942), Zanettini
(1999)

Abreviations: act = actinolite, ad = andradite, ap = apatite, asp = arsenopyrite, bio = biotite, bn = bornite, bx = breccia, chl = chlorite, clz = clinozoisite, cp = chalcopyrite, ep = epidote, F = formation, Fs = formations, flap = fluorapatite,
gart = garnet, hd = hedenbergite, hm = hematite, ido = idocrase, jo = johannsenite, mc = marcasite, mo = molybdenite, mt = magnetite, m.t. = million tons, o.p. = open pit mine, po = pyrrhotite, preh = prehnite, py = pyrite,
pyx = pyroxene, qtz = quartz, scap = scapolite, sl = sphalerite, wo = wollastonite.

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40 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

Fig. 2. Geologic map of the Cordillera Principal of SW Mendoza and NW Neuquén provinces with the location of the Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, Caicayén, Vegas Peladas, and
Hierro Indio districts in the framework of the Upper Cretaceous–Miocene intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks of western Argentina (modified after Zappettini, 1998). C:
Carboniferous; E: Paleogene; FTB: Fault and thrust belt; J: Jurassic; K: Cretaceous; N: Neogene; P: Permian; Q: Quaternary; T: Triassic.

underlying pluton (Fig. 3A). Their texture varies from equigranular to
seriate to porphyritic near margins. They range in modal composition
from gabbro to quartz diorite, with diorite being the most common.
Dioritic and quartz dioritic rocks contain normally zoned plagioclase
(An b 50) (64–74%), clinoamphibole (15–20%), biotite (5–10%), and
quartz (4–18%), with accessory magnetite, minor ilmenite, apatite,
titanite and traces of zircon. In some dioritic samples, clinoamphibole
contains relic enstatite (Wo2.5–3 En71–73Fs24–25) and augite (Wo42–
43 En 42–43 Fs14–15) cores. The gabbro stock contains plagioclase
(An N 50), pyroxene (both enstatite and augite, with reaction rims of
amphibole–biotite–magnetite), olivine partially replaced by idding-
site, and accessory magnetite, minor ilmenite and apatite. The modal
compositions of dikes and sills are similar to the diorite and gabbro
stocks but they have porphyritic textures.
Near the intrusive rocks, the sedimentary siltstone is recrystallized
to zoned hornfels (Fig. 3A). The skarn system also is zoned around the
gabbro and diorite–tonalite plutons (Table 1). Sulfides (see Table 1)
are present in all the prograde skarns zones and show an increase
from 4% at the inner zone to 15% at distal zone of the exoskarn.
Pyrrhotite is the most abundant metallic mineral, locally reaching
40 vol.% and is along with electrum (Au N Ag) and silver.
4.2. The Campana Mahuida and Caicayén skarns
The Campana Mahuida and Caicayén skarns (Table 1) have been
classified as typical Cu skarns related to porphyry copper deposits
(Franchini and Malvicini, 1998; Franchini et al., 2000). At Campana
Mahuida, Cu skarns and a porphyry Cu deposit are hosted in a
Paleogene porphyry stock (61.0 ± 1.4 Ma) and associated dikes at
the contact with Jurassic sandstone and limestone (Table 1; Fig. 3B).
These igneous rocks were emplaced along stratigraphic contacts and
preexisting faults, although the faults have been active after the
emplacement (Chabert and Zanettini, 1999). In outcrop, andesite
and quartz–andesite dikes have sharp contacts with the
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 41

Fig. 3. 3-D images (Google Earth-2010) of the Cerro Nevazón, Campana Mahuida and Caicayén regions showing the location of igneous rocks, hornfels, silica–pyrite replacements,
mineralized skarns, and porphyry Cu alteration-mineralization (modified after Casé, 1996; Franchini and Malvichini, 1998; Franchini et al., 2003; Franchini et al., 2007a).

sedimentary rocks. In subsurface, andesite forms a stock-like body matrix. They contain normally zoned plagioclase, clinoamphibole,
1.400 m long in a NNE direction and 400 m wide and hosts the minor quartz, with accessory magnetite, apatite, titanite and traces
porphyry Cu deposit. The dikes are porphyritic with a fine-grained of zircon. These rocks are contemporaneous with two dioritic stocks
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42 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58
Fig. 4. 3-D images (Google Earth-2010) of the (A) Vegas Peladas and (B) Hierro Indio prospects showing the location of igneous rocks, hornfels and Fe skarns (modified after
Franchini et al., 2007b and references there in; Pons et al., 2009).
(60.7 ± 1.9 Ma; K/Ar in amphibole; Franchini et al., 2003) that crop
out to the north at Cerro Pedregoso and Tres Puntas (Fig. 3B). The
porphyry copper deposit is characterized by a potassic core and a
phyllic halo surrounded by a large propylitic zone. Argillic alteration
patches occur within the phyllic zone. The main hypogene copper
mineral is chalcopyrite that is spatially related to the potassic
alteration zone. Several mineralized skarn and silica–pyrite bodies
(Fig. 3B) occur within the phyllic and propylitic halos of the
porphyry Cu deposit. Skarns and silica–pyrite outcrops extend
discontinuously in an area 2.5 km × 0.3 km, approximately 1 to
2.5 km SSE of the potassic core of the deposit. Within the phyllic
halo and associated with the porphyry Cu, alteration of the
sedimentary protolith formed silica–pyrite bodies with Cu and Au
anomalies and relic skarn clots. In the outer propylitic zone a Cu
skarn occurs in the contact with andesitic dikes (Table 1).
At Caicayén, a series of skarn and replacement deposits occur as
lenticular bodies (averaging 40 m thick) at the contact of Paleogene
plutons (44.7 ± 2 Ma,) and the Jurassic sedimentary rocks (Figs. 2 and
3C) surrounding a porphyry-style alteration and mineralization
(Table 1). The plutons have intruded already formed structures
(folds) and are considered to be late-tectonic relative to the main
deformational event of the areas (Llambías and Malvicini, 1978;
Minniti et al., 1986; Llambías and Rapela, 1989; Franchini et al., 2003).
Seismic lines reveal the close association between the fold where
plutons have been intruded and deep structures (thrust faults) that
affected the Pre-Jurassic basement at depth (Minniti et al., 1986). The
plutons consist of several porphyritic sills (175–300 m thick) of
tonalite that crop out to the S and SE of two main tonalite stocks. They
contain normally zoned plagioclase (An20–52), amphibole pheno-
crysts, and quartz with accessory titanomagnetite, apatite, and
titanite. Porphyry-style alteration and mineralization occurs in a
3 km2 zone and consists of: 1) a potassium silicate core; 2) a propylitic
zone; 3) a phyllic halo superimposed upon the potassic and propylitic
zones, and 4) a narrow, structurally controlled kaolinite–montmoril-
lonite–sericite zone east of the potassic core (Casé, 1996; Casé and
Malvicini, 1999). Concentrations of sulfides, magnetite, and gold are
located within the potassic and phyllic zones. Copper and gold
anomalies have been identified in exposures within the potassic and
phyllic halos (Placer Dome Exploration Inc, 1993, 1994; Gencor,
1995). Zoned Cu skarns occur near the potassic core and 800 m south
of the potassic halo where massive silica ± pyrite also replaces
limestone.
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 43

