Geology, Alteration, Mineralization and Hydrothermal Evolution of the La

Bodega-La Mascota deposits, California-Vetas Mining District, Eastern

Cordillera of Colombia, Northern Andes

by

Alfonso Luis Rodríguez Madrid

Geologist, Universidad Industrial de Santander, 2005

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE

in

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

(Geological Sciences)

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

(Vancouver)

February, 2014

© Alfonso Luis Rodríguez Madrid

Abstract

La Bodega (LB) and La Mascota (LM) deposits (inferred resources in 2010 of 3.47 Moz Au, 19.2
Moz Ag and 84.4 Mlbs Cu at 2 g/t Au cut off) are located in the California-Vetas Mining District, 35
km NE of Bucaramanga, in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia within the Santander Massif.
Mineralization exhibits NE-trending, NW-dipping structural control associated with the right lateral
strike-slip La Baja fault. Mineralization at LB is composed of veins networks and tectonic-
hydrothermal breccias while LM mineralization is largely contained in hydrothermal breccias with
adjacent narrow veining zones. Mineralization is hosted in Proterozoic Bucaramanga (gneiss)
Complex and Triassic-Jurassic leucogranites.
Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization occur in six stages. An early porphyry-style phase
comprises stages 1 and 2. Stage 1 is characterized by propylitic alteration with epidote, chlorite,
calcite, specularite veins, minor pyrite and chalcopyrite, probably associated in time with Mo-Cu
mineralization (Re/Os on molybdenite ~10 Ma) and porphyritic granodiorites (U/Pb in zircon ~10-8.4
40 39
Ma) cropping out in the district. Stage 2 ( Ar/ Ar on muscovite ~3.4 Ma) is characterized by phyllic
alteration (muscovite/sericite – illite, quartz, pyrite) associated with quartz+pyrite veins. Epithermal
phase (stages 3-6) is related to multi-phase hydrothermal breccia development and advanced
40 39
argillic (quartz-alunite) alteration which based on alunite Ar/ Ar geochronology took place
between ~2.6 and ~1.3 Ma. Stage 3 is characterized by copper sulfide deposition. Stage 4 is
characterized by wolframite deposition in veins/breccias. Stage 5 is characterized by enargite
deposition. Stage 6 is characterized by minor porous quartz deposition followed by sphalerite with
alunite+quartz. Pyrite is common to all these stages. Gold-silver mineralization took place in stages
2-5 associated with sulfides, sulfosalts, tellurides, as electrum and native gold. Hydrothermal events
were by followed by near surface supergene alteration and fault reactivation that created intensely
fractured/gouge-rich fault zones.
At LM, stages 4-5 quartz primary fluid inclusions assemblages indicate boiling and they have
homogenization temperatures of ~143-238°C and salinities of 0.5-5.6 wt% NaCl equiv. LM and LB
34
pyrite exhibit light δ S signatures: -16.9‰ to –11.3‰ at LM and -8.3‰ and –6.1‰ at LB. Alunite
18
δ O and δD data indicate that it was precipitated largely from magmatic fluids.

ii
Preface

This research thesis is part of the Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold Project, developed by
the Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) with the initiative of mineral exploration companies,
including Ventana Gold Corp. (taken over by AUX Colombia Ltda.) and EcoOro Minerals (former
Greystar Resources) working at the California-Vetas Mining District area in Colombia. Researchers
for this project in the California-Vetas Mining District area include PhD. Thomas Bissig (Research
Associate and Project leader), PhD. Craig Hart (MDRU Director), PhD. Luis C. Mantilla Figueroa
(Universidad Industrial de Santander, Geology Department professor) and the author of this thesis.
Some analytical work provided in this thesis was conducted by other people, specifically:


40 39
Ar/ Ar geochronology was carried out by analyses by Janet Gabites in the Pacific Center
for Isotopic Research (PCIGR) at The University of British Columbia.
 U/Pb geochronology on zircons was carried out by Richard Friedman in the Pacific Center
for Isotopic Research (PCIGR) at The University of British Columbia.
 Stable isotope analysis on pyrite and alunite was carried out by April Vuletich and Kristen
Feige at Queen’s University.
Location maps in Chapter 1 Figure 1.1 are based on Google Earth 2013 information from Colombia.
The conceptual framework of this thesis, presented in Chapter 2 includes figures and tables taken,
adapted and/or modified from several publications as referred in the text, including: Corbett and
Leach (1998), Corbett (2002), Einaudi et al. (2003), Sillitoe and Hendenquist (2003), Simmons et al.
(2005), Sillitoe (2010), Moncada et al. (2012).
Tectonic context related figures presented in Chapter 3 includes Figure 3.1, modified after Restrepo
et al. (2011), Cediel et al. (2003), Ward et al. (1973); Royero and Higuera (1999); Wolff et al.
(2005); and Figure 3.2, modified after Taboada et al. (2000); Prieto et al. (2012); Vargas and Mann
(2013).
The geological maps presented in Figures 3.3, 3.4 and 3.17 are based on previous geological maps
by Ward et al. (1973), Mendoza and Jaramillo (1979), Polania (1980), Ventana Gold Corp. La
Bodega project geological map by A. Bernasconi and geology team (that included the author of this
thesis) provided by the company in 2010; collaborations by L. C. Mantilla Figueroa and T. Bissig
and the author of this thesis for presented MDRU Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold Project
(this study). Maps presented in these figures were edited by Sara Jenkins (MDRU GIS expert) and
the author of this thesis.
Figure 3.15 summarizes field structural data collected by Parra (2007) and Pratt (2009). Figure 5.19
in Chapter 5 is modified after Einaudi et al. (2003) and adapted in the context of La Bodega and La
Mascota deposits.
40 39
Ar/ Ar geochronology results in Chapter 6 and Appendix 3 includes samples collected by T.
Bissig (2011). Stable isotopic data includes samples collected by T. Bissig (2011) and one sulfur
sample collected by M. Mendoza (2011) for which analytical result was provided by L. C. Mantilla
Figueroa (2012). Appendix A3 includes one sample (ALR035) collected by the author for this
project. U/Pb geochronoly on zircons results from this sample were presented in Bissig et al. (2012)
and published on Mantilla Figueroa et al. (2013).
None of the other text, figures, or data in this thesis is taken directly from previously published
articles.

iii
Table of Contents

Abstract ................................................................................................................................................ ii
Preface ................................................................................................................................................ iii
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................ iv
List of Tables ....................................................................................................................................... xi
List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................... xii
List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................... xv
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... xvi
Dedication........................................................................................................................................ xviii
Chapter 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... I
1.1 General location of the study area ............................................................................. I

1.2 Climate and physiography ........................................................................................ 2

1.3 Mining history ........................................................................................................... 3

1.4 Previous studies ....................................................................................................... 4

1.5 Colombia porphyry and epithermal gold project ........................................................ 6

1.6 Project justification and objectives ............................................................................ 6

1.6.1 Specific objectives ............................................................................................. 7

1.7 General methodology ............................................................................................... 8

1.8 Thesis organization .................................................................................................. 9

Chapter 2. Hydrothermal Systems Conceptual Framework: Porphyry Copper and Epithermal

Systems ............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 11

2.2 Porphyry copper systems ....................................................................................... 11

2.2.1 Alteration and mineralization in porphyry copper systems ................................ 15

2.3 Faults and fracture networks and their role in hydrothermal.................................... 18

iv
 2.4 Sulfidation state ...................................................................................................... 22

2.5 Epithermal systems (high-sulfidation and low-sulfidation). ...................................... 24

2.5.1 High-sulfidation deposits .................................................................................. 29

2.5.2 Low-sulfidation deposits ................................................................................... 31

2.5.3 Summary of genetic factors related to epithermal deposits .............................. 34

Chapter 3. Tectonic, Geological and Structural Context of The California-Vetas Mining District and
The La Bodega - La Mascota Gold Deposits .................................................................................... 36
3.1 Tectonic setting and location of the California-Vetas Mining district ........................ 36

3.2 Lithology of the California Vetas Mining District and its expression within La Bodega

- La Mascota deposits. ................................................................................................. 42

3.2.1 Bucaramanga (Gneiss) Complex ..................................................................... 46

3.2.2 Santander Plutonic Group (Late Triassic to Early Jurassic) .............................. 50

3.2.3 Sedimentary rocks (Late Cretaceous) .............................................................. 55

3.2.4 Porphyritic bodies and related rocks (Late Miocene) ........................................ 56

3.2.5 Hydrothermal breccias (Plio-Pleistoscene) ....................................................... 58

3.3 Structural context ................................................................................................... 64

3.3.1 Main regional structures ................................................................................... 64

3.3.2 Main structures within La Bodega – La Mascota .............................................. 66

3.4 Structural relationships, hydrothermal breccias and mineralization ......................... 70

Chapter 4. Alteration at La Bodega and La Mascota: Characteristics, Mineral Assemblages and

Distribution......................................................................................................................................... 72
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 72

4.2 Methods of identification of alteration minerals ....................................................... 72

4.3 Alteration minerals assemblage and zonation at La Bodega and La Mascota ........ 73

v
 4.3.1 Propylitic alteration: chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration zones characteristic

minerals .................................................................................................................... 77

4.3.2 Phyllic alteration: muscovite and Illite alteration zones ..................................... 81

4.3.3 Advanced argillic alteration: alunite-quartz alteration, kaolinite-alunite alteration,

silicification and related textures ............................................................................... 85

4.4 Discussion of alteration assemblages..................................................................... 93

Chapter 5. Ore Mineralogy, Mineralization Styles and Paragenetic Evolution at La Bodega and La
Mascota ............................................................................................................................................. 96
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 96

5.2 Methodology........................................................................................................... 97

5.3 Mineralization stages, veins and ore related mineral distribution at La Bodega and

La Mascota .................................................................................................................. 99

5.3.1 Stage 1: pre-mineralization, specularite bearing veins ................................... 101

5.3.2 Stage 2: early mineralization, pyrite ± quartz veins ........................................ 103

5.3.3 Stage 3: mineralization stage, copper sulfide bearing structures .................... 105

5.3.4 Stage 4: mineralization stage, wolframite bearing veins and breccias ............ 113

5.3.5 Stage 5: late mineralization, enargite bearing veins ....................................... 116

5.3.6 Stage 6: Post- mineralization stage, sphalerite bearing structures ................. 120

5.3.7 Stage 7: supergene features related to mineralization, late faulting and iron

oxides bearing structures. ....................................................................................... 124

5.4 Mineral zonation and gold grade distribution at La Bodega and La Mascota ........ 126

5.5 Paragenetic sequence of events at La Bodega and La Mascota .......................... 131

Chapter 6. Geochronological Constraints of Alteration and Mineralization Events at La Mascota and

La Bodega ....................................................................................................................................... 136

vi
 6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 136

6.2 Methodology......................................................................................................... 138

6.2.1 Sample collection ........................................................................................... 139

6.2.2 Analytical procedures ..................................................................................... 140

6.3 Results ................................................................................................................. 143

6.4 Alunite and muscovite alteration geochronology, relationship to the CVMD geological

history and paragenetic sequence of mineralizing events at La Bodega and La Mascota

................................................................................................................................... 147

Chapter 7. Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry from Epithermal Quartz at La Bodega and La Mascota
......................................................................................................................................................... 150
7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 150

7.2 Previous fluid inclusion studies in the California-Vetas Mining District .................. 151

7.3 Methodology......................................................................................................... 153

7.3.1 Sample preparation, equipment configuration and data collection .................. 153

7.3.2 Salinity, pressure and depth calculation procedures ...................................... 155

7.4 Petrography of fluid Inclusions in this study .......................................................... 156

7.4.1. La Mascota sample petrography and fluid inclusion petrography summary ... 157

7.4.2 La Bodega sample petrography and fluid inclusion petrography summary ..... 162

7.5 Microthermometry results ..................................................................................... 165

7.5.1 La Mascota, sample ALR189 ......................................................................... 167

7.5.2 La Bodega, sample ALR260F ........................................................................ 168

7.6 Discussion ............................................................................................................ 170

7.6.1 Enargite related quartz fluid inclusions at La Mascota (ALR189) .................... 170

vii
 7.6.2 Wolframite related quartz fluid inclusions at La Mascota (ALR189) ................ 170

7.6.3 La Bodega, enargite quartz related fluid inclusions (ALR260) ........................ 172

7.6.4 Implication of fluid inclusions microthermometry results and boiling ............... 173

7.6.5. Estimation of depth of emplacement based on primary fluid inclusion analysis

............................................................................................................................... 174

7.6.6 Comparison to other fluid inclusion studies within the California Vetas Mining

District and hydrothermal environment implications ................................................ 176

Chapter 8. Origin of Mineralizing Fluids at La Bodega and La Mascota: Insights from Oxygen,
Deuterium and Sulfur Stable Isotopes ............................................................................................ 180
8.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 180

8.2 Methodology......................................................................................................... 184

8.2.1 Sample selection and separation ....................................................................... 184

8.2.2 Analytical methods ......................................................................................... 186

8.3 Results ................................................................................................................. 188

8.3.1 Pyrite sulfur isotopes ...................................................................................... 188

8.3.2 Alunite sulfur isotopes .................................................................................... 193

8.3.3 Geothermometry using the Δ34S between alunite – pyrite pairs...................... 193

8.3.4 δD and δ18O isotopes. .................................................................................... 195

8.4 Discussion ............................................................................................................ 197

8.4.1 Pyrite δ34S signatures .................................................................................... 197

8.4.2 δ34S of alunite – pyrite pairs and geothermometry constraints at La Bodega, La

Mascota and La Plata ............................................................................................ 200

8.4.3 Origin of the hydrothermal mineralizing fluids ................................................. 200

viii
Chapter 9. Evolution of La Bodega and La Mascota Deposits: A Discussion and Comparison to
Other Epithermal Deposits .............................................................................................................. 202
9.1 Late Miocene history ............................................................................................ 202

9.2 Porphyry phases at La Bodega and La Mascota: early stages 1 and 2 in the context

of the CVMD............................................................................................................... 203

Stage 1 ................................................................................................................... 203

Stage 2 ................................................................................................................... 205

9.3 Epithermal phase: stages 3, 4, 5 and 6. ............................................................... 207

Stage 3 ................................................................................................................... 207

Stage 4 ................................................................................................................... 208

Stage 5 ................................................................................................................... 209

Stage 6 ................................................................................................................... 210

9.4 Oxidation state of the hydrothermal and mineralizing fluids. ................................. 213

9.5 Depth of emplacement of the mineralization and surface processes. ................... 214

9.6 Summary of mineralization characteristics at La Bodega/La Mascota and

comparison to other similar epithermal and porphyry systems ................................... 218

Chapter 10. Conclusions, Exploration Implications and Recommendations for Future Work ........ 222
10.1 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 222

10.2 Exploration implications ...................................................................................... 224

10.3 Recommendations ............................................................................................. 225

References ...................................................................................................................................... 227

Appendix A1. Drill Hole Locations. .................................................................................................. 241
Appendix A2. Sample Location within Drill Holes, Brief Descriptions, Notes and Analysis Carried out
......................................................................................................................................................... 243
Appendix A3. Gold Relationships to element concentrations at La Bodega and La Mascota. ....... 271
Appendix A4. Alteration Minerals Identification Methods at La Bodega - La Mascota Deposits. ... 278

ix
Apppendix A5. Sulfides and Paragenetic Sequence Related Support Data. X-Ray Difraction
Analysis on Selected Samples and Energy Dispersion X-Ray Spectrum of Seleced Samples. .... 296
Appendix A6. Geochronological Data for Samples Presented in Chapter 6. La Bodega, La Mascota,
El Cuatro.......................................................................................................................................... 302
Appendix A7. Fluid Inclusion Study Microthermometry and Data. .................................................. 318
Appendix A8. Thin Section Petrography of Selected Samples from La Bodega, La Mascota and El
Cuatro .............................................................................................................................................. 326

x
List of Tables

Chapter 2
Table 2.1. Characteristics of Principal Alteration-Mineralization Types in Porphyry Cu Systems¹
(from Sillitoe, 2010) ........................................................................................................................... 17
Table 2.2. Features of principal Hydrothermal Breccia Types in Porphyry Cu Systems (Sillitoe,
2010) ................................................................................................................................................. 21
Table 2.3. Examples of buffer reactions and association to sulfidation state or environment (after
Einaudi et al. 2003) ........................................................................................................................... 22
Table 2.4. Summary of Hydrothermal Alteration Assemblages Forming in Epithermal Environments
(Simmons et al., 2005) ...................................................................................................................... 26
Table 2.5. Principal field-oriented characteristics of epithermal types and subtypes (from Sillitoe and
Hedenquist, 2003) ............................................................................................................................. 28

Chapter 4
Table 4.1. Comparison and correspondence of alteration assemblages at La Bodega and La
Mascota to alteration assemblages described for epithermal environment by Simmons et al. (2005)
and for porphyry environment according to Sillitoe (2010). .............................................................. 76

Chapter 5
Table 5.1. Summary of ore related minerals observed at La Bodega and La Mascota (this study
except where indicated) and their relationship to alteration zones defined in Chapter 4 and mode of
occurrence. ...................................................................................................................................... 100
Table 5.2 Correlation matrix for sixteen elements at La Bodega (DDH LB251 and LB327) and La
Mascota (DDH LB 202 and LB205). ................................................................................................ 128

Chapter 6
40 39
Table 6.1. Summary of results of ArK/ Ar geochronology at La Bodega, La Mascota and El
Cuatro. ............................................................................................................................................. 144

Chapter 7
Table 7.1. Fluid inclusions characterization and associated codes. ............................................... 156
Table 7.2 Summary of results from 62 fluid inclusions microthermometry analysis at La Mascota
and La Bodega grouped based on common characteristics, mainly location within quartz crystal. 166

Chapter 8
Table 8.1. Natural abundance and reference standards for light stable isotopes (Adapted from
Hoefs, 1997 in Campbel and Larson 1998) .................................................................................... 180
Table 8.2. Stable Isotope terminology (Campbel and Larson, 1998) .............................................. 181
Table 8.3. Stable isotope results of δ S, O and D (‰) in the California-Vetas Mining district. 189
34

xi
List of Figures

Chapter 1

Figure 1.1. Geographic location and physiography of the project area.. ............................................ 2

Chapter 2
Figure 2.1. Worldwide locations of porphyry Cu systems cited as examples of features discussed in
the text along with five additional giant examples. ............................................................................ 12
Figure 2.2. Telescoped porphyry Cu system (after Sillitoe, 2010). ................................................... 14
Figure 2.3. Common alteration mineralogy in hydrothermal systems in their relative pH and
temperature stability range (after Corbett and Leach, 1998) ............................................................ 16
Figure 2.4. Dilational structures. A. Dilational veins and related structures. B. Extension
mineralization styles at different crustal levels (after Corbett and Leach, 1998). ............................. 20
Figure 2.5. Log fS2 – 1000/T diagram, contoured for Rs, illustrating fluid environments in porphyry
copper, porphyry copper related base-metal veins, and epithermal Au-Ag deposits in terms of a
series of possible cooling paths (from Einaudi et al., 2003). ............................................................. 23
Figure 2.6. Location of epithermal deposits in the world (modified after Simmons et al., 2005).. .... 25
Figure 2.7. Low Sulfidation and High sulfidation model and related ore textures examples. (Adapted
and modified after Corbett, 2002)...................................................................................................... 27
Figure 2.8. Summary of the various silica and calcite textures observed in the epithermal
environment (from Moncada et al., 2012) ......................................................................................... 33

Chapter 3
Figure 3.1 (next page). Location of California-Vetas Mining District (CVMD) within Colombia, South
America; in relation to the Chibcha Terrane (Ch) (Restrepo et al., 2011) and the Maracaibo
Subplate Realm triangular tectonic block (MSP) (Cediel et al., 2003). The map shows the major
fault systems that divide these tectonic blocks and terranes.. .......................................................... 38
Figure 3.2 Schematic 3D model based on seismic tomography showing Bucaramanga seismic nest
and relationship to interaction between the Caribbean, Nazca and South American Plates (Modified
after Taboada et al., 2000; Prieto et al., 2012; Vargas and Mann, 2013) ......................................... 41
Figure 3.3 California-Vetas Mining District Geological Map. (After Polania 1980, Evans, 1976, Ward,
1973; Mantilla et al., 2012, MDRU Colombia Gold Project). ............................................................. 43
Figure 3.4. La Mascota and La Bodega area geological map showing location for geological drill
holes that were sampled and studied geological sections ................................................................ 44
Figure 3.5. N-S geological cross-section B-B’ at La Bodega, looking west ...................................... 45
Figure 3.6. N-S geological cross section M-M’ at La Mascota, looking west. ................................... 46
Figure 3.7. Examples of the Bucaramanga Complex at La Bodega and La Mascota.. .................... 49
Figure 3.8. Jurassic intrusive rocks (leucogranites) from La Mascota and La Bodega.. .................. 52
Figure 3.9. Pegmatite rocks at La Bodega. ....................................................................................... 54
Figure 3.10. Late Cretaceous rocks (Tambor Formation). Outcrop to the west of California town. . 55
Figure 3.11 Miocene porphyritic granidiorites at the CVMD. ............................................................ 57
Figure 3.12. La Bodega typical hydrothermal breccias.. ................................................................... 60
Figure 3.13. Breccia types at La Mascota based on physical components and arrange. ................. 62
Figure 3.14. Tectonic-hydrothermal breccia (THBX) at different scales. .......................................... 63
Figure 3.15. Structural data representing main trends within La Bodega and La Mascota. ............. 68
Figure 3.16. Common examples of fractured rocks and faults and fault breccias filled with gouge at
La Bodega and La Mascota. ............................................................................................................. 69
Figure 3.17. Geological map of the California Vetas Mining district showing prospective areas for
the development of dilational structures along La Baja Trend (yellow ovals) where mining takes
place. ................................................................................................................................................. 71

xii
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1. B-B’ North - South geological section looking west. Alteration at La Bodega.
Relationship to protholith and gold (Au) mineralization. .................................................................... 74
Figure 4.2. M-M’ North - South geological section looking west. Alteration at La Mascota.
Relationship to protholith and gold (Au) mineralization. .................................................................... 74
Figure 4.3. Chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration assemblages developed in amphibolite lenses at
La Bodega.. ....................................................................................................................................... 79
Figure 4.4. Chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration mineral assemblages, examples from La
Mascota. ............................................................................................................................................ 80
Figure 4.5. Muscovite (sericite) and illite alteration assemblages at La Bodega. ............................. 83
Figure 4.6. Muscovite (sericite) and illite alteration assemblages at La Mascota ............................. 84
Figure 4.7. Alunite, occurrence at La Bodega related to quartz (silicification) and kaolinite. ........... 87
Figure 4.8. Alunite occurrence related to quartz and kaolinite alteration at La Mascota.. ................ 88
Figure 4.9. Macroscopic textures related to silicification-advanced argillic alteration and
hydrothermal breccias at La Mascota and La Bodega. ..................................................................... 91
Figure 4.10. Microphotographs of main textures related to La Mascota Hydrothermal Breccias ..... 92

Chapter 5
Figure 5.1. Specularite veins and related minerals related to stage 1 at La Bodega and La Mascota.
......................................................................................................................................................... 102
Figure 5.2. Quartz + pyrite veins at La Bodega and La Mascota, stage 2. ..................................... 104
Figure 5.3. La Bodega. Copper sulfides bearing veins and associated alteration.. ........................ 106
Figure 5.4. La Mascota, copper sulfides and gold, stage 3.
Figure 5.5. Relationship of copper sulfides, pyrite and silver sulfosalts in stage 3 ......................... 109
Figure 5.6 Gold (electrum) bearing quartz vein with minor sphalerite and chalcopyrite cross cutting
quartz + cubic pyrite + hematite vein in muscovite alteration zone. ................................................ 111
Figure 5.7. Molybdenite occurrence at La Bodega and La Mascota (pre-stage 2? and early stage
3?). .................................................................................................................................................. 112
Figure 5.8. Hydrothermal breccia with quartz cement exhibiting tectonic foliation (THBX) at La
Bodega. ........................................................................................................................................... 114
Figure 5.9. Wolframite (hübnerite) occurrence at La Mascota.. ...................................................... 115
Figure 5.10. Enargite occurrence at La Bodega. ............................................................................ 117
Figure 5.11. Enargite at La Mascota. .............................................................................................. 118
Figure 5.12. Tennantite-tetrahedrite at La Mascota in relation to stages 4 and 5 and associated
silver mineralization.. ....................................................................................................................... 119
Figure 5.13. Sphalerite and marcasite at La Bodega. ..................................................................... 122
Figure 5.14. Sphalerite, marcasite and sulfur at La Mascota. ......................................................... 123
Figure 5.15. Supergene alteration minerals at La Bodega and La Mascota. .................................. 125
Figure 5.16. N-S Section B-B’, looking west. Mineralization style at La Bodega based on
predominant ore mineral association. ............................................................................................. 129
Figure 5.17. N-S Section M-M’ looking west. Mineralization style at La Mascota based on
predominant ore mineral association. ............................................................................................. 130
Figure 5.18. Paragenetic sequence for La Bodega and La Mascota. ............................................. 132
Figure 5.19. Log f S2 – 1000/T diagram, showing sulfidation state of magmas and mineral sulfidation
reactions at 1 bar (Einaudi and Hedenquist, 2003). In blue, it is represented the range of minerals
within La Bodega and La Mascota deposits paragenetic sequence and the evolution path of the
hydrothermal fluids is schematically shown .................................................................................... 135

Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 Recent geochronological data shown on the geological map of the California Vetas
district. Map based on this study and MDRU Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold Project.. .. 141
40 39
Figure 6.2 Samples selected for ArK/ Ar geochronology ............................................................ 142

xiii
 40 39
Figure 6.3. Alunite and muscovite (sericite) ArK/ Ar age spectra at La Macota, La Bodega and El
Cuatro.. ............................................................................................................................................ 146
40 39
Figure 6.4. ArK/ Ar geochronology ages on alunite and muscovite within La Bodega and La
Mascota in relation to the stages of paragenetic sequence of hydrothermal events at La Mascota
and La Bodega; hydrothermal events at La Perezosa and El Cuatro and magmatic events at the
CVMD. ............................................................................................................................................. 149

Chapter 7
Figure 7.1. La Mascota, sample ALR189; DDH LB 202 at 203.m; approximate depth from surface:
100 m (Figure 3.6). Polymictic clast to cement supported multiple phases hydrothermal breccia. 158
Figure 7.2. La Mascota, ALR189F. FIs in enargite related quartz. ................................................. 160
Figure 7.3. La Mascota, ALR189F. FIs in wolframite related quartz. .............................................. 161
Figure 7.4. La Bodega, ALR260F. Fluid inclusions in enargite related quartz.. .............................. 164
Figure 7.5. Fluid inclusion data compiled for La Mascota and La Bodega in enargite related quartz
and wolframite related quartz within this study. Total of 62 measurements. .................................. 169
Figure 7.6. Fluid inclusion trends from fluid inclusion data. Salinity vs Homogenization temperature.
......................................................................................................................................................... 171
Figure 7.7. Depth of emplacement estimate based on fluid inclusion microthermometry of
hydrothermal quartz at La Mascota from sample ALR189. ............................................................. 177
Figure 7.8. Salinity (wt%NaCl equiv.) vs Homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz from different
paragenetic stages with California-Vetas Mining district ................................................................. 179

Chapter 8
Figure 8.1. Selected samples for isotopic analysis from La Bodega and La Mascota.. .................. 185
34
Figure 8.2 δ S values obtained at the California-Vetas Mining District compared to classic deposits
types around the world including several high sulfidation deposits ................................................ 191
34
Figure 8.3. δ S values obtained at the California-Vetas Mining District compared to the sample
40 39
ages obtained by Ar/ Ar geochronology on alunite related to pyrite and the presumable age
based on mineralization stages. ...................................................................................................... 192
34 34
Figure 8.4. δ Salunite vs. δ Spyrite plot showing data from La Mascota, La Bodega and La Plata
from different paragenetic stages (colored markers). ..................................................................... 196
18 18
Figure 8.5. δD vs δ O plot (reported relative to VSMOW). δ O from alunite (SO4) isotopic
compositions is calculated in equilibrium with hydrothermal fluids at a temperature of 251 °C. .... 197

Chapter 9
Figure 9.1. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend, at ~10 Ma-8 Ma over current
surface. Late Miocene rocks (porphyry dikes, breccia, tuff (?) volcanic rocks) and probable volcano
at Cerro Violetal are indicated. An inferred mid crustal magma chamber from which porphyries,
volatiles and metals are derived is indicated. Geology adapted from (Ward et al., 1973; Mendoza
and Jaramillo, 1973; Polania, 1980; Galvis, 1998; Felder et al., 2005; Bernasconi et al., 2010;
MDRU Epithermal and Porphyry Gold Project, 2013).. ................................................................... 204
Figure 9.2. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend showing distribution of
alteration and mineralization developed during the Pliocene (~4-3.25 Ma). ................................... 206
Figure 9.3. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend showing distribution of
alteration and mineralization developed during the Pliocene-Pleistocene (~2.5-<2.2 Ma).. ........... 210
Figure 9.4. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend showing distribution of
alteration and mineralization developed during the Pliocene-Pleistocene (~1.9-<1.27 Ma).. ......... 212
Figure 9.5. Cartoon showing profile along La Baja Trend from Angostura (NE) to California town
(SW).. .............................................................................................................................................. 217
Figure 9.6. General hydrothermal alteration/mineralization associations in relation to relative
temperature and pH indicating the evolution of the hydrothermal fluids from higher pH higher
temperature to lower pH and lower temperature associations. ....................................................... 221

xiv
List of Abbreviations

Mineral Abbreviation Mineral Abbreviation

alunite alu wolframite w
amphibole amf wurtzite wrt
biotite bt zircon zr
bornite bn
calcite ca Geographic locations Abbreviation
chalcocite cc
La Bodega LB
chalcopyrite cpy
chlorite chl La Mascota LM
covellite cv El Cuatro EC
electrum elc Angostura LA
enargite en La Plata LP
epidote ep California Vetas Mining
District CVMD
feldspar fd
Santander Massif SM
galena gln
Gold Au
hornblende hb Name Abbreviation
hübnerite hüb plane polarized light PPL
illite ill cross polarized light XPL
kaolinite kao reflected light RL
leucoxene lcx short wave infrared
reflectance SWIR
magnetite mgt
montmorillonite mnt X-ray difraction XRD
muscovite mus Alteration alt
natroalunite nal Silicification Sil
orthoclase ocl Vein vn
plagioclase plg Veinlets vnlts
proustite prt Fluid inclusion FI
pyrite py Fluid inclusions FIs
quartz qz Temperature Temp
Homogenization
rutile rt
temperature Th
sericite ser
Ice melting temperature Tm ice
silica sil
Pressure P
Silver Ag
Breccia BX
specularite spc
Hydrothermal Hy
sphalerite sph
Hydrothermal breccia HYBX
telluride tel Tectono-hydrothermal
tennantite tn breccia THBX
tetrahedrite th scanning electron
microscope SEM
titanite (sphene) ttn
density d
undefined carbonate cb

xv
Acknowledgements

The author of this thesis wishes to thank to all the people that made this project
possible through their valuable contributions, guidance, comments, help an trust.
Thanks to my supervisors from the Mineral Deposit Research Unit MDRU at The
University of British Columbia PhD Thomas Bissig (Research Associate) and PhD
Craig Hart (Director) for giving me the opportunity to take this learning and
enriching journey, the continuous guidance, attention, patience and timely
response of comments.
Thanks to the members of the committee including PhD Kenneth Hickey and
reviewer PhD. Roger Beckie for their interesting comments.
Thanks to PhD Luis Carlos Mantilla, professor of the Universidad Industrial de
Santander; for his lessons and valuable ideas regarding the magmatic evolution of
the California-Vetas Mining District.
Thanks to the sponsors of the Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold Project
who provided their continuous support in order to bring out this project including:
Ventana Gold Corp and AUX Colombia Ltd., EcoOro Minerals (former Greystar
Resources), Anglogold Ashanti, Anglo American, Sunward Resources, Teck
Resources, Barrick Gold.
Special thanks to the initial sponsors of the project, Ventana Gold Corp.; in
particular to Mr. J. H. Lehmann, former VP exploration of Ventana Gold Corp. who
first approached the MDRU with the interest of developing a research project at La
Bodega, whom I owe his trust in starting and completing this research; to Mr.
Richard Warke, founder and Chairman of Ventana Gold Corp. for supporting
research; to Mrs. Stella Frias, former Ventana Gold Corp. administration and
community relations manager at Ventana Gold Corp, who not only provided great
support prior to and during sampling seasons in Colombia but continued to support
research interest from the company side in other mining related fields as well and
who has been great personal support for my carreer. Thanks to PhD Alfredo
Bernasconi for all his support, lessons, comments prior initiation of the project and
for being a mentor to a whole generation of exploration geologists in the study
area, including me. Thanks to all the geology team from Ventana Gold Corp - CVS
Explorations Ltda. in 2010 who provided support and valuable observations during
sampling seasons and after AUX Colombia Ltd. take over Ventana Gold Corp.;
especially to my friend and collegue the geologist Olivia González Morales who
was the greatest support on the field and continued to act as a communication
channel to AUX Colombia Ltd after field season. Thanks to Martin Rueda for the
collaboration providing allowed company information for project development.
Thanks to Cristian Toloza for the logistics at California town as well as Eng. Fabio
Maldonado for providing environmental information about the area.

xvi
Special thanks as well to AUX Colombia Ltd., in particular to Mr. Cesar Torresini,
who continued to support the thesis by providing logistics during second sampling
season and necessary economic support after the taking over Ventana Gold Corp.;
thanks to the geologists Ms. Margareth Guerrero and Mr. Martin Balcucho for
providing necessary company information and base drill hole sections; thanks to
field geologists of the company who provided important comments including Mr.
Sergio Gomez, Reynaldo Arenas, Mr. Guillermo Ávila, Henry Ochoa, Wilder
Coronado and Mr. Pedro Herrera. Thanks to all the people at AUX who provided
support during sampling season and the people in Bucaramanga who provided
logistic support including Diego Jácome, Eduardo Mayorga, Juan Fuentes, Claudia
Rodriguez, Grettel Tovar, among many others.
Thanks to the Society of Economic Geologists SEG which provided economic
support for analysis through the awards by the Alberto Terrones Fund in 2011 and
by the Canada Foundation Fund in 2012.
Thanks to MDRU team especially to the research associates who provided
comments of great value for the development of this thesis including PhD. Murray
Alan, PhD Farhad Bouzari, PhD Melissa Gregory; PhD Abraham Escalante and
GIS expert Sara Jenkins. Thanks to MDRU and EOAS graduate students and
friends who provided great support during this journey including: Jaime Poblete,
Abdul Razique, Tatiana Alva, Esther Bordet, Brendan Scorrar, Alexandra Kushnir,
Lindsay McClenaghan, Leif Bailey, Ayesha Ahmed and Shawn Hood, Jessica
Norris, Trent Newkirk, Peter McDonald, Sergio Gamonal, Britt Bluemel, Brian
McNulty, Mike Tucker, Ben Hames, Erin Looby, Leanne Smar, Jack Milton, Betsy
Friedlander. Very special thanks to my great friend and collegue MSc. Santiago
Vaca.
Thanks to all researchers at EOAS who provided support for analysis including
Jenny Lai, Elizabetta Panni, Edith and professor PhD. Mati Raudsepp at the X-ray
difraction and SEM laboratories; Janet Gabites for high quality geochronology,
Richard Friedman for doing the impossible to get the zircons from a difficult
sample. Thanks to April Vuletich and Kristen Feige at Queen’s University for their
stable isotope analyses.
Thanks to all people at UBC and MDRU who have provided logistics support,
including Mr. Arne Toma, Manji, Karie Smith, Fanny Yip, Curtis Marr, Teresa
Woodley, Carie Thompson, Michael Herwaman, Audrey Van Slyck, Pablo
Stolowics, Karim, and Sukhi.
Thanks to all the friends in Vancouver and overseas who have been great support
in this proccess.
Thanks to all my friends and the great people in the California town, including the
miners who showed me around that beautiful land.
Last but not least, I am the most grateful to my family for their continuous support
and patience during the completion of these studies: thanks to my
girlfriend/geologist consultant/assistant/all Monika Mendoza, my son Samuel, my
parents and my sister, as well as my parents in law.

xvii
Dedication

To Monika &Samuel

A mis padres & hermana

A mis Abuelos

xviii
 Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1 General location of the study area

La Bodega and La Mascota gold deposits are located within the California-Vetas

Mining District (CVMD), ~35-55 km from the city of Bucaramanga, capital of the

Santander Department, and ~450 km from Bogota, capital city of the Republic of

Colombia (Figure 1.1). The district is named after the two main towns in the area

where mining has been an important economic activity for centuries: California, to

the west, and Vetas, to the east (Figure 1.1). In the California area, most mining

activities have been developed in several locations along La Baja Trend (Figure

1.1, 3.3), a NE-SW strike-slip fault paralleliing La Baja River. These mining

locations include, among others, from SW to NE: La Plata, San Celestino and Pie

de Gallo, El Cuatro, La Mascota, La Bodega, La Perezosa and Los Laches, these

latter two forming part of the Angostura deposit (Figure 1.1).

The La Bodega and La Mascota deposits have combined NI-43-101 compliant

inferred resources of 3.47 Moz Au, 19.2 Moz Ag and 84.4 Mlbs Cu at 2 g/t Au cut

off (Altmann et al., 2010). The adjacent deposit, Angostura, has a NI 43-101

inferred resource estimate of 2.16 Moz of Au and 11.18 Moz of Ag at 1.5 g/t cut off

(Godoy et al., 2012).

I
Figure 1.1. Geographic location and physiography of the project area. A. Location of the California
Vetas Mining district (CVMD) in relation to Bucaramanga and Bogota cities within Colombia (South
America). B. Location of the CVMD showing location of California and Vetas towns, the district
(white square) and La Baja river valley (red square). C Oblique view of the La Baja trend deposits
showing California town, Cerro Violetal and La Bodega – La Mascota deposits among others. A, B
and C images are modified from Google Earth (2013). D. Locations of La Baja Trend deposits,
including La Mascota-La Bodega deposits (Photography looking NE taken from the S side of Vetas
River, south of California town; courtesy of O. González Morales, 2007).

1.2 Climate and physiography

The CVMD is characterized by steep terrain and peaks reaching elevations up to

~3800 m.a.s.l. (Figure 1.1). A variety of high mountain tropical environments are

2
found in the area: in general Andean forest and high Andean forest vegetation from

2400-3200 m.a.s.l. with mean temperatures between 18 and 12 °C and paramo

environment in the highest zones >3200 m.a.s.l. with annual mean temperatures

between 12 and 6 °C (Páez et al., 2007). Two rainy seasons (March – May and

September - November) separated by dry seasons (December-February and June-

August) characterize the climate in the area. Total precipitation is between 900 and

1600 mm per year (Páez et al., 2007).

1.3 Mining history

Mining activity in the California-Vetas mining district dates back to Pre-Columbian

time, but was taken over in the 1600’s, by the Spanish (Ward et al., 1973,

Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979). English and French companies continued to carry

out gold exploitation during the 1800’s and the early 1900’s (Reeves, 2006). Mining

in the past century was mainly done by local artisanal miners and small local

mining companies selectively extracting ore from gold rich veins in underground

operations (Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979). Gold recovery methods include

comminution techniques that mostly imply stamp milling and ball milling grinding;

gravimetric gold separation (vibrating tables, jigs and channels), amalgamation and

cyanide leaching (Páez et al., 2007).

Small exploration programs were run by Anaconda Copper (late 1940’s) and

Nippon Mining Co (1960’s) but the companies did not carry on with exploration,

mainly due to low core recovery (Reeves, 2006). Exploration programs started

again in late 1990’s with Greystar Resources Inc. (known today as Eco Oro

Minerals) in the Angostura project and intensified 2000’s. Ventana Gold Corp. (and

3
its subsidiary CVS Explorations Ltda.) started exploration in 2006 on the La

Bodega Concession which includes both the La Bodega and La Mascota deposits,

at that time property of Sociedad Minera La Bodega. Exploration in areas adjacent

to Angostura and La Bodega within the CVMD was followed by several Canadian

mining exploration companies, including Galway Resources and Calvista

Resources, Barracuda gold, Leyhat Colombia among others. In early 2011, AUX

Colombia Limited acquired Ventana Gold Corp. and the right to its concessions

within the district and continued intense exploration programs. AUX acquired the

properties adjacent to the SW from La Bodega from Calvista and Galway

Resources in 2012.

1.4 Previous studies

Geological mapping by the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (formerly known as

Ingeominas) in the area has been carried on since the 1970’s including the

geological map of the areas H-12 and H-13 (Santander and Norte de Santander

Departments) at a 1:100000 scale by Ward et al (1973). Petrography, active

sediment geochemical and rock and veins geochemical studies were also carried

out (Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979). The report that accompanies the gelogical

map of Santander compiles information associated with the mineralization in the

including the California Vetas Mining District (Royero and Clavijo, 2001).

Characterization of the uranium mineralization at San Celestino and a geological

map was developed by Polania (1980, 1983). Previously published geochronology

for the area includes: K-Ar geochronology on sericite (by Nippon Mining Co., 1962

in Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1973) which has been mentioned in descriptions of the

4
northern Andean epithermal and porphyry style mineralization belts Sillitoe (1983,

2008); Re-Os on pyrite concentrate from La Bodega (Mathur, 2003). These studies

present a late Cretacic to Paleocene age for mineralization. U-Pb geochronology

unveiled the presence of granodiorite porphyries of only 10.9-8.4 Ma which are

related to porphyry style mineralization at El Cuatro (see Figure 1.1 for location)

and La Plata (Mantilla et al., 2009, 2012, 2013; Leal-Mejía, 2011; Bissig et al.,

2012) as confirmed by molybdenite Re/Os ages of 10.14 ± 0.02 Ma for El Cuatro.

Reports associated with the exploration and mineralization in the area includes

company internal reports (for Ventana Gold Corp.-CVS Explorations: Bernasconi,

2006; Di Prisco, 2009, 2010; Pratt, 2009, 2010; Hedenquist, 2010 among others)

and the NI 43-101 reports of the companies exploring in the area (Thalenhorst,

2004; Burns, 2005; Reeves, 2006, O’Prey, 2008; Altman et al., 2011; Godoy, 2013,

among others). Undergraduate research thesis studies done in collaboration with

the exploration companies and the Universidad Industrial de Santander,

Bucaramanga, Colombia include the petrography of gold copper bearing veins

from Angostura (Diaz and Guerrero, 2006); petrography of ore minerals at La

Mascota (Forero, 2010), petrography of quartz textures at La Mascota (Mendoza,

2011) among others. Studies in collaboration with the Universidad de Caldas

include the faults and fracture network mapping at La Bodega (Parra, 2007).

All these studies provided valuable information on the complex geology and

hydrothermal history of California-Vetas Mining District. Ages of mineralization,

paragenetic evolution origin and nature of the mineralizing fluids remained unclear,

prior to this project.

5
1.5 Colombia porphyry and epithermal gold project

In 2010 Ventana Gold Corp., under the initiative of VP exploration J. H. Lehmann,

approached the Mineral Research Deposit Unit of the University of British

Columbia to develop a research project to address the limitations in the

understanding of the geology and hydrothermal evolution La Bodega and La

Mascota area. Greystar Resources (Eco Oro Minerals) followed this initiative in

order to better understand the hydrothermal alteration and mineralization of the

CVMD. The project also includes the collaboration with the Escuela de Geología of

the Universidad Industrial de Santander, specifically L.C. Mantilla F. who spent a

sabbatical year at MDRU. CVS Explorations Ltd., with her legal representative

Blanca Stella Frias, and Geology department team, provided continued logistic

support in Colombia until April 2011. AUX Colombia Ltd., through the collaboration

of C. Torresini, after their take over on Ventana Gold Corp., continued to support

this research logistically and economically. After initiation of the research at CVMD

the Colombia Gold and Porphyry project expanded to include the Middle Cauca

Belt (Central Cordillera) with the support from Teck Resources Ltd., Barrick Gold,

AngloGold Ashanti, Anglo American and Sunward in addition to AUX and Eco Oro

Minerals.

1.6 Project justification and objectives

This project was built based on the necessity to explain unusual and ambiguous

geological characteristics found in these deposits during geological mapping and

mining exploration carried out at La Bodega and La Mascota gold deposits

between 2006 and 2010 as well as the previous geological studies within the area.

6
The most important observations and characteristics recognized at La Bodega and

La Mascota gold deposits that justify this project include:

 Porphyry and epithermal style mineralization were observed but their

relationships were not clear. Epithermal style mineralization show sulfide

assemblages mostly similar to high-sulfidation systems (Forero, 2010),

however, quartz textures observed in the hydrothermal breccias at La

Mascota (Mendoza, 2011) resemble low-sulfidation environments.

 Neither volvanic rocks nor an evident magmatic source were clearly

observed in the district, which made it and unusual geological setting for

deposits located within the Andes.

 Ambiguous age contraints prior to the initiation of this research only allowed

stating that mineralization was of post-Cretaceous age.

 Important resources over 10 Moz of Au within La Baja Trend at the

California Vetas Mining District, including resources at La Bodega - La

Mascota deposits made this an important area to study in order to unravel

its geological, hydrothermal and mineralization history.

1.6.1 Specific objectives

The thesis presented here aims to determine the hydrothermal evolution and to

improve geological knowledge in the area by:

 Describing comprehensively the geology, alteration and mineralization of La

Bodega and La Mascota.

7
  Defining the paragenetic sequence for the mineralization events, making a

comparison between the two deposits

 Determine the origin and nature of the mineralizing fluids

 Providing geochronologic data and suggesting mineralization processes and

improves the exploration models.

1.7 General methodology

Detailed core logging and sampling of drill core from La Bodega and La Mascota

was done in two seasons: in August 2010 and from July to August 2011. Sampling

was concentrated on drill holes from two representative geological sections and of

La Bodega and La Mascota and an additional small set of samples from El Cuatro

(Appendix A1). A total of 375 samples were collected (Appendix A2). Characteristic

lithologies, alteration and mineralization of both zones were included. Only limited

structural information was collected for this project since core was not oriented,

core was also cut in half and quarters and in many cases broken in pieces. The

collected samples were dried for analysis with Terraspec ® and X-ray diffraction.

Thin section petrography was done on selected samples mainly for ore

characterization with a subset analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

methods. Another subset of samples of alunite was selected for mineral separation
40
for Ar/39Ar geochronology and stable isotope (sulfur, oxygen and deuterium)

analysis. Limited fluid inclusions information was gathered from petrography and

microthermometry of two samples. Location information from the drill holes and Au

assays were provided by Ventana Gold Corp in 2010-2011 and AUX Colombia Ltd.

in 2011. A geological map developed by Ventana Gold Corp.- CVS Explorations

8
Ltda. Geology Department under the direction of geological consultant PhD Alfredo

Bernasconi was provided in 2010. Geological maps presented here are the result

of the compilations by Ward et al. (1973), Mendoza and Jaramillo (1973), Polania

(1983), A. Bernasconi-Ventana Gold Corp. geology team (2010) and this study

(MDRU Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold project, 2013). Maps and

geological sections are presented in geographic coordinates (WGS 1984 datum).

1.8 Thesis organization

This thesis is divided into 10 chapters:

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the study area, gives its general location and

physiography, and provides a summary of its long mining history including the

recent mining exploration. It also summarizes previous studies, the motivation for

the development of this project and its objectives.

Chapter 2 provides concepts regarding ore processes associated with the

development of porphyry and epithermal systems, on which the data interpretation

in the following chapters is based.

Chapter 3 explains the tectonic setting and regional geology of the CVMD and

specifically for La Mascota and La Bodega.

Chapter 4 describes the hydrothermal alteration associations and their relative

temporal relationships of La Bodega and La Mascota, and provides an

interpretation of the environments under which these alteration assemblages were

developed.

9
Chapter 5 describes the mineralization and the mineral paragenesis of La Bodega

and La Mascota and defines 6 stages of mineralization and associated

hydrothermal events.

Chapter 6 gives geochronological constraints, giving absolute ages to the

hydrothermal events described in Chapter 5.

Chapter 7 shows temperature constraints of the fluids associated epithermal

mineralization events, determined through fluid inclusions petrography and

microthermometry.

Chapter 8 presents sulfur, oxygen and deuterium isotopic data on pyrite and

alunite and the probable interpretations for their origins.

Chapter 9 discusses and integrates the results presented in all previous chapters

and compares these deposits to similar deposits in the Andes. Exploration

implications associated with the mineralization style and history are also outlined.

Chapter 10 provides the main conclusions of this study as well as

recommendations for future research.

10
 Chapter 2. Hydrothermal Systems Conceptual Framework: Porphyry

Copper and Epithermal Systems

2.1 Introduction

Hydrothermal systems, including magmatic-hydrothermal systems, epithermal

systems are important global sources of base and precious metals. This chapter

comprises important aspects of the magmatic hydrothermal systems and related

deposits. It is intended to give the reader of the thesis basic concepts related to

epithermal and porphyry deposits that will be used throughout the document. The

conceptual framework is mainly based on some of the most complete

compilations about porphyry and epithermal systems within the last 20 years

including: Corbett and Leach (1998), Sillitoe and Hendenquist (2003), Simmons

et al. (2005), Sillitoe (2010), among many others.

2.2 Porphyry copper systems

Porphyry Copper (Cu) systems are defined as large volumes (10 to 100 km3) of

hydrothermally altered rock centered on porphyry Cu stocks that may also

contain skarn, carbonate-replacement, sediment-hosted, and high- and

intermediate-sulfidation epithermal base and precious metal mineralization

(Sillitoe, 2010).

11
Figure 2.1. Worldwide locations of porphyry Cu systems cited as examples of features discussed in the text along with five additional giant
examples. The principal deposit type(s), contained metals, and age are also indicated (modified after Sillitoe, 2010). Locations include California-
Vetas (this study) and Middle Cauca Belt (Colombia MDRU porphyry and epithermal gold project, 2013).

12
Porphyry Cu systems presently supply nearly three-quarters of the world’s Cu,

half the Mo, perhaps one-fifth of the Au, most of the Re, and minor amounts of

other metals (Ag, Pd, Te, Se, Bi, Zn, and Pb) (Sillitoe, 2010).

Porphyry Cu systems and deposits occur throughout the world and are mainly

related to convergent margins, occurring as belts and clusters within these zones

(Figure 2.1) such as the Andean Porphyry copper deposits e.g. the giant Eocene-

Oligocene Porphyry Cu deposits of Northern Chile and the Northern Andean Au

(Cu) porphyry within the Middle Cauca Belt (Sillitoe et al., 2008, 2010).

Several models have been proposed for characterizing porphyry Cu deposits.

Lowell and Guilbert (1970, 1974), provided the first model that determined

alteration mineral associations envelopes (alteration zonation) and veining

relationships which played an important role in the discovery of new porphyry

copper deposits. Since then, economic geologists have been refining this model

integrating other features of hydrothermal systems; e. g. Gustafson and Hunt,

1975; Giggenbach, 1997; Carten,1986; Dilles & Einaudi, 1992 and more recently

Sillitoe, 2005, 2010 (Figures 2.2)

13
 Figure 2.2. Telescoped porphyry Cu system (after Sillitoe,
2010) Left: spatial interrelationships of a centrally located
porphyry Cu ± Au ± Mo deposit in a multiphase porphyry stock
and its immediate host Right: Corresponding generalized
alteration-mineralization zoning pattern for telescoped
porphyry Cu deposits shown on left figure.

14
2.2.1 Alteration and mineralization in porphyry copper systems

Temperature and fluid pH are the most important of many factors which influence

the mineralogy of hydrothermal systems followed by host rock and absolute fluid

composition. Each hydrothermal mineral has stability temperature and pH

stability ranges (Corbett and Leach, 1998; Figure 2.3) that provide the basis for

the alteration zonation. Sillitoe (2010) states: “The alteration and mineralization in

porphyry Cu systems, occupying many cubic kilometers of rock, are zoned

outward and upward from the stocks or dike swarms; from barren, early sodic-

calcic through potentially ore-grade potassic, chlorite-sericite, and sericitic, to

advanced argillic, the last of these constituting the lithocaps, which may attain >1

km in thickness if unaffected by significant erosion. Low sulfidation-state

chalcopyrite ± bornite assemblages are characteristic of potassic zones, whereas

higher sulfidation-state sulfides are generated progressively upward in concert

with temperature decline and the concomitant greater degrees of hydrolytic

alteration, culminating in pyrite ± enargite ± covellite in the shallow parts of the

lithocaps. The porphyry Cu mineralization occurs in a distinctive sequence of

quartz-bearing veinlets as well as in disseminated form in the altered rock

between them”. Relevant characteristics of alteration envelopes and veins

relationships within porphyry systems are compiled in Table 2.1(Sillitoe, 2010).

Overprinting of late, shallow, generally epithermal styles of precious- and base-

metal mineralization over early, deep mineralization of porphyry type is a

common characteristic of porphyry copper systems (Figure 2.4) widely known as

telescoping (Sillitoe, 1994). Crosscutting relationships, including offset veins,

15
provide definitive evidence for the relative ages of hydrothermal events at a

particular location (Seedorff et al., 2005). Duration of hydrothermal activity of

50.000 yr to 500.000 yr are common, but several large porphyry Cu deposits

include multiple events span several million years (Seedorff et al., 2005).

Figure 2.3. Common alteration mineralogy in hydrothermal systems in their relative pH and
temperature stability range (after Corbett and Leach, 1998)

16
 Table 2.1. Characteristics of principal alteration-mineralization types in Porphyry Cu Systems¹ (after Sillitoe, 2010)

Alteration type² Position in system Key minerals Possible ancillary Principal sulfide Contemporaneous Veinlet selvages Economic
(alternative (abundance) minerals assemblages veintels³ (designation) potencial
name) (minor)
Sodic-calcic Deep, including Albite/oligoclase, Diopside, Typically absent Magnetite + Albite/oligoclase Normally
below porphyry Cu actinolite, epidote, garnet actinolite (M-type) barren,
deposits (uncommon) magnetite but locally
ore bearing
Potassic Core zones of Biotite, Actinolite, epidote, Pyrite-chalcopyrite, Biotite (EB-type), K-feldspar, EDM-type with Main ore
(K-silicate) porphyry Cu deposits K-feldspar sericite andalusite, chacolpyrite + quartz-biotite-sericite- sericite + biotite + contributor
(ubiquitous) albite, carbonate, bornite, bornite + K-fedspar-andalusite- K-feldspar + andalusite
tourmaline, degenite + chalcocite sulfides (EDM/T4-type), + disseminated
magnetite quartz-sulfides + magnetite chalcopyrite + bornite;
(A-type), quartz-molybdenite others none, except
+ pyrite + chalcopyrite locally K-feldespar
(central suture; B-type) around A- and B-types

Propylitic Marginal parts of Chlorite, Actinolite, hematite, Pyrite (+ sphalerite, Pyrite, epidote Barren, except
systems, below epidote, albite, magnetite galena) for
lithocaps (ubiquitous) carbonate subephitermal
veins
Chlorite-sericite Upper parts of Chlorite, Carbonate, epidote, Pyrite-chalcopyrite Chlorite + sericite + sulfides Chlorite, sericite/illite Common ore
(sericite-clay- porphyry Cu core sericite/illite, smectite contributor
chlorite zones (common, hematite
[SCC]) particularly in Aurich (martite,
deposits) specularite)

Sericitic (phyllic) Upper parts of Quartz, sericite Pyrophyllite, Pyrite + chalcopyrite Quartz-pyrite + other Quartz-sericite Commonly
porphyry Cu deposits carbonate, (pyrite-enargite + sulfides (D-type) barren, but may
(ubiquitous, except tourmaline, tennantite, pyrite- constitute ore
with alkaline specularite bornite + chalcocite,
intrusions) pyrite-sphalerite)
Advanced argillic Above porphyry Quartz (partly Diaspore, andalusite, Pyrite-enargite, Pyrite-enargite + Cu sulfides Quartz-alunite, quartz- Locally
Cu deposits, residual vuggy), zunyite, corundum, pyrite-chalcocite, (includes veins) pyrophyllite/dickite, constitutes ore
constitutes lithocaps alunite⁴, dumortierite, topaz, pyrite-covellite quartz-kaolinite in lithocaps and
(common) pyrophyllite, specularite their roots
dickite, kaolinite
¹ Excluding those developed in carbonate-rich rocks. ² Arranged from probable oldest (top) to youngest (bottom), except for propylitic that is lateral equivalent of potassic; advanced
argillic also forms above potassic early in systems. ³ Many veinlets in potassic, chlorite-sericite, and sericitic alteration contain anhydrite, which also occurs as late, largely
monomineralic veinlets. ⁴ Alunite commonly intergrown with aluminum-phosphate-sulfate (APS) minerals (see Stoffregen and Alpers, 1987)

17
2.3 Faults and fracture networks and their role in hydrothermal.

Successful development of hydrothermal ore systems requires an appropriate

dynamic setting to generate metal fertile fluid reservoirs; second, it requires the

generation of permeable fluid pathways to drain fluids from potentially large-

volume fluid reservoirs and transport them to volumetrically much smaller ore

deposition sites (Cox, 2005). According to Candela and Piccoli (2005); in

porphyry systems, dilational tectonic features may accommodate some high level

plutons, as well as their associated cupolas and apophyses. The large scale

through-going fractures that host these local zones of dilations can extent to

lower crust and control magmatism (Cox, 2005). Deformation is required to re-

generate permeability and facilitate the high fluid flux necessary to produce

hydrothermal ore systems (Cox, 2005). Episodic fluid redistribution from

breached, overpressured (i.e., suprahydrostatic) reservoirs has the potential to

generate large fluid discharge and high fluid/rock ratios around the downstream

parts of fault systems after large rupture events (Cox, 2005). Hydrothermal self-

sealing of faults, together with drainage of the hydraulically accessible parts of

reservoirs between earthquakes, progressively shuts off flow along fault ruptures

(Cox, 2005).

According to Corbett and Leach (1998); different styles of dilational ore

environments can be distinguished associated with different levels of the

hydrothermal systems (Figure 2.4) including: tension fracture/veins, jogs (Sibson,

1989, 1992 In Corbett and Leach, 1998), flexures (Sibson, 1989 In Corbett and

Leach, 1998), hanging (foot) wall splits (splays), domes and ore shoots

18
(McKinstry, 1948 In Corbett and Leach, 1998). These features may have become

filled by hydrothermal minerals originating veins and veins networks (Corbett and

Leach, 1998). Intense fluid activity can be indicated by abundant veins,

hydrothermal alteration around veins and fracture networks, and disturbance to

isotopic systems (Cox, 2005). Dilatant features mentioned here are distinguished

from, and locally transitional to, breccias (Corbett and Leach, 1998).

According to Corbett and Leach (1998), practically all magmatic arc gold-copper

systems contain breccias, and processes of breccia formation are intimately

related (e. g. El Indio Pascua, Deyell et al. 2005; Lagunas Norte, Cerpa et al.,

2013). Components of a breccia include fragments or broken rock clasts, that

become milled with increase deformation – brecciation); matrix, which comprises

minerals (including ore) deposited from hydrothermal fluids as well as locally-

derived and introduced rock material of a finer grain size than the fragments;

cement, formed by minerals precipitated from hydrothermal fluid and so occurs

within the matrix; open space or cavities develop between fragments which may

become filled by hydrothermal minerals including ore during or following

brecciation (Corbett and Leach, 1998). Hydrothermal fluids may partially or totally

replace matrix grains and this can make it hard to distinguish between these two

elements (matrix and cement). Cement precipitated from aqueous fluids is a

diagnostic component of most hydrothermal breccias (Davies et al., 2008).

According to Sillitoe (2010), hydrothermal breccias associated with porphyry

systems include magmatic-hydrothermal, phreatic at the porphyry Cu level,

phreatic at the epithermal level and phreato-magmatic (Table 2.2).

19
On the other hand, tectonic breccias are formed by mechanical disruption of

rocks in response to tectonic stress and tend to occur in identifiable, usually

steeply dipping, fault planes (Lawless and White, 1990). Tectonic breccias on

fault zones within active hydrothermal system form highly permeable channels

for the passage of fluids (Lawless and White, 1990). Dike-like tectonic breccias

cemented by hydrothermal fluids are referred as tectonic-hydrothermal breccias

i.e. Owl Creek calcite-cemented breccias, Wyoming-Montana, US (Kats et al.,

2006).

Figure 2.4. Dilational

structures. A. Dilational
veins and related
structures. B. Extension
mineralization styles at
different crustal levels
(after Corbett and Leach,
1998).

20
 Table 2.2. Features of principal Hydrothermal Breccia Types in Porphyry Cu Systems (Sillitoe, 2010)

Position Main Cu-

in system Clast/matrix Alteration bearing Economic
Type (abundance) Form Relative Timing Clast Features Matrix/Cement proportions Types mineral(s) Potential

Quartz-magnetite- Potassic +
biotite-sulfides/ chlorite-
quartz-muscovite- sericite +
Irregular, pipe- tourmaline-sulfides sericitec,
Within porphyry Cu like bodies + rock flour + uncommonly Chalcopyrite, May constitute
Magmatic deposits, locally around (10s-100s m in Typically Commonly igneous rock (i. e. Clast or matrix advanced uncommonly ore, commonly
Hydrothermal them (ubiquitous) diameter) intermineral monomictic igneous breccia) supported argillic bornite high grade

Barren unless
rich in pre-
Dikes Sericitic, existing
Phreatic Within and around uncommonly Polymict, advanced mineralization
(porphyry Cu porphyry Cu deposits sills and rounded to Matrix argillic, or Generally (e.g., Bisbee;
level) (relatively common) irregular bodies Late subrounded Muddy rock flour supported none none Bryant, 1987)

Typically
Within lithocaps, local intermineral Chalcedony,
Phreatic surface manifestations Irregular bodies relative to quartz, alunite, May constitute
(epithermal as eruption breccia (10s-100s m in lithocap barite, sulfides, Clast or matrix Clast or matrix Advanced Enargite, high sulfidation
level) (relatively common) diameter) development native S supported supported argillic Luzonite Cu/Au/Ag ore
None
advanced
argillig, but
Diatremes span Polymictic, Rock flour with early
porphyry Cu and centimeter-sized, juvenile tuff or Matrix examples with Commonly
epithermal Kilometer- rounded, and magma blob dominated; any alteration barren, but
environments; surface scale, polished; juvenile component; early accretionary type may host
manifestations as maar downward- Commonly late, (magma blob, examples cut by lapilli in matrix- depending on porphyry Cu or
Phreato- volcanoes (present in narrowing but early pumice) clasts porphyry Cu dominated the exposure Locally high-sulfidation
magmatic ~20% of systems) conduits examples known locally mineralization layers level enargite ore types

21
2.4 Sulfidation state

The terms "sulfur content" and "sulfidation state" denote the relative values of the

chemical potential of sulfur implied by sulfide mineral assemblages in ore

deposits (McKinstry, 1959, 1963 and Barton, 1970 in Einaudi, 1994). The

sulfidation state is used by Einaudi et al. (2003) as defined by Barton (1970) and

in a manner analogous to oxidation state, where the frame of reference is

temperature and the fugacity of S2 and O2 gas, respectively. The difference

between the oxygen or sulfur fugacity implied by a natural mineral assemblage

compares with that of a buffer reaction (e.g., table 2.3) and forms the basis for

assigning relative oxidation or sulfidation states (Einaudi et al., 2003).

Table 2.3. Examples of buffer reactions and association to sulfidation state or environment (after
Einaudi et al. 2003)

Reactions (Buffer)
Environment Limit
Reactants = Products

Fe3O4 + O2 = Fe2O3

Magnetite + O2 = hematite

2 FeS + S2 = 2 FeS2 Lower limit of

intermediate
Pyrrhotite + S2 = pyrite sulfidation states
Boundary between
5 CuFeS2 + S2 = Cu5FeS4 + 4 FeS2 intermediate and
high sulfidation
chalcopyrite + S2 = bornite + pyrite states
Transition between
0.67Cu12As4S13 + S2 = 2.67 Cu3AsS4 porphyry copper
deposits (sensu
stricto) and
tennantite enargite
+ S2 = porphyry related
base-metal veins
Lower limit to
0.47 FeAsS + 1.41CuFeS2 + S2 = 0.12Cu12As4S13 + 1.88 FeS2 sulfidation state in
intermediate
Sulfidation
Arsenopyrite chalcopyrite + S2 = tennantite + pyrite epithermal deposits

22
Terminology based on sulfidation reactions among minerals in the system Cu-Fe-

As-S common to porphyry copper deposits, porphyry-related veins, and

epithermal precious-metal deposits has been introduced in order to easily

compare the sulfidation state between different fluids and between fluids and

mineral assemblages: "very low", "low", "intermediate", "high", and "very high"

sulfidation states (Einaudi et al., 2003). Each sulfidation state has an upper

thermal limit (Einaudi et al., 2003; Figure 2.5).

Figure 2.5. Log fS2 – 1000/T diagram, contoured for Rs, illustrating fluid environments in porphyry
copper, porphyry copper related base-metal veins, and epithermal Au-Ag deposits in terms of a
series of possible cooling paths. Mineral symbols: asp: arsenopyrite, bn: bornite, cc: chalcocite,
ch: chalcopyrite; cv: covellite, dg: digenite, en: enargite; hm: hematite, lo: loellingite, ln: luzonite,
mt: magnetite, py=pyrite, po: pyrrhotite (from Einaudi et al., 2003).

23
2.5 Epithermal systems (high-sulfidation and low-sulfidation).

The term “epithermal” is derived from Lindgren’s (1933) classification of ore

deposits and refers to those that formed at shallow crustal levels (Robb, 2005).

Epithermal systems are an important source of precious and base metals (as

gold, silver, copper and zinc); they are associated with convergent margins and

commonly related to known porphyry systems (Figure 2.6): Tertiary and younger

examples are found around the Pacific Rim, in the Mediterranean and Carpathian

regions of Europe, older are within Tethyan arc from Europe to Asia and volcanic

arcs of all ages with rare examples as old as Archean (Simmons et al., 2005).

Epithermal ore deposits form over the temperature range of <150 oC to

approximately 300oC, and 50 m-1.5 km depth from surface (White & Hedenquist,

1995; Hedenquist et al., 2000; Simmons, 2005). They comprise epigenetic ores

that are generally hosted by coeval and older volcanic rocks and/or underlying

basement rocks and rarely by subvolcanic intrusions associated with

predominantly calc-alkaline magmas (relatively oxidized) that form in magmatic

arcs resulting from convergent plate movement and plate subduction (Sillitoe and

Hedenquist, 2003; Simmons et al., 2005). These deposits and their alteration

cover areas that range from <10 to >100 km2. The orebodies occur in a diversity

of shapes that reflect the influence of structural and lithological controls, and they

represent zones of paleopermeability within the shallow parts of once active

hydrothermal systems (Simmons et al., 2005). Most commonly, orebodies occur

in veins with steep dips that formed through dilation and extension; some are

hosted by major faults but more commonly they are hosted by minor faults

24
(second- or third-order structures) with small displacements (<10 m) (Simmons et

al., 2005).

