Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Roger Taylor
Ore Textures
Recognition and Interpretation
123
Roger Taylor
Townsville
Queensland 4810
Australia
Given the eleven years required to produce the original five volumes, the list of contributors is considerable. They
constitute numerous individuals and financial sponsor companies who deserve special acknowledgement.
It is impractical to give lengthy written credit to all concerned, and the list below only outlines some of their
contributions. Thank you everybody.
Special thanks are extended to Dr Peter Pollard and Dr Gavin Clarke who contributed continuously via encour-
agement, editing, rock preparation, and their own extensive knowledge of ore textures.
The outstanding plates are the work of Roger Yeldham and Brian Pump from the James Cook University photographic
division. Although not obvious here, David Lloyd contributed the initial graphic design which made the individual
volumes so attractive. The difficult and delicate task of combining five volumes into a single offering has been con-
ducted by Elisabeth Sillmann of blatterwald Design. Her high quality graphic design skills are gratefully acknowl-
eged, and will be evident to all readers. Some anonymous frogs who gracefully permitted use of their photographic
images in the original volumes are also acknowledged (unfortunately only two could be included here).
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS
VII
Preface
This text has resulted from some forty years of experience during which the author has puzzled
over the meaning of ore textures. The learning process has been slow and is still incomplete. The
bemusement began directly upon leaving the academic confines, which in retrospect left one keen
young geologist very ill-equipped to interpret the mineralising process via field or hand lens style
observation of the rocks. Enlightenment has proceeded via a series of events:-
1. The slow process of field observation as an industry-based mine and exploration geologist.
2. The opportunity to visit numerous different styles of ore deposit both as an academic and
consultant.
3. The need to answer questions from several generations of enquiring students.
4. The privilege of being able to conduct research.
5. The good fortune to be associated with a few top class economic geologists who actually
knew what they were doing!
Professor Willard C. Lacy deserves the most credit for quietly demonstrating the value of first
principles concerning fluid channelways, combined with an ability to look properly at the tex-
tures. Despite rapid technological advances this skill remains fundamental both to the practic-
ing exploration geologist and to the academic researcher who is interested in understanding ore
forming processes.
The five volumes comprising this presentation were originally compiled individually over a period
of eleven years, and aimed to progressively guide the observer though the principles of recogni-
tion concerning infill, alteration, overprinting, and finally to ore-related breccias.
Most observers have no significant problems with infill and alteration concepts in relation to
narrow veins, but frequently flounder when the same components are repackaged as breccias.
The plates have been carefully chosen to illustrate recognition procedure whilst giving a visual
guide to a wide range of examples. The plate captions have been specifically written in a lengthy
simplistic form to assist the genuine beginner. They contain a wealth of detail which is intended
to lay a foundation for good textural observational methodology. A few more complex plates
have been sporadically included to add appeal for those at connoisseur level.
The book is not intended as a rigorous academic text. However, it is noted that the subject of
textural interpretation still remains absent from most institutional training courses, and it is
thus hoped that this contribution will be of direct assistance to many enquiring readers.
IX
Contents
Ore Textures – Recognition and Interpretation
List of Plates 3
1 Introduction 5
2 Recognition Criteria 5
2.1 Incomplete Infill 5
2.1.1 Remaining Void Space 5
2.1.2 Crystals Projecting Into a Cavity 5
2.2 Complete Infill 6
2.2.1 Euhedral or Partially Euhedral Crystal Outlines 6
2.2.2 Zoned Crystals 8
2.2.3 Banded or Layered Textures 10
2.2.4 Large-Scale Triangular Textures 12
2.2.5 Small-Scale Triangular or Partially Triangular Textures 16
List of Plates 37
1 Introduction 39
2 Basic Principles 40
3 Approach to Alteration 43
3.1 Alteration Recognition 43
3.2 The Movement Principle – Observational Positioning 43
3.3 Mineral Identification – Nomenclature 43
3.4 Changeover Observations – Transitional Zones 44
3.5 Textural Observation 44
3.5 Channelway Identification 44
XI
3.7 Chemical Awareness 45
3.8 Examples of Alteration Types and Structural Style 45
Types Structural Style
Sericite Vein 47
Greisen, Silica-Sericite Pipe 49
Phyllic, Silica -Sericite Stockwork-Vein 51
Chlorite Miarolitic 53
Chlorite Fault Breccia-Vein 55
Silica Fault Breccia-Vein 57
Propylitic, Chlorite-Epidote Vein 59
Propylitic, Chlorite-Epidote, Silica, Sulphide Intrusive Breccia 61
Potassic (K-Feldspar, Potassium Feldspar) Stockwork 63
Adularia (Potassium Feldspar) Breccia 65
Potassic (Biotite) Intrusive Breccia 67
Albite Vein 69
Argillic Clay-Carbonate, Sulphide Pervasive-Vein-Breccia 71
Advanced Argillic, Pyrophyllite, Silica-Alunite Vein (Ductile Style) 73
Hematite – Red Rock Layer Controlled, Vein 75
Magnetite-Albite, Chlorite-Epidote Vein 77
Silica-Pyrite-Carbonate Vein 79
Silica-Pyrite-Carbonate Vein 81
Sulphide-Silica-Pyrite, Silica-Magnetite Breccia 83
Sulphide-Pyrrhotite Layer Controlled, Vein 85
Topaz Fault Breccia-Vein 87
Albite, Chlorite (Granite) Background, Selective Semi-Pervasive 89
5 Assessment Sheet 95
6 References 97
1 Introduction 103
8 References 161
1 Introduction 169
5 References 222
Index 283
The wall rocks are silicified metasediments (not visible). The paragenesis (depositional sequence)
is obviously complex, with the many different forms of silica presumably reflecting changing
physical and chemical conditions of precipitation. It is possible that the thin curving style cavi-
ties which are prevalent towards the bottom of the plate have formed by selective leaching of an
infill mineral (siderite?).
§ GcXk\jMfcld\( @E=@CCK<OKLI<J
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
)%( @eZfdgc\k\@eÔcc
)%(%( I\dX`e`e^Mf`[JgXZ\
This is the most obvious criterion focusing the attention of the observer and signaling the prob-
able location of a permeability channelway.
In most cases the precipitating minerals completely fill the space traversed by the ore fluids.
However there are numerous circumstances where the process is incomplete and the presence
of any form of cavity within a mineralised system would immediately come under suspicion as
marking a region of infill. Cavity recognition is simple enough at the macroscale but frequently
overlooked at the hand lens scale. A striking example is illustrated by Plate 1 and other examples
are present in Plates 8, 9, 21 and 23.
)%(%) :ipjkXcjGifa\Zk`e^@ekfX:Xm`kp
Many cases examples of remaining void space also contain well-formed crystals projecting into
the cavity. Quartz crystals are particularly common, as are typically late phase low temperature
minerals such as calcite, siderite, and fluorite. Pyrite and marcasite are well-represented from
the sulphide group.
Again this criterion is easily recognised at the coarse scale but is commonly missed when the
cavities are small. A good example is shown on Plate 1, whilst less obvious situations are present
on Plates 8, 9, 21 and 23.
,
§ GC8K< ( )%)%( <l_\[iXcfiGXik`Xccp<l_\[iXc:ipjkXc
Flkc`e\j
MF@;J#GIFA<:K@E>:IPJK8CJ#<L?<;I8C
:IPJK8CJ#<[^\gifYc\dj#nfib`e^ Since the fluid filled void offers an excellent op-
YXZbnXi[j% portunity for unhindered crystal growth it is very
common for cavity infill minerals to achieve good
This specimen illustrates the very obvious criterion of crystal forms. This is especially true of quartz which
a cavity which represents an unfilled portion of the is probably the most common mineral in hydrother-
original fluid filled space. It also contains well-de- mal systems. Quartz very rarely adopts its familiar
peloped quartz crystals projecting into the cavity. hexagonal form other than by crystallisation in open
The specimen also illustrates a good working prin- space and hence any hint of a quartz crystal is to be
ciple which is discussed later in this manual i.e. the regarded as a potential indicator of a fluid channel-
technique of working backwards from the known. The way. Similar comments would apply to many other
quartz crystals need a substrate to nucleate upon and common hydrothermal minerals such as feldspars,
careful inspection will reveal that they nucleate off a fluorite, cassiterite, galena, sphalerite and chalcopy-
pale-buff, siliceous base. This is also infill. A further rite. Some care is required with those minerals which
principle is well-illustrated here concerning edge prob- are very capable of forming euhedral shapes via
lems and breccia recognition. The cavity is actually one alteration/replacement such as pyrite, arsenopyrite
of a series of small holes in the rock, which is a breccia. and carbonates. However, in general well-formed
The fragments have been extensively silicified and can crystals are excellent signposts for infill recognition.
just be discerned on the plate as the darker, mottled Numerous examples are scattered through the illus-
zones in the top left and bottom right hand corners. trations with good examples shown on Plates 2, 3, 4,
The junction between silicified fragments and the 5 and 6. Less obvious examples are shown on Plates
buff-coloured, silica infill is naturally a little vague. 17, 18 and 22.
Efk\1 § GC8K< )
It is always prudent to establish the origin of the cavi-
ties with respect to weathering. Late-phase carbonates <L?<;I8C:IPJK8CJ#ki`Xe^lcXik\okli\j#
or sulphides which are common, final stage infill jdXccjZXc\#`ii\^lcXielZc\Xk`fe#`ii\^lcXi
products are easily leached during surficial oxida- j_Xg\j`eZifjjj\Zk`fe%
tion. In most cases their existence is fingerprinted by
the presence of limonite gossan or iron staining in, The specimen is included to demonstrate euhedral
and around, the cavity. This natural etching usually mineral growth within a vein-style open space and
enhances infill recognition and produces cavities is composed totally of infill.
with projecting crystals. The clean nature of the The most striking components are the large quartz
cavities in the above plate suggests that they never crystals, one of which exhibits clear growth zoning.
completely filled. They have grown from the substrate at different angles
and hence present different shaped cross sections
when slabbed. They are irregularly overgrown by
)%) :fdgc\k\@eÔcc
subhedral to euhedral dark cassiterite crystals which
The absence of voids or free crystals makes the task illustrate the point that not all nucleating products
of recognising infill a little more difficult. However form nice layers. Erratic nucleation is quite common
in the majority of cases the following criteria will where isolated crystals nucleate at seemingly random
prove of value. It should be noted that some of the sites. Silica deposition has continued at some point
following criteria are not necessarily diagnostic, but in time to completely fill the original cavity. The
utilised in conjunction with each other and tempered pale yellowish orange mineral is probably siderite,
with geological common sense, they can be regarded most of which is clearly late and forms very good
as good indicators. Some of the potential problems triangular-acute angle textures as it infills between
are outlined later. quartz crystals. The specimen also demonstrates a
well-defined paragenetic sequence of deposition, and
recognition of infill textures is vital in any paragenetic
GC8K< ( K_\i\dX`e`e^mf`[jgXZ\Xe[ZipjkXcjgifa\Zk`e^`ekfXZXm`kpZi`k\i`X%
Jg\Z`d\e]ifdDk>`Yjfek`e#kfgXq i\^`fe#e\XiDk>Xd\k#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
K_\\l_\[iXcd`e\iXcZi`k\i`fe
Jg\Z`d\e]ifdDkD`j\ipÆDkK`eÆDfie`e^:cfl[[\gfj`k#DfnYiXp:i\\bd`e\iXc`jXk`feZ\eki\#e\Xi
GC8K< ) ?\iY\ikfek`eÔ\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
.
study to establish timing. Surprisingly large numbers § GC8K< +
of paragenetic studies not only fail to distinguish infill
from alteration, but seem unaware that without such <L?<;I8C:IPJK8CJ#jdXccjZXc\ki`Xe^lcXi
distinction the results are of limited value. It should k\okli\%
be noted that the sequence of infill deposition only
establishes relative timing. The carbonate in the above The yellow chalcopyrite also exhibits numerous exam-
picture may have deposited a very long time after the ples of the small-scale triangular-acute angle texture
other minerals and might even belong to a different resulting from infilling around/between pre-existing
paragenetic stage. euhedral minerals. Several unidentified minerals
are also present including a resinous euhedral min-
eral and a late? dark interstitial phase. Although not
§ GC8K< *
shown in this plate the specimen is from a breccia
zone where anastomosing open-space infill of coarse-
<L?<;I8C:IPJK8CJ#qfe`e^#cXi^\jZXc\ grained magnetite and chalcopyrite surrounds altered
ki`Xe^lcXik\okli\% fragments of a fine-grained, magnetite-rich host rock
(ironstone).
The wolframite (black) crystals have precipitated The ironstone forms part of a pre-existing stratigra-
very early in the paragenetic sequence and have phy which has been extensively folded and subjected
suffered minor deformation and replacement from to considerable deformation/metamorphism. The
later processes. Potassium feldspar (pink) has infilled infill depicted in Plate 4 is undeformed.
interstitially around some of the crystals which have
been fractured either before or at the time of feldspar )%)%) Qfe\[:ipjkXcj
deposition. It is possible that minor alteration of the
wolframite to feldspar has occurred within the frac- Finely zoned crystals are particularly difficult to de-
tured zones as there are many cases where the walls velop via alteration/replacement. Hence crystals or
on either side of the fracture do not match. Alterna- hints of crystals with well developed growth zoning
tively the wolframite crystal may have been affected are particularly useful indicators of infill. Unfortu-
by dissolution prior to feldspar precipitation. Massive nately such growth zoning is usually difficult to see in
quartz surrounds the wolframite and despite the most minerals at the hand specimen level. Fortunately
lack of texture would be assumed to represent infill. the phenomenon is commonly well-developed in
This suspicion is supported by the presence of barely quartz, and all suspected hexagonal cross sectional
discernible, finely layered growth zones which are examples merit careful inspection. Examples are il-
visible above the silver-coloured (cleavage reflectance) lustrated in Plates 2 and 3.
wolframite crystal towards the top left of the plate. It should be noted that growth zoning via seqential
Late fracturing has lead to the introduction of diffusion is common in some skarn minerals growing
sulphides which are associated with a subtle grey via alteration of carbonate (especially garnet).
alteration (silica?). This is well-developed in the feld-
spar crystals. The alteration halo together with the
triangular-acute angle texture of the sulphide patches
is strongly suggestive of infill, although there could
be minor sulphide alteration/replacement within the
fractured wolframite crystals.