4.3. The Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio Skarns
Mineralized skarns in the Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio districts
(Table 1) have been classified as Fe skarns (Franchini et al., 2007b;
Pons et al., 2009). They are similar to other iron skarns located in the
same belt of SW Mendoza (Franchini and Dawson, 1999; Franchini
et al., 2007b).
The Vegas Peladas iron skarn is hosted in the Jurassic shale,
mudstone–wackestone, and limestone at the contact with a
Miocene (Rb–Sr 15.2 ± 0.2 Ma; Table 1; Figs. 2 and 4A) pluton.
The diorite pluton is the oldest igneous rock and forms the Las
Minas Hill (Fig. 4A). Its composition ranges from diorite to tonalite,
with diorite being the most widespread variety. Diorite and tonalite
contain zoned plagioclase, pyroxene, amphibole (edenite–
magnesiohornblende), biotite, and quartz, with accessory magne-
tite, minor titanite, and apatite, and traces of zircon. The texture
varies from microporphyritic to glomerophyritic. The skarn is
superposed on a metamorphic halo with several types of hornfels
(800 m wide). Magnetite and hematite are the main iron ore
minerals and occur as massive orebodies and veins associated with
retrograde alteration.
The Hierro Indio iron skarn is hosted in Cretaceous limestone and
calcareous siltstone (Table 1) at the contact with Miocene (11 ± 1 Ma;
Table 1; Figs. 2 and 4B) plutons. These igneous rocks consist of a small
tonalite–granodiorite stock and numerous dacite sills and dikes that
intrude the sedimentary rocks in the core of a syncline structure
(Fig. 2). The igneous bodies are aligned with the N–S trend and form
the hills of the area. They contain phenocrysts of magnesiohastingsite
and zoned plagioclase (Or1–2Ab53–66) with interstitial quartz and
magnetite, titanite, apatite, and zircon as accessory. The magnesio-
hastingsite commonly has relic clinopyroxene cores. The borders of
the stocks, sills and dykes have more porphyritic textures than the
core. Skarn mineralization is associated with andesite sills that
intrude out from the roof of the main diorite pluton (Fig. 4B). It is
exposed in four areas of open pits, the largest of which had originally a
total surface area of 45,000 m2 Magnetite is associated with pyroxene

Fig. 5. Total alkali–silica classification (Middlemost, 1994; Bellieni et al., 1996) with the alkali–subalkali limit (Irvine and Baragar, 1971) of least-altered (A–B) Campana Mahuida,
Cerro Nevazón, and Caicayén, and (C–D) igneous rocks Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio. The compositional fields of other igneous rocks associated with Fe, Cu, Au and Zn skarns (after
Meinert, 1995) are shown for comparison.
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44 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

and garnet skarn zones and hematite is related to the retrograde
alteration of the exoskarn.
5. Chemical composition of igneous rocks
5.1. Major elements
In the (Na2O + K2O) vs. SiO2 diagram of Middlemost (1994)
(Fig. 5A–D), the Neuquén igneous rocks are subalkaline and most plot
in the diorite and tonalite fields. Two samples from Campana Mahuida
fall in the granodiorite field whereas three samples of Caicayén
igneous rocks plot in the monzonite field, probably due to albite and
phyllic alteration. The igneous rocks from SW Mendoza are also
subalkaline and plot in the diorite–granodiorite fields; only one
sample from Hierro Indio plots in the monzonite field due its sodic
alteration. When compared with plutons associated with base metal
and gold skarns, all the samples fit well in the field of typical plutons
associated with Fe and Au skarns though the most evolved plutons
from Caicayén and Campana Mahuida (granodiorite and monzonite)
are closer to the Cu and Zn skarn fields. According to the AFM diagram
of Irvine and Baragar (1971) (Fig. 6A–D), the Mendoza and Neuquén
igneous rocks are subalkaline with a calc-alkaline affinity. The same
characteristics are exhibited by most plutons associated with skarn
deposits (Meinert, 1995).
As shown in Fig. 7A–D, except for the Camapana Mahuida intrusive
rocks, all other igneous rocks have similar K2O contents and plot in the
fields of low and medium K2O, like the K2O contents of plutons
associated with Fe and Au skarns. For similar SiO2 ranges, the
Campana Mahuida igneous rocks have higher wt.% K2O than the rest
of intrusions from Mendoza and Neuquén, also, a stock sample with
the lowest SiO2 have higher K2O than all other skarns-related plutons.
These igneous rocks define a trend similar to the less K2O-enriched
plutons associated with Zn and Cu skarns (Meinert, 1995) (Fig. 7A–B).
In the MgO vs. SiO2 diagram (Fig. 7E–H), most Cerro Caicayén
plutons have MgO values similar to those of intrusive rocks associated
with Cu and Zn skarns, meanwhile the Campana Mahuida values are
similar to those of igneous rocks from Au and Cu skarns. Cerro
Nevazón, Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio igneous rocks show a wide

Fig. 6. AFM diagrams with calc-alkaline-tholeiitic boundary line from Irvine and Baragar (1971) of least-altered (A–B) Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, and Caicayén igneous rocks
and; (C–D) Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio. The compositional fields of other igneous rocks associated with Fe, Cu, Au and Zn skarns (after Meinert, 1995) are shown for comparison.
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 45

range of SiO2 as well as MgO contents. The trend they defined in the
MgO vs. SiO2 diagram is similar to that of those intrusive rocks
associated with Fe and Au skarns. However, for similar SiO2 contents,
the majority of the Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio plutons have lower
MgO than typical Au skarns-related plutons.
In Fig. 8A–D, the A/CKN range of the Caicayén igneous rocks (0.88–
1.1) is greater than those from Campana Mahuida (0.83–0.84),
Nevazón (0.80–0.95), Vegas Peladas (0.85–0.95) and Hierro Indio
(0.6–0.9) igneous rocks. According to these data, they are metalumi-
nous and plot near the line dividing the metaluminous and
peraluminous fields, similar to plutons associated with Fe, Au, Cu
and Zn skarns. A/CKN ratios greater than 1 in some Caicayén intrusive
rocks are considered to be due either to alkali-element leaching and
micaceous alteration (samples C7 and C12 with high alkali contents,
App. 3) or less silicic sills with more calcic plagioclase (samples C11
and C-42, App. 3).