Concentric mineral alteration zonation is typical of epithermal environments

(Table 2.4); however, the dominant gangue mineral is quartz, making ores hard

and generally resistant to weathering, and the dominant sulfide mineral is pyrite,

with sulfide contents that can range from <1 to >20 vol. percent (Simmons et al.,

2005).

Figure 2.6. Location of epithermal deposits in the world (modified after Simmons et al., 2005).
Abbreviations: Ba = Baguio district (Acupan); BM = Baia Mare; Bo = Boliden; CC = Cripple Creek;
Ch = Chinkuashih; Che = Chelopech; CP = Cerro de Pasco and Colquijirca-San Gregorio; Cr =
Cracow; CR = Cerro Rico; CV = Cerro Vanguardia; CVMD=California vetas Mining District; EI-P =
El Indio-Pascua; Em = Emperor; EP = El Peñon; Es = Esquel; Fr = Fresnillo; Fu = Furtei; Gto =
Guanajuato; HB = Hope Brook; Hi = Hishikari; Ju = Julcani; Ke = Kelian; La = Ladolam; Le-Vi =
Lepanto- Victoria; LC = La Coipa; Ma = Martha Hill-Favona; Mc = McLaughlin; Mi = Misima; Ov =
Ovacik; Pa = Pachuca-Real del Monte; Pi = Pierina; Pj = Pajingo; Po = Porgera; PV = Pueblo
Viejo; RM = Round Mountain; Ro = Rodalquilar; Ta = Tayoltita; Te = Temora; Ya = Yanacocha.

25
 Table 2.4. Summary of Hydrothermal Alteration Assemblages Forming in Epithermal
Environments (Simmons et al., 2005)

Alteration Mineralogy Occurrence and origin

Propylitic Quartz, K-feldspar (adularia),
albite, illite,
chlorite, calcite, epidote, pyrite
Argillic Illite, smectite, chlorite, inter-
layered clays, pyrite, calcite
(siderite), chalcedony
Advanced. Opal, alunite (white, powdery,
Argillic fine-grained, pseudocubic),
(steam- kaolinite, pyrite, marcasite
heated)
Develops at >240°C deep in the epithermal
environment through alteration by near-
neutral pH waters
Develops at <180°C on the periphery and in
the shallow epithermal
environment through alteration by steam-
heated CO2-rich waters
Develops at <120°C near the water table
and in the shallowest
epithermal environment through alteration by
steam-heated acid-sulfate waters; locally
associated with silica sinter but only in
geothermal systems

Advanced. Quartz, alunite (tabular), dickite, Develops at >200°C within the epithermal
Argillic pyrophyllite, environment through alteration by magmatic-
(magmatic (diaspore, zunyite) derived acidic waters
hydrothermal)
Advanced. Alunite, kaolinite, halloysite, Develops at <40°C through weathering and
Argillic jarosite, Fe oxides oxidation of sulfide-bearing rocks
(supergene)

Classification schemes and models describing epithermal deposits, their genesis

and possible exploration and characterization methods have been published

(Hedenquist & Lowestern, 1994; White & Hedenquist, 1995; Corbett & Leach,

1998; Corbett, 2002; Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003; Einaudi et al., 2003; Cooke

and Deyell, 2003; Simmons et al., 2005). These models describe the ore,

gangue and alteration mineralogy of the system making classification mainly

based on their oxidation state and sulfidation state. Discussion about

classification schemes has been done in most of these publications. All

classification schemes agree that there are two contrasting end members for

epithermal systems, most of them base the classification scheme on the

“sulfidation state” from which two contrasting end members can be defined: High

Sulfidation and Low Sulfidation. The contrasting characteristics between low

26
sulfidation and high sulfidation deposits allow for its identification providing a

powerful exploration tool. Intermediate sulfidation refers to deposits with hydbrid

characteristics of both, high sulfidation and low sulfidation and exhibit

characteristic ore mineralogy as well (Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003). The

contrasting characteristics between high, low and intermediate-sulfidation

deposits are summarized in Table 2.5. A general model and related textures for

high sulfidation and low sulfidation deposits is illustrated in Figure 2.7.

Figure 2.7. Low Sulfidation and High sulfidation model and related ore textures examples.
(Adapted and modified after Corbett, 2002). Massive bodies of vuggy quartz texture in high-
sulfidation and banded, crustiform quartz in low sulfidatiojn environments.

27
 Table 2.5. Principal field-oriented characteristics of epithermal types and subtypes (from Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003)

High sulfidation Intermediate sulfidation Low sulfidation

Oxidized magma Reduced magma Subalkaline magma Alkaline magma
Type example El Indio, Chile (vein); Potosí, Bolivia Baguio, Philippines Midas, Nevada Emperor, Fiji
Yanacocha, Peru (Au-rich);
(disseminated) Fresnillo, Mexico
(Ag-rich)
Genetically Mainly andesite Rhyodacite Principally andesite Basalt to rhyolite Alkali basalt to
related to rhyodacite to rhyodacite, trachyte
volcanic rocks but locally rhyolite
Key proximal Quartz-alunite/APS; Quartz- Sericite; Illite/smectite- Roscoelite-illite-
alteration quartz-pyrophyllite/ alunite/APS; adularia generally adularia adularia
minerals dickite at depth quartz-dickite uncommon
at depht
Silica gangue Massive fine-grained silicification Vein-filling crustiform Vein-filling Vein-filling
and vuggy residual quartz and comb quartz crustiform and crustiform and
colloform chalcedony and colloform chalcedony and
quartz; carbonate- quartz; quartz deficiency
replacement texture common in early stages
Carbonate Absent Common, typically Present, but typically Abundant, but not
gangue including manganiferous minor and late manganiferous
varieties
Other gangue Barite common, typically late Barite and manganiferous Barite uncommon; Barite, celestite, and/or
silicates present locally fluorite present locally fluorite common locally
Sulfide 10-90 vol % 5->20 vol. % Typically <1-2 vol % 2-10 vol %
abundance (but up to 20 vol %
where hosted by basalt)
Key sulfide Enargite, luzonite, Acanthite, stibnite Sphalerite, galena, Minor to very minor arsenopyrite ±
species famatinite, covellite tetrahedrite-tennantite, pyrrhotite; minor sphalerite, galena,
chalcopyrite tetrahedrite-tennantite, chalcopyrite
Main metals Au-Ag, Cu, As-Sb Ag, Sb, Sn Ag-Au, Zn, Pb, Cu Au±Ag
Minor metals Zn, Pb, Bi, W, Mo, Bi, W Mo, As, Sb Zn, Pb, Cu, Mo, As, Sb, Hg
Sn, Hg
Te and Se Tellurides common; None known, Tellurides common locally; Selenides common; Tellurides abundant;
species selenides present locally but few data selenides uncommon tellurides present locally selenides uncommon

28
2.5.1 High-sulfidation deposits

These deposits contain sulfide-rich assemblages of high sulfidation state, typically

pyrite-enargite, pyrite-luzonite, pyrite- famantinite, and pyrite-covellite (Einaudi et

al., 2003), hosted by leached silicic rock with a halo of advanced argillic minerals.

According to Simmons et al. (2005) these deposits correspond to epithermal

deposits associated with quartz + alunite ± pyrophyllite ± dickite ± kaolinite

assemblages that contain Au ± Ag ± Cu ores. Native gold and electrum are the

main ore-bearing minerals, with variable amounts of pyrite, Cu-bearing sulfides and

sulfosalts such as enargite, luzonite, covellite, tetrahedrite, and tennantite, plus

sphalerite and telluride minerals; enargite dominates the Cu sulfides and indicates

a high-sulfidation state (Simmons et al., 2005).

2.5.1.1 Quartz textures in high sulfidation deposits

Quartz (both massive and vuggy) and alunite are the main gangue minerals with

kandite minerals (dickite and/or kaolinite) and/or pyrophyllite. Vuggy quartz is a

residual product of intense acid alteration, and it is a distinctive feature that reflects

the original rock texture and differential leaching of phenocrysts and/or lithic

fragments (Simmons et al., 2005). Its formation predates deposition of copper and

gold, which are introduced by a fluid of different composition, illustrating the

importance of paleopermeability in preparation for metal deposition (e.g., White,

1991; Arribas, 1995). Vuggy quartz texture in combination with dickite and/or

kaolinite and pyrophyllite indicates that initial fluids causing alteration and rock

dissolution were extremely acid (pH <2 for aluminum to be soluble; Stoffregen,

1987 in Simmons et al., 2005). The presence of magmatic hydrothermal alunite

29
indicates that the fluids were relatively oxidized. The vuggy quartz zone flares

upward but may narrow toward the surface where shallow rock units have low

permeability, diminishing the alteration effects of acid-leaching solutions (e.g.,

Nansatsu; Urashima et al., 1981 in Simmons et al., 2005).

2.5.1.2 Alteration assemblages and zonation in high sulfidation deposits

Concentric patterns of hydrothermal alteration envelop the zone of vuggy and

massive quartz alteration, which hosts ore. Outward, these comprise zones of

quartz and alunite, dickite ± kaolinite or pyrophyllite, and illite or smectite alteration,

surrounded by regional propylitic alteration (Simmons et al., 2005). Zones of illite or

pyrophyllite alteration occur in the roots beneath some deposits (Simmons et al.,

2005).

2.5.1.3 Origin and nature of mineralizing fluids in high sulfidation deposits

High Sulfidation ore deposits are commonly considered to be formed from acidic

fluid because of the extreme leaching and quartz-alunite alteration during formation

of the lithocap. Leaching requires a fluid with pH <2 to mobilize alumina

(Stoffregen, 1987 in Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003), and the alunite most likely

forms at a pH of 2 to 3. Ore is hosted largely by the vuggy quartz zone, in which

there are no aluminosilicate minerals left to indicate the pH or to influence any

subsequently introduced fluid (Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003). The early leaching

fluid that precedes high-sulfidation mineralization is a condensate of magmatic

vapor with a relatively low salinity (<1 wt% NaCl; Rye et al., 1992, Arribas, 1995;

Hedenquist et al., 1998; in Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003).

30
Fluid inclusion data indicate that salinities in high-sulfidation deposits are typically

<5 to 10 wt percent NaCl equiv but may be as high as >30 wt percent NaCl equiv.

(Simmons et al., 2005). Stable isotope data indicate that the altering fluids are

composed mostly of magmatic fluids with a minor to moderate component of

meteoric water. Therefore, precious and base metal mineralization in hig-

sulfidation deposits is intimately associated with the crystallization of igneous

intrusions and exsolution of magmatic fluids (Simmons et al., 2005).

2.5.2 Low-sulfidation deposits

These deposits contain the low-sulfidation pair, pyrite-arsenopyrite, the latter

sulfide mineral typically present in only relatively minor quantities, within banded

veins of quartz, chalcedony, and adularia plus subordinate calcite. Hedenquist

(2000) introduced the term “intermediate-sulfidation” and Corbett (2002)

distinguished between low sulfidation as arc low sulfidation and rift low sulfidation

depending on the environment of formation (Figure 2.7). According to Simmons et

al. (2005) these deposits correspond to epithermal deposits associated with quartz

± calcite ± adularia ± illite that contain Au-Ag, Ag-Au, or Ag-Pb-Zn ores. Quartz is

the principal gangue mineral accompanied by variable amounts of chalcedony,

adularia, illite, pyrite, calcite, and/or rhodochrosite, the latter in more Ag- and base

metal-rich deposits. Low-sulfidation deposit associated breccias in veins and

subvertical pipes show evidence of multiple episodes of formation comprising

jumbled angular clasts of altered host rock and earlier vein fill, supported by a

matrix of mainly quartz, calcite, and/or adularia and sulfide minerals suggesting

rapid pressure release and violent formation that can be ascribed to seismicity

31
(e.g., Sibson, 1987; in Simmons et al., 2005) and hydrothermal eruptions (e.g.,

Hedenquist and Henley, 1985 in Simmons et al., 2005).

2.5.2.2 Alteration assemblages and zonation in low sulfidation deposits

Hydrothermal alteration is zoned and comprises deep regional propylitic alteration,

which gives way upward to increasing amounts of clay, carbonate, and zeolite

minerals; whereas quartz, adularia, illite, and pyrite form proximal alteration zones

enveloping orebodies. Ore-grade mineralization commonly terminates upward, and

where there has been minimal erosion, it can be concealed beneath regionally

extensive blankets of clay-carbonate-pyrite or kaolinite-alunite-opal ± pyrite

alteration (Simmons et al., 2005).

2.5.2.1 Textures associated with low sulfidation deposits

Distinctively banded crustiform-colloform textures, and lattice textures comprising

aggregates of platy calcite and their quartz pseudomorphs, are common.

Crustiform banded quartz is common, typically with interbanded, discontinuous

layers of sulfide minerals (mainly pyrite) and/or selenide minerals, adularia, and/or

illite. At relatively shallow depths, the bands are colloform in texture and millimeter-

scale, whereas at greater depths, the quartz becomes more coarsely crystalline.

Lattice textures, comprised of platy calcite and its quartz pseudomorphs, occur as

open-space filling in veins, and along with vein adularia indicate boiling fluids of

near-neutral to alkaline pH (Simmons and Christenson, 1994; Simmons and

Browne 2000b in Simmons et al., 2005).

According to fluid inclusion studies on quartz and calcite in the epithermal Au-Ag

deposit of Veta Madre, Guanajuato, Mexico (Moncada et al., 2012); quartz and

32
calcite textures are representative of processes under which they were deposited;

including textures associated with rapid deposition, such as might occur during

boiling; and textures indicative of mineral precipitating from fluids that were not

boiling include (Figure 2.8)

Figure 2.8. Summary of the various silica and calcite textures observed in the epithermal
environment (from Moncada et al., 2012): A. Jigsaw texture quartz; B. Feathery texture quartz; C.
Flamboyant texture quartz; D. Plumose quartz; E. Colloform texture quartz; F. Lattice bladed calcite;
G. Colloform-banded plumose texture quartz; H. Colloform-banded jigsaw texture quartz; I. Ghost-
sphere texture quartz; J. Moss texture quartz; K. Lattice-bladed calcite replaced by quartz; L.
Rhombic calcite; M. Massive quartz; N. Zonal quartz; O. Cockade quartz; P. Comb quartz;.
(XP=view under crossed polars). Textures A–M are characteristic of rapid deposition, such as might
occur during boiling, whereas textures N–R indicate that the fluids precipitating the mineral were not
boiling.

33
2.5.2.3 Origin and nature of mineralizing fluids in low sulfidation deposits

Fluid inclusion data indicate salinities in low sulfidation deposits are commonly <5

wt % NaCl equiv for Au-Ag deposits and <10 to >20 wt % NaCl equiv for Ag-Pb-Zn

deposits (Simmons et al., 2005). Stable isotope data indicate that hydrothermal

solutions were composed mostly of deeply circulated meteoric water, with a nil to

small and variable component of magmatic water (Simmons et al., 2005). Low-

sulfidation deposits fluids are reduced (Einaudi et al., 2003) comparable to

geothermal fluids (Giggenbach, 1992). Geothermal systems have relatively

reduced fluids from deep source with near-neutral pH which are close to or in

equilibrium with the altered host rocks due to their relatively slow ascent, i.e., rock-

dominated environments (Giggenbach, 1992).

2.5.3 Summary of genetic factors related to epithermal deposits

According to Simmons et al. (2005); critical genetic factors for the development of

epithermal deposits include: (1) At several-kilometers depth, the development of

oxidized and acidic versus reduced and near-neutral pH solutions, controlled by

the proportions of magmatic and meteoric components in solution, and the amount

of subsequent water-rock interaction during ascent to the epithermal environment;

(2) At epithermal depths, the development of boiling and/or mixing conditions which

create sharp physical and chemical gradients conducive to precious and base

metal precipitation; (3) At shallow level, the position of the water table, which

controls the hydrostatic pressure-temperature gradients at depth where epithermal

mineralization forms.

34
Gold in hydrothermal systems is transported as a chloride complex (AuCl -); which

deposition is driven by changes in fugacity of oxygen, activity of sulfur, and pH, as

well as temperature and salinities (Henley, 1973); or as a bisulfide complex

(AuHS2-), which deposition by decreases in temperature, pressure, and salinities

(Seward, 1982, Henley et al., 1984 In Corbett and Leach; 1998; White and

Hedenquist, 1995).

35
 Chapter 3. Tectonic, Geological and Structural Context of The California-

Vetas Mining District and The La Bodega - La Mascota Gold Deposits

3.1 Tectonic setting and location of the California-Vetas Mining district

The California-Vetas Mining district (CVMD) is located within the Eastern Cordillera

of the Colombia Andes (Northern Andes) making part of the Santander Massif,

located at the intersection between the northeastern portion of the Chibcha

Terrane (Restrepo and Toussaint, 1988; Restrepo et al., 2011) and the

southwestern portion of the Maracaibo Subplate Realm triangular tectonic block

(as defined by Cediel et al., 2003) (Figure 3.1).

The Northern Andes: The Northern termination of the Andean belt is composed of

the Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela Andes (Mégard, 1987). Intracontinental

deformation in the northern Andes is the result of the complex interaction between

three lithospheric plates: 1) The South America plate; 2) the Nazca oceanic plate,

which is converging at 6 cm/yr relative to the South America plate; and 3) the

Caribbean plate, which is moving 1-2 cm/yr to E-SE relative to the South America

Plate (Freymueller et al., 1993; Kellog and Vega, 1995; Taboada et al., 2000). The

Colombian Andes are geomorphologically divided into three main ranges (Figure

3.1): The Western, the Central the Eastern Cordilleras, each with distinctive

orogenic histories (Taboada, 2000). The Western Cordillera is composed of

oceanic rocks accreted to the western margin of South America during the

Mesozoic and early Cenozoic (Taboada, 2000). The Central Cordillera is

36
composed of a pre-Mesozoic, polymetamorphic basement including oceanic and

continental rocks, intruded by several Mesozoic and Cenozoic plutons related to

subduction; and an active volcanism belt linked to the Nazca subduction zone

located along the crest of the Cordillera, south of 5°N (Taboada, 2000). The

Eastern Cordillera is composed of a Precambrian and Paleozoic polymetamorphic

basement, deformed during several pre-Mesozoic orogenic events (Taboada et al.,

2000): basement rocks are covered by a thick sequence of Mesozoic and

Cenozoic sedimentary rocks that were strongly deformed during Neogene by

thrusting and folding (Taboada, 2000; Restrepo-Pace and Cediel, 2010).

The Chibcha Terrane (Toussaint and Restrepo, 1988; Restrepo et al., 2011)

comprises, among other features, the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, in which the

Santander Massif lies, and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and it is limited to by

the Guaicaramo Fault system, the Out Pericos fault system; the Oca fault and in by

the northwest trending Bucaramanga-Santa Marta Fault (Figure 3.1). The Chibcha

Terrane was accreted to South America during the Paleozoic.

The Maracaibo Subplate Realm (Cediel et al., 2003) is a triangular shaped tectonic

block that hosts numerous composite lithotectonic provinces and morphostructural

features including the Santander Massif and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

(SNSM) as well as the Sierra de Merida (ME, also known as the “Venezuelan

Andes”), the Serrania de Perijá and the Cesar-Ranchería and Maracaibo basins. It

is limited to the north by the Oca Fault, to the south-west by the NNW striking

Bucaramanga-Santa Marta fault and to the south-east by the NE striking Boconó

fault (as defined by Taboada et al., 1999, 2000) (Figure 3.1).

37
Santander Massif (Figure 3.1) is a lithotectonic province located to the east of the

southern portion of the Bucaramanga-Santa Marta regional fault and it is sub

divided in NW trending blocks (Royero and Clavijo, 2001). The Santander Massif

comprises the oldest rocks in the region of the CVMD and is composed of two

distinct geological domains: 1) The deformed and metamorphosed rocks of Pre-

cambrian to Ordovicic age formed during Grenvillian including the Bucaramanga

(Gneiss) Complex Orogeny, Silgará Formation and Orthogneiss, and 2) The

igneous succession developed after (1) syn-orogenic magmatism with alkaline

affinity during the Paleozoic and (2) post-orogenic magmatism with calc-alkaline

affinity during Triassic- Jurassic (Goldsmith et al., 1971; Ward et al., 1973;

Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979; Banks et al., 1985; Boinet et al., 1985; Dörr et al.,

1995; Restrepo-Pace, 1995; Ordoñez, 2003; Ordoñez and Mantilla, 2005;

Castellanos et al., 2008). California Vetas Mining District is located in the

septentrional eastern zone of the Santander Massif in close vicinity of the Boconó

fault domain.

Figure 3.1 (next page). Location of California-Vetas Mining District (CVMD) within Colombia, South
America; in relation to the Chibcha Terrane (Ch) (Restrepo et al., 2011) and the Maracaibo
Subplate Realm triangular tectonic block (MSP) (Cediel et al., 2003). The map shows the major
fault systems that divide these tectonic blocks and terranes. Santander Massif, Sierra Nevada de
Santa Marta (SNSM) and Serrania de Perijá (SP) are located in the intersection of the Chibcha
Terrane and the MSP. Merida Andes are located in the MSP parallel to the NW striking Boconó
Fault. Right: Geological Map of a section of Santander department (Modified after Ward et al.,
1973; Royero and Higuera, 1999; Wolff et al., 2005) showing the location of the CVMD in relation to
main populations in the area and main structural trends. Cucutilla Fault and Suratá Fault are NE
trending strike-slip faults sub-parallel to the Boconó Fault located to the NE of the regional NNW
trending Bucaramanga Santa - Marta Fault. Charta Fault is cross cut by Cucutilla Fault SW of the
CVMD.

38
39
The tectonic evolution of the area is complex. Besides the Grenvillian episodes of

accretion, recent tectonic processes are by the seismic activity in the area of the so

called Bucaramanga (seismic) nest (Santander Massif, 60 to 100 km from the

CVMD). Several models suggest that the Bucaramanga nest is located within the

portion of the Caribbean plate that is subducting southeastward, while the Nazca

plate is subducting eastward but to the south of the Bucaramanga nest (Cortes and

Angelier, 2005; Pennington, 1983; Taboada et al., 2000). Another model proposed

by Van der Hilst and Mann (1994) suggests that the Bucaramanga nest is located

in the Nazca plate in a segment they call the redefined Bucaramanga slab. Zarifi et

al. (2007) interprets that the Bucaramanga nest earthquakes suggests that the

collision between the Nazca and Caribbean plates at depth is responsible for the

Bucaramanga nest seismicity. Recent research interpret the Bucaramanga seismic

nest as to be caused by a complex interaction between the subducting Caribbean

plate under the South American Plate (Prieto et al., 2012) that implies a possible

component of subduction angle change (from shallow to steep) in the area, as well

as tearing and breaking processes of the Caribbean plate under the South

American Plate (Prieto et al., 2012; Vargas and Mann, 2013) which are also

interpreted from seismic tomography (Figure 3.2).

40
Figure 3.2 Schematic 3D model based on seismic tomography showing Bucaramanga seismic nest and relationship to interaction between the
Caribbean, Nazca and South American Plates. Approximated location of the California Vetas Mining District (CVMD) is indicated. The model
suggests flat subduction on the northern side. Caribbean plate suddenly changes its subduction angle and promotes a break off of the slab around
the location of the Bucaramanga nest. South of the weakness zone, the Nazca plate subducts beneath the South American plate with a steeper
angle and faster displacement (Modified after Taboada et al., 2000; Prieto et al., 2012; Vargas and Mann, 2013)

41
3.2 Lithology of the California Vetas Mining District and its expression within

La Bodega - La Mascota deposits.

The most widespread rocks within the California Vetas Mining District and within La

Bodega and La Mascota areas are the metamorphic rocks from Bucaramanga

Complex which are part of the so-called Santander Massif. Granitoids of the

Santander Plutonic Group and related (?) pegmatites cross-cut the gneisses as

exhibit as dike-like bodies in the La Bodega and La Mascota areas. Cretaceous

marine sedimentary units crop out to the west of the district. Miocene porphyritic

dike-like bodies cross cut previous units in certain areas of the district.

Hydrothermal breccias cross-cut previously mentioned units and are cut by either

late structures (faults) or structures that have been active at least during

mineralization events. The main structure corresponds to La Baja fault which

makes the so called La Baja trend, along which several precious metals

occurrences align. Figure 3.3 illustrates the geology of the California Vetas Mining

District. Figure 3.4 illustrates the local geology of the study area, La Mascota and

La Bodega. The representative geological sections used for this study, which

location is found in Figure 3.4, correspond to section B-B’, for La Bodega

(illustrated in Figure 3.5) and section M-M’, for La Mascota (illustrated in Figure

3.6).

42
Figure 3.3 California-Vetas Mining District Geological Map. (After Polania 1980, Evans, 1976, Ward,
1973; Mantilla et al., 2012, MDRU Colombia Gold Project). White square indicates study area.

43
Figure 3.4. La Mascota and La Bodega area geological map showing location for geological drill
holes that were sampled and studied geological sections: geological section M-M’ at La Mascota
and geological section B-B’ at La Bodega. Map was redrawn and reinterpreted after Bernasconi et
al., 2010 (original map provided by Ventana Gold Corp).

44
Figure 3.5. N-S geological cross-section B-B’ at La Bodega, looking west. Based on diamond drill holes shown. Subtabular-irregular shaped
granite intruding the Proterozoic Bucaramanga Complex with irregular amphibolite lenses. Hydrothermal and tectono-hydrothermal breccias:
tabular shaped and discontinuous; distributed along NE-dipping NW-structural trend. Faulted zones are related to Paez and Perezosa faults.

45
Figure 3.6. N-S geological cross section M-M’ at La Mascota, looking west. Proterozoic
Bucaramanga Complex with irregular amphibolite lenses intruded by narrow tabular shaped granite
dykes and late fault controlled-hydrothermal to tectono-hydrothermal breccias of La Mascota. Fault
structures are related to La Baja fault.

3.2.1 Bucaramanga (Gneiss) Complex

Bucaramanga Gneiss Formation was defined by Ward et al. (1973) and it was later

referred as Bucaramanga Complex (Royero and Clavijo, 2001). Bucaramanga

Complex consists of high grade migmatitic paragneisses of early Proterozoic age

(García and Ríos, 1999; Ordóñez-Cardona et al., 2006; Mantilla et al., 2012) as

46
well as migmatites, amphibolites, quartzites, marbles and granulites (Royero and

Clavijo, 2001). Peak metamorphism has been dated at 1057 ± 28 Ma by U-Pb

SHRIMP geochronology on zircons; this emphasizes an association with the

Grenvillian Orogeny (Cordani et al., 2005 in Mantilla et al., 2012). Pressures

between 5.5 and 7.2 kbar and temperatures from 660 to 750°C, have been

estimated for the peak metamorphism (Urueña and Zuluaga, 2011).

3.2.1.1 Bucaramanga Complex at La Bodega and La Mascota

In the area of La Bodega and La Mascota, the Bucaramanga Complex is the most

widespread rock unit. At diamond drill core scale, gneisses from Bucaramanga

Complex are typically banded, therefore they are referred here as banded

gneisses (Figure 3.7).

Banded gneisses are composed of quartz feldspar bands (leucosomes, also

referred here as quartz-feldspar gneisses) and amphibole-biotite rich bands

(mesosomes, also referred here as amphibolites). Quartz feldspar bands

(leucosomes) may be K-feldspar rich. The banding and segregation of K-feldspar

rich leucosomes is interpreted to be the result of partial melting during high-grade

metamorphism (upper amphibolite facies) resulting in migmatitization and

ptygmatic folding. Mesosomes are mostly hornblende rich with minor biotite and

disseminated magnetite in few cases. Locally, banded gneisses are biotite rich and

may exhibit quartz and feldspar augens. Thickness of these bands may be as wide

as a few meters, enough to be distinguished in geological sections (Figures 2.5

and 2.6) and deserve a separate description.

47
 Amphibolite (mesosomes) are green colored gneisses that contain

hornblende (60-80%), biotite (10-20%), plagioclase and feldspar (10-20%).

They typically have a well-developed metamorphic foliation, a few

leucocratic bands (plagioclase-quartz; 0.2 - 2 cm thickness) are commonly

“interstratified” in the amphibolite. Zircons are found accessory minerals

(<1%). Amphibolitic rocks normally exhibit a well-developed metamorphic

foliation and regularly form lenticular bodies that pinch out (Figure 3.7 C).

 Quartz-feldspar gneisses (leucosomes) are bands or lenses with quartz-

plagioclase and K-feldspar composition with only scarce micas (biotite

mainly). These quartz-feldspar bands range from few centimeters to tens of

meters. Quartz-feldspar gneisses are coarse-grained (~0.5 – 1 cm diameter,

medium-grained (0.1-0.5 cm) or fine-grained <0.1 cm (massive texture) in

some cases no obvious foliation. Coarse grain size is commonly found in

the K- feldspar rich gneisses (pegmatitic-like texture) while the finer-grained

texture is mostly found in plagioclase rich gneisses. Here, leucosome or

quartz feldspar gneiss is informally defined as gneiss with more than 80%

quartz and feldspars in total volume. Zircons are common accessory

minerals (<1%) with size between <10 µm 0.1mm and can help

distinguishing the Pre-Cambrian quartz-feldspar bands in gneisses from

younger granitoids (Figure 3.7 E, F).

48
Figure 3.7. Examples of the Bucaramanga Complex at La Bodega and La Mascota. A and B.
Banded gneiss with quartz-feldspar bands (leucosomes) and hornblende-biotite bands
(mesosomes). C. Amphibolite (mesosome). D. Banded gneiss with augen texture; biotite
mesosomes (gray-black) and quartz-feldspar leucosomes (white yellowish). E. Coarse grained
quartz feldspar gneiss (leucosome). F. Quartz feldspar gneisses (leucosomes) with massive
texture. G. Microphotograph on cross polarized light of the amphibolite in C, showing hornblende
(Hb) (altered to chlorite) abundant, altered feldspars (orthoclase-Or and plagioclase-Plg) and
zircons aggregates. H. Quartz-feldspar gneiss microphotograph in cross polarized light
(corresponds to E) showing sericite altered feldspars and quartz (Qz1) with undulous extinction and
subgrains typical of metamorphic rocks. I. Close-up of H in plane polarized light showing zircons
typical of the Bucaramanga Complex.

49
3.2.2 Santander Plutonic Group (Late Triassic to Early Jurassic)

Plutons intruding the Santander Plutonic Group include the tonalites and

granodiorites at Páramo Rico (SE area of CVMD) (Goldsmith et al., 1971, Ward et

al., 1973); and leucogranites and quartz monzonites (also known as alaskites) in

the central part of the CVMD (Mendoza & Jaramillo, 1979; Mantilla Figueroa et al.,

2013). The Páramo Rico area intrusions U-Pb geochronology on zircons yields

ages from ~210 to 205 Ma (Dörr et al., 1995). Muscovite K-Ar geochronology on

the leucogranites yields to an age of 195±7 Ma (Goldsmith et al., 1971; Ward et al.,

1973). According to Mantilla Figueroa et al. (2013), the igneous rocks from the Late

Triassic - Early Jurassic magmatic episodes are the volumetrically most important

igneous rocks in the study area and in the Colombian Eastern Cordillera. They can

be divided into three groups based on their field relationships, whole rock

geochemistry and U-Pb LA-MCICP-MS zircon geochronology (Mantilla Figueroa et

al., 2013). These are early leucogranites (Alaskites-I; ~204 -199 Ma), Intermediate

rocks (199 - 198 Ma), and late leucogranites (Alaskites-II: 198 - 196 Ma) (Mantilla

Figueroa et al., 2013). This Mesozoic magmatism reflects subtle changes in the

crustal stress in a setting above an oblique subduction of the Panthalassa plate

beneath Pangea and was emplaced during initial uplifting of the Central Atlantic

(Mantilla Figueroa et al., 2013).

50
3.2.2.1 Santander Plutonic Group at La Bodega and La Mascota

Leucogranites at La Bodega and La Mascota that intrude the Bucaramanga

Complex, range in composition from granite to monzogranite (Figure 3.8). Most of

these rocks are equigranular and medium to fine-grained.

Quartz (~40%) is white to translucent; ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm; in thin section

usually anhedral to subhedral, in suture contact to quartz and sharp contact to

feldspars and other minerals. Most quartz has undulous extinction and minor

evidence of intracrystalline strain.

Feldspars (~55%) are white to dull color and greenish color (due to alteration) in

hand sample, up to 2 mm in diameter with anhedral shape. In thin section,

obliterated feldspars look are dull yellow and gray in the groundmass (due to

alteration to sericite and or alunite, see chapter 3).

Muscovite (up to 5%) forms randomly distributed crystals, translucent to pearl color

in hand sample; with high birefringence color (green to fuchsia) in thin section.

Crystals range from 0.1 to 1 mm width with tabular, flake-like crystals.

Zircon (<0.1%) occurs as translucent <0.2 mm crystals with elliptical shape. Zircon

is only found as a scarce accessory mineral in the granitoids.

These leucogranites are considered to be part of the Alaskite I group defined by

Mantilla Figueroa et al. (2013). At La Bodega, leucogranite dikes exceed tens of

meters in core intercepts (Figure 3.4) while at La Mascota, leucogranites are less

common and they only form sub-tabular, steep narrow dikes (decimeters to a few

meters) (Figure 3.5). Muscovite in these rocks is considered to be of magmatic

51
origin, therefore these rocks are considered to be peraluminous. U-Pb LA-MCICP-

MS zircon geochronology in one leucogranite (Alaskite I) sample from La Mascota

(ALR035) yields to an age of ~201 Ma (Jurassic) (See appendix A3).

Figure 3.8. Jurassic intrusive rocks (leucogranites) from La Mascota and La Bodega. A. B. C. La
Mascota leucogranite (Alaskite I), DDH LB112 at 347.7 m. ALR034, adjacent to sample ALR035 (U-
Pb geochronology on zircon: ~201 Ma) A. Core sample photograph. B. Microphotograph in cross
polarized light of ALR034; showing quartz random distribution and feldspars altered to alunite and
sericite. C. Microphotograph in plane polarized light of ALR034 pointing at the few zircons found in
this sample. C, E, F. La Bodega leucogranite (Alaskite I, according to Mantilla Fiueroa, et al. 2013),
DDH LB251 at 318.3 m. ALR128. D. Core sample photograph. E. Microphotograph in cross
polarized light of ALR128. Granite with phaneritic texture; random distributed of quartz crystals with
undulose extinction; obliterated feldspars (altered to sericite); randomly distributed coarse grained
muscovite (mus) crystals (of magmatic origin). F. Microphotograph in plane polarized light of
ALR128 pointing at one zircon found in this sample.

52
3.2.2.2 Granitic pegmatites at La Bodega and La Mascota

Pegmatites occur as narrow lenticular or dike-like bodies in drill core intercepts

mostly at La Bodega (up to 3 m) (Figure 3.9) and few examples at La Mascota

(<50cm). These pegmatites are greenish to white, coarse-grained (crystals up to 2

cm) and are granitic in composition. Granitic pegmatites cut the gneiss unit and

appear to be closely related to the granites but no absolute age constraints are

available. The contact between these rocks and the finer-grained equigranular

granitoids mentioned above is sharp where seen but relative timing relationships

are not evident. Pegmatites mentioned here are different from coarse grained

(pegmatitic-like) K-feldspar rich leucosomes which are considered to be part of the

Bucaramanga complex.

Quartz (35-50%): White to translucent, anhedral to subhedral crystals ranging from

0.5 to 3 cm. In thin section quartz is gray and shows minor undulose extinction with

straining evident as trails where undulose extinction is clearer.

Feldspars (40-55%): greenish to dull white due to alteration in hand sample.

Anhedral shaped crystals ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm (?). In thin section, feldspars

alteration to sericite (and possibly minor illite) is evident as a groundmass of

microcrystals aggregates of sericite replacing feldspars.

Muscovite (1-5%): translucent tabular subhedral crystal individuals up to 0.3 mm,

randomly distributed within the rock in contact to feldspars. In thin section is

distinguished by the high birefringence color and its subtabular shape.

53
Figure 3.9. Pegmatite rocks at La Bodega. A. Sharp contact between granite and pegmatite. B and C. Pegmatite with altered feldspars (sericite-
illite alteration). D. Microphotograph of “A” in 2x objective with cross polarized light. E. Microphotograph of “A” 10X on cross polarized light on
pegmatite zone; note the coarse quartz crystals with minor straining.

54
3.2.3 Sedimentary rocks (Late Cretaceous)

Sedimentary rocks of Cretaceous age are found in the western part of the CVMD,

North and west of California town. These rocks unconformably overlie the

previously described units. These rocks include the Tambor Formation (reddish

limolites, sandstones and conglomerate sandstones) of Valanginian to Hauterivian

age (Julivert, 1968 in Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979) (Figure 3.9) and the

Rosablanca Formation (limestone, fossiliferous limestone) of Hauterivian-

Barremian age (Julivert, 1968 in Mendoza and Jaramillo 1979). Detrital zircons

from the lower Cretaceous siliciclastic Tambor Formation are of the same age

populations as the metamorphic and igneous rocks present in the study area and

previously mentioned, suggesting that the provenance is related to the erosion of

these local rocks during the Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous, implying a local

supply of sediments to the local depositional basins (Mantilla Figueroa et al.,

2013).

Figure 3.10. Late Cretaceous

rocks (Tambor Formation).
Outcrop to the west of
California town. (Photograph
courtesy of L. Osorio, 2013)

55
3.2.4 Porphyritic bodies and related rocks (Late Miocene)

Porphyritic bodies that cross-cut the Santander Plutonic Group as well as the

Bucaramanga Complex rocks are found within the CVMD as dikes, sills and small

irregular shaped bodies (Ward et al., 1973, Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979; Galvis,

1998; Felder et al., 2005; Mantilla et al., 2009; Mantilla et al., 2011, Mantilla

Figueroa et al., 2013). At the top of Cerro Violetal (Violetal ridge), to the East of

California town, a polymictic volcanic (?) breccia (which includes sedimentary rocks

clasts) is found as part of a circular volcanic-like dome of approximately 9-10 km2

area, around which several porphyritic dike-like bodies of variable texture and

composition are outcropping at drainages of the area (Galvis, 1998). Volcanic

sands and ashes are mostly found in certain areas of the paramo within the district

(Galvis, 1998; O. González Morales, 2007). Porphyritic-phaneritic quartz-

monzodiorites and granodiorites are confined to the eastern part of the CVMD

while porphyritic-aphanitic granodiorites are confined to the western part (Mantilla

et al., 2011; Mantilla et al., 2013). U-Pb LA-MC-ICPMS geochronology on zircons

yielded to ages of 9.0-8.4 ± 0.2 Ma for the rhyodacite porphyry bodies (Mantilla et

al., 2009), 10.1 ± 0.2 for the porphyritic andesite variety and 10.9 ± 0.2 Ma for the

granodiorite with prophyritic-phaneritic texture (Mantilla et al., 2011). These rocks

are not observed within La Bodega and La Mascota areas. These porphyritic rocks

are related porphyry Cu-Mo to mineralization in the CVMD (Bissig et al., 2012).

Examples of these porphyritic rocks in the CVMD are illustrated in Figure 3.11

56
Figure 3.11 Miocene porphyritic granodiorites at the CVMD. A. Altered (rhyodacitic?) porphyry dike
at El Cuatro. B. Porphyry dike at La Plata (Courtesy of T. Bissig). C. K-feldspar phenocrysts and
bipyramidal quartz in porphyritic from La Machorra-Mongora area in vicinity of La Francia.

57
3.2.5 Hydrothermal breccias (Plio-Pleistoscene)

Breccias at La Bodega and La Mascota represent the occurrence of magmatic-

hydrothermal events and are related hydrothermal fluids that provided alteration

(see Chapter 4) and mineralization (Chapter 5) of Plio-Pleistoscene age (Chapter

5). Breccias at La Bodega and La Mascota form NE-trending, NW-dipping, sub-

tabular bodies along La Baja Trend (Figures 3.5, 3.6). These breccias exhibit

quartz cement in which much of the mineralization is hosted. Silicification and

quartz cement is related to alunite and advanced argilic alteration (See Chapter 3).

At La Mascota, where these breccia bodies constitute the main ore body, they

exhibit changing facies from clast-supported (gneiss clasts, breccia clasts, few

granite clasts) to matrix supported or cement supported; either monomictic or

polymictic (Mendoza Leon, 2010). Because of the important hydrothermal

processes implied in their formation and their relationship to hydrothermal

alteration and mineralization, these breccias are referred as hydrothermal

breccias (e.g. Corbett and Leach, 1998; Davies et al., 2008). All of these breccias

also exhibit features related to deformation associated with their origin typical of

tectonic breccias (Sillitoe et al., 1985; Lawless, 1990), including tectonic foliation

mainly at the walls of the breccia bodies, fine grained clasts, fine grained matrix

and clasts of breccias within breccia. These breccias are produced by several

breaking-healing episodes as a result fault re-activation. Because the hybrid

features associated with breaking-healing processes related the hydrothermal

cement (quartz) that these breccias exhibit, they are also referred as tectonic-

hydrothermal breccias (e. g. Kats et al., 2006).

58
3.2.5.1 Hydrothermal Breccias at La Bodega

La Bodega breccias form narrow subtabular discontinuous bodies ranging from a

couple of centimeters to 10 meters in width (Geological section B-B’, Figure 3.5).

According to their physical and its mineralogical components, three kinds of

breccias can be differentiated at La Bodega deposit:

1. Clast supported to matrix supported breccias with rounded resorbed edge

clasts (RCBX): Rounded clasts (50-70%) with resorbed edges or corroded

edges (with finer grained matrix (30-40%) and quartz and alunite cement

(10-15%). Quartz alunite cement in breccias with sericite-illite altered clasts

rimmed by green muscovite (Figure 3.12A).

2. Crackle jigsaw fit breccias (CJBX): monomictic clast supported (up to 90%

clasts) breccia jigsaw fit distribution with quartz cement. This breccia can be

found in the southern portion of La Bodega (DDH10LB327). It shows jigsaw

fit clasts distribution, angular clasts of granite with very minor displacement

weak silicification and renmants of sericite and alunite alteration. Pyrite +

sphalerite in microcrystalline quartz cement are commonly rimming clasts.

Granite clasts show euhedral quartz with sharp contacts in between

crystals, minor muscovite occurrence and weak silicification

(microcrystalline quartz) replacing feldspars (Figure 3.12B).

3. Polymictic to monomictic quartz cemented breccias (QCBX; THBX):

Polymictic breccia may just have clasts of the different gneisses bands but

clasts may include granite, gneiss and breccia clasts that can be fine

grained (~1 mm) to a couple of centimeters in diameter. These breccias can

59
be cement supported, clast supported or matrix supported; nevertheless,

matrix may be replaced by microcrystalline quartz. Weak tectonic foliation

associated with elonged oriented clasts in matrix partly replaced by later

silicification is also observed locally (Figure 3.12 C and D). These breccias

form subtabular bodies and are here also referred as tectonic-hydrothermal

breccias (THBX).

Figure 3.12. La Bodega

typical hydrothermal
breccias. A. RCBX
(LB327 at 339.30 m.,
ALR074). Resorbed
edges illite altered clasts
breccias with muscovite
alteration rim within
alunite quartz cement.
B. CJBX (LB327 at
244.60 m., ALR063)
Crackled jigsaw fit
breccia with granite
clasts and pyrite-
sphalerite-quartz
cement. C. and D.
QCBX (THBX) Quartz
cemented breccia
(LB258 at 202.50 m.
ALR229 and LB022 at
216.20 m., ALR101;
respectively). In D
quartz + wolframite
veins and cement cut by
quartz+pyrite+enargite
veins.

60
3.2.5.2 Hydrothermal Breccias at La Mascota

Hydrothermal breccias are the most important mineralization feature at La

Mascota. According to Mendoza (2011) breccias at La Mascota exhibit a great

variety of proportions between clasts, matrix and cement therefore they can be

described as clast, matrix or cement supported breccias (Figure 3.13). Matrix may

be replaced by quartz cement which can make it hard to distinguish matrix from

cement. Cement is normally fine grained quartz and alunite (Chapter 4).

Most of these breccias are polymictic with clasts of gneisses, previous breccia and

in some cases of granitoids. Clasts of earlier breccias are found in younger

breccias; therefore these breccias are referred also as multiple-phase breccias

(Figure 3.13 F). This fact indicates that La Mascota hydrothermal breccias have

undergone several episodes of “fracture-healing” or brecciation-silicification

episodes.

They also locally exhibit cataclastic texture associated with fine grained matrix and

foliation of probable tectonic originated prior to/during the formation of the structure

to which the breccias are related (Figure 3.14). Breccias with tectonic foliation and

fine grained matrix are referred here as tectonic breccias. Tectonic breccia clasts

can be also found in multiple-phase hydrothermal breccias (Figure 3.13 F).

61
Figure 3.13. Breccia types at La Mascota based on physical components and arrange. A. Clasts
supported breccia. B. Cement supported breccia. C. and D. Matrix (Mx) to cement supported
breccia. Matrix may be replaced by quartz. Augen-shaped quartz clasts parallel to tectonic folitation.
E. Contact zone between gneiss and hyodrothermal breccia where the development of tectonic
foliation is evident. Gradation from left to right: from matrix/cement supported to clast supported. F.
Multi-phases Breccia: BX1 corresponds to clasts of fine grained breccia with tectonic foliation
(tectonic breccia clast) in BX2. BX2 is cross-cut by BX3.

62
Figure 3.14. Tectonic-hydrothermal breccia (THBX) at different scales; LB112 at 259.20 m.
ALR014A. A. Quartz cement breccia with tectonic breccia clasts. B. Close up to tectonic breccia
clasts with pyrite veins parallel to tectonic foliation. C. Tectonic foliation and cross cutting veins
(microscopic XPL view). D and E. Close up to tectonic foliation and parallel pyrite veins cross cut by
quartz, enargite, gold bearing vein. (D: XPL, E: RL).

63
3.3 Structural context

The main structural trends within the district are defined by regional faulting which

is evident in the topographic break caused by the NW‐trending Bucaramanga‐

Santa Marta fault (Figure 3.1) and the NE‐trending Cucutilla fault (Ward et al.,

1973; Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979; Reeves 2006; Parra, 2008). Drainage

patterns near La Bodega-La Mascota are parallel to the NE-trending lineaments,

faults and faulted zones and other secondary structures in the CVMD area (Parra,

2008). Faults in the area take their name from the creeks and rivers that follow

their orientation. Outcrops found in these dranages exhibit fracture networks,

intensely fractured rocks, gouge/clay supported breccias and slickensides. In

general, there are three fault orientations: NNW, EW-NW and NE (Parra, 2008,

Mantilla, 2011). Locally the main fault trends are La Baja (NE), Angosturas Creek

lineament (NS), La Perezosa fault (NE), San Andrés fault (NW) and the Paez fault

zone (EW-NWW/40-60NE) (Figure 3.4).

3.3.1 Main regional structures

Bucaramanga-Santa Marta Fault. It is the most important fault affecting the

Santander Massif (Figure 3.2). This fault is approximately 400 km long measured

from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the southernmost portion of the

Santander Massif, and trends approximately N20W. It is considered a left-lateral

strike-slip fault with a horizontal displacement of approximately 100-110 km

(Campbell, 1965; Tschanz, et al., 1969, 1974 in Royero and Clavijo, 2002). The

Bucaramanga - Santa Marta fault has an important vertical component: while in

some areas it acts as a reverse fault uprising with the eastern block uprising

64
(Julivert, 1958, 1961; Ward et al., 1973; Paris and Sarria, 1988; Royero, 1994, In

Clavijo and Royero, 2002) in its southernmost part it is a thrust fault (Boinet, 1985;

Ulloa 1990, in Royero and Clavijo, 2002). The age of this fault is not clear. The

Bucaramanga – Santa Marta Fault crosscuts the Bucaramanga Complex but the

most important activity of this fault takes place during the Late Miocene

simultaneously with the Andean Orogeny (Boinet et al., 1989, in Royero and

Clavijo 2002). Neotectonic activity of this fault is evident as, lineaments, triangle

faces, and adapted drainage; especially in the Bucaramanga city area where Plio-

Pleistocene sediments are affected by the Bucaramanga-Santa Marta Fault

(Julivert, 1963; Paris and Sarria, 1988; Reyes and Barbosa, 1993; in Royero and

Clavijo, 2002)

Cucutilla Fault. Also known as Rio Cucutilla Fault (Ward et al., 1973), according

to Royero and Clavijo (2002) the Cucutilla Fault is a right-lateral strike-slip fault

trending NE-SW located to the NE of the Bucaramanga-Santa Marta fault (Figure

3.2). The Cucutilla fault considered part of the regional NE striking Boconó Fault

system (Horner, 2005 in Diaz and Guerrero, 2005). The Cucutilla fault has several

fault splays to the NW (Figure 3.3). The main fault trends NE and crosses by Vetas

River and Páramo Rico where it intersects Charta fault (Ward et al., 1971). The

most important splays in the area of the CVMD are the NE-trending Romeral-

Cucutilla Fault (Horner, 2005 in Diaz and Guerrero, 2005) and the NE La Baja

Fault (Ward et al., 1973), parallel to the Mineralized trend of the same name.

65
3.3.2 Main structures within La Bodega – La Mascota

La Baja Fault. Also known as La Baja River Fault and La Baja fault zone (Figure

3.3, 3.4). It is considered to be a splay of the Cucutilla fault and it makes a

photogeologically identifiable lineament (Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979) known

here as La Baja trend which is parallel to the river with the same name. La Baja

Fault is a right-lateral strike slip structure trending NE-SW. It ranges from 500 to

1500 meters wide and is considered to be the main control to mineralization in the

NW portion of the CVMD (Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979; Felder, 2005; Reeves,

2006; Parra, 2007; O’Prey, 2008; Pratt, 2010; Sim and Altmann, 2010; Mantilla

Figueroa, 2009, 2011, 2012).

La Bodega area is limited from La Mascota area by the intersection of La Baja fault

with several other faults: the N30E striking Angosturas fault, the NE trending La

Perezosa Fault zone and the EW-NWW/40-60N striking Paez fault (Figure 3.4).

The NNW San Andres fault intersects La Baja and Angosturas faults in the area

known as La Rosa. La Perezosa Fault is a NE structure, subparallel to La Baja

Fault that is intersected by Paez Fault. La Perezosa fault constitutes the structural

limit between La Bodega and the Angosturas multimillion ounces deposit to the

east.

Interactions in between these structures have a long and complex history (Felder,

2005; Reeves, 2006; O’Prey, 2008; Altmann et al., 2010; Sim and Altmann, 2010)

and is evident in the intense faulting and fracture networks in the outcrops as well

as in drill core intercepts (Parra, 2007; Pratt, 2010, this study). NNW faults are

considered to be the oldest and have a history of reactivation (Julivert, 1959 in

66
Mantilla Figueroa et al., 2011). Paez fault is evident in the Paez Creek and is of

reverse movement with the block to the north of Paez Creek uplifting in relation to

the south block (Mantilla et al., 2013).

According to Parra, 2007, and Pratt, 2009; structural field measurements for

fracture networks and faults are consistent with regional observations: the main

structures are mostly trending NE and dipping 50-90° N, while secondary

structures are NNW and EW-NWW (Figure 3.15). These faults are also evident in

the drill core intercepts within the studied cross sections. In the geological section

B-B’ at La Bodega, faults are north dipping and are related to La Perezosa and

Paez faults (Figure 3.4). In the geological section M-M’, the faults are steeply

dipping to the north and are related to splays (?) of La Baja fault (Figure 3.5).

Despite the intense fracturing, there is apparently no major displacement between

rock formations in the geological sections studied here. For example, the reverse

movement of the Paez fault (Mantilla et al., 2011) is not clearly identified in the

studied cross section B-B’.

Faults and fracture networks in the area are characterized by the development of

clay supported breccias (fault breccias and gouge) with sub-rounded to sub-

angular clasts (from 3 to 6 mm in diameter) adjacent to intensely fractured rocks

(Figure 3.16).

67
Figure 3.15. Structural data representing main trends within La Bodega and La Mascota. A. Rose
diagrams showing strike at several outcrops within La Bodega and La Mascota (after Parra, 2007)
in their relative location within the geological map of La Bodega and La Mascota (legend as in
Figure 3.4). B. Slickensides at La Rosa area in the vicinity of San Andres Fault (after Parra, 2007).
C. Fracturation at El Casino outcrop at La Bodegathe in the vicinity of the intersection between La
Baja, Angostura, Paez and San Andrés faults, hammer indicating fault plane with gouge (after
Bernasconi, 2006). C. Stereogram of fault planes measured on several outcrops within La Bodega
and La Mascota (after Pratt, 2009).

68
Figure 3.16. Common examples of fractured rocks and faults and fault breccias filled with gouge at La Bodega and La Mascota. La Bodeta: A.
DDH07LB013; B. DDH10LB327). La Mascota: C. DDH09LB112 and D DDH10LB202. Note the fault breccia with gouge development marked in
red.

69
3.4 Structural relationships, hydrothermal breccias and mineralization

Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization (Chapters 4 and 5 respectively) are

related to the structural regime of La Baja Fault. The right-lateral strike –slip

structural pattern of the NE structures within the district, especially at La Baja, has

provided the conditions for the development of tensional dilation structures.

Tensional dilation structures are favored sites for open structures (Corbett and

Leach, 1998). Dilational breccias form at varying crustal levels within open space

structures, generally within competent host rocks that fracture well, developing

dilatant structures or other generally linear discontinuities and are typically filled by

hydrothermal minerals (Corbett and Leach, 1998). In the case of the CVMD

tensional dilation structures are the favored sites for mineralization (Felder, 2005;

Reeves, 2006; O’Prey, 2008; Sim and Altmann, 2010) (Figure 3.17). Hydrothermal

fluids moved into these dilation structures providing alteration (Chapter 4) and

formation of mineralized breccia structures (hydrothermal breccias) which are

mostly trending NE (Figure 3.4) and dipping 60-80° NW (Figures 3.5 and 3.6).

Multiple-phase breccias with cataclastic breccia clasts suggest that prior the

multiple events of brecciation there was a major faulting-brecciation event. This

event was accompanied by intrusion hydrothermal fluids and cementing

(silicification) that allowed preserving the cataclastic texture. This major faulting-

brecciation event provided the main conduit that was repeatedly broken. Pyrite

veins parallel to tectonic foliation provides evidence that mineralization is strongly

related to faulting. The hydrothermal fluids that produced alteration-silicification and

70
mineralization played a major role in the breaking and healing of the mineralized

structures (veins and breccias).

Figure 3.17. Geological map of the California Vetas Mining district showing prospective areas for
the development of dilational structures along La Baja Trend (yellow ovals) where mining takes
place. Legend as in Figure 3.3.

71
Chapter 4. Alteration at La Bodega and La Mascota: Characteristics, Mineral

Assemblages and Distribution

4.1 Introduction

Magmatic-hydrothermal systems are characterized by the development of

alteration mineral assemblages which are representative of the conditions under

which they were formed. Unraveling the hydrothermal evolution history of the

system leads to understanding the controls on mineralization within each deposit.

Typical alteration minerals at La Bodega and La Mascota deposits include epidote,

chlorite, rutile, titanite, illite, muscovite (sericite), alunite, quartz and kaolinite.

Assemblages of these minerals, their distribution, abundance, temporal

relationships and related textures are described in detail in this chapter and the

environments that they represent are discussed.

4.2 Methods of identification of alteration minerals

Mineral assemblages were initially identified by hand sample observation during

the core logging phase of this project. Representative samples were later analyzed
TM
by short-wave infrared reflectance (SWIR) using the ASD Terraspec instrument

(a portable spectrometer that measures reflectance in the infrared zone), followed

by petrography and X-ray diffraction (XRD) on samples of interest. Appendix A4

describes in further details methods of alteration minerals identification.

72
4.3 Alteration minerals assemblage and zonation at La Bodega and La

Mascota

Alteration assemblages at La Bodega and La Mascota deposits are comparable to

assemblages in porphyry systems and epithermal systems and described based

on the terminology used by Sillitoe (2010) and Simmons et al. (2005) (Table 4.1).

Alteration assemblages were mapped on drill holes at La Bodega (section B-B’,

Figure 4.1) and La Mascota (section M-M’, Figure 4.2) defining differences in

abundance and distribution of these mineral assemblages with respect to host

rocks and mineralized centers. Hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages at La

Bodega and La Mascota deposits are strongly controlled by faults, associated

veins and structurally controlled breccias (hydrothermal and tectonic-hydrothermal

breccias) as well as protholiths.

There are three main types of alteration zones at La Bodega and La Mascota are

Propylitic alteration zones, Phyllic alteration zones and Advanced argillic alteration

zones (Table 4.1).

73
Figure 4.1. B-B’ North - South geological section looking west. Alteration at La Bodega. Relationship to protholith and gold (Au) mineralization.
Gold grades shown on drill hole trace. Notice the strong relationship of Advanced argillic alteration and silicification to Hydrothermal Breccias and
the main mineralized centers. Propylitic alteration is mainly restricted to amphibolite lenses .

74
Figure 4.2. M-M’ North - South geological section looking west. Alteration at La Mascota.
Relationship to protholith and gold (Au) mineralization. Gold grades shown on drill hole trace.
Notice the strong relationship of Advanced argillic alteration and silicification to Hydrothermal
Breccias and the main mineralized centers.

75
Table 4.1. Comparison and correspondence of alteration assemblages at La Bodega and La Mascota to alteration assemblages described for
epithermal environment by Simmons et al. (2005) and for porphyry environment according to Sillitoe (2010). Bold letters indicate the mineral
association that is compared to the used terminology by Simmons et al. (2005) and Sillitoe (2010).

Alteration mineralogy at La
Position in system Mineralogy (according to
Alteration Reference Bodega and La Mascota
(abundance) (according to reference) reference)
deposits (this study)
Sillitoe, Marginal parts of porphyry systems, below Chlorite, epidote, albite,
2010 lithocaps (ubiquitous) carbonate
Chlorite, epidote, carbonate
Simmons Develops at >240°C deep in the epithermal Quartz, K-feldspar (calcite), montmorillonite (?),
Propylitic et al., 2005 environment through alteration by near- (adularia), albite, illite, minor pyrite, chalcopyrite,
neutral pH waters chlorite, calcite, epidote, specularite
pyrite
Sillitoe, Upper parts of porphyry Cu deposits Quartz, sericite (Sillitoe, Muscovite (sericite), possible
2010 (ubiquitous, except with alkaline intrusions) 2010) illite, minor quartz and pyrite
Phyllic (sericitic)

Advanced argillic Sillitoe, Above porphyry Cu deposits, constitutes Quartz (partly residual
2010 lithocaps (common). vuggy), alunite, pyrophyllite,
dickite, kaolinite Quartz (porous quartz and
massive silicification, quartz
Simmons Develops at >200°C within the epithermal Quartz, alunite (tabular),
Advanced Argilic

cement in breccias), alunite

Magmatic hydrothermal et al., 2005 environment through alteration by magmatic-
derived acidic waters
Simmons Develops at <120°C near the water table and
et al., 2005 in the shallowest epithermal environment
Steam-heated through alteration by steam-heated acid-
sulfate waters; locally associated with silica
sinter but only in geothermal systems
Simmons Develops at <40°C through weathering and
Supergene et al., 2005 oxidation of sulfide-bearing rocks
dickite, pyrophyllite
(diaspore, zunyite)
Opal, alunite (white,
powdery, fine-grained,
pseudocubic), kaolinite,
pyrite, marcasite, native S
Alunite, kaolinite, halloysite,
jarosite, Fe oxides
(flake-like in quartz druses,
tabular, massive,
replacements), natroalunite,
kaolinite. Native S locally.
Alunite (?)-kaolinite, iron
oxides and manganese oxides

76
4.3.1 Propylitic alteration: chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration zones

characteristic minerals

Characteristic minerals in propylitic alteration zones at La Bodega and La Mascota

include chlorite, epidote, calcite and carbonate (calcite mostly) and titanium

bearing minerals (rutile and titanite or mixtures of these). Associated veins include

specularite, pyrite and calcite veins (Chapter 5).

Chlorite is found as alteration of mafic minerals like hornblende, and biotite; as

well as in veins that may or may not show an epidote halo (Figures 4.3, 4.4).

Chlorite alteration is generally weak and is mostly recognized by the greenish

appearance of the rock. Few cases of montmorillonite accompanying chlorite were

documented through SWIR analysis in amphibolites mainly at La Bodega.

Epidote is mainly found as veins and in narrow vein halos to epidote and chlorite

veins. This epidote is replacing mafic minerals adjacent to veins in the chlorite-

epidote alteration zones (Figures 4.3, 4.4).

Carbonate (mostly calcite) veins are very minor but can be found accompanied by

fine cubic pyrite. Carbonate veins cross-cut epidote and chlorite veins and

alteration. Cubic pyrite (0.5 to 2 mm in diameter) may also be found disseminated

and apparently replacing biotite (?) (Figure 4.3).

Titanium bearing minerals include rutile, titanite which are products of alteration

after mafic minerals such as hornblende and biotite+magnetite and can be found

scattered throughout the rock and as halos of most calcite and specularite veins

within the chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration zones (Figure 4.4).

77
Specularite bearing veins and fracture coatings are common within chlorite and

chlorite-epidote alteration. These veins will be described in Chapter 5.

Although not common, granular magnetite (up to 2-4 mm in diameter) may also be

found in biotite bands altered to chlorite at La Mascota.

Chlorite-epidote beraing alteration is mainly found in the gneisses. It forms a wide

envelope-like zones (>400 m) around mineralized structures at La Mascota (Figure

4.1 ) while at La Bodega it forms narrow zones mostly altering amphibolites (Figure

4.2). Although chlorite-epidote-calcite assemblage may also form as retrograde

metaorphism, its spatial distribution and relation to veining suggests associations

to hydrothermal events. Gold mineralization is not associated with chlorite and

chlorite-epidote alteration assemblages and related veins.

78
Figure 4.3. Chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration assemblages developed in amphibolite lenses at La Bodega. A. Amphibolite sample, drill hole
LB258 at 233.20 m., sample ALR234: chlorite and epidote alteration and related veins. B, C, D, and E: Microphotographs showing the same
sample as in A. B and D (XPL) show epidote alteration (epi) cut by carbonate (cb) vein with specularite (spc) on border. (B view on PPL) Chlorite
alteration background also seen on C. Pyrite (py), chalcopyrite (cpy) and specularite (spc) related to carbonate (cb) vein. E (RL close up of pyrite,
chalcopyrite and specularite on carbonate vein seen on C. F. Drill hole LB258 at 217.05, sample ALR233. Carbonate + pyrite vein with chlorite
halo. G. Drill hole LB258 233.70 m. Epidote veinlets. H. Drill hole LB327 at 67. 4 m, sample ALR048. Amphibolite with chlorite and montmorillonite
(?) alteration with carbonate veins, minor illite (overprinting?).

79
Figure 4.4. Chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration mineral assemblages, examples from La
Mascota. A. Drill hole LB205 at 412.9 m, sample ALR345. Epidote (epi) veins cut by calcite (ca)
specularite veins. B and C microphotographs of A in XPL and PPL respectively. Note the chlorite
(chl) alteration mainly developed on mafic minerals rather than the plagioclase (plg) and the rutile
and titanite (ttn) (arrow shaped) on calcite vein walls. D. Drill hole LB112 60.50 m. sample ALR003.
Chlorite vein (chlorite cemented breccia?) of 2.5 cm width with gneiss angular clasts breccia. E. Drill
hole LB112 at 64.9 m. Banded gneiss with chlorite - epidote veins cut by fractures with epidote
halo. F. Drill hole LB205 at 318.65 m, sample ALR337. Magnetite bearing banded gneiss with
chlorite alteration. G. Drill hole LB205 at 443.65 m, sample ALR347; chlorite alteration on biotite
magnetite specks band. H. Drill hole LB205 at 428.4 m., sample ALR346. Epidote vein with epidote
and chlorite halo cut by minor fault filled with pyrite and clay, with illite halo. I. LB205 at 137.65 m.
Epidote vein crosscutting gneiss with minor rutile and hematite.

80
4.3.2 Phyllic alteration: muscovite and Illite alteration zones

Phyllic alteration zones where muscovite and illite are the main alteration minerals

have been identified at La Bodega as well as at La Mascota. The procedures for

identification of muscovite versus illite are described in Appendix A4. Muscovite is

more widespread than illite but both minerals are intimately related and can be

found in the same samples.

4.3.2.1 Muscovite>>>illite alteration

Muscovite alteration is developed in gneisses, granites and pegmatites. It is locally

overprinting or crosscutting chlorite and epidote alteration and related veins. Rocks

with muscovite alteration generally have a “bleached” appearance, that is generally

white colors but pale green colors are also common on feldspars with muscovite

alteration. While magmatic muscovite in the granites is coarse grained (up to 2

mm), microcrystaline muscovite commonly makes non-oriented aggregates (with

high birefringence colors in thin section) and individual crystals ranging from <10

µm to 0.05 mm when replacing feldspars. The term sericite is used here as a

textural term referring to fine grained muscovite as a product of alteration.

Muscovite can also be found as veins with individual crystals up to 0.05 mm and as

replacements of biotite(?) mesosomes (Figure 4.5 and 4.6).

Few cases of titanium bearing minerals (leucoxene, titanite and rutile) were found

related to muscovite>>>illite alteration assemblages, mainly as a product of

alteration of biotite and amphiboles.

Sericite alteration can be pervasive and texturally destructive. It is the principal

background alteration at La Bodega, while at La Mascota it constitutes relatively

81
narrow envelopes (10-20 m) around the core of mineralized structures, and is more

abundant than illite.

Veins related to muscovite and illite alteration zones are: specularite veins, coarse

pyrite + quartz veins, quartz+molybdenite vein, and quartz+pyrite+copper

sulphides veins (these veins will be described in more detail in the mineralization

section in Chapter 5).