GC8K< * K_\\l_\[iXcd`e\iXcZi`k\i`fe%
K_\cfZXk`fef]k_\jg\Z`d\e`jleZ\ikX`eYlkgifYXYcp]ifdDk:XiY`e\kle^jk\ed`e\#Dk:XiY`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#
8ljkiXc`X%K_\gcXk\`jgi\j\ek\[kfj_fn\l_\[iXcZipjkXcjf]nfc]iXd`k\n`k_`eXhlXikqm\`e%
K_\\l_\[iXcd`e\iXcZi`k\i`fe%
GC8K< + Jg\Z`d\e]ifdJ\cnpe$:cfeZliipi\^`fe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
0
§ GC8K< , )%)%* 9Xe[\[fiCXp\i\[K\okli\j
GC8K< , K_\\l_\[iXcd`e\iXcZi`k\i`fe%
Jg\Z`d\ef]m\`e6dXk\i`Xc]ifd:c\m\cXe[k`ed`e\#KXjdXe`X#8ljkiXc`X%
N\cc$]fid\[ZipjkXcjXe[cXp\i\[k\okli\jXj`eÔccZi`k\i`X%
Jg\Z`d\ef]m\`edXk\i`Xc]ifdk_\Jefn=cXb\d`e\#JXeAlXej`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ#^fc[ [`jki`Zk#:fcfiX[f#Le`k\[
JkXk\jf]8d\i`ZX%
GC8K< - Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%Dfii`jfe %
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
((
It is equally clear that the specimen exhibits some )%)%+ CXi^\$JZXc\Ki`Xe^lcXiK\okli\j
complexities that would require resolution via thin
section examination. The boundaries between the Large-scale triangular textures are particularly com-
pale-yellow and dark, crystalline sphalerite are com- mon in brecciated rocks and represent void spaces
monly rather vague, suggesting that some form of bet ween rock fragments. These may be partially
alteration from dark to pale-yellow may have also infilled in which case they are relatively easy to rec-
occurred. The status of the silver coloured minerals ognise, or completely infilled, which renders their
(galena? sulphosalts?) is also difficult to decipher. observation a little more difficult. In many cases the
Some may pre-date the crustiform sphalerite whilst passage of hydrothermal fluids also completely alters
the majority are clearly later and form post-sphalerite the host fragments which presents a major barrier to
but pre-quartz. field recognition. This problem is further exacerbated
It is the function of this manual to present infor- when the alteration minerals are very similar to the
mation that can be seen via the eye or hand lens, and infilling minerals (e. g. silica infill accompanied by
some of the finer paragenetic points require either silica alteration).
more specimens or microscopic study. However it is The term “triangular” needs some explanation.
clear that the paragenesis is resolvable and that the Obviously, cavities formed via breaking rocks will
textures have resulted from the infilling of a fluid- take on a variety of shapes depending on the angu-
filled clannelway over an unspecified length of time. larity of the rocks, the amount of rock matrix, the
range in size of rock fragments etc. The term “acute
angled” may be more appropriate for the cross sec-
§ GC8K< .
tional representation of such cavities, although even
this can become a little inappropriate for some situ-
C8P<I@E>#\l_\[iXcZipjkXcj% ations. The resulting shapes are best conceived via a
few examples (Plates 9, 10 and 11) where it can be
This attractive specimen, although complex para- seen that they range from fairly equant acute angle
genetically has been included to show a variety of forms, through to long skinny styles. For convenience
crustiform styles of silica. this author refers to them as triangular-acute angle
Numerous generations of silica are represented textures which covers the majority of shapes observed
within the plate and this complex crustiform lay- in two dimensions. They are however a very powerful
ering is very common in high-level epithermal texture for recording potential open space sites and the
environments. It can however, also form at deeper reader is recommended to inspect the appropriate
crustal levels. lt is usually interpreted as representing examples carefully.
repeated, rapid nucleation due to extremely change-
able conditions such an intermittent boiling/pressure
§ GC8K< /
change, etc.
Fragments of pre-existing silica rocks are coated
with layers of crustiform, microcrystalline silica to C8P<I@E>#mf`[j#\l_\[iXcZipjkXcj#jdXcc
produce a species of cockade texture. The fragments jZXc\ki`Xe^lcXik\okli\j%
also contain varieties of crustiform and more coarsely
crystalline quartz. This specimen illustrates crustiform layering in
Some of the late-stage infill is more coarsely crystal- sphalerite and chalcopyrite.
line and there are many examples of triangular-acute Repeated deposition of sphalerite (dark) and
angle textures of dark material filling in between the chalcopyrite (yellow) has resulted in a pronounced
larger crystals. A good example is present towards the crustiform-style of layering nucleating from both
top left where small, white, bladed crystals interlock sides of an original vein-style channelway. Some hints
to resemble scattered matchsticks. The crystals are of subhedral sphalerite crystal forms can be seen
composed of white silica but are thought to have projecting into the central silica zone (white)
been bladed carbonate which has been silicified. The The specimen also exhibits an open vug texture in
coarser, pale buff-grey material (top, centre-right) is the central zone. The yellow iron staining surrounding
also considered to represent a large cluster of silici- the vug suggests leaching of a pre-existing iron-rich
fied, bladed carbonate. The “carbonate” texture is a mineral, which is still present in some areas of the
common feature of epithermal veins. specimen (yellow siderite?). The central silica zone is
GC8K< . CXp\i\[k\okli\jXj`eÔccZi`k\i`X%
Jg\Z`d\e]ifdm\`eXkHlXikq?`cc^fc[gifjg\Zk#e\Xi:fcc`ejm`cc\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%;fe^ %
CXp\i\[k\okli\jXj`eÔccZi`k\i`X%
GC8K< / M\`e`eÔcc]ifdk_\:Xd\efj`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#Dk8cY`fej`cm\id`e`e^[`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
(*
more coarsely crystalline and numerous examples of be seen within fragments and along some fragment
euhedral quartz crystals are visible. Further evidence rims. It is however difficult to relate this consistently
of infill is provided by the small-scale, “triangular” with the infilling phase, in that it is totally absent
textures of minerals precipitating in the interstices along some rims and very variable within fragments.
between quartz crystals. The silver mineral is prob- At this stage it is regarded as belonging to an earlier
ably galena, although various silver rich sulphosalts event. Many of the fragments contain pyrite and look
are recorded from this locality. a little silicified/sericitised. Again this is probably an
The specimen is composed totally of various types earlier event. Although the infill component is easy to
of infill and obviously records a complex paragenesis recognise in this example the reader is advised to care-
with minerals depositing under a wide range of condi- fully acquire a mental picture of the infill shapes as
tions. The quartz phase is actually substantially later they are much more difficult to see when the incoming
than the sphalerite and chalcopyrite, although this mineralisation totally alters the fragments.
is not evident from the plate.
§ GC8K< ('
§ GC8K< 0
C8I><$J:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J%
C8I><J:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J#
<L?<;I8C:IPJK8CJ#mf`[j#gifa\Zk`e^ This specimen has been selected to illustrate some of
ZipjkXcj% the variety of larger-scale, semi-triangular to acute
angle shaped cavities that occur in breccias. In par-
The specimen is composed mainly of fine-grained ticular this rock illustrates several examples of the
metasediments which form the framework of the long, skinny, often microvein breed as opposed to
breccia. The fragment interstices are occupied by the more equant species in Plate 9.
pyrite, smaller fragments and dark resin which has Again the specimen has been specially selected
impregnated during polishing. The pyrite is euhedral because of the relative lack of wall-rock alteration
to subhedral and projects into the cavities as small affecting the fragments. In most breccias the intense
crystals. alteration of the fragments makes the infill zones
The rock is part of a hydrothermal intrusive brec- very hard to observe, and when the infill mineralogy
cia called the Mt Leyshon breccia which is the main is similar to the alteration mineralogy the problem
host to gold mineralisation. The fragments in this becomes compounded. This plate is simply presented
particular sample are mostly rather angular, but sig- to accustom the observer to infill shapes for later use
nificant rounding can be seen on many of the small, in more difficult situations.
interstitial fragments. The interstitial fragments also The actual rock is a crackle-style breccia with little
appear to contain several different rock types. fragment rotation. The infilling material is sphalerite
The alteration history of the breccia is complex and (dark), galena (silver) and pyrite (yellow) while the
not fully resolved. The most prominent alteration in rock fragments are of highly altered (clay, sericite and
this specimen is an argillic (white) style which can carbonate) quartz-feldspar porphyry.
GC8K< 0 K_\cXi^\jZXc\#ki`Xe^lcXiXZlk\Xe^c\k\okli\%9i\ZZ`X]ifdDkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\#e\Xi:_Xik\ijKfn\ij#
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%K_`jjg\Z`d\e_XjY\\ej\c\Zk\[kf`ccljkiXk\k_\mXi`\kpf]cXi^\i$jZXc\#ki`Xe^lcXi#
j\d`ki`Xe^lcXikfXZlk\$Xe^c\j_Xg\[ZXm`k`\jk_Xk]fid[li`e^Yi\ZZ`Xk`fe%@ek_`jZXj\k_\i\`ji\cXk`m\cpc`d`k\[
nXcc$ifZbXck\iXk`feXe[k_\]fidf]k_\g\id\XY`c`kp`jn\cc$[\Ôe\[Ypk_\`eÔcc`e^ZfXij\$^iX`e\[gpi`k\%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%N%NfidXc[ %
K_\cXi^\jZXc\#ki`Xe^lcXi$XZlk\Xe^c\k\okli\%
9i\ZZ`X]ifdk_\DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\e\Xi:_Xik\ijKfn\ij#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
GC8K< (' Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%N%NfidXc[ %
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
(,
§ GC8K< (( the central zones of cavity infill where they “fill-in” as
microcrystalline products. Alternatively the central
C8I><J:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J#\[^\ zone may be infilled by coarsely crystalline material
\]]\Zkj$Xck\iXk`fe% such as fluorite or carbonate, which has sufficient
space to achieve crystal form. In either case this
The plate illustrates some of the many forms of trian- produces a wide variety of sharply pointed textures
gular-acute angle textures which result from infilling which (with a little artistic license) are commonly
of brecciated rocks. The specimen is specially selected referred to as triangular textures. These triangles or
to illustrate the long, skinny, almost vein-like styles, V-shaped areas vary enormously in size and form
although it also contains more equant varieties. depending upon the arrangement of the crystal
The rock is composed of brecciated, argillised, fine- substrate and the particular section on view to the
grained metasediment (pale) and white clay (kaolin?). observer. They may appear as acute or obtuse angled
The clay component is most probably a hydrothermal features, and range from long and thin to short and
precipitate infilling cavities. Although there are no fat. However they are a very powerful textural weapon
vugs or euhedral crystals it is noted that there are in seeking out infill in difficult situations. They do
many examples of near-matching fracture walls. however present themselves in a variety of scales and
Given the degree of brecciation, the general degree of in many different disguises. Numerous examples are
wall-matching strongly suggests a large component depicted throughout the accompanying illustrations
of open space with minor alteration. with particularly striking occurrences being present
It is however noted that argillic alteration has been in Plates 12, 13 and 14.
intense in situations where small fragments have
become incorporated within the main channelways.
§ GC8K< ()
This is evidenced by the fact that several small frag-
ments can be seen which have vague boundaries
(as opposed to sharp) and others have been almost JD8CCJ:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J#
ghosted-out by intense clay alteration. As noted both \l_\[iXcZipjkXcj#nfib`e^YXZbnXi[j%
in the text and on other plates it is extremely common
for the alteration component to be the same as the The specimen has been selected as a very visual exam-
infilling component, resulting in a blurred edge effect ple of triangular-acute angle infill texture.
where alteration becomes intense (edge effects). The specimen is composed of dark cassiterite and
The infilled channelways range considerably in white quartz. Visually, attention is naturally focussed
shape and the specimen has been deliberately selected upon the dark patches, which actually represent cas-
to allow the observer to become familiar with the siterite infilling cavities between/around pre-existing
range of infill shapes. Although they are obvious here, quartz crystals. The later are less obvious but several
they are commonly extremely difficult to recognise prominent crystal faces are present. The plate also
in very altered rocks or in intrusive breccias where illustrates the working backwards technique. If a tri-
open space is very limited (See Plate 19). The rock also angular-acute angle texture is suspected, the observer
contains a small, grey quartz vein (top left) indicating should automatically check to see what it has nucle-
another phase of hydrothermal brecciation/infill. ated on. It is surprising how often this reveals an un-
noticed euhedral crystal. The infill shapes vary widely,
)%)%, JdXcc$JZXc\Ki`Xe^lcXifiGXik`Xccp but attention is drawn to the triangular (star-shaped)
Ki`Xe^lcXiK\okli\j forms in the centre mid right of the plate.
The cassiterite in this slide contains two varieties, a
Early formed precipitates show a propensity to de- dark, early form and a pale, late style which coats and
velop good crystal shapes which nucleate sporadically possibly replaces the earlier form. The second, pale
on the wall rocks or previously formed crystals. In cassiterite exhibits some very small-scale and subtle
many instances the later infilling precipitates seem triangular textures as it infills between the earlier,
to nucleate more prolifically to form fine-grained dark cassiterite crystals. This is well-demonstrated
products. For instance silica, sericite, clay minerals, towards the right of the star texture mentioned above
chlorite and carbonate are commonly found towards (centre mid left of plate).
K_\jdXcc$jZXc\#ki`Xe^lcXik\okli\%
GC8K< () Jg\Z`d\e]ifdk_\9cXZbB`e^k`e$Y\Xi`e^g`g\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
(.
§ GC8K< (* § GC8K< (+
C8I><J:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J# JD8CCJ:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J#
\l_\[iXcZipjkXcj% cXi^\jZXc\ki`Xe^lcXik\okli\j#\l_\[iXc
ZipjkXcj%
This specimen has been selected to demonstrate the
small triangular-acute angle textures that result from The specimen has been selected as a good example
late-phase products precipitating around previously of the triangular-acute angle infill texture involving
formed crystals. In this case they are highlighted by sulphides.
the pinkish topaz nucleating between tourmaline The right sector contains several very good exam-
crystals. It is assumed the specimen is from a vein. ples of small scale, triangular-acute angle textures and
Large elongate crystals of tourmaline (dark) are suc- variously oriented quartz crystals. The sulphides are
ceded by late pink-yellow topaz which crystallised chalcopyrite (yellow), galena (dark silver) and pyrite
in the interstices between tourmaline to form a very (pale yellow). Some larger-scale, triangular-acute
visual example of a particularly important infill tex- angle textures are also present where voids have
ture the triangular texture. been infilled by combinations of the above sulphides
Quartz has precipitated prior to the tourmaline, including various forms of crystalline pyrite. A more
and the wall-rocks of fine-grained granite (not vis- subtle variation of the triangular texture is visible
ible) have been extensively silicified to form the pale to the top right where a late generation of white
material to the left side of the plate. silica precipitates around pre-existing, clear quartz
The dark-grey sections of the plate to the left are crystals.
a late, overprinting phase. This is pyrite-rich (now The left sector also contains excellent examples
oxidised) and associated with well-developed, sili- of the key triangular-acute angle texture involving
ceous alteration. It is this phase that is responsible for dark-coloured material precipitating around quartz
the silica alteration seen in the tourmaline crystals crystals. The darker material consists mostly of dark
towards the left of the tourmaline zone. silica and a silver, acicular mineral (hematite?). An
unidentified reddish-brown mineral has precipitated
after the hematite and exhibits minute triangular-style
textures where it infills between the hematite needles.
A small, yellow mineral is also present(?)
The relationship between the upper, sulphide-rich
(right) and lower, darker zones (left) is not clear on this
specimen. However, it is probable that they represent
two different phases of mineralisation. The specimen
is composed entirely of infill material, and the complex
paragenesis can only be fully unraveled by collecting
further specimens from the original location.