Fig. 7. (A–D) K2O vs. SiO2 with the high, normal, and low K2O boundary from Le Maitre (1989); and (E–I) MgO vs. SiO2 diagrams of Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, and Caicayén
(A–B, E–F) and the Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio igneous rocks (C–D, G–H). The compositional fields of other igneous rocks associated with Fe, Cu, Au and Zn skarns (after Meinert,
1995) are shown for comparison.
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46 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58
Fig. 7 (continued).
The metaluminous character of most analyzed igneous rocks from
Neuquén and Mendoza combined with the presence of widespread
amphibole phenocrysts and accessory magnetite and titanite are
typical features of I-type or magnetite-series rocks with intermediate
fO2. In the FeO/(Fe2O3 + FeO) vs. SiO2 diagram, however, most
Nevazón intrusives have FeO/(Fe2O3 + FeO) ratios less than 0.4
(Fig. 8E–F). These low ratios are not observed either in
Campana Mahuida nor in Caicayén igneous rocks, which exhibit
FeO/(Fe2O3 + FeO) ratios in the 0.4–0.7 range. The presence of
ilmenite as grains and also as exsolution lamellae within magnetite,
combined with low Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) ratios in biotite (Franchini et al.,
2003), suggest that the Cerro Nevazón igneous rocks are significantly
more reduced than those from Campana Mahuida and Caicayén. These
differences are also shown in Fig. 8E–F, where Campana Mahuida and
Caicayén samples plot well within the fields of Cu and Zn skarns-
related plutons with high fO2, but Cerro Nevazón rocks plot close to
the Fe and Au fields, both represented by plutons that form under
more reduced conditions (Meinert, 1995).
5.2. Trace and rare earth element signatures
Fig. 9A–D shows the Rb–Sc relationship for igneous rocks from
Neuquén and Mendoza and plutons associated with Fe, Au, Cu, and Zn
skarns. The Rb and Sc values of the Neuquén and Mendoza igneous
rocks are similar to those of primitive plutons associated with Fe
skarns, with the lowest Rb values and variable Sc values. In the V vs. Ni
diagram (Fig. 9E–H; Appendix 1), igneous rocks from Cerro Nevazón
show the highest Ni contents whereas the rest of igneous rocks show
more Ni dispersion and lower values. The Sc and Ni depletion in the
Campana Mahuida, Caicayén and Mendoza igneous rocks suggest that
these rocks underwent a higher degree of mafic mineral fractionation
(clinopyroxene + olivine) than did the Cerro Nevazón igneous rocks,
which coincide with their depletion in olivine and clinopyroxene.
When LILE are compared with the less mobile HFSE, it is possible to
analyze the crystallization and differentiation processes and their
relationship to a particular skarn type. For example, in the Rb/Sr vs. Zr
diagram (Fig. 10A–D), most of the Neuquén rocks plot in the field of
plutons associated with Au and Fe skarns. On the other hand, most of
the Mendoza igneous rocks plot in the field of Fe skarns. In the Ba vs.
Zr diagram (Fig. 10E–H), the Neuquén and Mendoza intrusive rocks
plot in the field of plutons associated with Fe skarn, far from the Ba-
enrichment trend observed in intermediate-composition plutons
associated with typical Zn and Cu skarns. Ba depletion in Neuquén
and Mendoza igneous rocks may reflect their low K-feldspar and
biotite contents, as Ba can substitute K in both minerals. Two samples
of the Hierro Indio igneous rocks that have high values of Zr also have
higher amphibole content than other rocks. In magmas of interme-
diate-composition Zr behaves as a compatible element (Rollinson,
1993).
The trace element patterns of the Neuquén and Mendoza igneous
rocks normalized to N-MORB (Pearce, 1983, 1996) are typical of a
calc-alkaline, continental arc, with high Th, Ce and Zr, low Ti, Y, and a
significant Nb depletion (Fig. 11A–B). Their Y and Zr contents close to
1 indicate the lack or scarce residual garnet in the source rocks
(Fig. 11A–B). The Mendoza igneous rocks are richer in incompatible
elements (Th, Nb, Ce) than the Neuquén intrusions with the exception
of the Campana Mahuida igneous rocks that have the highest Th
values. Campana Mahuida and Caicayén rocks are depleted in Nd, Sm,
Yb, and Y in comparison with the other samples. Taking into account
that these elements have high amphibole/liquid distribution coeffi-
cients, their depletion may indicate the fractionation of amphibole
(Pearce 1996). The trace element patterns normalized to continental
crust (Taylor and McLennan, 1985; Fig. 11C–D), show that all the
Neuquén igneous rocks have the strongest Nb negative anomalies
with respect to the Mendoza igneous rocks, and the highest
enrichment in the low field strength elements (LFSE) like, Rb, Ba,
and Sr of the Campana Mahuida igneous rocks with respect to the
other samples (Fig. 11C–D).
The rare earth elements normalized to chondrite (Boynton, 1989)
patterns also reflect the differences between these three igneous rock
groups (Fig. 11E). The pattern of the Campana Mahuida igneous rocks
has the highest La/Yb ratio, due to its enrichment in the LREE and
depletion in HREE, and also exhibits the highest negative Eu anomaly.
In contrast, the pattern of the Cerro Nevazón igneous rocks has the
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 47

Fig. 8. Aluminum saturation index of least-altered (A–B) Campana Mahuida,Cerro Nevazón, and Caicayén; and (C–D) Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio igneous rocks and (E–F) the Fe
oxidation state — FeO/(Fe2O3 + FeO) vs. SiO2 diagrams of the igneous rocks from NW Neuquén. The compositional fields of other igneous rocks associated with Fe, Cu, Au and Zn
skarns (after Meinert, 1995) are shown for comparison.
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48 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

lowest La/Yb ratios of the Neuquén rocks, being depleted in the LREE
in comparison to the other groups of rocks. The Caicayén pattern is
intermediate in LREE compared to the previous groups, but it is also
depleted in HREE. The REE patterns of the Mendoza igneous rocks are
sub-parallel to that of the Cerro Nevazón rocks but they are enriched
in all the REE with respect to the Neuquén igneous rocks.
6. Discussion
Most of the Neuquén and Mendoza plutons intruded along the
main structures of the study areas and several lines of evidence
indicate that they were emplaced at relatively shallow depth. The five
districts have igneous rocks with contrasting textures, from fine-