4.3.2.2 Illite>muscovite alteration

Alteration to illite has been identified on micaceous and mafic minerals in weakly

altered rocks as well as alteration of feldspars (mainly plagioclase) in more

pervasively altered rocks. It is more common in amphibolite lenses than in other

gneisses but it can also be found in a few halos of specularite, pyrite, quartz or

alunite veins. Rocks with illite alteration exhibit light greenish and yellowish colors

in hand specimens (Figure 4.5 and 4.6). In some cases where illite is overprinting

chlorite-montmorillonite (?) alteration in amphibolite lenses, amphibolites exhibit a

light gray-greenish color (Figure 4.3 F). Illite at La Bodega and La Mascota is

replacing micas and feldspars (mainly plagioclase). In thin section, illite has been

identified making non-oriented aggregates with yellowish-gray tabular individual

crystals ranging from <10µm to 0.05 mm, when replacing feldspars (Figure 4.5 G,

4.6 I) and is commonly accompanied by sericite.

82
Figure 4.5. Muscovite (sericite) and illite alteration assemblages at La Bodega. A. Drill hole LB327
at 58.2 m, sample ALR047. Amphibolite with greenish gray illite alteration, “swollen” apparence. B.
Drill hole LB013 at 278.65 m, sample ALR283. Amphibolite with yellowish illite alteration and
greenish illite alteration possibly overprinting chlorite alteration. C. Drill hole LB037 at 74 m, sample
ALR249. Weak illite alteration after feldspars on banded gneiss. D. Drill hole LB022 at 35.20 m,
sample ALR076. Illite altered gneiss, yellowish color. E. LB022 at 107.00 m, sample ALR082. Weak
muscovite alteration after or overprinting chlorite (?) on banded gneiss. F. LB022 at 136.60 m.,
ALR088. Sericite alteration and muscovite microvein in granitoid cut by quartz pyrite vein. G.
Microphotograph of F on XPL showing muscovite vein, sericite and illite (?) alteration on feldspars.
H. Drill hole LB037 at 168.90 m, sample ALR262. Pervasive muscovite alteration on amphibolite. J.
Drill hole LB037 at 178.80 m, sample ALR263. Coarse muscovite coarse on banded gneiss after
biotite bands (cream color). E. and H. Drill hole LB327 at 115.60 m, sample ALR050. Sericite
alteration on qz-fd gneiss, H., same as G, muscovite as seen in microphotograph.

83
Figure 4.6. Muscovite (sericite) and illite alteration assemblages at La Mascota A. Drill hole LB114
at 221.7 m, sample ALR141. Muscovite alteration on gneiss with pyrite vein. B. Drill hole LB205 at
215.40 m, sample ALR317. Muscovite alteration on banded gneiss, in micas (cream color) and
feldspars (white to light green). C. Drill hole LB112 at 248.40 m, sample ALR358. Muscovite
(sericite) alteration and crosscutting vein relationships: Quartz+pyrite (stage 2) vein cut by
hematite+pyrite vein (stage 2) cut by pyrite+chalcocite+quartz vein (stage 3). D Microphotograph in
cross polarized light of C showing the muscovite (sericite) alteration on the gneiss rock cut by later
quartz veins. E. Drill hole LB114 at 235.60 m, sample ALR143. Altered gneiss; chlorite overprinted
by muscovite (green muscovite) and muscovite alteration related to quartz+pyrite+molybdenite vein.
F Drill hole LB112 at 347.70 m, sample ALR034. Hand sample. Sericite-illite alteration with minor
scattered pyrite on a granite cut by alunite+pyrite vein; G. to microphotograph on XPL of F (sample
ALR034). Primary magmatic muscovite grains, sericite (microcristaline muscovite) with higher
birefringence colors and illite (fine grainded yellowish birefringence colors. H and I. Drill hole LB112
at 336.70 m, sample ALR033. Illite alteration cut by specularite vein and alunite veinlets. G. LB114
at 563.70 m. ALR185. Specularite vein with hematite halo and illite halo overprinting chlorite in
amphibolite.

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4.3.3 Advanced argillic alteration: alunite-quartz alteration, kaolinite-alunite

alteration, silicification and related textures

4.3.3.1 Alunite, kaolinite and quartz alteration

Alunite is found as a product of alteration in veins, breccia cement and cavity

fillings at La Bodega (Figures 4.7) and at La Mascota (Figure 4.8). Alunite is

intimately associated with quartz (silicification) and with kaolinite. Silicification

(quartz alteration, replacement, microcrystalline quartz), alunite-quartz alteration

and kaolinite-alunite alteration cross-cut and overprints muscovite and illite

alteration. Alunite bearing alteration zones are found spatially related to the

mineralized structures mostly in the “core” of the mineralized centers at La Bodega

(Figure 4.1) and at La Mascota (Figure, 4.2).

Alunite at La Mascota and La Bodega occurs as:

1. A product of alteration of feldspars and micaceous minerals including

muscovite and illite. Alunite alteration commonly crosscuts muscovite and

illite alteration and can be accompanied by kaolinite. Titanite is commonly

found adjacent to alunite veins with alunite halo probably as a relict from

previously developed alteration, probably propylitic mostly on amphibolite

lenses (Figure 4.7 B, 4.8E).

2. Alunite alteration halo of quartz veins with related sulfides and copper

sulfides and copper arsenic sulfides (Figures 4.7, 4.8).

3. Alunite can be part of hydrothermal and tectono-hydrothermal breccias as

cement associated with quartz and sulfides or as alunite replacement of

clasts in the breccias, fractures and drusy quartz cavity fills of veins and

85
 breccias (Figure 4.7), mainly at La Mascota. Alunite alteration and alunite

cement in breccias is commonly obscured by the intense silicification.

4. Small alunite-kaolinite zones make isolated blebs (<5 m) overprinting illite

and sericite alteration. Kaolinite associated with alunite is also found in veins

and drusy quartz cavity fillings. Kaolinite is also found as fine grained matrix

of fault breccias. Kaolinite may also be accompanied by manganese oxides

and different amounts of iron oxides which are of supergene (weathering)

origin.

5. Sodium bearing alunite (or natroalunite-alunite solid solution, see appendix

A4) has been identified as veins and replacing feldspars in weakly silicified

breccias, but its relationship to alunite (potassium bearing) and kaolinite is

not clear.

Figure 4.7 (page 87). Alunite, occurrence at La Bodega related to quartz (silicification) and kaolinite.
A. Drill hole LB327 at 41.00 m, sample ALR043. Alunite overprinting muscovite and illite alteration
on pervasively altered gneiss (amphibolite?). B. Microphotograph of A under cross polarized light
and reflected light showing alunite and kaolinite alteration, kaolinite veinlet with pyrite and adjacent
pyrite clast, muscovite relics (pinkish-fuchsia), illite (yellow) and microcristaline aggregate of illite-
muscovite (?) (yellowish-gray), titanite (metallic gray) aggregate adjacent to kaolinite vein,
kaolinite+alunite fine grained aggregate (gray-white, shaded pattern). C. Drill hole LB327 at 34.60
m, sample ALR041B. Alunite (white creamy color) and quartz (porous-like silica?, gray) alteration
overprinting muscovite (?) alteration in granite. D. Drill hole LB251 at 243.30 m. ALR122. Alunite-
quartz-pyrite vein. E. Drill hole LB327 at 249.80 m, sample ALR065. Alunite+pyrite vein with minor
quartz and silicification halo. F. Drill hole LB013 at 231.80 m, sample ALR281. Hydrothermal
breccia with alunite + cubic pyrite cement with minor quartz, silicified clasts (gray). G. Drill hole
LB327 at 238.50 m, sample ALR060. Alunite with quartz and pyrite in breccia cement. H. Drill hole
LB037 197.15 m. ALR264. Alunite+quartz+pyrite+enargite vein (stage 4) cross cutting gneiss with
muscovite alteration overprinted by silicification (gray).
Figure 4.8 (page 88). Alunite occurrence related to quartz and kaolinite alteration at La Mascota.
A.Drill hole LB112 at 253.10 m., sample ALR012. Alunite altered clasts in contact with gneiss cut by
covellite vein. B. Microphotograph of A showing that pyrite is intergrown with alunite. C. Drill hole
LB112 at 328.80 m, sample ALR027. Alunite + pyrite (cubic) vein cutting silicified-alunitizied gneiss.
D. Microphotograph of C in cross polarized light showing quartz alunite alteration (shaded pinkish
aggregate) and comb quartz veins. E. Drill hole LB112 at 295.95 m, sample ALR367; alunite
alteration halo of quartz + pyrite + enargite vein cutting gneiss. Pinkish color associated with alunite

86
altetration superimposed on rutile (?) after mafic minerals. F Microphtograph of E showing quartz
alunite alteration and quartz vein. G. Drill hole LB112 at 347.70 m. ALR034; alunite + pyrite (cubic)
vein cutting granite with illite-muscovite alteration. H. Microphotograph of G, halo of alunite + pyrite
(cubic) vein in cross polarized light showing flaky-like (tabular) alunite halo quartz grains and minor
magmatic muscovite. I Drill hole LB112 at 312.50 m., sample ALR024; sodium bearing alunite
(natroalunite) in contact zone between gneiss and breccia. J. Drill hole LB205 at 280 m, sample
ALR329. Alunite cement breccia cutting breccia with quartz cement. Pyrite and sphalerite adjacent
to alunite. K. Drill hole LB112 at 312.9 m., sample ALR025 Kaolinite, minor alunite filling drussy
quartz cavity in breccia.

Figure 4.7. Alunite, occurrence at La Bodega related to quartz (silicification) and kaolinite.
Description on page 86

87
Figure 4.8. Alunite occurrence related to quartz and kaolinite alteration at La Mascota. Description
on page 86-87.

88
4.3.3.2 Silicification and related quartz textures

There are three main groups of quartz textures associated with silicification and

advanced argillic alteration assemblages. Some of these textures are evident in

hand sample (Figure 4.9) while others are clearer in thin section (Figure 4.10).

1. Quartz textures associated with breccia cement are readily evident at La

Mascota zone. This group of textures was reported by Mendoza (2011) and

has also been confirmed and studied in this research. Quartz textures

associated with La Mascota hydrothermal breccias include examples of

textures that, according to Moncada et al. (2012), are developed under of

rapid deposition conditions (i.e. boiling conditions) such as: banded quartz,

regularly colloform and crustiform (alternating bands of quartz, sulfides

and/or alunite), bladed or lattice bladed (quartz replacing barite?),

flamboyant and plumose (Figure 4.9, 4.10). These textures commonly

alternate with textures considered to be indicative of non-boiling conditions

(Moncada et al., 2012) such as comb, massive and cockade textures. Fluid

inclusions are an important component of these textures making part of

growth planes within zoned quartz crystals (Figure 4.10). Alternation

between these textures may be evidence for episodic boiling. The above

mentioned textures are commonly found in low sulfidation epithermal

systems (Corbett, 2002; Simmons et al., 2005).

2. Porous quartz is associated with wall-rock alteration. This texture

corresponds with massive silicification (replacement by fine grained quartz)

with non-interconnected pores (porosity ~15%) of drusy texture at

89
 microscopic scale. This texture is developed in discrete spots mostly in the

wall rock of hydrothermal breccias at La Mascota and La Bodega (Figure

4.9), and in some cases associated with breccias containing sphalerite.

Porous quartz has also been found southwest of the study area, at El

Cuatro zone, related to sphalerite bearing tectonic-hydrothermal breccias

where pores in quartz may be filled with alunite and kaolinite. This texture

resembles vuggy quartz developed under highly acidic conditions in which

the rock is leached only leaving fine grained quartz which is very common in

high-sulfidation deposits (Simmons et al., 2005). Nevertheless, porous

quartz at La Bodega and La Mascota seems to be developed by the

introduction of silica rather than intense leaching.

3. Quartz associated with tectonic foliation: quartz is replacing the matrix but is

also part of the cement of tectonic-hydrothermal breccias (Chapter 3,

section 3.1.5; Figure 4.9). Quartz cement in tectonic-hydrothermal breccias

is fine grained (<<50µm). In thin section, quartz related to the development

of deformation processes regularly shows undulose extinction and fractures

with secondary fluid inclusion trails (see Chapter 6).

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Figure 4.9. Macroscopic textures related to silicification-advanced argillic alteration and hydrothermal breccias at La Mascota and La Bodega. A.
Cockade texture (colloidal quartz cement around rounded clast of fine grained breccia) and drusy quartz cavities (La Mascota), B. Bladed and
Lattice-bladed texture quartz (probably after replacement of barite?) adjacent to hydrothermal breccia with wolframite in quartz cement (La
Mascota). C. Cockade-crustiform texture (quartz and sulfide bands) around gneiss clasts and colloform-coloidal quartz texture (La Mascota). D.
Crustiform (quartz and sulfides bands) texture rimming clasts and drusy quartz-comb texture vein (La Mascota). E. Silicification at breccia wall
rock; transition from silicification to sericite-illite alteration; porous quartz (La Mascota). F. Silicification on granite adjacent to THBX. Porous quartz
quartz (resembling vuggy quartz). Alunite filling pores (La Bodega). G. Silicification related to tectonic foliation texture on THBX (La Bodega).

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Figure 4.10. Microphotographs of main textures related to La Mascota Hydrothermal Breccias A.
ALR015. XPL. Crustiform texture with bands that alternate mainly between comb-plumose and
massive textures. Close up on B and D. B (XPL) Plumose-flamboyant texture on XPL. C. same as B
seen on PPL+RL. Notice the dark zig-zag fluid inclusions zone in the quartz growth planes,
adjacent to the left of tetrahedrite-tennantite. D. Close up to Massive microcrystalline quartz seen
on A. E and F. ALR018; XPL and PPL+RL respectively: colloform texture, comb quartz rimming
enargite (?) bands grade and alternate with pyrite bands with renniform shape. G. ALR018, XPL:
crustiform concentric bands rimming enargite and cut by en veinlet; with massive quartz band,
comb to comb-drusy quartz bands. H. ALR012, XPL: Quartz vein with comb texture with fine
grained quartz and alunitewith sacaroidal texture. I. ALR150, XPL: cavity rimmed by crustiform
quartz with massive and comb quartz. J. Crustiform quartz vein with pyrite band (opaque mineral);
massive quartz band and possible clast of breccia with jigsaw-fit quartz (PPL). K. ALR023 XPL:
Cock-ade texture with breccia clasts rimmed by comb-flamboyant quartz. L. ALR027, XPL: comb
quartz vein with quartz and minor alunite halo with massive to sacaroidal texture.

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4.4 Discussion of alteration assemblages

Alteration mineral assemblages at La Bodega and La Mascota are found in

porphyry and epithermal systems (Table 4.1). In general, the same alteration

assemblages and paragenetic evolution is observed at La Bodega and at La

Mascota. Nevertheless, there are important differences in terms of intensity and

distribution of alteration zones between the two zones. These differences can be

attributed to (1) variations in host rocks and (2) structural controls:

1. Alteration types, such as chlorite+- epidote and illite>muscovite and illite

alteration, seem to be have some lithological control. Chlorite and epidote

alteration at La Bodega are mostly evident as blebs or relicts mostly

restricted mesosomes/amphibolitic lenses of the gneisses to the north, while

at La Mascota chlorite - epidote alteration (propylitic) is distal from

mineralized structures and restricted to the gneisses, constituting the wider

envelope alteration distal from mineralization centers.

2. At La Bodega muscovite>>>illite alteration (phyllic alteration) forms the

“background” alteration and is related mainly to quartz + pyrite veins, while

at La Mascota it forms narrow envelopes mostly around the main

mineralized structures. Quartz - alunite alteration and silicification (advanced

argillic alteration) is structurally controlled and mostly related to

hydrothermal breccias and the mentioned mineralized veins and breccias.

At La Mascota, the breccias and veins are broader (~5-20 m locally up to 30

m wide) and much more continuous than at La Bodega (~1-5 m, locally up

to 15 m wide).

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Temporal relationships can be inferred from the cross-cutting relationships

between the different alteration assemblages defining at least three main

hydrothermal environments and events:

1. Chlorite and chlorite-epidote alteration (propylitic alteration) are the earliest

assemblages formed in the system within La Bodega and La Mascota.

Propylitic alteration develops in marginal parts of porphyry systems, below

lithocaps (Sillitoe, 2010) deep in the epithermal environment through

alteration by near-neutral pH waters at temperatures >240°C (Simmons et

al., 2005)

2. Muscovite and illite alteration assemblages (phyllic alteration) is found

mostly as part of halos of veins that cross cut propylitic or potassic alteration

zones. Phyllic alteration is representative of the shallow parts of porphyry

copper deposit environments (Sillitoe, 2010).

3. Quartz-alunite alteration and silicification (advanced argillic alteration) are

cross-cutting and overprinting muscovite and illite alteration. Kaolinite-

alunite and natroalunite (advanced argillic alteration as well) are associated

with the latest stages of alteration. Kaolinite may also be found associated

with supergene alteration and faulting (in fault planes). Advanced argillic

alteration is representative of environments above porphyry copper deposits

(Sillitoe, 2010) or epithermal environments (Simmons, 2005) and forms

under acidic conditions (Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003; Simmons, 2005).

However, the limited amount of vuggy quartz suggests that acidic fluids

were restricted at La Bodega and La Mascota. Porous quartz as seen at La

94
 Bodega and La Mascota is not extensive and may have formed by addition

of SiO2 and indicates moderately acidic fluids rich in silica. Other quartz

textures associated with hydrothermal breccias at La Bodega and especially

at La Mascota reveal that deformation was important during hydrothermal

activity. Quartz textures related to La Mascota hydrothermal breccias are

interpreted to be produced by episodic boiling. The presence of alunite,

silica rich fluids and textures indicating tectonic deformation during

mineralization suggests near neutral to acidic conditions (pH ~3-5?) and

episodic boiling driven by fracture-healing processes within the main

structural conduit where the breccias were emplaced.

Lateral alteration zonation at La Bodega and La Mascota, described above,

reveals that early alteration assemblages representative of deeper

hydrothermal environment (shallow porphyry environments) are found at the

same depth level of late alteration assemblages representative of shallower

environments (epithermal environment). Late epithermal events overprinting

early porphyry events at the same depth may be explained at least in part by

change in the surface level caused by erosion.

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 Chapter 5. Ore Mineralogy, Mineralization Styles and Paragenetic Evolution

at La Bodega and La Mascota

5.1 Introduction

The La Bodega and La Mascota gold mineralization is hosted in quartz veins and

hydrothermal breccias. Previous studies have determined a complex mineral

association to gold mineralization at La Bodega and La Mascota. Forero (2010)

describes gold bearing mineral associations in three main paragenetic

assemblages: 1) pyrite ± chalcopyrite ± tennantite ± sphalerite ± chalcocite ± gold;

2) pyrite ± wolframite ± tennantite ± chalcocite ± chalcopyrite ± gold; 3) pyrite ±

tennantite ± chalcopyrite. Metallurgy studies by Di Prisco (2009), determined that

main gold and silver ores at La Bodega and La Mascota include native gold,

electrum, and gold-silver tellurides; silver antimony/arsenic sulfides, and a variety

of copper sulfides associated with variable amounts of silver. Gold/Silver particles

are predominately very fine-grained intergrown with pyrite and copper sulfides and,

for the most part; occur at mineral grain boundaries (Di Prisco, 2009). Expected

gold, silver and copper recoveries with a combination of methods, at La Mascota

are ~90.2%, 93.6% and 90.9% respectively (Sim and Altmann, 2010).

The paragenetic sequence of La Bodega and La Mascota is determined by

describing ore-related minerals associated with seven identified stages of

hydrothermal evolution, their relationships to alteration zones and gold grades as

96
well as it outlines similarities and differences in mineralization styles between La

Bodega and La Mascota.

5.2 Methodology

Definition of main ore related mineral assemblages, mineralization zones and

preliminary paragenetic sequence was based on drill core logging within B-B’and

M-M’ North-south sections (Figure 3.4). Ventana Gold Corp and AUX Colombia Ltd

allowed access to core assays of the logged drill holes. Access to assays was

important since it allowed identification of the gold mineralized zones, and key

elements in minerals related to gold mineralization. From a collection of samples

for ore microscopy and petrography a subset of samples was selected for further

studies under scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Qualitative compositional characterization on ore minerals was done at the

Electron Microbeam / X-Ray Diffraction Facilities of the Department of Earth,

Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at The University of British Columbia. Samples

were carbon coated with an Edwards Auto 306 carbon coater. A thin (~1 mm thick,

~4mm wide) copper tape was placed on the back of every carbon coated polished

thin section for better fixation of X-ray beam on specimens during analysis on the

scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples were analyzed with a Philips XL30

electron microscope with Bruker Quanta 200 energy-dispersion X-ray

microanalysis system with Xflash 4010 SDD detector and image analysis systems.

This equipment allows quick examination and digital imaging of minerals and

materials at both low and high magnifications using secondary electrons,

backscattered electrons, characteristic X-rays, and cathodoluminescence signals.

97
When placed into the instrument, the camera records back scattered electron

(BSE) (black - gray scale) images in which brightness and contrast were adjusted

to find the previously chosen zones of interest and to define crystals to focus study

on. In general, the brighter the crystals/grains the higher atomic number of the

element related to the mineral crystal/grains. Spot analysis and element maps

were collected through these methods using the ESPRIT software imaging

interface. Spot analysis allowed identification of elements in discrete points within

chosen crystals by comparison of X-ray spot signatures and databases. Element

maps analysis (or Energy dispersion X-ray spectrometry; EDS maps) allowed

defining distribution of elements of interest within a zone in the sample. Signatures

were checked for noise during analysis in order to avoid misinterpretation.

Complementary XRD analysis was done on “black sulfide” mineral separates, such

as enargite and chalcocite, to confirm results from petrography and SEM analysis

and to better differentiate sulfides of the epithermal mineralizing environment. XRD

data were processed by matching sample signatures to minerals in the EVA

software which makes use of the International Centre for Diffraction Data PDF-4+

database (Appendix 5).

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5.3 Mineralization stages, veins and ore related mineral distribution at La

Bodega and La Mascota

Seven mineralization stages have been defined for La Bodega and La Mascota

based on cross-cutting relationships between veins, breccias and alteration

assemblages. These stages are described for La Bodega and La Mascota outlining

mineral characteristic of each stage and differences between La Bodega and La

Mascota.

Pyrite is the most common sulfide mineral and occurs in the different alteration

assemblages (Chapter 3) as disseminations, within veins and in hydrothermal

breccias. Other ore minerals accompanying precious metal mineralization include

copper sulfides (e.g. chalcopyrite, chalcocite, bornite and covellite), tennantite-

tetrahedrite, enargite, wolframite (hübnerite type) and sphalerite. Specular hematite

(specularite) occurs mainly adjacent to mineralized veins and breccias and in minor

veins within chlorite and epidote alteration or in transition zones to muscovite

and/or illite alteration zones. Table 5.1 summarizes the identified minerals from

these stages and their mode of occurrence.

Based on characteristic ore minerals, ore zonation is defined determining veins

and breccias zones related to low and high gold grade at La Bodega and La

Mascota. These main zones include: 1. Specularite veins zones, 2. Pyrite veining

zones 3. Copper sulfides zone, 4. Wolframite zones, 5. Enargite zones, 6

Sphalerite zones, 7. Iron oxide zones.

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Table 5.1. Summary of ore related minerals observed at La Bodega and La Mascota (this study
except where indicated) and their relationship to alteration zones defined in Chapter 4 and mode of
occurrence.
Alteration zone
Mineral Chemical
Mineral (Bodega- Mode of occurrence
Group Formula
Mascota)
Five habits: cubic fine grained, cubic
coarse grained, dodecahedric,
Pyrite FeS2
Propylitic/Phyllic/ anhedral, colloform. Vein and
Advanced Argillic breccias.
Cu bearing sulfide

Chalcopyrite CuFeS2 Veins and breccias

Bornite Cu5FeS4
Associated and zoned with pyrite in
Chalcocite Cu2S breccias and veins
Sulfide
Covellite CuS
Advanced Argillic
Not common, in drusy quartz with fine
Marcasite FeS2 colloform pyrite? and sphalerite?
(Pratt, 2009; Mendoza, 2011)

Sphalerite/wurtzite (Zn,Fe)S Mainly in breccias. Anhedral, fine

grained.

Fine grained platy crystals in veins

Molybdenite MoS2
Phyllic/Advanced selvages and in breccia cement
Argillic (scarce)
Wolframite Tabular prismatic crystals. In breccias
Tungstate MnWO4
(Hübnerite) quartz cement and quartz veins.
Sulfosalt/sulfid
Enargite Cu3AsS4 Anhedral habit. In breccias and
e
Advanced Argillic quartz-alunite veins
Tennantite- (Cu,Fe)12As4S13-
Tetrahedrite (Cu,Fe)12Sb4S13 In breccias and veins
Sulfosalt
Proustite Ag3AsS3 In breccias and veins associated with
copper sufides and sulfosalts.
Gold/Silver bearing minerals

Sylvanite AgAuTe4 Advanced

Argillic/phyllic Anhedral, fine grained. In D veins as
Telluride Calaverite AuTe2 pyrite inclusions, in breccia cement

Hessite Ag2Te In breccia cement mostly in the

Advanced Argillic periphery of sulfosalts.

Alloy Electrum Au;Ag (Ag>20%) Associated with sulfides, sulfosalts,

Advanced as pyrite inclusions, in quartz veins
Argillic/phyllic and breccias.
Mainly free in quartz veins and
Native Gold Au breccia cement associated with
Native copper sulfides and sulfosalts.
In drusy quartz cavities (Forero,
Sulfur S
Advanced Argillic 2010; Mendoza, 2011)
Hematite Fe2O3
Oxide Supergene alteration
Goethite FeO(OH) In veins, breccias, fracture fills.

Jarosite KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 Mainly seen on outcrop, porous

Supergene alteration, quartz
Sulfate
Advanced Argillic.
Chalcantite CuSO4 - 5H2O After copper bearing sulfides and
sulfosalts

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5.3.1 Stage 1: pre-mineralization, specularite bearing veins

Stage 1 veins are not related to gold mineralization and are the paragenetically

oldest recognized in this study. Characteristic oxide and sulfide minerals that were

deposited in this early stage include pyrite 1, chalcopyrite 1 and specularite.

Pyrite: stage 1 pyrite is fine grained, up to 2 mm in diameter, regularly with

euhedral cubic habit. Pyrite is found in chlorite, specularite and calcite veins in

some cases associated with chalcopyrite Fine grained pyrite can also be found

scattered in the rock (traces), in some cases replacing biotites (?) (Figure 5.1)

Chalcopyrite: from stage 1 is anhedral and fine grained fine grained (~10 µm – 1

mm), regularly as isolated grains within pyrite 1 and specularite bearing veins.

Specularite occurs as anhedral to tabular and platy subhedral, 1-3 mm crystals in

veins with minor pyrite and is also found in carbonate (calcite) veins related to

chalcopyrite and pyrite (Figure 5.1). Specularite bearing veins may have a chlorite

and epidote alteration halo. Chlorite veins and epidote veins are cross cut by pyrite

+ chalcopyrite bearing veins which are also cut by carbonate bearing veins.

Carbonate veins may carry specularite but are also cross-cut by specularite veins

which can carry traces of pyrite 1 and chalcopyrite 1 (Figure 5.1). Specularite

bearing veins are and in zones of transition to muscovite and illite alteration zones

(Figure 5.1).

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Figure 5.1. Specularite veins and related minerals related to stage 1 at La Bodega and La Mascota.
A. La Bodega. DDH LB258 at 233.2 m, sample ALR234, amphibolite. Chlorite and epidote veins cut
by carbonate+pyrite+chalcopyrite+specularite vein which is cut by specularite+pyrite+chalcopyrite
vein. B. Microphotograph of A under transmitted and reflected light. C. Close up of B: pyrite and
chalcopyrite in specularite vein under reflected light. D. La Mascota. DDH LB221 at 489.70 m,
sample ALR308, gneiss; chlorite epidote alteration. Pyrite+chalcopyrite vein cutting epidote vein. E.
La Mascota, gneiss. DDH LB221 at 489.80 m, sample ALR308. Pyrite1+chalcopyrite1 vein cut by
calcite vein. F. La Mascota, amphibolite. DDH LB205 at 412.90 m, sample ALR345. Epidote vein
cut by calcite+specularite vein. G. La Mascota, amphibolite in chlorite alteration zone.
Specularite+hematite+calcite vein with hematite and illite halo. H. La Bodega, gneiss. DDH LB258
at 85.64 m, sample ALR216. Gneiss, sericite alteration zone. Specularite vein. I. La Mascota, DDH
LB112 at 336.70 m. ALR033. Gneiss with muscovite alteration; specularite vein.

102
5.3.2 Stage 2: early mineralization, pyrite ± quartz veins

Pyrite is the dominant ore mineral of stage 2 at La Bodega and La Mascota. It is

found as disseminations and pyrite ± quartz veins within phyllic alteration zones

(Figure 5.2). Pyrite ± quartz veins cross-cut chlorite and epidote vein assemblages

from propylitic alteration and related veins. Two types of pyrite deposited within this

stage:

1) Scattered to disseminated fine grained pyrite (0.1% to 1%) of~1-2 mm, with

cubic subhedral to anhedral habit, in the rock within muscovite/illite

alteration zones adjacent to veins quartz + pyrite bearing veins (figure 5.2).

2) Coarse pyrite of ~2-10 mm in diameter with cubic euhedral to subhedral

habit is associated with quartz gangue (Figure 5.2) making veins of ~3 mm

up to ~20 cm width). Quartz + pyrite veins are typically sub-parallel to each

other and sheeted veins (Bernasconi, 2006) and are striking mostly NE

dipping 53NW (Pratt, 2009). Based on the limited structural information from

core logging at La Bodega, it can be inferred that these quartz + pyrite veins

are sub vertical or dipping 50-70° to the North forming wide veining zones.

At La Mascota, in contrast, quartz + pyrite veins typically occur in narrow

zones within the narrow muscovite alteration envelope around the principal

mineralized structures (see below). These sheeted quartz-pyrite veins with

sericitic halo are herein interpreted as analogous to D-veins (Gustafson and

Hunt, 1975, Sillitoe, 2010).

Quartz + molybdenite ± pyrite veins in phyllic zones (Figure 5.7) are scarce at La

Bodega and La Mascota. In these veins, molybdenite is usually part of vein

103
selvages not exceeding a width of 1 mm but it is not clear if these veins correspond

to stage 2 or previous stages. At El Cuatro, SW of La Mascota molybdenite bearing

veins are cross cut by pyrite bearing veins (Ventana Gold Corp. internal drill logs,

2009) suggesting that these veins predate Stage 2.

Figure 5.2. Quartz + pyrite veins at La Bodega and La Mascota, stage 2. A. La Bodega, DDH
LB327 at 115.60 m. ALR050. Moderately brecciated? quartz + pyrite vein cutting granite with
muscovite alteration. B. Microphotograph of A under reflected light showing moderately fractured
cubic pyrite and disseminated fine grained pyrite. C. La Bodega, DDH LB327 at 117.15 m. Quartz +
coarse cubic pyrite vein cutting pyrite microveins in granite with muscovite alteration. D. La Bodega,
DDH LB251 at 293.40 m. Granite with muscovite alteration cut by quartz+coarse cubic pyrite vein.
E. La Mascota, DDH LB114 at 221.70 m, sample ALR141. Parallel quartz + cubic pyrite veins
cutting gneiss and granite with muscovite (greenish-yellowish) alteration. F. La Mascota, DDH
LB114 at 233.60 m, sample ALR142. Quartz + coarse grained cubic pyrite cutting gneiss with
muscovite alteration. Minor hematite (red) at vein walls or coating pyrite.

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5.3.3 Stage 3: mineralization stage, copper sulfide bearing structures

Mineralization stage 3 is characterized by the occurrence of copper and copper-

iron sulfides such as chalcopyrite, bornite and chalcocite at La Bodega as well as

La Mascota and covellite mainly at La Mascota. This stage is also related to

deposition of gold, silver and tellurides at La Bodega as well as La Mascota. Silver

sulfosalts accompany the deposition of the mentioned copper sulfides at La

Mascota.

Stage 3 copper sulfides at La Bodega are making pyrite + copper sulfides ± quartz

(± alunite) veins that cross cut two alteration zones:

1) Phyllic alteration zones. Sulfides in veins cross cutting these zones include:

dodecahedric (pyritohedric) habit pyrite (~1-3 mm typically) with oval

microinclusions (~5-10 µm) of chalcopyrite and gold-silver minerals

(tellurides: calaverite/hessite? or electrum?); chalcocite in pyrite walls (up to

1 mm width) in some cases accompanied by bornite that may at the

periphery of the chalcocite (Figure 5.3). This particular occurrence of

chalcocite and bornite are more abundant in veins with moderately fractured

pyrite. These veins that cross cut quartz + pyrite (cubic habit) veins of stage

2. Chalcocite and bornite are late as compared to dodecahedric pyrite with

mentioned inclusions (Figure 5.3).

2) Advanced argillic alteration/silicified zones and associated tectonic

hydrothermal breccias. Sulfides in veins cross cutting these zones include:

Subhedral to anhedral fine grained pyrite (~1-2 mm), anhedral chalcocite

105
 (~1 mm) intergrown with pyrite or adjacent to pyrite walls in veins commonly

accompanied by alunite and quartz veins (Figure 5.3).

Figure 5.3. La Bodega. Copper sulfides bearing veins and associated alteration. A. B. C. D. Granite.
DDH LB251 at 331.9 m, sample ALR126. Muscovite alteration. Quartz+pyrite veins cut by
quartz+pyrite+CuS (chalcopyrite, chalcocite and bornite) vein. A. Drill core sample. B.
Microphotograph of A under reflected light. and D. Close up to copper sulfides adjacent to pyrite. C.
Scanning electron microscope close up showing occurrence of precious metals, Fe related to pyrite
and Cu related to bornite and chalcocite. D. RL microphotograph equivalent to C showing
occurrence of pyrite, bornite, chalcocite in borders, chalcopyrite microinclusion in pyrite and Au Ag
Te bearing mineral (electrum, tellurides: calaverite/sylvanite?) microinclusion in pyrite. E. DDH
LB037 at 107.55 m. weakly silicified breccia (THBX) with gneiss clast. F. LB037 at 239.00 m,
ALR268 (see appendix A5). Gneiss wth phyllic alteration crosscut by chalcocite+pyrite (fine
grained) + quartz ± alunite vein.

106
Stage 3 copper and copper-iron sulfides (bornite, covellite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite)

at La Mascota are forming quartz + pyrite (cubic and dodecahedric habit) + copper

sulfides veins. These veins are found within muscovite alteration zones, in veining

zones adjacent to hydrothermal breccias, but more commonly related to or cross

cutting tectonic-hydrothermal breccias (structurally-controlled breccias with quartz

and alunite cement and tectonic foliation texture) or as clasts within hydrothermal

breccias.

Copper sulfides in the veins and breccias at La Mascota occur as anhedral

aggregates of 10µm – 2mm width around pyrite (cubic habit), pyrite clasts or

fractured pyrite (Figures 5.4, and 5.5). In general, copper and copper iron sulfides

show concentric zoned texture from center to periphery as follows:

1) Minor chalcopyrite and pyrite (cubic and dodecahedric) crystals or clasts.

2) Anhedral chalcocite rim around pyrite/chalcopyrite.

3) Bornite - covellite aggregates intergrown with chalcopyrite in a few cases.

4) Anhedral tetrahedrite-tennantite aggregates found at the borders of copper

sulfides.

Stage 3 gold and silver mineralization at La Mascota is late in general as compared

to copper sulfides. Gold (2-200µm width) is generally found as electrum in the

peripheries of copper sulfides and in microveins within and sub-parallel to quartz-

copper sulfides bearing veins (Figure 5.4). Silver is found as argentotennantite and

silver sulfosalts (proustite) mainly in the periphery of copper sulfides (Figure 5.5).

107
Figure 5.4. La Mascota, copper sulfides and gold, stage 3. DDH LB112 at 259.2 m, sample
ALR14A-1. Microphotograph under reflected light and cross polarized light showing pyrite vein
cutting tectonic quartz cemented breccia (THBX) and cross cut by copper sulfides-gold vein. B.
Microphotograph of A at higher magnification showing copper-iron sulfide zonation: bornite at
centre, chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite-tennantite at border, gold in microfractures. C.
Microphotograph under reflected light showing copper sulfides zonation with chalcocite and
chalcopyrite at center, bornite and pyrite outward and, at the border, chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite-
tennantite with minor gold. D. Close up of A (upper square) under reflected light showing bornite,
covellite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite-tennantite zonation and gold as electrum (Au>>Ag). E. BSE
SEM image, same zone as in D showing elements in analyzed points. F. Close up of E under SEM;
BSE Au element map showing electrum grain.

108
Figure 5.5. Relationship of copper sulfides, pyrite and silver sulfosalts in stage 3. La Mascota, DDH
LB112 at 253.1 m, sample ALR012. A. Microphotograph under reflected light showing pyrite clasts
and fractured pyrite with bornite and covellite in the periphery of pyrite. B. SEM microphotograph
showing elements on analyzed spots. C. Element map distribution of silver from A and B. D.
Element map of copper as in C. E. Covellite, bornite pyrite and proustite distribution. F. Silver SEM
element map showing elements within analyzed spots.

109
One case of a gold (electrum) bearing quartz vein with traces of sphalerite and

chalcopyrite (detected by SEM) was found in the phyllic alteration zone at La

Mascota in the hanging wall of the breccia. This gold bearing vein cross cuts a

stage 2 quartz + cubic pyrite + hematite (as pyrite coating) vein (Figure 5.6).

Sphalerite and chalcopyrite occur at the borders of the veins cutting pyrite in

contact to gold. The cross cutting relationship between quartz + pyrite + hematite

vein and the quartz + gold (electrum) + sphalerite + chalcopyrite vein, defines that

the latter vein is more probable part of the mineralization stage 3.

Molybdenite at La Mascota breccias occurs as fibrous/platy habit aggregates which

do not exceed 3 mm width but its occurrence is scarce. It is found in drusy cavities

of quartz cemented breccias at La Mascota where molybdenite is surrounded by

copper sulfides (bornite mainly) and it is associated with early phases of stage

(Figure 5.7).

110
Figure 5.6 Gold (electrum) bearing quartz vein with minor sphalerite and chalcopyrite cross cutting
quartz + cubic pyrite + hematite vein in muscovite alteration zone. La Mascota, DDH LB112 at
214.9 m; sample ALR005. A. Core sample. B. Microphotograph of A under reflected light. C.
Microphotograph of B with SEM showing elements based on spot analysis.

111
Figure 5.7. Molybdenite occurrence at La Bodega and La Mascota (pre-stage 2? and early stage
3?). A. La Bodega, DDH LB327 at 228.5 m, sample ALR058. Granite with muscovite alteration cut
by quartz+pyrite vein with molybdenite as vein selvages (pre-stage 2?). B. La Bodega, DDH LB327
at 243.15 m. Clast supported jigsaw fit breccia (CJBX). Clasts include granite clasts exhibiting
muscovite alteration and quartz + pyrite + molybdenite vein clasts (post-stage 2?). Cement is quartz
and pyrite. C. La Mascota, DDH LB221 at 320.7 m, sample ALR292. Quartz+ + molybdenite +
pyrite (fine grained) parallel veins cutting gneiss with weak muscovite alteration (stage 2?). D. La
Mascota, DDH LB114 at 235.6 m, sample ALR143. Gneiss with muscovite alteration cut by quartz +
pyrite + molybdenite (at vein walls) vein (pre-stage 2? or early stage 2?). E, F, G, H. La Mascota,
DDH LB112 at 251.65 m; sample ALR010. Tectonic-hydrothermal breccia with quartz cement.
Molybdenite in quartz cement adjacent to fractured cubic pyrite or clasts of cubic pyrite (early stage
3?). E. Core sample. F. Close up of E around indicated zone showing molybdenite. G.
Microphotograph of F under reflected light showing molybdenite, bornite and fractured pyrite (early
stage 3?). H. SEM element map of G showing occurrence of Molybdenite and copper and
Microphotograph with EDS element map highlighting Molybdenum (lime green) and Copper (blue).
A more opaque green on pyrite (FeS2) is associated with close range superimposition of
molybdenite peaks and sulfur peak. Notice the fibrous habit of molybdenite.

112
5.3.4 Stage 4: mineralization stage, wolframite bearing veins and breccias

Mineralization stage 4 is characterized by the occurrence of manganese-bearing

wolframite (hübnerite) at both, La Bodega and La Mascota. Wolframite occurs

within quartz-alunite alteration zones, specifically related to quartz cement in

tectonic-hydrothermal breccias and in drusy quartz veins in these zones.

At La Bodega, wolframite is very scarce. It is found as subhedral, tabular to arrow-

shaped crystals and clasts (50 µm to 1 mm) within quartz cement of the tectono-

hydrothermal breccias. Wolframite bearing breccias and quartz veins are

crosscutting zones with copper sulfides of Stage 3 (Figure 5.8).

At La Mascota, wolframite is a common mineral associated with white drusy quartz

and quartz cement in hydrothermal breccias (Figure 5.9). Wolframite forms

reddish-brown tabular crystals typically 0.5-3 mm long regularly. It is found in

quartz veins cross cutting breccias, in quartz cement of tectonic-hydrothermal

breccias. Common textures found in quartz cement and veins associated with

wolframite include drusy, comb, plumose, zonal, bladed (barite-like) and cockade

textures. Clasts of previous brecciation events are found in wolframite bearing

quartz cement in hydrothermal breccias. Minor cubic pyrite may be related to

wolframite. Tabular (flaky) alunite has been found in wolframite bearing quartz

veins druses.

Gold is associated with late phases of this stage. It is found as native gold

(associated with tennantite-tetrahedrite?) microveins in wolframite + quartz

veins/bands in breccias and microveins.

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Figure 5.8. Hydrothermal breccia with quartz cement exhibiting tectonic foliation (THBX) at La
Bodega. LB037 at 142.9 m, sample ALR090. A. Core sample. B. Thin section (cross polarized light)
showing quartz vein/breccia cutting fine grained silicified matrix with tectonic foliation. C. 2X close
up in cross polarized light showing mosaic quartz and foliated texture. D same as in C in reflected
light. E. Close up of enargite + pyrite vein cutting quartz cement with wolframite. F. same as in E
under plane polarized light. G. Scanning electron microscope image of E and F. H to O. Single
element maps of Ag, Au, Cu, As, W, S, Fe, Mn, respectively. Brighter spots in the Ag map are
related to enargite. Au is related to enargite and there is apparent relationship to wolframite walls
(or superimposing signal on EDS map?).

114
Figure 5.9. Wolframite (hübnerite) occurrence at La Mascota. A. DDH LB202 at 230.60 m, sample
ALR199. Cross cutting drusy quartz + wolframite veins in moderatetly silicified-brecciated gneiss.
B. DDH LB 202 at 231.80 m, sample ALR200. Crustiform quartz vein bands with alternating fine
grained and medium grained tabular shaped wolframite cross cutting quartz cement breccia, to the
right of the vein: rounded clast with cockade texture with colloform quartz and wolframite rimming
clasts. C. Quartz-wolframite cementing breccia with cockade-coloform texture adjacent to bladed
quartz vein with minor wolframite. D. DDH LB169 at 207.05 m. Native Au associated with wolframite
band. E. DDH LB202 at 203.15 m, sample ALR189. Wolframite + quartz cement breccia. F..
Microphotograph from D in transmitted light. G. DDH LB112 at 256.5 m, sample ALR013.
Microphotograph SEM image showing tabular, arrow shaped wolframite and elements detected by
EDS.

115
5.3.5 Stage 5: late mineralization, enargite bearing veins

Mineralization stage 5 is characterized mainly by the occurrence of copper arsenic

sulfides and sulfosalts, including enargite, stibioenargite (?) and minor tetrahedrite-

tennantite. Alunite-quartz alteration and veins as well as strong silicification are

related to this stage. Enargite is the most easily identifiable mineral of this stage. It

is forming anhedral aggregates in some cases is found associated with fine

grained colloform pyrite and very scarce amount of previously mentioned copper

sulfides.

At La Bodega, enargite is found in quartz + alunite + enargite veins forming zones

of 1-2% veins per volume of rock, in tectonic-hydrothermal breccia cement in some

cases filling cavities and in other as part of the cement that may be cutting previous

veins. In a few cases inclusions of wolframite can be found in enargite anhedral-

zoned crystals. Zonation of enargite and colloform fine grained pyrite is common

(Figure 5.10).

At La Mascota, enargite is found as microveins cross cutting hydrothermal

wolframite bearing quartz veins and breccia cement, as drusy quartz cavity fillings

and in quartz veins cross cutting veins and breccias with mineralogy typical of

previous stages (Figure 5.11). Native gold, electrum and silver (sulfosalts,

proustite, argentotennantite?) are found mainly at enargite borders and where

enargite is in contact to late copper sulfides such as bornite, covellite and

chalcopyrite which are uncommon in this stage.

116
Figure 5.10. Enargite occurrence at La Bodega. A. DDH LB037 at 187.15 m, sample ALR264.
Alunite vein with enargite and pyrite. B. Microphotograph of A under reflected light showing coarse
pyrite cut by enargite + fine grained colloform pyrite. C. DDH LB037 at 151.35 m, sample ALR260;
Pyrite (cubic and dodecahedric habit) vein cut by alunite-quartz + enargite irregular vein. D.
Microphotograph of C under reflected light showing coarse pyrite and clasts of pyrite cross cut by
enargite + fine grained colloform pyrite. E. Microphotograph of C by SEM (back scattered electron
image) showing zonation related to enargite replacement and As, Cu, Fe as main elements in
analyzed grain. F. Close up of E showing grain of wolframite (approximately 40 µm width). G, H
and I. Element maps of F. G. Iron H. Copper. I. Arsenic. J. Microphotograph of C under reflected
light showing enargite vein cross-cutting coarse pyrite vein and enargite + fine pyrite concentric
zonation. K. Microphotograph of C showing fractured pyrite 4. L. Close up on K showing fractured
pyrite with enargite in fractures and minor gold.

117
Figure 5.11. Enargite at La Mascota. DDH LB112 at 264.15 m, sample ALR014B. A. Core sample
showing silicified tectonic breccia (THBX) clasts cut by quartz wolframite veins with pyrite (py4 and
py5) with colloform texture which is also cross cut by drusy quartz with enargite at center. Banded
quartz (chalcedony is crosscut by enargite bearing vein. B. Reflected light microphotograph
showing enargite quartz vein cross cutting clasts and veins with pyrite. C. D. Close up on C; SEM
backscatter image showing main elements in analyzed spots. E. Same as D under reflected light
showing Close up to B showing copper and copper-iron sulfides (covellite, bornite, chalcopyrite and
tetrahedrite tennantite; clast relict?) and gold-silver electrum) at enargite border.

118
Figure 5.12. Tennantite-tetrahedrite at La Mascota in relation to stages 4 and 5 and associated
silver mineralization. DDH LB112 at 265.15 m, sample ALR015. A. Multiple phases breccia quartz-
wolframite bands, tetrahedrite-tennantite in drusy quartz cavities, cross cut by enargite microveins.
Rounded clasts cemented and matrix and replaced by quartz of colloform texture (cockade texture
breccia at left). Colloform fine pyrite vein with quartz and tetrahedrite-tennantite. B.
Microphotograph of A under reflected light showing tetrahedrite-tennantite with fine pyrite and
relationship to fine grained quartz and wolframite band with enargite in pore. C. Tetrahedrite-
tennantite band with pyrite (cubic habit) and enargite in second band. D. Close up of tetrahedrite-
tennantite showing typical brownish gray and blueish gray tints. E. SEM microphotograph showing
main elements in analyzed spots. F, G, H, I, and J. Element maps of E showing copper, arsenic,
antimony, silver (proustite?) and tellurium (hessite?) respectively.

119
Tennantite-tetrahedrite (anhedral, <3 mm) is found in alternating quartz-wolframite

bands cavities in late phases of stage 4 and early phases of stage 5 where

enargite is the dominant sulfide-sulfosalt and in enargite microveins crosscut

tenantite-tetrahedrite microstructures. Proustite and hessite (?) may occur at

tennantite-tetrahedrite borders (Figure 5.12)

5.3.6 Stage 6: Post- mineralization stage, sphalerite bearing structures

Stage 6 is characterized by the occurrence of sphalerite in quartz cement and

alunite-quartz cement in breccias. Sphalerite occurrence is minor and mostly

restricted to borders of breccias and silicified zones.

At La Bodega sphalerite occurs as fine grained pyrite (and/or marcasite?) +

sphalerite + quartz cement of clasts (granite) supported jig-saw fit breccias (CJBX)

in close vicinity to granites and and/or related to porous quartz (vuggy-like silica)

replacements (Figure 5.13).

At La Mascota sphalerite occurs as pyrite + sphalerite + alunite>quartz open space

fillings in breccias and alunite cemented breccias and veins cutting earlier breccias

(Figure 5.14). In alunite filling cavities, sphalerite may be accompanied by its

wurtzite. Sphalerite bearing veins and breccias do not seem to correlate with Au-

Ag mineralization at La Bodega and La Mascota.

Other mineral occurrences likely to be related to stage 6 (either post-stage 5 early

stage 6 or late phases of stage 6) have been reported by other authors. Forero

(2010) reports native sulfur in drusy quartz cavity. Mendoza (2011) reports fine

grained marcasite associated with fine grained colloform/botroydal pyrite (?) from

120
drusy quartz veins with cavities filled with native sulfur in discrete areas of La

Mascota which is indicative of native sulfur being late respect to sulfides from stage

5 (Figure 5.14). Pratt (2009, unpublished reports for Ventana Gold Corp.) show

botroydal marcasite vein crosscutting breccia at La Bodega which is likely

associated with sphalerite. Sphalerite has also been reported at El Cuatro, SW of

La Mascota, associated with hydrothermal breccias, fine grained pyrite/marcasite

(?) silicified zones with porous quartz textures and alunite infilling pores

(Rodriguez, 2009; Ventana Gold Corp. internal report) and black hydrothermal

breccias with uranium bearing minerals (torbernite) in fracture fills. At the San

Celestino area, SW of El Cuatro, Polania (1980, 1983) reports sphalerite/wurtzite

late as compared to enargite and earlier as compared to uranium bearing minerals

in veins/breccias. Reported uranium bearing minerals in the San Celestino

veins/breccias include pitchblende, autunite and torbernite (Pagnacco, 1962;

Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1973; Ward et al., 1973; Polania, 1980, 1983; Bissig et al.,

2012).

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Figure 5.13. Sphalerite and marcasite at La Bodega. LB327 at 246.60 m., sample ALR064.
Monolithic clast supported jigsaw fit breccia with granite clasts (CJBX). Quartz cement with
pyrite/marcasite? + sphalerite (sph). A. Macroscopic sample. B. 10X in cross polarized light; early
quartz in clast (qz1), denotes quartz vein (qz2). C. reflected light of B picture showing sphalerite
occurrence in cement associated with fine pyrite/marcasite (?). D and E. close up on C showing
titanite associated with granite clasts in contact to crosscutting fine pyrite/marcasite? + sphalerite +
quartz microvein (?). F and G. LB037 at 134.8 m. ALR257. F. Microphotograph on cross-polarized
light of sphalerite bearing vein cutting alunite-quartz vein cutting silicified leucogranite with porous
quartz with alunite. G. Close up of sphalerite vein from F on plane polarized light

122
Figure 5.14. Sphalerite, marcasite and native sulfur at La Mascota. A. DDH LB114 at 305.7 m,
sample ALR150. Hydrothermal breccia. Drusy quartz-alunite cavity filled with alunite-sphalerite-
pyrite. Kaolinite drusy quartz filling. B. Microphotograph of A under plane polarized light, showing
sphalerite in alunite filling and wolframite in drusy quartz. C. DDH LB205 at 280.0 m, sample
ALR329. Multiple phases hydrothermal breccia, cut by pyrite-enargite vein cut by alunite-sphalerite
vein. D. Microphotograph of C under reflected light showing pyrite-enargite vein cut by pyrite-
sphalerite vein. Pyrite is broken and is partially replaced by enargite. E. Close up to C under
transmitted light showing sphalerite. F. Close up to E seen by BSE, showing analysed spots with
zinc (from sphalerite) and tungsten (from wolframite clast). G. and H. Marcasite and native sulfur in
drusy quartz cavity of multiple-phase hydrothermal breccia at La Mascota with porous quartz clasts
(after Mendoza, 2011). H Close up of G.

123
5.3.7 Stage 7: supergene features related to mineralization, late faulting and

iron oxides bearing structures.

A weathering profile of ~20 m to as deep as 100 m is developed in some areas of

La Bodega and La Mascota. The main products of supergene alteration include

goethite, hematite (mainly as fracture coatings) and undetermined mixtures of

these oxides with jarosite, here referred as limonite (Figure 5.16). Boxwork textures

after pyrite oxidation are common in veins and breccias. Other products of

supergene alteration are jarosite (related to the surface occurrence of pyrite

bearing vein networks), chalcanthite (mainly related to copper sulfide weathering at

La Mascota) and manganese oxides. Jarosite and chalcanthite can be found on

some core samples that have been exposed to water and air for a couple of

months. Fault reactivation after mineralization events generated intensely fractured

and gouge-rich fault zones. These faulted zones may play an important role in the

weathering profile since they provide paths for surface waters to circulate deeper

and allow rocks and veins to oxidize. Complete oxidation of sulfides in veins and

iron bearing minerals in rock is common up to 10 m below surface. Passing this

zone, oxidation is incomplete and oxides are observed together with sulfides.

Deeper weathering profile zones are associated with permeable structures. Zones

with specularite veining may also exhibit fractures with specular hematite fracture

coatings and goethite.

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Figure 5.15. Supergene alteration minerals at La Bodega and La Mascota. A. La Bodega, DDH
LB013 at 5.25 m. Oxidized hydrothermal breccia. Goethite vein with boxwork texture. FeO fracture
coating and after biotite, in clasts. Kaolinite within veins. B. La Bodega, DDH LB022 at 5.50 m.
Gneiss with muscovite alteration cut by oxidized vein: goethite and glassy limonite (?) with boxwork
texture. C. La Bodega, LB037 at 52.00 m. Clay (kaolinite) supported breccia; silicified and limonite
in matrix. Goethite and glassy limonite with boxwork texture. D. La Mascota, DDH LB114 at 77.10
m., sample ALR134. Specularite vein weakly altered to hematite cutting chlorite veinlet; specularite-
hematite fracture coating; limonite after bitote (?). E. La Mascota, DDH LB205 at 291.20 m., sample
ALR334. Silicified rock with porous quartz. Core sample after exposure to weathering showing
surficial growth of chalcantite and jarosite. F. La Bodega, DDHLB072 at 100.00 m. Gneiss cut by
enargite-fine pyrite vein in quartz – alunite alteration. Core sample exposed to weather showing
surficial growth of chalcantite, gypsum.

125
5.4 Mineral zonation and gold grade distribution at La Bodega and La

Mascota

Ore minerals found in the different stages for La Bodega and La Mascota show

zonation and different mineralization styles can be outlined based on sulfides,

sulfosalts and oxides that predominate in each evolution stage. Thus,

mineralization zones were mapped and defined for La Bodega (Figure 5.16) and

La Mascota (Figure 5.17) and gold grades distribution was characterized visually in

general terms a as follows:

 Specularite bearing vein zones are found adjacent or in close distance to

the mineralized zones as low frequency veinlet networks (<0.5% veins per

rock volume) at La Bodega as well as La Mascota exhibiting gold regularly

grades below 0.1 ppm.

 Pyrite veining zones (with D-type veins), associated with phyllic alteration,

exhibit grades between ~0.1 ppm.and ~2.00 ppm at La Bodega and La

Mascota. The most frequent grade at La Bodega in this zone is ~0.5-1 ppm.

 Copper sulfides bearing veins and breccias exhibit gold grades in average

around 1.00 ppm at La Bodega with grades ranging from from ~0.5 ppm

(associated with copper sulfide bearing vein networks with low vein density)

to ~10.00 ppm at La Bodega. At La Mascota Copper sulfide zones are

mostly associated with hydrothermal breccias and may exhibit gold grades

higher than 13 ppm.

126
  Wolframite is scarce at La Bodega therefore it does not make wide zones.

At La Mascota wolframite zones are associated with hydrothermal breccias

and may exhibit gold grades >13.5 ppm.

 Enargite associated zones, in general show the highest gold grades

probably associated with superimposing events mainly in hydrothermal

breccias. Gold grades in enargite zones at La Bodega range from 0.5 ppm

(associated with enargite bearing vein network zones with low density) to

10.00 ppm and higher (see probability plot in Appendix A3). At La Mascota

enargite gold grades in enargite zones range from 1.00 and 13.5 ppm and

higher (see probability plot in Appendix A3). The highest grades at La

Bodega and La Mascota are associated with the hydrothermal and tectonic-

hydrothermal breccias.

These observations are broadly consistent with element correlation and

association to gold (Table 5.2). Gold has a 0.51 correlation coefficient (cce) to

silver at La Mascota which is explained by the fact that most of the gold is found as

electrum and as native gold while silver is also associated with copper with a cce of

0.72. On the other hand, at La Bodega, gold shows a higher correlation to arsenic

(cce= 0.66), antimony (cce=0.87) and tellurium (cce=0.67) which may be explained

by the fact that gold occurrence at La Bodega is associated with sulfosalts and

tellurides in veins networks as well as the tectonic-hydrothermal breccias exhibiting

a wide range of values. Tellurium shows correlation (cce > 0.5) to gold, silver and

copper.

127
Table 5.2 Correlation matrix for sixteen elements at La Bodega (DDH LB251 and LB327) and La
Mascota (DDH LB 202 and LB205).

Correlation Au_ppm Ag_ppm Cu_pct As_ppm Bi_ppm Fe_pct Mn_ppm Mo_ppm P_ppm Pb_ppm S_pct Sb_ppm Te_ppm U_ppm W_ppm Zn_ppm
Au_ppm 1 0.33 0.29 0.66 0.37 0.4 -0.036 0.099 0.21 0.51 0.32 0.87 0.67 0.053 0.11 0.43
Ag_ppm 1 0.77 0.32 0.6 0.38 -0.052 0.31 -0.012 0.3 0.41 0.32 0.65 0.062 0.41 0.1
Cu_ppm 1 0.33 0.66 0.42 -0.048 0.32 -0.089 0.078 0.43 0.3 0.59 0.097 0.31 0.013
As_ppm 1 0.2 0.47 -0.075 0.16 0.21 0.48 0.45 0.77 0.4 0.14 0.21 0.56
Bi_ppm 1 0.39 -0.074 0.32 -0.055 0.069 0.41 0.22 0.76 0.16 0.11 0.055
La Bodega (LB251, LB327)

Fe_pct 1 0.15 0.39 0.2 0.28 0.83 0.41 0.44 0.32 0.22 0.32
Mn_ppm 1 -0.11 0.13 -0.024 -0.17 -0.049 -0.055 -0.046 -0.03 0.023
Mo_ppm 1 -0.042 0.095 0.44 0.19 0.19 0.089 0.18 0.22
P_ppm 1 0.35 0.05 0.24 0.037 0.031 0.022 0.29
Pb_ppm 1 0.27 0.57 0.24 0.054 0.27 0.43
S_pct 1 0.35 0.42 0.36 0.24 0.31
Sb_ppm 1 0.48 0.027 0.18 0.51
Te_ppm 1 0.1 0.13 0.21
U_ppm 1 0.086 0.1
W_ppm 1 0.025
Zn_ppm 1
Au_ppm 1 0.51 0.42 0.02 0.01 0.029 -0.0085 0.16 0.034 0.098 0.068 0.031 0.0067 0.008 0.0085 0.098
Ag_ppm 1 0.73 0.051 0.013 -0.0024 0.0022 0.043 0.048 0.02 0.052 0.027 0.024 -0.011 0.011 0.031
Cu_pct 1 0.065 0.02 -0.0057 0.015 0.03 0.068 0.0053 0.065 0.033 0.041 -0.009 0.013 0.018
As_ppm 1 0.65 0.52 -0.14 0.49 -0.2 0.27 0.7 0.55 0.38 0.25 0.66 0.14
Bi_ppm 1 0.54 -0.067 0.33 -0.15 0.057 0.55 0.36 0.49 0.18 0.57 0.053
La Mascota (LB202, LB205)

Fe_pct 1 0.29 0.37 0.089 0.046 0.63 0.38 0.45 0.25 0.39 0.18
Mn_ppm 1 -0.16 0.27 -0.16 -0.16 -0.093 -0.032 -0.12 -0.077 0.088
Mo_ppm 1 -0.19 0.42 0.57 0.36 0.45 0.41 0.42 0.24
P_ppm 1 -0.19 -0.33 -0.15 -0.13 -0.18 -0.16 -0.034
Pb_ppm 1 0.35 0.2 0.049 0.27 0.33 0.3
S_pct 1 0.47 0.46 0.49 0.53 0.22
Sb_ppm 1 0.3 0.17 0.51 0.18
Te_ppm 1 0.2 0.25 0.056
U_ppm 1 0.17 0.27
W_ppm 1 0.11
Zn_ppm 1

128
Figure 5.16. N-S Section B-B’, looking west. Mineralization style at La Bodega based on predominant ore mineral association. Notice that higher
gold grades are controlled by breccias and higher superimposition of mineralization styles that coincides mostly with enargite zones.

129
Figure 5.17. N-S Section M-M’ looking west. Mineralization style at La Mascota based on
predominant ore mineral association. Notice that higher gold grades are controlled by breccias and
higher superimposition of mineralization styles that coincides mostly with enargite zones.

130
5.5 Paragenetic sequence of events at La Bodega and La Mascota

Seven stages have been defined at La Bodega and La Mascota determining the

the paragenetic and therefore the hydrothermal evolution of these deposits (Figure

5.18).

Early stages exhibit analog characteristics that share with porphyry copper

deposits. Stage 1 is characterized by chlorite and epidote alteration associations

and veins analog to propylitic alteration zones typical of the outer envelops of

porphyry copper and epithermal deposits and are accompanied by specularite

bearing veins. Specularite bearing veins are formed at this stage by oxidized fluids

or fluids depleted in sulfur that interact with the iron bearing minerals host rocks

providing alteration and slightly later veining systems.

Stage 2 is characterized by phyllic alteration assemblages, as described in Chapter

3, that is, alteration minerals such as muscovite, variable amounts of illite, quartz

and pyrite. Both muscovite and illite alteration in this stage 2 is accompanied by

quartz + pyrite (+ hematite) veins that are analogous to D-type veins in porphyry

copper models. According to mineral zonation and assay results, is associated with

this stage to this stage but is not easily detectable through petrography or by

means of SEM analysis, therefore it is expected to be very fine grained and related

to pyrite.

Stages 3 through 6 are associated with advanced argillic alteration (quartz-alunite

and silicification) characteristic of epithermal environment and associated with

hydrothermal and tectonic-hydrothermal breccias formation at La Bodega and La

Mascota.

131
 Early Middle Late Supergene
Pre-mineralization Mineralization stages
Porphyry style Epithermal style Supergene
Minerals Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Stage 7
Chlorite-Epidote Muscovite- Quartz-Alunite Quartz- Quartz- Quartz-Alunite Kaolinite
Specularite Illite Copper sulphides Wolframite Alunite Sphalerite Goethite
Pyrite cpy, cc, cv, bn (hübnerite) Enargite
Epidote
Chlorite
Carbonate (Calcite)
Montmorillonite ? ? ? ?
Rutile
Titanite
Alteration minerals & gangue

Muscovite
Illite
Alunite
Bladed (platty) alunite (in quartz druses)
Natroalunite+alunite ? ?
Jarosite
Quartz
Dull massive quartz veins
Comb quartz (veins, breccias)
Banded silica
Bladed texture quartz (breccias)
Flamboyant/plumose zoned texture quartz
Chalcedonic quartz
Drusy quartz (veins and breccias)
Porous quartz (vuggy-like quartz)
Kaolinite
Specularite (in veins)
Pyrite
Fine, cubic/anhedral, disseminated, in veins
Fine grained, disseminated (scattered)
Coarse cubic habit
Dodecahedric habit mostly coarse
Fine grained (colloform/botroydal)
Hematite
Molybdenite
Chalcopyrite
Chalcocite
Ore Mineralogy

Bornite
Covellite
Tetrahedrite-Tennantite
Silver sulphosalts (proustite)
Tellurides
Gold-silver tellurides (hessite, calaverite)
Gold-silver (electrum) ?
Native gold
Wolframite (hübnerite)
Enargite
Marcasite
Sphalerite/wurtzite
Native Sulfur ? ? ? ?
Glassy limonite
Goethite
Chlorite+epidote
Epidote
Specularite+chalcopyrite+pyrite+calcite
Quartz+molybdenite+pyrite
Veins

D-type: quartz+pyrite (cubic)(+hematite)

Quartz+pyrite+copper sulfides
Alunite+pyrite
Quartz+wolframite+pyrite±sulfosalts
Quartz+alunite+enargite
Quartz+goethite (D veins oxidation)
Tectonic foliation, multiple phases ( THBX)
Breccias
HYBX

Gray quartz cement, multiple phases (QCBX)

Clast supported (granite) jigsawfit (CJBX) ?
Resorbed clasts edges breccia (RCBX) ? ? ? ?
Fault, clay matrix (FBX)

Figure 5.18. Paragenetic sequence for La Bodega and La Mascota. Black lines: occurrence at La
Bodega and La Mascota. Purple Lines: occurrence mainly at La Mascota. Orange lines: occurrence
at La Bodega. Line continuity and width indicates relative abundance compared to other minerals.

132
Stage 3 is the beginning of main brecciation events and the precipitation of

gold/silver associated with copper and copper iron sulfides. At La Bodega copper

sulfides are found mainly within quartz + pyrite + chalcocite-bornite veins cutting

quartz + pyrite veins in muscovite>illite alteration zones but also in some

hydrothermal breccias (mainly tectono-hydrothermal breccias). At La Mascota,

copper sulfides are mostly found within hydrothermal breccias with quartz-alunite

cement and quartz –alunite alteration envelopes; but also forming narrow vein

zones around breccias and quartz–alunite altered zones. During subsequent

brecciation events additional quartz-alunite and associated ore minerals were

emplaced. Gold is found associated with silver and tellurium in pyrite inclusions, as

native gold in quartz veins, in copper sulfide borders associated with sulfosalts.

Silver is also found as silver sulfosalts associated with copper sulfides.

Stage 4 is characterized by the occurrence of manganese bearing wolframite in

quartz with textures related to boiling (Chapter 4) and bladed textured quartz

interpreted as quartz replacing barite (?). Gold is late in stage 4 and it is found as

native gold grains and gold associated with minor tetrahedrite-tennantite. Mn-

Wolframite deposition is controlled by the solubility of tungsten and manganese,

which depends on pH and temperature (Hornet, 1979). Mn-Wolframite is

precipitated under near neutral pH conditions (5 to 6) and temperatures above

200ºC (Hornet, 1979). The presence of wolframite and quartz textures indicative of

boiling suggest near neutral pH conditions and temperatures ~200ºC. These

conditions may suggest temporary fluid mixing with a second fluid source (probably

133
meteoric waters) or changes in pH driven by boiling that allowed for higher pH to

deposit tungsten and manganese as wolframite during stage 4.

Stage 5 is characterized by the deposition of enargite in veins with quartz and

alunite and in breccias and drusy quartz cavities. Tetrahedrite-tennatite is

deposited in late phases of stage 3, in some phases of stage 4 and mostly in early

phases of stage 5. Gold and silver are found mainly as electrum in the borders of

anhedral enargite in some cases associated with minor amounts of copper

sulfides.