K_\jdXcc$jZXc\#ki`Xe^lcXi$XZlk\Xe^c\k\okli\%
Jg\Z`d\ecfZXk`fe`jleZ\ikX`e#gifYXYcpk_\@[XiX[fD`e\#JXeAlXej`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ#^fc[[`jki`Zk :fcfiX[f#
GC8K< (+ Le`k\[JkXk\jf]8d\i`ZX%
) I\Zf^e`k`fe:i`k\i`X
' (Zd
(0
* GifYc\djXe[Nfib`e^K\Z_e`hl\j
*%( :fddfeD`jZfeZ\gk`fej
A minor problem encountered by inexperienced observers is the expectation that all infilling
crystals will have the same orientation. From most textbook illustrations an expectation is gener-
ated that infilling crystals on the side walls of the fissure all appear in a line, somewhat similar
to saw-teeth. Whilst this is commonly observed, there are many examples where crystals grow
out from the substrate at many different angles. This is especially true for:
(a) Crystals that form rosettes or radiating clusters e. g. quartz, tourmaline, etc.
(b) Crystals that nucleate on fragments.
(c) Crystals that nucleate on the sides of small, irregular void spaces.
In each case the observer will see a variety of euhedral shapes on either cut slabs or rock surfaces.
Examples of this feature are especially well illustrated in Plate 2.
A similar misconception is that a precipitating phase will deposit on the substrate as a con-
tinuous layer. Unfortunately crystals commonly nucleate irregularly as isolated units or clusters.
This is particularly common in breccia style triangular cavities. Examples of this are present in
Plates 2, 6 and 9.
A further common problem is the expectation that all infill will appear as crystals. As men-
tioned previously massive or microcrystalline forms very commonly occur, particularly in the
case of silica. (Plates 3, 6, 7 and 14)
*%) GifYc\djn`k_k_\N\cc$=fid\[:ipjkXc:i`k\i`fe
Although the majority of well-formed crystals observed in hydrothermal environments represent
infill textures, there are many exceptions.
Sulphides such as pyrite and arsenopyrite commonly form euhedral shapes via alteration/
replacement processes. Carbonates exhibit a similar propensity to grow as good crystal shapes
in altered host rocks. Conventional metamorphic/deformational effects will similarly produce
good euhedral crystals (porphyroblasts). However with a knowledge of the general geological
environment most of these problems are easily resolved.
A major exception to this occurs within the high temperature carbonate alteration systems
(skarns). This particular environment produces a wide range of minerals (garnets, pyroxenes,
amphiboles, etc) with excellent crystal shapes formed via alteration/replacement processes. It
becomes very difficult and commonly impossible to distinguish them from genuine infill.
*%* K_\<[^\GifYc\d
It is very common for the alteration mineralogy to be the same as that of the infill. This is par-
ticularly prevalent within silica-rich systems where quartz infill is accompanied by intense quartz
alteration (silicification). Chlorite and sericite infill are similarly commonly linked to intensely
chloritised or sericitised zones respectively. In many cases this results in a blurring effect such
that the precise location of the side wall of the original channel becomes indistinguishable. Usu-
ally the observer can make a good estimate of the side wall position, although this may become
difficult with wide zones of monomineralic alteration.
In other cases the problem may be resolved by very careful hand lens inspection which may
reveal subtle colour differences between the two similar end-products. It is common with min-
erals such as chlorite or sericite for the infilling phase is often to be much coarser-grained than
the alteration product. Examples of differing degrees of difficulty are shown in Plates 1, 11, 15,
16, 17 and 19.
)(
§ GC8K< (, *%+ K_\Nfib`e^9XZbnXi[jK\Z_e`hl\
J\gXiXk`fef]Xck\iXk`fe]ifd`eÔccYi\ZZ`Xi\Zf^e`k`fe #\[^\\]]\Zkj%
GC8K< (- Jg\Z`d\e]ifdk_\DkG\k\ij\ek`e[\gfj`k#cim`e\YXeb#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
* GifYc\djXe[Nfib`e^K\Z_e`hl\j
' (Zd
)*
specimen can be further examined to see whether or perceived, but the vague, rounded, smaller zones
not the alleged silica infill is overprinting crystalline beneath it are less noticeable where the boundaries
materials. Chlorite commonly precipitates in cavities between the mottled and dark material are rather
as rounded clusters or spikey crystals. Looking be- fuzzy. If the observer stands back a little and instructs
hind the quartz patches, there are numerous examples the eyes to just distinguish two different things (black
which could be interpreted as rounded clumps (and and mottled), the dark zones stand out reasonably
some spikey zones) and numerous other examples clearly and can be more easily interpreted as altered
which are less convincing. Again on balance much of fragments.
the dark material within the mottled zones is probably It is admitted that much of the above is provi-
chlorite infill. The rounded habit of chlorite tends to sional interpretation which requires confirmation
distort the acute angle texture of subsequent infill and via less altered specimens or microscopy. However,
this may account for the “poor quality” of many of the it will serve to illustrate the processes involved in
white acute-angle zones. In this instance microscopic looking at specimens where alteration mineralogy is
examination is probably required to substantiate the suspected as being the same as that of infill, and also
above interpretation. the importance of pulling the two apart to discern
Within the field situation the fine/medium-grained the nature of the fluid channelways. Many breccias
sediments can be seen in all stages of alteration, and remain unrecognised due to this problem.
there is little doubt that fine, dark zones are chlori- The specimen is cut by some late veinlets (pyrite,
tised fragments. The large, tabular zone is readily silica?, chlorite?, carbonate?)
+%) M\`eJkpc\j
Vein styles of mineralisation are generally composed of a combination of wall rock alteration and
infill. The infill occupies zones of dilatancy resulting from faulting, hydraulic jacking, etc. The
distribution of dilatant zones along a fracture surface varies considerably from almost continu-
ous along simple tensional fractures to extremely erratic along fault surfaces. However, a careful
field examination of the vein usually reveals zones of significant infill, and most textbooks depict
classic examples of crystals growing inwards from the walls in various configurations. In most
cases the location of the central fluid channelways and the recognition of the infill zones present
very few problems to the observer and need no amplification here. Many examples of vein infill
textures are shown via the illustrations.
+%* 9i\ZZ`XJkpc\j
Infill recognition in brecciated rocks is considerably more difficult, particularly where wall rock
alteration is intense. All breccia host rocks contain three major structural components. These
include rocks (fragments), finer-scale rock fragments and powders (matrix), and void space (po-
tential infill sites). The amount of void space varies enormously from around 20-50 % in collapse
breccias to very minor in milled breccias. Although the void spaces within a breccia may exhibit
a wide range of size and shape, they tend to be vaguely triangular in cross section with sharp
acute angles existing between fragments. This triangular texture is a prime criterion enabling
breccia and infill recognition even within very altered rocks. Within this context breccias exhibit
patches of infill which on the rock or slabbed face do not appear to join up. Within the broad
scale triangular texture it is commonly possible to identify small-scale triangular textures of
infill around crystals as described in the previous section concerning infill identification criteria.
Good examples are depicted in Plates 9, 10, 11 and recognition of infill in highly altered breccia
systems is discussed via Plates 16, 17, 18 and 19.
),
+%+ Fk_\iJkpc\j after the sericite, and the nature of the mica-sericite
distorts the normal acute-angle texture to a more
+%+%( D`Xifc`k`Z muted, rounded form. The paragenesis appears to
Exploration geologists concerned with magmat- be quartz followed by white-mica and then tour-
ic-related deposits have become increasingly aware of maline.
indicators which might represent clues to potentially The left hand side of the photograph is dominated
ore-bearing/ore-producing plutons. The concepts are by white mica and silica. However, the white mica
best understood within the tin and tungsten systems, is generally very fine-grained and the grey silica is
but have been steadily extending to find applications poorly defined. The sericite/silica boundary is also
within pegmatite, molybdenum, copper and more rather blurred. This zone represents sericitised granite
recently gold systems. These involve the recognition where the feldspars and biotite have become exten-
of features considered to have resulted from interac- sively sericitised, whilst the granite-quartz remains
tion between magmatic and hydrothermal phases. but is under attack around the margins.
They include various species of miarolitic textures, Whilst it is relatively easy to pick the infill zone
granophyric intergrowths, apical pegmatites (stocksc- from the alteration zone, the exact border between
heiders), unidirectional solidification textures (UST’s), the two is blurred. It is worth noting again that when
pegmatitic granites and background alteration in the infill and alteration minerals are similar, the infill
granitoids. is commonly coarser-grained.
The miarolitic/pegmatitic texture is of considerable
interest, occurring very commonly within the apical
§ GC8K< (/
zones of ore-related plutons and also within their
dyke/sill style derivatives. (Plate 20)
In most systems the miarolitic/pegmatitic facies JD8CCJ:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<J#
is unmineralised and seems to have formed slightly \l_\[iXcZipjkXcj#nfib`e^YXZbnXi[j
earlier than the main introduction of hydrothermal Xck\iXk`fe#Yi\ZZ`X%
fluids. However in rare cases the infill-like textures
do contain valuable hydrothermal precipitates, The specimen consists of deformed (sheared) granite
resulting in large low-grade, “disseminated” style which has been extensively chloritised (alteration of
mineralisation (Plate 21). Opinions differ as to how feldspars and biotite via microfractures).
much of the apparent infilling is of magmatic versus Within the general chloritisation there are many ex-
hydrothermal origin. amples of bright red material (iron-oxide) which upon
close inspection can be seen to form a semi-linking,
anastomosing network across the specimen. At one
§ GC8K< (.
point (top right) the red material exhibits excellent
triangular-acute angle textures and is clearly infillings
<;><<==<:KJ#JD8CCJ:8C<KI@8E>LC8I around quartz crystals. The quartz crystals have a ten-
K<OKLI<#\l_\[iXcZipjkXcj#nfib`e^ dency to be whiter than those of the altered granite.
YXZbnXi[j#Xck\iXk`fe#Yi\ZZ`X% Similar small vugs (not visible here) occur through-
out the hand specimen and there is no doubt that the
The specimen shows several features which raise rock has been substantially broken (brittle fracture)
suspicion concerning potential infill towards the prior to the introduction of quartz and hematite.
right hand side. Firstly, the white quartz displays It is probable that the chloritic alteration is associ-
vague hints of crystalline textures and vague hints ated with an earlier, ductile-shearing event whilst the
of vugs. Although not visible here, the reverse side silica ± red material has been subsequently introduced
of the rock displays several obvious quartz crystals during major brittle-fracturing, brecciation.
in vugs. Secondly, the dark mineral (tourmaline) at- The main point of this example is not to identify
tracts attention with vague hints of triangular-acute breccia types, but to illustrate that there is a hidden
angle textures and good crystalline shapes. Utilising breccia within the altered rock. This can be identified
the working backwards technique it can be observed via infill textures but is far from obvious in the field or
that the tourmaline substrate is coarse-grained white on the slab. Without the red colouration the recogni-
mica (sericite) growing in clustered spikey or slightly tion of isolated vugs would be even more difficuIt!
rounded aggregates. The tourmaline is precipitated
9i\ZZ`Xi\Zf^e`k`fe%
Jg\Z`d\e]ifdk_\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\jpjk\dXk8i[c\k_Xek`ed`e\#8i[n\jkfi\qfe\#E\nJflk_NXc\j#8ljkiXc`X%
GC8K< (/ Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ %
+ N_\i\Xe[?fnkfCffb]fi@eÔccK\okli\jÆ:_Xee\cnXpI\Zf^e`k`fe
' (Zd
).
§ GC8K< (0 § GC8K< )'
C8I><J:8C<KI@8E>LC8IK<OKLI<#<;>< <L?<;I8C:IPJK8CJ#JD8CCJ:8C<
<==<:KJ#nfib`e^YXZbnXi[j#Xck\iXk`fe# KI@8E>LC8I<==<:KJ%
Yi\ZZ`X%
This form of bi-textured rock is particularly common
The specimen has been selected to illustrate the dif- in tin and tungsten mineral districts, usually in as-
ficulty and importance of infill recognition in intru- sociation with late-stage, highly fractionated, min-
sive breccia systems. The Ardlethan intrusive breccia eralising granitoids. The granitoids and associated
systems remained unrecognised throughout some ten rocks are commonly geochemically highly anomalous
years of extraction, and their true nature only became with potentially high levels of Sn, W, F, B, Rb, etc.
apparent during the latter years of mine life. The rock type is particularly common in the apical
The specimen represents one small area of an zones of small intrusions (and associated sills/dykes)
intrusive breccia pipe which has been etched with which are directly associated with mineralisation. It
hydrofluoric acid in an attempt to facilitate textural may link to a coarser, pegmatoidal facies, a marginal
recognition. The key feature of the illustration con- pegmatite zone (stockscheider) or UST zones (Unidi-
cerns the narrow discontinuous black/brown zones. rectional Solidification Textures). All of the above are
These are composed of tourmaline (black), cassiterite? generally interpreted as resulting from crystallisation
(brown) and silica (grey). More importantly, their of magma in direct association with hydrothermal
curving and extended acute-angle vaguely triangu- components. Similar textures have been reported
lar shapes are very suggestive of infill textures (See from pegmatite, tantalum, molybdenum and gold
Plates 10 and 11 for the elongate triangular-acute environments.
angle style). The rock consists of two components: a back-
The remainder of the rock consists of two forms of ground of fine-grained, granophyric granite and
highly altered, sericitised granite. The first form is as an interconnecting, anastomosing network of
fragments which can be vaguely discerned by locating coarser-grained patches. The latter are composed of
coarse, white patches associated with coarse, clear quartz-feldspar and biotite. The quartz and feldspar
quartz. The white represents sericitic/argillic altera- exhibit good crystal form whilst the biotite exhibits
tion of feldspar whilst the quartz is original granite good triangular-acute angle texture as it precipitated
quartz. The general granitic texture is retained. between the quartz and feldspar crystals. This clearly
The remainder represents well-milled granite qualifies as an infill texture although opinion differs
and is characterised by the general lack of coarse, as to whether it results from hydrothermal, magmatic,
white patches (ex-feldspar), and the general lack of or some kind of transitional fluid. The finer-grained
coarse-grained quartz as an interlocking mosaic. It matrix component has a grey tinge and may have
represents milled/altered material derived from the been mildly, hydrothermally altered (sericitised?).
original granite host. The rock is not a breccia and the texture is of primary
Not surprisingly, the distinction between frag- origin. Although not depicted here many of these
ments and milled matrix is commonly difficult, and is rocks contain actual void spaces in the central zones
in fact better observed on larger specimens. However of the coarsely crystalline infill component.
the key factor here is infill recognition. It is usual for
large-scale breccia to consist of disconnected open
spaces which subsequently become infilled, and
the suspicions of infill given by the discontinuous,
curving, dark zones would automatically invoke a
suspicion of breccia. The small-scale nature of the
dark zones would also arouse suspicions of intrusive
brecciation where void space tends to be minimised
due to the dusty, milled matrix filling most of the
space between fragments. It was the recognition of the
above, potential infill textures that finally led research
workers to understand the nature and origin of the
Ardlethan system.