Fig. 9. (A–D) Rb vs. Sc diagrams; and (E–H) V vs. Ni diagrams illustrating trace element content of igneous rocks from Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, Caicayén, Vegas Peladas,
and Hierro Indio. The compositional fields of other igneous rocks associated with Fe, Cu, Au and Zn skarns (after Meinert, 1995) are shown for comparison.
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58
Fig. 9 (continued).
grained granular, seriate, to porphyritic. The porphyritic rocks are the
most common type associated with mineralization (i.e., at Caicayén,
Campana Mahuida, Hierro Indio and Vegas Peladas), and contain
plagioclase and amphibole phenocryts (1–5 mm), with only local
quartz (i.e., Caicayén) in a microgranular to aphanitic matrix. This
texture suggests at least two different cooling rates for the magmas
and, together with the presence of hornfels suggest a large thermal
contrast between magmas and host rocks (Llambías, 2003), which is
typical of brittle and epizonal environments. Similar ratios of
phenocrysts to aplitic matrix (1:1) in Campana Mahuida and Caicayén
porphyries indicate that after 50% of melt crystallization, the system
was significantly undercooled, probably as a result of pressure
quenching to hydrostatic conditions, like in other porphyry copper
districts (i.e., Yerington, Dilles, 1987; Seedorff et al., 2005).
The plutons associated with Neuquén and Mendoza skarns share
several geochemical and petrographic features with most intrusive
rocks associated with Fe, Au, Cu and Zn skarns worldwide: they are
calc-alkaline and metaluminous, with N-MORB normalized trace
element patterns (Pearce, 1996) characteristics of calc-alkaline
magmas derived from a sub-arc mantle source (Figs. 6A–D and
11A–E; Kay and Mpodozis, 2002). But in terms of trace and rare earth
elements there are significant differences among the plutons.
The Cerro Nevazón plutons are similar to igneous rocks from Vegas
Peladas and Hierro Indio. All are emplaced north of the Cortaderas
lineament that marks a change in Mesozoic to Holocene structure of
the underlying continental crust and mantle lithosphere to the north
and south (Ramos and Kay, 2006). They are mafic to intermediate in
composition (diorite to granodiorite). They are also the most
primitive, being Mg-rich, K- and Si-poor rocks and their trace
(Fig. 7A–H) and rare earth element patterns (Figs. 8A–H, 9A–H and
11A–E) are similar to the primitive igneous rocks associated with iron
skarns (cf. Meinert, 1995; Figs. 7A–H and 11A–E). However, the Cerro
Nevazón igneous rocks have higher Ni values and lower fO2 than the
Mendoza igneous rocks, similar to igneous rocks associated with
reduced Au skarns (Figs. 7A–H, 6E–F and 11A–E). As Ni substitution is
largely restricted to olivine, the highest values of Ni are consistent
with the presence of this mineral in the Cerro Nevazón igneous rock.
The REE pattern of these rocks are similar (enriched in the LREE with
49
respect to the HREE) except that the Cerro Nevazón igneous rocks
have slightly lower values of total REE (Fig. 11). They have negative
anomaly of Nb, typical of volcanic arc magmas where the Nb is
retained within amphibole and minor phases, such as titanite and
rutile, in the subducting plate and its overlying lithospheric mantle
(Pearce and Peate, 1995). The higher Nb anomaly in Cerro Nevazón
could indicate higher accessory mineral fractionation.
The Campana Mahuida and Caicayén igneous rocks are located
south of the Cortaderas lineament. Igneous rocks from Caicayén and
most igneous rocks from Campana Mahuida have similar major, trace
and rare earth element values relative to the more evolve igneous
rocks associated with Cu skarns (Figs. 5–11). As shown in their Rb/Sr
ratios which are very sensitive to the degree of differentiation
(Meinert, 1995), the Campana Mahuida plutons are the most evolved
of the Neuquén igneous rocks, being enriched in the incompatible
elements. This is also reflected in the Campana Mahuida REE pattern
by the negative Eu anomaly due to the fractionation of feldspar and
the highest enrichment in LREE relative to HREE. The lowest values of
HREE in Campana Mahuida could indicate the fractionation of
accessory phases, such as zircon and rutile that have high affinity
for HREE (Rollinson, 1993: Fig. 11B, D–E). Both igneous rocks are
depleted in Yb probably due to the fractionation of amphibole
(Rollinson, 1993) during magmatic ascent.
The chemical differences among the analyzed plutons are best
visualized in the La/Yb vs. Rb/Cs diagram (Fig. 12A), that shows three
different trends. The wide range of Rb/Cs ratios is the main
characteristic of the Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, Vegas Peladas,
and Hierro Indio igneous rocks. Since Rb and particularly Cs are highly
incompatible trace elements, this wide range cannot be attributed to a
simple crystal fractionation process. The variable concentration of Cs
seems to be the main cause of the wide range of Rb/Cs ratios. Since Cs is
compatible with fluid phases, the interaction of the magmatic system
with crustal fluids could explain the variable concentrations of this
element. Constant La/Yb in Cerro Nevazón and the Mendoza intrusions
may be caused by fractionation of minerals with similar solid/liquid
distribution coefficients for heavy and light REE (e.g., olivine ±
plagioclase ± orthopyroxene). These three trends emerge from the
field of basalts from the central province of the Southern Volcanic Zone
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50 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

of the Andes (TSVZ–SSVZ; 35–41°.5′S; Hickey-Vargas et al., 1986;
Tormey et al., 1991). This suggests that the subcrustal sources and
processes that gave rise to the primary magmas of Tertiary Mendoza and
Neuquén igneous groups are similar to those that gave rise to basalts
from the Quaternary TSVZ of the Andes (Morris and Hart, 1983; Futa and
Stern, 1988). Thus, the subcrustal sources and processes can be modeled
by approximately 10% melting of a peridotitic mantle source enriched in
alkalis (among them Cs coming from subducted pelagic sediments;
Morris and Hart, 1983; Futa and Stern, 1988) and alkaline
earth elements due to fluids coming from the subducted oceanic slab
(López-Escobar et al., 1977, 1995). Also the REE patterns normalized to
chondrite for all these rocks indicate that in the generation of the
parental magma by mantle partial melting, the participation of garnet as
a residual phase would be rare to absent. The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of
0.7043 and preliminary 147Sm/144Nd (0,123) and 143Nd/144Nd (0,513)
ratios for the Vegas Peladas igneous rocks (Pons, 2007) are also
consistent with a mantle source for these rocks without crustal
contamination (Faure 1986; Hall, 1996).