Stage 6 is related to the deposition of sphalerite under low temperature and

possible strongly acidic conditions (pH~2-3) that allowed for the deposition of

alunite and the formation of porous quartz textures (vuggy-like silica) in some

zones of La Bodega. There is no evidence for significant gold deposition in this

stage.

Stage 7 corresponds to the more current ongoing weathering and supergene

alteration due to the exposure of the deposit to surface conditions, forming

kaolinite, iron oxides and sulfates (iron, copper, calcium).

Stages 3 through 5 provided the highest grades for gold and silver mineralization

related to epithermal mineralization. Gold grain size typically ranges from 10 to 100

µm. Silver is found as silver tellurides, electrum (related to gold), silver sulfosalts

(proustite) and hessite. Silver seems to be is more abundant at La Mascota than at

La Bodega.

134
Sulfide minerals related to stages 3 through 5 for La Bodega and La Mascota are

representative of mostly high-sulfidation conditions (Figure 5.19). In addition,

sulfides zonation and replacements at microscopic scale are common in stages 2

through 6 reflecting the changes in sulfidation state, pH and temperature conditions

in every stage and through the evolution of the system. Concentric zonation of

sulfides resembles colloform and crustiform textures associated with quartz

textures (Chapter 4) presumably derived from boiling. The late occurrence of

sphalerite in Stage 6 is consistent with the general temperature decline (Figure

5.19) in the whole system at La Bodega as well as La Mascota.

Figure 5.19. Log f S2 – 1000/T diagram, showing sulfidation state of magmas and mineral sulfidation
reactions at 1 bar (Einaudi and Hedenquist, 2003). In blue, it is represented the range of minerals
within La Bodega and La Mascota deposits paragenetic sequence and the evolution path of the
hydrothermal fluids is schematically shown: Fluids are striving between intermediate and high-
sulfidation conditions but high-sulfidation condition dominate last stages.

135
Chapter 6. Geochronological Constraints of Alteration and Mineralization

Events at La Mascota and La Bodega

6.1 Introduction

Geochronological constraints for the timing of mineralization and alteration events

within the California-Vetas Mining District are important in order to properly define

the relationships between the rocks outcropping in the area and the hydrothermal

events within the district.

Previous studies have obtained wide range of ages for the California-Vetas Mining

District alteration, mineralization and related host rocks.

 Isotopic K–Ar dating of alteration minerals from the granodiorite porphyry

that intrudes the Cretaceous sedimentary rocks from the district yielded

Upper Cretaceous to Early Tertiary ages for the porphyry that range from 60

to 66 Ma (Nippon Mining Co. Ltd, 1967; in Mathur et al., 2003).

 Mendoza and Jaramillo (1979) describe a dacititic porphyry that intrudes the

Cretaceous sediment sequence in the area, indicating post-Cretaceous

magmatic activity.

 Sillitoe (1982) refers to geochronology done on sericite found at the margin

of a dacite porphyry (Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1979) which yielded to a K-Ar

age of 144 ± 3 m.y. and suggests this is the preferred age for the porphyry

style mineralization in the CVMD area.

136
 Mathur et al. (2003), defined a Re-Os isochron age of 57 + 10 Ma (MSWD =

0.8), using gold-rich pyrite concentrates from several artisanal mines in the

California area, which is similar to an alteration age obtained by the Nippon

Mining Co. Ltda, 1967 (In: Mathur et al, 2003).

 Sillitoe (2008), using Mathur’s age, assigns a Late Cretaceous - Early

Tertiary age to mineralization at the CVMD.

 Recent published data by Mantilla Figueroa et al. (2013), unravels the

magmatic history of the District defining the main tectono-magmatic events

through U-Pb geochronology on zircons: (1) the Grenville Orogeny and high

grade metamorphism and migmatitization between ~1240 and 957 Ma; (2)

early Ordovician calc-alkalic magmatism, which was synchronous with the

Caparonensise-Famatinian Orogeny (~477 Ma); (3) Middle to Late

Ordovician post-collisional calc-alkalic magmatism (~466-436 Ma); (4) Late

Triassic to Early Jurassic magmatism between ~204 and 196 Ma,

characterized by both S- and I-type calc-alkalic intrusions which at La

Mascota is represented by a leucogranite dike sample (ALR035, collected

by the author of this thesis) of ~201 Ma (Jurassic) and; (5) late Miocene

shallowly emplaced intermediate calc-alkaline intrusions of porphyritic

texture with a range of ages between 10.9 ± 0.2 to 8.4 ± 0.2 Ma based on

U-Pb geochronology on zircons (Mantilla et al., 2009, Mantilla et al., 2011;

Leal-Mejía et al., 2011; Bissig et al., 2012).

137
The recent studies reveal that the district has undergone a complex magmatic

history that includes magmatic events much more recent than previously expected.

Therefore, hydrothermal history in the district needed to be better constrained.

40
New geochronological Ar/39Ar data that constrain the alteration and

mineralization within the paragenetic evolution of La Bodega and La Mascota (as

seen in Chapter 5) are presented in this chapter. The geochronological data were

obtained by collaborators within the MDRU Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal

Gold project. Figure 6.1 shows the compiled geochronological information. The

data shown here are gathered mainly within the framework of MDRU Colombia

Porphyry and Epithermal Gold project but it also refers to recent studies by other

authors but still within the CVMD.

6.2 Methodology
40
The Ar/39Ar geochronology (developed by Merrihue and Turner, 1966) is a

modification of the conventional K-Ar dating technique, in which a proportion of the

39 39 40
K in the sample is converted to Ar by neutron activation. The K/40Ar*
40
(radiogenic Ar) ratio is measured directly in terms of ArK/39Ar using a mass

spectrometer (Richards and Noble, 1998) through step-heating experiments that

allow to differentiate between different sources of Ar and make the appropriate

calculation for the age of the dated mineral.

138
6.2.1 Sample collection

Samples were collected from drill core at La Bodega La Mascota and El Cuatro.

Mineral paragenetic sequence was taken into account (Chapter 5). Samples

representative of hydrothermal events that contained hypogene alunite (See

Chapter 8) with different mineral associations (Stages 3 through 6, Chapter 5) were

the main focus. Sampling by T. Bissig (2011) included two muscovite (sericite)

samples (Stage 2) at La Bodega from DDH LB251. Alunite samples included, 2

samples from La Bodega from DDH LB037 and DDH LB013, 6 alunite samples at

La Mascota from DDH LB112 and DDH LB156 and 1 alunite sample approximately

0.5 Km to the south-west of the study area at El Cuatro zone from DDH LB278.

Samples are illustrated in figure 6.2. A list of the analyzed samples and their

description is provided in Table 6.1.

Prior to separation, samples were analyzed by Terraspec® to confirm alunite

presence (procedure described in Chapter 4 and appendix A4). Samples were

carefully separated from rock and cleaned off intermixed sulfides when present.

Final sample grain size was approximately 50-500 µm in most cases. Samples

were stored in sealed vials. Duplicate samples were taken to carry out X-ray

diffraction analysis that would determine the alunite occurrence and the sulfide

association related to the alunite sample (see appendix A6). Similar procedure was

carried out on the muscovite (sericite) samples (T. Bissig, comm. pers., 2012).

139
6.2.2 Analytical procedures
40
Ar/39Ar geochronology analysis was carried out at the Pacific Centre for Isotopic

and Geochemical Research, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric

Sciences at The University of British Columbia. The samples were wrapped in

aluminum foil and irradiated at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor in Hamilton, Ont.

Isotope flux monitors (Fish Canyon Tuff Sanidine 28.02 Ma) were interspersed in

the samples during irradiation to determine the J-value. The samples were

analyzed at the Noble Gas Laboratory, Pacific Centre for Isotopic and

Geochemical Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The separates were step-heated at increasing laser powers in the defocused beam

of a 10-W CO2 laser. The gas evolved from each step was analyzed using a

VG5400 mass spectrometer equipped with an ion-counting electron multiplier. All

measurements were corrected for total system blank, mass spectrometer

sensitivity, mass discrimination, radioactive decay during and subsequent to

irradiation, as well as interfering Ar from atmospheric contamination and the

irradiation of Ca, Cl and K (isotope production ratios: (40Ar/39Ar)K = 0.0302,

(37Ar/39Ar)Ca = 1416.4306, (36Ar/39Ar)Ca = 0.3952, Ca/K = 1.83 (37Ar Ca/39ArK).

The plateau and correlation ages were calculated using Isoplot ver.3.09 (Ludwig,

2003). Errors are quoted at the 2-sigma (95% confidence) level and are

propagated from all sources except mass spectrometer sensitivity and age of the

flux monitor.

140
Figure 6.1 Recent geochronological data shown on the geological map of the California Vetas
district. Map based on this study and Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold MDRU Project. Map
is based on Ward et al. (1973), Evans (1976), Polania (1980), MDRU Colombia Porphyry and
Epithermal Gold project and this study. Locations and age data mentioned in this report are shown.

141
 40 39
Figure 6.2 Samples selected for ArK/ Ar geochronology (see Table 6.1 for detailed description). A, B, C, D, E, F; alunite at La Mascota. A.
ALR012, alunite Stage 3. Age: 2.63 ± 0.09 Ma. B. ALR024, natroalunite (stage 6?). Age: 1.87 ± 0.30 Ma. C. ALR026, alunite (Late stage 4 to early
stage 5). Age: 2.47 ± 0.27 Ma. D. ALR027, alunite (Stage 3? to late 4?). Age: 2.31 ± 0.26 Ma. E. ALR034, alunite. Age: 2.26 ± 0.31 Ma. F.
ALR038, alunite (Stage 6). Age: 1.60 ± 0.69 Ma. G, I; alunite at La Bodega. G. ALR264, alunite (stage 5). Age: 2.22 ± 0.05 Ma. I. ALR281,
natroalunite (stage 6?). Age: 1.63 ± 0.29 Ma. J. Alunite at El Cuatro, ALR040, alunite associated with pyrite cut by chalcocite vein (Late stage 2 to
early stage 3?). Age: 3.26 ± 0.30 Ma. K, L., Muscovite (sericite at La Bodega. K. TB-CV-019, muscovite (sericite; Stage 2). Age: 3.54 ± 0.13 Ma. L.
TB-CV-023, muscovite (sericite, stage 2). Age: <10 Ma.

142
6.3 Results

Alunite and muscovite samples from La Bodega, La Mascota and El Cuatro all

yielded Pliocene to Pleistocene ages and are summarized in Table 6.1. Analyzed
40
samples for ArK/39Ar geochronology are illustrated in Figure 6.3. Given the young
40
age, the precision of the Ar/39Ar method is affected by the relatively small amount
40 40
of radiogenic Ar and the comparatively large amount of atmospheric Ar.

Consequently, the analytical errors can be considerable. Nevertheless, most

samples yielded reliable plateau ages (the preferred age with this technique)
39
containing 99-100% Ar. The mean standard weighted deviation (MSWD) on the

plateau age is generally below 1.5 to as low as 0.103 adding confidence in the

plateau ages.

40
Based on the analyzed samples, ArK/39Ar ages from alteration associations

related to mineralization may be summarized as follows:

At La Mascota, age of hypogene alunite associated with mineralization ranges from

2.63 ± 0.09 Ma (alunite from stage 3) to 1.56 ± 0.70 Ma. (natroalunite, stage 6).

At La Bodega, age of alteration minerals associated with mineralization ranges

from <10 Ma to 3.343 ± 0.072 Ma for muscovite (sericite) samples (stage 2); 2.22 ±

0.05 Ma (alunite, stage 5) and 1.63 ± 0.29 Ma (natroalunite, stage 6?).

At El Cuatro, an alunite replacing feldspar phenocrysts (stage 2-3?) gave an age of

3.21 ± 0.49 Ma. Duplicate analysis yielded an age of 3.47±0.50 Ma.

143
 40 39
Table 6.1 Summary of results of ArK/ Ar geochronology at La Bodega, La Mascota and El Cuatro.

Depth (m)

age (Ma)
ArK/39Ar
Sample

Mineral
DDH ID
Zone

Sample Description (analyzed

Analytical Result Discussion
separates in bold)

40
Alunite Stage 3 Clast supported breccia. Alunitized
gneiss clasts and quartz + alunite
La Mascota

2.63 ± 0.09
ALR012

39
cement with cubic and dodecahedric
253.10

A plateau age of 2.63 ± 0.09 Ma containing 100% of the Ar released in 6 heating steps was
LB112

39
pyrite; covellite and bornite overgrown
obtained (MSWD = 1.2). However, more than 96% of the Ar was released in two heating
on pyrite. Drusy quartz+ pyrite + steps. Coinciding normal and inverse isochron ages of 2.66 ± 0.1 Ma (MSWD = 1.04 and
covellite + bornite+ chalcocite cutting
0.91) provide confidence in the plateau age which is considered reliable. Atmospheric argon
breccia. in the two most reliable heating steps is less than 50%.
39
Natroalunite

A plateau age of 1.87 ± 0.30 Ma was yielded containing 5 heating steps and 99.9% of Ar
La Mascota

1.87 ± 0.30
Stage 6?
ALR024

312.60

Cement to matrix supported breccia. (MSWD = 1.01). Four of these steps have atmospheric argon contents of 82 to 91.16%
LB112

Alunite (natroalunite) + quartz whereas the remaining steps contain essentially no radiogenic argon. The normal and inverse
cement with scattered pyrite and fine isochron ages of 1.92 ± 0.73 (MSWD = 3.0) and 1.89 ± 0.75 Ma (MSWD = 3.1), respectively,
grained pyrite match the plateau age. The plateau age is considered reliable.
39
A plateau age of 2.47 ± 0.27 Ma was obtained containing 100% of the Ar released
to early stage 5

39
Alunite. Late

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts in 13 steps (MSWD = 0.41). Most of the Ar was released in three consecutive
2.47 ± 0.27
La Mascota

39
ALR026

stage 4

supported mainly. Flaky (tabular)

337.70

steps containing about 80% of the Ar fraction. However only one step containing
LB159

39
alunite (magmatic steam-like 38% of the Ar has atmospheric argon below 50%. The age of that step is 2.44 ±
origin, cf Rye, 1993) in cavity of 0.32 Ma which is very close to the overall plateau age. Normal and inverse isochron
drusy quartz + fine grained pyrite ages = 2.49 ± 0.26 and 2.50 ± 0.27 Ma (MSWD = 0.48 and MSWD = 0.36,
and wolframite cavity. respectively) are very similar to the plateau age. The latter is considered reliable
39
A plateau age of 2.31 ± 0.26 Ma was obtained containing 7 steps and 100% of the Ar
La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

1.39 ± 0.73 2.26 ± 0.31 2.31 ± 0.26

ALR027

39
Alunite.
328.80

released (MSWD = 0.42). About 85% of the Ar was released in two heating steps that
LB112

Stage
3-4

Alunite + cubic pyrite vein cutting
alunite and quartz altered gneiss and
banded quartz + fine pyrite vein (?)
Alunite + Pyrite veinlet cutting
ALR034
contain around 50% atmospheric argon. The normal and inverse isochron ages are, at 2.36 ±
0.28 Ma (MSWD = 0.35) and 2.36 ± 0.26 Ma (MSWD = 0.31), respectively, very similar to the
plateau age. The latter is considered reliable.
39
A plateau age of 2.26 ± 0.31 Ma was obtained containing 100% of the Ar released in 7

347.70

Alunite

Leucogranite (illite + alunite alteration); heating steps (MSWD = 0.13). Only 4 steps have atmospheric argon contents below 87%
LB112

equivalent to ALR035. U/Pb (66.4 to 87%) and jointly contain more than 98% of the 39Ar. The isochron ages 2.35 ± 0.57
geochronology on zircons: 210±3.5 Ma (normal, MSWD = 0.26) and 2.32 ± 0.57 Ma (inverse, MSWD = 0.15) coincide well with the
(Mantilla et al., 2013) plateau but are slightly less precise. The plateau age is considered reliable.
Only one heating step yielded less than 90% of atmospheric argon. The age of this step is
ALR038

Stage 6
Alunite.

Clast supported breccia cut by alunite

357.80

1.39 ± 0.73 Ma which is similar to the plateau age of 1.27 ± 0.65 which considers 99.7% of the
LB112

+ kaolinite + fine pyrite and cubic pyrite 39Ar (MSWD = 1.5). The isochron ages are 1.60 ± 0.69 (normal, MSWD = 1.2) and 1.56 ±
+ sphalerite vein with brecciated 0.70 Ma (inverse, MSWD = 1.3). The best step age in this case is probably somewhat more
texture. reliable than the Plateau and isochron ages although they are all within error of each other.

144
 Depth (m)

age (Ma)
ArK/39Ar
Sample

Mineral
DDH ID
Zone

Sample Description (analyzed

Analytical Result Discussion
separates in bold)

40
stage 2 to early
A plateau age of 3.26 ± 0.30 Ma was obtained including all of 10 heating steps and 100% of
Alunite. Late

3.26 ± 0.30
39
El Cuatro

the Ar. Atmospheric argon contamination is only between 24 and 36% for those heating

stage 3?
ALR040

131.30
LB282

Dacitic porphyry with alunite alteration
overprinting illite alteration (?). Alunite
replacing feldspars. Rock is cut by
pyrite + chalcocite veinlet.
ALR264
Bodega
39
steps where most of the Ar was released. Isochron ages of 3.14 ± 0.45 (normal) and 3.21 ±
0.49 Ma (inverse) coincide well with the plateau age. A duplicate run of this sample did not
yield a plateau age but three ages of individual heating steps lie between 3.3 and 3 Ma and
the isochron ages are 3.29 ± 0.48 Ma and 3.27 ± 0.50 Ma (normal and inverse, respectively).
39
A plateau age of 2.221 ± 0.053 Ma was obtained including 99.93% of the Ar in 11 of 13

Stage 5
Alunite.
197.15

2.22 ±
LB037

0.05
Gneiss with illite alteration cut by heating steps,(MSWD = 0.97) which is matched by the isochron ages 2.25 ± 0.19 Ma (normal,
La

Alunite + fine pyrite + cubic pyrite + MSWD = 2.2) and 2.12 ± 0.13 Ma (inverse, MSWD = 0.83). The Plateau age is considered
enargite vein reliable
39
A plateau age of 1.63 ± 0.29 Ma was obtained (99.16% of the Ar,
Natroalunite

1.63 ± 0.29
La Bodega

6 of 9 heating steps, (MSWD = 0.72). Isochron ages are slightly older at 1.99 ± 0.33 Ma
Stage 6?
ALR281

231.80
LB013

Silicified tectonic breccia (THBX).
Alunite cement with cubic pyrite and
fine grained pyrite and pyrite clasts.
Muscovite (Sericite). Muscovite (Sericite).
(normal, MSWD = 0.33) and 2.00 ± 0.34 Ma (inverse, MSWD = 0.34) but error ranges overlap
between the plateau and isochron ages. The relatively large errors are attributed to the high
relative atmospheric argon content (77 to 89%) which is to be expected in young samples.
The plateau age is considered reliable.
This sample has been analyzed twice and the results were reproducible. Run 1 yielded a

plateau age of 3.34 ± 0.07 Ma (Mean Standard Weighted Deviation: MSWD = 0.53) which
Includes 93.7% of the 39Ar and 13 of 16 heating steps. The Isochron ages agree well with the
TB-CV-019

3.54 ± 0.13
La Bodega

Stage 2.
175.26

plateau age and are 3.54 ± 0.13 Ma (normal, MSWD = 3.3) and 3.37 ± 0.11 Ma (inverse,
LB251

Granitic Pegmatite: Coarse pegmatoid
feldspar phyric rock intensely quartz-
muscovite (sericite) altered. Sericite is
greenish, replacing feldspars, white
quartz in matrix.
TB-CV-023
La Bodega
MSWD = 1.3). The repeat analysis yielded an essentially identical result (Plateau age 3.39 ±
39
0.06 Ma, MSWD = 0.91, 96.7% of the Ar and 12 of 14 heating steps, normal isochron = 3.49
± 0.13 Ma, MSWD = 2.1; inverse isochron = 3.45 ± 0.08, MSWD = 1.3).Both analytical runs
show evidence for minor argon loss in the first heating steps but the plateau ages are
considered reliable.
There were two analytical runs on this sample as well but the results were neither
reproducible nor reliable. The first run yielded an apparent plateau age of 8.3 ± 0.21 Ma

39
including 75.1% of the Ar (MSWD = 2.1) and 3 of 10 heating steps. The heating steps not
Stage 2.

<10 Ma
326.50
LB251

Granitic Pegmatite: Coarse pegmatoid
rock altered to white quartz matrix and
rusty-greenish muscovite (sericite)
altering feldspar phenocrysts.
included in the plateau yield both younger and higher ages at either end of the spectrum. The
second analytical run did not yield a plateau age and individual heating steps yield ages
between 3.8 and 7.2 Ma. Neither of the analytical runs yielded meaningful isochron ages.
Overall one may interpret this age as a mixing age of alteration and an inherited component
from the host rock. The alteration age is likely younger than ~10 Ma.

145
 40 39
Figure 6.3. Alunite and muscovite (sericite) ArK/ Ar age spectra at La Macota, La Bodega and El
Cuatro. For each sample, Top: Plateau age through heating steps; plateau steps are gray, rejected
steps are white. Bottom: Inverse isochron age. Duplicate analysis for ALR040 at El Cuatro did not
yield a plateau. Other duplicate analysis for ALR281 and TB-CV-023 did not yield to accurate
reliable results (See appendix A6 for details).

146
6.4 Alunite and muscovite alteration geochronology, relationship to the

CVMD geological history and paragenetic sequence of mineralizing events at

La Bodega and La Mascota

40
Reliable ArK/39Ar geochronology on muscovite and alunite shows an age

spectrum between ~3.5 Ma and 1.6 Ma, for La Bodega, La Mascota, and El

Cuatro; which is much younger than previously published (Nippon Mining

Company,1967; Mathur et al., 2003) in the California Vetas Mining District.

40
Moreover, ArK/39Ar geochronology at La Perezosa area (adjacent-NE of La

Bodega) gives ages of ~3.97-3.91 Ma, for muscovite, 2.48 ± 0.13 Ma from pink

yellow alunite vein cutting phyllic alteration and pyrite-enargite mineralization

(Bissig et al., 2012) and another age for alunite of 1.81 ± 0.90 Ma (T. Bissig, pers.

comm., 2013; MDRU Colombia Porphyry and Epithermal Gold project).

Furthermore, alunite from the southwestern zone of La Baja trend at La Plata

(alunite on leucogranite) and San Celestino (alunite-quartz-pyrite) give ages of

3.43 ± 0.07 Ma and 3.23 ± 0.06 Ma respectively (Bissig et al., 2012). The range of

ages reported here falls into the Late Miocene and mostly within the Pliocene and

Pleistocene. On the other hand, alunite vein (sample ALR034, 2.26 ± 0.31 Ma in

age) cross cutting leucogranite (sample ALR035, ~210 Ma, Late Triassic age; see

appendix A6) at La Mascota, reveal that there is no genetic relationship

whatsoever between the Triassic-Jurassic intrusive bodies and the recent

hydrothermal history of the study area. The most recent magmatic events known in

the CVMD correspond to the emplacement of porphyritic bodies (and associated

volcanic rocks) during the Late Miocene of ages between 10.9 ± 0.2 and 8.4 ± 0.2

147
Ma (Mantilla Figueroa et al., 2009, Mantilla et al., 2011; Leal-Mejía, 2011).

Porphyry style alteration and mineralization at El Cuatro and La Plata is intimately

associated with 10.1-10.2 Ma granodiorite porphyry dikes as indicated by two

10.14 ± 0.04 Ma molybdenite Re-Os ages in quartz + molybdenite veins from El

Cuatro (Bissig et al., 2012). Petrographic study (Chapters 4 and 5) indicates that

muscovite of stage 2 (porphyry) is older than alunite which is representative of

stages 3 through 6 (epithermal). Furthermore, alunite with mineral associations

from earlier stages (with copper sulfides) show older ages than alunite with mineral

associations from late stages (enargite or sphalerite) and the paragenetic evolution

fits the new geochronologic information in the study area (Figure 6.4). The

hydrothermal evolution took place on several pulses during approximately 8-9 Ma

in the area with a first- magmatic-hydrothermal pulse associated with the Mo

mineralization at 10.14 Ma, then a second pulse associated with the phyllic

alteration and quartz + pyrite veins associated with minor gold mineralization at ~4-

3.5 Ma. Then, early high-sulfidation epithermal alteration-mineralization took place

after a ~0.3 and ~0.9 Ma time gap, at El Cuatro and La Mascota, respectively.

High-sulfidation epithermal alteration and mineralization was periodically active for

~1.7 m. y. Much of the gold mineralization at La Mascota and La Bodega took

place in stages 3 through 5, that is, from ~2.60 Ma to ~1.9 Ma. No igneous rocks of

ages similar to the gold/silver mineralization have been recognized at CVMD. Ages

of hydrothermal alteration related mineralization events at La Bodega and La

Mascota in the CVMD are the youngest determined in this area as compared to

previous studies. These ages overlap with the ages of Paipa-Iza (~200 km south of

the CVMD) magmatism in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia (Pardo et al., 2005)

148
but no igneous rocks or mineralization of the same age has been reported there.

40 39
Figure 6.4. ArK/ Ar geochronology ages on alunite and muscovite within La Bodega and La
Mascota in relation to the stages of paragenetic sequence of hydrothermal events at La Mascota
and La Bodega; hydrothermal events at La Perezosa and El Cuatro and magmatic events at the
CVMD. Early stages fit with older ages and late stages matches younger ages. Main gold
mineralization is associated with stages 3 through 5. (Key: alu: alunite; nal: natroalunite; py: pyrite;
cc: chalcocite, CuS: copper sulfides including bornite, covellite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite; qz: quartz;
w: wolframite; en:enargite, sph: sphalerite; mo: molybdenite).

149
Chapter 7. Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry from Epithermal Quartz at La

Bodega and La Mascota

7.1 Introduction

Fluid Inclusion (FI) analysis has the potential to provide some of the best data on

the chemical and physical processes that result in mineral growth, deformation and

recrystallization (Brown, 1998).

Origin and theories related to fluid inclusion research, methodologies and

assumptions have been proposed and largely discussed in several review papers

(Roedder, 1962, 1984; Shepperd et al., 1985; Brown, 1998; Bakker, 2003; Bodnar,

2003; Diamond, 2003; among others).

Fluid inclusions from La Bodega and La Mascota deposits have been studied in

relation to the previously defined paragenesis and hydrothermal stages in this zone

(Chapter 04). The main objective of this study is to constrain the nature and

conditions of the mineralizing fluids associated with the epithermal stage of

mineralization by petrographic observation and limited thermometry. These results

are discussed together with previous fluid inclusion studies in the California-Vetas

Mining District.

150
7.2 Previous fluid inclusion studies in the California-Vetas Mining District

Previous microthermometric fluid inclusion studies done on samples within La Baja

Trend (see Figure 3.3, Chapter 3 for location) La Mascota, Angostura (NE of La

Mascota and La Bodega) and La Plata (SW of La Mascota) are summarized here.

La Plata

Raley (2011) studied fluid inclusions in quartz on two vein types at La Plata:

 D-type vein (quartz + pyrite + chalcopyrite with sericite halo) fluid inclusions

in general showed a range of salinities between 17-26 wt. % NaCl equiv.,

with one outlier at 10wt. % NaCl equiv. and homogenization temperatures

ranging from 341°C to 412°C.

 A-type vein (quartz + chalcopyrite ± pyrite sinuous veins) fluid inclusions

showed opaque solids. These fluid inclusions yielded salinities between 12-

25 wt. % NaCl equiv. and homogenization temperatures ranging from 305°C

to 432°C.

Angostura

Fluid inclusions studies at Angostura have been reported by Albinson (2000) and

Mantilla et al. (2012):

 Albinson (2000) studied primary fluid inclusions in of stage I quartz

(associated with specularite flakes) and stage II quartz (associated with

chalcopyrite and bornite). He determined homogenization temperatures

between 318 and 373 °C and average salinities of about 10 wt. % NaCl

equiv.

151
  Mantilla et al. (2012) studied fluid inclusions at La Angostura from of quartz-

pyrite ± chalcopyrite veins associated with quartz-sericite alteration.

Mantilla et al. (2012) determined that primary fluid inclusions have salinities

around 5 wt% NaCl equiv. and homogenization temperatures of ~335 to

350° C which is broadly consistent with the findings of Albinson (2000) and

fluids observed elsewhere in phyllic alteration zones related to porphyry

style mineralization (Seedorff et al., 2005). Homogenization temperatures

from secondary fluid inclusions are slightly lower at 296-313°C and the

salinity varies between 0.5 and 9 wt% NaCl equiv.

La Mascota

Two microthermometry studies at La Mascota have previously analyzed fluid

inclusions on quartz from veins and breccia cement:

 Forero (2010) determined that the homogenization temperatures for fluid

Inclusions in quartz veins (paragenetically associated with wolframite?) were

between 201 and 306 °C with ice melting temperatures between -4.5 and -

1.6 ºC, which indicates salinity ranging between 2.7 and 7.2 wt% NaCl

equiv.

 Mendoza (2011) studied primary fluid inclusions on La Mascota

hydrothermal breccia cement. These fluid inclusions yielded homogenization

temperatures between 190 and 255 °C (Mendoza, 2011) and although not

reported, salinities ranged from 0.4 to 6.2 wt% NaCl equiv. (M. Mendoza,

2011 pers. com.).

152
Despite the valuable information these studies provided, relationships of quartz

hosting the fluid inclusions to the mineral paragenetic sequence is not clear.

7.3 Methodology

Suitable samples that provided the necessary information to properly characterize

the epithermal fluid were carefully chosen, prepared and studied. The main

objective was to characterize the homogenization temperature ranges, as well as

the salinity and composition for the fluids most closely related to the enargite stage

of the paragenetic sequence (stage 5, see Chapter 5) and at La Bodega and La

Mascota. Based on previous petrographic observations on several polished thin

sections, two samples were selected for this study, one at La Bodega and one at

La Mascota. Doubly polished thick sections (200 µm thickness) were prepared for

fluid inclusion studies for the chosen samples. Samples with a clear paragenetic

relationship between fluid inclusion assemblages (FIAs) and host minerals were

chosen.

7.3.1 Sample preparation, equipment configuration and data collection

After petrography, samples were left immersed in acetone overnight to dissolve the

glue between rock and glass. Rock was separated from glass and chips of up to

~3mm diameter carefully separated to isolate quartz grains for study.

Petrographic and microthermometric studies were done at the FI laboratory

facilities of the Mineral Deposit Research Unit at the Earth and Ocean Sciences

Department within the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. The

equipment consists of an Olympus BX60 petrographic microscope with a Retiga

2000R for photographing; a Linkam freezing and heating stage with the control

153
panel hooked to the related computer interface that allowed modifying heating and

cooling rate using liquid nitrogen (N2). Magnification with the petrographic

microscope was possible up to 40X objective and could be duplicated (80X) using

additional 2X secondary lens. Microthermometric observations were made on fluid

inclusions larger than 2.5 µm.

Based on measurements made on synthetic fluid inclusions, ice melting

temperatures for pure H2O shows a precision of +0.5 ºC and a precision of +15 ºC

for homogenization temperatures around 370 ºC. In order to measure eutectic

temperatures and to avoid metastability phenomena, the fluid inclusions were

frozen at temperatures between -180 and -120 ºC. Then, changes within the FIs

were recorded during gradual heating to room temperature. Eutectic temperature

(i.e., temperature of first melting observed), and final ice melting temperature were

recorded. Most freezing experiments were done for one fluid inclusion at a time.

Eutectic temperatures were hard to measure and are reported as range of

temperatures through which internal changes (i.e. glassy solid formation, ice

crystal formation) were observed after cooling experiments. After freezing

experiments, heating experiments were conducted to determine homogenization

temperature, taking in account that fluid inclusions with lower homogenization

temperatures should be measured first in order to avoid overpressuring and

leaking of these fluid inclusions.

154
7.3.2 Salinity, pressure and depth calculation procedures

Salinity was calculated assuming a H2O-NaCl fluid for all fluid inclusions, based on

the ice melting temperature using equation 1 for salinities up to 23.2 wt% NaCl

equiv (Equation 1).

Equation 7.1:

Salinity (wt. %) = 1.78Tm ice- 0.0442Tm ice2 + 0.000557Tm ice3

where Tm ice is the freezing point depression (FPD) regularly known as ice melting

temperature (Bodnar, 1993 in Brown, 1998).

Density (d) and pressure (P) at homogenization of fluid inclusions was estimated

using the program BULK (Bakker, 2003), in which calculations use the ice melting

temperature (Tm ice) and homogenization temperature (Th) found for each fluid

inclusion assuming a H2O-NaCl chemical system.

Estimation of depth of formation of the fluid inclusions was done assuming

hydrostatic pressure conditions using equation 2.

Equation 7.2: P = dgh,

where P is pressure at homogenization; d is the fluid inclusion density at

homogenization; g is the gravity acceleration (g=9.8 ms-2); and h is the depth at

which the FI is believed to have formed.

Therefore,

Equation 7.3: h [m] = P / (d*g) [cbar/{(g/cc)*(m*s-2)}]

155
7.4 Petrography of fluid Inclusions in this study

Table 7.1 shows features and codes used in this study to characterize, differentiate

and classify fluids inclusions assemblages and families in this study. Detail

information regarding the studied fluid inclusions including fluid inclusion size and

shape as well as microthermometry measurements is found on appendix A 7

Table 7.1. Fluid inclusions characterization and associated codes. Fluid inclusion code is composed
of: 1. Zone, 2. Quartz paragenetic association, 3. Location in quartz crystal (assemblage), 4. Fluid
inclusion type based on components, 5. Fluid inclusion post-entrapment modification (when
observed).
Feature Code Description Remarks
B La Bodega
Zone
M La Mascota
Quartz E Enargite Stage 5
paragenetic
association W Wolframite Stage 4
Location C Quartz core
within quartz G Quartz growth plane For zoned quartz
crystal Associated with secondary fluid inclusions.
(Family, fluid Fluid inclusions aligned within This code is accompanied by a number which
inclusion trail associated with a post- also denotes secondary fluid inclusions within
assemblage) A quartz crystalization fracture this trail
Genetic- P Primary Entrapped during crystalization
temporal class Aligned, but entraped during crystalization.
(based on PS Pseudo secondary Data treated as primary
Goldstein, Entraped after quartz crystalization.
2003, In Accompanied by a number which relates it to a
Samson et al., S Secondary trail (fracture). Formed by crack-healing
2003) U Undetermine Unclear
L Liquid
V Vapor
Components Anhydrite (?) in most cases except one where
solid correspond to oxide (MnO/FeO?) or
S Solid wolframite
Fluid Inclusion Mainly liquid rich (40-75%), vapor (15-30%)
type based on I Liquid>vapor, solid. and solid (15-30%)
Components II Liquid>vapor. Liquid rich (60-80%) with vapor (20-40%)
(liquid, vapor, Vapor rich (80-95%) with minor liquid (5-15%).
solid) III Vapour>liquid. Mostly <2.5 µm. Difficult to analyze.
Loss of components via diffusion (Bodnar,
Fluid inclusion k Leaking 2003)
post- n Necking Splitting into smaller FIs (Bodnar, 2003)
entrapment Irreversable volume expansion (Bodnar,
modification t Stretching 2003). Irregular shape.
oval, oval-elonged, rounded Irregular fluid inclusions or with leaking and
(circular), tabular (rectangular), necking evidence were avoided in most
Shape tabular-elonged and irregular samples for the microthermometry analysis

156
7.4.1. La Mascota sample petrography and fluid inclusion petrography

summary

7.4.1.1. La Mascota sample description.

ALR189. LB202 at 203.m; approximate depth from surface: 100 m. Polymictic,

clasts to cement supported breccia (hydrothermal breccia, HYBX) (Figure 7.1).

Clasts (~50%): are subangular, 5mm to 3 cm wide. Clasts include gneiss and

breccia clasts. Breccia clasts are composed of fine grained matrix replaced by

quartz and quartz cement, with pyrite and pyrite ± copper sulfides (covellite,

bornite, chalcopyrite; mainly in pyrite borders and microfractures) crystals.

Cement (~50%): composed of zoned quartz (~65% of cement) with wolframite

crystals (~30% of cement; tabular-elongated habit) and minor fine pyrite (~3%).

Fine grained pyrite clasts are embedded in quartz-wolframite cement (~2%).

The breccia is cross-cut by quartz + enargite veins and fractures filled with

enargite. Fine pyrite (py5) is overgrown at the border of enargite veins. Quartz in

these veins has plumose-zonal texture

Quartz crystals in veins in which center enargite precipitated as well as quartz

associated with wolframite were analyzed for fluid inclusion petrography and

microthermometry.

157
Figure 7.1. La Mascota, sample ALR189; DDH LB 202 at 203.m; approximate depth from surface: 100 m (Figure 3.6). Polymictic clast to cement
supported multiple phases hydrothermal breccia: Breccia clasts with pyrite and pyrite+CuS (bornite, covelilite+chalcopyrite in border and
microfractures) clasts cemented and crosscut by quartz + wolframite (hübnerite, reddish mineral) and minor pyrite veins. The breccia is cut by
quartz veins and fractures filled with enargite. A. Core sample. B. Photograph of the analyzed thick section. C. Sample analyzed under reflected
light and transmitted light. Wolframite (reddish brown tabular-elonged mineral) and quartz (coloform jigsaw?) surrounding breccia clast (dull
brownish zones, BX) and cross cut by quartz with zone-flamboyant texture with enargite (greyish brown). Red circles indicate zones where quartz
crystals were taken from to study its fluid inclusions.

158
7.4.1.2. La Mascota fluid inclusion petrography summary

Enargite related quartz fluid inclusionsThese fluid inclusions are mostly primary

and very few pseudo-secondary (Figure 7.2; appendix A7). Enargite related quartz

fluid inclusions are grouped in two fluid inclusion assemblages: the fluid inclusion

assemblage found co-existing within the quartz core, including type I (size: 5.25 µm

to 7.5 µm; all are P FIs), II (size: 2.2 to 10 µm; P and PS FIs) and III (size: <2.5 µm

; P and PS FIs) fluid inclusions, and the fluid inclusion assemblage found close to

or within the quartz growth plane which were mostly type II (size: 2.75 to 6.5 µm; P

FIs) and III (size: <2.5 µm; P and PS FIs).

Wolframite related quartz fluid inclusions

Fluid inclusions were studied in two separate quartz crystals:

In the first quartz crystal, fluid inclusion assemblage in growth plane and fluid

inclusions aligned in trail A1 were studied; including type I (size: 3.75 to 6.5 µm)

and type II (size: 3.75-7.5 µm) fluid inclusions. Solids corresponding to type I fluid

inclusion are possibly anhydrite except for one case of brownish solid presence

(wolframite?, FeO?) which is not considered part of the fluid inclusion assemblage.

Aligned fluid inclusions from trail A1 were mainly primary type II (size: 2.5-3.75 µm)

except for one type I (6 µm). In the second quartz crystal, primary fluid inclusions in

the core were studied including type I (size: 5-5.25 µm) and type II (size: 2.5-12.5

µm) while secondary fluid inclusions from trail A2 included type II (3.75-6.25 µm).

Paragenetic relationships primary and pseudo-secondary studied fluid inclusions

within La Mascota hydrothermal breccia quartz is summarized in Figure 7.4.

159
Figure 7.2. La Mascota, ALR189F. FIs in enargite related quartz. A. Quartz core fluid inclusions
type I, II and III co-existing, mainly primary FIs, except for some aligned pseudo secondary type III
FIs. B. FIs in close proximity to quartz growth plane including type II and type III. C. FIs in quartz
growth plane, including type II and type III.

160
Figure 7.3. La Mascota, ALR189F. FIs in wolframite related quartz. A. FIs in quartz growth plane (G) refer to FIs found in quartz growth lines. P,
refers to Primary FIs while PS to pseudo secondary FIs. Types of fluid inclusions found here include type I (LVS), II (LV), III (VL) FIs. From top to
bottom: A. Quartz growth line with type I, II and III FIs. B. Same as A, focusing up on the same sample to show one type I FI with FeO or wolframite
(w) as solid within FI. Other solids in Type I FIs correspond to anhydrite. C. Aligned A1 secondary (S) type II and III FIs within trail or fracture 1. D.
Quartz core related FIs and A2 related to trail or fracture 2 secondary (S) FIs.

161
7.4.2 La Bodega sample petrography and fluid inclusion petrography

summary

7.4.2.1 La Bodega sample description

ALR260: LB037 at 151.35 m; approximated depth from surface: 125 m. Matrix to

cement supported alunite bearing narrow breccia (tectonic-hydrothermal breccia,

THBX) of 3 cm width with quartz-alunite halo (Figure 7.2).

Clasts (~30%): 1-3 mm clasts of veins, including pyrite, quartz (irregular borders

and undulose extinction), alunite and very minor wolframite (<<<1%).

Matrix (~40%): fine grained milled particles (~100µm to 1mm width) from pyrite,

quartz, alunite.

Cement (30%): alunite (~60% of cement), fine grained dull color; enargite zoned

and intergrown with fined grained rimmy pyrite (py5) (~25% of cement); quartz

(~15% of cement), fine grained 1-2 mm in diameter with euhedral hexagonal with

zoned texture moderately fractured and undulouse extinction.

This breccia shows multiple events reflected in these features. 1) Alunite + pyrite

altered gneiss is cut by 2) alunite + pyrite veins. These veins are cut by 3) euhedral

cubic and pyritohedric pyrite. All of these are cut and cemented by 4) enargite +

fine grained pyrite with alunite and very minor euhedral zoned quartz. Pyrite clasts

from previous events are cut by enargite. Few grains of enargite with wolframite in

its core were found (Figure 5.10). Deformation post-dating mineralization made it

impossible to find undeformed quartz related to the enargite stage. Only one quartz

162
grain was suitable for the petrographic study of fluid inclusions but only a small

number of fluid inclusions were large enough for microthermometry.

7.4.2.2 La Bodega fluid inclusion petrography summary

In the studied sample, fluid inclusions are too small in general (<3µm), not

abundant and commonly stretched. These fluid inclusions corresponded to type II

and type III fluid inclusions. Type III fluid inclusions due to their small size were not

studied. No unequivocal primary fluid inclusions were found. The few measured

undetermined (U) fluid inclusions were found as discrete individual fluid inclusions

rather than groups of fluid inclusions. Still, these fluids were not related to a

particular trail and were clearly larger than the ones in trails; therefore they may be

considered primary (?). Nevertheless, some of these undetermined fluid inclusions

had some evidence of stretching and possibly leaking and one was clearly necked

down. At least three fluid inclusions trails were recognized and two of them had

fluid inclusions large enough to be analyzed. These fluid inclusions within trails

(A1, A2 and A3) were considered to be secondary. Based on the cross cutting

relationship between fluid inclusion trails, A1 was considered the oldest and A3 the

latest. All trails had type II and III fluid inclusions but only type II fluid inclusions

were analyzed. Trail A3 fluid inclusions were too small to be measured (Figure

7.3).

163
Figure 7.4. La Bodega, ALR260F. Fluid inclusions in enargite related quartz. A. Narrow tectonic-
hydrothermal breccia (3 cm width) where alunite + pyrite altered gneiss is cut by alunite + pyrite,
later by euhedral cubic and dodecahedrid pyrite, later by enargite with very minor euhedral zoned
quartz. Clast of pyrite from previous stages is overgrown by enargite. B. Thick section of sample
ALR260F. C. Reflected light microphotograph showing relationship between enargite, pyrite and
studied quartz grain. D. Same as C transmitted light, euhedral to subhedral quartz grain (~1mm
diameter), weakly fractured. E. FIs found in quartz studied quartz grain. U (possibly primary) type II
fluid inclusions in quartz core with leaking, necking and one at higher level of focus (black
square)with probable stretching. Great abundance of aligned secondary fluid inclusions: three
recognized fracture or trails with cross cutting relationships where S1 is cut by S2 and S2 is
crosscut by S3.

164
7.5 Microthermometry results

A total of 62 fluid inclusion microthermometry measurements were recorded (see

Appendix A7). Homogenization temperatures and ice melting temperatures from

fluid inclusions measurements could be recorded with a high degree of confidence

in type I and II fluid inclusions. Type III fluid inclusions were not analyzed because

of their small size (<2.5 µm). Eutectic temperatures were difficult to measure and

are herein reported as a range in which the true eutectic temperature would likely

to be which indicates that the chemical system of the fluid in the fluid inclusions

contain to H2O, NaCl and likely other salt components (KCl?). Calculations of

salinities are done assuming a pure H2O-NaCl system since NaCl provide good

average values for unknown mixtures of these salts (Brown, 1998). FIAs are

grouped based on quartz paragenetic relationships to ore minerals and the fluid

inclusions relationships within the quartz crystals. Results from all 62

measurements are graphically displayed in in Figure 7.5 within the Homogenization

temperature (ThL-V→L) vs. Ice melting temperature (Tmice) and Salinity plot and the

Homogenization temperature frequency plot. Table 7.2 summarizes results for fluid

inclusion analysis in these samples in which assemblages are grouped and outliers

and fluid inclusions with post-entrapment phenomena are reported individually.

Entrapment pressure and depth below paleowater level are done based on density

of fluid rich type I and II fluid inclusions primary fluid inclusions with no recognized

post-entrapment phenomena (Table 7.2).

165
Table 7.2 Summary of results from 62 fluid inclusions microthermometry analysis at La Mascota
and La Bodega grouped based on common characteristics, mainly location within quartz crystal.
Fluid inclusion density and pressure at homogenization calculation based on Bulk program (Bakker,
2002). Associated calculation of depth based on this information.

Average Th L-V→L [ºC]

Location within quartz

equiv. [Bodnar, 1993]

Average Tm ice [ºC]

Depth=Ph/(g*d) [m];
Average wt% NaCl

measurements
Th L-V→L [ºC]
Genetic Class

Density [g/cc]
Assemblage

Tm ice [ºC]

Number of
2
Vein Type

g=9.8 m/s

Remarks
wt% NaCl equiv.
Te [ºC]

Ph[bar]
crystal

Types
Zone

[Bodnar, 1993]
-
I, -47.0 2.8 2.7 180
P
Quartz II - -- - -
LM En-Qz core MEC -13.0 1.6 -1.9 4.6 3.2 217 200 0.89 12.77 146 17
-
Quartz I, -45.0 4.2 3.5 143
P
growth II - -- - -
LM En-Qz plane MEG -14.4 2.2 -2.7 6.7 4.5 202 186 0.92 9.95 111 7
-
Quartz I, -38.0 1.4 2.1 188
P
growth II - - - - -
LM W-Qz1 plane MWG -14.6 1.2 -1.3 2.4 2.2 222 200 0.88 12.88 149 7

Solid:
Quartz P I -35.5 FeO?
growth -- - Wolframite
LM W-Qz1 plane MWGw 15.7 1.4 -1.4 2.4 2.4 237 237 1 Crystal?

Quartz P I -23.4
growth - - -
LM W-Qz1 plane MWGs 17.2 1.3 -1.3 2.2 2.2 238 238 1 Stretched?
-
I, - 0.5 0.5 195
P
Quartz II 39.1 - -- - -
LM W-Qz2 core MWC -14.9 0.3 -0.4 0.9 0.6 200 197 0.87 11.80 138 5
-
-45.0 3.4 3.5 196
S II
Trail - -- - -
LM W-Qz1 A1 MWA1 -11.0 2.1 -2.7 5.6 4.4 264 247 7
-
-39.0 3.7 4.5 285
S II
Trail - -- - -
LM W-Qz2 A2 MWA2 -14.0 2.7 -3.3 6.0 5.4 310 304 5
Weakly
-19.0 stretched
Ut II 0.89 18.56 212
- - (posible
LB En-Qz Core BECt -15.0 3.5 -3.5 5.7 5.7 217 217 1 primary)
U -32.0
II - -
k
LB En-Qz Core BECk -16.0 5.8 -5.8 8.9 8.9 210 210 1 Leakage?
U -
II
LB En-Qz Core BECn n ? 6.1 -6.1 9.3 9.3 307 307 1 Necking
-
3.1
S II -38.0 - 4.3 238
Trail - - - -
LB En-Qz A1 BEA1 -16.0 2.6 -3.0 5.1 4.9 312 275 4
-
-35.0 5.8 4.8 203 Trail A2
S II
Trail - -- - - cross cuts
LB En-Qz A2 BEA2 -15.0 2.9 -4.6 8.9 7.3 328 261 5 trail A1

166
7.5.1 La Mascota, sample ALR189

Enargite related quartz fluid inclusions: Enargite related quartz fluid inclusions that

were identified included primary type I, II and II fluid inclusions and two aligned

pseudosecondary type II fluid inclusions (see result summary Table 7.2, appendix

A7 for details). Pseudosecondary fluid inclusions in quartz core are treated as part

of the assemblage of the primary fluid inclusions in quartz core. Microthermometry

analysis was done only on type I and II fluid inclusions. Results are summarized in

Table 7.2 (detailed measurements in Appendix A7) as two different fluid inclusion

assemblages including: primary fluid inclusions located in the quartz core, with

average Th=200°C, average Tmice=-1.9°C and average salinity=3.2 wt% NaCl

equiv.; and primary fluid inclusions located in the quartz growth plane with average

Th=186°C, average Tmice=-2.7°C and average salinity=4.5 wt% NaCl equiv.

Wolframite related quartz fluid inclusions: Fluid inclusion assemblage in quartz

core and quartz growth planes included type I II and type III fluid inclusions; but

only type I and II were analyzed. Quartz core fluid inclusion assemblage has

average Th=197°C, average Tmice=-0.4°C and average Salinity=0.6 wt% NaCl

equiv. Quartz growth plane primary fluid inclusion assemblage has average

Th=200°C, average Tmice=-1.3°C and average salinity=2.2 wt% NaCl equiv.

Secondary fluid inclusions corresponded to type II and III fluid inclusions but

microthermometry was only done on type II fluid inclusion homogenization

temperatures were measured (see result summary Table 7.2, appendix A7 for

details). Two different trails were measured which in general showed higher

showed higher temperature and higher salinities than primary fluid inclusions of

167
quartz core and quartz growth plane. Secondary fluid inclusion from trail A1 had

average Th=247°C, average Tmice=-2.7°C and average Salinity=4.4 wt% NaCl

equiv. Secondary fluid inclusion from trail A2 had average Th=304°C, average

Tmice=-3.3°C and average Salinity=5.4 wt% NaCl equiv.

7.5.2 La Bodega, sample ALR260F

Appropriate quartz crystals related to enargite stages were difficult to find in the

chosen sample since most crystals exhibited evidence of deformation (i.e.

subhedral habit, fractures and undulous extinction). Type II and type III fluid

inclusions were recognized, but only type II were analyzed. Microthermometry

measurements are grouped in secondary fluid inclusions according to trails A1 and

A2 fluid inclusions (Table 7.2). Undetermined fluid inclusions showed to have post-

entrapment phenomena: weak stretching (?) undetermined fluid inclusion had

Th=217°C, Tmice= -3.5 °C and salinity=5.7 wt% NaCl equiv.; leaking (?) fluid

inclusion had Th=210°C, Tmice=-5.8°C and Salinity=8.3 wt% NaCl equiv.; necked

down fluid inclusion showed Th=307°C, Tmice=-6.1 and Salinity=9.3 wt% NaCl

equiv.

168
 Figure 7.5. Fluid
inclusion data compiled
for La Mascota and La
Bodega in enargite
related quartz and
wolframite related
quartz within this study.
Total of 62
measurements. Fluid
inclusion codes as
described in Table 7.1.
A. Homogenization
temperature vs. Ice
meting temperature
and salinity. Secondary
fluid inclusions (non-
filled markers in A) are
dispersed as compared
to primary fluid
inclusions (filled
markers). B.
Homogenization
temperature frequency.
Primary fluid inclusions
mostly group around
200-220 °C.
Secondary fluid
inclusions show higher
temperature than
primary fluid inclusions,
but also more
dispersed values. C.
Paragenetic
relationships of primary
and pseudosecondary
fluid inclusions to
quartz enargite and
wolframite and
hydrothermal stages
(Chapter 5).

169
7.6 Discussion

7.6.1 Enargite related quartz fluid inclusions at La Mascota (ALR189)

Fluid inclusions petrography in enargite related quartz at La Mascota shows that

primary and pseudosecondary were entrapped at the time of quartz crystallization

and had no evidence of post-entrapment modifications; i.e stretching, leakage

(Figure 7.2). Therefore they are considered to be good representative of the

conditions of the fluid at the time of entrapment of the fluid. Ranges of

homogenization temperatures and salinity values for these primary fluid inclusions

are typical of epithermal systems (Wilkinson, 2001). The co-existence of type I, II

and III primary fluid inclusions with clear differences in liquid-vapor proportions is

typical of fluids composed of a vapor and a liquid phase as in the case of a boiling

fluid (Wilkinson, 2001). Primary fluid inclusions within quartz core have, in average,

slightly higher homogenization temperatures and lower salinities than primary fluid

inclusions entrapped in the quartz growth plane (Figure 7.5; 7.6) which is typical of

fluids following boiling and cooling path (Shepherd et al., 1985; Hedenquist and

Henley, 1985; Wilkinson, 2001) (Figure 7.6).

7.6.2 Wolframite related quartz fluid inclusions at La Mascota (ALR189)

Primary fluid inclusions in wolframite related quartz found in quartz core and

growth planes include type I, II and III. The occurrence of the three types of fluid

inclusions may be indicative of a boiling assemblage (as interpreted for enargite

related quartz). Figure 7.6 C shows the homogenization temperature vs. salinity

plot for wolframite related quartz fluid inclusions. Primary fluid inclusions from

quartz core show in average lower salinities than primary fluid inclusions found in

170
quartz growth lines. It is interpreted that, in general, primary fluid inclusions within

wolframite related quartz are either following an isothermal mixing trend or a boiling

path with slight cooling (as shown these paths are described by Shepherd et

al.,1985; Wilkinson, 2001).

Figure 7.6. Fluid inclusion

trends from fluid inclusion
data. Salinity vs
Homogenization
temperature. A.
Schematic diagram
showing typical trends in
Homogenization
temperature and salinity
due to various processes
including boiling, cooling,
isothermal mixing,
heating and
depressurization (After
Wilkinson 2001). B.
Primary fluid inclusions
from quartz related to
enargite and possible
associated processes
(boiling and cooling). C.
Primary and secondary
fluid inclusions from
quartz related to
wolframite and possible
associated processes
(boiling, isothermal
mixing? for primary and
depressurization,
heterogeneous
entrapment for
secondary?).

171
Analyzed type II secondary fluid inclusions associated with trails (fractures) have

higher homogenization temperatures and higher salinities than the primary fluid

inclusions. The reasons for these values are unclear. Higher temperature fluids

may be a possibility but it would also be expected to cause post-entrapment

modifications i.e. stretching, leaking or breaking or necking, of most primary fluid

inclusions. Dispersion in salinity and homogenization temperature values may be

explained by heterogeneous entrapment phenomena (Brown, 1998).

Heterogeneous entapment of two immiscible fluids in a boiling system causes

homogenization temperatures readings to be higher than trapping temperatures

(Brown, 1998). Depressurization may also be a reason for higher homogenization

temperatures (Wilkinson, 2001) in this case associated with trails/fractures in

quartz.

7.6.3 La Bodega, enargite quartz related fluid inclusions (ALR260)

Primary fluid inclusions at La Bodega were not clearly identified; and undetermined

fluid inclusions, presumably corresponding to primary fluid inclusions, have

evidence of post-entrapment modifications, therefore only limited assumptions

about the conditions of fluid inclusion entrapment within quartz at La Bodega can

be made. Weakly stretched undetermined fluid inclusion provides a

homogenization temperature of 217 ºC and salinity of 5.7 wt%NaCl equiv. which

falls in the range of primary fluid inclusions from La Mascota, nevertheless

stretching causes the homogenization temperature to rise (Velazco, 2004),

therefore this temperature may be higher than actual homogenization temperature

at entrapment. Undetermined fluid inclusion with leakage had salinities higher than

172
average (8.9 wt% NaCL equiv.). Necked undetermined fluid inclusions show higher

homogenization temperature (in this case, Th= 307°C) not representative of the

conditions fluid from which quartz precipitated (Shepperd et al., 1985). Type II

secondary fluid inclusions within trails A1 and A2 microthermometry data in a

homogenization temperature vs. salinity plot looks dispersed (Figure 7.5), however,

these data are partially consistent with the secondary fluid inclusions from

wolframite related quartz at La Mascota, which as explained before has higher

homogenization temperature and salinities than primary fluid inclusions. The

occurrence of different generations of secondary fluid inclusions and fluid

inclusions with port-entrapment modification suggests important deformation

processes and fracture-healing processes at La Bodega after precipitation of

mineralizing fluids.

7.6.4 Implication of fluid inclusions microthermometry results and boiling

Fluid inclusion results at La Mascota suggests that quartz in the hydrothermal

breccias was precipitated during boiling. Inclusions trapped from an ore fluid

undergoing boiling will homogenize in the laboratory at the temperature of trapping

assuming that individual inclusions trapped either only liquid or only vapor (Brown,

1998). Boiling has been recognized as an important process for ore deposition in

epithermal systems (Buchanan, 1981 In Panteleyev, 1988; Arribas, 1995;

Moncada, 2012) but has not been reported yet in other areas within California

Vetas Mining district different from La Mascota. Boiling has significant effects in

hydrothermal fluids including great changes in temperature of the fluid as well as

changes on the chemistry of a hydrothermal solution associated with the exsolution

173
of CO2 and H2S from an originally homogeneous fluid phase (Drummond and

Ohmoto, 1985). CO2 exsolution causes dramatic changes in pH while H2S

exsolution destabilizes sulfides and perturbs the oxidation state (Drummond and

Ohmoto, 1985). These changes in epithermal systems may also lead to decrease

in gold solubility and consequently its precipitation (Henley et al., 1984). Boiling of

hydrothermal fluids occurs above a depth known as the boiling horizon which is

represented by a change in the fluid inclusion types that are observed, but also

represents a change in ore metal distribution with depth (Moncada, 2012). In

geothermal systems boiling occurs in the central upflowing column of fluid down to

1 to 2 km depth below the water table, controlled by near-hydrostatic pressure-

temperature conditions (Simmons et al., 2005). The spatial relationship between

boiling, fluid inclusion characteristics and precious metal mineralization provides a

potentially valuable tool in exploration for epithermal precious metals deposits

(Moncada, 2012). Boiling evidence at La Mascota is found within the high grade

zones associated with copper sulfides, sulfosalts, gold and silver mineralization.

7.6.5. Estimation of depth of emplacement based on primary fluid inclusion

analysis

Minimum pressure at homogenization and fluid inclusion density was estimated

using the BULK program (Bakker, 2002) based on the averages of ice melting

temperatures and homogenization temperatures of primary fluid inclusions

assemblages which were considered representative of the entrapment conditions

since they represented boiling assemblages (Table 7.2). Estimations of average

depth below paleo-water table at homogenization were done using Equation 3

174
based on estimated averages of pressure (hydrostatic pressure) and density for

the different assemblages of primary fluid inclusions (Type I and II; liquid rich fluid

inclusions). The actual density of the hydrothermal fluid was not estimated since

type III fluid inclusions were not measured. Thus, estimate for the minimum depth

of entrapment at La Mascota based on all enargite quartz related fluid inclusions is

~140 m depth (below paleo-water table) which falls in the shallow end of depth

ranges in which epithermal deposits are formed. This estimate is also consistent

with the range of depths predicted from the boiling point with depth curve for H2O-

NaCl solutions (Figure 7.7A).

The current water table level is located at approximately 80-100 m depth below

surface and varies depending on rain or dry season (F. Maldonado pers. comm.,

2013). Sample ALR189 was taken at ~100 m depth from surface (~2600 m.a.s.l.).

If assuming a similar paleo-water table level depth from paleo-surface as the depth

from surface of the curent water-table, approximate minimum depth of entrapment

of these fluid inclusions below surface was ~220-240 m. suggesting that minimum

erosion at La Mascota, since the emplacement of the hydrothermal breccias is

approximately ~120-140 m (Figure 7.7 B). The bottom part of the boiling zone

boiling level is predicted to have been below minimum ~600 m depth, based on

quartz textures associated with boiling and mineralization observed in drill hole

LB221 (Figure 7.7B). According to Simmons et al. (2005); in geothermal systems,

the boiling level may locate up to 1-2 km depth.

175
7.6.6 Comparison to other fluid inclusion studies within the California Vetas

Mining District and hydrothermal environment implications

Primary fluid inclusions within La Mascota show clearly lower homogenization

temperatures and lower salinities when compared to fluid inclusions at La Plata

(SW of La Mascota) and Angostura (NE of La Bodega) (Figure 7.7).

Veins in which microthermometry studies were carried out at La Plata (D-type and

A-type veins; Raley, 2011) and Angostura (D-type veins; Mantilla et al., 2012)

suggest that these veins are representative of shallow porphyry environments.

Early stages of evolution at La Mascota and La Bodega (stages 1 and 2 see

Chapter 5) are representative of shallow porphyry environments as well. The

comparison between the paragenetic evolution at La Mascota and La Bodega to La

Plata and La Angostura shows that veins studied from the latter two areas match

partially the early paragenetic stages at La Mascota. Also at La Mascota and La

Bodega it is evident the most shallow portions (epithermal environments) of the

whole hydrothermal system within La Baja Trend. Therefore, the evolution of the

mineralizing fluids of the system within California-Vetas Mining district and

specifically La Baja Trend, shows strong evidence for cooling hydrothermal system

overtime, culminating in a boiling epithermal system at at La Mascota.

176
 Figure 7.7. Depth of
emplacement estimate
based on fluid inclusion
microthermometry of
hydrothermal quartz at
La Mascota from
sample ALR189. A.
Boiling point with depth
curve for 0 m and 2 m
H2O-NaCl solutions
containing 0-5% mol
CO2 and 2 m NaCl
(after Wilkinson, 2001)
showing estimated
ranges of depth below
paleo-water table level
at La Mascota (gray
box) based on primary
fluid inclusions with
0.5-1.7 m NaCl
estimated using Bulk
program developed by
Bakker (2003). B.
Schematic geological
alteration section M-M’
at La Mascota showing
minimum depth of
entrapment below
paleowater table level
of primary fluid
inclusions and possible
paleosurface and
water-table at ~2.2 Ma
as well as hypothetic
boiling bottom below
600 m depth
(approximately 1-2 km?
depth if compared to
geothermal systems).

177
Minimum depth of entrapment estimated for fluid inclusions in quartz + pyrite+

chalcopyrite veins within La Perezosa zone (at approximate 2800 m. a. s. l. today)

at La Angostura (limit between La Bodega and Angotura, see Figure 3.3) is >700m

(Mantilla et al., 2012) which is at least 550 m below the minimum depth of

entrapment estimated for fluid inclusions in quartz within breccias from the later

stages of mineralization (wolframite and enargite related) estimated for La Mascota

(~140 m). La Perezosa quartz + pyrite+ chalcopyrite veins may be considered

representative of earlier stages and deeper zones of the hydrothermal system

within La Baja Trend (as described in Chapter 3) compared to the paragenetic

evolution determined for La Bodega-La Mascota (stage 2-3). The Angostura veins

are found today at higher elevation than the breccias and veins from La Mascota

(~2600 m), representative of epithermal environment (stage 5). This suggests that

erosion has played an important role in the exhumation of the porphyry system

environment which may have been accompanied by uplifting of the Angostura and

La Bodega areas in relation to La Mascota through reverse faulting associated with

Paez fault (as proposed by Mantilla et al., 2011; see Figures 3.3, 3.4).

178
Figure 7.8. Salinity (wt%NaCl equiv.) vs Homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz from different
paragenetic stages with California-Vetas Mining district, including La Plata (SW of La Mascota)
(Raley, 2012), La Angostura (Albinson, 2000; Mantilla et al., 2012); La Mascota (Forero, 2010;
Mendoza, 2011; this study). Epithermal and porphyry deposits field after Wilkinson (2001).

179
 Chapter 8. Origin of Mineralizing Fluids at La Bodega and La Mascota:

Insights from Oxygen, Deuterium and Sulfur Stable Isotopes

8.1 Introduction

Stable isotopes can provide information in four critical areas: 1) temperature of

mineral deposition, 2) sources of the hydrothermal fluids, 3) sources of sulfur and

carbons (and by extrapolation, metals), and 4) water-wall rock interaction

(Campbell & Larson, 1998). Light stable isotopes commonly used in hydrothermal

mineralization research include oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon (Table 8.1;

Campbell & Larson, 1998). Stable isotopes are usually expressed in the delta (δ)

notation which described their variation in per mil. Stable isotopes terminology,

notation and associated concepts are summarized in Table 2 (Campbell & Larson,

1998).

Table 8.1. Natural abundance and reference standards for light stable isotopes (Adapted from
Hoefs, 1997 in Campbel and Larson 1998)

ATOMIC
ELEMENT ISOTOPE ABUNDANCE RATIO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
16
O 99.763% Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water
17 (VSMOW)
O 0.0375% 18
O Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB) (for
18 16
Oxygen O 0.1995% / O carbonates)
1
H 99.9844%
2
Hydrogen H (D) 0.0156% D/H VSMOW
32
S 95.02%
33
S 0.75%
34 34
S 4.21% S
36 32
Sulfur S 0.02% / S Canon Diablo Troilite (CDT)
12 13
C 98.89% C
13 12
Carbon C 1.11% / C VPDB

180
 Table 8.2. Stable Isotope terminology (Campbel and Larson, 1998)

NAME SYMBOL DEFINITION

Absolute abundance ratio R R= (Moles of heavy isotope/moles of Light
isotope)
3
Relative Isotopic enrichment δ δ (%o, or per mil) = ((Rsamp/RStd)-1))*10
(delta)
Isotopic Fractionation Factor α αxy= Rx/Ry
3 3
(alpha) αxy=(δx+10 )/ (δy+10 )
3
10 ln αxy= Δxy
Relative Isotopic fractionation Δxy Δxy= δx- δy

(big delta)

Sulfate minerals in nearly all environments tend to reflect sulfur isotopic

fractionation between reduced and oxidized sulfur species and, in some cases, to

reflect oxygen isotopic fractionation between SO42- and water (Rye, 2005).