D`Xifc`k`Z^iXe`k\Xe[`eÔcck\okli\j%
Jg\Z`d\e]ifd?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
GC8K< )' 8kpg`ZXcjg\Z`d\ef]d`Xifc`k`Z^iXe`k\Xcjfi\]\ii\[kfXjg\^dXk`k`Z^iXe`k\ %
+ N_\i\Xe[?fnkfCffb]fi@eÔccK\okli\jÆ:_Xee\cnXpI\Zf^e`k`fe
' (Zd
)0
§ GC8K< )( +%+%) @^e\flj@ek\ijk`k`XcD`e\iXc`jXk`fe
D`Zif$`eÔcck\okli\j`e^iXe`k\%
GC8K< )) Jg\Z`d\ej]ifdk_\[`jj\d`eXk\[fi\qfe\XkQXX`gcXXkjk`ed`e\#C`dgfgf#Jflk_8]i`ZX%
+ N_\i\Xe[?fnkfCffb]fi@eÔccK\okli\jÆ:_Xee\cnXpI\Zf^e`k`fe
' '%,Zd
' (Zd
*(
are complex mixtures of K-feldspar and albite. § GC8K< )*
The microscope also reveals very tiny, trian-
gle-acute angle textures which are interstitial to the <L?<;I8C:IPJK8CJ#MF@;J#GIFA<:K@E>
original granite minerals. These minute features con- :IPJK8CJ#jdXccjZXc\ki`Xe^lcXik\okli\j%
tain a suite of hydrothermal minerals which exhibit
crystalline features, and internal triangular textures. The specimen indicates an unusual situation where
They are miniature examples of the infill textures cavities have resulted from dissolution of quartz
described throughout this publication and include within granite.
feldspar, quartz, cassiterite, scheelite, synchisite, The specimen covers the extreme edge of Maggs
sericite, chlorite, fluorite, hematite, calcite, etc. Pipe at the changeover from altered granite to one of
On the hand specimen (left hand side) their pres- the unusual Zaaiplaats high-grade pipes.
ence is just visible via the regions of pale-yellow The mineralisation occurs as cassiterite together
sericite. A bright-yellow, triangular-textured patch with chlorite (both dark coloured). The cassiterite
is clearly visible and several others are present which crystals are just visible in places via some small reflec-
are slightly more obscure due to much of the sericite tive surfaces. The cassiterite is predominately crystal-
washing out during sample preparation. Similar line and was deposited either on crystalline chlorite
patches of dark-purple fluorite are present. or directly upon the granite feldspars. Many of the
The larger scale inset plate illustrates a good exam- cassiterite-chlorite patches are actually open vugs
ple of an interstitial vug. The key feature is the dark with inwardly projecting cassiterite crystals and rare
brown cassiterite which occupies the centre. This chlorite clusters. They contain obvious characteristics
exhibits excellent triangular-acute angle texture and of infill (cavities, crystal faces and triangular-acute
utilising the working backwards techniques it can angle textures against feldspar crystals). The granite
be seen to overgrow crystals of quartz (clear-white) feldspars exhibit mild chlorite alteration adjacent to
and a crystal of scheelite (whiter) opposite the quartz the chlorite-cassiterite patches.
crystals. Purple fluorite is also visible. The rock is not brecciated and it is very noticeable
The rock is not breccia, and the ore appears to have that as the infill zones appear, the granite quartz van-
been formed by hydrothermal fluids precipitating ishes. At the pipe edge the cassiterite-chlorite patches
within interstitial space between the granite miner- mimic the shapes of the granite quartz.
als. The ore zone is essentially flat and is mined via It is concluded that something has dissolved the
an open cut. Ore reserves are ill-defined, but several granite quartz, thus creating the porosity/perme-
million tons of low grade tin-tungsten are are present. ability required for the hydrothermal deposition.
This style of mineralisation has only been documented This phenomenon has recently been noted in a range
at Zaaiplaats, but there seems no reason to prevent of tin-bearing rocks, especially those involved with
similar occurrences within other granite-related ele- albitisation and is also present in K-feldspar alteration
ments systems (e. g., molybdenum, copper, gold etc). associated with the lower levels of quartz-wolframite
The key to their origin is again given by recognition vein systems (Xihuashan mine, China). The nature of
of infill textures. the fluids responsible is unknown although strong
alkalinity is one possible candidate. The dissolution
effect has critical implications for both fluid composi-
tions and in the creation of permeable channelways,
and may well be more widespread than currently
recognised. It is very difficult to recognise without
a good understanding and recognition of the infill
(and alteration) process.
+ N_\i\Xe[?fnkfCffb]fi@eÔccK\okli\jÆ:_Xee\cnXpI\Zf^e`k`fe
**
Mfcld\)Æ8ck\iXk`feK\okli\j
Mfcld\=ifekGX^\
Specimen from Mt Cobalt region, Queensland, Australia. This specimen has been placed on the
cover because it looks very attractive. It does also illustrate hematite alteration adjacent to veins
containing an infill of cobaltite (white) and quartz (dark).
§ GcXk\jMfcld\)8CK<I8K@FEK<OKLI<J
1–1A New St. Patrick copper mine, Copper Firing Line, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Sericite alteration. Vein style. 41, 47
2A–2C Ollera Creek tungsten mine, Ollera Creek, Queensland, Australia.
Greisen (sericite-silica) alteration. Pipe style. 49
3 Chuquicamata copper mine, Chile. Phyllic (silica-sericite) alteration. Stockwork vein style. 51
4 Zaaiplaats tin mine, Limpopo, South Africa. Chlorite alteration. Mairolitic style. 53
5 Jumna tin mine, Irvinebank, Queensland, Australia.
Chloritic alteration. Fault breccia, vein style. 55
6 Isobella (silver, lead, zinc) mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Silica alteration. Fault breccia, vein style. 57
7 Ravenswood gold mining district, Queensland, Australia.
Propylitic (chlorite, epidote ± carbonate) alteration. Vein style. 59
8 Esis porphyry copper prospect, Papua New Guinea.
Propylitic (chlorite-epidote-silica, sulphide) alteration. Intrusive breccia style. 61
9 Chuqui Norte, Chuquicamata copper mine, Chile.
Potassic (K-feldspar) alteration. Stockwork vein style. 63
10 Cracow gold mine, Queensland, Australia. Adularia alteration. Breccia style. 65
11 Mt Leyshon gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
Potassic (biotite) alteration. Intrusive breccia style. 67
12 Mallee Gap Creek, Selwyn Ranges, Queensland, Australia. Albitic alteration. Vein style. 69
13 Mt Leyshon gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
Clay-carbonate (± sulphide) alteration. Pervasive style. 71
14 Temora gold mine, New South Wales, Australia. Advanced argillic alteration (quartz-
pyrophyllite and alunite-rich phases). High stress zone, ductile shear-vein style. 73
15 Cloncurry region, Queensland, Australia.
Hematite alteration. Layer controlled and vein style. 75
16 Leeuwpoort “C” tin mine, Rooiberg, Limpopo, South Africa.
Magnetite, albite (± chlorite, epidote) alteration. Vein style. 77
17 Mt Charlotte gold mine, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia.
Silica-pyrite (± carbonate) alteration. Vein style. 79
18 Lake View gold mine, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia.
Carbonation or silica-pyrite-ankerite alteration. High stress zone, ductile shear-vein style. 81
19 Mt Morgan gold mine, Queensland, Australia. Sulphide (pyrite) alteration. Breccia style. 83
20 Watertank Hill gold mine, Mt Magnet, Western Australia, Australia.
Sulphide (pyrrhotite) alteration. Layer controlled and vein style. 85
21 Stewart Heads, Herberton tin district, Queensland, Australia.
Topaz alteration. Fault breccia, vein style. 87
22 Niger Creek Granite, Herberton tin district, Queensland, Australia. Granite I and Granite II,
Albite, chlorite alteration. Semi-pervasive selective background alteration in granites.
Interstitial cavity, micro-crack, grain boundary style. 89
*.
( @ekif[lZk`fe
Recognition of the effects of hydrothermal fluids upon their host rocks is one of the most impor-
tant and fundamental skills required by geologists involved in ore search. Naturally recognition
needs to be followed by comprehension of what the alteration may mean, but the initial observa-
tion remains crucial to any subsequent interpretation.
Most of our teaching institutions can only devote a small proportion of their curriculum to
introduce students to the many aspects of this difficult subject, and it is not surprising that most
geologists emerge with some rather hazy concepts and substantial insecurities concerning their
recognition skills. The author can still remember such minor problems as:
The terminology of alteration is indeed daunting. A short list of types could include such de-
lights as silicification, sericitisation, chloritisation, K-feldspathisation, albitisation, hematisation,
biotitisation, tourmalinisation, argillisation, sulphidation, topazisation, dolomitisation or even
scapolitisation!
*0
) 9Xj`ZGi`eZ`gc\j
It is not intended to discuss the details of alteration uncertain, and arguably represents various combi-
theory within this text, but rather to concentrate nations of diffusion, grain boundary controls, and
upon the recognition process. However, it is perhaps microfracturing. The factors causing/controlling the
worth a reminder that the term refers to the effects reactions are not the subject of this text but there are
that a hydrothermal fluid imparts upon a host rock. many potential variables including temperature, pres-
These take the form of mineralogical and/or textural sure, pH, Eh, fluid composition, wall rock composi-
changes which are referred to by a variety of terms tion, rate of flow and periodicity of flow. Indeed one
(alteration, wall-rock alteration, replacement, and of the major scientific reasons for studying alteration
metasomatism). The hydrothermal fluid is normally is to try and deduce as much as possible concerning
channelled through the rock by either primary (pore the ore fluid parameters.
space) or secondary porosity (fractures) and in gen- A most important (and generally neglected) facet
eral terms the degree of alteration increases as the of wall rock alteration studies is to realise that in
main channelway is approached. The subject is of most instances the alteration implies the presence of
priority interest to economic geologists as the altered a fluid channelway and it is most important to locate
rocks form natural halos adjacent to valuable ores, as and understand the channelway. This is commonly
well as providing a host of valuable clues concerning a fluid-filled (open space) zone which is marked by
the composition and physical parameters of the ore infill textures. The latter may be difficult to see, but
fluids. The alteration effects range from small sel- anyone who observes alteration should automatically
vedges adjacent to cracks up to kilometre scale zones look for the infill corollary. In this instance (Plate 1)
surrounding breccia pipes or porphyry systems. the quartz vein is presumed to be the infill component
Plate 1 is intended to introduce the general con- and displays both void texture and obvious quartz
cept of alteration in a simple form, and depicts a crystal (comb quartz) layers.
quartz vein in granite with an irregular dark halo of This raises the nasty question – was the chan-
alteration separating the vein from the host rock. It nelway filled at the same time that the alteration
is worth covering a few points which are occasion- occurred? In most cases this question is conveniently
ally confused. (or conventionally) ignored and it is assumed to be
It is generally assumed (although not necessar- the case! Presumably as infill proceeds fluid flow must
ily true) that the central vein marks the position of eventually be constricted or cease. The presumption
an originally open channelway which formed the of contemporaneity is supported in some 60-80 % of
conduit for moving hydrothermal fluid. The fluid is cases where the infilling components are similar to
assumed to have reacted with the minerals of the wall those occurring as alteration products. It can also be
rock to create a new assemblage. noted that the style of channelway has something to
The amount of change is more intense closest to say about the structural environment. The significant
the channelway and the alteration process is adjudged gap comprising the channel could be interpreted as a
to continue until chemical or physical conditions tensional feature and/or a product of hydrothermal
change. Alteration is thus conceived as a moving front jacking.
and it is quite common for the assemblage adjacent The gradational nature of most alteration zones
to the vein to be quite different to that further away. provides an opportunity to observe which miner-
Similarly, textural changes are normally most intense als within the host rock are the most susceptible to
adjacent to the channel. As the process continues the reaction and consequently represents an area worthy
size of the halo increases and the inner zones grow of special alteration. In this example (Plate 1) the
outwards to overprint the initially weaker outer feldspar component is replaced by a buff-grey mineral
alteration. A new outer zone forms as fresh rock is (fine -grained white mica-loosely termed sericite)
encountered by the expanding front. and there is just a vague hint of silica increase also
It can seen from the example (Plate 1) that the de- at the expense of feldspar. The alteration is texturally
gree of development is quite variable. The method by retentive.
which the fluid moves through the rock is commonly Another important factor to constantly realise is
GC8K<( J<I@:@K@:8CK<I8K@FE
HlXikqm\`en`k_[Xibj\i`Z`k\$[fd`eXk\[ Xck\iXk`fe_Xcf`eÔe\
^iXe`k\_fjk%
E\nJk%GXki`ZbZfgg\id`e\#:fgg\i=`i`e^C`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#
8ljkiXc`X%
that chemical changes have obviously occurred and potassium-rich K-feldspars and minor albite. Given
these should be mentally recorded at the observa- this it would be difficult to make a definitive conclu-
tional stage. Some elements have been added to the sion concerning potassium adjustment although
rock whilst others have been removed. The elements there must be an increase in (OH) components. If K-
added are reflected in the new mineralogy, and those feldspar predominates in the original rock there may
removed are presumed to have gone into solution and be an overall potassium loss. There is no substitute for
passed on with the fluid. In this sense a hydrother- careful observation and the author strongly recom-
mal fluid is constantly modifying in composition as mends that each specimen suspected as alteration
a result of alteration along its path. In this instance be treated from first principles. The answers to the
(Plate 1) the obvious visual change involves the ad- following questions should be considered:
dition of a probably potassium-rich mica in place of
) 9Xj`ZGi`eZ`gc\j +(
;f\jXck\iXk`fe\o`jkn`k_`ek_\jg\Z`d\ejY\`e^\oXd`e\[6
Hl\jk`fe@
>\e\iXcXck\iXk`fei\Zf^e`k`fe
;f\jk_\fYj\im\ie\\[kfdfm\kflck`dXk\cpZfdgi\_\e[k_\]lcc
Hl\jk`fe@@
g`Zkli\6FYj\imXk`feXcgfj`k`fe`e^
N_XkXi\k_\Xck\iXk`fed`e\iXcjgi\j\ek6
Hl\jk`fe@@@
D`e\iXc`[\ek`ÔZXk`fe
?fnnXjk_\_fjkifZbXck\i\[feX[\kX`c\[d`e\iXcYpd`e\iXcYXj`j6
Hl\jk`fe@M
N_XknXjXck\i\[kfn_Xk6:_Xe^\fm\iqfe\fYj\imXk`fe
N_Xkn\i\k_\k\okliXcZ_Xe^\j6NXjXck\iXk`fek\okliXccpi\k\ek`m\fi
Hl\jk`feM
k\okliXccp[\jkilZk`m\6K\okliXcfYj\imXk`fe
?fn[`[k_\Õl`[j^X`e`e^XZZ\jj6
Hl\jk`feM@
:_Xee\cnXp`[\ek`ÔZXk`fe
N\i\\c\d\ekjX[[\[fijlYkiXZk\[XjXi\jlckf]Xck\iXk`fe6
Hl\jk`feM@@
:_\d`ZXcXnXi\e\jj
+*
these terms create confusion for the beginner who very N_Xk`jk_\d`e\iXcf^pf]k_\Xck\iXk`fe
quickly notes that many alteration assemblages contain Xjj\dYcX^\ÆN_Xkn`cc@ZXcc`k6
two or three very obvious minerals and is uncertain
which one to nominate for a general title. By far the best
procedure at the early observation stage is to nominate *%, K\okliXcFYj\imXk`fe
all the visible minerals and use the assemblage as a N_XkXi\k_\k\okliXcZ_Xe^\j`emfcm\[`ek_\
name. Thus a mixture of quartz, chlorite, calcite is Xck\iXk`fegifZ\jj6
called a quartz, chlorite, calcite alteration assemblage.