Fig. 10. (A–D) Rb/Sr vs. Zr; and (E–H) Ba vs. Zr diagrams illustrating trace element content of igneous rocks from Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, Caicayén, Vegas Peladas, and
Hierro Indio. The compositional fields of other igneous rocks associated with Fe, Cu, Au and Zn skarns (after Meinert, 1995) are shown for comparison.
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58
Fig. 10 (continued).
The La/Yb, La/Sm and Sm/Yb, ratios of the Cerro Nevazón rocks
are similar to other Paleogene rocks located NW of Neuquén
(Fig. 12C, D; Kay et al., 2006). The Cerro Nevazón igneous rocks
have lower Sm/Yb ratios than the Neogene Mendoza igneous rocks,
suggesting that they were emplaced in a relatively thinner
continental crust (∼ 30 km; Franchini et al. 2003). Sm/Yb ratios of
Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio intrusions plot in the fields of other
Neogene igneous rocks (from NW Neuquén and SW Mendoza).
Nevertheless, the variability in the Sm/Yb for similar La/Sm ratios
shown in Fig. 12D, with the lowest values of Sm/Yb for the Neogene
igneous rocks from NW Neuquén and the highest values for those
from SW Mendoza points to a small increase in crustal thickness
from south (30 km; NW Neuquén) to north (50 km; SW Mendoza)
during Neogene arc, similar to the increase observed in the
Quaternary Volcanic Arc between the 35° and 37° SL (Antuco
Vulcano and Planchon Peteroa Volcanic Group; Hildreth and
Moorbath, 1988; Tormey et al., 1991).
The geochemical signatures of the Campana Mahuida and Caicayén
rocks differ from the typical signatures of other Paleogene igneous
rocks (Fig. 12B; Kay et al., 2006 and references therein) in their wide
La/Yb ratio and their dispersion of La/Sm and Sm/Yb ratios. These
geochemical differences of the Campana Mahuida and Caicayén
igneous rocks would be mainly controlled by 1) the interaction of
subcrustal magmas, as the parental magmas rose, with crustal
materials having different La, Sm, and Yb concentrations (Franchini
et al., 2003) or/and 2) fractional crystallization: with different degrees
of amphibole fractionation, with a solid/andesitic liquid distribution
coefficient b1 for La and N1 for Yb, which would in turn cause
different degrees of Yb depletion.
7. Conclusions
The Neuquén and Mendoza igneous rocks emplaced in the NW
of the Neuquén basin represent an example of magmatic activity
that took place during the formation of Paleogene to Neogene
volcanic arcs of the Andes. They are granitoids derived from similar
magmas and share several geologic and petrographic features, but
51
they have some differences that are related to their associated
skarns.
The Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio igneous rocks have similar major
and trace element contents, and are typical of primitive, I-type plutons
associated with Fe skarns worldwide. Likewise, they share several
geologic, petrographic and geochemical features with the Paleogene
Cerro Nevazón igneous rocks, for which a mantle source with scarce or
no residual garnet has been suggested. The Vegas Peladas and Hierro
Indio plutons are, however, less reduced and they have lower Ni
concentration than the Cerro Nevazón rocks, whose skarns have higher
Au concentrations. In the Caicayén district, small skarns with sub-
economic Cu concentrations and abundant pyrite are associated with
porphyry copper-like alterations in igneous rocks that underwent
amphibole fractionation. Their chemical compositions are intermediate
between the most primitive plutons associated with Fe skarns and the
most evolved plutons associated with Cu skarns, both with high fO2. In
the case of Campana Mahuida, a small porphyry Cu deposit and Cu
skarns are associated with andesite dikes and plutons with similar SiO2
contents, but are richer in incompatible trace elements (K, Rb, Sr, Ba, La,
Ce and Th) than the Mendoza, Cerro Nevazón and Caicayén igneous
rocks, suggesting that their parental magmas evolved in an open system
and were contaminated with crustal material and have strongest
fractionation of amphibole and accessories phases. These intrusions
share many features with typical Cu skarn-related plutons.
Consequently, these examples illustrate the role of magma
evolution, of associated skarns and related deposits, and they may
turn out to be of use in large scale prospecting. Another interesting
feature is the chemical differences between the igneous rocks located
north of the Cortaderas lineament (Vegas Peladas, Hierro Indio and
Nevazón) and the igneous rocks located south of the lineament
(Caicayén and Campana Mahuida). This may reflect differences in
source regions or tectonic processes.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their appreciation to the Argentinean National
Institution for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) and the
Facultad de Ingeniería of the Universidad Nacional del Comahue, for
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52 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

Fig. 11. (A–B) Whole-rock trace element concentrations average normalized to N-type MORB (Pearce, 1996) showing differences in the Nb and Ti anomalies; (C–D) whole-rock trace
element concentrations average normalized to continental crust (Taylor and McLennan, 1985); and (E) whole-rock REE concentrations average normalized to average chondrite
(Boynton, 1989) for the Neuquén and Mendoza igneous rocks.
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 53

Fig. 12. (A) Diagram of La/Yb vs. Rb/Cs with the arrows showing the different trends among Campana Mahuida, Cerro Nevazón, Caicayén, Vegas Peladas, and Hierro Indio
igneous rocks: 1) the Nevazón, Vegas Peladas and Hierro Indio trend, characterized by relatively constant La/Yb and variable Rb/Cs ratios; 2) the Campana Mahuida trend,
characterized by variable La/Yb and Rb/Cs ratios, with the La/Yb ratio increasing as the Rb/Cs ratio increases, and finally 3) the Caicayén trend, characterized by relatively
constant and low Rb/Cs and variable La/Yb ratios; (B–C) La/Yb vs. SiO2; and (D–E) La/Sm vs. Sm/Yb ratios diagrams for the Paleogene and Neogene igneous rocks from NW
Neuquén and SW Mendoza, respectively, with those fields of other igneous rocks from the Paleogene and Neogene volcanic arcs located in the same Andean segment (SVZ, data
from Kay et al., 2006). The last diagram illustrates the relationship between REE patterns and crustal thickness (Hildreth and Moorbath, 1988).

funding these studies. LLE also acknowledges the contribution of the excellent contributions that helped us revise this manuscript. Finally,
CONICYT-Chile, Líneas Complementarias Project No. 800-0006. we wish to thank to Nigel J. Cook for his careful examination and
Special thanks are due to the two anonymous reviewers for their dedication as Editor.
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54 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

Appendix A. Whole rock, trace and rare earth element compositions of representative igneous rock suites from Cerro Nevazón.