Advanced techniques to determine nature of fluids in epithermal systems include

the use of stable isotope analysis (δD, δ18O, δ34S, δC) in gangue minerals (e.g.,

alunite, illite, calcite and kaolinite) and co-existing sulfide bearing phases (Rye et

al., 1992; Arribas, 1995; Hedenquist et al., 1998; Deyell et al., 2004; Bethke et al.,

2005; Fifarek and Rye, 2005, Simmons et al., 2005). Nature and genesis of

mineralizing fluids in epithermal deposits varies between high-sulfidation deposits

and low-sulfidation deposits. High to intermediate-sulfidation state deposits are

associated with quartz + alunite ± pyrophyllite ± dickite ± kaolinite gangue, precious

and base metal mineralization (Simmons et al., 2005). These deposits are

intimately associated with the crystallization of igneous intrusions and exsolution of

magmatic fluids (Simmons et al., 2005). Stable isotope data indicate that the

altering fluids are composed mostly of magmatic fluids with a minor to moderate

component of meteoric water (Simmons et al., 2005).

181
Pyrite δ34S values may provide some constraints on the oxidation state of the

system (Rye, 1993; Rye 2005) and possible processes that could have generated

these signatures (Gemmell et al., 2004). Pyrite δ34S values at La Bodega and La

Mascota and other areas in the CVMD are presented compared to δ34S values

characteristic of other systems and processes systems including high-sulfidation

systems and porphyry systems (Figure 8.2).

Alunite (KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6) can be analyzed for four stable-isotopes: two from the

SO4 site δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 and two from the OH site; δDOH, δ18OOH (Wasserman

et al., 1992). Therefore, alunite can provide information on the isotopic composition

of water and sulfur species in pre-ore parental fluids (Rye, 2005).

Based on experimental data on the fractionation of sulfur isotopes between

aqueous sulfates and sulfides (Ohmoto and Rye, 1979; Ohmoto and
34 34
Lasaga,1982); the δ S values and Δ Salunite-pyrite precipitation temperatures can

be determined for disseminated alunite and pyrite occurring in equilibrium allowing

for an alternate method for fluid temperature estimation (Rye, 1992). The sulfur-

isotope data of alunite-pyrite pairs produce one of the best isotope

geothermometers for epithermal systems in the temperature range of 200-400 °C

(Rye, 2005). Then, temperature can be calculated through Equation 8.1 (Ohmoto

and Rye, 1979 In: Rye et al., 1992):

Equation 8.1:

δ34S of alunite – pyrite pairs are used here to calculate the temperature of the fluids

that precipitated these minerals. These temperatures are compared to the results

182
from the fluid inclusions microthermometry on quartz from stages 4 and 5 of the

paragenetic evolution of La Mascota and La Bodega hydrothermal system

(Chapter 7).

δD, δ18O isotope analysis on alunite (and alunite-natroalunite solid solution) are

used to fingerprint the fluids from which these minerals precipitated and determine

their most probable origin within their corresponding paragenetic state. Alunite-

water fractionation factor (ΔDalunite-water ranges from -19 at 450°C to -6 at 250°C and

does not appear to be strongly dependent on temperature (Stoffregen et al.,1994).

Since the Δ18O fractionation factor between alunite and water is temperature

dependent and a temperature corrections needs to be applied to make inferences

about the origin of the fluid (Stoffregen et al.,1994). Equation 8.2 accounts for this

correction over a temperature range of 250-450°C (Stoffregen et al.,1994).

Equation 8.2: - ( )

Values of δD, δ18O and δ34S from stable isotope analysis on ore related sulfates

and sulfides; including alunite, natroalunite and pyrite in breccia cement, veins and

host rock alteration are presented in this chapter and are used to characterize the

fluids and processes involved in the alteration and mineralization of the

hydrothermal systems La Bodega and La Mascota as well as in other areas of the

La Baja Trend.

183
8.2 Methodology

8.2.1 Sample selection and separation

Samples were separated mainly from drill holes from La Mascota, La Bodega and

El Cuatro. Surface sample separates, collected by T. Bissig (2011) from other

deposits within La Baja Trend; including San Celestino, La Plata and Angostura

(La Perezosa and Los Laches), and La Francia (to the East of La Baja Trend but

within the CVMD) are also presented here (Table 8.3). Separates were extracted

from hydrothermal breccia cement, druse infillings, veins and altered minerals

(Figure 8.1; Table 8.3)

SWIR and XRD analyses were carried out on the samples selected for stable

isotope analysis (Chapter 3), to confirm alunite occurrence and abundance in the

separate samples.

Samples were separated from rock using scratcher, needles and tweezers through

the Wasserman et al. (1992) methods. In most samples for alunite-pyrite pairs,

these minerals were finely intergrown with pyrite at grain sizes down to <10 µm.

Pyrite microcrystals (<5µm) may have not completely been separated from alunite.

Pure separates were possible for pyrite with coarser grain sizes to 0.5 mm - ~1 mm

in diameter. Alunite separates had a smaller grain size distribution to minimize

content of fine grained pyrite. Final alunite separates grain size ranged from <0.1

mm to 1 mm in diameter.

184
Figure 8.1. Selected samples for isotopic analysis from La Bodega and La Mascota. A, ALR012
hand sample. B microphotograph of A under XPL. C. ALR038 close up showing alunite (nal-alu),
sphalerite and pyrite. D. microphotograph of C under RL+XPL showing alunite, pyrite and quartz. E.
ALR264, alunite veins with enargite and pyrite. F. microphotograph of E. G, H. ALR024 hand
sample hydrothermal breccia with alunite+natroalunite and quartz. G. Microphotograph of H under
RL+XPL. I. ALR034. Alunite+pyrite vein cutting granite. J..Microphotograph of I under RL+XPL
showing pyrite remaining from pyrite-alunite vein and alunite alteration adjacent to vein. M. ALR026
of flaky (bladed) alunite in dryssy quartz. N Close up of M. O. ALR027 alunite+pyrite vein. O. close
up of O. Q. ALR323 alunite vein cutting breccia with enargite. R. Close up of Q.

185
8.2.2 Analytical methods

Samples were analyzed at the Queen’s Facility for Isotopic Research. Provided

laboratory protocols are described below.

Oxygen Isotopes: Alunite was dissolved in 7N NaOH (bubbled with Ar gas to

avoid atmospheric CO2 absorption) for 24 hours at 80°C. BaSO4 was precipitated

by addition of saturated BaCl2 to the hot dissolved alunite solution. BaSO4

precipitate was recovered by centrifugation and was washed with 20 % HCl to

remove any carbonate phases that formed, and rinsed in RO water before a final

centrifuge step. BaSO4 was degassed for 1 hour at 100 °C to remove any

adsorbed water. BaSO4 was analyzed by TC/EA-IRMS, weighed into silver

capsules and dropped into a 1450 °C graphite crucible, with 1% H2 auxiliary gas to

aid in combustion which converts the sample to CO gas which was separated by a

PORAPLOT-Q gas chromatograph column and measured with a ThermoFinnigan

DeltaXP Plus IRMS. Oxygen isotope values are reported in δ18O notation, relative

to Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW). The reproducibility of δ18O

measurements based on repeat measurements of reference materials and

samples is ±0.2‰.

Deuterium Isotopes: δ D values from aluniteOH were measured on a Thermo

Finnigan thermo-combustion elemental analyzer (TC/EA) using procedures from

Uvarova et al. (2011) based on modified procedures from Sharp et al. (2001).

Samples were weighted in silver capsules, degassed for 1 h at 100 ◦C, then

compacted and loaded into a zero-blank auto sampler and later dropped into a

graphite crucible at 1450 °C, converting the released H2O into H2, which was

186
separated by a PORAPLOT-Q gas chromatograph column and measured with a

Thermo Finnigan DELTAplusXP IRMS. δD results are reported with respect to

VSMOW. The reproducibility of δD measurements based on repeat measurements

of reference materials and samples is ±3‰.

Sulfur Isotopes: Stable sulfur isotopic measurements on pyrite were done

following procedures described by Polito et al. (2007). Samples are weighed into

tin buckets. Pyrite samples were analyzed using a Carlo Erba CNOS elemental

analyser coupled to a Finnigan MAT 252 mass spectrometer with a Finnigan MAT

Conflo 11 interface and are reported in the δ notation in units of per mil (‰) relative

to the standard Vienna-Canyon Diablo troilite (V-CDT). For alunite V2O5 was added

to help catalyze the reaction and the same procedures as for pyrite analysis were

conducted. Replicate δ34S analyses are reproducible to ±0.3‰.

187
8.3 Results

Stable isotope results of δ34S, δ18O and δD (‰) are summarized in Table 8.3.

Results presented here include samples from La Mascota, La Bodega, El Cuatro

and others within the California Vetas Mining district (see map in Figure 3.2 for

location of district prospects) in the context of the paragenetic sequence presented

in Chapter 5. The paragenetic stages proposed for other areas different from La

Bodega and La Mascota corresponds to probable equivalent stages within the

proposed paragenetic sequence (Chapter 5). This is based on described mineral

relationships as well as the geochronological constrains for the paragenetic stages.

8.3.1 Pyrite sulfur isotopes

δ34S values for pyrite are very light, ranging from -16.9‰ to –11.3‰ at La Mascota

and -9.4‰ and –6.1‰ at La Bodega (Table 8.3). A single pyrite sample from La

Plata yielded a less negative δ34S value of -1‰ at La Plata. Native sulfur from La

Mascota (Mendoza, 2011) also has a very light value of -20.1‰ (L. C. Mantilla

Figueroa, 2012, unpublished data). Figure 8.2 shows the distribution of δ34S

compared to the distribution in other environment. Figure 8.3 show variation of

isotopic signature through time and compared to the established hydrothermal

stages (Chapters 5 and 6 respectively).

188
 Table 8.3. Stable isotope results of δ S, O and D (‰) in the California-Vetas Mining district. Samples at La Mascota and La Bodega
34

include alunite, natroalunite, pyrite (this study) and native sulfur (L.C. Mantilla, 2012, Unpubl.). Samples from other areas include San
Celestino, Angosturas (Los Laches and La Perezosa), La Plata and La Francia (sampling by T. Bissig in 2011, Unpubl).

(alunite-pyrite pairs
Δ 34Salunite-pyrite

fractionation: Rye

250°C; Stoffregen
(Oxygen Isotopic
Temperature [°C]
Isotopes Oxygen

Alunite S (‰)

Alunite O (‰)

Alunite O (‰)

fractionation at
Alunite D (‰)

Pyrite S (‰)

Sample Code

et al.,1994)
Amount %

et al 1992)
Depth (m)

Analyzed
Age [Ma]
HOLE ID

Minerals
Stage
Zone Sample description

2.22±0.05
ALR264

197.15
LB037

La Bodega
5 Alunite Pyrite 27 17.5 -52 10 -8.3 18.3 355 9.2
(LB)
Alu+py+en vein
1.63±0.29
ALR281

LB013

231.8

La Bodega Natro-
6 Pyrite 28 18 -68 8.8 -6.1 14.9 466 9.7
(LB) alunite Alu+py (cubic)+qz cement.
Secondary LB THBX structure
Coarse pegmatoid feldspar
TBCV 019

3.54 ± 0.13

phyric rock intensely quartz-

175.86
LB251

La Bodega
2? Pyrite -9.4 illite altered. Illite is greenish,
(LB)
replacing feldspars, white
quartz in matrix.
3.26±0.30
ALR040

LB282

131.3

El Cuatro (EC) 2-3 Alunite 21 10.9 -49 13.2 2.6

Alu replacing feldspar
phenocrysts
2.63±0.09
ALR012

LB112

Alu in breccia replacing

253.1

La Mascota
3-4 Alunite Pyrite 26 15.3 -43 8.1 -11.3 19.4 329 7.0
6

(LM) gneiss clasts with covelite

veins and py
1.87±0.30
ALR024

LB112

312.6

La Mascota
6 Natroalunite 29 9.5 -58 6.7 1.2
(LM)
Natroalunite in THBX
2.47±0.27
ALR026

LB159

337.7

La Mascota Alu (bladed) + py? in

4-5 Alunite Pyrite -78 -15.4
(LM) w+qz+py (fine colloform)
drusy cavity

189
 (alunite-pyrite pairs
Δ 34Salunite-pyrite

fractionation: Rye

250°C; Stoffregen
(Oxygen Isotopic
Temperature [°C]
Isotopes Oxygen

Alunite S (‰)

Alunite O (‰)

Alunite O (‰)

fractionation at
Alunite D (‰)

Pyrite S (‰)

Sample Code

et al.,1994)
Amount %

et al 1992)
Depth (m)

Analyzed
Age [Ma]
HOLE ID

Minerals
Stage
Zone Sample description

1.60±0.69 2.26±0.31 2.31±0.26

ALR323 ALR152 ALR038 ALR034 ALR027

LB112

328.8
La Mascota
4-5? Alunite 37 21.6 -67 6 13.3
(LM)
Alu cross cutting gneiss
LB112

347.7
La Mascota
3-5? Alunite Pyrite 31 19 -54 7.7 -16 23.7 251 10.7
(LM)
Alu cross cutting granite
LB112

357.8

La Mascota
6 Alunite Pyrite 15 10.8 -70 0.8 -16.9 17.7 371 2.5
(LM) Sph+py+alu vein cutting
THBX
317.05
LB114

La Mascota
4 Alunite -52 9.3
(LM)
Alu+w cavity filling
LB205

243.5

La Mascota
6 Alunite Pyrite 21 15.1 -53 5.8 -13.7 19.5 327 6.8 Alu+py (fine colloform)+en
(LM)
cutting THBX
Native sulfur in Drusy quartz+
fine pyrite (fine colloform)
MBM-04

575.35
LB278

La Mascota cavity. (Sampled by M.

6 Native S -20.1
(LM) Mendoza, 2011; analysis
result by L. C. Mantilla F.,
2012; Unpubl.)
TBCV

3.23 ±

San Celestino
001

0.06

2-3? Alunite 19 13.6 -48 9.7 5.3

(SC)
Alu altering porphyry
TBC

Alunite, with
056

<10

La Francia (LF) 2-3? 20 13.9 -45 9.2 5.6

V

sericite Alu altering porphyry

TBCV TBCV TBCV

3.43 ±
073

0.07

La Plata (LP) 2-3? Alunite Pyrite 21 17.3 -39 10.7 -1 11.7 650 9.0
Alu altering granitoid
2.12 ± 2.77 ±

Angostura; Los
0.11

Alu with chalcedonic qz

10

2-3? Alunite 25 20.7 -43 9.7 12.4

Laches (AL) altering gneiss
Angostura; La
0.07

Pinkish alu (nal-alu) vn cutting

69

6? Alunite Pyrite 24 14.9 -66 10 6.6

Perezosa (AP) qz -py vn and ill alteration

190
 34
Figure 8.2 δ S values obtained at the California-Vetas Mining District compared to classic deposits
types around the world including several high sulfidation deposits (Arribas, 1995), low sulfidation
deposits (Field and Fifarek, 1985), Alkalic-type epithermal deposits (Richards, 1995), alkali
volcanism related Conical Seamount and Ladolam (Gemmell et al., 2004), Butte Montana porphyry
deposit (Field et al., 2007); porphyry and high sulfidation deposits at Baguio District, Philippines
(Cooke et al, 2011) and the Sur-Sur tourmaline breccia, Río Blanco-Los Bronces porphyry Cu-Mo
deposit in Chile Andes (Frikken et al., 2005); Pascua-Lama high sufidation deposit in the Andes,
limit between Chile and Argentina. La Mascota native sulfur analysis was provided by L.C.Mantilla,
2012). Angostura, San Celestino, La Francia and La Plata samples, collected by T. Bissig (2011).

191
 34
Figure 8.3. δ S values obtained at the California-Vetas Mining District compared to the sample
40 39
ages obtained by Ar/ Ar geochronology on alunite related to pyrite and the presumable age
34 34
based on mineralization stages. δ S values at La Plata are the heaviest in the district (-1‰). δ S
34
values at La Bodega are -9.4‰ and –6.1‰ (<10‰), while δ S values at La Mascota are -16.9‰ to
–11.3‰ for pyrite and for native sulfur -20.1‰. Despite the limited amount of samples, it is evident
that later stages δ34S values for pyrite and native sulfur are lighter than earlier stages.

192
8.3.2 Alunite sulfur isotopes

δ34S values for alunite at La Bodega are 8.8 and 10 ‰, at La Mascota δ34S values

range from 0.8 to 8.1‰; in other areas from the CDMV within La Baja trend δ34Sso4

values are: San Celestino 9.7‰, La Plata 10.7‰, and in the Angosturas deposit;

Los Laches 9.7‰ and La Perezosa 10‰; and at La Francia (east of La Baja

Trend) 9.2‰.

8.3.3 Geothermometry using the Δ34S between alunite – pyrite pairs

Paleo-temperature calculation based on the Δ34S between alunite – pyrite (pairs in

textural equilibrium) geothermometer was done using Equation 8.1 (Ohmoto and

Rye, 1979 In: Rye et al., 1992). According to these calculations, at La Bodega and

La Mascota samples from stages 2-6 have a range of values between 251 and

466°C. Most results are above 300°C except for sample, ALR034 which yielded to

a temperature of 251 °C (Figure 8.1). This sample corresponds to a vein of alunite

and pyrite (cubic-coarse) in textural equilibrium cross-cutting the leucogranite unit.

39
ALR034 alunite-pyrite pair likely corresponds to Stage 4-5 based on Ar/40Ar

geochronology done on alunite. Fluid inclusion microthermometry for La Mascota

(Chapter 7) indicates that temperatures above 220 °C are not expected for stages

4 and 5. In the case of La Plata area (SW of La Mascota, Figure 3.3), the

temperature of 653°C is significantly above the temperature range for the alunite-

pyrite geothermometer, above alunite stability and above the maximum

homogenization temperature of 453°C determined for early porphyry style fluids

which clearly pre-date alunite-pyrite mineralization at La Plata (Raley, 2012).

193
The stability field for alunite is 15°C-~400 °C and the stability field of the alunite-

pyrite pair geothermometer is 200-400 °C (Rye et al., 2005); therefore most of the

calculated temperatures for La Mascota, La Bodega and La Plata are neither

realistic nor consistent with the fluid inclusion microthermometry data and its

paragenetic associations. The discrepancy is interpreted as either the effect of very

fine grained pyrite (<5µm) that could not completely be removed from alunite or,

alternatively, may indicate that sulfide-alunite pairs were not in isotopic equilibrium.

Reasons for lack of isotope equilibrium between minerals include the following: (1)

insufficient time for the aqueous species to reach equilibrium at the temperature

and pH of the parent fluids after an event such as boiling, mixing, or wallrock

alteration; (2) non-contemporaneous deposition of sulfide and sulfate minerals from

a fluid or magma of changing composition; and (3) retrograde isotope exchange

between one or both minerals and later fluids with different temperatures and

compositions than those of the parent fluids. Following events such as boiling, fluid

mixing and mineral precipitation or dissolution, there may not be enough time for

reaching isotopic equilibrium between minerals (Rye, 2005). At La Mascota,

samples of alunite-pyrite pairs with two or more populations of pyrite grain sizes

may correspond to pairs in which isotopic equilibrium might have not entirely been

reached due to changes in the rate of the deposition of these minerals resulting in

lower Δ34Salunite-pyrite values therefore leading to unrealistically higher temperatures.

This hypothetical isotopic disequilibrium may also be explained by the boiling

processes for which evidence have been previously provided and discussed.

194
The degree of approach to equilibrium can be used to constrain the nature and

rates of processes (Rye, 2005). The most reliable temperature obtained at La

Mascota is 251°C. This is based on its value close to homogenization temperature

from microthermometry, and the fact that pyrite in this sample was coarse grained

and a complete separation from alunite was possible.

A plot δ34Salunite vs. δ34Spyrite (Figure 8.4) illustrates graphically the alunite-pyrite

pairs values in respect to locus with slopes of +1 representing each a different

temperature (isotherms lines). ALR034 with a calculated temperature of 251°C, is

found in the middle between the 200 and 300°C isotherms but all other data fall

between 300 and 400 °C. This graph also shows that La Bodega and La Mascota

alunite data do not define an array with a negative or near to 0 slopes, which is

consistent with their different timing, as compared to the coeval alunite data from

Pierina high sulfidation deposit (Fifarek and Rye, 2004).

8.3.4 δD and δ18O isotopes.

δD values from the CVMD (including La Bodega and La Mascota) range from -70

to -39‰. δ18O raw values range from 9.5 to 21.6‰. δ18O isotopic fractionation was

calculated using on the Equation 8.2 in order to account for values in equilibrium

with hydrothermal fluids at a temperature of 251 °C based on the most reliable

result of the δ34S geothermometry and the acceptable temperature range for the

use of Equation 8.2 (250 and 400 °C). δ18O fluid in equilibrium with alunite at

T=251°C ranges from 1.2 to 14‰. These results were used for construct δD vs

δ18O and the δ34S and δ18OSO4 plots (Figure 8.5). Reference fields for metamorphic

waters (Taylor, 1974), volcanic vapor (Giggenbach, 1992), magmatic waters

195
(Taylor, 1974), the meteoric waters line (Craig, 1961) and the isotopic

compositions of meteoric recent waters in Eastern Cordillera in the Colombian

Andes (Mora, 2001) are also shown.

34 34
Figure 8.4. δ Salunite vs. δ Spyrite plot showing data from La Mascota, La Bodega and La Plata
from different paragenetic stages (colored markers). The graph shows the best fit lines for La
Mascota and La Bodega-La Mascota together with positive slope consitent with their non- coeval
origin. These data are compared to the Pierina high-sulfidation deposit, which data, in black and
white markers, are making an array with a negative slope close to zero best-fit line (Fifarek and
Rye, 2004).

196
 18 18
Figure 8.5. δD vs δ O plot (reported relative to VSMOW). δ O from alunite (SO4) isotopic
compositions is calculated in equilibrium with hydrothermal fluids at a temperature of 251 °C.
Reference fields are from Taylor (1974) for the magmatic waters, Taylor (1974) for metamorphic
waters, Giggenbach (1992) for Volcanic Vapour, Craig (1961) for meteoric water line and Mora et
al. (2001) meteoric water in the Colombian Andes. LB: La Bodega; LM: La Mascota; EC: El Cuatro;
SC: San Celestino; LF: La Francia; LP: La Plata; AL: Los Laches at Angostura; AP: La Perezosa at
Angostura (for these locations see map in Figure 3.3).

8.4 Discussion

8.4.1 Pyrite δ34S signatures

δ34S isotopes from pyrite show a broad range of values within the CVMD (Figure

8.2). δ34S pyrite values for La Plata are within the reported for porphyry deposits

(i.e., Butte Montana, Field et al., 2005; Baguio District, Philippines, Cooke et al.,

2011). La Bodega δ34S pyrite values are lighter than alunite-enargite-pyrite

197
associations δ34S sulfide values from high-sulfidation Pascua-Lama deposit in the

Chile-Argentina Andes (Deyell et al., 2005); however, La Bodega δ34S pyrite values

are within the normal values reported for high-sulfidation deposits (Arribas, 1995),

e.g. Baguio District, Phillipines (Cooke et al., 2011). La Mascota deposit is

considered to be a high-sulfidation deposit, based on its ore mineralogy (Chapter

5), however δ34S pyrite values at La Mascota are the lightest known in the CVMD

and they show a range of values that are lighter than sulfides from most high-

sulfidation epithermal deposits sulfides (Arribas, 1995), therefore the origin of these

signatures is not entirely clear.

La Mascota light δ34S pyrite values are numerically within the range reported for

sulfides from alkalic epithermal deposits (Richards, 1995 In Gemmel et al., 2004),

and sulfides from alkalic volcanic hydrothermal environment reported at Ladolam

gold deposit (Gemmell, 2004); nonetheless, porphyritic rocks from recent

magmatic events associated with mineralization at the CVMD are of calc-alkalic

affinity not alkalic (Mantilla et al., 2013).

δ34S pyrite values at La Mascota are within the wide field of the δ34S values from

sulfides within modern marine deposits (Faquhar, 2010). In marine environments,

biogenic sulfate reduction is the main process to produce sulfur fractionation and

therefore pronounced negative δ34S isotope signatures at temperatures below

100°C (Clark and Fritz, 1997; Ohmoto and Goldhaber, 1997; Krouse and Mayer,

2000 In: Stam, 2006).

In the area of La Mascota, the host rocks for the mineralized hydrothermal breccias

are mainly Precambrian gneisses from the Bucaramanga Complex (Chapter 3)

198
derived from metasedimentary rocks, including metapelitic rocks, that underwent

regional amphibolite-facies metamorphism during the Proterozoic (Ward et al.,

1973, Mendoza and Jaramillo, 1973). Sulfides within the Bucaramanga Complex

are scarce and their δ34S is currently unknown, therefore conclusive arguments for

the negative δ34S signatures at La Mascota being inherited from the metapelitic

rocks from the Bucaramanga Complex cannot be made.

On the other hand, at Conical Seamount, a submarine alkali basalt volcano 10 Km

south of Lihir in Papua New Guinea (Gemmell et al., 2004), δ34S sulfides isotopic

signatures (–17.5 to +6.1‰) were originally interpreted as the result of

bacteriogenic sulfate reduction (Petersen et al., 2002), but later these signatures

were interpreted as to be the product of intense boiling (Gemmell et al., 2004). As

exposed in Chapter 7, boiling processes, accompanied by separation of volatiles,

can cause radical changes on the chemistry of a hydrothermal solution associated

with the exolution of CO2 and H2S which leads to dramatic changes in pH and

oxidation state (Drummond and Ohmoto, 1985). Moreover, boiling produces

variation in the isotopic composition of the sulfides and an increase in the oxidation

state of the residual liquid, leading to significant fractionation of sulfur isotopes

(McKibben and Eldridge, 1990). This fractionation can cause rapid shifts from

positive to negative δ34S values of sulfides that may be highly variable at the

sulfide grain scale, with isotopic heterogeneity in individual samples (McKibben

and Eldridge, 1990). Evidence for episodic boiling at La Mascota, during epithermal

stages (3-6) have been provided in Chapters 4, 5 and 7. In a broad sense, at La

Mascota late stages pyrite and native sulfur have lighter δ34S signatures than early

199
pyrite (Figure 8.3); thereby, boiling at the epithermal level is a possible explanation

for La Mascota’s pyrite light δ34S signatures and the gradual isotopic shift towards

light signatures from early stages to late stages.

8.4.2 δ34S of alunite – pyrite pairs and geothermometry constraints at La

Bodega, La Mascota and La Plata

Geothermometry from alunite-pyrite pairs, in general show anomalous

temperatures that do not fit within the constraints derived from homogenization

temperatures recorded from primary fluid inclusions in epithermal stages at La

Mascota (Chapter 7). Figure 8.4 shows that in the plot δ34Salunite vs. δ34Spyrite, La

Plata is above the alunite geothermometer temperature limit and La Bodega and

La Mascota alunite data does not make an array with a negative nor near to 0

slopes as compared to the coeval alunite data from Pierina high-sulfidation deposit

(Fifarek and Rye, 2004), which is expected since most samples are not coeval.

8.4.3 Origin of the hydrothermal mineralizing fluids

The δD vs δ18O plot (Figure 8.5) shows that CVMD data collected for this study

mainly plot within or in close vicinity of the magmatic waters field. Therefore most

fluids from which alunite precipitated are associated with a magmatic source.

Samples ALR027 and ALR034 from La Mascota and sample TBC-010 from

Angosturas deposit, Los Laches prospect, are plotting to the right of the magmatic

waters field into the metamorphic waters field; which is interpreted as a possible

interaction between the magmatic fluids and the metamorphic host rocks. In

general, samples from late stage (6) have lower δD than samples from earlier

stages and two samples from stage 6, ALR024 and ALR038 show the lowest δ18O

200
values. This isotopic shift in the δ18O and δD values in late stages is interpreted as

evidence for minor but increasing interaction of the hydrothermal fluids with

meteoric waters in later stages. The relatively light δ18O value of 2.4‰ at El Cuatro

may result from a minor interaction with meteoric water may be explained by

similar processes.

In summary, the main origin of the alunite associated with the fluids that provided

hydrothermal alteration and mineralization within the CVMD (in La Baja Trend

area) is a magmatic fluid dominated source; as in most high-sulfidation deposits

(Simmons et al., 2005). Minor interaction of these fluids with the metamorphic host

rock took place and minor interaction with meteoric waters might have occurred in

late stages of the hydrothermal evolution of the system (stage 6). Furthermore, at

La Mascota and more evidently at La Bodega, in drill core as well as in outcrop,

porphyry style phyllic alteration and associated D-type veins were developed prior

to the emplacement of epithermal style mineralization veins and breccias

associated with alunite alteration (Chapter 4). This fact indicates that in general

the uppermost part of the hydrothermal system is preserved and no major erosion

has taken place since the emplacement of the epithermal veins and breccias and

associated alteration. No source rock representing the magma from which the

hydrothermal fluids were derived is exposed but is suspected at depth.

201
 Chapter 9. Evolution of La Bodega and La Mascota Deposits: A Discussion

and Comparison to Other Epithermal Deposits

9.1 Late Miocene history

Epithermal and porphyry style mineralization in the La Bodega and La Mascota is

of late Pliocene to Pleistocene age and is hosted by Proterozoic gneisses and

Mesozoic granitoids. The most recent magmatic episode is represented by the

intrusion of granodioritic porphyry dikes in a few magmatic pulses between ~10.9-

8.4 Ma (Mantilla et al., 2009, 2011; Leal-Mejía et al., 2011, Mantilla et al., 2013).

According to Mantilla et al. (2013), Miocene magmatism in the CVMD, coincides in

age with the collision of the Baudó-Panama terrane and was emplaced in a

generally compressive stress regime probably associated with the subduction of

the Caribbean plate beneath this part of the northern Andes (Dengo and Covey,

1993; Kellogg and Vega, 1995; Taboada et al., 2000; Prieto et al., 2012 and

Vargas and Mann, 2013). Evidence for Miocene extrusive magmatism is

exceedingly scarce in the district and is restricted to a few suspected tuff

occurrences and breccias at Cerro Violetal (Galvis, 1998; Figure 3.3) where

diatreme (?) breccias have been reported (Galvis, 1998; Bissig et al., 2012). Early

porphyry style mineralization in the CVMD is represented by the quartz-

molybdenite veins, dated at 10.14 +/- 0.04 Ma (Bissig et al., 2012), which are

mainly hosted in the Late Triassic to early Jurassic leucogranites and

Bucaramanga (Gneiss) Complex at El Cuatro, approximately 500 m south-west of

La Mascota and La Bodega (Figure 9.1). D-type veins (quartz + pyrite +

202
chalcopyrite) and A-type vein (quartz + chalcopyrite ± pyrite sinuous veins) at La

Plata are hosted by porphyries (Raley, 2012) and according to fluid inclusions

studies are associated with moderate-high temperature (305-432°C) and highly

saline fluid (12-26 wt.% NaCl equiv.). A-type and D-type veins at La Plata seem to

be closely associated in time to this early porphyry style mineralization event but

no direct geochronological evidence is available.

Following this late Miocene hydrothermal alteration and mineralization event,

hydrothermal activity occurred in two main gold mineralizing episodes in the La

Baja Trend 1) quartz-pyrite veins associated with quartz-sericite alteration,

representative of a shallow porphyry environment, followed by 2) vein and breccia

hosted high-sulfidation mineralization associated with quartz-alunite alteration

representative of the epithermal environment. Hydrothermal stages are defined

based on paragenetic stages determined in Chapter 5. In the following section, the

observations from La Bodega and La Mascota are put into context at a district

scale within the CVMD.

9.2 Porphyry phases at La Bodega and La Mascota: early stages 1 and 2 in

the context of the CVMD

Stage 1

Stage 1 pre-dates gold and silver mineralization at La Bodega and La Mascota. It

is dominated by the development of widespread propylitic alteration including

chlorite and epidote alteration and veins; carbonate veins and specularite vein

networks in the late phases of this stage. Propylitic alteration and associated veins

203
are characteristic of outer envelopes of porphyry copper deposits (Sillitoe, 2010)

suggesting temperatures >>240°C and near neutral pH (6-8?) for this stage.

Figure 9.1. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend, at ~10 Ma-8 Ma over current
surface. Late Miocene rocks (porphyry dikes, breccia, tuff (?) volcanic rocks) and probable volcano
at Cerro Violetal are indicated. An inferred mid crustal magma chamber from which porphyries,
volatiles and metals are derived is indicated. Geology adapted from (Ward et al., 1973; Mendoza
and Jaramillo, 1973; Polania, 1980; Galvis, 1998; Felder et al., 2005; Bernasconi et al., 2010;
MDRU Epithermal and Porphyry Gold Project, 2013). Molybdenite vein mineralization at El Cuatro
dated at 10.14 ± 0.04 Ma (Bissig et al., 2012) is shown. A-type and D-type veins at La Plata and
probable associated alteration are indicated as well: underlying potassic alteration (?), phyllic
alteration and propylitic alteration from Stage 1 evident at La Bodega/La Mascota.

204
The relationship of this early alteration event observed at La Mascota and La

Bodega with the early ~10 Ma Mo vein mineralization at El Cuatro and San

Celestino (Bissig et al., 2012) is not entirely clear. However, stage 2 type veins

(quartz + pyrite veins) cross cut these molybdenite bearing veins at El Cuatro

(Ventana Gold Corp. internal drill log reports, 2009, 2010) suggesting that stage 1

alteration at La Bodega/La Mascota may have formed in the distal halo of this early

porphyry Mo mineralization which is closely related to the ~10 Ma porphyry

intrusions at El Cuatro (Figure 9.1).

Stage 2

Stage 2 is dominated by phyllic alteration and veins quartz + pyrite veins (D-type)

with muscovite (sericite) halos and in some cases minor illite. D-type veins at La

Bodega-La Mascota are mainly associated with zones of low grade

gold/silver/copper copper mineralization. Veins of similar characteristics have been

reported throughout the CVMD, and are prominent at Angostura. Mantilla et al.

(2012) determined that primary fluid inclusions from D-type veins (quartz + pyrite +

chalcopyrite) at La Perezosa (Angostura deposit) have salinities around 5 wt%

NaCl equiv. and homogenization temperatures of ~335 to 350° C which is

consistent with previous studies reported by Albinson (2000). Phyllic alteration is

widespread along La Baja Trend (Figure 9.2) and is currently best exposed at La

Bodega and La Angostura in the Northeastern zones of the Trend as well as in the

road-cut along the road from, California to Vetas. Phyllic alteration in the

southwestern reaches of the La Baja trend (e.g. La Plata) does not seem to be as

widespread. D-type veins associated with phyllic alteration zones are considered to

205
be typical of shallow porphyry environments (Sillitoe, 2010) and suggests acidic
40
conditions with pH ~3-4(?) for this stage. Based on the Ar/39Ar geochronology on

muscovite, phyllic alteration is determined to be 4 to 3.4 Ma (Bissig et al., 2012;

Chapter 6).

Figure 9.2. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend showing distribution of
alteration and mineralization developed during the Pliocene (~4-3.25 Ma). Phyllic alteration and
associated D-veins were emplaced at a depth between 700 and 1400 m. D-veins had temperatures
40 39
between ~335 and 350 °C (Mantilla et. al., 2012). Ar/ Ar on alunite at La Plata ~3.5 Ma and at
Angostura ~4 Ma (Bissig et al., 2012)

206
9.3 Epithermal phase: stages 3, 4, 5 and 6.

These stages are associated with the development of advanced argillic alteration

characterized by quartz precipitated mainly as breccia cement, massive

silicification and alunite-quartz alteration and replacements precipitated from acidic

hydrothermal fluids of magmatic origin. The sulfide mineral assemblage at La

Bodega/La Mascota is consistent with high-sulfidation epithermal systems. The

epithermal mineralization stages were emplaced during fracture-healing episodes

driven by the several hydrothermal pulses, which are evident in the characteristic

multi-phase hydrothermal/tectonic-hydrothermal breccias in the area. These

breccias were developed under right lateral strike-slip dynamics that allowed for

the emplacement of hydrothermal breccias along La Baja Trend in zones where

the strike orientation of the main fault deviates slightly from the general NE trend.

Stage 3

Stage 3 is the early epithermal stage. It is characterized by the deposition of

copper sulfides such as chalcocite, bornite and chalcopyrite as well as pyrite (cubic

and dodecahedric habit mainly, minor fine grained colloform) at La Bodega and La

Mascota and covellite only at La Mascota. Tellurides (mostly at La Bodega) were

deposited together with pyrite during early phases of this stage. Late phases of this

mineralization stage deposited sulfosalts such as tetrahedrite-tennantite together

with silver sulfosalts, electrum and native gold at the rims of copper sulfides and in

late fractures. These ore mineralogy suggest intermediate to high-sulfidations

conditions during this stage. Oxygen and deuterium isotopes analyses on alunite

indicate that the fluids from which these minerals precipitated were mainly of

207
magmatic origin (Chapter 8). The presence of fine grained and massive alunite and

quartz replacing host rock and clasts indicates acidic conditions with pH between 2

and 3. Alunite 40Ar/39Ar data constrain this stage to approximately ~2.6 Ma.

Stage 4

Stage 4 is characterized by the deposition of manganese bearing wolframite as

well as minor amounts of tennantite-tetrahedrite and gold in fractures within

chalcedonic quartz and banded quartz veins with textures typical observed in low

and intermediate-sulfidation deposits (flamboyant, plumose, zonal, cockade,

banded; Simmons et al., 2005). Minor fine grained colloform pyrite and bladed

alunite was deposited in the final phase of this stage rimming or within drusy

quartz-wolframite cavities. The age of this stage is estimated ~2.5-2.3 Ma based on

40
alunite Ar/39Ar geochronology. Magmatic fluids are the main source from which

alunite at the end of this stage precipitated, based on oxygen and deuterium stable

isotopes (Chapter 8). Fluid inclusions indicate that stage 4 wolframite associated

quartz precipitated at temperatures between (188 and 238°C) from low salinity

fluids (0.6 -2.2 wt % NaCl equiv.). In contrast, deposition of manganese bearing

wolframite occurs at temperatures above 200 °C and near neutral pH (Henley,

1986). Thus, wolframite precipitation is attributed to a brief episode of near neutral

pH (pH~5-6) followed by more acidic hydrothermal fluids responsible for alunite

depositon. This could be explained by:

1. Mixing of magmatic fluids and meteoric waters allowing for the precipitation

of chalcedonic quartz as well (?) as quartz-wolframite-pyrite associations.

This has been described for the San Cristobal vein, Peru (Beuchat et al.,

208
 2004) where mineral deposition is explained by dilution by the meteoric

fluids.

2. Boiling followed by cooling and exsolution of H2S and CO2 vapor.

Quartz textures such as colloform, crustiform, banded, cockade; in most cases

observed are produced by boiling (Moncada et al., 2012). These textures observed

at La Mascota together with the fluid inclusion studies provide evidence for the

importance of boiling as a mechanism for pH increase and precipitation of

wolframite. Alunite precipitated during the final phases of this stage from largely

magma derived fluids and provides evidence of an acidification of the system after

wolframite emplacement.

Stage 5

Stage 5 is characterized by quartz-alunite veins, quartz veins and breccia cement

development associated with deposition of enargite with minor tennantite-

tetrahedrite and copper sulfides together with significant amounts gold and silver

mostly as electrum sulfosalts and tellurides. This stage represents the last stage of
40
important gold and silver deposition. Alunite Ar/39Ar data constrain this stage to

approximately ~2.3-2.2 Ma. Based on fluid inclusions studies, temperatures of

deposition associated with this stage are estimated to be 140-217 °C and boiling

and cooling are interpreted to be responsible for deposition of ore minerals.

Alunite-quartz alteration suggests conditions of pH ~2-3. Oxygen and deuterium

stable isotope analysis on alunite indicates that fluids associated with this stage

are mostly magmatic. Mineralization and alteration distribution associated with

stages 3-5 is schematically shown in Figure 9.3.

209
Figure 9.3. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend showing distribution of
alteration and mineralization developed during the Pliocene-Pleistocene (~2.5-<2.2 Ma). Epithermal
style alteration and mineralization showing advanced argillic alteration superimposed on phyllic
alteration. Hydrothermal breccias associated with mineralization, based on fluid inclusion studies
had temperatures ~140 – ~300°C (Forero, 2010; Mendoza, 2011; this study).

Stage 6

Stage 6 is characterized by the deposition of sphalerite at La Bodega and La

Mascota. Alunite from this stage have precipitated from magmatic waters which

probably have been mixed with meteoric waters, as evidenced by the general shift

towards lighter oxygen and deuterium isotopic values in alunite compared to those
40
from earlier stages. Ar/39Ar geochronology of alunite related to stage 6 yielded

210
ages of 1.87 ± 0.30 Ma to 1.27±0.65 Ma, the large errors attributed to incorporation

for atmospheric argon into the alunite, which is consistent with a surface near

emplacement depth. Minor porous quartz (vuggy-like silica as described in Chapter

4) was found adjacent to very few fractures in which sphalerite and alunite

deposition occurred. Sphalerite has also been found in tectono-hydrothermal

breccias associated with adjacent well-developed porous quartz textures in drill

core from El Cuatro, in a few cases associated with fracture filling uranium bearing

minerals such as torbernite (Ventana Gold Corp., 2010) (Figure 9.4). According to

Polania (1980, 1983) sphalerite is found in the San Celestino area in uranium

bearing breccias and has been considered to be later than enargite and earlier

than uranium bearing minerals such as pitchblende. Temperatures related to this

stage have not been determined but the presence of sphalerite is consistent with a

gradual temperature drop in the hydrothermal system at La Bodega and La

Mascota. Vuggy texture with residual silica is a result of intense leaching under pH

conditions below 2 (Arribas et al., 1995; White and Hedenquist, 1995; Corbett and

Leach, 1998; Simmons et al., 2005). However, porous quartz (Chapter 4) seems to

have been developed also by intense introduction of SiO2 replacing the protolith

possibly after minor leaching. Thus, pH for this stage is estimated to have started

at slightly below 2 (?) during initial leaching and increased to ~2-3 (?) during

quartz, sphalerite, alunite deposition in this stage.

211
Figure 9.4. Schematic block diagram of the CVMD at La Baja Trend showing distribution of
alteration and mineralization developed during the Pliocene-Pleistocene (~1.9-<1.27 Ma).
Epithermal style alteration and mineralization showing advanced argillic alteration superimposed on
phyllic alteration. Occurrence of sphalerite bearing breccias and uranium bearing breccias is
indicated.

212
9.4 Oxidation state of the hydrothermal and mineralizing fluids.

The δ34S signatures of sulfides at La Bodega are lighter than typical of high-

sulfidation systems (Arribas, 1995; Rye at al., 2005). At La Mascota, the pyrite δ
34
S signatures are even lighter than at La Bodega and a isotopic shift towards

negative values from early stages to late stages may be reflecting more oxidizing

conditions than at La Bodega. This isotopic shift towards lighter values over time is

herein attributed to boiling within La Mascota hydrothermal breccia main conduit

but other explanations are possible (Chapter 8). Oxidizing conditions of the

hydrothermal fluids from which ore mineral precipitated from are consistent with the

high-sulfidation style mineralization (Simmons et al., 2005). Oxidizing conditions

derived from hydrothermal fluids are also inferred in the SW zone of La Baja Trend

at San Celestino in the latest stages of the hydrothermal system within La Baja

trend associated with uranium mineralization (Polania, 1980, 1983) which also

manifests at El Cuatro (Ventana Gold Corp., internal log reports, 2009, 2010).

According to Polania (1983), uranium bearing minerals are found within veins and

breccias at San Celestino are hosted in the Triassic-Jurassic leucogranites but are

associated with hydrothermal mineralization paragenetically later than copper

sulfides, enargite and sphalerite; minerals which at La Bodega - La Mascota

correspond to stages 3-6. These uranium minerals include a pitchblende + pyrite

deposition stage and a later supergene stage associated with pyrite oxidation with

coffinite deposition (Polania, 1983) and probably torbernite deposition in

microfractures as observed at El Cuatro. Oxidizing and acidic conditions are

necessary for uranium dissolution and remobilization (Polania, 1983). It is

213
interpreted that oxidized-acidic hydrothermal fluids interacted with the granitic host

rocks creating a suitable environment for uranium remobilization and a brief period

of neutralization of these fluids allowed for the deposition of the pyrite-pitchblende

associations at San Celestino. The presence of uranium mineralization

(pitchblende+pyrite) is consistent with the inferred oxidized nature of the

hydrothermal fluids in southern portions of La Baja trend just as at La Mascota and

La Bodega in the latest stages of the hydrothermal system. The presence of

coffinite, torbernite and autunite is consistent with the later near surface supergene

alteration along La Baja Trend.

9.5 Depth of emplacement of the mineralization and surface processes.

The high rate of erosion observed today at La Baja river valley, typical of a tropical

environment, and structural and tectonic activity in the area have played an

important role in the exhumation of the deposits in the CVMD located at La Baja

Trend. Throughout the district, D-type veins with phyllic alteration associated with

shallow porphyry environment are clearly crosscut by epithermal veins and

breccias and are located at the same topographic levels today. Late Miocene

porphyry style mineralization evident at El Cuatro with quartz+moybdenite veins

(Bissig et al., 2012) and at La Plata with D-type and A-type veins (Raley et al.,

2012) are representative of porphyry environments. The highest elevations today in

the study area are probably closely representing the Late Miocene paleosurface

which NW of La Mascota lies at ~3600 m.a.s.l. and NE of Angostura at ~3750

m.a.s.l. which allows inferring the initial porphryry system profile (Figure 9.5).

According to Mantilla Figueroa et al. (2012) depth of emplacement of D-type veins

214
of porphyry style mineralization associated with phyllic alteration at La Perezosa at

~3.5 Ma, is between ~500 m (below the paleo surface if lithostatic pressure is

assumed) and ~1400 m (below the paleo-water table level if hydrostatic pressure is

assumed). These D-veins at La Perezosa are located today at ~2850 m. a. s. l.,

approximately 700 m below Los Laches where ~4 Ma alunite alteration has been

observed (Mantilla Figueroa et al., 2012). La Perezosa at Angostura, just as La

Bodega, is considered to represent a shallowly-emplaced porphyry system cut and

overprinted by high-sulfidation alteration and sulfide assemblages (quartz-alunite-

woodhouseite, pyrite, enargite; Mantilla Figueroa et al., 2012). Early alunite

alteration of ~ 3.26 Ma has also been observed at El Cuatro therefore this

information allows to infer the profile of the hydrothermal system at 4~4-3.25 Ma

(Figure 9.7). In general, high-sulfidation alteration and sulfide assemblages are

present at Angostura over a vertical extent of 650 m (Mantilla Figueroa et al.,

2012). Epithermal style high-sulfidation gold/silver mineralization that took place

between ~2.6-2.2 Ma at La Mascota was emplaced above boiling level.

Hydrothermal breccias observed in the deepest drill holes analyzed for this study at

La Mascota (LB114 and LB221) exhibit epithermal features and quartz textures

associated with boiling. These textures extend between the present day surface at

~2750 m. a. s. l. and 2350 m. a. s.l. at ~400 m depth. Minimum erosion at La

Mascota since the emplacement of epithermal style mineralization with stage 4 and

stage 5 associations is predicted to be higher than 140 m (Chapter 7, Figure 7.7).

Thus, minimum boiling level depth at the time of the emplacement of these

breccias (in stage 4-5) is estimated >600 m (?). Therefore, a profile of the

hydrothermal system may be inferred for the time ~2.5-2 Ma (Figure 9.6).

215
The preserved paleosurface at Angostura (Los Laches, ~3750 m) indicate that

erosion rates to the NE of La Bodega have been lower than along the La Baja river

valley and its southern portions. Therefore, at San Celestino >1000 m of erosion is

predicted since the emplacement of Mo-Cu mineralization and porphyritic bodies

(Figure 9.5).

Better exposure of porphyry style mineralization at La Bodega as compared to La

Mascota is evident. This may be explained by the fact that La Bodega was at a

higher level than La Mascota during epithermal and porphyry style mineralization,

but also that higher erosion rates may have occurred at La Bodega. La Bodega is

limited by structures represented on the drainage pattern: the limit between La

Bodega and La Mascota is the intersection between La Baja (river) fault (NE/NW),

Paez (creek) fault (NWW/NE) and the Angostura (creek) lineation (NNE); while the

limit between Angostura and La Bodega is Perezosa (creek) fault (Figure 3.3). The

intersection in between these structures at La Bodega may play an important role

in its erosion rates. The Paez fault forms a NWW trending /~50° NE dipping

fracture zone of 50-70 m width and reverse movement is proposed herein. Thus,

minor uplift of La Bodega in relation to La Mascota along to this fault may have

caused erosion at La Bodega to expose deeper portions of the epithermal systems

compared to La Mascota (?).

216
Figure 9.5. Cartoon showing profile along La Baja Trend from Angostura (NE) to California town
(SW). Surface evolution at the CVMD from Late Miocene until Pleistoscene showing superimposing
alteration through time. (Modified after Bissig et al., 2012).

217
9.6 Summary of mineralization characteristics at La Bodega/La Mascota and

comparison to other similar epithermal and porphyry systems

Ages of formation of the hydrothermal system at La Bodega and La Mascota and

other deposits within La Baja Trend (Late Miocene-Pleistocene) in this study are

partially consistent with spectrum of ages for porphyry systems and associated

epithermal systems in the Andes, which mostly range from Eocene to Pliocene

(Sillitoe, 2010).

Ore minerals deposited at La Bodega and La Mascota are representative of high-

sulfidation to intermediate sulfidation conditions. Typical host rocks in high to

intermediate sulfidation deposits in the Andes are mostly genetically associated

andesites/rhyodacites (Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003; i.e. Pierina, Fifarek and Rye,

2004); while at La Bodega/La Mascota host rocks correspond to Pre-Cambrian

gneisses and Triassic-Jurassic granitoids and only few Late Miocene porphyry

granodiorites (Mantilla et al., 2008, 2010, 2012) have been reported.

Mineralization style at La Mascota and La Bodega is dominated by porphyry style

D-type veins and overprinting epithermal style hydrothermal (tectonic-

hydrothermal) breccias. Vein style and breccia style mineralization is common in

low and intermediate-sulfidation deposits such as Mexican epithermal deposits (i.e.

Veta Madre, Guanajuato; Moncada et al., 2012); Baguio District in the Philippines

(Waters et al., 2012), Kelian gold mine in Kalimantan, Indonesia (Davies et al.,

2008). However, hydrothermal breccias at La Bodega/La Mascota exhibit quartz-

alunite cement associated with high-sulfidation alteration/mineralization which are

comparable to quartz-alunite cemented breccia bodies, as observed at Lagunas

218
Norte, high-sulfidation epithermal deposit in Peru (Cerpa et al., 2013) or Pascua-

Lama (Chouinard et al. 2005).

Intermediate to high sulfidation conditions are evident in stages 3-5 associated with

gold mineralization. However, stage 4 is characterized by higher pH conditions that

allowed for the deposition of wolframite which may be either associated with fluid

mixing, neutralization or boiling. High-sulfidation conditions are evident in stage 5

where alunite-enargite-quartz the main characterizing minerals.

In most high-sulfidation deposits vuggy residual quartz alteration representing

intense acid leaching, takes place prior to ore deposition associated with alunite-

enargite-pyrite stage (e.g., Hedenquist and Taran, 2013). However, at La

Bodega/La Mascota evidence for residual quartz alteration prior to stage 5 gold

mineralization is absent. Scarce evidence of highly acidic conditions are found in

transition to the early phases of stage 6 associated with sphalerite deposition in

discrete areas of La Bodega/La Mascota but more are evident at El Cuatro

(Hedenquist, 2010; unpub internal report for Ventana Gold Corp). This is not

associated with important gold deposition.

Ore mineral deposition sequence at La Bodega/La Mascota type is comparable to

the general sequence ore deposition established for porphyry systems (Corbett

and Leach, 1998) in which gold mineralization occurs at shallow levels associated

with the deposition of sulfides and sulfosalts in a determined sequence that

includes in order: chalcopyrite, molybdenite, bornite, chalcocite and covellite,

enargite and tetrahedrite-tennantite and finally sphalerite. However, the presence

of hübnerite (Mn bearing wolframite) in high sulfidation epithermal deposits has

219
also been reported at at El Indio, Chile (Jannas et al., 1990) deposited in a stage of

transition from copper mineralization to gold mineralization.

Main gold and silver deposition under epithermal conditions at La Bodega and La

Mascota took place in stages 3 through 5. Fluid inclusions evidence suggests that

gold deposition at La Mascota (and probably at La Bodega) was driven by episodic

boiling followed by cooling of the hydrothermal fluids. Each hydrothermal stage

seems to have been associated with structural activation and fracture-healing

episodes that allowed hydrothermal breccias/mineralization emplacement and

related alteration.

In summary, pH and temperature conditions change is evident from early stages to

late stages. Alteration mineralogy ore mineralogy and the different fluid inclusions

studies allows to determine that higher temperature and pH conditions are

dominating porphyry phase in early stages (1-2) while later stages (3-6) of the

epithermal phase are associated with lower temperatures and lower pH conditions

(Figure 9.6).

220
Figure 9.6. General hydrothermal alteration/mineralization associations in relation to relative
temperature and pH indicating the evolution of the hydrothermal fluids from higher pH higher
temperature to lower pH and lower temperature associations.

221
Chapter 10. Conclusions, Exploration Implications and Recommendations for

Future Work

10.1 Conclusions

1. La Bodega and La Mascota mineralization occurs mostly within structurally

controlled advanced argillic alteration and related hydrothermal breccias

crosscutting and superimposed on phyllic alteration and quartz pyrite veins. The

latter is more wide-spread at La Bodega than at La Mascota. Mineralization is

hosted in Precambrian gneisses of the Bucaramanga Complex and Triassic-

Jurassic leucogranites and occurs largely within tabular tectonic-hydrothermal

breccia bodies. These ore hosts are emplaced in dilatant structural settings along

the La Baja trend right lateral strike-slip fault zone.

2. At La Bodega and La Mascota six stages of hydrothermal alteration and

mineralization were identified. Early stages include propylitic alteration (stage 1)

and phyllic alteration (stage 2) associated with porphyry events. Stages 3 through

6 correspond to epithermal style high-sulfidation alteration and introduced the bulk

of the mineralization.

3. Early porphyry Mo-Cu mineralization is represented by 10 Ma molybdenite

bearing veins mostly evident at El Cuatro whereas other vein types (A and D-type

veins) of this event are evident at La Plata. Propylitic alteration, observed at la

Mascota is likely associated with this early event.

222
4. Phyllic alteration at ~4-3.5 Ma, associated with D-veins, corresponds to a

second clearly distinct porphyry event and is typical for the shallow portions of a

porphyry system.

5. Advanced argilic alteration and associated mineralization occurs between ~2.6

and 2.2 Ma at La Bodega and La Mascota. Gold and silver deposition starts in

stage 2 but is much more important in stages 3 through 5. Gold and silver occur as

electrum, tellurides and as microinclusions in pyrite and occurs together with pyrite,

copper sulfides, sulfosalts (enargite, tetrahedrite-tennantite).

6. Advanced argillic alteration (alunite-quartz) from stage 6 took place between

~1.9-1.27 Ma and is characterized by sphalerite occurrence and minor porous

silica, but no important gold deposition took place at this stage.

7. In general, hydrothermal alteration and mineralization at the CVMD and La

Bodega/La Mascota took place in four discrete episodes at ~10, ~4-3.4 and ~2.6 to

2.2, and 1.9 to 1.3 Ma, overall spanning a time period of ~9 Ma.

8. A general temperature and pH drop is evident from alteration mineralogy and

fluid inclusion studies. While early stages are dominated by higher temperature

and pH (stage 1 temperature>240°C, pH ~6-8; stage 2 temperature ~335-413 °C,

pH ~3-5?), later epithermal stages (3-6) are characterized by lower pH (2-4) and

lower temperatures (140-300°C).

9. The main origin from the hydrothermal fluids seems to have been magmatic,

however, minor mixing with meteoric water in late stages is evident. The main

processes for ore deposition seem to have been boiling. Pyrite that precipitated

223
from these fluids has very light δ34S values (-6.1 - -16.9 ‰) as compared to other

Andean high-sulfidation epithermal systems which may indicate oxidizing

conditions possibly associated with boiling.

10.2 Exploration implications

Mineral zonation at La Mascota/La Bodega can be used as an important vector to

mineralization. E. g. Propylitic alteration and associated specularite veins

developed distal from a probable potassic alteration core indicating deep porphyry

mineralization potential. Advanced argillic alteration associated with mineralized

centers is preceded by phyllic alteration and associated D-type veins that cross cut

propylitic alteration and veins. Shallow porphyry environment crosscut by

epithermal style mineralization environment indicates exhumation of the porphyry

environment through erosion mostly.

At La Mascota, erosion since the emplacement of epithermal mineralization is

estimated to be >~140 m. At La Mascota, boiling level associated with epithermal

environment was not intersected by the logged drill holes and this level may be

located at depths deeper than 600 m. A deeper porphyry environment potentially

hosting Cu mineralization is likely present at depth but there is no direct evidence

from drilling to confirm that.

Mineralization is not restricted to Triassic-Jurassic granitoids and these granitoids

are not genetically associated with mineralization, therefore exploration should be

focused in structures related to advanced argilic alteration. Most precious metal

224
occurrences are associated with the development of hydrothermal breccias and

other dilatant structures in a strike-slip environment along NE faults parallel or

subparallel to Cucutilla fault, where exploration should be focused on.

The hydrothermal history of the district indicates that at least two distinct porphyry

events occurred prior to epithermal gold mineralization which is the current focus of

exploration. Porphyry style mineralization includes Mo-Cu and Cu-Au metal

associations at 10 Ma and 4-3.4 Ma, respectively but its possible importance within

the district has not been established by exploration thus far.

10.3 Recommendations

To further understand the history of La Bodega and La Mascota deposits as well as

the CVMD these recommendations for further work are provided:

1. Lithogeochemistry of the intrusives at La Bodega and La Mascota which

was not covered in this study.

2. Lithogeochemistry and U-Pb geochronology of the granitic pegmatite dikes

found at both, La Bodega and La Mascota, as well as additional U-Pb

geochronology on La Bodega leucogranites.

3. Fluid inclusion studies are recommended to be done in the different veins

and breccia cement from several locations within La Baja Trend and other

areas of the CVMD, at different depths and at different stages of

mineralization. Fluid inclusion analysis may also be carried out in sphalerite

in order to define the temperature associated with late stages of the

hydrothermal system.

225
4. A more complete characterization of the isotopic signatures of sulfides and

sulfosalts from La Bodega/La Mascota is necessary. The initial results show

apparent lower values at La Mascota as compared to La Bodega therefore,

testing consistency with a higher density of analysis is recommended. This

characterization should include sulfides from each stage and different levels

of the system and from different prospects within the CVMD, as well as

background samples from the Bucaramanga gneiss and unaltered

granitoids.

5. Structural studies at the district scale are necessary in order to define

dilational structures associated with prospective areas where mineralization

may have been emplaced.

6. Regional alteration studies by means of X-ray diffraction and short-wave

infrared means may provide methods to define vectors to higher

temperature alteration environments that could be associated with

mineralization.

226
References

Albinson, T. 2000. Fluid inclusion Study of Samlpes B-026115, B-026476, and B-

027534 Angostura Deposit, Colombia. MAGSA. Microtermometría y Asesoría
Geológica-Minera, S. A. de C. V. Mexico.
Altmann, K., Sim, R., Davis, B., Prenn, N., Elfen, S., Fisher, B. 2010. Canadian
National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Assesment La Bodega
Project Department of Santander, Colombia. Prepared by Samuel Engeneering,
Inc. for Ventana Gold Corp.
Arribas, Jr., A. 1995. Characteristics of high-sulfidation epithermal deposits, and
their relation to magmatic fluid: Mineralogical Association of Canada Short Course
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240
 Appendix A1. Drill Hole Locations.

Collar locations of sampled and logged drill holes for this project are shown in

geographic coordinates as shown on maps within the document. UTM coordinates

(Colombia National Grids) referenced to Bogotá Observatory. Coordinates were

provided by AUX Colombia Ltd.

241
 UTM (BOGOTA - OBSEVATORY) GEOGRAPHIC (BOGOTA -
HOLE OBSERVATORY) Length Azimuth DIP
ZONE LOGGED SAMPLED
ID [m] [°] [°]
Longitud Latitud Elevation
LOCATION_X LOCATION_Y LOCATION_Z (W) [°] (N) [°] [m.a.s.l.]
-
LB001 LA BODEGA 1130417.21 1308273.03 2918.21 72.899753 7.38507 2918.21 290 195 -55 NO 1 SAMPLE
-
LB013 LA BODEGA 1130385.35 1308243.67 2882.97 72.900042 7.384805 2882.97 320 180 -55 Yes YES
-
LB022 LA BODEGA 1130369.04 1308353.78 2847.18 72.900187 7.385801 2847.18 308.5 180 -55 Yes YES
-
LB037 LA BODEGA 1130373.64 1308302.7 2875.17 72.900147 7.385339 2875.17 310.15 180 -55 Yes YES
-
LB072 LA BODEGA 1130243.19 1308144.23 2738.66 72.901332 7.383909 2738.66 172 155 -50 Yes 1 SAMPLE
LA -
LB112 MASCOTA 1129352.11 1307820.48 2833.94 72.909409 7.381004 2833.94 398.5 180 -75 Yes YES
LA
LB114 MASCOTA 1129351.94 1307820.64 2833.93 -72.90941 7.381005 2833.93 566.2 170 -85 Yes YES
LA -
LB159 MASCOTA 1129252.1 1307841.16 2838.72 72.910314 7.381193 2838.72 381 180 -63 NO 1 SAMPLE
LA -
LB202 MASCOTA 1129353.98 1307822.39 2834.59 72.909392 7.381021 2834.59 364.23 180 -58 Yes YES
LA -
LB205 MASCOTA 1129353.96 1307822.69 2834.58 72.909392 7.381024 2834.58 481.58 180 -68 YES YES
LA -
LB221 MASCOTA 1129351.33 1307945.27 2899.07 72.909413 7.382132 2899.07 537.36 180 -74 Yes YES
-
LB251 LA BODEGA 1130369.11 1308351.25 2847.11 72.900186 7.385778 2847.11 370.33 180 -75 Yes YES
-
LB258 LA BODEGA 1130369.16 1308351.41 2847.13 72.900186 7.385779 2847.13 375.2 180 -82 Yes YES
-
LB267 EL CUATRO 1128706.45 1307234.31 2706.31 72.915269 7.37572 2706.31 367.89 180 -75 NO 1 SAMPLE
-
LB282 EL CUATRO 1128399.62 1307182.56 2678.14 72.918049 7.37526 2678.14 326.74 180 -67 NO YES
-
LB327 LA BODEGA 1130362.51 1308128.96 2823.81 72.900252 7.383769 2823.81 370.63 180 -57 Yes YES

242
Appendix A2. Sample Location within Drill Holes, Brief Descriptions, Notes

and Analysis Carried out

Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

La Mascota Gneiss. Feldspar quartz ?) SWIR

Granoblastic texture. Petrography

ALR001
LB112

73258
295.6
Leucograniteensesely altered to Ar/Ar
BG
Alunite>quartz. Silica+pyrite geochronology
veinlets cutting alunitizied gneiss. Stable Isotopy
Py speckss in gneiss.
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia in SWIR
La Mascota

ALR002 contact with gneiss with illite Petrography

LB112

73002
49.3

THBX alteration. Alunite and quartz in

breccia with cataclastic texture.

Gneiss crosscut by 2 cm chlorite SWIR

La Mascota

ALR003

vein/chlorite cemented breccia

LB112

73013
60.5

BG with gneiss angular clasts (~1 cm

each). Tectonic foliation at vein
walls.
Gneiss . Banded gneiss. Quartz SWIR
La Mascota

feldspar (leucosomes),
ALR004
LB112

73090
136.8

BG Amphibolite-biotite (mesosomes).
Chlorite alteration. ttn, Epidote,
Magnetite occurrence.

Gneiss. Sericite-illite alteration. SWIR

La Mascota

ALR005

Cross cut by qz+ crs py vein also Petrography

LB112

73173
214.9

BG cut by ("difuse silica") light gray SEM

dull quartz+fine py + Au + sph and
cpy vein.
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR
La Mascota

Tectonic foliation. Alunite and

ALR006
223.65
LB112

73783

THBX quartz bands parallel to tectonic

foliation. Pyrite crustals and clasts
in cement Two pieces.
Leucogranite. Mostly equigranular SWIR
La Mascota

238-238.85

texture with few Qz and Fd.

ALR007

I575747
LB278

Phenocrysts. Few Illite veinlets.

INT Weakly silicified veins. Pyrite
scatered in weakly silicified veins.

Gneiss. Banded, SWIR

La Mascota

granolepidoblastic texture.
ALR008
LB112

73195
238.4

Alunitizied Leucograniteermediate
BG
gneiss. Pyrite-silica veinlets.

Gneiss. Phyllic alteration with SWIR

La Mascota

superimposed silicification.
ALR009
249.25
LB112

73206

BG- Contact to THBX. Crosscutting

THBX veins. Qz+w+py+-cpy±cc vein
cutting Sil(bx text)+cc+cpy+py
vein cutting py+quartz vein.
Hydrothermal breccia (~15 cm). SWIR
Drusy quartz vein with clasts Petrography
replaced by quartz and in breccia SEM
La Mascota

ALR010
251.65

and breccia walls. Py within

LB112

73209

HYBX replacement texture. Black-gray

sulphide. Very bright (possibly
enargite)(gives dirty fingers)
Kaolinite-Alunite in Drusy Qz
Cavity. Illitizied and Silicified

243
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

clasts. Clasts: 50%; Cement: 30%

Qz-Silica; Matrix: 20% (finer
grained clasts). Clasts Supported
breccia.

Gneiss. Quartz feldspar gneiss SWIR

La Mascota

ALR011
with minor micas. Granoblastic to

LB112

73200
243.3
BG granolepidoblasitic textures.
Muscovite/illite alteration. Pyrite
scattered.
Gneiss, Leucograniteensely SWIR
La Mascota altered. Alunite>quartz Petrography

ALR012
replacement. Vein cutting Ar/Ar
LB112

73211
253.1
BG /
alunitizied gneiss. geochronology
HYBX
qz+Alu(?)+Py+cv+bn+cc vein with Stable Isotopy
possibly clasts of gneiss. Drussy SEM
Qz cavities.
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR
Multiple phases of brecciation. Petrography
Clasts with tectonic foliation. SEM
Three recognized breccias. BX1:
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia.
Tectonic foliation (@<20°) Jigsaw
La Mascota

ALR013

breccia texture. tectonic breccia

LB112

73214
256.5

THBX clasts (cataclastite or milonite?).