Utilising this approach ensures that everyone is clear Most alteration assemblages exhibit an incredible
what is being talked about. A broader name can be degree of textural inheritance from their host rocks.
applied once this has been clearly established, and the Coarse-grained rocks such as granites or gneisses
observer is effectively free from all the problems that produce coarse-grained alteration products, whereas
abound from the very confused nomenclature. A much fine-grained rocks such as micro granites or shales
more fundamental problem arises with both experi- change to fine-grained products. Similarly coarse- or
enced and novice observers who have difficulties with fine-grained layering or original layers of different
identifying fine-grained alteration products. Hopefully composition usually retain some form of textural simi-
the plates within this text will be of some assistance. larity between host rocks and alteration products. This
However, if field recognition is a problem it is wise to is brought about by the general resistance of quartz to
simply record that the new assemblage is composed of change. Thus granite quartz, quartz phenocrysts and
a red mineral, a green one, and a grey one or whatever sedimentary quartz are commonly the last to convert.
is appropriate. The important thing is to look. A thin Consequently even quite strongly altered rocks are still
section will solve the problem for the beginner and as texturally coherent with their hosts. Obviously textural
experience is gained the detailed “looking” will quickly retention is at a minimum within the most intensely
convert into confident recognition. In all of this a hand altered zones and this again emphasises the first rule
lens inspection is vital. In all cases it is recommended of alteration, which is work from the known towards
to look in detail at the rock before and after any thin the unknown and carefully note what happens. Some
section assistance. This process radically reinforces the alteration styles are noted for being particularly textur-
observational learning curve. ally destructive and the observer will find examples
where it is impossible to see any obvious textural
retention. It is a little unfortunate that two very com-
*%+ :_Xe^\fm\iFYj\imXk`fe
mon alteration styles (silica and sulphide alteration/
KiXej`k`feXcqfe\j
replacement) fall into this category.
?fnXi\k_\e\nd`e\iXcj[\i`m\[]ifdk_\
_fjkifZb6
*%- :_Xee\cnXp@[\ek`ÔZXk`fe
The most important observational zone is the point of ?fn[`[k_\Õl`[j^X`eXZZ\jj6
change between the host and the altered rocks. This
is affectionately termed as looking for the half/half This is a critically important question which must
rocks, or zones where the host rocks are only partially be asked on every occasion where alteration is sus-
altered. This zone usually retains the textural character pected. Alteration is often taught, and almost always
of the original rock, and it is possible to see the original illustrated as spreading out from a central fluid chan-
mineral being converted into new ones. With coarser- nelway. This vein style approach is very convenient
grained rocks it can usually be seen that specific miner- as an introduction to the subject, and is the basis
als behave differently. Feldspars and ferromagnesian of most of the illustrations used here. Most people
minerals are very prone to early change whilst quartz have little trouble with this concept although they do
is usually more resistant. From this simple approach it experience practical problems in sorting out the infill
is usually possible to see “What is going on”. component from the alteration effects. However, there
Obviously it helps if the observer is good at recog- are many other styles of access which create confu-
nising alteration minerals, but even at the elementary sion. One of the most common is via various forms
stage it is possible to say that the plagioclase has of brecciated material. In these instances the fluids
turned pink, the biotite has gone green while quartz permeate through the breccia in a relatively irregular
has been unaffected. way utilising combinations of open spaces and rock
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe +,
§ GC8K<(8
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<
J<I@:@K@:8CK<I8K@FE
HlXikqm\`en`k_[Xibj\i`Z`k\$[fd`eXk\[ This important parameter involves a careful visual
Xck\iXk`fe_Xcf`eÔe\^iXe`k\_fjk%E\n inspection to determine precisely what happens to
Jk%GXki`ZbZfgg\id`e\#:fgg\i=`i`e^C`e\# each visible host mineral species as the alteration
?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% begins to take effect. Attention is thus focussed on
the transition zone. In this instance it is clear that
This plate is presented to give the reader a visual the feldspars (pink-white) have been altered and are
impression of the very common sericitic alteration seen in all stages of transition from partially to fully
type. It has been included twice (Plate 1 and Plate altered. It should also be noted that the process also
1A) to facilitate both the discussion in Section 2, and destroys the relatively sharp boundary features of
the complete description here. individual feldspars. This edge blurring is a major
><E<I8C8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE indication that a mineral is being subjected to altera-
tion. The biotite (dark) remains relatively untouched
Alteration is automatically anticipated from the although very careful observation of some grains give
presence of the dominant dark halo adjacent to the suspicions of edge blurring effects. Although not vis-
quartz vein. ible it has probably been partially altered to chlorite?
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> The quartz (grey-white) is untouched.
K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
Application of the “move principle” only requires
simple eyeball movement traversing from the rela- The partial alteration concentrated within the host
tively unaltered granite towards the central vein style feldspars naturally produces a textural result which
(white quartz) channelway. has a similar pattern to that of the host. It is thus
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE texturally retentive.
:?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
The new alteration assemblage is composed of fine-
grained dark grey-green-buff material, together with The white silica vein contains open void spaces and
a coarser grained dark brown-black mineral and a quartz crystals are discernible at several points. It
grey-white vitreous mineral. is thus identified as infill and represents an original
The latter two obviously relate to similar minerals channelway. The symmetrical relationship between
in the host rock (dark biotite and grey-white quartz). the vein and the alteration suggests (but does not
The dominant grey-green-buff mineral is too fine- prove) that the fluids responsible for alteration passed
grained for positive identification. However, this through the channelway now occupied by the quartz
colour is very typical of fine-grained white mica tra- infill. This suggests (but does not prove) that the
ditionally given the vague general name sericite. The infill and alteration are related. (Obviously many
term horrifies mineralogists owing to its imprecise more field examples of the same relationship would
nature. However, it is totally ingrained in common be needed to counter the possibility that the silica
geological parlance as a useful general term. Most veining fortuitously formed in this central location
sericite turns out to be various species of muscovite at some later date).
but usually requires X-ray Diffraction and electron It is worth noting that the open space character of
microprobe examination for detailed clarification. the vein suggests a tensional origin for the portion
These procedures are time consuming, costly, re- under observation. This could be achieved by any
quire advanced research expertise, and are not usu- permutation of faulting, joint development, dissolu-
ally pursued at the exploration level of investigation. tion, or hydraulic jacking. The comb style quartz
The beginner should note that fine-grained sericite argues against incremental opening (as opposed to
is frequently much darker in colour than might be fibre style silica).
expected. Close inspection of Plate 1A also leaves :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
the impression that the silica content may be slightly
enhanced in relation to that of the host rock? There The major change observable is that feldspars were
is just a hint of silica increase in some areas closer to converted to sericite. The feldspars appear to be pre-
the vein although this is debatable. dominately potassium rich (K-spars) and the sericite
' (Zd
GC8K<(8 J<I@:@K@:8CK<I8K@FE
HlXikqm\`en`k_[Xibj\i`Z`k\$[fd`eXk\[ Xck\iXk`fe_Xcf`eÔe\$^iX`e\[^iXe`k\_fjk%
E\nJk%GXki`ZbZfgg\id`e\#:fgg\i=`i`e^C`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
K_`jgcXk\`jgi\j\ek\[kfXccfn[`jZljj`fef]k_\YXj`Zgi`eZ`gc\jf]Xck\iXk`feJ\\J\Zk`fe)Æk\ok Xe[kf^`m\
k_\i\X[\iXm`jlXc`dgi\jj`fef]k_\m\ipZfddfej\i`Z`k`ZXck\iXk`fekpg\%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe +.
§ GC8K<J)8#)9#): zones relating to the host rock. (See below).
Should this rock be called sericitic alteration, silica
>I<@J<EJ<I@:@K<$J@C@:88CK<I8K@FE alteration, sericite-silica alteration or silica-sericite
Fcc\iX:i\\bkle^jk\ed`e\#GXcldX alteration? Given that the white mica component is
;`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% mostly rather coarse grained, it could equally well
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ % be argued that it be called muscovite alteration. This
discussion becomes even more distressing when it is
This specimen has been selected to show an advancing realised that the white micas in the rock are almost
alteration front of diverse mineralogy (silica-sericite) certainly unusual and given their environment are
as an example of greisen style alteration, and to dem- probably lithium- or fluorine-rich. Practising tin-
onstrate the texturally destructive nature of silica tungsten geologists add further confusion by using
alteration. The deposit is of the tungsten-pipe style the very well-established term greisen alteration to
and is a smaller version of the better known Bamford describe the coarse -grained mica-silica assemblege.
Hill type which is also in north Queensland. The author would prefer to establish the general eye-
><E<I8C8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE ball mineralogy and name accordingly and would
use the quartz-muscovite prefixes initially, probably
Alteration is suspected from the readily apparent min- acknowledging the traditional greisen term by use
eralogical changes as the mineralised (silica-rich) re- of brackets. As can be seen there is no accepted stan-
gion is approached from the host granite. (Plate 2A) dardisation and at the moment it is just one of those
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> illogical things designed to send the clinically minded
into deep depression!
Eyeball movement is sufficient with this specimen, :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJÆKI8EJ@K@FEJ
although in the field the alteration zone can require
physical movement around the 0.5 metre scale. The rock actually contains three transitions (left to
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE right)
(a) Granite to (muscovite) sericite-silica (sharp)
The alteration zone is a classic example designed to texturally retentive alteration
confuse the beginner. Fairly obviously the mineral- (b) Sericite-silica – to silica-sericite (very vague) -
ogy varies and three very vaguely defined zones are vague texture retentive alteration
apparent (Plate 2A). An inner grey-white glassy zone (c) Silica-sericite to silica (vague) – new texture
and an outer darkish zone are separated by something (infill)
which is texturally between the two. Having noted The granite host rock (2A, 2B) is composed of vari-
this it is clear that all the zones are composed of vari- ably sized quartz (white-grey) crystals which exhibit
ous combinations of two minerals. Silica (grey-white) a vague, rounded crystal form, and are commonly
predominates towards the right hand edge. linked in chain-like clusters.
The same silica is present throughout the rest of These are intergrown with brick red (hematite
the alteration zone but is also accompanied by an- dusted?) K-feldspars which vary in grain size and
other form of dark grey silica. The second mineral range from semi-crystalline to interstitial shapes.
is a dark to pale white mica which is dark coloured Plagioclase is rare but one altered example (sericitised)
on most of the slab surface, but looks much paler on is present which appears encased by K-feldspar
the normal rock face. The mica also has two major (rapakivi texture) and includes some dark spots. The
forms, occurring as discrete dark coarse crystal relatively restricted, interstitial-style dark aggregates
clusters within the high-silica (grey-white) zone and are a variety of muscovite. The changeover from
as finer-grained slightly paler aggregations within pink to grey is quite sharp, and although it is obvi-
the dark-grey silica zones of the outer regions ap- ous on the broad scale (Plate 2A) that the feldspars
proaching the granite host. Two other minerals are have been changed this is quite difficult to confirm
present in relatively small amounts. Firstly there are close-up (Plate 2B). The feldspar position is taken up
some pale pink spots (Plate 2A – top right, Plate 2C by various forms of dark and pale greisen minerals
– top right) and just adjacent to the granite-greisen (micas). There is a tendency for white micas to appear
transition these are some very dark crystal clusters. dark on slabs. Some feldspar remnants can be seen in
The pale pink mineral is probably K-feldspar and the the paler zones (top centre). The granite quartz and
dark clusters are probably dark coloured muscovite dark muscovite seem relatively intact and there are
GC8K<* J<I@:@K<$J@C@:88CK<I8K@FE
G_pcc`ZXck\iXk`fe#:_lhl`ZXdXkXZfgg\id`e\#:_`c\%Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpJ%9\Xdj %
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe ,(
§ GC8K<+ and quartz (grey-glassy) Some patches are possibly
granophyric with fine specs of quartz intergrown
:?CFI@K<8CK<I8K@FE@ED@8IFC@K@: with feldspar. The initial alteration is marked by
>I8E@K< spots and oriented patches of dark chlorite appearing
Jg\Z`d\e]ifdk_\[`jj\d`eXk\[fi\qfe\ within the red potassium feldspars (top-middle left),
XkQXX`gcXXkjk`ed`e\#C`dgfgf#Jflk_ this progresses erratically to eventually take over the
8]i`ZX% feldspar position. All stages of alteration can be found
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ % by tracing the declining proportions of red feldspar
in the crystals under attack. An area projecting into
This specimen has been included to show chloritic the top portion of the infill cavity, still retains a little
alteration and the miarolitic style of permeability feldspar and can be picked out by the small quartz
channel. blebs which seem resistant to chlorite alteration.
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
Alteration is suspected from the rather fuzzy-blurred The chlorite alteration is texturally retentive as it
zones around the edges of sulphide mineralisation. preferentially occupies the feldspar sites leaving the
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> granite quartz relatively untouched. This sequencing
is normal for most forms of alteration although with
Although only eyeball movement is required, it is increasing intensity the textural retention is lost as
essential that the observer be able to clearly distin- the host silica is finally replaced.
guish infill from alteration. This distinction (or lack :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
of!) is a neglected observation and frequently results
in misinterpretation of deposit origin. In this case The fluid has presumably gained access via the mi-
the miarolitic cavity has been filled with mineral arolitic cavity, which is only one of many within the
precipitates and the fluids have also caused alteration rock. The chloritic alteration only reaches signifi-
around the edges. The observer thus has to accurately cant proportions around the cavity and this raises a
locate the cavity edge. number of difficult questions regarding fluid access.
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE The granite assemblage is probably in the +600 °C
range whilst the hydrothermal assemblage is in the
The infill mineralogy is very varied consisting of dark >500 °C range.
glassy crystals (quartz) dark green clumps (chlo- Was the f luid always present? – does it move
rite), dull silver crystals (cassiterite?) and late silver through the rock and if so why? – do the feldspars
coloured (arsenopyrite). A few pale-yellow/brown only show cavity focussed chlorite alteration?
minerals are also present (?). :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
The alteration mineralogy is best initially observed on
the left basal region of the infilled cavity and consists The conversion of K and Na feldspars to chlorite
of dark green flecks (chlorite) associated with feldspar. requires the addition of Fe, Mg and the loss of K, Na.
The dominance of the dark green favours the name Presumably some (OH) groupings are also added.
chloritic alteration. It is interesting to note that all the elements added
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE as infill are not recorded by the alteration process
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J which provides considerable food for thought for
scientists making deductions on the basis of alteration
The host rock is granite composed of potassium feld- assemblages alone.
spar (red) complexly “intergrown” with albite (pink)
GC8K<+ :?CFI@K<8CK<I8K@FE@ED@8IFC@K@:>I8E@K<
Jg\Z`d\e]ifdk_\[`jj\d`eXk\[Xi\qfe\XkQXX`gcXXkjk`ed`e\#C`dgfgf#Jflk_8]i`ZX%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
,*
§ GC8K<,
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJ
GC8K<, :?CFI@K<8CK<I8K@FE
AldeXk`ed`e\#@im`e\YXeb#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe ,,
§ GC8K<- development where segments of host rock are situated
between veins and occur in all stages of alteration.