Facies Tonalite Gabro Tonalite Diorite Diorite Gabro Tonalite Tonalite Diorite Gabro Diorite Diorite Tonalite
stock stock stock sill stock sill stock stock stock stock stock stock stock

Sample 18,523 15,920 15,918 15,914 18,534 18,527 15,906 18,540 15,751 15,919 15,772 15,800 15,902

wt.%
SiO2 59.99 50.83 58.83 56.86 53.29 50.63 59.43 57.47 55.38 50.12 55.64 56.91 59.04
TiO2 0.51 0.72 0.58 0.66 0.73 0.74 0.52 0.62 0.63 1.02 0.78 0.65 0.62
Al2O3 17.06 19.87 18.62 18.67 18.06 20.93 18.29 17.79 18.57 19.08 18.11 18.07 17.46
FeO 2.94 3.92 2.5 3.12 5.3 5 3.6 4.04 3.2 5.16 4.2 4.26 5.32
Fe2O3 3.01 1.19 2.41 3.59 2.79 3.20 2.14 2.58 3.59 4.20 2.94 2.74 0.87
MnO 0.12 0.09 0.03 0.13 0.15 0.15 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.14 0.12 0.13 0.16
MgO 2.74 4.45 2.61 3.11 5.55 4.96 2.52 2.81 3.77 5.27 3.37 3.31 2.38
CaO 5.87 10.41 8.18 7.94 8.54 9.5 5.78 7.4 8.56 9.44 7.33 7.07 6.06
Na2O 3.55 2.89 4.29 4.02 2.91 2.8 4.06 3.54 3.35 2.84 3.36 3.12 3.48
K2O 1.45 0.87 0.3 0.24 0.65 0.72 2.09 1.39 0.67 0.77 1.69 1.36 1.45
P2O5 0.23 0.09 0.15 0.3 0.21 0.09 0.15 0.21 0.2 0.26 0.19 0.23 0.2
L.O.I. 1.9 4.1 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.6 1.4 1.4 1.3 0.8 1.6 1.5 2
C 0.05 0.31 0.07 0.01 0.02 0.01 b0.1 0.01 0.2 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.2
S 1.21 0.01 1.02 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.11 1.22 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.02
Total 99.81 99.98 100.08 99.99 100.05 99.98 100.6 99.92 99.78 99.77 99.91 99.92 99.76

ppm
Ni 26 29 b 20 21 28 b 20 b 20 29 23 35 b20 26 28
Cr 23.94 23.94 30.79 30.79 30.79 41.05 30.79 17.10 51.31 30.79 17.10 27.36 34.21
Sc 10 18 10 10 20 19 b 10 13 14 23 16 14 10
Ba 319 157 126 120 173 174 475 330 181 158 309 306 351
Rb 75.2 19.2 5.4 6 31.7 16 49.1 37.7 26.3 29.3 66.8 48.6 76.4
Sr 401.4 481 470.9 406.1 384.6 459.7 518.4 505.2 463.9 448.5 372.8 342.8 462.6
Zr 141.5 67.4 104.8 83.7 75.7 64.2 154.6 148.4 105.1 72.5 105.3 101.7 185.1
Y 20.5 14.6 16.1 13.9 13.3 14.2 23 23.8 15.6 15.8 16.9 15.7 16.5
Nb 4.6 2 3 2.6 1.9 1.7 4.6 4 3.3 2.1 3.4 3.3 6.2
Ga 21.2 18.4 18.9 19.7 20.4 18.9 21.2 20.4 20.9 20 22.2 20.9 22.8
Bi b0.1 b 0.1 b0.1 b 0.1 b0.1 b 0.1 b0.1 b 0.1 b 0.1 b0.1 0.1 b0.1 b 0.1
Co 14 14 6 13 28 25 9 15 12 22 15 20 12
Cs 2 0.9 1.1 1.7 1.5 1.2 2.7 0.5 1.2 1.8 1.7 2.4 5.9
Hf 2.7 1.3 2 1.6 1.4 1.3 3 2.7 2 1.4 2 2 3.1
Sn b1 1 1 b1 b1 b1 b1 b1 b1 b1 1 0.2 1
Ta 0.3 b 0.1 0.1 0.1 b0.1 b 0.1 b0.1 0.1 0.2 b0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3
Th 5.2 1.5 2.6 2.4 2.3 1.3 4.6 2.6 2.7 1.6 4.1 4.4 3.8
U 1.4 0.3 1.5 0.5 0.6 0.4 1.1 0.9 0.6 0.4 0.7 0.7 1.2
V 116 163 104 118 222 211 112 148 152 225 218 183 160
W b0.5 b 0.5 b0.5 0.6 b0.5 b 0.5 0.7 b 0.5 1.9 b0.5 3.2 1.3 1.7
La 16 10 11 7 10 7 15 14 8 8 10 13 12
Ce 30 22 28 13 19 13 32 31 16 15 20 25 24
Pr 3.92 2.8 4.12 1.95 2.28 1.84 4.14 4.01 2.32 2.22 2.84 2.92 3.53
Nd 13 11 15 8 9 8 16 16 9 9 11 11 13
Sm 3.44 2.47 3.47 2.31 2.43 2.24 4.22 4.25 2.7 2.67 3.07 2.92 3.2
Eu 0.91 1.04 1.42 0.75 0.81 0.76 1.14 1.15 0.88 0.81 0.94 0.92 0.97
Gd 4.76 3.58 4.57 2.96 3.25 2.96 5.87 5.52 3.51 3.51 3.94 3.85 3.87
Tb 0.61 0.44 0.56 0.41 0.43 0.41 0.73 0.73 0.49 0.51 0.54 0.52 0.51
Dy 2.93 2.11 2.51 2.07 2.17 2.03 3.47 3.56 2.27 2.44 2.6 2.4 2.49
Ho 0.66 0.48 0.57 0.47 0.49 0.48 0.8 0.82 0.57 0.59 0.61 0.55 0.58
Er 2.19 1.53 1.92 1.56 1.62 1.52 2.49 2.55 1.81 1.84 1.94 1.79 1.8
Tm 0.28 0.19 0.23 0.2 0.2 0.19 0.32 0.31 0.22 0.22 0.24 0.22 0.24
Yb 2.23 1.52 1.85 1.68 1.57 1.58 2.7 2.58 1.79 1.69 1.91 1.86 1.95
Lu 0.25 0.17 0.23 0.19 0.18 0.18 0.31 0.29 0.21 0.19 0.22 0.21 0.24

These samples correspond to Franchini et al. (2003).