BX2: (@<20°).
BX3: Clasts supported: clasts of
breccia and cataclastite. Veins
cutting breccias:
DrusyQz+Py+W+cv(?) vein(<35°
3mm). Drusy Qz+Alunite (?)+Py
vein (<40° 18mm)
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR
Multiple phases breccia. Silicified. Petrography
Py in Bx as clasts in silica. Gneiss SEM
clasts with Illite alt (?). Clasts of
La Mascota

ALR014A

breccia (3.2) and milonite or

LB112

73218
259.2

cataclastite. Silica+alunite+CuS
THBX
(cc, cv mainly), Py vein; Drusy qz
with cc, cv, alu and w blades (~1
mm) (vein @ 50°). 6. Irregular
chalcedonic qz+alunite vein with
drusy quartz cavities andcc-cv. .
Possible Alu+qz+py clast (?)
Multiple phases breccia. BX. 1. SWIR
TBX tectonic breccia (milonite?) Petrography
(cataclastite?). Matrix supported. SEM
Matrix: Fine Grained 70%. Clasts
(rounded): 20%. Cement (silica):
10%. 2. Drusy Qz vein. Bladed
La Mascota

ALR014B
264.15

texture. Py rimming "blades" (vein

LB112

73223

THBX @<50°) 20mm. 3. Drusy

Qz+W+En+dg (?) (in drusy qz
cavities) vein (@<65°), 35 mm,
cuts 2. 4. Drusy Qz+en (high
content)+py+w vein (@<40°) (3
mm). En is possibly Luzonite. 5.
Coloidal banded silica with Py-en
(?) 6. Coloidal sil.
Multiple phase BX. 1. Clasts of SWIR
milonite or tectonic breccia. 2. Petrography
Multiple phases breccia.
Clasts:60%, subangular to
rounded, polimictic, py with clasts;
La Mascota

ALR015

Matrix: 20%. Fine grained clasts;

LB112

73225
265.2

HYBX Cement: 20% silica, coloidal

silica(?).3. Tn-th cut by en veinlet
(?). Py+qz+minor cc+cv vein
@<25° 11mm. Drusy qz silica
irregular vein or cement; Tn-th in
drusy qz cavity. W within drusy
Qz. Fine grained py+en vein

244
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Feldspar-quartz-biotite SWIR

gneiss, granolepidoblastic texture

La Bodega

ALR016A

805576
(?). Leucograniteense alteration.

LB072

100
BG Alunite-quartz alteration adjacent
to finepyrite+quartz vein. Possible
Illite-Sericite alteration adjacent to
alunite alteration..

La Bodega La Bodega
Gneiss. Feldspar-quartz-biotite SWIR

ALR016B

805596
LB072

118.2
gneiss, granolepidoblastic texture
BG (?).Possible Illite-Ser alt. Crosscut
by pyrite-enargite(?) veinlets.
Gneiss. Banded. Sericite. Possible SWIR

ALR017

805607
Smectite alt.

LB072

128.4
BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Banded, SWIR

mainly Silica supported. Gneiss Petrography
silicified clasts. Clasts: 20%; SEM
Matrix: 10%; Cement: 70%, 1.
La Mascota

Silica-banded colidal silica

ALR018
281.55
LB112

73241
(chalcedonic qz?) with py
HYBX
(coloform texture). 2. Drusy Qz
cc+cv+bn+cpy veinlet. 3. Py
coloform text. 4. W-DrusyQz vein;
5. Gneiss clasts. 6. Py CuS (cc,
bn) veinlet cutting coloidal banded
silica (1).
Hydrothermal breccia (Narrow, 4 SWIR
La Mascota

cm). Silica+en+cc+-w vein with Petrography

ALR019
294.45
LB112

73257

BG / Visible gold. (vein @<60°-58mm) SEM

HYBX cutting drusy qz+py+cc+cv
veinlet@<40°.

Contact gneiss to hydrothermal SWIR

breccia. Hydrothermal breccia:
Polimictic, multiple phases.
La Mascota

ALR020

Angular clasts. Silicified (silica

LB112

73257
294.8

BG /
cement). Finer grained and clastic
HYBX
matrix with Py. Py also in cement.
Cavities in cement. Clasts: 30%.
Cement: 40%. Matrix: 25%.
Cavities: (5%)
Hydrothermal breccia. Polimictic SWIR
silicified, multiple phases. 1. Petrography
Gneiss clasts, illite/sericite alt. Py
La Mascota

veinlets. 2. Polimictic BX. White,

ALR021
LB112

73259
296.7

gray and coloidal silica cement.

HYBX
Qz+py+alunite(?) band adjacent to
drusy qz cavity (@<55°)1 cm. 3.
Polimictic clasts supported breccia
silica-W cement rimming clasts.
En speckss. Qz+-w+py veins.
Jigsaw breccia (?). Polimictic. SWIR
Clasts rimmed by silica+W+Py. Petrography
La Mascota

Clasts of silica rimmed by

ALR022
LB112

73259
296.9

silica+W-Py. Drusy Qz coloid sil

HYBX
cement. Drusy Qz cavities. Clasts:
40%-50%. Cement: 35-45%.
Matrix: 5-10%. Cavities 5-10%.
Possible en occ.
Contact Gneiss/ BX (@<45°). SWIR
Alunite altered gneiss cut by Petrography
La Mascota

crackled breccia, gneiss clasts in

ALR023
LB112

73275
312.5

BG / silica cement. Clasts: 55%,

HYBX Cement:40%, Cavities: 5%. 3.
Clasts supported breccia,
polimictic (gneiss and breccia
clasts)

245
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Hydrothermal breccia. Alunite SWIR

rich+ quartz cement/matrix Petrography
supported breccia (fine grained Ar/Ar

La Mascota
matrix) 80%. Alunitizied clasts geochronology

ALR024

737275
LB112

312.6
(10%). Cement (silica) (10%). Stable Isotopy
HYBX
Limited by py veins.; contact to
Clasts supported alunitizied BX.
Alunitizied clasts gneiss clasts
(40%). Matrix: 30%. Cement:
30%.
Mainly clasts supported multiple SWIR
phases hydrothermal breccia. Petrography
Alunitizied gneiss clasts (titanite in
La Mascota

ALR025

737275
clasts). 2. Py veinlet in clast.

LB112

312.9
HYBX Drussy qz cement with cavities;
crackled monomictic (?) (gneiss
clasts) breccia. Tabular black w
crystals in quartz. Kaolinite filling
drusy quartz cavities.
Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts SWIR Ar/Ar
supported. Gneiss clasts. Quartz geochronology
La Mascota

ALR026

992356
cement with coloform textures, Stable Isotopy
LB159

337.7

HYBX minor wolframite. Fine grained

coloform pyrite rimming quartz.
Drusy quartz cavity filled with
tabular (flake-like, platty) alunte.
Gneiss. Alunite-quartz alteration SWIR
superimposed to muscovite Petrography
La Mascota

ALR027

alteration (?). Micas are altertred Ar/Ar

LB112

73292
328.8

BG to titanite (?)Veins: 1. Qz+py geochronology

veinlet cut by 2. Qz+fine py vein Stable Isotopy
(drusy qz). likely cut by 3.
alunite+-py (cubic) vein.
Gneiss. Feldspar-quartz (?). SWIR
La Mascota

Granoblastic texture. Alunite-

ALR028
LB112

73289
326.3

quartz alteration
BG
(Leucograniteense). Porous
quartz with pores filled by alunite.

Gneiss. Alunitizied gneiss, cut by SWIR

stockwork-like veins. 2. Silica+py Petrography
veinlet (@<65° 3mm), cut by 4. 3.
La Mascota

ALR029

Silica supported breccia with py

329.55
LB112

73293

BG and sphalerite within cement. 4.

Drusy Qz+Py+W vein(@<25° 3
mm). 5. Drusy qz+py+w+en vein
(@<35° 3 mm). Sphalerite bearing
breccia.
SWK. 1. Silica supported breccia. SWIR
La Mascota

Py silica cc cement. 2. Drusy Qz- Petrography

ALR030
LB112

73293
329.7

Py-Sph-cc cutting 1 (@<50° 5cm).

HYBX Possibly alunite-Py adjacent to
Qzvein

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts to SWIR

cement supported breccia. Black-
La Mascota

ALR031

dark gray silica cement with clasts

LB112

73297
332.9

HYBX (gneiss?). Cut by hematite veinlet

@<90° 2 mm. Tectonic foliation
@<70° 4. Alunite SWK@<30°
2mm.
Tectonic to tectonic hydrothermal SWIR
breccia. Tectonic foliation, Petrography
La Mascota

ALR032

silica+py, silica (reddish with hyp

LB112

73298
334.3

THBX hem?, titanite?) veinlets@<40°.

Subparallel silica-Al-Py sphalerite
vein @<50° aprox 1cm. ttn and Py
specksks in halos.
Gneiss, illite ttn alt. Alunite SWIR
La Mascota

ALR033

veinlets cutting illite/sericite and Petrography

LB112

73300
336.7

BG ttn alt.. Silica-specks vein @<20°

2mm cutting gneiss.

246
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Leucogranite. Sericite-Illite alt. SWIR

La Mascota
Alunite+ coarse py vein with Petrography

ALR034
LB112

73312
347.7
INT alunite halo. Ar/Ar
geochronology
Stable Isotopy

Same as ALR034. Leucogranite. SWIR U/Pb

347.80-348.40

73312-73313
La Mascota
Mainly sericite-Illite alteration. For geochronology

347.40 &

ALR035
LB112
U/Pb geochronology and total rock
INT geochemistry.

Broken contact SWIR

La Mascota

ALR036
Leucogranite/Gneiss.

LB112

73313
348.5
INT Py+Silica+Sphalerite. Alunite
filling at contact @<25°(?).

Silica W veinlets. 1. Illite Altered SWIR

La Mascota

gneiss. 2. Py veinlets subparallel.

ALR037
LB112

73324
358.7

To foliation cut by 3 (?). 3. Silica+-

BG Py+W vein (difuse silica)@<20° 8
mm. Alunite (dickite (?) veinlet
cutting 3.
Multiple phase hydrothermal SWIR
breccia. Partially brecciated Petrography
gneiss with ill/ser alt. Sil-Illite alt Ar/Ar
La Mascota

ALR038

minorpy. Tectonic foliation. 3. geochronology

LB112

73323
357.8

HYBX Drusy qz+py vein (@<50°) 3cm. 4. Stable Isotopy

Py vein <30-5° deflection 6 mm. 5.
Alunite infilling with possible clasts
of py, sphalerite. Fine grained py
and mrc?
Leucogranite. Illite/ser alt.. Illite alt SWIR
El Cuatro

ALR039

I573234

plg phenocrysts. Qz+mo veins?

LB267

280.9

INT

Porphyry (dacitic?) Fine grained SWIR

El Cuatro

gorund mass illite-alunite altered Petrography

ALR040

I565248
LB282

131.3

POR feldspars. Plg (?) phenocrysts Ar/Ar

altered to alunite, minor pyrite. geochronology
Cross cut cc (?) vein. Stable Isotopy
Leucogranite. Fine grained SWIR
La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR041A

467101
LB001

equigranular. Sericite alt

94.8

INT

Gneiss. Qz+py veinlets. Alunite- SWIR

ALR041B

J633646
LB327

quartz alteration superimposed to

34.6

BG illite/sericite, minor lcx (?)

Amphibolite (?). Tectonic foliation SWIR

J633651
ALR042
LB327

(?). Greenish micas. Kao filling

39.75

A microveins

Amphibolite. Cc vnlets & cc SWIR

J633652
ALR043
LB327

coating Py. Weak sil-alunite alt Petrography

41

A superimposing to ill-ser alt

Amphibolite. Cc vnlets & cc SWIR

J633652
ALR044
LB327

coating Py. Weak sil-alunite alt

41.6

A superimposing to ill-ser alt

Amphibolite. Cc vnlets & cc SWIR

J633653
ALR045
LB327

coating Py. Weak sil-alunite alt

42.3

A superimposing to ill-ser alt

247
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Amphibolite?. Ill-ser alt, weak sil. SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

J633662
ALR046
LB327
cc-py vnlts. lcx truc at veins

52.4
A

Amphibolite. Musc/Illite SWIR

J633669
ALR047
LB327
superimposed to chl alt?. Cc+py

58.2
A vnlet

Amphibolite. Illite-chl alt. Lcx as SWIR

J633678
ALR048
LB327
vnlets halos. Py vnlets

67.4
A

Hydrothermal qz vein (Gray qz), SWIR

J633720
ALR049
LB327 white and gray silica. Py (cubic)

108.6
QVN and cc. green CuO

Leucogranite. Ser alt. qz-py vein. SWIR

J633727
ALR050
LB327

Petrography
115.6

INT

Leucogranite. Sericite alteration. SWIR

J633729
ALR051
117.15
LB327

Qz-Py vein (D veins). Porphyry

INT style mineralization.

Leucogranite. Ill ser alt. For U/Pb SWIR

La Bodega

J633732
120-121

ALR052

geochronology and Total rock

LB327

INT geochemistry.

Gneiss. Contact to pegmatite. SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

J633743
ALR053
131.15
LB327

Chl/illite alt (?). Lcx after bt

BG

Leucogranite. Equigranular SWIR

J633751
ALR054
LB327

texture. Qz-py-green CuO veins

139.8

INT

Leucogranite. Equigranular SWIR

J633762
ALR055

texture. Qz+py veins

LB327

149.7

INT

Amphibolite. Illit-ser. SWIR

J633810
ALR056
LB327

198.4

Clast to cement supported SWIR

J633835
ALR057

breccia. Monomictic. Granite

LB327

227.9

CJBX clasts with sericite alt. Alunite-

quartz cement. Pyrite
disseminated
Leucogranite. Qz-Py-Mo vein SWIR
J633836
ALR058
LB327

228.5

INT

Hydrothermal breccia with porous SWIR

J633841
ALR059
LB327

sil. Polimig. Ill/ser alt in clasts.

233.6

REBX Resorbed edges clasts.

Leucogranite. Qz-py-mo veins SWIR

J633847
ALR060
LB327

238.5

INT

248
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Clasts to matrix supported SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

J633848
ALR061
LB327
monomictic breccia. Granite

239.8
CJBX clasts. Alunite-quartz cement. BX
(VS). Py+mrs(?)-en.
Clasts supported jigsaw-fit SWIR

J633852
ALR062
243.15
LB327
hydrothermal breccia (Crakled bx).
CJBX Leucogranite clasts.

Clasts supported jigsaw-fit. SWIR

J633853
ALR063
Hydrothermal breccia.

LB327

244.6
CJBX Leucogranite clasts. Moderate sil
on clasts. Py+en (?)+mrs(?), sph
in cement.
Clasts supported jigsaw-fit. SWIR
La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

J633854
ALR064
LB327 Hydrothermal breccia. Petrography

245.6
CJBX Leucogranite clasts. Moderate sil SEM
on clasts. Py+en (?)+mrs(?), sph
in cement.
Clasts supported jigsaw-fit SWIR

J633858
ALR065
LB327

hydrothermal breccia (Crakled bx).

249.8

CJBX Leucogranite clasts.

Clasts supported jigsaw-fit SWIR

J633866
ALR066
LB327

hydrothermal breccia (Crakled bx).

256.4

CJBX Leucogranite clasts.

Clasts supported jigsaw-fit SWIR

J633867
ALR067
LB327

hydrothermal breccia (Crakled bx).

257.1

CJBX Leucogranite clast with ser/ill alt.

Alunite>quatz cement.
Clasts supported jigsaw-fit SWIR
J633869
ALR068

hydrothermal breccia (Crakled bx).

259.15
LB327

CJBX Leucogranite clast with ser/ill alt.

Alunite>quatz cement. Mo-pyrite
clasts (?)
Gneiss. Porous quartz. Py-qz en SWIR
J633890
ALR069
280.35
LB327

(?) veinlets
BG

Gneiss. Alunite alt. Qz-py-en SWIR

J633890
ALR070
LB327

veins. Sphalerite occ. Petrography

280.7

BG SEM

Leucogranite. Fine Py-en veinlets SWIR

J633893
ALR071
283.55
LB327

INT

Gneiss. Muscovite halo veins swk. SWIR

J633895
ALR072
LB327

285.8

BG

Gneiss. Porous quartz + alunite SWIR

J633942
ALR073

alt. Qz+py veins

LB327

335.5

BG

Clasts to cement supported SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega

J633946
ALR074

breccia. Weak sil. Porous quartz.

LB327

339.3

REBX Resorbed clasts with muscovite

rim and illite alteration. Alu
microveins
K-spar rich gneiss. Granoblastic SWIR
ALR075

554845
LB022

texture (granitic-like gneiss)

29.3

GAP

249
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Muscovite-illite alteration. SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR076

554851
LB022
Py scattered. Cc vnlets. Jarosite

35.2
BG and gysum occurrence.

Quartz feldspar gneiss. SWIR

ALR077

554866
LB022
Granoblastic texture. Ill-ser alt.

48.3
GAP Qz-py veins .

Hydrothermal breccia. cc veinlets SWIR

ALR078

554879
LB022
cutting sil+py veins. cataclasite

61.5
HYBX text.

Leucogranite (?). Equigranular. SWIR

ALR079

554887
LB022 Sericite-illite alteration. Petrography

68.4
INT Qz+py+hem vein cut by Qz+py
vein
Gneiss. Chlorite alteration. Lcx(?) SWIR
ALR080

554890
LB022

after bt. Pyrite after bt with cpy?.

71.6

BG Epi veinlet

Gneiss. Mainly Ill-ser alt SWIR

ALR081

554916
LB022

95

BG

Banded gneiss. Chl alt on bt. SWIR

ALR082

554928
LB022

Minor segment with ill alteration.

107

BG Spc+chl veinlets

Gneiss. Silicification SWIR

ALR083

554935

superimposed on sericite
LB022

114.9

BG alteration. Py+cc? (cc at vein wall)

cutting py veinlet and qz+py+hem
veinlet
Gneiss. Ill alt. Py veinlet SWIR
ALR084

554947
LB022

124.1

BG

Granite. Sericite alteration. Weak SWIR

ALR085

554953
LB022

silica alteration superimposed on Petrography

130.4

INT sercite alt. Qz-py-en veins.

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR086

554954
131.35
LB022

Quartz cement. Fine grained

THBX clasts. Pyrite veins.

Granite (?) cross cut by qz-py-en, SWIR

ALR087

554959
135.15
LB022

py en vein with quartz halos. Petrography

INT

Leucogranite Sericite at. Qz+crs SWIR

ALR088

554960
LB022

Py cutting muscovite veinlet Petrography

136.6

INT

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts to SWIR

ALR089

554965
LB022

cement supported. Gneiss clasts

140.5

HYBX (?) with titanite (?) after bt (?).

Qz+py+en veins.
THBX. Tectonic hydrothermal SWIR
ALR090

554967

breccia. Matrix supported. Quartz Petrography

LB022

142.9

THBX cement. Tectonic folitation SEM

rounded clasts. It is ut by
Qz+py+en vein

250
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Leucogranite. Qz+crs Py cut by SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR091

554968
LB022
Qz+py+en

143.6
INT

Gneiss.. Ill alt. weak sil. Py+en SWIR

ALR092

554972
LB022
vein Porous sil halo

147.9
BG

Gneiss.. Ill alt. Py en veinlets. SWIR

ALR093

554973
LB022

148.5
BG

Leucogranite. Equigranular. Ser/ill SWIR

ALR094

554997
LB022 alt.

171.7
INT

Quartz feldspar gneiss. SWIR

ALR095

555007
LB022

Granoblastic texture. Ill-ser alt.

180.7

GAP

Leucogranite. Equigranular. SWIR

190.35-191

ALR096

555017
Sericite-illite alteration. Pyrite
LB022

INT disseminated. For U/Pb

geochronology and Total rock
geochemistry.
Amphibolite. Chl alt. Chl veins SWIR
ALR097

555023
LB022

196.9

GAP. Chl+spc veins cut by SWIR

ALR098

555033
LB022

Qz+cubic Py
205.1

GAP

GAP. Ill alt. Qz+crsPy+cc SWIR

ALR099

555036
LB022

208.1

GAP

Leucogranite (?). Qz+py+cc, SWIR

ALR100

555044
LB022

cutting (?) Qz+py+hem vein

215.7

INT

Tectonic hydrrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR101

555045

Matrix to cement supported. Petrography

LB022

216.2

THBX Quartz cement. Silicified matrix.

Qz+Py+cpy(?)+en vein cutting
Qz+Py+cpy+w and Qz+Py-cpycv?
Leucogranite. Fine grained, SWIR
ALR102

555048
219.85
LB022

equigranular. Contact to gneiss

INT with muscovite alt (mus after bt?).

Leucogranite-granitic pegmatite SWIR

ALR103

555053
LB022

contact. Muscovite-illite alteration. Petrography

224.1

INT /
PEG

Granitic Pegmatite. Coarse SWIR

555053-4
ALR104
224.40-
225.20
LB022

grained. Muscovite-illite alteration.

PEG

Banded gneiss with augen texture. SWIR

ALR105

555068
238.15
LB022

Quartz-feldspar bands. Biotite rich

BG bands. Ill-sericite alt.

251
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss.. Ill alt SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR106

555081
LB022

251.9
BG

Banded gneiss. Quartz-feldspar SWIR

ALR107

555096
LB022
bands. Biotite rich bands. Ill-

265.4
BA sericite alt.

Leucogranite. Equigranular to SWIR

ALR108

555112
LB022
porphyrtic (?) Medium grained

280.4
INT with few felspar phenocrysts with
mirmequitic texture.

281.40-282
Same as ALR108. For U/Pb SWIR

ALR109

555113
LB022 geochronology and Total rock
INT geochemistry.

Banded gneiss. Quartz-feldspar SWIR

La Bodega

ALR110 bands. Biotite rich bands. Ill-

555122
289.75
LB022

sericite alt. Qz+py veins. Illite-ser

BG
alt.

Quartz feldspar gneis with SWIR

La Bodega

granoblastic texture. Qz-Py vein.

ALR111

I568566
LB251

30.2

GAP Sericite alteration.

Amphibolite, chl alt cut by py+FeO SWIR

La Bodega

vein
ALR112

I568573
LB251

37.1

Gneiss, banded. Qz+crs py cutting SWIR

spc vein(fract fill(?))
La Bodega

ALR113

I568603
LB251

65.7

BG

GAP. Ill alt. Qz+py vnlets SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR114

I568634
LB251

94.8

GAP

Gneiss.. mgt occ. SWIR

ALR115

I568648
LB251

107.2

BG

Gneiss. Qz+crsPy+CuS (cc, bn). SWIR

ALR116

I568663
LB251

Ill alt halo.

121.8

BG

Gneiss.spc vein cutting and truc SWIR

ALR117

I568680
LB251

chl after bt
137.8

BG

Leucogranite (weakly foliated?). SWIR

ALR118

I568712
LB251

Ser alt. Qz+py+cc vein cutting Petrography

167.3

INT Qz+py vein

Leucogranite (weakly foliated?). SWIR

ALR119

568765
219.95
LB251

Ser alt.
INT

252
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss banded. Ill-ser alt. Qz-py SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR120

I568770
LB251
hyp hem (spc(?)) veinsLcx after

224.8
BG bt.

Leucogranite. Ill-ser alt. Qz+py SWIR

ALR121

I568776
LB251
veins cut by qz+py+cc

229.9
INT

tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR122

I568788
LB251
Silicified matrix. Alu+qz+py

243.2
THBX cemented breccia cutting THBX.
Clasts with ser-ill alt.
Leucogranite. Mainly sericite illite SWIR

ALR123

I568811
LB251 alteration. Qz+py+en vein cuts

264.5
INT qz+py veins

tectonic hydrothermal breccia with SWIR

ALR124

I568822
LB251

tectonic foliation. Py+hem paralell

274.7

THBX to foliation cutting qz+py+cc

Leucogranite (?). Mainly ill alt. SWIR

ALR125

I568833
LB251

Py+qzz veins cut by py+cc veins

285.6

INT

Granite. Coarse grained. Illite/ser SWIR

ALR126

I568851

alteration (weak) on feldspars Petrography

LB251

300.8

INT (plagioclase). Qz+py+cc+bn vein SEM

cutting and displacing. Qz+py
veinlet. Au inclusions in Py.
Leucogranite. Equigranular, fine SWIR
I568862-3
ALR127
LB251

grained. Ser alt. Py-cc-qz veins

313.9

INT (rounded side)

ILeucogranite. Equigranular, fine SWIR

ALR128

I568869
LB251

grained.Sericite-Quartz alteration. Petrography

318.3

INT Qz+Py+Cc vein cutting Qz+Py

microvein.
Granite. Coarse grained. Qz+py SWIR
ALR129

I568872
LB251

vein cut by Qz vein

322

INT

Granite. Coarse grained. SWIR

ALR130

I568881
LB251

Qz+py+cc+bn vein cutting and Petrography

331.9

INT displacing. Qz+py veinlet. Au

inclusions in Py.
Gneiss. Qz+py veins. SWIR
ALR131

I568905
LB251

355.8

BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Silicified SWIR

ALR132

I568789
LB251

matrix. Ill alt clasts. Py

244.7

HYBX disseminated in mx. Py-cc vnlets

Banded gneiss/amphibolite. Epi SWIR

ALR133

alt.
LB114

73375
18.5

BG

Gneiss. Spc veinlets cutting chl SWIR

ALR134

veins.
LB114

73416
77.1

BG

253
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Chl-epi alt. SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR135
chl+cpy+goethite vein cut by

LB114

73422
83.5
BG Py+Goe vein

quartz feldspar gneis granoblastic SWIR

ALR136
(granitic-like) texture. Weak ill alt,

LB114

73435
95.8
GAP cut by Qz+py+spc vein

Gneiss. Granoblastic- SWIR

ALR137
granolepidoblastic texture. Chl+py Petrography

LB114

73550
207.9
BG vein cut by Qz+Py (crs) vein

K-spar rich gneiss. Coarse SWIR

ALR138
grained granoblastic (granitic-like)
211.75
LB114

73554
GAP texture. Ill halo on fracture.

K-spar rich gneiss. Coarse SWIR

La Mascota

grained granoblastic (granitic-like)

ALR139
LB114

73555
212.4

GAP texture. Lcx,ttn (?) after bt (?)

Banded gneiss. Py vnlt cutting chl SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR140

with lcx halo

216.65
LB114

73559

BG

Leucogranite-Gneiss. contact. SWIR

ALR141

Qz+py veins and Py micro vein

LB114

73564
221.7

INT /
wider in leucogranite. Sericite/illite
BG
alteration.

Banded gneiss. Qz+crs py vein ill SWIR

ALR142

halo
LB114

73574
233.2

BG

Banded gneiss. Qz+py+mo(?) SWIR

ALR143

vein cutting gneiss. Illite/ser - chl

LB114

73577
235.6

BG (?) alt

Granite. Coarse grained. K-spar, SWIR

ALR144

plg, qz. For U/Pb geochronology

264.90-
265.50
LB114

73605

INT and Total rock geochemistry.

Granite. Porous quartz. Alu alt SWIR

ALR145

halo mostly on fds. Py+en vnlts.

LB114

73616
276.2

INT

Gneiss. Granoblastic-to SWIR

ALR146

granolepidoblastic texture. Alu alt.

LB114

73631
289.1

BG Py microveins cutting alu.

Hydrothermal breccia. Qz-sph SWIR

La Mascota

cutting clast with py and hem. Petrography

ALR147
LB114

73639
296.9

HYBX

Gneiss. Qz-alu alt. Fine Py SWIR

La Mascota

veinlets cutting sil. Petrography

ALR148
LB114

73642
300.4

BG

254
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss.. Q+W vein cutting Qz vein SWIR

La Mascota

ALR149
cutting Fine Py vein cutting sil Petrography

LB114

73643
302.5
BG zone Py-cc coating (?)

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts sup. SWIR

La Mascota
Pol. Qz cement. Clast of mx sup Petrography

ALR150
LB114

73646
305.7
HYBX fine grained BX. Qz+W cement. SEM
crust cav with Qz+W. Sph+alu at
center
Gneiss. Ill/ser alt. SWIR
La Mascota

ALR151
Qz+Fluorite(?)+alu vein. Py vnlts

LB114

73656
316.4
BG

Hydrothermal breccia in contacto SWIR

La Mascota

alu+qz vein with w blades.

ALR152
317.05
LB114

73657
HYBX

Hydrothermal breccia. Gneiss SWIR

La Mascota

ALR153

clast with ill alt.

LB114

73659
318.1

HYBX

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

La Mascota

Tectonic foliation at breccia

ALR154
LB114

73659
318.4

contact to gneiss (?). Alu vein. W

THBX
at wallls

Gneiss. Py vnlets cut by Qz-w SWIR

La Mascota

veins
ALR155
322.75
LB114

73664

BG

Py+cc veinlet cut by Qz+Py+W SWIR

La Mascota

vein. Ill alt. lcx after mafics Petrography

ALR156
LB114

73664
322.9

BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Alu vein. SWIR

La Mascota

with Qz clasts. Py scattered in

ALR157
LB114

73669
326.7

vein. Qz+W+Py in segment and

HYBX
walls

Qz+py+w. Alu in cavity with Py SWIR

La Mascota

ALR158
LB114

73683
341.4

BG

Gneiss in contac to hydrothermal SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR159

breccia. Porous quartz in contact.

LB114

73688
345.2

BG Grading to Ill/ser alt halo. Qz+py

vns.

Contact Gneiss.-Hydrothermal SWIR

ALR160

breccia. Tect foliation at contact

LB114

73700
356.6

HYBX

Crackled Hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR161

Gneiss clasts, mainly quartz

357.35
LB114

73700

HYBX alunite alt superimposed to minor

ill alt. Py +sil in mx and cement

255
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Hydrothermal breccia. Gneiss SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR162
clasts rimmed by quartz

LB114

73707
363.6
HYBX (crustiform-colloform texture) fine
py+en

Qz alu altered clast in SWIR

ALR163
Hydrothermal breccia. SIl+Py+en.

LB114

73725
380.8
HYBX W at Qz walls

Hydrothermal breccia. Gneiss SWIR

ALR164
clasts. Quartz cement with py.

LB114

73737
390.2
HYBX

Hydrothermal breccia, silicification SWIR

La Mascota

with minor porous quartz

ALR165
LB114

73749
402.8 HYBX
superimposed on ill/ser alt clasts.
Silicified clasts with py. Hem in
some clasts Porous quartz in
clasts.
Hydrothermal quartz vein. SWIR
La Mascota

ALR166

Qz+py+cc+cpy vein parallel to

LB114

73749
402.9

HYVN tectonic foliation.

Hydrothermal breccia. Matrix SWIR

La Mascota

supported. Silicified matrix with py

ALR167
LB114

73787
436.1

HYBX and hem. Qz, gneiss clast.

Hydrothermal breccia. Matrix SWIR

La Mascota

supported. Silicified matrix with py

ALR168
LB114

73791
439.5

THBX and hem. Qz, gneiss clast.

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota

ALR169

Matrix supported. Rounded clasts,

LB114

73801
448.8

THBX augen shaped quartz clasts,

parallel to tectonic foliation.
Silicified matrix.
Gneiss. Py vein cut by Qz+Py SWIR
ALR170

vein
LB114

73814
461

BG

Gneiss. Alunite quartz alt SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

superimposed to ill-ser alt. Qz+py Petrography

ALR171
LB114

73819
464.6

BG cut py veins and hem veins SEM

Gneiss cut by Qz+Py, pinkish SWIR

ALR172

mineral at vein wall.

LB114

73827
471.8

BG

Gneiss cross cut by qz+py+en SWIR

ALR173

vein.
LB114

73836
481

BG

Hydrothermal breccia cross cut by SWIR

ALR174

py+en veinlets.
498.55
LB114

73855

HYBX

256
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss.. Ill alt. lcx. Py en vein SWIR

La Mascota

ALR175
LB114

73856
499.7
BG

Gneiss.. Ill alt. Py+en+sil vein SWIR

La Mascota

ALR176
LB114

73870
512.8
BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Quartz SWIR

La Mascota
cement. Gneiss clasts, ill alt. Lcx

ALR177
530.75
LB114

73890
HYBX after mafics.

Gneiss cut by Qz+Py vein. Sil halo SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR178
superimposed to ill alt, minor lcx
LB114

73894
533.9
BG (ttn?). Py-hem veins.. irregular cc
veins

Qz(sil vein)+hyp hem, Py at SWIR

ALR179

center.
535.95
LB114

73896
BG

Gneiss.. Ill-sill. red specksks. Py SWIR

ALR180

cc veins
LB114

73899
538.2

BG

Gneiss.Ill-qz alt porous texture (?). SWIR

ALR181
LB114

72907
545.4

BG

Gneiss. Ill alt (?), porous texture SWIR

ALR182

(?). Spc in veinlets and in pores.

LB114

72910
549.2

BG

Gneiss. Ill alt superimposed to chl SWIR

La Mascota

alt (?). Spc fracture fills and

ALR183
LB114

72911
550.4

BG microveins.

Amphibolite. Calcite vein. Lcx SWIR

La Mascota

ALR184

(ttn?) after mafics. Chl alt.

LB114

72923
561.5

Amphibolite. Spc vein with hem SWIR

La Mascota

and ill/ser alt.

ALR185
LB114

72925
563.7

Gneiss. Qz+py+goe veins cutting SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota

ALR186

ill veinlets.
LB202

2805
78.6

BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts SWIR

ALR187

supported. Crackled texture.

LB202

2808
82.2

HYBX Qz+py in cement and veins. Py

veins cut by qz+py veins

257
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Hydrothermal breccia, clasts SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR188
supported. Polimictic (?). Gneiss

199.55
LB202

2926
HYBX clasts ill-ser alt minor lcx (ttn) alt
(?). Qz clasts.

Hydrothermal breccia. W-sil-py SWIR

ALR189
cemen cut by Qz+py+en vein Petrography

203.15
LB202

2929
HYBX Fluid
Inclusions
SEM
Hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR190
Qz+py+hem in cement.

LB202

210.2

2937
HYBX

Hydrothermal breccia. Quartz SWIR

La Mascota

cement. Cement supported. Petrography

ALR191
211.55
LB202

2939
Qz+w+py+en vein; minor CuS, SEM
HYBX
cpy,cv(?). Drusy qz, coloform
texture

Hyp hem in veinlets and mx SWIR

La Mascota

ALR192

replacement 2
212.45
LB202

2939
HYBX

Ill and Qz alt. Mainly as veins SWIR

La Mascota

halos. Py cut by Qz+Py+W+En Petrography

ALR193
LB202

219.1

2947

BG veins

Hydrothermal breccia. Coloform SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR194

text Qz. Gneiss clasts, ill alt Q+Py

LB202

221.1

2950

HYBX veins, lcx alt, cut by Qz vnlets. Py

vnlets in BX.

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia SWIR

ALR195

qith quartz cement cut by

LB202

2953
225

THBX Qz+w+py+CuS vein

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR196

Weakly sil. Py in clasts. diss in

LB202

225.8

2954

THBX veinlets and veins.

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Py SWIR

ALR197

parallel to tectonic foliation. Hem

LB202

2956
229

THBX in breccia cut by drusy qz+py+w

Hydrothermal breccia. Qz+w+py SWIR

ALR198

bladed texture vein in breccia cut

LB202

230.2

2957

HYBX by Qz+py+en vein

Gneiss illite/ser alt with SWIR

ALR199

supperimpoosed weak Petrography

LB202

230.6

2958

BG silicification; cross cut by w+py+qz

vein cut buy drusy Qz+w+py+en
vein
Hydrothermal breccia cutting SWIR
ALR200

gneiss. Drusy Qz+w+py+en

LB202

231.8

2959

HYBX cement (vein), Cement supported

to clasts supported.

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts SWIR

ALR201

supported mainly. Qz cement. Qz,

235.15
LB202

2962

HYBX hem and py in cement.

258
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Silicification SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR202
superimposed to ill alt.

LB202

237.2

2964
BG Py+en+qz+alu vein.

Gneiss. Qz+py+en+sph vein with SWIR

ALR203
qz halo.

250.45
LB202

2973
BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. Py veins, alu+py in SWIR

ALR204
cav.

LB202

252.4

2981
BG

Gneiss. Qz+py+sph vein SWIR

ALR205
LB202

2996
267 BG

Gneiss. Porous qz. Alu, lcx, py. SWIR

ALR206
LB202

292.1

3023 BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Drusy SWIR

ALR207

Qz+Py+En. W+Sil rimming cav

LB202

294.1

3025

HYBX and clasts

Gneiss, epidote alteration. SWIR

La Mascota

Epi+rutile vein (?) cutting gneiss. Petrography

ALR208
LB202

327.9

3061

BG

Gneiss. Waekly silicified. Qz+py SWIR

La Bodega

ALR209

I568934
LB258

veins. CuS?. Gypsum?

24.5

BG

Gneiss., K-spar rich. Mgt speckss. SWIR

La Bodega

ALR210

I568939
LB258

29.8

BG
I568947-48

Gneiss. Granoblastic text. SWIR

La Bodega

ALR211
LB258

37

BG

Gneiss.. Ill vein ? SWIR

La Bodega

ALR212

I568952
LB258

41.05

BG

Amphibolite(?). Ill alt. Qz vein cut SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR213

I568956
LB258

by ill. spc fract fill

46.1

Amphibolite. Chl alt SWIR

ALR214

I568969
LB258

58.4

Contact Gneiss.- Tectonic SWIR

ALR215

I568995
LB258

hydrothermal breccia. Py+hem at

82.9

THBX contact. Sil

259
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Ill alt. spc+-py veinlet SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR216

I568998
LB258

85.64
BG

Leucogranite (?) coarse grained. SWIR

ALR217

I569013
LB258
Ill-ser alt. Bt alt to ill (?)

99.05
INT

Gneiss. Qz+py+cv+bn veins. SWIR

ALR218

I569022
LB258

107.8
BG

Gneiss.. chl alt weak ill. spc vlts SWIR

ALR219

I569038
LB258

124.9
BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. weak sil . Qz+py+- SWIR

ALR220

I569054
LB258

cc coat vn
139.1

BG

Gneiss. Weak ill alt. weak chl alt SWIR

La Bodega

on bt. chl vnlts. spc vlts

ALR221

I569057
LB258

142.7

BG

Quartz-feldspar gneiss. SWIR

La Bodega

Granoblastic texture, fine grained

ALR222

I569067
LB258

151.9

(aplitic-like? texture). Ill-ser alt

GAP
La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

Quartz-feldspar gneiss. SWIR

ALR223

I569082
LB258

165.2

Granoblastic texture, fine grained

GAP (aplitic-like? texture). Ill-ser alt.
py+- qz vnlts
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia SWIR
ALR224

I569084

with tectonic foliation and parallel

LB258

167.4

THBX quartz bands. Caugen shaped qz

clasts. Qz+py+bn veins (shear
zone ?)
Quartz feldspar gneiss SWIR
ALR225

I569086
LB258

granoblastic texture (granitic-like

169.8

GAP texture?). Ser/Ill alt. Illite alretaion

on bt band.
Quartz feldspar gneiss SWIR
ALR226

I569088
171.65
LB258

granoblastic texture (granitic-like

GAP texture?). Ser/Ill alt.Qz+py vein.

Amphibolite. Fd orphyroblasts. Chl SWIR

ALR227

I569105
189.85
LB258

alt.
A

Amphibolite. Chl, spc veinlet. SWIR

ALR228

I569117
200.45
LB258

Hydrothermal breccia. Silicified. SWIR

ALR229

I569119
LB258

Polimictic.Clasts sup to mx sup.

202.5

HYBX Qz+Py cement.En+Py vns. not

clear ccr.
Leucogranite. Qz+Py vein. pinkish SWIR
ALR230

I569120
LB258

color. cut by Py+Qz vein.

203.6

INT

260
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Leucogranite. Fine grained. Ill alt. SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR231

I569121
204.05
LB258
Cut by Qz+Py vein
INT

Gneiss. Ill alt. Lcx, ttn after bt SWIR

ALR232

I569130
LB258
occ?.

212.9
BG

Amphibolite. Chl alt. SWIR

ALR233

I569135
217.05
LB258
spc+carbonate vein with chlorite
A halo.

Amphibolite. Epi veins cut by SWIR

ALR234

I569152
LB258 spc+epi veinlets, cut by Petrography

233.2
A spc+carbonate vein with minor py.

GAP. Weak ill-ser alt. Few qz+Py SWIR

ALR235

I569161
veins and chl+spc veins
LB258

241.4

GAP
255-255.80

Leucogranite. Qz+fd . Weak ser-ill SWIR

ALR236

I569176
LB258

alt. For U/Pb geochronology and

INT Total rock geochemistry.

Leucogrante. Qz+Fd comp. Weak SWIR

ALR237

I569178
LB258

ser-ill alt. Qz+Py veins

257.7

INT

Granite (?), weakly foliated. SWIR

ALR238

I569199
LB258

Qz+fd+bt. very weak ill-ser alt Petrography

277.5

INT superimposed on chl alt (on bt).

Granite (?), weakly foliated. SWIR

278.25-279

ALR239

I569200

Qz+fd+bt. very weak ill-ser alt

LB258

INT superimposed on chl alt (on bt).

For U/Pb geochronology and Total
rock geochemistry.
Leucogranite. Ill-ser alt SWIR
La Bodega

ALR240

I569224
LB258

300.1

INT

Leucogranite. Ser alt. ccr. Qz+Py SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR241

I569244
319.85
LB258

vein cut by Qz+Py+cc vein+bn Petrography

INT vein

Gneiss. Ser-ill alt. FeO veins SWIR

ALR242

563210
LB037

14.2

BG

Leucogranite. Ser alt (coarse mus SWIR

ALR243

563223
LB037

"flakes").
30.1

INT

Gneiss. Coarse grained feldspar SWIR

ALR244

563239
LB037

band and amphiboles band.

46.5

BG Qz+alu alt. Qz+py veins.

Gneiss. Weak silicification. Porous SWIR

ALR245

563244
LB037

quartz (?)
50.1

BG

261
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Qz+py+en. Visible gold (?) on vein SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR246

563245
LB037
with cockade text. Petrography

51.2
HYBX

Gneiss. Qz+alu alt. SWIR

ALR247

563248
LB037

53.95
BG

Amphibolite. Chl alt, cut by spc SWIR

ALR248

563261
LB037
vein

65.95
A

73.90-74.10
Gneiss. Ser-ill alt. Qz+Py+cc vein SWIR

563269-70
ALR249
LB037
BG

Gneiss.. Ser ill alt. SWIR

ALR250

563279
LB037

83.25

BG

Gneiss. Ill-ser alt. Qz+Py+cc vein SWIR

ALR251

563284
LB037

87.3

BG

Gneiss.. ser-ill alt. weak sil. SWIR

ALR252

563290
LB037

Qz+py+cc vnlets.
93.4

BG

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR253

563298

Matrix supported, rounded clasts.

100.65
LB037

THBX Silicified matrix. Quartz cement. Ill

altered clasts with superimposed
silicification.
THBX cut by Qz+Py+W^vein cut SWIR
ALR254

563303
105.25
LB037

by Qz+Py vein
THBX

Leucogranite. Fine grained. Ser SWIR

ALR255

563314
LB037

alt. Weak sil. mainly as Qz+py+cc

114.8

INT halos.

Leucogranite. Ser-ill alt over SWIR

ALR256

563327
LB037

prLeucograniteed by Alunite- Petrography

126.8

INT Quartz alteration. Qz+Pyswk. ccr^ SEM

Leucogranite. Fine granied. SWIR

ALR257

563336
LB037

Porous sil. Qz vein sph occ

134.8

INT

Contact Leucogranite-Gneiss. SWIR

ALR258

563343
LB037

Illite-ser alt.
142.2

BG

Gneiss.. Ill alt- weak sil. Qz+py+en SWIR

ALR259

563346
LB037

veins.
145.5

BG

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia, SWIR

Narrow (3 cm) cuttin gneiss. Petrography
La Bodega

ALR260

563352
151.35

Cement to matriz supported. Fluid

LB037

THBX Alunite+quartz+coarse pyrite Inclusions

(dodecahedric and cubic) cut by SEM
qz+alunite+fine py+en irregular
vein. Wolframite (?)

262
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Banded. Sil+alunite SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR261

553358
LB037
superimposed on illite-ser.

157.9
BG

Amphibolite. Muscovite alteration. SWIR

ALR262

553370
LB037

168.9
A

Gneiss..Muscovite alt. Py+en(?) SWIR

ALR263

553381
LB037
veins

178.8
BG

Gneiss. Alunit-quartz alteration SWIR

La Bodega

superimposed to ser-ill alt. Petrography

ALR264

553402
197.15
LB037
Alu+py+en vein Ar/Ar
BG geochronology
Stable Isotopy

Qz+py vein. Kao in cavities. SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR265

563418
LB037

213

QVN

Gneiss.. Qz+Py, kao vein. SWIR

ALR266

563433
LB037

226.4

BG

Leucogranite. Fine grained. Ser ill SWIR

ALR267

563435
LB037

alt.
228.6

INT

Gneiss. Py+cc+alu+qz vein. SWIR

ALR268

563445
LB037

239

BG

Leucogranite. Ser-Ill alt. FeO goe SWIR

ALR269

517939

microveins.
LB013

32

INT

Leucogranite. Fine graind. Monz SWIR

ALR270

517973
LB013

granite. Py+cc vnlets Petrography

69.7

INT SEM

Granitic pegmatite. Ser-illalt. SWIR

ALR271

517985
LB013

Qz+Py+En veins Petrography

80.75

PEG SEM
517985-86

Same as ALR271. For U/Pb SWIR

ALR272
LB013

80.94-
81.65

geochronology and Total rock

PEG geochemistry.

Gneiss.. Tect fol ?. Ill alt. Weak sil. SWIR

ALR273

518004
LB013

Greenish min.
98.2

BG

Amphibolite (?). Ill alt. SWIR

ALR274

518035
LB013

128.5

Gneiss.. Qz+py+en+te vein cuting SWIR

ALR275

518058
LB013

alu+py+cc(?) vn Petrography
150.6

BG SEM

263
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Resorbed edcges clasts SWIR

La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR276

518064
LB013
supported hydrothermal breccia.

155.8
REBX Illite alt. Weak sil. Reabsorved
edges clasts. Qz+Py vns minor al.
Gneiss.. Ser and sil. Alu and kao SWIR

ALR277

518072
LB013
possibly altering feldspars

163.2
BG

Quartz-feldspar gneiss. SWIR

ALR278

518125
LB013
Granoblastic texture. Banded. Ser

214.7
GAP alt

Quartz-feldspar gneiss. SWIR

ALR279

518133
LB013 Granoblastic texture. Ser alt

222.5
GAP

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Qz SWIR

ALR280

518141
230.75
LB013

cement, tectonic foliation. Matrix Petrography

THBX supported, fine grained. Breccia is
cut by qz+py vein
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Py SWIR
La Bodega

disseminated in silicified matrix Petrography

ALR281

518143
LB013

ofclats. Py veins cutting cutting Ar/Ar

231.8

THBX breccia. Qz+alu+py cement. geochronology

Stable Isotopy

Gneiss. Ser ill alt. Py scattered SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Bodega La Bodega La Bodega

ALR282

518163
LB013

and in microveins.
251.6

BG

Amphibolite. Illite alt SWIR

ALR283

518192
278.65
LB013

superimposed to chl alt. Py

A scattered.

Leucogranite. Medium grained. SWIR

ALR284

518231
LB013

Sericite alt and Qz alt.

315.9

INT

Banded gneiss with qz-fd SWIR

ALR285

leucosomes and bt rich

LB221

10366
98.5

BG mesosomes. Ill alt.

Hydrothermal breccia. Clast sup SWIR

ALR286

bx cutting sil sup bx. silicified..

LB221

10414
143.7

HYBX FeO fract coatings

Gneiss.. Chl vein epi halo. SWIR

ALR287
LB221

10459
185.4

BG

Gneiss.. K-spar rich leucosomes. SWIR

La Mascota

Epi alt
ALR288
LB221

10478
203.4

BG

Leucogranite. Weak ill-chl alt. SWIR

La Mascota

ALR289

Few qz vnlets
LB221

10581
301.4

INT

264
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Chl-ill alt. chl vn cut by SWIR

La Mascota

10582-3
ALR290
CO3+spc

LB221

303
BG

Gneiss. Carbonate+py vein SWIR

La Mascota
Petrography

ALR291
LB221

10596
315.1
BG

Gneiss. Qz+py+mo vein. SWIR

La Mascota
Petrography

ALR292
LB221

10602
320.7
BG SEM

Gneiss. Ill alt on chl alt. Py+ qz SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR293
vein
LB221

10608
326.2
BG

Leucogranite. Ser-ill alt. Qz+py SWIR

ALR294

stockwork.
LB221

10618
335.9

INT

Leucogranite. Chl-ill alt. SWIR

ALR295
LB221

10619
336.5

INT

Gneiss.. SerIll alt superimposed SWIR

ALR296

on chl alt. ttn occ

LB221

10623
340.8

BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. Qz+Py cuts ill SWIR

ALR297
344.72
LB221

10627

BG

Gneiss cross cut by qz+py+cpy SWIR

ALR298

vein.
354.55
LB221

10638

BG

Gneiss.. Ill alt. Qz+Py+mo (?) SWIR

ALR299

vein. Petrography
365.36
LB221

10650

BG

Gneiss with mafic segregation SWIR

ALR300

(schlieren?)
380.75
LB221

10666

BG

Quartz feldspar gneiss. Py vein. SWIR

ALR301
385.95
LB221

10671

GAP

Gneiss.. Ser-ill alt superimposeed SWIR

ALR302

on chl alt?
LB221

10680
393.3

BG

Gneiss. Epi and chl alt on hb and SWIR

ALR303

Bt
LB221

10704
416.2

BG

265
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Amphibolite. Epi alt. Epi-py SWIR

La Mascota

ALR304
veincut by carbonate+py+hem Petrography

LB221

10717
428.1
A SEM

Amph. Epi alt. epi vein cut by SWIR

La Mascota
CO3+Hem

ALR305
435.75
LB221

10725
A

Gneiss. Chl-ill alt. chl vn cut by SWIR

La Mascota
CO3+spc

ALR306
LB221

10730
440.9
BG

Leucogranite. Ill alt. Py vn cutting SWIR

La Mascota

illite veinlet.

ALR307
LB221

10756
464.9

INT

Gneiss.. Qz+py+cpy vein cut by SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

10783-4
ALR308

Carbonate (ca?). Epi vein cut by

489.70-
490.22
LB221

BG Qz+Py+cpy

Gneiss. Silica and alu alt. Qz+py SWIR

ALR309

vnlets
LB221

10821
527.8

BG

Gneiss. Weakly brecciated. Sil SWIR

ALR310

and alu alt

LB221

10822
528.7

BG

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Qz SWIR

ALR311

cement. Alu vein

529.15
LB221

10825

THBX

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

La Mascota

Tectonic folliation. Matrix

ALR312
LB221

10826
531.6

supported and clast supported

THBX
segments. Multiple phases of
brecciation. Matrix replaced by qz
(?). Qz cement.
Hydrothermal breccia. Qz vein SWIR
La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR313

coloform text. Qz+py+en rimming

LB221

10828
533.6

HYBX clasts with sil en alt to cv.

GAP. Weak ill alt. Coarse grained SWIR

ALR314

K-spar rich.
LB205

3182
88.5

GAP

Qz-feldspar gneiss, granoblastic SWIR

ALR315

texture. Qz (40%) - Plg (40%) and

LB205

146.2

3242

GAP hornblende (20%). Orthogneiss?

Gneiss. Alu and sil alt. SWIR

ALR316
LB205

205.5

3304

BG

266
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Ill alt. Qz+Py vein SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR317
subparallel to core axis

LB205

215.4

3316
BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. Lcx occ. Chl veinlet SWIR

ALR318
cut by hem vnlet

223.95
LB205

3325
BG

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

ALR319
SIlicified. Mx sup. Tect fol.

227.15
LB205

3329
THBX rounded clasts. Qz+Py+En+Alu
vein.

Gneiss.Alunite-qz alt. Rt after SWIR

La Mascota

mafics. Qz+py+en Petrography

ALR320
LB205

237.1

3340
BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Qz vein SWIR

La Mascota

Bladed text. Contact cockade

ALR321
LB205

240.3

3343
text.Py+W
HYBX

Hydrothermal breccia. Banded. SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR322

Clasts to Mx sup. TBX text

LB205

241.4

3344

HYBX segments. Qz+Py+CuS vein

cutting BX

Sil Hydrothermal breccia. Py diss SWIR

ALR323

in sil. Alunite +Py+En vein cutting Stable

LB205

243.5

3346

HYBX BX Isotopy

Hydrothermal breccia. Silicified SWIR

ALR324

Cockade text. Silica cement,

LB205

248.7

3351

HYBX cement supported.

Amphibolite.Qz-Alunite alteration SWIR

ALR325

superimposed on illite alt. Rt-lcx Petrography

LB205

254.2

3358

A after mafics(?) .. Qz+Py+en cuttin

qz+Py+Hem

Amph. Ill-chl alt. Qz veins with Rt SWIR

ALR326

(?) halo cut by Qz+py veins

LB205

256.1

3360

Hydrothermal breccia cutting SWIR

ALR327

gneiss. Qz+py+w vein cutting

LB205

267.8

3372

HYBX Qz+py-hem vein

Amphibolite. Ill alt. Qz vein and py SWIR

ALR328

vnlets.
LB205

273.5

3378

Hydrothermal breccia. Silicified. SWIR

La Mascota

Clasts supported,. cut by Alunite Petrography

ALR329

3385-6
LB205

supported hydrothermal breccia.

280

HYBX Clasts with sil, py and cc?. Four

hases of brecciation.

267
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts SWIR

La Mascota
supported, quartz cement with

ALR330
LB205
crustiform-colloform texture.

283.2

3389
HYBX Alunitizied gneiss clasts. Py in
cement.

Gneiss. Grano blastic texture. Alu SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR331
alt.

LB205

285.3

3391
BG

K-spar rich, plg, qz gneiss. Weak SWIR

ALR332
Illite ser alt. Bt with ill alt

LB205

286.9

3392
GAP superimposed to chl alt.

Gneiss. Intenses porous quartz SWIR

ALR333
alteration.
LB205

289.8

3395
BG

Gneiss. Intense porous quartz SWIR

ALR334

alteration. Py and Cu sulfides (?)

LB205

291.2

3397
BG disseminated in qz. .Chalcantite,
jarosite and gypsum (?)
occurrence on surface of sample...
Gneiss. Ill alt cut by qz+py+w SWIR
ALR335

banded crustiform texture vein.

298.55
LB205

3404

BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. Spc stockwork-like SWIR

ALR336

veins
3411-2
LB205

306

BG

Gneiss. Weak chl alt. Mgt specks. SWIR

ALR337
318.65
LB205

3425

BG

Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic SWIR

ALR338

texture. Ill alt

LB205

329.8

3437

BG

Leucogranite. Fine grained. Weak SWIR

ALR339

silicification. Py stockwork-like
3447-8
LB205

339

INT veins.

Gneiss. Ill-ser alt. Spc after SWIR

ALR340

mafics(?).
LB205

352.8

3462

BG

Gneiss.. lcx occ after mafics. SWIR

ALR341
354.75
LB205

3464

BG

Gneiss. Epi-chl veinlets. Rt-lcx occ SWIR

ALR342
LB205

366.3

3477

BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. Py+hem veinlets SWIR

ALR343
LB205

397.7

3510

BG

268
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss.. Epi+chl Alt. hem+epi SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR344
veins.

LB205

405.2

3516
BG

Gneiss. Epi vein cut by ca+hem SWIR

ALR345
vein. Petrography

LB205

412.9

3524
BG

Gneiss. Epi vein. Minor fault with SWIR

ALR346
ill alt halo.

LB205

428.4

3540
BG

Gneiss. Mgt specks. Chl alt. SWIR

La Mascota

ALR347
443.65
LB205

3556
BG

Gneiss. Ill alt. Spc stockwork-like SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR348

veins.
LB205

468.8

3583
BG

Gneiss.. Py stockwork-like veins. SWIR

ALR349

Alu vein?.
LB205

469.6

3584

BG

Hydrothermal breccia. Clasts SWIR

ALR350

supported breccia. Weakly

470.05
LB205

3585

HYBX silicified gneiss clasts. Alu

microveins with py.

Contact zone. Hydrothermal SWIR

ALR351

breccia-Gneiss. Foliation at
LB205

471.3

3586

HYBX contact. Sil to ill alt.

Gneiss. Ill alt. spc veins. SWIR

ALR352
LB205

472.3

3587

BG

Gneiss. Ill-chl alt. CO3 veins cut SWIR

ALR353

by spc^ Petrography
LB205

480.5

3596

BG

Gneiss. Qz+py vein brecciated SWIR

ALR354

texture. Gypsum (?) in cavity

LB112

73002
49.9

BG

Gneiss. Epi, chl alt. Epi veinlets. SWIR

ALR355
LB112

73017
64.9

BG

Gneiss. Epi chl venlets. Mgt SWIR

ALR356

specks.
LB112

156.9

7311

BG

Gneiss. Qz+alu. Qz+py+cc veinlet SWIR

ALR357

cutting Qz+Py+hyp hem. Petrography

222.15
LB112

73181

BG SEM

269
 Sample ID
Depth [m]

Company
HOLE ID

Sample
Rock

Code
Zone
Sample photograph Type Brief Description and Notes Analysis
Code

Gneiss. Ser-ill alt. ccr. Qz+py vein SWIR

La Mascota La Mascota

ALR358
cut by qz+py-hem vein cut by Petrography

LB112

73205
248.4
BG qz+py+cc vein

Gneiss. Ser-ill alt. ccr. SWIR

ALR359
Qz+Py+Hyp hem vein cut by

LB112

73208
250.9
BG Qz+py vein.

Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR

Tectonic breccia clasts
La Mascota

ALR360
(cataclastite): fine grained matrix

LB112

73215
257.7
THBX supported rounded clasts.
Tectonic foliation. Polimictic
multiple phases breccia. It is by
qz+py+CuS veins.
Multiple phases hydrothermal SWIR
La Mascota

breccia. BX1: tectonic breccia Petrography

ALR361
LB112

73218
259.5
(cataclastite). BX2: Hydrothermal
HYBX
breccia including BX1 clasts. BX3:
Hydrothermal breccia, cement to
mx supported crosscutting BX2.
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. SWIR
La Mascota

Silicified. Reddish clasts Petrography

ALR362
LB112

73220
261.2

THBX (hematite, rt?). Py disseminated.

Py microveins parallel to tectonic
foliation.
TBX. Silicified. Qz+Py veins SWIR
La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota La Mascota

ALR363

displaced by CuS veins

LB112

73222
263.5

THBX

Alu vein with minor qz. En veins. SWIR

ALR364

Py diss.
LB112

73223
264.9

AVN

Gneiss. Strong quartz-alunite SWIR

ALR365

alteration, minor rt? In gneiss after

LB112

73249
287.8

BG mafics. The rock is cross cut by

drusy quartz vein with py and en.
En+py irregular microveins.
Gneiss. Strong quartz-alunite SWIR
ALR366

alteration, minor rt? In gneiss after

LB112

73255
293.4

BG mafics. Py vein cutting py+hem (?)

vein

Gneiss. Strong quartz-alunite SWIR

ALR367

alteration, minor rt? In gneiss after Petrography

295.95
LB112

73258

BG mafics. Qz+py+en (?) vein cut by

microfault breccia with kaolinite
matrix.
Gneiss. Ill alt. Ttn-rt alt after SWIR
ALR368

mafics. Chl vein.Py veins with

LB112

73272
309.8

BG hem (?)

Gneiss. Strong quartz-alunite SWIR

La Mascota

alteration, minor rt? in gneiss after

ALR369
LB112

73274
312.3

BG mafics. Qz+py veins.

270
 Appendix A3. Gold Relationships to element concentrations at La Bodega

and La Mascota.

This appendix shows element correlations based on assay data from drill holes at

La Bodega (Drill holes LB251 and LB327) and La Mascota (Drill holes LB202 and

LB 205). Assay data was provided by AUX Colombia Ltd. and Ventana Gold Corp.

Assays were done using the method ME-MS4. Gold determinations by this method

are semi-quantitative due to the small sample weight used (0.5g). ME-MS41:

Interference: Mo>400ppm on ICP-MS Cd ICP-AES results shown. Correlation and

graphics presented here was done using ioGAS 4.3 software package.

Figure A3.1 shows gold plotted against 15 other elements for La Bodega.

Figure A3.2 shows probability plots for 16 elements at La Bodega.

Figure A3.3 shows histograms of values for 16 elements at La Bodega.

Figure A3.4 shows gold plotted against 15 other elements for La Mascota.

Figure A3.5 shows probability plots for 16 elements at La Mascota.

Figure A3.6 shows histograms of values for 16 elements at La Mascota.

271
Figure A3.1 Gold plotted against 15 elements for La Bodega showing regression line in between plotted elements.

272
Figure A3.2 Probability plots for 16 elements at La Bodega. Legend as shown for Figure A3.1

273
Figure A3.3 Histogram of element values at La Bodega. Legend as shown for Figure A3.1.

274
Figure A3.1 Gold plotted against 15 elements for La Mascota showing regression line in between plotted elements.

275
Figure A3.2 Probability plots for 16 elements at La Mascota. Legend as shown for Figure A3.4

276
Figure A3.3 Histogram of 16 element values at La Mascota. Legend as shown for Figure A3.4.

277
 Appendix A4. Alteration Minerals Identification Methods at La Bodega - La

Mascota Deposits.

1. Introduction

This appendix is intended to further explain the methods of identification of

alteration minerals within La Bodega and La Mascota deposits giving the reader an

idea of the scope under which alteration assemblages, zones and paragenesis.

2. General Methodology

The definition of alteration zones started from hand sample observations during the

core logging phase of the project. Representative samples were taken from drill

core on two geological sections: one from La Bodega (North-South section B-B’)

and one from La Mascota (North-South section M-M’) (Figure 3.4). Mineral

assemblages were initially identified by hand sample observation, then by short-

TM
wave infrared reflectance (SWIR) using the ASD Terraspec instrument (a

portable spectrometer that measures reflectance in the infrared zone), followed by

petrography and supplemental X-ray diffraction (XRD) on samples of interest.

2.1 Short wave Infrared Reflectance (SWIR)

For SWIR analysis samples were oven-dryed overnight at a temperature between

50 and 70 °C. Spectral analysis of SWIR data was made using SpecWin

Application Version 1.9 (Bill Peppin, Juen 2001), SPECMIN-PRO Version 3.1

(2000-2002) and The Spectral Geologist Professional (TSG Pro) software Version

278
5.03.002; from which information of the spectra such as wavelength depth and

width of major spectral features was obtained. Identification of Minerals was made

comparing shape of the spectral curve, wavelength position, depth and width of

major features to standards of SPECMIN-PRO Version 3.1 (2000-2002) database

and TSG Database. Special attention was given to samples containing illite and/or

muscovite. Numerical information of hull depths (as defined by Thompson et al.,

1999; also referred as hull quote depth abbreviated as HQD in TSG Pro software);

for the 1900nm (H20) and 2200nm (Al-OH) feature was used to calculate the illite

crystallinity index (HQD1900/HQD2200; Pontual et al., 1997a-b). Common

alteration mineral spectra for La Bodega (LB) and La Mascota (LM) samples are

shown in figures A4.1, A4.2. and A4.3.

2.2 X-Ray Difraction

X-ray diffraction was done using a standard Siemens (Bruker) D5000 Bragg-

Brentano difractometer at the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University

of British Columbia, Vancouver. For XRD analysis sample material was extracted

from the sample using a Dremel micro drill tool or/and scribing device. Samples

were pulverized and powder smears for XRD were prepared and air-dried. X-ray

diffraction spectra of the samples were compared to ICDD (www.Icdd.com)

databases found in the EVA software in order to identify alteration minerals within

each analyzed sample. Most samples included minor quartz which characteristic x-

ray pattern was used to shift and correct sample patterns by matching the

characteristic Δº2θ peaks of quartz using the x axe shift tool within the EVA

software.

279
 Figure A4. 1. Typical SWIR spectra for alteration chlorite, epidote, calcite alteration and
montmorillonite. Interpretation through Specwin-Pro software based on Specmin databases.

280
Figure A4.2. SWIR spectra to typical altered samples at La Mascota and Interpretation through
Specwin-Pro software.

281
Figure A4.3. SWIR spectra to typical altered samples for Alunite kaolinite and Alunite-illite.
Interpretation through Specwin-Pro software. Specmin databases.

282
3. Illite and muscovite alteration minerals identification for La Bodega and La

Mascota Deposits using Short Wave Infrared Reflectance (SWIR) and X-Ray

Difraction Analysis.

Identification of illite and muscovite for La Bodega and La Mascota can be difficult

by hand sample observation due to the small grain sizes of these alteration

minerals. To overcome this, a combination of methods including thin section

petrography, SWIR analysis and XRD Analysis; were applied.

SWIR analysis is usually not conclusive for the identification of illite versus

muscovite, especially if other minerals are present (Norris, 2012). In the SWIR

spectrum illite and muscovite share some absorption features, which relate to

water-cation bonds within the mineral, at certain wavelengths including at 1400 nm

(Potassium) and at 2200 nm (Al-OH). The 1900 nm wavelength feature relates to

the amount of water in the crystal structure and is commonly used for identification

of illite versus muscovite. Muscovite (phyllosilicate; KAl2(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2) has no

molecular water in its structure, hence has higher crystallinity than illite (clay;

(K,H3O)(Al,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)4O10[(OH)2,(H2O)]) which has molecular water within its

structure. Consequently, illite shows a deeper 1900 nm wavelength feature than

muscovite, and a higher ratio between the depth of the 1900 nm wavelength

feature (HQD1900) and the 2200 nm wavelength feature depth (HQD2200)

(Pontual et al., 1997a-b). The HQD1900/HQD2200 ratio can be used as a proxy for

the illite crystallinity (Pontual et al., 1997a-b) and help identifying illite versus

muscovite. The higher the amount of molecular water is in the mineral, the lower

the crystallinity and the higher the possibility for the mineral to be illite rather than

283
muscovite. In SWIR spectra, illite shows a deeper 1900 nm wavelength feature

than muscovite. SWIR studies for La Bodega and La Mascota muscovite as well as

illite but in most spectra a feature at 1900 nm indicating the presence of molecular

water was found which resulted on ambiguous interpretation (Figure A4.4).

Figure A4.4. Typical Spectra for samples in illite and muscovite alteration zones from La Mascota
(LM) and La Bodega (LB). Muscovite (Mus), Alunite (Alu) used to compare to X ray difraction
analysis.