J@C@:@:8CK<I8K@FE The pale cream material is obviously being converted
@jfY\ccXj`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#?\iY\ikfe# to silica. It is very difficult to see any natural break
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% between suspected silica alteration and suspected
silica infill. This edge-blurring effect is very common
This plate has been selected to show typical silica in siliceous alteration. The difficulty in differentiating
alteration, stockwork style fluid access, the textur- siliceous alteration from silica precipitation is a con-
ally destructive nature of siliceous alteration and the stant problem to both hand specimen and microscopic
blurred edge effects between infill and alteration. observers. In most cases the hand specimen observer
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE is at a slight advantage as the siliceous alteration may
have a slightly different colour to that of the infill
The presence of veinlet style/stockwork sulphide which is not visible in thin section. It is possible in
mineralisation with obvious vein selvedge zones im- this plate to just perceive the ghost outline of a host
mediately raises suspicion of alteration. rock fragment (top left) where the silica (alteration) is
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> faintly darker than that on either side (infill?) of the
ghosted fragment. There is a possibility that more than
Within the plate only eyeball movement is required to one phase of silica introduction has occurred as there
traverse potential alteration zones. However, within is a hint of a crosscutting silica-sphalerite vein (centre).
the ore zone, areas of silica/sulphides over several me- More specimens would be required to establish this as
tres in thickness are present. At one stage the failure to the evidence here is a little inconclusive.
recognise infill from alteration caused the brecciated K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
fault zone to be misidentified as a volcanogenic mas-
sive sulphide style of mineralisation. The degree of textural retention is very small and
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE the alteration quickly removes most features of the
original host rock.
The stockwork vein zones are composed of a grey- :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
white glassy mineral (quartz), a variety of dark
coloured minerals (sphalerite) and minor paler yel- The points of fluid entry are marked by high silica
low spots/blebs (pyrite). The predominance of quartz (vein) zones and the rock appears to have been shat-
would quickly suggest that siliceous alteration (silici- tered (the specimen is actually an edge to a wide
fication) was present. Geologists familiar with veins zone of fault breccia extending for approximately a
and infill textures would be cautious concerning the hundred metres along strike). The probability of ex-
sulphides which are quite probably infill. Within this tensive open space infill is high and given the lack of
context it is highly probable that some of the silica shearing or rock flour the rock has probably suffered
is also infill. Additional samples would be sought to some hydraulic jacking with fluid introduction?
resolve the situation. :?<D@:8CF9J<IM8K@FE
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJ
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J If the pale host rock mineral is feldspar than the al-
tered rocks have clearly lost components such as K, Na,
The host rock (bottom-middle right) is a fine- to Ca and possibly Al whilst gaining silica. Whether or
medium-grained metasediment composed of silica not the sulphide component has been added depends
(grey) and feldspar? (pale cream to pale yellow). It upon whether the observer interprets them as infill
is locally termed quartzite. The changeover is best precipitation or alteration. The writer would suspect
seen (top-middle left) in zones of intense silica-vein that the majority are infill components.
GC8K<- J@C@:@:8CK<I8K@FE
@jfY\ccXj`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe ,.
§ GC8K<. top. The initial rock (bottom) is a medium-grained
tonalite composed of minor quartz (clear glassy),
:?CFI@K<#<G@;FK<:8I9FE8K< abundant plagioclase (white), and equally abundant
8CK<I8K@FE#Gifgpc`k`ZXck\iXk`fe% dark minerals (biotite, amphibole). Many of the dark
D`e\[ldg#IXm\ejnff[^fc[d`e`e^ minerals contain small yellow spots of fine-grained
[`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% pyrite. The obvious igneous texture is characterised
by sharp grain boundaries.
This plate has been selected to illustrate the main Although alteration is texturally retentive a close
features of an alteration style commonly termed examination reveals that mineral boundaries start to
propylitic. The rock is coarse-grained and the miner- look fuzzy, and the initial sharp interlocking texture
alogical changes are easily observed. Most propyliti- becomes blurred. This is primarily achieved at the
cally altered rocks are fine-grained and emanate from expense of the plagioclase and dark mineral grains.
rocks which contain abundant dark ferromagnesian Good observation entails taking each individual
minerals (e. g. basalt, dolerite, andesite). mineral of the original rock and specifically looking
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE to see any changeovers as alteration increases. The
quartz grains remain unchanged. The plagioclase
Alteration is suspected from the change in colouration grains are variably affected but significant numbers
moving from bottom to top. Mineral blurring also or portions of them are grey-green in colour. It is
increases in this direction and the specimen is in fact also apparent that the “yellow” epidote preferentially
a halo to a vein above the top of the plate, appears in plagioclase sites. It is probable that it is
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> actually clinozoisite, which is a Ca-rich end-member.
Clinozoisite tends to be on the yellow side of the
Eyeball only. green-yellow “epidote” range. The ferromagnesian
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE minerals (dark) appear to be less altered but careful
inspection shows that many of them are not as black
The altered zone consists of a variety of minerals or glossy as the originals and have taken on a flat dark
which include a sharply defined yellowish compo- green-grey look. This is probably due to chlorite al-
nent together with significant amounts of a grey- teration, which is also responsible for obscuring many
green-white mineral, a colourless glassy substance, of the originally sharp grain boundaries. The pyrite
and a preponderance of dark black-brown to dark spots disappear as alteration increases. Calcite is not
green mineral grains. The colourless-glassy mineral really visible at this scale but some of very small bright
is quartz, the green-grey white is partially altered white spots would come under suspicion?
feldspar and the yellow grains are epidote, possibly a K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
Ca-rich variety. The dark minerals are ferromagnesian
components and represent biotite and hornblende The alteration is texturally retentive.
partially altered to chlorite. Chlorite is probably also :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
responsible for the greenish colouration of many of the
feldspars. The alteration assemblage chlorite-epidote The bulk of fluid access has occurred via a millime-
(+ calcite) is called propylitic and is a very common tre-scale vein channel not visible within the plate.
low temperature alteration. It is particularly visible However, careful observation reveals a small vague
in ferromagnesian rocks (basalt, dolerite, andesite) vertical pale coloured channel (centre right) travers-
as a greenish tinge (chlorite) to the ferromagnesian ing the altered zone. There is just a hint that alteration
minerals with occasional green-yellow epidote.(See is a little more intense at some points adjacent to the
Plate 8). The name is frequently used in porphyry channel. The nature of the channel is a little obscure
copper systems where propylitic alteration forms the but it seems to be a simple fracture with infill (silica?
outer and most extensive zone of a complex zoned + chlorite?).
alteration system. :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J Chlorite, although variable in composition, is basi-
cally an Mg-Fe aluminosilicate and epidote, although
The changeover transition zone is gradual with the similarly variable, is a Ca-Fe aluminosilicate. The
intensity of alteration vaguely increasing towards the epidote replaces calcium-rich plagioclase as does a
proportion of the chlorite. It would thus seem that a the alteration is simply a readjustment of elements
little Fe-Mg is all that is required to produce the pla- within the original rock with little addition or loss.
gioclase alteration. The igneous iron and magnesium- Indeed most analytical investigations of propylitic
rich minerals have also been partially converted to style alteration demonstrate that little has been added
iron-rich chlorite. It seems probable that much of other than extra (OH) groupings.
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe ,0
§ GC8K</ The latter are mostly ill-defined and have a dull dark
greenish tinge suggestive of chlorite. Many of the
J@C@:8#:?CFI@K<#<G@;FK<#JLCG?@;< white feldspars have equally vague outlines and seem
8CK<I8K@FE#Gifgpc`k`Z&j`c`Z\fljXck\iXk`fe# to be replaced by grey silica? A variety of spots (spha-
@ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X%<j`jgfig_pipZfgg\i lerite, iron carbonate, rutile, titanomagnetite?) occur
gifjg\Zk#GXglXE\n>l`e\X% within the ferromagnesian zones and several patches
of green-yellow (epidote?) are present. Some of them
This specimen has been selected to illustrate both the seem to be within white plagioclase zones.
general principles and difficulty of coping with altera- The matrix is more difficult to characterise but
tion within complex breccia systems. It also provides has a general greenish-grey appearance and in hand
a second example of propylitic style alteration. specimen is very hard suggesting that it is very sili-
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE ceous + chlorite. Obviously the dust size particles are
derived from the fragments and in this context par-
The specimen is clearly a fragmental rock. The frag- tially reflect the above description. However, there is
ments range from several centimetres in diameter a noticeable reduction in white plagioclase material.
down to dust size particles. There is in fact a complete From the hand specimen it seems that the main
gradation but without entering into semantic argu- alteration minerals are silica, chlorite, epidote + an
ments most geologists would see this as a combina- unknown pink-brown mineral and minor sulphides.
tion of fragments and rock flour. The fragments are For those who like names, the high silica would be
generally well-rounded and predominately derived overlooked and the tag propylitic readily applied.
from darkish plutonic-textured igneous rock. There The fragments also contain significant amounts of
is a hint of quartz fragments (vein material – top fine-grained sulphides which are rather difficult to
left edge). From field relationships together with the pick out in the plate. These are in the same size range
above, it has been identified as intrusive (milled) as the prominent pale-pink mineral (titanomagnetite-
breccia. Ieucoxene?) and at least two species are found. One
Alteration in this instance is suspected firstly by the has a pale yellow tinge (pyrite) and the other is dark
very fuzzy blurred appearance of the minerals within coloured with a very dull silver sheen (galena, arse-
the coarse-grained igneous fragments, and secondly nopyrite?). They are well-represented in the centre-
by the less obvious observation that the smaller size top right fragments and show a preference to appear
matrix particles are similarly blurred and difficult to inside the ferromagnesian mineral component. The
discern. The rock also contains a suspiciously high matrix contains a similar range of sulphides which
sulphide content suggesting a possible hydrothermal are even finer-grained.
contribution. K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E>
Even without unaltered host rocks it is apparent that
Alteration within brecciated rocks usually proceeds the bulk of the altered fragments have a high degree
via matrix permeability and this certainly seems to be of textural retention and have been derived from a
the case here. To fully ascertain subtleties the observer medium-grained igneous rock composed originally
should move totally in an attempt to find breccia with of feldspar, quartz, and ferromagnesian minerals.
unaltered or less altered matrix (that is to seek out the The high percentage of ferromagnesian minerals
original matrix). Most significantly altered intrusive suggests something in the tonalite-monzonite range.
breccias are a result of late fluids permeating through The matrix is reasonably texture retentive despite the
an originally weakly altered matrix (see changeover silicification. The grit scale particles are still visible
observations and timing). although many of the smaller ones are “ghosted” or
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE blurred by silicification.
:?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
The mineral composition of the rock (on bottom
right) is difficult to ascertain in any normal sense. At The most significant alteration effects are within the
least two (probably three) fragment types are clearly lowest particle size range of the matrix material, and
visible and presumably the milling has resulted in this would be interpreted as indicating that fluid
an inhomogenous matrix mix. The large igneous access was via permeation of a relatively unconsoli-
textured fragments are a mixture of quartz, grey- dated gritty/dusty breccia matrix, with an associated
white feldspar, and dark ferromagnesian minerals. secondary access to the fragments.
GC8K</ J@C@:8#:?CFI@K<#<G@;FK<#JLCG?@;<8CK<I8K@FE
Gifgpc`k`Z&j`c`Z\fljXck\iXk`fe#`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X%
<j`jgfig_pipZfgg\igifjg\Zk#GXglXE\n>l`e\X%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe -(
§ GC8K<0 looking very similar to the biotite-feldspar of the host
rocks. The structural styles range from subtle stock-
GFK8JJ@LD=<C;JG8IB$=<C;JG8I works in porphyries, through to very subtle semi-
8CK<I8K@FEGfkXjj`ZXck\iXk`fe%:_lhl` pervasive alteration of fine-grained breccia matrices
Efik\:_lhl`ZXdXkXZfgg\id`e\#:_`c\% or grain boundary permeation through fine-grained
pyroclastic, volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks.
This specimen has been selected to illustrate one style of The observer is requested to take note of some of the
potassic alteration within a porphyry copper system. very fine impersistent cracks in the top left quadrant.
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE The dark component in these is quite probably biotite.
This dark small-scale crack style is used by experienced
Alteration suspicions are aroused by the presence of observers to pick up potential potassic alteration and
a stockwork of numerous small fractures associated is actually more diagnostic and useful than the pink
with pink vein selvages. effect which dominates this particular specimen.
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJ
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J
Only eyeball movement is required. Observers should
however, be aware that most potassic alteration in The pink alteration is not uniformly distributed along
porphyry systems is at the micro fracture level and the small fractures and a close inspection reveals
may not be not immediately obvious. Even within that it shows a distinct preference for the feldspars of
seemingly glaringly obvious examples the pale pink the fine-grained matrix material whilst leaving the
colouration is easily overlooked in an unslabbed quartz unaffected. Similarly, small feldspar (white)
hand specimen. This emphasises that all alteration phenocrysts are more prone to alteration than their
observation should be quickly supported by hand larger counterparts.
lens inspection. The proportion of small dark spots (sulphides?)
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE exhibits a close (although not perfect) spatial re-
lationship with the alteration. At the very subtle
The most visible feature is the pale pink colouration level an experienced observer might suspect that the
associated with the stockwork system. The veins are ferromagnesian component of the monzogranitic
composed of a grey vitreous mineral (quartz) and also porphyry host rock (biotite? hornblende?) is looking
sporadically contain small dark minerals (sulphides? a little fuzzy/blurred around the edges. That is to say
biotite?). Pink alteration systems may prove difficult the dark grain boundaries are not sharp as they are in
to identify by eye, due to the wide range of potentially normal igneous rocks, and in places contain hints of a
pink alteration products. (K-feldspars, albite, hema- pale brownish colour. It is highly probable that these
tite, carbonate, silica). However, within the porphyry have been partially converted to secondary biotite.
copper context potassium feldspar is a good guess and K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
porphyry geologists would have little hesitation in
nominating potassic alteration. Once again conven- The alteration is texturally retentive with most fea-
tional usage creates immense problems for beginners tures of the original rock remaining visible.
as the term potassic alteration gives only vague clues :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
concerning the nature of the specimen.
The two common potassium-rich minerals which The fluid access is obviously via an extensive stock-
characterise this style are K-feldspar and biotite. Un- work fracture system which is present at all scales. This
fortunately they occur in extremely variable propor- incredible shattering is a characteristic feature of most
tions and in a wide variety of structural styles. Some- porphyry copper systems and only rarely reaches this
times the K-feldspar component is dominant but more extent in most other mineralisation styles. Careful ob-
commonly the biotite dominates. This is especially servation shows that the fluid prefers to gain secondary
true within the more mafic porphyritic hosts which penetration via the finer-grained matrix component.
predominate within the Papua New Guinea-island arc :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
porphyry systems. Even within K-feldspar dominated
systems recognition is not assisted by the common The chemical changes relating to alteration obviously
presence of white K-feldspar! Generally speaking depend on the composition of the crowded feldspar
potassic alteration is difficult to detect as the rocks phenocryst component, the matrix feldspars, and
look fresh with biotite-feldspar alteration mineralogy whether or not the ferromagnesian minerals have
been altered to secondary biotite. The hint would be occurred there could be some iron or magnesium loss.
that there is a small potassium increase accompanied However, secondary biotite is commonly magnesium-
by loss of sodium and calcium (from the feldspars). rich. The sulphide component with the exception of
If alteration of the ferromagnesian minerals has iron would be introduced.
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe -*
§ GC8K<(' that there has been considerable introduction of silica.