Notes: Major-element, trace-element analyses and FeO were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICPES), inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-
MS), and dichromate titration, respectively, in ACME Analytical Laboratories LTD, Vancouver, Canada.

Appendix B. Whole rock, trace and rare earth element compositions of representative igneous rock suites from Campana Mahuida.

Facies Andesite dyke Dacite dyke Dacite dyke

Sample 3138 3117 3110

wt.%
SiO2 57.26 62.24 63.54
TiO2 0.72 0.52 0.53
Al2O3 16.81 16.10 16.50
FeO 3.34 3.46 1.06
Fe2O3 2.27 0.00 1.26
MnO 0.14 0.07 0.05
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 55

Appendix B (continued)
(continued)
Facies Andesite dyke Dacite dyke Dacite dyke

Sample 3138 3117 3110

wt.%
MgO 3.62 2.03 2.22
CaO 6.77 5.83 6.08
Na2O 3.50 3.22 3.57
K2O 1.95 2.96 2.51
P2O5 0.20 0.25 0.20
L.O.I. 2.80 2.80 2.10
C 0.30 0.29 0.02
S 0.01 1.14 0.79
Total 97.42 100.91 99.17

ppm
Ni b20 b20 b 20
Cr 44.47 51.31 47.89
Sc 13.00 6.00 7.00
Ba 350.00 442.00 501.00
Rb 41.88 92.31 66.88
Sr 604.20 308.30 638.80
Zr 91.10 146.30 144.90
Y 12.60 10.40 11.00
Nb 3.02 3.86 4.07
Ga 15.50 13.30 14.80
Bi 0.10 0.10 0.10
Co 14.00 5.70 5.70
Cs 0.70 1.60 1.00
Hf 3.60 4.30 4.40
Sn 2.80 2.80 2.70
Ta 0.20 0.30 0.30
Th 6.80 9.70 9.20
U 1.60 2.20 2.20
V 159.00 75.00 91.00
W 1.40 4.20 4.40
La 16.20 21.90 22.80
Ce 34.10 43.20 44.50
Pr 4.57 5.26 5.53
Nd 16.70 17.50 18.80
Sm 3.30 2.90 3.20
Eu 0.83 0.57 0.81
Gd 3.22 2.84 2.98
Tb 0.43 0.36 0.36
Dy 2.53 1.93 2.15
Ho 0.40 0.33 0.32
Er 1.21 0.95 1.00
Tm 0.18 0.14 0.15
Yb 1.11 1.00 0.93
Lu 0.17 0.16 0.17

These samples correspond to Franchini et al. (2003). Notes: Major-element, trace-element analyses and FeO were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy
(ICP-ES), inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and dichromate titration, respectively, in ACME Analytical Laboratories LTD, Vancouver, Canada.

Appendix C. Whole rock, trace and rare earth element compositions of representative igneous rock suites from Caicayen.

Facies Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill

Sample C-4 C-5 C-7 C-12 C-11 C-42

wt.%
SiO2 59.38 61.93 60.57 61.72 59.01 59.01
Al2O3 18.7 17.77 20.36 20.78 19.35 19.27
TiO2 0.42 0 0.36 0.3 0.52 0.56
Fe2O3 3.68 2.87 0.32 1.62 2.21 2.35
FeO 2.7 1.73 1.63 1.2 2.76 2.62
MnO 0.06 1.44 0.07 0.04 0.1 0.08
CaO 3.61 3.15 5.13 4.97 6.88 6.5
MgO 1.34 1.44 1.12 1.15 1.96 1.95
K2O 1.22 0.88 0.52 0.65 1.02 1.26
Na2O 6.83 5.97 8.01 7.07 2.34 2.89
P2O5 0.14 0 0.11 0.12 0.15 0.14
L.O.I. 4.4 2.73 1.33 1.3 1.43 2.19
H2O+ 0.68 1.67 0.44 0.02 0.54 1.01
Total 99.89 101.58 99.97 99.84 98.45 99.83
(continued on next page)
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56 J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58

(continued)
Appendix C (continued)
Facies Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill Tonalite sill

Sample C-4 C-5 C-7 C-12 C-11 C-42

ppm
Ni 2 2 3 2 4 4
Cr 61.6 61.6 65 n.a. n.a.
Sc 7 7 6 5 13 12
V 76 65 58 64 109 108
Ba 138.8 268.9 146.2 102.6 326.7 283.8
Rb 34.1 75 6.8 18.6 34.9 36.3
Sr 419.5 471.4 504.8 523.1 459.4 435.6
Zr 74.3 82.9 59.8 87 134.9 73.8
Y 11.8 12.3 10.7 9.7 13.6 13.2
Nb 2.8 2.8 2.2 2.3 3.4 2.4
Ga 17.1 17.1 16.3 17.1 17.2 16.6
Cu 4 91 6 97 7 11
Mo b2 3 b2 b2 b2 b2
Pb b5 10 9 b5 9 10
Zn 19 324 79 17 35 45
As b5 5 b5 b5 6 b5
La 13 13.8 14.4 33.8 12.4 13.2
Ce 25.5 27.5 26.1 65.2 25.8 21.5
U 1 1.2 1.3 1.8 1.2 1
Th 3.6 3.8 3.1 5.3 4.5 5.3
Cs 6.6 11 3.5 19.7 2.6 3.1
Hf 1.9 2.1 1.6 2 3.2 1.9
Nd 14.6 16.3 13 23.6 14 3.2
Sm 2.9 3.2 2.2 3.3 2.9 0.9
Eu 1.1 1.1 0.9 1 0.9 0.9
Gd 2.9 3.3 2.6 2.5 3.1 2.9
Tb 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5
Yb 1.4 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.5 1.4
Lu 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3

These samples correspond to Franchini et al. (2003). Notes: Major-element, trace-element analyses and FeO were determined by inductively (ICP-ES), inductively coupled mass
spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and dichromate titration, respectively, in ACME Analytical Laboratories LTD, Vancouver, Canada.

Appendix D. Whole rock, trace and rare earth element compositions of representative igneous rock suites from Hierro Indio and Vegas
Peladas districts.