284
For better identification of illite versus muscovite, X-ray diffraction was applied on

15 different specimens from both La Bodega and La Mascota. From three of those

specimens two different muscovite/illite samples were extracted to check for

variance within a single rock (leucosomes and mesosomes alteration, rock and

veins, and breccia clast and clast rim) in order to find the possible sources of

difficulty in illite vs. muscovite identification and a way to define the overall

alteration assemblage and possible relative abundance of these minerals. This

study was done comparing X-ray diffraction spectra to ICDD (www.Icdd.com)

databases found in the EVA software. Special emphasis was made in the sharp

reflection of the 001 peak at ~10Å. The Muscovite-Illite crystallinity or Kübler index

(Kübler, 1964, 1967, 1968; Dunoyer de Segonzac et al., 1968) was used also to

differentiate between illite and muscovite. The Kübler index (KI) measures the full

width at half maximum intensity (FWHM) of the 001 10 Å at Δº2θ X-ray powder-

diffraction peak of dioctahedral illite-muscovite on the <2μm size-fraction of air-

dried clay specimens using Cu-Kα radiation. The lower this measurement is the

higher the crystallinity for Illite and/or Muscovite. The FMHM measurement was

done by means of the Area tool of the EVA software 16.0.0.0 (copyright ® Brukel

1996-2010). It has been accepted that in most cases muscovite has a 001 10 Å at

Δº2θ of less than 0.2 FMHM (K.I.) (Bauer, 1997; Bauer et al., 2000; Meunier and

Velde, 2004). Commonly the peak mentioned before is sharp and high for

muscovite whereas for illite if lower and wider (figure A4.5).

285
Figure A4.5 Kübler index (KI) measurements of the full width at half maximum intensity (FWHM) of
the 001 10 Å at Δº2θ X-ray powder-diffraction peak through Area tool of the EVA software 16.0.0.0
(copyright ® Brukel 1996-2010. Examples for two samples ALR076 (gneiss) and ALR088 (granite
rock). Notice that the peak is higher and sharper for muscovite than for illite.

286
Comparison of the SWIR Crystallinity Index (SWIRICI) to the Klüber Index (XRD

Illite Crystallinity or KI) shows that most samples plot in a single cloud of data. A

linear correlation (SWIR ICI = 5.0876 KI + 0.1815) between is evident for samples

that have predominantly illite or muscovite alteration, while for samples that have

some overprinting alunite-quartz alteration overprinting there is no obvious

correlation between the KI and SWIR illite cristallinity (Figure A4. 6).

From this procedure, it may be deduced that SWIR Crystallinity Index (as defined

above) of less than 0.84 corresponds to muscovite and above 0.84 to illite

alteration. One concern for the identification of illite versus muscovite through

these methods is the fact that interlayering between illite and smectite is possible,

which may explain the pronounced 1900 nm wavelength feature in some of the

SWIR spectra. The identification of smectite would require labor intensive clay

separation and glycolation of samples prior to XRD analysis and is beyond the

scope of this study.

287
 SWIR Mineral Final alteration mineral

HOLEID

DEPTH
SWIRICI: XRD Mineral Identification

From
Zone Sample Alteration Identification interpretation

To
Sample HQD1900 / FMHM Note
rock type zone
SWIR M1 SWIR M2 HQD2200 XRD M1 XRD M2 XRD M3 M1 M2 M3
Muscovite-
LB 327 41 41 41.1 ALR043 Gneiss Illite Alunite Illite 0.50884956 Alunite Illite MnO 0.144 Alunite Illite MnO
Muscovite-
LB 327 115.6 115.6 115.7 ALR050 Granite Illite Muscovite 0.62857143 Muscovite 0.163 Muscovite
Muscovite-
LB 327 285.8 285.8 285.9 ALR072 Gneiss Illite Illite 0.88888889 Illite Kaolinite 0.206 Illite Kaolinite
Muscovite-
LB 22 35.2 35.2 35.3 ALR076 Gneiss Illite Illite 0.87311178 Illite 0.238 Illite
out of trend,
weak
muscovite
alt
Muscovite- overprinting
LB 22 107 107 107.1 ALR082 Gneiss Illite Illite 0.96610169 Muscovite Chlorite 0.172 chlorite alt Muscovite Chlorite
Vein in Muscovite-
LB 22 136.6 136.6 136.7 ALR088 granite Illite Muscovite Phengite 0.63239875 Muscovite 0.161 Muscovite
Muscovite-
LB 22 136.6 136.6 136.7 ALR088 Granite Illite Muscovite 0.95945946 Muscovite 0.17 out of trend Muscovite
Muscovite-
LB 37 168.9 168.9 169 ALR262 Gneiss Illite Muscovite 0.5729927 Muscovite 0.153 Muscovite
Gneiss, Muscovite-
LB 37 178.8 178.8 178.9 ALR263 Leucosome Illite Muscovite 0.44214876 Muscovite 0.151 Muscovite
Gneiss, Muscovite-
LB 37 178.8 178.8 178.9 ALR263 Mesosome Illite Muscovite 0.36673774 Muscovite 0.143 Muscovite
out of trend,
RCBX, alunite
granite clast Quartz alteration
LB 327 339.3 339.3 339.4 ALR074 rim Alunite Muscovite Gypsum 0.95789474 Muscovite Alunite Gypsum 0.174 overprinting Muscovite Alunite Gypsum
RCBX,
granite clast Quartz
LB 327 339.3 339.3 339.4 ALR074 (cente) Alunite Illite Gypsum 1.94642857 Illite 0.585 Illite Gypsum
out of trend,
Muscovite- alteration
LM 112 347.7 347.7 347.8 ALR034 Granite Illite-Alunite Alunite Muscovite 0.57518797 Alunite Illite 0.292 overprinting Alunite Illite
out of trend,
Muscovite- alteration
LM 112 358.7 358.7 358.8 ALR037 Gneiss Illite-Alunite Muscovite Alunite 0.54569892 Illite Alunite 0.213 overprinting Illite Alunite
Quartz Muscovite-
feldspar Illite weak out of trend.
LM 114 95.8 95.8 95.9 ALR136 gneiss alteration Muscovite Gypsum 0.63571429 Illite Gypsum Titanite 0.288 Weak alt. Illite Gypsum
Alt halo of
Chlorite ca-spc vein
alteration cutting chl
LM 114 563.7 563.7 563.8 ALR185 Amhibolite zone Illite Phengite 0.85185185 Illite 0.297 alt zone Illite
Quartz
feldspar Muscovite-
LM 205 88.5 88.5 88.6 ALR314 gneiss Illite Illite 0.67391304 Muscovite 0.163 Muscovite

Table A4.1. Samples from La Bodega and La Mascota for which Illite and Muscovite alteration interpretation was done through SWIR analysis and X-ray diffraction

Analysis. SWIR Illite Crystallinity index is measured as HQD of 1900 nm wavelength feature divided by HQD 2200 nm wavelength feature

288
Figure A4.6. Comparison between Klüber Index and the Illite Crystallinity Index (expressed as the
ratio: HQD1900/HQD2200). For samples from La Bodega in muscovite-illite alteration zone there is
a linear correlation whereas most samples with alteration overprint do not lie on this line.

289
4. X-Ray diffraction and identification of Alunite

40
Identification of alunite received a special attention since it can provide Ar-39Ar

age constraints and stable isotope information (Deyell et al. 2005; Richards and

Noble, 1998). X-ray powder diffraction was routinely applied to all samples chosen
40
for Ar-39Ar geochronology and stable isotope studies. Alunite (KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6,

potassium bearing alunite) and natro-alunite (NaAl3(SO4)2(OH)6, sodium bearing

alunite) were identified through X-ray powder diffraction methods. Later it was

identified that natroalunite-alunite mixtures were late within the paragenetic

sequence of La Bodega and La Mascota. Figures A4.7 to A4.16 shows X-ray

diffraction patterns for samples containing alunite and/or natroalunite.

Figure A4.7. X-ray pattern containing alunite from Alunite replaced clasts in QCBX, sample ALR001
(La Mascota).

290
 Figure A4.8. X-ray pattern containing massive alunite in QCBX breccia with copper sulfides, in
sample ALR012 (La Mascota).

Figure A4.9. X-ray pattern containing alunite and natroalunite in QCBX breccia sample ALR024 (La
Mascota).

291
Figure A4.10. X-ray pattern containing flake-like alunite (magmatic steam?) and kaolinite (?) in
drusy quartz-wolframite, fine grained pyrite cavity sample ALR026 (La Mascota).

Figure A4.11. X-ray pattern containing alunite in vein (pyrite-alunite) cutting gneiss in sample
ALR027. (La Mascota).

292
Figure A4.12. X-ray pattern containing alunite in vein from sample ALR034 (granite) (La Mascota).

Figure A4.13. X-ray pattern containing alunite and kaolinite from sphalerite bearing breccia, sample
ALR038 (La Mascota)

293
Figure A4.14. X-ray pattern containing alunite, kaolinite(?) and illite (?) from porphyritic dacite (?),
sample ALR040 (El Cuatro).

Figure A4.15. X-ray pattern containing alunite from (alunite-enargite) vein, muscovite( wallrock),
gypsum (?) in breccia sample. ALR264 (La Bodega).

294
Figure A4.16. X-ray pattern containing natroalunite from breccia cement; sample ALR281 (La
Bodega).

295
Apppendix A5. Sulfides and Paragenetic Sequence Related Support Data. X-

Ray Difraction Analysis on Selected Samples and Energy Dispersion X-Ray

Spectrum of Seleced Samples.

Sulfide separates were made in order to support sulfide observation. X-Ray

Difraction analysis was done for a few samples in order to determine the presence

of certain sulfides as predicted in samples. XRD sample preparation and analysis

follows the procedure described in Appendix A4. The first part of this appendix

shows XRD patterns from the analyzed samples compared to minerals from the

provided database (International Centre for Diffraction Data PDF-4+ database).

The analyzed minerals were copper sulfides (stage 3, pattern shown in figure

A5.1), tetrahedrite-tenantite (stage 4-5, pattern shown in figure A5.2), and enargite

(stage 5, pattern shown in figures A5.3, A5.4 and A5.5). Results coincide with

petrographic and SEM observations described in chapter 5. 1. Results show a

relationship between enargite and tetrahedrite in the selected sample; 2

Asociations of copper sulfides of stage 3 include quartz and very minor alunite; 3.

Enargite related to alunite, quartz and pyrite in most samples and is not of luzonite

type (Figure A5.5).

The second part of this appendix shoes typical Energy dispersion X-ray spectrum

(EDS) for selected analyzied minerals. Analyzed sulfides are shown in Figure A5.6.

Tellurides, electrum, native gold and tungstates are shown in Figure A5.7

296
Figure A5.1 ALR268. Chalcocite, chalcopyrite and pyrite in quartz-alunite vein within predominantly
muscovite alteration zone.

Figure A5.2. ALR015. Tetrahedrite, enargite, minor chalcopyrite.

297
 Figure A5.3. ALR260. Enargite, pyrite with minor quartz and alunite.

Figure A5.4. ALR264. Enargite and pyrite in alunite vein with minor quartz and muscovite (?).

298
Figure A5.5 ALR014B. Copper arsenic sulfide separate pattern. This sample contains enargite
rather than luzonite, quartz and alunite.

299
Figure A5.6. Typical EDS pattern at 15 KV from sulfides and sulfosalts at La Bodega and La
Mascota. A. Pyrite. B. Chalcopyrite. C. Bornite. D. Chalcocite/covellite (?). E. Tennantite-
tetrahedrite. F. Enargite. G. Sphalerite H. Molybdenite (?) Mo peak overlaps with Pb and S peak.

300
Figure A5.7 Typical EDS pattern at 15 kV at La Bodega and La Mascota. A. and B Tellurides.in
sulfide (pyrite) C. Silver-sulfosalt associated with copper sulfide (covellite?), D. Electrum/native gold
(?). E. Electrum. F. Native gold with minor silver.

301
Appendix A6. Geochronological Data for Samples Presented in Chapter 6. La

Bodega, La Mascota, El Cuatro.

302
 40
ALR-012: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.20 W 642.52 8.53 0.17 0.28 2.231 0.056 0.32 102.60 0.08 16.693 -190.41 ± 339.59
2.40 W 21.72 0.39 0.06 0.07 0.073 0.002 0.11 99.49 0.37 0.112 1.21 ± 15.12
2.70 W 0.46 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.05 46.17 49.89 0.246 2.66 ± 0.15
3.00 W 0.36 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.10 33.39 47.20 0.242 2.62 ± 0.11
3.40 W 1.09 0.07 0.09 0.02 0.003 0.000 0.16 90.12 1.87 0.108 1.17 ± 2.05
4.00 W 5.81 0.24 0.21 0.04 0.021 0.001 0.38 106.17 0.58 0.358 -3.88 ± 7.94

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.413 0.002 0.040 0.001 0.0004 0.0000 100.00 0.243 0.004

J = 0.0059870 ± 0.0000299 Volume 39ArK = 1.645 Integrated Date = 2.63 ± 0.09 Ma

Plateau age = 2.632 ± 0.090 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 1.2, probability=0.28 Includes 100% of the 39Ar steps 1 through 6
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 6 points Age = 2.660 ± 0.096 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =288.0 ± 9.5 MSWD = 0.91 Probability = 0.46

303
 40
ALR-024: natroalunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.20 W 6498.01 1254.31 2.24 1.30 20.452 3.973 -4.10 93.01 0.02 453.805 0.00 ± 2006.29
2.20 W 14830.71 7712.28 7.40 8.46 51.077 26.581 -13.48 101.77 0.00 261.733 0.00 ± 14272.87
2.30 W 7691.81 178.58 0.03 0.30 27.164 0.846 0.06 104.36 0.03 335.127 0.00 ± 3591.95
2.40 W 2058.49 42.50 0.22 0.23 7.145 0.218 0.40 102.57 0.06 52.933 -689.35 ± 1515.87
2.60 W 87.38 0.66 0.08 0.02 0.291 0.007 0.15 98.49 0.92 1.320 14.24 ± 42.33
2.80 W 2.30 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.007 0.000 0.11 91.16 21.47 0.203 2.20 ± 0.99
3.10 W 1.37 0.01 0.10 0.00 0.004 0.000 0.19 87.52 30.66 0.171 1.86 ± 0.63
3.40 W 1.05 0.01 0.14 0.00 0.003 0.000 0.25 82.09 36.66 0.188 2.03 ± 0.43
3.80 W 1.09 0.02 0.15 0.00 0.003 0.000 0.28 89.06 10.11 0.119 1.29 ± 0.68
4.20 W 92.62 3.10 0.64 0.16 0.332 0.012 1.18 105.97 0.10 5.536 -60.97 ± 69.36

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 1.239 0.006 0.105 0.002 0.0035 0.0000 100.00 0.172 0.014

J = 0.0059880 ± 0.0000299 Volume 39ArK = 1.919 Integrated Date = 1.87 ± 0.30 Ma

Plateau age = 1.87 ± 0.30 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 1.01, probability=0.41 Includes 99.9% of the 39Ar steps 4 through 10
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 10 points Age = 1.89 ± 0.75 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =295 ± 11 MSWD = 3.1 Probability = 0.002

304
 40
ALR-026: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK Age ±2 s

1.80 W 119.94 2167.95 101.89 1839.80 1.288 23.622 201.08 -310.40 0.00 530.390 0.00 ± 103500.87
2.10 W 1928.37 91.56 1.59 0.22 6.654 0.346 2.92 101.96 0.16 37.787 -464.06 ± 1162.17
2.20 W 1364.12 54.24 1.43 0.11 4.700 0.214 2.62 101.81 0.21 24.753 -290.21 ± 816.10
2.30 W 1374.61 44.79 1.65 0.13 4.815 0.189 3.03 103.49 0.25 48.032 -613.52 ± 959.14
2.40 W 287.74 3.39 0.12 0.01 0.994 0.025 0.21 102.13 1.09 6.139 -67.75 ± 143.77
2.40 W 139.02 2.45 0.03 0.04 0.469 0.013 0.06 99.68 0.47 0.442 4.78 ± 67.78
2.50 W 86.13 0.78 0.08 0.01 0.291 0.007 0.15 99.98 3.80 0.015 0.16 ± 39.31
2.60 W 13.60 0.11 0.03 0.00 0.044 0.001 0.05 96.85 8.08 0.428 4.63 ± 6.33
2.70 W 7.20 0.08 0.02 0.00 0.024 0.001 0.03 97.38 16.15 0.189 2.04 ± 3.53
2.90 W 0.81 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.002 0.000 0.01 71.05 26.12 0.233 2.53 ± 0.53
3.40 W 0.41 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.01 45.22 38.67 0.225 2.44 ± 0.32
3.90 W 0.85 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.002 0.000 0.08 71.11 4.03 0.244 2.64 ± 2.81
4.20 W 3.83 0.07 0.10 0.03 0.011 0.002 0.17 89.03 0.97 0.420 4.54 ± 11.62

40
Power(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 1s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar 1s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar 1s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1σ
T otal/Average 0.592 0.004 0.006 0.000 0.0011 0.0000 100.00 0.228 0.013

J = 0.0059900 ± 0.0000300 Volume 39ArK = 1.444 Integrated Date = 2.47 ± 0.27 Ma

Plateau age = 2.47 ± 0.27 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.41, probability=0.95 Includes 100% of the 39Ar steps 1 through 12
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 11 points Age = 2.50 ± 0.27 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =292.5 ± 4.5 MSWD = 0.39 Probability = 0.95

305
 40
ALR-027: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.20 W 24.18 0.30 0.09 0.01 0.083 0.002 0.17 101.02 1.29 0.248 -2.69 ± 15.37
2.40 W 19.46 0.23 0.06 0.01 0.066 0.002 0.11 100.77 1.89 0.149 -1.62 ± 11.83
2.60 W 2.32 0.03 0.02 0.00 0.007 0.000 0.04 90.70 13.54 0.216 2.34 ± 1.39
2.80 W 0.47 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.04 53.41 48.61 0.219 2.37 ± 0.31
3.10 W 0.49 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.04 57.61 27.48 0.207 2.24 ± 0.50
3.60 W 1.04 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.003 0.000 0.05 88.26 7.07 0.122 1.32 ± 1.92
4.10 W 38.24 2.67 0.78 0.16 0.140 0.016 1.43 107.96 0.12 3.046 -33.31 ± 112.42

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
Total/Average 0.592 0.006 0.022 0.001 0.0011 0.0000 100.00 0.213 0.012

J = 0.0059910 ± 0.0000300 Volume 39ArK = 3.092 Integrated Date = 2.31 ± 0.26 Ma

Plateau age = 2.31 ± 0.26 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.42, probability=0.86 Includes 100% of the 39Ar steps 1 through 7
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 7 points Age = 2.36 ± 0.27 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =290.5 ± 9.9 MSWD = 0.31 Probability = 0.91

306
ALR-034: alunite 40 Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

1.80 W 22.01 40.51 0.17 7.10 0.440 0.680 0.31 -591.22 0.00 152.139 -4390.17 ± 54538.38
2.30 W 5.37 0.14 0.01 0.02 0.017 0.001 0.02 95.21 1.85 0.258 2.79 ± 7.89
2.60 W 1.41 0.02 0.03 0.00 0.004 0.000 0.05 86.24 19.83 0.194 2.10 ± 0.94
2.90 W 0.63 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.06 66.44 41.60 0.212 2.29 ± 0.41
3.30 W 0.64 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.05 67.21 23.25 0.209 2.26 ± 0.62
3.80 W 0.73 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.002 0.000 0.06 71.83 13.44 0.206 2.23 ± 1.05
4.20 W 32.62 6.55 0.19 1.15 0.154 0.063 0.35 139.44 0.04 12.867 -145.11 ± 418.72

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.762 0.006 0.031 0.001 0.0016 0.0000 100.00 0.209 0.014

J = 0.0059930 ± 0.0000300 Volume 39ArK = 1.765 Integrated Date = 2.26 ± 0.31 Ma

Plateau age = 2.26 ± 0.31 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.13, probability=0.98 Includes 100% of the 39Ar steps 2 through 7
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 6 points Age = 2.32 ± 0.57 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =292 ± 27 MSWD = 0.15 Probability = 0.96

307
 40
ALR-038: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

1.80 W 153.35 565.80 15.69 84.82 0.125 1.044 29.06 24.91 0.00 116.433 -2165.94 ± 43968.45
2.30 W 3654.42 147.63 0.45 0.97 11.837 0.547 0.83 95.71 0.05 156.667 1197.77 ± 883.31
2.30 W 1638.92 50.11 0.49 1.01 5.757 0.213 0.89 103.80 0.04 62.264 -845.10 ± 1270.95
2.40 W 1424.15 27.78 1.16 0.47 4.942 0.140 2.12 102.54 0.10 36.253 -443.22 ± 866.98
2.50 W 1161.22 9.71 0.71 0.23 3.949 0.088 1.31 100.49 0.22 5.693 -62.81 ± 544.23
2.50 W 229.07 2.58 1.48 0.35 0.813 0.020 2.70 104.90 0.15 11.240 -126.17 ± 129.84
2.60 W 125.65 1.19 1.36 0.12 0.434 0.011 2.50 102.10 0.43 2.642 -28.87 ± 65.54
2.70 W 44.47 0.52 0.67 0.07 0.157 0.004 1.22 103.99 0.96 1.774 -19.34 ± 23.70
2.90 W 25.04 0.17 0.22 0.01 0.084 0.002 0.40 99.64 9.59 0.089 0.97 ± 11.48
3.00 W 5.61 0.04 0.19 0.01 0.019 0.000 0.35 97.96 10.35 0.114 1.24 ± 2.61
3.20 W 11.80 0.07 0.26 0.01 0.040 0.001 0.48 99.67 18.71 0.039 0.43 ± 5.32
3.40 W 3.97 0.02 0.28 0.01 0.013 0.000 0.51 98.07 40.45 0.077 0.83 ± 1.81
3.60 W 1.18 0.02 0.32 0.01 0.004 0.000 0.59 89.19 18.64 0.128 1.38 ± 0.73
3.80 W 11.03 2.01 23.67 2.74 0.088 0.010 44.09 218.05 0.21 13.244 -149.63 ± 65.10
4.10 W 17.00 3.58 45.27 5.30 0.083 0.012 85.65 121.61 0.09 3.796 -41.64 ± 85.53

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 2.977 0.012 0.263 0.004 0.0064 0.0001 100.00 0.115 0.030

J = 0.0059960 ± 0.0000300 Volume 39ArK = 1.718 Integrated Date = 1.25 ± 0.65 Ma

Plateau age = 1.27 ± 0.65 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 1.5, probability=0.10 Includes 99.7% of the 39Ar steps 1 through 13
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 12 points Age = 1.56 ± 0.70 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =291.3 ± 4.1 MSWD = 1.3 Probability = 0.24

308
 40
ALR-040: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.20 W 3.82 0.46 0.04 0.23 0.013 0.001 0.07 99.62 0.14 0.015 0.16 ± 11.31
2.50 W 2.42 0.13 0.03 0.03 0.007 0.000 0.06 87.02 0.51 0.315 3.41 ± 3.24
2.90 W 0.79 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.002 0.000 0.00 61.30 5.35 0.305 3.31 ± 0.37
3.20 W 0.40 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 24.09 21.79 0.305 3.30 ± 1.10
3.50 W 0.37 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 19.59 30.05 0.301 3.26 ± 0.80
3.80 W 0.38 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 27.79 25.44 0.272 2.95 ± 0.94
4.20 W 0.44 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.000 0.000 0.01 35.25 10.78 0.286 3.10 ± 2.22
4.50 W 0.68 0.13 0.01 0.03 0.001 0.001 0.01 68.57 2.80 0.214 2.32 ± 8.54
4.70 W 0.79 0.17 0.02 0.04 0.002 0.002 0.03 61.95 2.11 0.301 3.26 ± 11.32
4.90 W 1.10 0.34 0.01 0.08 0.002 0.003 0.02 51.91 1.03 0.528 5.72 ± 23.20

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.483 0.007 0.001 0.002 0.0014 0.0000 100.00 0.301 0.014

J = 0.0059970 ± 0.0000300 Volume 39ArK = 3.683 Integrated Date = 3.26 ± 0.30 Ma

Plateau age = 3.26 ± 0.30 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.103, probability=1.000 Includes 100% of the 39Ar steps 1 through 10
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 10 points Age = 3.21 ± 0.49 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =299 ± 31 MSWD = 0.105 Probability = 0.997

309
 40
ALR-040: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data (duplicate analysis)
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.20 W 4.15 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.015 0.001 0.03 105.85 0.31 0.243 -2.64 ± 3.27
2.60 W 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.01 49.12 24.08 0.304 3.31 ± 0.17
3.00 W 0.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 25.02 58.84 0.287 3.11 ± 0.09
3.20 W 0.48 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.02 42.82 13.01 0.276 3.00 ± 0.15
3.50 W 0.98 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.003 0.000 0.06 99.70 2.28 0.003 0.03 ± 1.06
3.80 W 1.17 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.004 0.000 0.08 99.34 1.47 0.008 0.08 ± 1.05

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.531 0.003 0.005 0.000 0.0003 0.0000 100.00 0.285 0.003

J = 0.0060160 ± 0.0000301 Volume 39ArK = 3.574 Integrated Date = 3.09 ± 0.07 Ma

Plateau age = no plateau
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 6 points Age = 3.27 ± 0.50 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =260 ± 65 MSWD = 15 Probability = 0

310
 40
ALR-264: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK Age ±2 s

2.00 W 28.49 3.24 1.22 3.94 0.205 0.063 2.23 212.60 0.00 32.106 -369.36 ± 455.13
2.30 W 7.96 0.13 0.27 0.21 0.021 0.003 0.50 77.63 0.07 1.780 18.43 ± 19.82
2.50 W 6.44 0.10 0.04 0.25 0.017 0.003 -0.08 77.91 0.08 1.423 14.74 ± 18.43
2.70 W 4.84 0.08 0.04 0.17 0.010 0.003 0.07 63.79 0.12 1.752 18.14 ± 18.09
2.80 W 1.26 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.003 0.000 0.05 83.09 0.76 0.213 2.22 ± 2.55
2.90 W 0.41 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.001 0.000 0.03 50.40 3.23 0.203 2.11 ± 0.41
3.00 W 0.40 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.03 46.91 8.01 0.211 2.19 ± 0.20
3.10 W 0.32 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.03 36.96 14.11 0.204 2.12 ± 0.13
3.20 W 0.31 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.03 31.55 18.06 0.213 2.21 ± 0.15
3.30 W 0.32 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.04 32.80 23.11 0.213 2.22 ± 0.11
3.40 W 0.33 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.05 33.84 18.21 0.218 2.26 ± 0.09
3.50 W 0.40 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.000 0.000 0.04 43.87 7.34 0.222 2.31 ± 0.18
3.60 W 0.44 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.05 50.36 6.90 0.218 2.27 ± 0.30

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.362 0.001 0.020 0.001 0.0003 0.0000 100.00 0.214 0.002

J = 0.0057542 ± 0.0000288 Volume 39ArK = 3.080 Integrated Date = 2.22 ± 0.05 Ma

Plateau age = 2.221 ± 0.053 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.97, probability=0.47 Includes 99.93% of the 39Ar steps 3 through 13
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 12 points Age = 2.12 ± 0.13 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =329 ± 37 MSWD = 0.85 Probability = 0.58

311
 40
ALR-281: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.30 W 200.19 3.59 0.91 0.32 0.715 0.021 1.67 105.44 0.28 10.900 -117.84 ± 109.30
2.50 W 32.32 0.41 0.13 0.19 0.115 0.003 0.24 105.20 0.56 1.681 -17.68 ± 17.41
2.70 W 4.25 0.03 0.48 0.03 0.015 0.000 0.89 101.49 4.96 0.063 -0.66 ± 2.83
2.80 W 1.17 0.01 0.74 0.05 0.004 0.000 1.35 85.91 16.78 0.166 1.73 ± 0.93
2.90 W 0.99 0.01 0.71 0.02 0.003 0.000 1.29 80.33 14.95 0.195 2.04 ± 0.94
3.00 W 0.83 0.01 0.90 0.04 0.002 0.000 1.64 81.64 15.42 0.153 1.60 ± 0.59
3.10 W 0.70 0.01 0.82 0.03 0.002 0.000 1.51 77.05 25.15 0.160 1.67 ± 0.42
3.20 W 0.88 0.02 0.93 0.04 0.003 0.000 1.70 87.31 15.79 0.111 1.16 ± 1.04
3.30 W 1.34 0.03 0.83 0.04 0.004 0.000 1.53 88.90 6.12 0.149 1.56 ± 2.00

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.964 0.004 0.741 0.013 0.0025 0.0000 99.72 0.155 0.014

J = 0.0057879 ± 0.0000289 Volume 39ArK = 0.485 Integrated Date = 1.626 ± 0.29 Ma

Plateau age = 1.63 ± 0.29 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.72, probability=0.64 Includes 99.2% of the 39Ar steps 3 through 9
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 9 points Age = 2.00 ± 0.34 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =280.0 ± 8.3 MSWD = 0.34 Probability = 0.94

312
 40
ALR-281: alunite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data (duplicate)
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK Age ±2 s

2.00 87906.77 14856.01 121.81 46.65 317.223 55.743 244.09 106.62 0.02 6369.038 0.00 ± 2995.68
2.10 36431.33 11155.73 115.25 40.50 135.624 41.627 229.78 109.98 0.01 3958.152 0.00 ± 1561.08
2.20 14473.87 1262.15 42.13 7.28 53.776 6.838 79.53 109.76 0.07 1456.502 0.00 ± 4495.94
2.30 43549.15 9012.52 56.30 20.42 189.291 41.117 -99.16 128.45 0.04 11917.315 0.00 ± 1323.94
2.40 363.79 4.22 2.76 0.32 1.223 0.040 5.06 99.27 0.79 2.656 20.53 ± 168.82
2.60 87.17 0.54 0.82 0.02 0.381 0.008 1.51 129.00 11.48 25.293 -208.16 ± 41.27
2.80 18.10 0.11 0.64 0.03 0.061 0.003 1.17 99.34 23.82 0.119 0.93 ± 15.07
3.00 2.26 0.03 0.85 0.04 0.007 0.000 1.55 83.65 31.69 0.370 2.88 ± 1.12
3.20 1.31 0.02 0.97 0.09 0.003 0.000 1.79 57.08 31.14 0.561 4.36 ± 1.30
3.50 5.99 0.07 2.09 0.36 0.020 0.002 3.84 97.79 0.94 0.133 1.03 ± 9.51

J = 0.0042990 ± 0.0000215 Volume 39ArK = 0.256 Integrated Date = 3.39 ± 0.84 Ma

Plateau age = 3.48 ± 0.84 Ma (2s, including J-error of 1%) MSWD = 1.12, probability=0.34 Includes 86.6% of the 39Ar steps 7 through 10
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 10 points Age = 4.7 ± 2.7 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =262 ± 22 MSWD = 8.6 Probability = 0

313
 40
TB-CV-19 sericite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK Age ±2 s

2.40 W 0.61 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.002 0.000 0.01 84.24 1.41 0.096 1.00 ± 0.41
2.60 W 0.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.01 58.14 1.55 0.229 2.39 ± 0.25
2.80 W 0.47 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 37.59 3.31 0.292 3.04 ± 0.18
3.00 W 0.41 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 19.30 4.35 0.333 3.46 ± 0.41
3.20 W 0.42 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 25.36 4.40 0.310 3.23 ± 0.41
3.40 W 0.39 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 21.28 5.17 0.310 3.23 ± 0.35
3.60 W 0.38 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 18.62 7.81 0.312 3.25 ± 0.25
3.80 W 0.38 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 16.85 13.67 0.313 3.26 ± 0.16
4.00 W 0.38 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 16.46 10.34 0.320 3.33 ± 0.20
4.40 W 0.39 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 16.37 16.36 0.329 3.42 ± 0.14
4.70 W 0.39 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 18.30 11.21 0.323 3.36 ± 0.20
5.00 W 0.41 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 24.72 5.85 0.312 3.24 ± 0.34
5.50 W 0.48 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 31.88 3.51 0.328 3.41 ± 0.54
6.20 W 0.46 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 27.73 6.79 0.334 3.48 ± 0.30
6.60 W 0.53 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.01 34.89 2.98 0.347 3.61 ± 0.64
7.40 W 0.68 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.01 47.28 1.29 0.360 3.75 ± 1.36

Power(%) 40
Ar/ 39 Ar s
37
Ar/ 39 Ar s
36
Ar/ 39 Ar s Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK 1s
T otal/Average 0.483 0.002 0.003 0.000 0.0002 0.0000 100.00 0.307 0.003

J = 0.0057595 ± 0.0000288 Volume 39ArK = 6.777 Integrated Date = 3.19 ± 0.06 Ma

Plateau age = 3.343 ± 0.072 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 0.53, probability=0.89 Includes 93.7% of the 39Ar steps 4 through 16
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 14 points Age = 79.51 ± 0.90 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =282.8 ± 5.6 MSWD = 0.78 Probability = 0.23

314
 40
TB-CV-023 sericite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.40 W 3.92 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.004 0.000 0.01 34.46 1.78 2.572 26.81 ± 0.91
2.60 W 1.10 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.001 0.000 0.00 39.22 1.96 0.667 6.99 ± 0.86
3.00 W 0.62 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 19.06 13.64 0.500 5.24 ± 0.13
3.50 W 0.84 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 8.46 35.56 0.773 8.10 ± 0.26
4.00 W 0.87 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 9.04 31.54 0.795 8.32 ± 0.13
4.50 W 0.97 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 15.88 7.97 0.819 8.58 ± 0.45
5.00 W 0.64 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 14.70 4.47 0.544 5.70 ± 0.52
5.50 W 0.83 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.000 0.000 0.01 17.05 1.74 0.690 7.23 ± 0.96
6.20 W 1.49 0.01 0.05 0.03 0.000 0.001 0.08 11.25 0.62 1.319 13.80 ± 3.82
7.00 W 2.79 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.001 0.000 0.01 12.71 0.72 2.434 25.37 ± 1.61

s s s 1s
40
Power(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK
T otal/Average 0.830 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.0002 0.0000 100.00 0.713 0.003

J = 0.0058068 ± 0.0000290 Volume 39ArK = 3.016 Integrated Date = 7.48 ± 0.07 Ma

Plateau age = 8.30 ± 0.12 Ma (2s, including J-error of .6%) MSWD = 2.1, probability=0.13 Includes 75.1% of the 39Ar steps 4 through 6
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 10 points Age = no meaningful solution

315
 40
TB-CV-023 sericite Ar*/ 39 Ar Analytical data (duplicate)
Laser Power Isotope Ratios

s s s Age ±2 s
40
(%) Ar/ 39 Ar 37
Ar/ 39 Ar 36
Ar/ 39 Ar Ca/K % 40 Ar atm f 39
Ar 40
Ar*/ 39 ArK

2.40 W 1.42 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.003 0.000 0.03 71.53 1.42 0.404 4.24 ± 1.79
2.70 W 0.64 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.001 0.000 0.03 42.24 5.42 0.369 3.87 ± 0.36
3.00 W 0.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 24.28 9.61 0.360 3.78 ± 0.13
3.30 W 0.59 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 17.50 13.81 0.490 5.14 ± 0.41
3.60 W 0.65 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 18.83 13.86 0.525 5.50 ± 0.10
3.90 W 0.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 13.62 17.89 0.683 7.16 ± 0.10
4.20 W 0.44 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.01 21.35 16.36 0.346 3.63 ± 0.07
4.50 W 0.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.00 24.08 9.22 0.396 4.15 ± 0.26
4.90 W 0.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.001 0.000 0.00 43.62 5.15 0.375 3.93 ± 0.42
5.50 W 1.52 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.003 0.000 0.00 64.00 3.41 0.549 5.75 ± 0.53
6.20 W 2.96 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.009 0.000 0.00 87.13 3.03 0.380 3.99 ± 1.37
7.00 W 16.21 0.12 0.01 0.03 0.055 0.002 0.02 99.62 0.84 0.061 0.64 ± 10.52

Power(%) 40Ar/39Ar s 37Ar/39Ar s 36Ar/39Ar s Ca/K %40Ar atm f 39Ar 40Ar*/39ArK 1 s

T otal/Average 0.607 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.0003 0.0000 100.00 0.449 0.002

J = 0.0058068 ± 0.0000290 Volume 39ArK = 2.602 Integrated Date = 4.71 ± 0.04 Ma

Plateau age = no plateau
Inverse isochron (correlation age) results, plateau steps: Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 8 points Age = 3.67 ± 0.15 Ma
Initial 40Ar/36Ar =301 ± 25 MSWD = 3.2 Probability = 0

316
U-Th-Pb isotopic data ALR035: Granite
Compositional Parameters Radiogenic Isotope Ratios Isotopic Ages
206 206 208 207 207 206 207 207 206
Wt. U Th Pb Pb* mol % Pb* Pbc Pb Pb Pb Pb Pb corr. Pb Pb Pb
-13 206 204 206 206 235 238 206 235 238
Sample mg ppm U ppm x10 mol Pb* Pbc (pg) Pb Pb Pb % err U % err U % err coef. Pb ± U ± U ± % disc
(a) (b) (c) (d) (c) (e) (e) (e) (e) (f) (g) (g) (h) (g) (h) (g) (h) (i) (h) (i) (h) (i) (h)
ALR035
A 0.004 1106 0.181 34.0 5.1142 99.47% 52 2.24 3485 0.058 0.050334 0.223 0.219985 0.302 0.031698 0.129 0.747 210.44 5.17 201.90 0.55 201.17 0.26 4.41
B 0.005 821 0.102 30.3 6.0173 99.68% 85 1.59 5761 0.034 0.053961 0.260 0.290734 0.331 0.039076 0.160 0.638 369.43 5.84 259.14 0.76 247.10 0.39 33.11
C 0.003 1272 0.014 37.9 5.3008 99.47% 50 2.30 3520 0.004 0.050342 0.219 0.223795 0.308 0.032242 0.146 0.757 210.82 5.08 205.06 0.57 204.56 0.29 2.97
D 0.002 442 0.287 21.0 1.7169 98.99% 28 1.44 1833 0.093 0.053899 0.394 0.346042 0.468 0.046564 0.153 0.607 366.83 8.88 301.74 1.22 293.39 0.44 20.02
E 0.004 755 0.391 40.7 6.0717 99.44% 53 2.82 3298 0.127 0.054671 0.215 0.392961 0.295 0.052130 0.126 0.759 398.81 4.82 336.53 0.84 327.59 0.40 17.86
(a) A, B etc. are labels for fractions composed of single zircon grains or fragments; all fractions annealed and chemically abraded after Mattinson (2005) and Scoates and Friedman (2008).
(b) Nominal fraction weights estimated from photomicrographic grain dimensions, adjusted for partial dissolution during chemical abrasion.
(c) Nominal U and total Pb concentrations subject to uncertainty in photomicrographic estimation of weight and partial dissolution during chemical abrasion.
(d) Model T h/U ratio calculated from radiogenic 208Pb/206Pb ratio and 207Pb/235U age.
206
(e) Pb* and Pbc represent radiogenic and common Pb, respectively; mol % Pb* with respect to radiogenic, blank and initial common Pb.
(f) Measured ratio corrected for spike and fractionation only. Mass discrimination of 0.23%/amu based on analysis of NBS-982; all Daly analyses.
(g) Corrected for fractionation, spike, and common Pb; up to 3 pg of common Pb was assumed to be procedural blank: 206Pb/204Pb = 18.50 ± 1.0%; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.50 ± 1.0%;
208Pb/204Pb = 38.40 ± 1.0% (all uncertainties 1-sigma). Excess over blank was assigned to initial common Pb with Stacey and Kramers (1975) model Pb composition at 200 Ma.
(h) Errors are 2-sigma, propagated using the algorithms of Schmitz and Schoene (2007) and Crowley et al. (2007).
(i) Calculations are based on the decay constants of Jaffey et al. (1971). 206Pb/238U and 207Pb/206Pb ages corrected for initial disequilibrium in 230T h/238U using T h/U [magma] = 3.
(j) Corrected for fractionation, spike, and blank Pb only.
EART H T IME U-Pb synthetic solutions analysed on an on-going basis to monitor the accuracy of results.

Figure A6.1. ALR035 UPb

zircon geochronology

317
 Appendix A7. Fluid Inclusion Study Microthermometry and Data.

Analytical data gathered from fluid inclusion study at La Bodega and La Mascota is

compiled in Table A7.1. It includes fluid inclusion analysis on quartz from enargite

bearing quartz vein and wolframite bearing quartz cement in breccia at La Mascota

(ALR189) and Enargite bearing quartz cement in breccia at La Bodega (ALR260).

Fluid inclusions are classified following schemes described in Chapter 7 Table7.1.

318
Table A7.1. La Mascota and La Bodega Fluid inclusion data (this study). Compilation from 62 measurements enargite related quartz and
wolframite related quartz for La Mascota and Enargite related quartz for La Bodega.

Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-
grain
Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)
Zone

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

Oval-
rectangular Quartz core.
weakly Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 15 75 10 7.5 irregular MECI -40.0 -15.2 -1.8 3.1 215.0 Anhydrite? 0.85 18 211

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 15 75 10 6.25 Rectangular MECI -40.0 -1.7 2.9 194.0 Anhydrite? 0.90 11 125

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 15 75 10 6.25 Oval-rombic MECI -17.0 -1.9 3.2 210.0 Anhydrite? 0.88 16 183
Oval-
rectangular Quartz core.
weakly Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 20 70 10 5.25 irregular MECI -40.0 -21.0 -1.8 3.1 194.0 Anhydrite? 0.90 11 125

Quartz core.
Oval- Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 25 45 30 5.25 rectangular MECI -24.6 -16.9 -1.6 2.7 202.7 Anhydrite? 0.89 13 154

Quartz core.
Rounded- Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 35 55 10 6.25 pentagon MECI -30.0 -14.4 -1.7 2.9 180.0 Anhydrite? 0.91 8 91

Quartz core.
Rounded- Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 25 45 30 5.25 pentagon MECI -23.0 -13.0 -1.7 2.9 203.1 Anhydrite? 0.89 14 156

319
 Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-

grain
Zone

Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

Quartz core.
Rounded- Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 20 55 25 6.25 pentagon MECI -22.4 -17.1 -1.7 2.9 182.0 Anhydrite? 0.91 8 95
Oval-
rectangular Quartz core.
weakly Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 20 70 10 6.8 irregular MECI -47.0 -34.0 -1.9 3.2 198.8 Anhydrite? 0.89 12 140

Quartz core.
Triangular- Solid:
LM En-Qz C P I 25 65 10 6.25 Rounded MECI -35.2 -14.3 -1.9 3.2 216.7 Anhydrite? 0.87 18 213

LM En-Qz C P II 40 60 8 Oval MECII -21.0 -14.0 -1.9 3.2 211.5 Quartz core 0.88 16 189

LM En-Qz C P II 40 60 7.5 Oval MECII -23.0 -14.7 -2.0 3.4 210.5 Quartz core 0.88 16 184

LM En-Qz C P II 20 80 3.75 Rounded MECII -18.0 -2.1 3.5 197.2 Quartz core 0.90 12 134

LM En-Qz C PS II 20 80 2.2 Oval MECII -36.1 -14.0 -1.8 3.1 181.2 Quartz core 0.91 8 93

LM En-Qz C PS II 15 85 10 Oval elonged MECII -39.7 -14.7 -2.8 4.6 189.0 Quartz core 0.92 10 110
Aligned FI,
qz core
close to
LM En-Qz C PS II 30 70 7 Oval MECII -39.2 -16.1 -2.1 3.5 211.0 Growth line 0.88 16 186
Aligned FI,
qz core
close to
LM En-Qz C PS II 30 70 6.75 Oval MECII -37.8 -14.4 -2.3 3.9 209.9 Growth line 0.89 16 181

Rombic- Quartz
LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 5 rounded MEGII -45.0 -17.1 -2.8 4.6 169.0 growth line 0.93 6 71

320
 Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-

grain
Zone

Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

Quartz
LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 2.75 Rectangular MEGII -32.0 -17.6 -2.8 4.6 186.5 growth line 0.93 6 71

Quartz
LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 5 Oval-elonged MEGII -40.4 -20.5 -2.2 3.7 142.7 growth line 0.95 5 50

Circular- Quartz
LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 5 irregular MEGII -36.0 -22.1 -2.3 3.9 201.1 growth line 0.90 13 147

Rectangular- Quartz
LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 6.5 irregular MEGII -32.0 -17.0 -2.4 4.0 201.7 growth line 0.90 13 149

Quartz
LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 6.25 Rectangular MEGII -44.5 -17.2 -2.2 3.7 201.0 growth line 0.90 13 147

Rectangular- Tip near

LM En-Qz G P II 20 80 5 irregular MEGII -37.3 -16.3 -4.2 6.7 201.8 growth line 0.92 13 146

Quartz
growth line.
Solid:
LM W-Qz1 G P I 30 50 20 3.75 Rectangular MWGI -32.0 -16.0 -1.2 2.1 206.5 Anhydrite? 0.88 15 170

Quartz
growth line.
Solid:
LM W-Qz1 G P I 25 40 35 5 Bean MWGI -30.0 -17.0 -1.3 2.2 201.3 Anhydrite? 0.88 13 150

321
 Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-

grain
Zone

Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

Quartz
growth line.
Solid:
LM W-Qz1 G P I 30 40 30 3.75 Rectangular MWGI -30.0 -18.0 -1.3 2.2 187.7 Anhydrite? 0.90 10 109

Quartz
growth line.
Solid: FeO?
Pentagon- Wolframite
LM W-Qz1 G P I 20 50 30 6.5 elonged MWGIw -35.3 -15.7 -1.4 2.4 236.5 Crystal? 0.84 28 335

Quartz
LM W-Qz1 G P II 30 70 5 Subrounder MWGII -38.0 -17.2 -1.3 2.2 193.5 growth line. 0.89 11 125

Rectangular- Quartz
LM W-Qz1 G P II 30 70 3.75 elonged MWGII -30.0 -17.7 -1.3 2.2 189.9 growth line. 0.90 10 114

Quartz
LM W-Qz1 G P II 30 70 3.75 Rectangular MWGII -30.8 -15.9 -1.4 2.4 221.7 growth line. 0.86 20 241

Quartz
LM W-Qz1 G P II 30 70 7.5 Rectangular MWGII -35.0 -14.6 -1.3 2.2 196.9 growth line. 0.89 12 135

Quartz
Rectangular- growth line.
LM W-Qz1 G P II 30 70 3.75 irregular MWGIIs -23.4 -17.2 -1.3 2.2 237.7 Streched? 0.83 28 342

LM W-Qz1 A1 S II 40 60 2.5 Rounded MWA1II -27.0 -16.8 -2.1 3.5 263.5 0.81 45 570

Rectangular-
LM W-Qz1 A1 S II 40 60 3.75 rounded MWA1II -28.0 -15.6 -2.8 4.6 256.2 0.83 40 490

Rectangular-
LM W-Qz1 A1 S I 30 50 20 6 elonged MWA1I -22.5 -14.0 -2.2 3.7 254.4 0.82 39 479

322
 Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-

grain
Zone

Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

LM W-Qz1 A1 S II 40 60 2.5 Rounded MWA1II -45.0 -15.9 -3.4 5.6 253.0 0.85 38 455

LM W-Qz1 A1 S II 40 60 2.5 Rounded MWA1II -25.0 -11.2 -2.9 4.8 196.3 0.91 12 130

LM W-Qz1 A1 S II 30 70 2.5 Oval MWA1II -23.3 -17.2 -2.1 3.5 247.8 0.83 34 420

LM W-Qz1 A1 S II 50 50 2.5 Oval MWA1II -38.0 -13.7 -3.1 5.1 260.5 0.83 43 530

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 C P I 20 50 30 5.25 Bean MWCI -38.0 -20.0 -0.4 0.7 195.0 Anhydrite? 0.88 11 131

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 C P I 20 60 20 5 Rectangular MWCI -17.8 -0.3 0.5 196.0 Anhydrite? 0.88 12 134

Rectangular- Quartz core.

rounded- Solid:
LM W-Qz2 C P II 20 80 12.5 elonged MWCII -39.0 -14.9 -0.3 0.5 200.1 Anhydrite? 0.87 13 148

Quartz core.
Triangular- Solid:
LM W-Qz2 C P II 30 70 3 rounded MWCII -30.0 -19.7 -0.5 0.9 197.0 Anhydrite? 0.88 12 137

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 C P II 30 70 2.5 Rounded MWCII -39.1 -15.2 -0.3 0.5 197.0 Anhydrite? 0.87 12 138

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 A2 S II 40 60 5 Rectangular MWA2II -18.8 -3.2 5.3 310.0 Anhydrite? 0.75 94 1283

323
 Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-

grain
Zone

Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 A2 S II 30 70 3.75 Oval-elonged MWA2II -19.7 -2.7 4.5 309.0 Anhydrite? 0.74 93 1281

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 A2 S II 30 70 4 Oval-elonged MWA2II -39.2 -14.5 -3.6 5.9 284.7 Anhydrite? 0.80 65 823

Rectangular- Quartz core.

rounded- Solid:
LM W-Qz2 A2 S II 30 70 6.25 elonged MWA2II -23.8 -14.5 -3.7 6.0 308.0 Anhydrite? 0.76 92 1226

Quartz core.
Solid:
LM W-Qz2 A2 S II 40 60 5 Rectangular MWA2II -36.0 -14.0 -3.2 5.3 309.8 Anhydrite? 0.75 94 1278

LB En-Qz A1 S II 20 80 5 Rounded BEA1II -33.0 -17.6 -3.1 5.1 261.7 0.83 44 543

LB En-Qz A1 S II 20 80 3.75 Rounded BEA1II -38.0 -16.0 -3.1 5.1 287.5 0.79 68 875

LB En-Qz A1 S II 20 80 4.25 Oval BEA1II -22.4 -16.6 -3.1 5.1 312.4 0.74 97 1339

LB En-Qz A1 S II 20 80 2.5 Rounded BEA1II -23.0 -17.5 -2.6 4.3 238.5 0.85 29 342

LB En-Qz C U (P?) II 20 80 9 Oval-elonged BECIIt -19.0 -15.0 -3.5 5.7 217.5 Streched (t) 0.89 19 212

Triangle-
LB En-Qz C U (P?) II 20 80 4 elonged BECIIk -32.0 -16.7 -5.8 8.9 210.0 Leakage? (k) 0.93 16 173

LB En-Qz C U (P?) II 20 80 5 Trapezoidal BECIIn -30.0 -19.0 -6.1 9.3 307.5 Necking (n) 0.81 91 1144

LB En-Qz A2 S II 20 80 3.5 Rounded BEA2II -26.0 -19.0 -5.5 8.5 203.0 0.93 13 148

324
 Location in quartz

wt% NaCl equi.

[Bodnar, 1993]
Fluid Inclusion

Depth= P/(gd)
density (g/cc)
Genetic Class

Assemblage
Liquid [%]
Vapor [%]

Solid [%]

Remarks

Ph (bar)
Tm Th L-

grain
Zone

Vein Size Te (i) Te (f)

Type
Shape ice V→L
Type [µm] [ºC] [ºC]
[ºC] [ºC]

LB En-Qz A2 S II 30 70 2.5 Rounded BEA2II -35.0 -19.0 -4.2 6.7 231.2 0.89 25 285

LB En-Qz A2 S II 30 70 6.25 Oval-elonged BEA2II -32.1 -20.8 -2.9 4.8 325.0 0.71 115 1655

LB En-Qz A2 S II 20 80 6.25 Oval-elonged BEA2II -30.0 -15.3 -4.7 7.4 301.8 0.71 115 1655

Pentagon-
LB En-Qz A2 S II 20 80 5 rounded BEA2II -32.0 -16.7 -5.8 8.9 243.0 0.89 31 357

325
 Appendix A8. Thin Section Petrography of Selected Samples from La

Bodega, La Mascota and El Cuatro

This appendix is a catalogue that contains petrographic observations done on 76 polished

thin sections from selected samples as part of this thesis. Rocks found in this catalogue

include gneisses and amphibolites from the Bucaramanga (gneiss) Complex of

Proterozoic age, Leucogranites from the Santander Plutonic Group of Triassic-Jurassic

age, Granitic pegmatites of unknown age but presumably associated with the

leucogranites and hydrothermal/tectonic-hydrothermal breccias associated with

mineralization in the District which are of Plio-Pleistocene age.The main focus of these

observations is the description of alteration and mineralization features of these rocks.

General descriptions, notes, hand sample photographs and microphotographs at different

magnifications are also shown for illustrative purposes.

326
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR001 La Mascota LB112 295.6
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Feldspar-quartz ?) Granoblastic texture. Intensely altered to Alunite>quartz. Silica+pyrite veinlets cutting alunitizied
gneiss. Pyrite microveins in gneiss. Rutile/titanite alteration.
Quartz 1: Random individuals with subidiomorfic habit, embebbed in alunite alteration.
Feldspars: Obliterated ground mass, altered to alunite and minor as muscovite (?)
Rutile/titanite: aggregates up to 1 mm width, titatnite is found as arrow shaped rombic crystals.
Alunite: Platty, tabular shaped individulas (10-20µm).
Veins: Quartz veins with mosaic texture.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

py

qz1

alu

qz

2 mm

327
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
AL0001 La Mascota LB112 295.6
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X XPL

qz

alu

250 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

rt

rt/ttn

py

250 μm

328
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR002 La Mascota LB012 49.3
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia/gneiss Code THBX/BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Matrix supported tectonic hydrothermal breccia in contact to gneiss with illite-muscovite alteration. Alunite and quartz in
breccia with cataclastic texture.
Clast (15%): gneiss clasts, quartz, clasts. Subangular to subrounded clasts.
Matrix-cement (85%): Matrix is fine grained and is replaced by quartz and alunite.
Tectonic foliation.
Pyrite (<1%): mainly as clasts parallel to tectonic foliation. ~ 1 mm width , subangular to cubc habit.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification

qz clast

py

BG clast

2 mm

329
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR005 La Mascota LB112 214.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite), quartz
Description, Notes
Gneiss, granolepidoblastic texture. Sericite-illite alteration. Cross cut by qz+ crs py vein also cut by ("fine grained quartz+ fine
py + Au + sph and cpy-cc vein.
Quartz 1 (15%): Elonged subidiomorphic blasts, with undulose extinction.
Feldspars (85%): Obliterated. Altered to sericite-illite and fine grained quartz (silica).
Veins:
Vein 1: Quartz (mosaic) +pyrite (subhedral to euhedral, cubic habit).
Vein 2: Fine grained quartz (silica, massive - sacaroidal) + Alu, minor pyrite, sphalerite and coppersulfide (chalcocite,
chalcopyrite?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Au

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

qz (silica)

qz1

ser-ill

2 mm

330
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR005 La Mascota LB112 214.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite), quartz
Microphotograph same as previous
Magnification 2X RL

py
Au

2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification

sph

Au

cpy, cc(?)

py

150 μm

331
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR010 La Mascota LB112 251.65
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, quartz, cement, alunite)
Description, Notes
Cement to clasts supported hydrothermal breccia.
Clasts (29%): quartz (0.3 -0.8 mm). Clasts replaced by quartz/silica.
Cement (71%): Microcristaline quartz (50%) and minor alunite (29%).Pyrite (2%).
Alunite: fibrous aggregates surrounding quartz clasts.. Pyrte crystals within alunite cement.
Quartz in cement: fine grained, massive, flamboyant texture, drusy quartz (comb).
Molybdenite in drusy quartz cavity, surrounded by bornite (?).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

mo
1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification

qz comb qz (silica)
alu

py

mo

2 mm

332
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR010 La Mascota LB112 251.65
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, quartz, cement, alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL

py

mo
2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

bn (in fractures)

py

mo

250 μm

333
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR012 La Mascota LB112 253.1
Rock Type Gneiss/Hydrothermal breccia Code BG/HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (Alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Clast to cement supported vein-breccia cutting alunitizied gneiss.
Clasts 40%: geniss replaced by aluniteand quartz (fine grained silica).
Cement (50%): Alunite (fine grained, tabular texture, crystals 0.05 mm - 0.1 mm) and quartz, sacaroidal texture.
Veins:
Qz+aluu with Pyrite cut by py+cv+bn+cc vein with possibly clasts of alunitizied gneiss. Drussy Qz cavities. Alunite mixed with
pyrite in alunitizied gneiss clasts indicates textural equilibrium between alunite and pyrite?.
Quartz shows comb texture. Minor Alunite (?). Microcrystaline quartz halo. Pyrite is grown in vein center. Minor Cu sulfides
overgrowing pyrite in the vein (0.01mm)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

alu
py

alu alu

2 mm

334
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR012 La Mascota LB112 253.1
Rock Type Gneiss/Hydrothermal breccia Code BG/HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (Alunite-quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL

cv

py
CuS

2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

bn

tn

py

cc

150 μm

335
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR013 La Mascota LB112 256.5
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Description, Notes
Matrix to clast supported tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Multiple phases of brecciation.
Clasts (30%): Clasts of gneiss, quartz and breccias. Clasts with tectonic foliation. Three different breccia clasts and breccias.
BX1: Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Tectonic foliation (@<20°) BX2: (@<20°). Tectonic breccia clasts (cataclastite or
milonite?). BX3: Clasts supported breccia; clasts of breccia and cataclastite.
Matrix (40%): Fine grained particles parallel to tectonic foliation, replaced by fine grained cement.
Cement (20%): Fine grained quartz and alunite also replacing matrix and clasts. Cockade texure quartz of cement surrounding
clasts.
Veins cutting breccias (Banded qz veins) (10%): Drusy qz (comb texture)+py+w+CuS(?) vein (<35° 3mm). Qz (comb,
flamboyant)+en+cpy vn parallel to previous. Drusy Qz+Alunite (?)+py +sph vein (<40° 18mm). .

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

alu+qz qz(cockade)

BX2 clast

qz(fine
grained,
qz(mosaic) massive) + alu
(sacharoidal)
qz(flamboyant)
qz(comb)
2 mm

336
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR013 La Mascota LB112 256.5
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Microphotograph Same as previous
Magnification 2X RL

2 mm

py (clast)
en w
bn, cv

py, CuS

py sph

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

bn
bn

en
py

sph

250 μm

337
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR014A La Mascota LB112 259.2
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Description, Notes
Matrix to clast supported tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Multiple phase breccia.
Clasts (40%): Clasts of gneiss (with subidomorfic quartz, and sericite alteration with superimposed quartz alteration), breccia
clasts and milonite or cataclastite. Pyrite clasts. 10µm to 2cm clasts.
Matrix (40%): fine grained particles of breccia, pyrite and quartz, with a fabric parallel to tectonic foliation.
Cement (20%): fine grained quartz and alunite, also replacing matrix and clasts,Quartz cement surrounding clasts.
Veins: Quartz (mosaic)+pyrite vein, subparallel to tectonic foliation; cut by quartz+alunite+pyrite+CuS (cc, cv mainly) with Au
and Au microveins.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (cockade)
rimming clast
qz (clast)

py (clast)

qz +CuS+Au vn

py+qz vn

qz in gneiss
2 mm

338
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR014A La Mascota LB112 259.2
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

Au
tn

py

cc

bn

cpy
cv

Au

250 μm

339
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR014B La Mascota LB112 264.15
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Description, Notes
Matrix to clasts supported tectonic hydrothermal breccia with quartz-alunite cement. Multiple phases breccia.
BX. 1. TBX tectonic breccia (milonite?) (cataclastite?). Matrix supported.
Matrix (70%): Fine grained particles.
Clasts (20%): Rounded clasts of quartz-alunite replaced gneiss with quartz augens. Quartz and pyrite clasts as well as breccia
clasts.
Cement (10%.): quartz (fine grained quartz, silica), alunite cement. Quartz with flamboyant texture, cockade texture.
Veins: Drusy Qz vein and bladed texture. Py rimming "blades" (vein @<50°) 20mm. Drusy Qz+w and enargite (in drusy qz
cavities) with bornite, tetrahedrite, covellite and Au in the borders of en. Vein (@<65°), 35 mm. Cavity filled with banded fine
grained quartz and alunite (sacaroidal texture), cross cut by qz+en veinlet.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL
qz (cockade,
flamboyant text) qz in BX clast

qz clast

qz + alu (sacaroidal)
py

Mx replaced by qz(silica)

qz + alu (sacaroidal)
2 mm

340
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR014B La Mascota LB112 264.15
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Microphotograph Zoom from previous
Magnification 5X RL+PPL

qz + alu (sacaroidal)

en

py

banded qz (zoned)
0.5 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

en

150 μm bn cc

341
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR015 La Mascota LB112 265.2
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, minor alunite)
Description, Notes
Quartz cement to clast supported hydrothermal breccia (variable percentage depending on described location in sample).
Multiple phase breccia.
Clasts (10-60%): Polimictic, milonite or tectonic breccia clasts, pyrite clasts; Matrix: 20%. Fine grained clasts; Cement (20-
60%): quartz, very minor alunite (~1%). Quartz textures in clude zoned, banded, massive, sacaroidal, flamboyant, plumose,
mosaic.
Wolframite in fine grained quartz and drusy comb quartz. tetrahedrite-tennantite cut by enargite veinlet (?).
Pyrite+quartz+minor chacocite+covelite vein @^25° 11mm.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+PPL

th-tn

qz (zoned, mosaic)

0.5 mm

342
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR015 La Mascota LB112 265.2
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, minor alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+PPL

w
en

th-tn
250 μm
py

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

qz (zoned) qz (fine
grained,
massive,
sacaroidal)

en

qz (flamboyant)

250 μm py

343
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR018 La Mascota LB112 281.55
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, alunite, quartz cement)
Description, Notes
Cement supported hydrothermal breccia. Silicified gneiss clasts.
Clasts: 20%; Matrix: 10%; Cement: 70%. Quartz: Colloform, cockade, crustiform (banded with pyrite and CuS) flamboyant,
plumose, fine grained massive and sacaroidal texture quartz. Very minor alunite (!% of cement). Pyrite (10% of cement: cubic
habit coarse, fine grained colloform. Enargite surrounded by quartz (cockade texture? or filling drussy qz cavity). Drusy
qz+wolframite band.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification
qz (sacaroidal)

qz coloform, plumose, flamboyant texture

py
py (fine,
2 mm colloform)

344
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR018 La Mascota LB112 281.55
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, alunite, quartz cement)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

qz (massive)

qz (cockade?)

2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+PPL

py
(colloform)

cv

en
cv

bn
2 mm

345
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR019 La Mascota La Mascota 294.45
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia cutting gneiss Code HYBX/BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Description, Notes
Cement supported hydrothermal breccia (Narrow, 4 cm; vein?). Visible gold in quartz band. ( @<60°-58mm) cutting drusy
qz+py+cc+cv veinlet@<40°.
Quartz cement (80%) with crustiform texture, colloform pyrite bands. Copper sulfides (chalcocite, covellite, bornite) in quartz.
Clasts (10%?): Quartz, gneiss replaced by quartz, pyrite clasts.
Matrix (10%): fine grained, replaced by quartz (?).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz+py crustiform -banded texture

CuS

qz (fine, massive)

qz (flamboyant)
hole in section

2 mm py (colloform)

346
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR019 La Mascota La Mascota 294.45
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia cutting gneiss Code HYBX/BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, silicification, quartz cement, alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

qz (sacaroidal) py

alu

qz (comb)

Au

cv
Au

bn

250 μm hole in section

cc

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

Au

50 μm

347
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR021 La Mascota LB112 296.7
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, minor alunite, silicification)
Description, Notes
Hydrothermal breccia. Clast to cement supported. Polimictic silicified, multiple phases.
Clasts (35%): Gneiss clasts, illite/sericite alteration replaced by quartz. Pyrite veinlets, CuS clasts (?). Quartz breccia clasts.
Cement (40%): Quartz cement, quartz veins and quartz rimming clasts and filling cavities. Quartz textures: cockade (rimming
gneiss clasts), fine grained (massive, sacaroidal?) bands (colloidal silica?), flamboyant, comb. Wolframite in fine grained quartz
bands.
Quartz+pyrite+alunite (?) band adjacent to drusy qz cavity (@<55°). 1 cm.
CuS: chalcocite, covellite, bornite, chalcopyrite.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (cockade) ttn in gneiss clast

qz cement

qz (mosaic)

CuS (clast?)
2 mm py qz (fine, massive)

348
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR021 La Mascota LB112 296.7
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, minor alunite, silicification)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

py

cpy

bn

cc
250 μm cv

349
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR022 La Mascota LB112 296.9
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, silicification)
Description, Notes
Cement to clast supported hydrothermal breccia. Polimictic. Clasts rimmed by quartz+wolframite+pyrite. Clasts of silica rimmed
by silica+W-Py. Drusy Quartz.
Clasts (40-50%): gnerss clasts with ser-illite alteration and mafics altered to titanite. Clasts replaced by alunite-quartz. Pyrite
clasts.
Cement (35-45%): quartz, banded quartz, fine grained massive, comb, forming druses, flamboyant texture, colloform texture,
rimming clasts (cockade texture).
Matrix (5-10%): fine grained particles replaced by quartz.
Cavities 5-10%.
Pyrite parallel to quartz cement. CuS (cc, cv, bn, cpy) in quartz veins, cement and clast. Wolframite in quartz veins and
cement with cockade texture. Gold on quartz veins micro fractures and at sulfide borders.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+PPL

py (fine colloform) qz (cockade,

flamboyant)

qz+alu
ttn

qz+alu (replacment?,
sacaroidal text)

qz(comb) in druse
2 mm py

350
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR022 La Mascota LB112 296.9
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, silicification)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

qz+alu

Au
py

qz
(mosaic)

qz+alu

en

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

en

Au

Au

50 μm 50 μm

351
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR023 La Mascota LB112 312.5
Rock Type Gneiss cut by hydrothermal breccia Code BG/HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, quartz cement, alunite alteration)
Description, Notes
Contact Gneiss/ Hydrothermal breccia(@<45°).
Gneiss:
Quartz (30%): subidiomorfic elonged, undulose extinction blast up to 0.5 mm.
Feldspars (40%): Obliterated ground mass, altered to alunite and minor fine grained quartz superimposing (?) to sericite-illite
(?).
Mafics (30%): Altered to sericite-illite, titanite/rutile also partially replaced by pyrite with superimposed alunite alteration (?).
Hydrothermal breccia (clasts supported):
Clasts (50%): altered (alunite, sericite illite, titanite) gneiss clasts, quartz clasts (from gneiss?).
Cement (25%): Quartz, surrounding clasts (cockade texture) and comb, flamboyant texture, minor alunite. and Alunite altered
gneiss cut by crackled breccia, gneiss clasts in silica cement.
Matrix (10%): finer grained particles, replaced by quartz and alunite. Cavities (5%).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+XPL

qz (cockade)
qz clast

alu

ser/ill

rt/ttn
ttn

py after clast
mafics

ttn qz (comb,
qz1 flamboyant)

0.5 mm HYBX
gneiss

352
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR024 La Mascota LB012 312.6
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic. Alunite-quartz
Description, Notes
Alunite supported breccia with minor Quartz and Pyrite (BX1) in contact to Alunite altered clasts supported breccia with fine
grained quartz in microveins and surrounding clasts; pyrite in in clasts and cement (BX2).
Contact between both breccias (minor faults). Tension gashes (?).
BX1 .
Alunite (80%), Quartz (27%), Pyrite (3%). Clasts 10%. Cement (90%).
BX2
Alunite (66%). Quartz (32%) Pyrite (3%, 2in quartz vein and 1% in alunitizied clasts)
Clasts (40%), Cement (60%)
Pyrite: mostly very fine grained; 0,01 mm to 1 mm.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotographs
Magnification 10X XPL+RL

qz

py

alu

0.5 mm

353
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR025 La Mascota LB112 312.9
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, alunite)
Description, Notes
Clasts supported crackled monomictic multiple phase hydrothermal breccia.
Clasts (60%): Alunitizied gneiss clasts (titanite in clasts) with quartz (qz1) porphyrpblasts with undulose extinction. Pyrite veinlet
in clast.
Cement (25%): quartz cement, minor alunite, drusy quartz, comb, flamboyant, crustiform. Tabular black wolframite crystals in
quartz. Minor pyrite.
Cavities, pores (10%): Drusy quartz cavities. Kaolinite filling drusy quartz cavities.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification

qz+alu (sacaroidal)
mus
qz (flamboyant)

ttn

qz1
qz (comb,
drusy)

qz (comb, banded,
2 mm

354
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR025 La Mascota LB112 312.9
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+PPL

py

py alu

qz
(plumose,
zoned)

py

w
ttn kao

355
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR027 La Mascota LB112 328.8
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG.
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic texture. Alunite-quartz alteration superimposed to muscovite-illite alteration (?).
Quartz 1 (20%): prophyroblasts up to 0.5 mm. Undulose extinction.
Feldspars (50%): fine grained, replaced by alunite, illite-muscovite.
Mafics and micas (30%): Hornblende and biotite (?) altertered to illite-muscovite, titanite and moderately replaced by pyrite.
Veins: 1. Qz+py veinlet cut by Vein 2. Qz+fine py vein (drusy qz) cut by vein 3. alunite+-pyrite (coarse cubic) vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X

ill

py

qz1

qz (comb)

2 mm py ttn
alu qz (comb)

356
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR029 La Mascota LB112 329.55
Rock Type Gneiss cut by hydrothermal breccia Code BG/HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz) superimposed to phyllic
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic texture. Alunitizied.
Quartz 1 (10%): pophyroblasts up to ~1 mm diameter. Feldspars (70%):altered to alunite-quartz (fine grained, sacaroidal texture.
Mafics (20%): altered to alunite and sericite-illite.
Gneiss is cut by veins. Vein 2 quartz+pyrite veinlet (@<65° 3mm), cut by 4. 3. Silica supported breccia with py and sphalerite
within cement. 4. Drusy Qz+Py+W vein(@<25° 3 mm). 5. Drusy qz+py+w+en vein (@<35° 3 mm). Sphalerite bearing breccia
(cockade texture, sacaroidal quartz cement, gneiss clasts).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification

qz (comb)
qz1

qz +alu
w

py (fine colloform)
ser-ill

qz +alu

qz1
(clast)

2 mm sph

357
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR029 La Mascota LB112 329.55
Rock Type Gneiss cut by hydrothermal breccia Code BG/HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz) superimposed to phyllic
Microphotograph
Magnification

sph

Microphotograph
Magnification

py

en
cpy

358
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR032 La Mascota LB112 334.3
Rock Type Gneiss/Tectonic hydrothermal Microbreccia Code BG/THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite, quartz)
Description, Notes
Tectonic to tectonic hydrothermal breccia cutting gneiss. Tectonic foliation, fine grained quartz+pyrite+titanite veinlets@<40°.
Subparallel fine grained alunite+quartz-+pyrite+sphalerite vein/breccia @<50° aprox 1cm; cement to matrix supprted (alunite,
kaolinite?).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification

sph

qz

qz+alu

py

alun (fine
grained,
sacaroidal)
ttn
py

2 mm

359
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR033 La Mascota LB112 336.7
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite) with superimposed advanced argillic (alunite)
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic (?) texture.
Intensely altered.
Quartz 1 (10%): Primary quartz in gneiss. 2-3 mm diameter subidimorrfic blasts. Undulose extinction.
Feldspars (60%): Intensely altered to muscovite-illite alteration on feldspars.
Mafics (30%): Hornblende and biotite (?). Mafics altered to illite-sericite, titanite/rutile, minor pyrite, as well as alunite.
Veins:
Alunite-quartz (comb qz) veins with alunite halo, cutting illite/sericite and ttn alt. Silica-specularite vein @<20° (2mm) cutting
gneiss.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz
alu
ill qz (silica)+alu

qz

mus

rt/ttn

py-rt
(after
2 mm hb?)