As previously indicated (Plate 9) pink alteration is
8;LC8I@88CK<I8K@FE always difficult to identify with certainty and could
8e[\j`k`ZmfcZXe`Zj% represent potassium feldspars, albite, silica, hematite
:iXZfn^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% or carbonate. In this instance X-ray Diffraction and
microscopy have established that the new feldspar
This plate has been selected to illustrate adularia, is adularia and belongs to an epithermal alteration
pervasive alteration, and fragment destruction due to assemblage.
fluid access via matrix and fracture networks. :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJ
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE
The suspicion of extensive alteration would naturally
The main features which suggest the presence of lead the observer to check laterally for less-affected
alteration are the rather blurred boundaries to some host rocks. No coherent observation can be made
of the more obvious fragments (central zone) and the from this plate.
suspicion that there are other fragments which have K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
been “ghosted out” (top left). These features when
linked to the vague hint of veining (bottom right) The alteration is reasonably texturally retentive in
are sufficient to suspect extensive modification of a that the fragments are recognisable as porphyritic
fragmented rock by hydrothermal alteration. igneous rocks. Details of fragment boundaries and
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> matrix textures are however a little vague and it is
difficult to speculate on breccia style.
The suspected alteration style is fairly pervasive and :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
physical movement of the observer would be required
to locate potential host rocks. In reality these are Judging from the distribution of intensity of altera-
mildly sericitised green-grey fragmental andesites. tion the fluid access seems to have been via the matrix
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE component of the breccia. Although the fragmental-
breccia style is uncertain there are hints of infill zones
The most visible components are orange-red/pink given by the two paler-yellowish areas in the centre
feldspars most of which occur as phenocrysts within of the plate. A thin curved strip and a more arcuate
fragments. The feldspars are set in a fine-grained zone rimmed by red feldspar could represent direct
green-grey (silica, sericite?) matrix. The vague precipitation into a fluid-filled gap. The observer
vein-like areas similarly contain orange-red/pink should obviously move to locate clearer examples,
feldspar together with yellowish pale-orange mate- but it looks like the fluid pathway will be via open
rial (silica). The remaining texturally diffuse areas channels (breccia) and matrix permeability.
are composed of similar combinations of the above :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
minerals. Some small dark minerals are also evident
(iron oxides?). In this instance none of the minerals Without more information concerning host rocks and
are readily identifiable and without visible host rocks mineral identification it is not possible to speculate
it is difficult to nominate those which are the result too far upon possible element mobility. A silica in-
of alteration. Given a host rock it would be evident crease seems a strong possibility, and an introduction
that white feldspars have been converted to pink and of potassium.
GC8K<(' 8;LC8I@88CK<I8K@FE
8e[\j`k`ZmfcZXe`Zj#
:iXZfn^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe -,
§ GC8K<(( 2. The fragments may have been altered as a result
of hydrothermal interaction as part of the breccia
9@FK@K<8CK<I8K@FE#GfkXjj`ZXck\iXk`fe% forming process. This would affect both pristine
DX`eG`g\9i\ZZ`X#DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\# and previously altered host rocks.
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% 3. All of the above may have occurred and a new
major alteration may occur as a result of late-stage
This plate has been selected to show biotite alteration fluids permeating the breccia. This situation is in
and breccia style fluid access. It also illustrates some fact the norm with mineralised intrusive breccia
of the complexities involved with breccia alteration. systems. This will affect both previously altered
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE fragments and may extend to react with relatively
fresh rocks in the margins of the breccia.
Alteration is difficult to detect and the specimen The above complications serve to reemphasise the
at first sight could well represent a normal clastic prime alteration rule which can be simply stated as
sedimentary rock. Some suspicion might be aroused move. An excursion into the breccia margins and wall
by the fact that clasts are difficult to recognise below rocks will usually resolve most of the problems relat-
about grit size. The specimen is actually an intrusive ing to 1) above. An attempt to locate areas of breccia
(milled) breccia with a strongly altered matrix. which have not been overprinted by late-stage fluids
F9J<IM8K@FEGFJ@K@FE@E> will similarly help with determining the effects due
to breccia emplacement. This process is assisted con-
The key to positioning hinges upon the observers expe- siderably by utilising drill core. In most situations the
rience with breccia systems. If the possibility of either problems prove to be less horrendous than might be
intrusive style breccia or matrix alteration is recognised, supposed, but the author would confess that there are
the procedure is obviously to move and examine the situ- a few situations which may require months of diligent
ation within other parts of the system. In most intrusive work to fully resolve the sequencing.
breccia systems major alteration occurs subsequent to The fragments within the plate are clearly of vari-
breccia formation and it is possible to move from areas able origin and have been variably affected by the
of relatively unaltered breccia matrix to zones of strong late-stage biotite-dominated alteration. Some are
alteration associated with late hydrothermal fluid intro- “ghosted” out at the small scales, whilst others appear
duction (See channelway section below). unaffected. The pink-tinged fragments are mostly of
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE the fine-grained granite/porphyry mode and might
possibly have been affected by feldspathic (K-Feld-
If alteration is suspected it would be represented by spar) styles of alteration. The yellow tinge within the
the fine-grained dark material of the matrix. The bottom centre pink fragment is epidote alteration of
dark colour could be caused by a variety of minerals feldspar. Several mysterious rim style alterations are
such as tourmaline, silica, chlorite or biotite. In this clearly visible notably on the large grey green frag-
case tourmaline and silica would be eliminated by ment and also around the pink fragment directly to
hardness testing. The black, rather than black-green the right of it. In both cases the rims are not actually
colour, would suggest biotite but a thin section would continuous and it is very uncertain whether or not
be required for confirmation. the rims relate to alteration caused by the late biotite
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE event or to a previous event during breccia forma-
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J tion. They could equally well relate to both, with the
late overprinting event reacting differently with the
Changeover observations within intrusive breccias variable results of a previous alteration!! Again this
systems require careful consideration. This is particu- emphasises the requirement to move (preferably with
larly true where matrix alteration is intense. In such a purpose). The bright yellow colour associated with
situations although alteration of the matrix is relatively the small crack is surface oxidation (top).
uniform, the response of the different fragments is K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
variable. The amount of fragment alteration ranges
from complete to very little, and there is no guarantee The degree of textural retention within the fragments
that alteration response will be mineralogically similar is relatively high and most geologists would be sug-
for differing fragment compositions. The problem is gesting the host rocks mentioned above. The textural
compounded by the following. retention progressively decreases with fragment size.
1. The fragments may have become altered as a Smaller fragments of appropriate compositions be-
result of hydrothermal fluid interaction before the come blurred around the edges and eventually invis-
brecciation process. ible to the eye. In general terms this process is best seen
--
' (Zd
GC8K<(( 9@FK@K<8CK<I8K@FE#GfkXjj`ZXck\iXk`fe#
DX`eG`g\9i\ZZ`X#DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
at around “grit” size. In other words, if the fragments a significant amount of iron and potassium must
are reactive the smaller grains are altered first. have been present within the late fluid to account for
:?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE the biotite. However, without knowing the general
chemistry of the “original” matrix it is very difficult
The mode of fluid access is assumed to be via the perme- to speculate as to the extent of local versus outside deri-
ability afforded by a relatively unconsolidated breccia vation. Given general knowledge concerning biotite
matrix. Given the style of breccia very little open space alteration a significant outside component is suspected,
would be available and visible infill textures rare. involving a high temperature saline magmatic solution.
:?<D@:8CF9J<IM8K@FE This is further supported by the apparent stability of
feldspar-rich fragments in the matrix. It is essentially
Most of the alteration reactions are obviously complex potassic alteration similar to that which is related to
given the nature of the rock (see changeover section conventional porphyry copper systems.
above). However, at the broad scale it is clear that
-.
§ GC8K<() pink), quartz (dark grey) and magnetite (dark). The
above description was written before inspection of
8C9@K@:8CK<I8K@FE a thin section.
DXccX\>Xg:i\\b#J\cnpeIXe^\# :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%A%N`cc`Xdj %
The host rock is a dark schist composed of fine-
This specimen has been included to show an albite grained minerals. The main mineral components are
alteration and to illustrate the problems concerned dark ferromagnesian minerals (biotite? amphibole?),
with fine-grained alteration products. darkish green areas (chlorite? sericite? altered feld-
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE spar?) white-grey-glassy minerals (quartz), and some
minute bright white spots (?).
Alteration is suspected from the nature of the gra- Within the transition zone, the ferromagnesian
dational transition from the dark host rock to a pale component disappears, the glassy component re-
product. In the field, the alteration forms part of a mains. The remainder becomes increasingly domi-
fracture controlled vein-like structure. nated by the greenish mineral, which grades to the
D@E<I8CI<:F>E@K@FE dominant paler pink colour of the main alteration
zone. The prominent pink-yellow mineral of the al-
The suspected alteration product is very fine-grained teration assemblage starts to appear within the green
and contains prominent flakes of a lath-like yellow- transition zone.
pink mineral (?) occurring within finer-grained pale K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
pink material (feldspar?) speckled with darker grey-
glassy wavy elongate grains (quartz). Small dark spots The alteration is very texturally retentive and retains
are scattered throughout and there are vague areas the prominent schistose character of the host.
which seem a little pinker than average (hematite?). :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
It would be a very confident geologist who could
pick this assemblage from hand specimen alone, and As depicted it is difficult to assess whether or not
petrological support is necessary for confirmation. the fluid channelway is related to a fracture system
The general white/pink colouration suggests feld- beyond the upper plate margin, or whether it is layer
spar but hematite, carbonate, and silica are all valid controlled. Field information would confirm the
alternatives. In the field it would be best described vein-fracture style.
by colour/texture awaiting petrographic confirma- :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
tion. This is commonly the case with fine-grained
end products, and albite in particular can assume a It would be difficult to comment in this instance
wide range of colours (white, pink, red, grey-glassy). without microscopic mineralogical support. However,
For completeness the reader will be interested to knowing that albite is the principle new mineral, it
learn that the alteration is predominately albite (pale seems that considerable Na has been added at the
flesh-white), associated with minor sphene (yellow- expense of Fe, Mg and possibly silica.
GC8K<() 8C9@K@:8CK<I8K@FE
DXccX\>Xg:i\\b#J\cnpeIXe^\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%A%N`cc`Xdj %
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe -0
§ GC8K<(* although containing isolated scattered phenocrysts,
is more enigmatic in terms of origin.
:C8P$:8I9FE8K<8CK<I8K@FE The porphyritic zone contains clear shapes which
8i^`cc`ZXck\iXk`fe% suggest mineral origins. The quartz blobs look like
D`e\gfig_pip#DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\# original quartz, the brownish-dark materials could
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% easily have been feldspar, and the green shapes could
easily have been a mica (biotite?). This has in fact been
This specimen has been included to show the effects confirmed from other specimens, which also show
of argillic alteration. It is however, a complex rock that the original porphyry is strangely heterogeneous
and also shows features of sulphide and carbonate with patches of high crystal concentrations occur-
alteration. ring within zones of more sporadic phenocryst/high
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE matrix texture. A very close examination reveals that
many of the carbonate spots contain smaller dark and
The rock arouses suspicions of alteration owing to the pale sulphide spots (sphalerite/pyrite) and that the
pervasive white colouration which is linked to the soft intensity of sulphide alteration increases adjacent to
clay-like nature of the hand specimen. the small veins (especially bottom, centre left) where
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> entire phenocrysts have been altered/replaced. This
observation opens up a realm of speculation and a
The white (clay) is pervasively distributed and is case could be made that the carbonate/clay alteration
another example which would require considerable precedes the brecciation and sulphide introduction
movement by the observer. This specimen would with the carbonates providing favourable sites for
be a bad place to start, and movement of tens of sulphide formation (carbonate replacement!). The
metres is required to locate less-altered/fresh zones alteration paragenesis is obviously complex but does
of the porphyry. The picture is also confused by the illustrate the need for very careful systematic obser-
vein-like sulphide zone (lower-right) which could be vation in situations which are not simple veins. This
an overprinting later phase. This also requires that rock is not really for the beginner but will help set the
the observer move to try to define the relationship scene for a later volume on paragenesis.
between sulphides and clay. There is much to resolve K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
concerning paragenesis.
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE From the above discussion it seems that both the
clay and sulphide styles are essentially texturally
Given the above complications it would be unwise to retentive.
proceed too far with this rock pending overprinting/ :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
paragenetic resolution. However, the minerals pres-
ent are a fine-grained white background (clay) with The fluid access examination faces the same problems
phenocryst-style minerals (top left) including a pale as with timing above. The sulphide vein areas are
buff brown mineral (siderite) a grey mineral (quartz), clearly part of a brecciating fracture system which has
a dark mineral (sphalerite?), a pale green mineral created some open spaces and accompanying frac-
(sericite?), and an rare small shiny spots (pyrite). With tures. The small-scale breccia system is dominated by
the clay predominance the term argillic would not be infill and there is little or no sign of any increase of
inappropriate, although it would be better to quote alteration intensity adjacent to the sphalerite-pyrite
the assemblage and look for any timing relation- veinlets. This raises suspicions that the more pervasive
ships. Similar assemblages occur throughout the clay alteration belongs to an earlier (or later) system.
rock although it is probable that the coarser-grained The clay alteration is pervasive and shows little sign
sphalerite-pyrite within the vein area is infill. of fracture control.
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J
Serious chemical consideration obviously requires
Even without any original rock for comparison it paragenetic resolution, and a good understanding
is apparent that two different domains are present of the original host. Assuming the clay to be kaolin
within the plate. The high phenocryst zone (top left or illite, a major loss of alkalis (Na, K) and calcium
centre) gives a strong impression of having originally could be anticipated. Obviously metallic components
been a porphyritic igneous rock, whilst the remainder, (Zn) and sulphur have arrived at some time.
GC8K<(* :C8P$:8I9FE8K<8CK<I8K@FE
8i^`cc`ZXck\iXk`fe#
D`e\gfig_pip#DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
.(
§ GC8K<(+ equipment such as a PIMA is required for full scale
mineral identification. Geologists with limited expe-
J@C@:8$8CLE@K<$GPI@K<8E; rience of clay-dominated alteration styles should not
GPIFG?PCC@K<$8CLE@K<$GPI@K<§ be disappointed that they are unable to distinguish
;@8JGFI<§J@C@:88CK<I8K@FE the major clay varieties. This particular specimen
8[mXeZ\[Xi^`cc`ZXck\iXk`fe% has been well-studied and is known to contain two
K\dfiX^fc[d`e\#E\nJflk_NXc\j# major assemblages, silica-alunite ± pyrite-gold and
8ljkiXc`X% pyrophyllite-alunite-pyrite ± diaspore. Both forms
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp8%8cc`Yfe\ % of alteration are conventionally termed advanced
argillic. The alunite-silica assemblage predates the
This specimen has been selected to illustrate the dif- pyrophyllite-silica and is represented by darker re-
ficulties involved with accurate identification of clay gions occupying the bottom half of the plate.
minerals and to show the general style of textures It is possible that some of the white flecks in the
involved with alteration in high-strain zones. dark zone are alunite?