District Hierro Indio Vegas Peladas

Rock Tonalite Tonalita Andesita-dyke Andesita-dyke Tonalite Tonalite Diorite Diorite Tonalite Diorite Diorite Diorite Diorite Tonalite

Sample *2601 *2602 *2622 85703 *2629 *2652 *2653 2628 2696 *2626 *2630 2638 2686 VP21 G

SiO2 58.6 62.7 63.6 58.8 57.4 57.7 54.9 55.9 58.2 55.8 55.9 56.2 57.8 59.5
Al2O3 17.5 18.2 18.5 19.3 18.5 18.1 19.0 18.9 18.4 18.7 18.7 17.9 17.5 17.6
TiO2 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.7
Fe2O3 3.2 1.7 3.9 2.8 7.9 7.6 9.2 8.7 8.0 8.3 8.4 8.3 7.4 7.0
MnO 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1
CaO 9.6 8.2 5.3 7.4 7.2 6.3 7.4 7.3 6.6 7.8 7.4 7.6 7.2 6.2
MgO 3.9 1.7 0.9 2.2 2.9 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.8 3.0 3.1 4.2 3.8 2.9
K2O 0.7 0.4 1.7 1.8 1.3 2.0 1.1 1.5 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.8 2.0
Na2O 5.3 6.1 5.4 6.6 3.7 4.0 3.9 3.5 3.6 3.9 3.9 3.2 3.3 3.7
P2O5 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2
L.O.I. 1.1 0.3 2.6 1.6 0.9 1.9 1.2 1.2 1.1 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.0 0.9
Total 101.1 100.3 102.6 101.6 100.8 101.9 101.2 101.2 101.1 100.8 101.0 101.2 101.0 100.9

ppm
Ni 33 3 2 n.a. 3 9 3 1.5 1.8 3 3 28 24 2.5
Cr 125 3 3 n.a. 4 10 10 b0.001 b0.001 18 5 0.004 0.015 0.002
Sc 18 9 7 7 14 12 16 11 11 16 16 23 n.a. n.a.
Ba 294 261 504 672 313 394 256 399 377 263 268 307 412 405.2
Rb 14 8 31 43 47 69 38 60.2 45.5 34 44 61 57.8 62.8
Sr 672 718 693 526 603 601 601 662.7 613.6 643 607 538 621.7 555.8
Zr 194 239 240 165 137 147 124 172.4 130.5 117 127 139.9 147.6 156.7
Y 19 21 23 22 21 18 21 20.5 20.3 20 20 25.3 21.1 21.6
Nb 11 12 10 6 6 6 5 4.1 4.4 5 5 5.3 4.7 6.2
Ga 22 24 22 19 18 22 23.8 22.8 19 19 21.6 21.6 17.5
Bi b0.1 n.a. n.a. 0.1 b0.1 n.a. b0.1 b0.1 b0.1 b0.1 b0.1 b0.1 b0.1 b0.1
Co b3 b3 4 15 11 12 17.8 17.8 12 17 22.6 23.6 17
Cs 0.1 n.a. n.a. 0.8 1.8 n.a. 1.5 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.9 1.9 2 4.3
Hf 5 n.a. n.a. 4.3 3.6 n.a. 2.8 5.4 3.9 3.3 3.5 4.1 3.9 4.8
Sn n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 3 2 n.a. n.a. 3 2 b1
Ta 0.6 n.a. n.a. 0.5 0.3 n.a. 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.5
Th 7 8 7 6.5 4 6 3 5.1 4.2 3 3 4.1 6 5.7
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J. Pons et al. / Ore Geology Reviews 38 (2010) 37–58 57

(continued)
Appendix D (continued)
District Hierro Indio Vegas Peladas

Rock Tonalite Tonalita Andesita-dyke Andesita-dyke Tonalite Tonalite Diorite Diorite Tonalite Diorite Diorite Diorite Diorite Tonalite

Sample *2601 *2602 *2622 85703 *2629 *2652 *2653 2628 2696 *2626 *2630 2638 2686 VP21 G

ppm
U 3 3 3 1.8 0.9 3 0.6 1.2 0.9 0.6 0.8 1.7 1.1 1
V 132 68 40 n.a. 116 120 126 121 126 125 117 209 142 102
W 0.6 n.a. n.a. 1.1 0.6 n.a. 0.7 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3
La 17.5 25 30 15 18.8 17 16 13.1 17.9 15.3 17.3 14.7 18.7 19.1
Ce 39.6 57 63 38.4 41.4 45 36.9 29.6 40 34.1 39.4 34.5 39.9 45.8
Pr 5.06 n.a. n.a. 4.99 5.18 n.a. 4.6 3.98 5.25 4.31 5.01 4.47 4.99 5.58
Nd 22.3 28 24 22.3 21 b22 21.5 18.9 23.1 18.1 22.2 19.3 22 24.8
Sm 4.3 n.a. n.a. 4.6 4.3 n.a. 4.3 3.8 4.5 4 4.2 4.5 4.6 5
Eu 1.28 n.a. n.a. 1.24 1.27 n.a. 1.45 1.32 1.18 1.23 1.25 1.26 1.13 1.23
Gd 3.17 n.a. n.a. 3.45 3.09 n.a. 3.41 4.02 4.51 3.26 3.29 4.98 3.88 4.18
Tb 0.56 n.a. n.a. 0.67 0.66 n.a. 0.72 0.55 0.54 0.61 0.64 0.72 0.6 0.68
Dy 3.52 n.a. n.a. 3.57 3.57 n.a. 3.99 3.28 3.18 3.41 3.46 4.18 3.56 3.9
Ho 0.62 n.a. n.a. 0.63 0.63 n.a. 0.79 0.66 0.63 0.63 0.79 0.8 0.68 0.8
Er 1.81 n.a. n.a. 1.81 2 n.a. 1.99 2.2 1.92 1.76 1.76 2.62 2.22 2.05
Tm 0.3 n.a. n.a. 0.31 0.37 n.a. 0.32 0.29 0.24 0.28 0.28 0.33 0.27 0.31
Yb 1.72 n.a. n.a. 1.88 1.95 n.a. 2.13 1.94 1.82 1.62 1.81 2.23 2 2.05
Lu 0.26 n.a. n.a. 0.33 0.32 n.a. 0.31 0.33 0.32 0.26 0.27 0.35 0.27 0.36

These samples correspond to Franchini et al. (2007b) and Pons et al. (2007). *Major and trace elements from the analytical data of Universidad de Sao Pablo, Brasil and the REE
analyses from ACME Analytical Laboratories LTD, Vancouver, Canada. The rest of the analyses are from ACME Analytical Laboratories LTD, Vancouver, Canada.

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