360
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR033 La Mascota LB112 336.7
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite) with superimposed advanced argillic (alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

qz1

ttn

qz

alu

250 μm

361
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR034 La Mascota LB112 347.7
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite) with superimposed advanced argillic (alunite vein halo)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite - monzogranite, equigranular texture.
Quartz (35%) is white to translucent; ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm; anhedral to subhedral, in suture contact to quartz and sharp
contact to feldspars. Undulous extinction and minor evidence of strain deformation.
Feldspars (55%): up to 2 mm in diameter with anhedral shape. In thin section, obliterated feldspars, alterated to sericite
(muscovite) and alunite.
Muscovite (up to 5%): randomly distributed crystals, high birefringence color (green to fuchsia) Crystals range from 0.1 to 1 mm
width with tabular, flake habit.
Zircon (<0.1%) occurs as translucent <0.2 mm crystals.
Pyrite (3-5%): Disseminated fine grained anhedral to subhedral (cubic habit).
Vein: Alunite+pyrite vein (alunite from vein is polished away). Alunite halo.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

ser

alu

2 cm qz

362
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR034 La Mascota LB112 347.7
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite) with superimposed advanced argillic (alunite vein halo)
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL

ser

ser
qz
mus

zr

0.5 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+XPL

qz

alu mus
py

0.5 mm

363
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR038 La Mascota LB112
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advaced argillic (quartz-alunite); clsts of gneiss with sericite alt.
Description, Notes
Multiple events. 1. Gneiss. Mainly illite alteration. 2. Partially brecciated gneiss. Sil-Illite alt minor Py. Tectonic foliation. 3. Drusy
Qz Sil Py vein (@<50°) 3cm. 4. Pyrite vein <30-5° deflection 6 mm. 5. Alunite infilling with possible clasts of Py, sphalerite, Illite
infilling and possibly dickite occ (other side). Pyrite alunite minor sphalerite (not seen in thin section) vein cutting quartz-alunite
cement clast supported breccia and sericitic altered gneiss with quartz-alunite alteration superimposed to sericite (muscovite)
alteration.
In gneiss. Quartz 1 (40%): Quartz in sericite altered gneiss): shows undulose extinction. Up to 3 mm diameter.
Sericite (50%): Very fine grained replacing feldspars.
Rutile (1%): down to 2µm. Pyrite 9%: Related to sericite. Pyritohedric. Up to 2 mm wide.
Vein: is zoned. Quartz2+Pyrite at wall, then Alunite+Pyrite and finally, Quartz+Pyrite then Alunite+Pyrite+Quartz (most Alunite
here has is not in thin section due to polishing. Sphalerite was in this vein prior to polishing. Some pyrite stayed in the section.
Minor Kaolinite.
Alunite: Sacaroidal texture. Mixed with Pyrite. Pyrite in Alunite Zones: Cubic to pyritohedric. Grain size range from 2 mm to 4 µm

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotographs
Magnification 10X XPL+RL

qz2

py

qz1

alu
0.5 mm

364
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR040 El Cuatro LB282 131.3
Rock Type Porphyritic dacite (?) Code POR
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite quartz) superimposed to phyllic (sericite)
Description, Notes
Porphyritic dacite (porphyritic granodiorite?)
Feldspars (45%).Fine grained gorund mass illite with superimposed alunite alteration
Plagioclase (?) phenocrysts (30%) altered to alunite, minor pyrite
Quartz (12%): fine grained.
Hornblende (3%): subhedral, tabular, altered to sericite (?)
Cross cut by chalcocite (?) vein (1mm width).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

hb alt to ser?

alu+qz mx

alu alt on
phenocryst

2 mm

365
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR040 El Cuatro LB282 131.3
Rock Type Porphyritic dacite (?) Code POR
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite quartz) superimposed to phyllic (sericite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

qz

alu+qz mx
ill
ser-ill

py

py (tarnished?)

alu on
phenocryst

250 μm

366
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR043 La Bodega LB327 41
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Advanced argilic (alunite, kaolinite) superimposed on phyllic (sericite)
Description, Notes
Amphibolite. Intensely altered, alunite>quartz alteration superimposed to sericite-illite alteration with minor titanite (after mafics).
The rock is cross cut by kaolinite+alunite+pyrite veinlet.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

ser/ill py

kao+alu

ttn

qz+alu
ser/ill

2 mm

367
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR050 La Bodega LB327 115.6
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (sericite, quartz, pyrite)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite. Ser alt. qz-py vein. Equigranular.
Quartz1 (40%): Anhedral to subhedral (1-mm), randomly distributed crystals. Weakly undulose extinction.
Feldspars (55%): Finer grained, altered to sericite.
Pyrite (4%): disseminated, subhedral to anhedral cubic; ~0.01 mm.
Zircon (1%): 10(?) µm
Rock is cross cut by quartz (comb)coarse grained pyrite (cubic habit) vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification

py

py

qz1

ser

comb qz

2 mm

368
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR064 La Bodega LB327 245.6
Rock Type Clast supported jigsaw fit breccia Code CJBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, cement mainly)
Description, Notes
Clasts supported jigsaw-fit hydrothermal breccia.
Clast (80%): Leucogranite clasts (3 mm - 2 cm). Moderate silicification on clasts superimposed to sericite alteration.
Cement (20%): quartz with pyrite+marcasite(fine grained?) and sphalerite in cement.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

py+mrs+sph

granite

qz cement

2 mm

369
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR064 La Bodega LB327 245.6
Rock Type Clast suppurted jigsaw fit breccia Code CJBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, cement mainly)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X PPL

py
qz

sph

250 μm

370
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR070 La Bodega LB327 280.7
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Gneiss cut by qz+py+alu vein, weakly brecciated (?)
Quartz augens (35 %.): strained qz, undulose extinction. Up to 3 mm.
Alunite(30%)+microcrystalline Quartz (22%): fine grained (0.01mm) groundmass as alteration after feldspars (?) (52%). Sphene
(3-5%): Fine grained ground mass adjacent to vein (after mafics?)
Pyrite (8%) irregular veinlets and subparallel to foliation parallel to foliation, apparently replacing bands of other minerals (on
melanosomes?, hornblende?, Biotite?). Very fine grained pyrite disseminated in alu-qzz-ttn (?) ground mass.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

Gneiss

1 cm

Microphotographs
Magnification 2X XPL+RL

Gneiss
Vein/BX

qz augens

py+sph

py

2 mm

371
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR079 La Bodega LB022 68.4
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (sericite, quartz, pyrite)
Description, Notes
White granite. Equigranular.
Quartz (40%): anhedral, sutured contacts. Weakly undulose extinction.
Feldspars (55%): Fine grained, altered to sericite.
Pyrite (4%) Disseminated, fine grained (<0.02 mm)
Zircon (<1%): rounded (<0.01 mm).
Cross cut by quartz+coarse cubic pyrite veins (up to 1mm width pyrite)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

zr

py

ser

qz
2 mm

372
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR079 La Bodega LB022 68.4
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (sericite, quarzt, pyrite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+PPL

zr

py

0.5 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X PPL

zr

py

250 μm

373
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR085 La Bodega LB022 130.4
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite, quartz, pyrite)
Description, Notes
Granite (white), phyllic alteration. Equigranular.
Quartz 1 (40%): anhedral, sutured contacts with other quartz grains, randomly distributed in the rock (0.5-1 mm).
Feldspars (50%): Finer grained altered to fine graned muscovite (sericite).
Muscovite (7%): tabular, up to 0.1 mm, mainly in quartz crystals borders.
Pyrite (2%): fine grained, subhedral (0.01 mm) cubic habit.
Zircon (<1%): high relief scattered crystals oval shaped <0.01mm.
Cross cut by quartz (comb texture up to 2mm width) + pyrite (coarse cubic, 2-3 mm width), minor copper sulfides (bn, cv?) in
pyrite border within vein pore (cavity); also cross cut by irregular enargite+pyrite veinlet of 0.1 mm width.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

en

qz (comb)

CuS

ser

py

qz1
py

mus
2 mm

374
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR085 La Bodega LB022 130.4
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite, quartz, pyrite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

py

en

50 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

cv

cc

py
150 μm

375
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR087 La Bodega LB022 135.15
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite, quartz)
Description, Notes
Granite, phyllic alteration, cross cut by pyrite+CuS (covellite-chalcocite) vein cross cut by quartz+pyrite+ennargite vein with
comb texture.
Granite:
Quartz 1 (40%): Random individuals, subhedral to anhedral, up to 1 mm diameter.
Feldspars (55%): obliterated,altered to sericite making fine grained aggregate.
Pyrite (3%): Fine grained, subhedral (0.05 mm), scattered within sericite aggregate.
Veins: Fine grained pyrite+covellite+chalcocite vein, cross cut by comb quartz+pyrite (up to 3 mm width)+minor enargite (?) vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (comb) py ser

py

qz1

py

2 mm

376
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR087 La Bodega LB022 135.15
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite, quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

250 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

250 μm

377
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR088 La Bodega LB022 136.6
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite Sericite at. Qz+crs Py cutting muscovite veinlet.
Quartz 1 (40%): Anhedral to sub hedral individuals up to 0.5 mm.
Feldspars (60%): Altered to sericite (40%) mainly and fine grained quartzquartz (18%)
Pyrite (1%): Scattered subhedral individual crystals up to 0.01 mm.
Cros cut by:
Muscovite veinlet 9or 0.3 mm band (?); cross cut by 5-7 mm comb quartz+corase cubic pyrite vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+XPL

py mus

py

ser

qz1

0.5 mm qz1 (comb)

378
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR090 La Bodega LB022 142.9
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, quartz, minor alunite)
Description, Notes
Tectonic hydrothermal breccia. Matrix to cement supported. Quartz cement. Tectonic folitation rounded clasts. It is cut by
quartz+pyrite+enargite vein.
Clasts (20%): rounded clasts, augen-like up to 3 mm in diameter. Mainly quartz clasts.
Matrix (50%): finer grained material, mainly replaced by quartz, parallel to tectonic foliation.
Cement (30%): quartz, quartz veins, pyrite veins and quartz=pyrite=enargite veins.
Veins: quartz+pyrite (cubic)+wolframite (clasts?) vein, cut by irregular fine grained pyrite+quartz+enargite vein (or microfracture
fill?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

py

qz

en

2 mm

379
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR090 La Bodega LB022 142.9
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz cement, quartz, minor alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

w py

qz

en

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

en

py

380
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR101 La Bodega LB022 216.2
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz) superimposed to phyllic (sericite) on clasts.
Description, Notes
Tectonic hydrrothermal breccia. Matrix to cement supported. Quartz cement. Clasts with phyllic alteration (sericite). Cross
cutting veins: quartz+pyrite+chalcopyrite vein, quartz halo with wolframite (?). Minor sercite in between quartz grains in quartz
halo (?).
Clasts (35%): gneiss and quartz clasts: 1-2 mm?.
Matrix and cement (80%): quartz, minor sericite (?), quartz veins with comb texture.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

clast (ser alt)

qz clast

qz (comb)

py

qz (silica)

2 mm

381
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR101 La Bodega LB022 216.2
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz) superimposed to phyllic (sericite) on clasts.
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+XPL

py

w
w

0.5 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X PPL

50 μm

382
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR103 La Bodega LB022 224.1
Rock Type Leucogranite in contact to pegmatite Code INT/PEG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite-granitic pegmatite contact. Muscovite-illite alteration. Pyrite irregular vein at contact between pegmatite and
granite.
Granite:Quartz (40%): anhedral to subhedral from 0.5 to 2 mm, in suture contact to quartz and sharp contact to feldspars and
other minerals. Undulous extinction. Feldspars (50%) up to 2 mm in diameter with anhedral shape, altered to sericite.
Muscovite (up to 5%) forms randomly distributed crystals, translucent to pearl color in hand sample; with high birefringence
color (green to fuchsia) in thin section. Crystals range from 0.1 to 1 mm width with tabular, flake-like crystals. Zircon (<0.1%)
occurs as translucent <0.2 mm crystals with elliptical shape. Pyrite (5%): anhedral to subhedral up to 0.2 mm randomly
distributed in the rock.
Pegmatite: Quartz (40%): anhedral to subhedral crystals ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm, minor undulose extinction with straining
evidence. Feldspars (55%): Anhedral shaped crystals ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm (?)altered to sericite (and possibly minor illite).
Muscovite (5%): translucent tabular subhedral crystal individuals up to 0.3 mm, randomly distributed within the rock in contact
to feldspars.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

granite pegmatite

mus qz

py

qz

ser-ill

mus

2 mm

383
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR118 La Bodega LB251 167.3
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite (weakly foliated?). Phyllic alteration (muscovite).
Quartz 1 (45%): anhedral, randomly distributed (up to 1 mm width).
Muscovite (1%)
Feldspars (45%): altered to fine grained muscovite (sericite)
Pyrite (1%): disseminated fine grained.
Quartz 2 (7%): Fine grained
Veins: Qz+py+cc vein cutting Qz+py vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz1
mus

py

ser

qz2

2 mm

384
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR118 La Bodega LB251 167.3
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

cc

py

cpy

bn

385
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR126 La Bodega LB251 300.8
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-quartz); apparently minor alunite (?)
Description, Notes
Granite. Weak sericite alteration on feldspars (plagioclase). Cross cutting quartz+pyrite veins.
Quartz (qz1) . Individuals (35%):1-3mm width random individulas. Anhedral habit. Minor straining and slightly undulose
extinction. In veins (5%): Up to 1 mm individuals in vein , sharp contacts mainly.; associated to Pyrite. Feldspars (50%). Gray
background. Completely altered to fine grained muscovite (sericite).
Pyrite (10 %). In veins: up to 8% associated to quartz. Pyrite also disseminated in muscovite groundmass (2%).
Alteration:
Muscovite (50%): fine grained aggregate of disordered individuals (>>>0.01mm) with few individuals of up to 0.1 mm (possibly
primary, up to 0.1%).
Veins:
Pyrite (cubic and dodecahedric) vein with minor chalcocite and bornite on pyrite wall; cutting fine pyrite+quartz vein (qz2 in
veins)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotographs
Magnification 2X XPL+RL

qz1 py qz1

mus (ser),
minor qz
py vnlet
qz+alu

qz1
2 mm qz2

386
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR126 La Bodega LB251 300.8
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-quartz); apparently minor alunite (?)
cont…
Microphotograph Zoom
Magnification 20X RL

cc

bn
py

cpy

Au

15 μm

387
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR128 La Bodega LB251 318.3
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite, quartz)
Description, Notes
Granite.
Main Minerals:
Quartz1: Primary Quartz (32%) Random individuals of up to 2 mm in diameter. Anhedral habit.
Feld spars (55%): Mostly altered to sericite (fine grained muscovite) and silica (Microcrystaline Quartz)
Muscovite: Primary (?) (10%) Random individuals and adjacent to quartz crystals.
Quartz (2): Secondary (microcrystalline Quartz or silica) (15%): Aggregates of Crystals of 0.01 to 0.05 mm in diameter. Anhedral
habit to semicircular shape. Related to muscovite alteration.
Muscovite (sericite) (40%): Fine grained making a groundmass intergrained with silica in some cases. Product of feldspars
(possibly plagioclase) alteration.
Pyrite (3%): random cubic crystals related to sericite up (1-2 mm in width)
Veins:
Qz+Py vein with minor cpy cuting Qz+Py microvein. Chalcopyrite microinclusions in pyrite and possibly gold microinclusions in
pyrite and pyrite fractures.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL

mus

ser

qz1

py

qz 2 (fine
grained)

388
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR128 La Bodega LB251 318.3
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite, quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (comb)

mus

qz1

py ser

mus

2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

150 μm

Au
cpy

py

Au

389
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR130 La Bodega LB251 331.9
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite, quartz)
Description, Notes
Granite. Coarse grained. Quartz+pyrite+chacocite+borniten+covellite (+Au?) vein cutting and displacing. Quartz+pyrite veinlet.
Au inclusions in Py.
Quartz 1 (40%): Anhedral, weakly strained, undulose extinction, up to 0.5 mm.
Feldspars (45%): Altered to sericite.
Muscovite (10%): tabular random individuals up to 0.01 mm.
Pyrite (5%): Subhedral disseminated fine grained cubic habit (1% up to 0.1mm) and in quartz vein subhedral cubic habit (4%, up
to 0.4 mm).
Veins:
Quartz+pyrite+chalcopyrite+chalcocite+bornite+-covellite (?) and minor Au (in borders?) vein cutting Quartz+pyrite veinlet with
Au inclusions (?).
Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

py +CuS

qz1

ser
py (disseminated)

mus

2 mm

390
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR130 La Bodega LB251 331.9
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite, quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X

150 μm

cpy
py

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

Au?
cc

cv

py

cc

cpy

50 μm

391
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR137 La Bodega LB114 207.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic (chlorite, titanite, pyrite), minor sericite on feldspars
Description, Notes
Feldspar-quartz Gneiss with biotite. Granoblastic-granolepidoblastic texture. Chlorite alteration on mafics and biotite.
Chlorite+pyite vein cut by Quartz+Pyrite (coarse) vein.
Quartz 1 (30%): subidiomorphic elonged porphyroblasts up to 1.5 mm with undulose extinction. Quartz subgrains ~ 0.2mm.
Fekdspars (40%): Subidiomorfic-elonged in some cases. Plagioclase (20%), moderately altered to sericite (?) and replaced by
quartz subgrains (?); K-felspar (20%), not clearly seen in thin section,altered to sericite (?).
Mafics and Biotite (30%): Biotite (20%) is up to 2 mm, subidiomorphic, tabular, altered to chlorite, and replaced also by titanite
and pyrite; Hornblende (10%) is up to 2 mm, subidiomorphic, tabular, altered to chlorite and replaced also by titanite and pyrite.
Veins: Chlorite+pyrite veins cut by quartz=pyrite vei(coarse) vein with sericite alteration halo (?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

subgrains fds (ser?)

py

hb? py

chl?

fds (ser?)

qz
subgrains

qz1
2 mm

392
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR137 La Bodega LB114 207.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic (chlorite, titanite, pyrite), minor sericite on feldspars
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

ttn (after hb?bt?) py (after hb?bt?)

chl (after hb?bt?)

qz1 subgrains

qz (strained)
subgrains

fds

qz1
2 mm
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X PPL

py (after hb?)
ttn, rt (after hb?bt?)

chl (after hb?bt?)

250 μm

393
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR147 La Mascota LB114 296.9
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia (Quartz cemented breccia) Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz alunite, silicification)
Description, Notes
Clast to cement supported breccia. Quartz clasts, pyrite clasts, quartz replaced clasts with pyrite. Clasts (gneiss) with sericite
alteration, also replaced by titanite and rutile (probably after mafics). Minor sericite (?) replaced by alunite (?) Quartz cement
(fine grained) with alunite and minor pyrite all around clasts. Quartz clast with quartz cement overgrown around it in one side of
the clast.
Quartz shows undulose extinction.
Clasts: 40% Quartz, gneiss, quartz replaced clasts, pyrite. Matrix: 25%. Finer grained groundmass (all replaced by quartz and
alunite). Cement: 35%. Quartz veins and Quarzt overgrowing clasts and veins. Very fine grain. Massive texture that may
alteranate with comb texture forming colloform texture. Plumose texture in quartz veins. Quartz veins are cutting breccia and
are crosscut by later finer grained quartz veins.

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm

Microphotographs
Magnification

qz clast clast

ser zr

alu+qz qz rimming clast rt/ttn py

0.5 mm

394
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR147 La Mascota LB114 296.9
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia (Quartz cemented breccia) Code HYBX
..cont..
Microphotographs
Magnification 10X PPL

ttn

py

rt gneiss clasts
replaced by, ser,
ttn/rt, py.

25 μm

395
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR148 La Mascota LB114 300.4
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advcanced argillic (alunite>quartz)
Description, Notes
Rock: Gneiss (Qz-Fd gneiss). Granoblastic texture.
Quartz (30%): individuals and aggregates (2-4mm) with suture contacts sometimes exhibiting intragrains and always exhibiting
undulose extinction.
Feldspar (63%): Background mass replaced by fine grained quartz (silica, 40%), and alunite (33%).
Sphene (3%): up to 1 mm individuals, possibly after biotite?. Arrow shaped crystals with high relief. Also at quartz borders
aligned aggregates.
Pyrite (2%): Disseminated individuals (0.01 mm) within alunite-Quartz.
Zircon (0.01%): Rounded shape individuals of (0.01mm).. High relief .
Veins:
Pyrite (90%)+Quartz (10%) vein with quartz halo (1-2 mm width); cut by fine grained alunite (80%) vein with quartz halo (silica).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+XPL

qz 2
qz 1
(silica)
(gneiss)

qz 2
(silica)

alu
py ttn
0.5 mm

396
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR149 La Mascota LB114 302.5
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argilic (quartz, alunite)
Description, Notes
Quartz feldspar gneiss. Intensely silicide and alunitizied.
Quartz 1 (29%): Commonly aligned aggregates (gneiss fabric) with sutured contacts of individuals up to 3 mm. Undulose
extinction and some subgrains. Cross cut by micrystaline quartz veins and other veins.
Feldspars (64%) are obliterated, altered to microcrystalline quartz 2 (35%), alunite 1(27%) and illite (?) (2%)
Pyrite (1%): Disseminated cubic-pyritohedric individuals up to 3-10 µm related to microcrystalline quartz and alunite.
Quartz 2 (35%): Microcrystalline quartz (silica). 10-5 µm. replacing feldspars mainly (?)
Alunite 1 (30%): Fibrous-tabular intercrossed habit aggregates .
Veins:
Vein 1: Quartz+Coarse grained pyrite vein. Pyrite (uo to 5mmdiameter. Rounded Au (2-3 µm) inclusions in Pyrite.
Vein2: Quartz+Pyrite+Chalcocite (?) vein.
Vein 3: Cuts vein 1 and 2. Alunite-Quartz vein with platty alunite texture, minor pyrite intergrained with Chalcocite and or
chalcopyrite (?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

Gneissosity (?)

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz 1
microfault

py

qz 2
(silica)

alu
2 mm

397
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR149 La Mascota LB114 302.5
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argilic (quartz, alunite)
Microphotograph Zoom
Magnification 50X RL

Au
inclusion

py

5 μm

398
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR150 La Mascota LB114 305.7
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite, silicification)
Description, Notes
Clasts supported breccia with Quartz>Alunite cement, and quartz and alunite replacing matrix and clasts. Clast of mx sup fine
grained BX. Qz+w cement. crustiform cavities with qz+w filling and later sph+alu at center.
Clasts (40%): Up to 7 mm (?) Gneiss; altered to alunite and quartz, few clasts altered to illite ? (1%), quartz and quartz
replaced clasts (breccia). Matrix (25%): Fine grained milled material, replaced by silica. Cement (35%): Quartz,
microcrystalline quartz (5µm typically) (15%) coloform quartz rimming clasts and in quartz veins (1mm) (10%) and alunite
(fibrous crystals, 10 µm inrelated to fine grained quartz cement and 1-2 mm in coarse grained quartz).
Veins and cavities fillings: Vein 1: Quartz+pyrite vein. Comb quartz with coarse pyrite (1-3 mm py). Vein and Py within vein
seems broken. Quartz with ondulating texture. Pyrite is weakly tarnished.
Vein 2: Alunite, quartz, crosscutting vein 1 refractions of vein 2 within intersection of veins. Minor Wolframite in quartz vein
walls. Vein 3: Quartz+Wolframite, minor Pyrite. Cavity filling: Alunite+sphalerite/wurtzite (?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

sph/ wrt qz (comb)

py

py
alu

qz
2 mm qz (silica)

399
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR156 La Mascota LB114 322.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite)
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic texture ?),.
Quartz (25%): Individual and pairs of blasts with sutured contacts, undulose extinction.
Feldspars (69%): Altered to Alunite (40%) and Microcrystaline quartz (29%).
Accessories:
Sphene (4%) (euhedral crystals (up to 2mm possibly after alteration of mafic minerals), Zircon (<<1%).
Pyrite1 (Scattered: <2%): Pyrite scattered related to Alunite alteration
Veins: Vein 1 Quartz+Pyrite+cc+bn+cpy? Au in Py inclusions (2µm). Titanite adjacent to some veins. Vein2: Quartz+Pyrite
(coarse) with fractures and inclusions of CuS (cc, bn,?) and Au (?), cutting vein 1. Vein 3: Quartz+ Pyrite (Coarse) (Au incl?)+
cc? Vein 4: QuaAlunite+minor Quartz vein. Vein 5: Quartz + Pyrite + enargite + Wolframite (minor).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL

qz (silica)
0.5 mm
alu

400
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR156 La Mascota LB114 322.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

w py

en

Au

250 μm

401
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR171 La Mascota LB114 464.6
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite), phyllic (sericite)
Description, Notes
Gneiss, quartz fledspar, granoblastic to granolepidoblastic texture; crosscut by qz+py veins
Quartz (35%): (qz1) Aggregates and individuals with undulose extinction. Up to 3 mm. Blasts with sutured contact and
subgrains commonly aligned aggregates. Feldspars (65%): Intensely altered to Alunite (27%), Microcrystalline quartz (23%),
Muscovite-illite(?) (10, very fine grained). Titanite (2%): Fine grained ( up to 0.5 mm) individual grains with arrow shaped
(mostly), after alteration of mafics (?). Pyrite (3%): Fine grained pyrite disseminated related to illite or alunite (not clear since
alunite is altering muscovite-illite. Zircon (<1%): rounded grains.
Veins
Veins 1: Quartz (reddish quartz in macroscopic view) + minor fine grained pyrite (Au incl;usions in Py) (1-2 mm width). Veins
2: Pyrite veins. Cuts, vein 1. Vein 3: Quarzt (drusy, comb texture) +Pyrite (cubic coarse grained) Au inclusions in Pyrite (?)
and chalcocite (?) in some Pyrite borders.; cuts vein 1 and 2.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL+RL

qz1
qz1

qz1

alu+qz

2 mm

402
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR171 La Mascota LB114 464.6
Microphotograph Vein 2
Magnification 50X RL

py

cpy

Au

Au

5 μm

Microphotograph Vein 3
Magnification 50X*2 (digital zoom) RL

cc(?)

Au

py

1 μm

403
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR189 La Mascota LB202 203.15
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (Silicification, minor alunite)
Description, Notes
Polymictic, clasts to cement supported breccia (hydrothermal breccia, HYBX)
Clasts (~50%): are subangular, 5mm to 3 cm wide. Clasts include gneiss and breccia clasts. Breccia clasts are composed of
fine grained matrix replaced by quartz and quartz cement, with pyrite and pyrite ± copper sulfides (covellite, bornite,
chalcopyrite; mainly in pyrite borders and microfractures) crystals.
Cement (~50%): composed of zoned quartz (~65% of cement) with wolframite crystals (~30% of cement; tabular-elongated
habit) and minor fine pyrite (~3%). Fine grained pyrite clasts are embedded in quartz-wolframite cement (~2%).
The breccia is cross-cut by quartz + enargite veins and fractures filled with enargite. Fine pyrite is overgrown at the border of
enargite veins. Quartz in these veins has plumose-zonal texture.
Wolframite vein related to Quartz. Quartz has undulose extinction; zones with wolframite ranndom crystals with acicular and
tabular habit (2μm-20 μm). Pyrite vein subparallel to Wolframite (Hübnerite) – Quartz Band. Pyrite has fractures and inclusions
with cc-cpy and Au. Enargite, tenantite tetrahedrite – Au+Quartz vein cuts Quartz+Pyrite (Au inclusions, and en, cc?) and
Quartz+Wolframite vein. Quartz in this vein is zoned and exhibits also plumose texture due to fluid inclusions.

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (plumose)

qz (silica)

py
qz1

2 mm en, th-tn?

404
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR189 La Mascota LB202 203.15
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X PPL

qz (zoned,

150 μm w

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

th-tn

py
en

Au

50 μm

405
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR191 La Mascota LB202 211.55
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite, silicification, quartz cement)
Description, Notes
Quartz cement supported hydrothermal breccia. Quartz cement (40%): Colloform, bands of quartz, alternating bands (size and
texture vary between very fine grain, <1 mm, and coarse, up to 2.5 mm). All quartz exhibit undulose extinction, most coarse
crystals with mosaic texture and flamboyant-plumose texture (in borders) show subgrains (?). Flamboyant and plumose texture
in quartz is mainly in >1 mm quartz and better developed in vein border or contact from fine grained band to coarse grained
quartz band. Minor alunite in quartz border with plumose texture. Comb texture is common in cavities. Alunite in cement (5%):
Very minor mainly in Quartz borders. Cavities-porosity (15%): Cavities left by drusy-comb quartz fillied or partially filled by
copper sulphides and Alunite. Pyrite (12%): Cubic and fine grained. Au inclusions and intergrown with en in some sections. Au
inclusions and en (?) inclusions. Enargite (10%): Within fine grained quartz cement with pyrite and Au inclusions. Copper
sulfides (cv, cc, cpy) on borders. Copper sulfides: Chalcopyrite (6%), covellite (4%); intergrown with chalcopyrite and
chalcocite, mainly in pyrite boders. Chalcocite (6%). Wolframite (1%): In coarse quartz vein with plumose-flamboyant texture.
Au inclusion (1%): in enargite, pyrite, cpy. 1µm typically

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

py (fine, colloform)
2 cm en py

cavity

cpy

qz (zoned,
flamboyant)
2

qz (mosaic)
cc (?)
alu
2 mm

406
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR191 La Mascota LB202 211.55
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite, silicification, quartz cement)
Microphotograph 1
Magnification 50X*2 Digital zoom RL

py (fine, colloform)

en
Au (?)

10 μm

Microphotograph 2
Magnification 50X*2 Digital zoom RL

Au (?)
cpy

10 μm

407
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR193 La Mascota LB202 219.1
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz>alunite) superimposed to phyllic (mus-ill)
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic texture (?), intense quartz veining and illite-muscovite alteration overprinted bysiulicification and
alunite alteration. Quartz veins make locally cock ade texture around clasts.
Quartz (1) (up to 13%): Aggregates and individuals up to 0.5mm. Undulose extinction and subgrain domains.
Alteration "groundmass" (83%): Illite+Muscovite, mucrocrystaline quartz, Alunite, Rutile-sphene.
Illite (20%) and Muscovite (25%): After alteration of feldspars and possibly micas. Fine grained ground mass (0.01 mm) mixed
with microcrystalline quartz and alunite (0,01 mm). Deformation shadows
Quartz 2 (microcrystalline) (20%): Massive texture aggregate up to 0.01mm crystals.
Alunite (15%): Partially overprinting Illite and muscovite (?): Sacaroidal texture aggregate mixed with quartz 2 . Rutile-titanite
aggregate (3%): individuals up to 0.01 mm cubic and rhombohedra shape with arrow shaped tips.
Pyrite 1 (4%): Pyrite in ground mass, cubic up to 0.2 mmm. Au inclusions (4µm) and chalcocite inclusions.
Vein 1: Pyrite+Quartz (undulatory extinction) Au inclusions (up to 10µm). Vein 2: Quartz+pyrite, minor wolframite, Au and cc
(?) inclusions in pyrite. Vein 3: quartz (flamboyant) cross cutting vein 2. Au in Quartz in vein 2. Vein 4: Quartz+py+en (Au
inclusions in en), minor W in qz walls; cut by Vein 5: Quartz+Alunite (platty)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph 1
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz2+alu

2 mm

408
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR193 La Mascota LB202 219.1
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Microphotograph 2
Magnification 2x RL+XPL

2.1

qz+alu (sacaroidal text)

py

2 mm qz (colloform, flamboyant, comb)

Microphotograph 2.1
Magnification 10X RL+PPL

py

alu

en
w
qz+alu vn5

250 μm en

409
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR199 La Mascota LB202 230.6
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite) with superimposed advanced argillic (quartz-alunite)
Description, Notes
Gneiss: feldspar-quartz gneiss with granoledidoblastic texture, augen-texture; phyllic alteration with superimposed advanced
argillic (quartz-alunite) alteration cross cut by wolframite bearing quartz veins.
Quartz 1 (25%): quartz augens up to 0.2 mm, subidomorphic, augen-shaped and elonged shaped, undulose extinction.
Felspars (50%): Fine grained, gray groundmass, altered to sericite-illite, quartz and minor alunite.
Mafics (20%?): Fine grained, shows around quartz augens altered to rutile/titanite/pyrite, muscovite, sericite and alunite.
Pyrite1 (5%?): disseminated fine grained subhedral, 0.01 mm.
Veins: quartz wolframite vein: Banded quartz with mosaic texture and zoned quartz; wolframite blades (sticks) reddish brown in
PPL (with high relief) and gray in RL. Cross cut by quartz+ pyrite vein, fminos=r wolframite crystals (few of them fractured),
fractured pyrite with chalcocite (?) in fractures and partially in borders.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X

qz (zoned)

2 mm

410
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR199 La Mascota LB202 230.6
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite) with superimposed advanced argillic (quartz-alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL

alu qz
(mosaic)

py
250 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X PPL

qz
(mosaic)

250 μm rt/ttn

411
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR208 La Mascota LB202 327.9
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic (Epidote-chlorite)
Description, Notes
Gneiss, banded with predominatnly leucosomes and mesosomes. Intyenses Epidote-Chlorite and rutile alteration.
Quartz (11% in mesosomes to 30% in leucosomes): Undulatory extinction with chess board pattern)
Feldspar (Plagioclase)(12% in mesosomes to 40% in leucosomes): Weak evidence on polysynthetic twinning. Intensely altered
(epidote, clay?).
Epidote up to 45% in mesosome and 8% in leucosomes: alteration product
Chlorite in microveins and as alteration product of mainly mafics (15%) and 5% in leucosomes.
Rutile (15%) Product of alteration of mafic, but also found as alteration of feldspars (?)
Speculartite microveins (?) (2%)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

epi+chl+rt/ttn

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X XPL

rt/ttn

epi

chl

spc

plg

250 μm

412
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR234 La Bodega LB258 233.2
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Propylitic (chlorite, epidote, rutile/titanite, carbonate, specularite, pyrite)
Description, Notes
Amphibolite. Propylitic alteration, chlorite mainly on amphiboles and biotite (?)Epi veins cut by spc+epi veinlets, cut by
spc+carbonate vein with minor py.
Horblende (65%): subidiomorphic tabular (?) altered to chlorite, epidote, titanite.
Biotite (20%?): subidiomorphic tabular altered to chlorite and titanite (?).
Feldspars (20%): Plagioclase?. Fine grained, altered to sericite, calcite (?) and epidote (?).
quartz 1 (5%): subidiomorphic, elonged, fine grained.
Alteration. Epidote, adjacent to veins, titanite (after hornblende and biotite). Pyrite (after biotite?). Veins: Calcite+-pyrite with
epidote halo cut by specularite+calcite+pyrite and chalcopyrite.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X

epi

chl?

ca

qz
2 mm

413
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR234 La Bodega LB258 233.2
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Propylitic (chlorite, epidote, rutile/titanite, carbonate, specularite, pyrite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+PPL

epi

chl?
ttn

ca

spc

py, cpy

2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL+XPL

cpy

spc

py

spc

150 μm

414
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR238 La Bodega LB258 277.5
Rock Type Granodiorite-granite Code INT
Alteration Chlorite with superimposed weak sericite alteration
Description, Notes
Granodiorite (?), weakly deformed.
Quartz (33%): Aggregates with undulose extinction of crystals up to 3-4 mm wide. Some grains have subgrains and
dislocation evidence (parallel subgrains in within one crystals and ondulating extinction). Also some grains have
recrystallization around them with individulas around 0.1 mm in diameter.
Plagioclase (30%): Random aggregates with polysynthetic twinning. Altered to sericite (?) alteration sometimes surrounding
some plagioclase core relict.
Orthoclase (?) (25%). Random individuals with euhedral to subhedarl habit. Minor kaolin (?) and sericite alteration. Quartz
inclusions.
Chlorite (8%).: Randomly distrituted crystals up to 0,2 mm long with no particular orientation after alteration of biotite (?) .
Rutile (2%) and Titanite (1%): Aggregates product of alteration of biotite and closely related to chlorite.
Pyrite (<1%): Py grains related to quartz microveins (?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X XPL

ort

py

qz
qz

plg

chl

250 μm

415
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR241 La Bodega LB258 319.85
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (sericite)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite. Ser alt. ccr. Qz+Py vein cut by Qz+Py+cc vein+bn vein.
Granite
Quartz (37%): Anhedral to subhedral individuals up to 2 mm; in some cases strained and/ dislocated with undulose extinction.
Fracture associated to quartz with sutured contacts and crosscutting dislocated quartz.
Feldspars (95%): Altered feldspars, sericite.
Muscovite (3%): Random tabular individuals <0.01 mm.
Veins: Quartz+pyrite veins cut by quartz+pyrite+chalcocite-bornite (in pyrite border) vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification

py

cc

qz
(dislocated)
ser

qz

fracture

2 mm

416
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR246 La Bodega LB037 51.2
Rock Type Tecnonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite)
Description, Notes
Clasts to cement supported hydrothermal breccia cutting gneiss. Quartz vein with cockade text (?) Qz+Py+En vein Visible gold
(?).
Cockade texture quartz vein with microcrytaline quartz surrounding and/or replacing clasts. Titanite as alteration in clast. Pyrite
parallel to main quartz vein wall. Clast intensely altered to sericite and quartz.
Py+cc (?) vein parallel to quartz vein.
Qz+Pyrite vein with subparallel cockade (?) texture Quartz+pyrite vein with aggregate of Pyrite+chalcocite(?)+chalcopyrite (or
Au?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

alu+qz

cc

py

qz1 (gneiss
clast)

250 μm

417
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR256 La Bodega LB037 126.8
Rock Type Granite Code INT
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite-quartz), superimposed on phyllic (sericite)
Description, Notes
Granite
Quartz (33%): subhedral individulas of 1-3 mm in diameter. Quartz has undulose extinction.
Feldspars (60%): Anhedral to subhedral aggregates with intensely altered. Main Alteration products are Muscovite (20%) and
Alunite (40%) overprinting the first.
Zircon (2%): Individuals rounded (0.5 mm?), locally very close to each other in quartz borders and embed in the alteration
products of feldspars. Pyrite (2%), scattered anhedral related to muscovite.
Quartz and Pyrite veins: Quartz (35% of vein). Euhedral individuals of 0.07mm, not in contact to each of other, with lots of
primary fluid inclusions inside quartz center. Pyrite (55%): Euhedral cubic pyrite of 0.1m aligned to vein. Alunite (10%): Fine
grained shaded sugary aggregate.

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz+alu

py

qz alu

2 mm mus

418
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR257 La Bodega LB037 134.8
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Advanced argilic (Alunite-quartz, porous quartz)
Description, Notes
Leucogranite, replaced by quartz, including fine grained porous-drusy quartz, and alunite.
Original rock
Quartz1 (60%): Anhedral to subhedral aggregateswith individuals up to 0.7mm in diameter, exhibiting undulose extinctionand
sutured contacts to other quartz crystals.
Feldspars (40%): Fine grained matrix (<300µm) replaced by fine grained quartz and alunite.
Alteration and veins:
Alunite+quartz: Sacharoidal fine grained quartz and alunite <150µm aggregates. Quartz developes fine grained druses with
inside pored (vugs ?) between 200-400 µm in diameter.
The rock cross-cut by alunite-quartz vein with pyrite and sphalerite.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL+RL

sph

qz1

qz1

alu+qz vn

py
alu+qz
replacing fd
2 mm

419
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR257 La Bodega LB037 134.8
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Advanced argilic (Alunite-quartz, porous quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X XPL

qz
alu

pore (vug?)
qz1

150 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X PPL

sph

sph

150 μm

420
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR260 La Bodega LB037 151.35
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argilic (alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Matrix to cement supported alunite bearing narrow breccia (tectonic-hydrothermal breccia, THBX) of 3 cm width with quartz-
alunite halo (Figure 7.2).
Clasts (~30%): 1-3 mm clasts of veins, including pyrite, quartz (irregular borders and undulose extinction), alunite and very
minor wolframite (<<<1%).
Matrix (~40%): fine grained milled particles (~100µm to 1mm width) from pyrite, quartz, alunite.
Cement (30%): alunite (~60% of cement), fine grained dull color; enargite zoned and intergrown with fined grained rimmy pyrite
(py5) (~25% of cement); quartz (~15% of cement), fine grained 1-2 mm in diameter with euhedral hexagonal with zoned texture
moderately fractured and undulose extinction.
This breccia shows multiple events reflected in these features. 1) Alunite + pyrite altered gneiss is cut by 2) alunite + pyrite
veins. These veins are cut by 3) euhedral cubic and pyritohedric pyrite. All of these are cut and cemented by 4) enargite + fine
grained pyrite with alunite and very minor euhedral zoned quartz. Pyrite clasts from previous events are cut by enargite.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X RL+XPL

py (fine grained, colloform

en

py

qz

alu

en

0.5 mm

421
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR264 La Bodega LB037 197.15
Rock Type Alunite vein cutting gneiss Code AVN/BG
Alteration
Description, Notes
Alunite+quartz+pyrite+enargite vein cutting gneiss with quartz-sericite alteration. Alunite halo.
Alunite:, sacaroidal texture vein.
Pyrite: Intergrained with enargite. Individual Pyrite grains range from 10 µm to 0.05 mm. Pyrite intergrained with enargite
ranges from 0.5 mm to 2mm. Au in pyrite-Enargite contact and inclusions (< 1 µm)
Sericite Alteration at Alu vein wall.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

alu

py

en en

qz

250 μm

422
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR270 La Bodega LB013 69.7
Rock Type Leucogranite Code INT
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Granite
Quartz 35%. Anhedarl quartz aggregates with ondulating extinction. Crystals up to 3 mm.
Feldspars 57%: Mainly altered to sericite (very fine grained (45%). Minor alunite alteration related to veins.
Muscovite (primary) (3%?): Medium grained muscovite individual random crystals of up to 1mm.
Pyrite disseminated (3%): individual subhedral grains in some cases coated by chalcocite?).
Rutile-Titanite (1%): Aggregates disseminated and adjacent to pyrite.
Apatite (<<1%): elonged transparent crystals.
1. Py coated by cc in sericite alteration. Quartz with straining and primary muscovite. Rutile and sphene closely related to
Sericite alteration and pyrite occurrence. Apatite grains (?)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

ser

cc
cc

py

mus

qz
250 μm

423
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR271 La Bodega LB013 80.75
Rock Type Granitic pegmatite Code PEG
Alteration Phyllic (Muscovite>illite, quartz), minor superimposed alunite.
Description, Notes
Granitic pegmatite.
Quartz (30%): Coarse grained (up to 7 mm), anhedral. Minor straining, undulose extinction.
Feldspars (60%): Altered to sericite mainly and to alunite adjacent to alunite bearing veins (described in veins section.
Muscovite (5%): 1mm width.
Veins (Vein 1 cut by Vein 2)
Vein 1: Quart+pyrite vein. Quartz: Mosaic texture and comb texture on walls. Individual grains up to 1 mm. Pyrite: Coarse
grained (up to 3 mm). cpy inclusions in pyrite: Up to 0.02 mm 91% of Pyrite.
Chalcocite in fractures.
Vein 2: Quartz+Alunite+enargite (?)+Pyrite; Alunite>>>quartz.

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz(Peg)

alu

py
mus
ser qz(vn1)

2 mm

424
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR271 La Bodega LB013 80.75
Rock Type Granitic pegmatite Code PEG
Alteration Phyllic (Muscovite>illite, quartz), minor superimposed alunite.
Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

py

cpy

5 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

py

en

5 μm

425
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR275 La Bodega LB013 150.6
Rock Type Qz-Fd Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-illite) with superimposed alunite.
Description, Notes
Quartz feldspar gneiss??? Intensely altered and deformed.
Quartz (30%): Aggregates of 2 to 4 grains with sutured contacts. 1-2 mm grain size of each blast. Ondulating extinction.
Fedspars (70%): Completely obliterated aggregates of feldspars to sericite mainly.
Veins 1: Quartz+Coarse greaind Pyrite (Au? Inclusions)
Pyrite (1%): Disseminated Pyrite (0,5mm) related to sericite alteration.
Cut by
Vein 2: Quartz+py+en vein parallel to shear bands
Vein 3. Microvein, minor Quartz+pyrite restricted to microvein parallel to shear bands. Feathery structure showing undulose
extinction. Quartz (shear band) with apparent dextral orientation.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification

qz

ser

25 μm

426
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR275 La Bodega LB013 150.6
Rock Type Qz-Fd Gneiss Code BG
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

Quartz subgrains

py

en

fine py

Micro crystalline Quartz

2 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL
Microshear band (?)

ser

qz1

0.5 mm

427
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR280 La Bodega LB013 230.75
Rock Type Tectonic Hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz, alunite)
Description, Notes
Tectonic breccia, silicified. Matrix supported, but matrix is replaced by quartz.
Clast (15%): Angular subspherical clasts of mainly Quartz (up to 3 mm) (10%) and Pyrite (up to 2mm) (5%).
Matrix (85%): replaced by microcrystalline quartz (55%) and Alunite (30%), very fine grained (5µm).
Cross cut by Quartz+Py cross cutting Quartz+Py veinsy vein with Minor alunite mainly in Vein walls.
Quartz from veins, clasts and matrix exhibits undulose extinction.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz clast
py
qz
(vn)

py

qz+alu mx qz clast

2 mm

428
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR281 La Bodega LB013 231.8
Rock Type Tectonic hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (alunite quartz)
Description, Notes
Clast to cement supported breccia.
Clasts: Subrounded to subangular clasts with sericitic alteration superimposed by quartz alteration.
Cement: Alunite>>quartz. Pyrite in cement (cubic)
Quartz (1) (30%): Sacaroidal texture, very fine grained replacing clasts.
Sericite (10%): Mixed with quartz (1) in altered clasts, replaced by silica.
Quartz 2 (10%). Mainly in veins, open space and related to alunite-quartz cement. Comb texture.
Alunite (30%). Main cement of breccia. Sacaroidal texture.
Pyrite (10%): Cubic Pyrite in Alunite-Quartz cements. Ranges from less than 10 µm to 2-3 mm in diameter.. chalcocite (?)
inclusions in pyrite (up to 0.03 mm). Chalcopyrite in Pyrite border.
Cavities (10%)

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

alu

qz
(silica)

py

qz
2 mm (silica)

429
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR291 La Mascota LB221 315.1
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitoic alteration (chlorite, carbonate) with superimposed pargillic (illite)
Description, Notes
Gneiss: Feldspar-Quartz gneiss with minor biotite.
Quartz (38%): Aggregates with sutured contact intergrained with plagioclase (up to 3mm). Undulose extinction and subgrains
(very common; 5-10%). May be replacing alred feldspars.
Feldspars (43%): up to 3 mm. mainly plagioclase; polysynthetic twinning of albite, 12ͼ angle of extinction. Moderatley altered
(clay, illite-sericite, minor calcite (?) also to minor alteration to sphene (1%) and epidote?. Undulatory extinction and deformed
(twinning lamellae are dextrally displaced)
Biotite (15%): Mainly at quartz and plagioclase borders. Up to 2 mm. Mainly altered to chlorite (10%) and Rutile-titanite (5%):
Hornblende (4%): Possibly hornblende altered to epidote and chlorite?.
Zircon (<1%): Rounded and broken up to 0.5 mm.
Vein 1: Quartz (mosaic texture)+Pyrite (coarse, cubic up to 3 m, minor chalcopyrite inclusions).
Vein 2: Clay (sericite-illite(?)+calcite (?)+rutile-sphene vein cutting vein 1, cross by vein 3.
Vein 3: Chlorite+ Calcite+rutile cutting vein 2 and vein 1.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

ser

fd

py

ca

qz plg
2 mm

430
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR292 La Mascota LB221 320.7
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic (chlorite, calcite veins), partially superimposed sericite (?)
Description, Notes
Gneiss: Quartz feldspar gneiss with granoblastic texture.
Quartz 48%: Up to 5 mm Quartz porphyroblasts with undulatory extinction.
Feldspars (38%): Albite?. intensely altered (clay and sericite)
Biotite (9%): up to 2 mm. Indivuduals at quartz and feldspars borders. Altered to sericite and chlorite.
Veinlets:
Alteration and veins:
Calcite: (1%): alteration after feldspars (?), also found in minor proportion of quartz+pyrite irregular veinlets.
Chlorite (1%): after biotite and chlorite and minor pyrite irregular veinlets.
Pyrite (1%): in veins and as alteration in biotite associated to chlorite.
Rutile-Sphene (2%): After alteration of biotite and within feldspars. Also at somePyrite veins walls.
Veins:
Veins 1: Chlorite, rutile-sphene, Pyrite (cpy inclusions), sericite (?, minor calcite (?)
Vein 2: Quartz+Pyrite rutile-sphene at walls, cpy and Molybdenum inclusions in pyrite.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL+RL

py

ca

qz1

fd (albite?) 0.5 mm

431
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR292 La Mascota LB221 320.7
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic (chlorite, calcite veins), partially superimposed sericite (?)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL+RL

qz ser-chl

qz1

ser

py
chl

2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL

chl
py

mus rt-ttn
0.5 mm

432
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR299 La Mascota LB221 365.36
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (illite-sericite) superimposed on chlorite
Description, Notes
Gneiss, granoblasitic to granolepidoblastic texture, crosscut by quartz+pyrite veins.
Quartz 1 (20%): subidiomorphic elonged yo to 1 mm.
Feldspars (70%): mainly plagioclase (andesine to labradorite), with polysinthetic twinning.
Mafics (10%?): alttered to sercite-illite and rutile?.
Veins:
Fine grained quartz, sutured contact, mosaic texture, foliated (?) with pyrite.
Fine grained quartz with illite-sericite halo, pryite in vein with chalcopyrite inclusions, minor chalcocite (?) and specularite (?).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz1

py

qz
(vein,
elonged)

2 mm

433
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR299 La Mascota LB221 365.36
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (illite-sericite) superimposed on chlorite
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

plg
ill?

py

qz (fine mosaic,
elonged

qz1

plg

2 mm
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

py

spc?

cpy cc?

150 μm

434
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR304 La Mascota LB221 428.1
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Propylitic (epidote, chlorite)
Description, Notes
Amphibolite:
Hornblende (45%): Green, strong pleocroism and rombohedric exfoliation. Layered aggregates mixed with biotite, weakly to
moderately altered to chlorite (30%), epidote (10%) and minor titatnite(specially closer to veins). Biotite (15%): Green, strong
pleocroism and basal exfoliation. Altered to chlorite mainly (5%) and minor titanite. Feldspars (30%): Mainly plagioclase
(Albite?), moderately altered. “ Dusty” subidiomorfic blasts making layered aggregates. Zircon (2%): 1mm individuals,
scattered, subhedral crystals.
Carbonates (4%): Up to 3 mm aggregates with individuals up to 1 mm. Most commonly in microveins up to 2 mm. Pyrite (1%):
Scattered individuals up to 1 mm.
Veins:
Veins 1. chlorite, pyrite vein. Vein 2: Pyrite epidote. Vein 3: Pyrite, carbonate. Pyrite is broken (augen-like shape) due to
possible straining. Au or cpy (?) inclusion (0,02mm) in one Pyrite grain.

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 5X XPL

plg

hb

epi

0.5 mm zr

435
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR304 La Mascota LB221 428.1
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Propylitic (epidote, chlorite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

plg

epi

ca

py

436
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR320 La Mascota LB205 237.1
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (Alunite-quartz) overprinting phyllic.
Description, Notes
Gneiss with Alunite-Quartz alteration overprinting sericite alteration (?) cross cut by Quartz Pyrite vein cross cut by
Quartz+Py+Enargite vein (?)
Quartz (primary) (15%): up to 2 mm, hipidiomorphic blasts, individual, undulose extinction. Sericite (15%): xenomorph after
alteration of feldspars and possibly micaceous minerals. Very fine grained muscovite.
Alunite (25%): Radial-Acicular aggregates up to 0.1 mm width. Alteration and replacementof feldspars and sericite. Rutile-
Titanite (15%): very fine grained, dusty like- mainly as veins halos, high relief, and reddish coloured as replacement of mafic
minerals (?). Quartz (microcrystalline) (25%): Microcrystaline quartz as very fine grained precipitate, sometimes intergrained
with alunite and around primary quartz and as veins halos and replacing sericite alteration. Pyrite (3%): Scatered and in
microveins. Zircons (1%): rounded shaped individuals.
Vein 1. Quartz=Pyrite vein. Discontinuos up to 2 mm. Euhedral Pyrite oriented with vein. Vein2: Quartz+ Pyrite + CuS (?) Au
inclusions in pyrite. Vein 3: Quartz (plumose texture at center) + Pyrite+Wolframite+Enargite. Au inclusions in Py, Au in En
borders?

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz

py

aluz

2 mm

437
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR320 La Mascota LB205 237.1
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Advanced argillic (Alunite-quartz) overprinting phyllic.
Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

Au
Au

py
py

cc
cpy

cv

50 μm

438
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR325 La Mascota LB205 254.2
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz alunite, superimposed? on sericite and rutile/titanite)
Description, Notes
Amphibolite (?). Obliterated, altered to quartz, alunite,, minor sericite and rutile. Thin section texture difficult to distinguish.
Cross cut by quartz+pyrite+-hematite (?) +-chalcocite? vein cross cut by quartz +pyrite+enargite (?) vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification

mus
ttn

py
qz comb text

py

py
en qz (fine grained
sacaroidal)

2 mm

439
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR325 La Mascota LB205 254.2
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz alunite, rutile/titanite as relic from propylitic?)
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X XPL

mus

ttn

alu

qz

150 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL

hem

en

py

py

cc

150 μm 150 μm

440
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR329 La Mascota LB205 280
Rock Type Hydrothermal Breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (quartz-alunite)
Description, Notes
Multiple phases breccia. Banded veins with latest veins exhibiting clats of previous.
Vein 1. Quartz cement. Microcrystalline quartz (silica) with wolframite fibers (crystals up to 0.1mm). Minor Pyrite. Cut by 2.
Quartz with ondulose extinction. Possible primary quartz clasts in Quartz cement.
2.Vein 2. Alunite, Quartz, Pyrite, Enargite, Au (in Enargite borders? and in Py inclusions). Clast of Quartz Wolframite vein (1).
3.Vein 3. Quartz, minor alunite, pyrite, sphalerite vein with clasts of vein 2 in border. Quartz comb-plumose texture.
4. Vein 4. ALunite+pyrite+minor quartz vein cutting vein 3

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

alu+qz

alu+qz bx

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

alu+qz mx

en

py

qz

sph

250 μm

441
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR345 La Mascota LB205 412.9
Rock Type Amphibolite Code A
Alteration Propylitic alteration (chlorite, epidote, rutile/titanite)
Description, Notes
Amphibolite. Well developed metamorphic foliation.
Hormblende and biotite (75%) altered to chlorite, epidote and minor as rutile/titanite (and leucoxene ?), pyrite.
Plagioclase (15%): subidiomorphic elonged up to 0.5 mm, polysinthetic twinning (labradorite?).
Quartz 1 (5%): very minor quartz up to 1 mm subidiomorphic, elonged.
Cross cut by calcite vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

epi
ca

ttn qz1

plg

chl

py
rt/ttn/l plg
cx?

2 mm

442
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR353 La Mascota LB205 480.5
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic alteration (chlorite, titanite, calcite) with superimposed, illite alteration?
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granolepidoblastic texture, banded. Chlorite and illite alteration.
Quartz 1 (10%): ramdom subidiomorphic individuals with undulose extinction (up to 0.5 mm)
Feldspar (plagioclase) (40%): altered to carbonate and illite (?)
Hornblemde (30%) and Biotite (20%): tabular individuals altered to chlorite and rutile/titanite.
Veins:
Carrbonate (calcite vein) with minor specularite in borders corsscut by specularite-hematite vein.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X XPL

spc

ca

chl

plg
2 mm

443
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR353 La Mascota LB205 480.5
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Propylitic alteration (chlorite, titanite, calcite) with superimposed, illite alteration?
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL+PPL

chl

spc

hem

150 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 5X

chl

ttn
0.5 mm

444
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR357 La Mascota LB112 222.15
Rock Type Gneiss Code
Alteration Phyllic (sericite) with superimposed advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Granoblastic to granolepidoblastic texture. Banded. Intensely altered.
Quartz1 (15%): Subidiomorfic-elonged individuals, sutured contact, up to 0.05 mm undulose extintion.
Feldspars (65%):obliterated, altered to alunite and illite.
Mafics (20%): obliterated, all mafics are altered to alunite, sericite, minor titanite and pyrite.
Veins:
Quartz+pyrite+wolframite cut by quartz+pyrite+wolgramite+enargite (?).

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

py

en

qz

qz1
2 mm ser

445
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR357 La Mascota LB112 222.15
Rock Type Gneiss Code
Alteration Phyllic (sericite) with superimposed advanced argillic (alunite-quartz)
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL+PPL

py

w
150 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL+PPL

en

py

50 μm

446
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR358 La Mascota LB112 248.4
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG
Alteration Phyllic (muscovite-Illite) overprinted by alunite-quartz
Description, Notes
Gneiss. Strong sericite alteration (after feldspars and mafics?). Muscovite grains.

1. Rock and alteration

Quartz (1) 15%: Up to 2 mm blasts with ondulose extinction and subgrains.
Sericite (65%): Ground mass after alteration of feldspars and possibly mafics. Up to 0.010 mm
Muscovite (5%). Random laf-like tabula mgrains up to 1 mm.
Quartz (2) 10%: Microcristaline quartz after alteration sugary texture, mixed with sericite. Up to 0.010 mm.
Pyrite 2%. Up to 0.01 mm. Associeated to sericiet and quartz 2. Also to Rutile
Rutile-sphene 2%: After alteration of mafics and less after feldspars (?) up to 0.01 mm.
Zircon (<1%): rounded individulas up to 0.05 mm

Hand sample photograph Thin section PPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz

py

ser
qz+alu

2 mm

447
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR361 La Mascota LB112 259.5
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, quartz cement, minor alunite)
Description, Notes
Multiple phases quartz cemented breccia.
Quart1 (10%): subhedral, primary, undulose extinction. Mainly as clasts or within clast. Up to 2 mm.
Quartz 2 (17%). Clasts of vein or hydrothermal cement. Up to 0.2 mm grains and clast up to 2mm.
Quartz3 (44%): Fine grained quartz cement. Up to 0.1 mm
Alunite (12%): fine grained fibrous crustals up to 0.01mm.
Pyrite (13%): Pyrite is anhedral (broken clast) (4%) and subhedral (4%)and euhedral (5%). Subhedral pyrite may be
hematitizied mainly in borders and in gractures.
Copper sulphides (4%: Covellite and chalcocite) are common mainly in euhedral pyrite and few in subhedral pyrite as
inclusión and in borders.
1. Silicified breccia, fine grained cement with hematitizied pyrite adjacent to quartz-subhedral pyrite vein. Cement supported
breccia. Pyrite clasts. ALunitizied clasts Cross cut by quartz CuS (cc+bn,+cv) vein, minor wolframite 3. hematitizied pyrite in
Silica cement BX. Hematite in pyrite fractures and around cc inclusions.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm
Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (silica)
py, clasts

qz vn

py

alu
cc,bn

qz
clasts
2 cm

448
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR361 La Mascota LB112 259.5
Rock Type Hydrothermal breccia Code HYBX
Alteration Advanced argillic (silicification, quartz cement, minor alunite)
Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

py
qz vn

cc

bn

alu
250 μm

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

py

cc inclusion

cc cpy
inclusion

bn

50 μm

449
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR362 La Mascota LB112 261.2
Rock Type Tectonic-hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advamced argillic (quartz, alunite), clasts with sericite-illite alt.
Description, Notes
Matrix supported breccia with tectonic foliation.
Clasts (20%): Sericitizied gneiss clasts with superimposed alunite alteration. Pyrite veins on augen-like clasts borders. Primary
quartz random subidiomorfic, undulose extinction and subgrains. Fne grained quartz cement and replacing matrix. Quartz
cement clasts. Rutile/titanite in augen shaped gneiss clasts (reddish in hand sample). Zircons in gneiss clast.
Matrix (55%): Fine grained, bands parallel to tectonic foliation.Tectonic foliation bands.
Cement (25%): Some bands replaced by mcrocrystaline quartz (silica) filled sigmoids. Py in clast has cus inc and over growth
in borders. Also Au in. Au in quartz microveins
Mainly sericite alteration on gneiss clasts and quartz replacements.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

ttn
qz,

rt/ttn

py

mx

qz (silica,
qz (augen) sigmoid)
2 mm

450
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR362 La Mascota LB112 261.2
Rock Type Tectonic-hydrothermal breccia Code THBX
Alteration Advamced argillic (quartz, alunite), clasts with sericite-illite alt.
Microphotograph
Magnification 20X RL+XPL

cc

rt py

zr

alu

mx

qz (silica,
150 μm sigmoid)

Microphotograph
Magnification 50X RL

rt
py

Au
50 μm

451
Sample Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR367 La Mascota LB112 295.95
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG

Alteration Advanced argillic (Alunite-quartz) overprinting phyllic (sericite); also rutile/sphene

Description, Notes
Gneiss. Lepidogranoblastic(?) texture. Alunite quartz alteration superimposed to illite (?). Rutile-titanite after mafics.
Veins:
Vein 1. Quartz+Pyrite+CuS (covellite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite).
Vein 2. Qz+Py+en (minor bn-cpy in border) vein with Au inc in Quartz, in py and in en borders.
Vein 2 cut vein 1
Quartz veins with plumose, colloform texture; cockade quartz around clasts(?). Micorcystalline quartz (silica) in between veins
or as vein halo. Vein 2 cutting vein 1.

Hand sample photograph Thin section XPL

1 cm

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

rt

en

alu

py
2 mm

452
Sample (cont') Zone DDH Depth [m]
ALR367 La Mascota LB112 295.95
Rock Type Gneiss Code BG

Alteration Advanced argillic (Alunite-quartz) overprinting phyllic (sericite); also rutile/sphene

Microphotograph
Magnification 2X RL+XPL

qz (jigsaw)

qz (cockade)
qz (colloform) vn

en

qz (colloform) vn

qz (silica)

qz (cockade) py
2 mm

Microphotograph
Magnification 10X RL+XPL

qz (colloform)

alu
bn

en

cpy

250 μm

453