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE The paler zones contain the bulk of the pyrophyllite
which is also probably responsible for the background
Within the frame of the photograph it is rather dif- pale greenish hue throughout.
ficult to pick out potentially altered rock. Some sus- :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
picions are aroused by the anastomosing crosscutting KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J
ductile style zones (centre left) and the correlating
inference that the dark elongate ellipsoidal features Without information concerning the host rocks and
represent some form of host rock that has been altered. alteration mineralogy it would be difficult to discern
The actual hand specimen offers further clues in that much from this specimen. The greenish coloured
it is mildly soapy to the touch, which indicates some material certainly appears to take over the grey ma-
kind of clay enhancement. trix of the darker rocks in several places. This is best
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> noted around the elongate edges of the darker lenses
in the central zone. Again the fine-grained nature of
This rock is another example of a situation where clay alteration renders hand lens observation a little
the observer is best advised to physically move. The difficult. The host rocks are actually Ordovician vol-
key feature is the realisation that the entire rock canics and minor volcanic lithic sediments.
represents an area of extremely high strain (layer :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
shortening-flattening-foliation, boundinaging-fold-
ing). Ductile deformation at this level of strain will The later pyrophyllite-rich zones overprint the darker
naturally reconstitute the original rocks and also alunite-rich zones and judging from the greenish
form favourable permeable sites for fluid movement. concentrations associated with the crosscutting high
The best chance of approaching original rock compo- strain (shear) system (centre region) are a result of
sitions lies in locating wall rocks occupying portions fluid access during or subsequent to a period of reacti-
of the system where heterogeneous strain distribution vation located within the “shear zone”. Fluid access is
has preserved original rocks. These are commonly presumably controlled by higher permeability within
located towards the margins of the high strain zone this region. The controls on the earlier alunite-rich
and in many cases are represented by the adjacent wall system are probably similar although not obviously
rocks. It will ultimately become important to separate discernible from this sample. Gold and minor pyrite
effects due to the original deformation from those are associated with the alunite-silica assemblage and
formed at later dates. Reactivation and later stage fluid the rock is part of the main ore zone at Temora. As
introduction are the norm. Resolving overprinting would be anticipated infill textures are lacking.
features is often a difficult task! K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
D@E<I8CI<:F>E@K@FE
It is fairly obvious from the rock that the alteration
Given the fine-grained nature of the assemblages is texturally retentive with a variety of deformation
accurate hand specimens identification is impossible. fabrics remaining well-preserved. These include
This is true of practically all styles of clay-dominated high strain induced foliations, and flattened elongate
alteration products and ultimately specialised boundinaged “wall rock” fragments.
GC8K<(+ J@C@:8$8CLE@K<$GPI@K<8E;GPIFG?PCC@K<$8CLE@K<$GPI@K<§;@8JGFI<§J@C@:88CK<I8K@FE#
8[mXeZ\[Xi^`cc`ZXck\iXk`fe#K\dfiX^fc[d`e\#E\nJflk_NXc\j#8ljkiXc`X
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp8%8cc`Yfe\ %
:?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
porphyry systems as alsic alteration. This refers to
From the hand specimen alone there is little that can the dominance of silica and aluminium usually at
be noted. With uncertain host rocks and uncertain the expense of Ca, Mg, K, Na and Fe. Pyrophyllite is
alteration, observational chemical inferences are essentially an aluminium silicate Al 2 Si4 O1 0 (OH)·
precluded. However, it is worth noting that advanced Alunite does in fact contain some of the above and
argillic alteration normally results in substantial is essentially a hydrated potassium aluminium
element adjustment and is sometimes referred to in sulphate (K, Na) Al3 (S04 )2 (OH)6
.*
§ GC8K<(, green areas (epidote) in the bottom right. These could
belong to the host rock assemblage.
?<D8K@K<8CK<I8K@FE :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
I\[ifZbXck\iXk`fe%
:fi\ccX]fidXk`fe#:cfeZliipI\^`fe# The host rock has suffered amphibolite grade
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% metamorphism and from hand lens inspection is
composed of narrow gneissic layers which are min-
This specimen has been included to show both layer, eralogically distinct (top left) with various combina-
and layer selective style alteration. tions of quartz (dark grey), feldspar (greenish grey),
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE magnetite (dark reflective grey), ferromagnesian
minerals (amphibole? chlorite?) with minor epidote
Alteration is suspected in this specimen as the layered (green) and pyrite (white). The latter two are sporadic
gneissic rocks become progressively more reddened in occurrence and could be part of the hydrothermal
towards the right. The alteration is even more obvi- (or another hydrothermal) assemblage. Alteration
ous in the field as red coloured zones extend out in occurs principally by conversion of feldspar to the
a Christmas tree/telegraph pole style from fractures pink mineral and thus predominates in felspathic
traversing the metamorphosed Corella formation. layers. Assuming that alteration proceeds from
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> right to left it is evident that the fluids have pen-
etrated further along some layers then others. Some
Eyeball movement is all that is required with this of the dark layers (semi-parallel microveins?) are
specimen, although in the field the alteration can less-affected possibly because they are composed of
extend outwards for 1-2 metres. Layer replacive silica-magnetite.
alteration is, very common and can extend for tens :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
of metres from vertically traversing fractures. In
such cases a short walk is required. If the feeder The main fluid pathways are layer controlled, with
fractures are subparallel to the layers the alteration the main channel lying somewhere to the right of
can extend up to the 0.5 kilometre scale and a major the photograph. Some indication of the nature of
hike becomes essential. Sulphides are very common the ingress channelways can be seen from the very
alteration minerals, and all layered sulphide deposits faint vertical feeder crack (right hand side) marked
require automatic inspection of their extremities to as a red zone (top right) which actually traverses the
seek potential changeover zones. The move rule is entire frame. The trace of this is closely associated
very important for this style. with a pyrite patch (bottom right). In the field the
D@E<I8CI<:F>E@K@FE alteration seems to extend a considerable distance
from apparently very small feeder fractures. Altera-
The alteration mineralogy within the specimen is tion predominates massively over infill.
obviously dominated by the red mineral. As previ- :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
ously remarked red/pink minerals are common
alteration products including K-feldspar, adularia, Identification of the red alteration is required to allow
albite, carbonate, silica, and very commonly he- any major chemical inference. Petrographic exami-
matite, and hematite dusting of feldspar. A prudent nation confirms that this is hematite. The host rock
move here would be to delay nomenclature pending contains considerable iron, in both ferromagnesian
microscope work. mineral silicates and in magnetite. It is probable
Given the brick red colour there is a strong pos- that the iron has been derived from these sources
sibility that hematite is involved. A minor dark grey (oxidised) rather than being sourced via the fluid.
reflective component (magnetite) is also present, as However, the fluid must have been sufficiently oxidis-
are some bright whitish spots (pyrite?) and yellow- ing to convert these other minerals to hematite.
GC8K<(, ?<D8K@K<8CK<I8K@FE#I\[ifZbXck\iXk`fe%
:fi\ccX]fidXk`fe#:cfeZliipI\^`fe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe .,
§ GC8K<(-
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J
D8>E<K@K<$:?CFI@K<$8C9@K<§<G@;FK<
8CK<I8K@FE% The zoned nature of the alteration assemblages require
C\\lngffikÈ:Ék`ed`e\#Iff`Y\i^# that each changeover be considered separately.
C`dgfgf#Jflk_8]i`ZX%
1. The host rock
This specimen has been included as an example of a The host rock consists of very fine-grained pink feld-
zoned alteration halo, and also to illustrate magnetite spar? intergrown with dark quartz of similar grain
as an alteration product. It also serves to illustrate size. Also present are larger vaguely circular blebs
the difficulties in identifying fine-grained alteration and clusters of darker material (mica?) which ranges
products. from dark to paler green. The paler green could be an
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE alteration product of darker material and the same
colour occurs in vague areas possibly representing
Alteration is easily suspected as the darker zone oc- alteration of the background feldspar. There is a loose
cupying the area between vein infilling (top) and wall correlation between the vaguely altered areas and the
rock (middle-base). paler green large dark clusters. The green colour could
F9J<IM8K@FE8CI<:F>E@K@FE be sericite, chlorite or epidote. The pink colours may
be due to hematite alteration of potassium feldspar.
The only observation positioning required is simple The host rock is fine-grained granite.
eyeball movement.
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE 2. Transition to pale zone
The pale outer alteration zone is texturally coherent
The zone of interest is obviously rather variable and at with the host and seems to develop the pale colour
the broad scale comprises a zone of infill (white-dark as red feldspars convert to pale-pink to white albite.
crystals), succeeded successively by a pale greenish Minor magnetite is randomly present. The pale
zone, a metallic grey zone, a pale pink-white zone, and coloured feldspar could be potassium feldspar with-
a pink zone representing the host rock. The infill zone out hematite, albite, or a clay mineral? (Subsequently
is composed of carbonate (white) deposited on top petrology confirmed albite).
of dark crystals (cassiterite-dark brown, magnetite-
black-metallic). The pale green layer is composed of 3. Transition of pale zone to grey metallic zone
pale whitish green lenticular blebs (epidote? sericite? The grey metallic zone is vaguely texturally coherent
feldspar?) with darker green interstitial component with the pale zone and seems to result from magnetite
(chlorite?) and rare some dark metallic fine-grained developing at the expense of a considerable amount
spots or patches (magnetite). The metallic grey zone of feldspar (and /or quartz?)
is composed of metallic grey material (magnetite) and
pale pink or green spots, blebs crystals? (feldspar? 4. Transition from the grey metallic to the pale
epidote?). The pale pink zone is transitional to the green zone
pink wall rock and is composed of very small dark This transition results in loss of textural continuity
grains (quartz) and pale pink grains (feldspar?) with with the previous zone. Some of the anastomosing
minor some vague larger patches which are darker. darker material which is almost stylolitic in places
Mineral identification at this grain size is difficult may represent a strain fabric. The rock is composed
with only a hand lens, but it is clear that magnetite of magnetite, chlorite, and a pale mineral with a
and probably epidote are major components. In thin greenish tinge (albite).
section this rock actually contains a great deal of
albite which was not recognised in hand specimen.
All the minerals tentatively labelled feldspar? above
proved to be albite.
' (Zd
GC8K<(- D8>E<K@K<$:?CFI@K<$8C9@K<§<G@;FK<8CK<I8K@FE
C\\lngffikÈ:Ék`ed`e\#Iff`Y\i^#C`dgfgf#Jflk_8]i`ZX%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe ..
§ GC8K<(. lath-like but mostly interstitial to the plagioclase
(amphibole? biotite? chlorite?). Some vague pale
J@C@:8$GPI@K<§8EB<I@K<$:8C:@K<6 green material is associated with some of the plagio-
8CK<I8K@FE% clase (sericite?) together with minor reddish spots
Dk:_Xicfkk\^fc[d`e\#BXc^ffic`\# (hematite?) The host rock is still partially altered at
N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X% the edge of the photograph but enough of the original
texture/mineralogy is preserved to see the irregular
This specimen has been included to show the close-up but progressive changes towards the quartz vein.
detail of sulphide-silica alteration which is common The ferromagnesian minerals progressively contain
in Archean greenstones. The gold is commonly as- increasing amounts of pyrite until their general posi-
sociated with the alteration pyrite. The reader is also tion is completely occupied by rounded crystalline
invited to inspect Plate 18 which although similar is pyrite and pyrite clusters. The plagioclase crystals
perhaps more typical. become increasingly less visible as they are replaced
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE by quartz.
K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
Alteration would be suspected from the changing
mineralogy traversing from the host rock (bottom The alteration process is progressively more texturally
left) to the quartz vein (extreme top right hand destructive as the intensity increases. The broad scale
corner). texture of the silica-pyrite zone bears a very broad-
8CK<I8K@FEGFJ@K@FE@E> scale resemblance to the original dolerite, but has
very little direct pseudomorphic character reflecting
The required movement is at the eyeball level. the original minerals.
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE :?8EE<CN8P@EK<IGI<K8K@FE
The alteration zone consists of a prominent dull The increasing alteration intensity suggests a fluid
yellow mineral (pyrite) associated with grey-white channelway towards the top right and the quartz vein
glassy material (quartz?) and patches/spots of white/ seems a good candidate. A small quartz vein (bottom
white-grey (calcite? ankerite?). The overall pale colour left) also indicates a small-scale fracture channelway.
is very characteristic and striking as it usually occurs This vein however shows little or no alteration halo
within dark (greenstone) rocks. and could belong to a different generation than that
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE responsible for the main alteration.
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
The gradational alteration affect is seen along a di- The chemical changes from dolerite to silica-pyrite
agonal traverse commencing from the bottom left in ore are fairly extreme, involving an introduction of
the least altered host rock. The host rock is unusually silica, sulphur, gold and a loss of calcium, sodium
coarse-grained for the Kalgoorlie region and was (from feldspar) and probably magnesium (from the
originally a coarse-grained dolerite. The host rock ferromagnesian minerals). The iron content might
is composed of pale white minerals which have a roughly balance out between ferromagnesian com-
tendency to form lath-like crystals (plagioclase?) ponents – ankerite and pyrite. Some calcium may
and dark ferromagnesian minerals which are rarely reappear as calcite.
GC8K<(. J@C@:8$GPI@K<§8EB<I@K<$:8C:@K<68CK<I8K@FE
Dk:_Xicfkk\^fc[d`e\#BXc^ffic`\#N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X%
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe .0
§ GC8K<(/ more specimens or possibly via microscopy. The
acquisition of more specimens would reveal that it is
:8I9FE8K<$J@C@:8$GPI@K<8CK<I8K@FE% certainly not part of an actual alteration front with
:XiYfeXk`fe#CXb\M`\n^fc[d`e\# the transition between the dark and siliceous layers
BXc^ffic`\#N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X% being a consistent feature in much the same manner
as seen in Plate 17. This example has been included to
This specimen has been included to show the typical illustrate some of the traps awaiting observers when
alteration style of many gold-related ores which occur more than one stage is present. It is always prudent to
within Archean greenstones. It is often referred to as look at the alteration zone in more than one place to
carbonate alteration or carbonation and is associated establish consistency. This problem will be discussed
with low, salinity carbon-dioxide-bearing fluids. more fully in a the next volume on overprinting. The
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE fact remains that viewing the transition here is rather
difficult (see Plate 17).
Alteration recognition is relatively simple with an ob- The continuity of the skeletal pale pink titanomag-
vious halo zone extending from a silica-sulphide-rich netite from the dark zone into the altered zone sug-
vein channel (top) into a dark host rock (bottom). gests that altered rock is a derivative of the dark rock.
8CK<I8K@FEGFJ@K@FE@E> The dark rock is one of the “Golden Mile” dolerites
and was originally composed of pyroxene/amphibole
The required movement is at eyeball level. (dark green) calcic plagioclase (white-glassy) and
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE titanomagnetite. The dark ferromagnesian minerals
have blurred outlines and are probably partially con-
The alteration zone is best seen from just over half verted to chlorite (dark green). Although not readily
to three quarters of the distance to the top of the discernible the alteration probably proceeded in much
plate above the white zone. It consists of striking the same way as Plate 17, with plagioclase preferen-
white-pale pink ragged like bleb, lath and skeletal tially converted to silica, and pyrite nucleating in
minerals (titanomagnetite -leucoxene - rutile) which ferromagnesian mineral sites. A second changeover
are actually more obvious in the lower dark host rock occurs towards the top of the plate where whiter silica
zone. They are closely associated with finer-grained predominates (see channelway discussion) .
yellow blebs and spots (pyrite). These are set in a less K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
distinct matrix consisting of pale buff material, darker
buff-greenish areas, and paler glassy grey areas. It is The alteration becomes progressively more texturally
very difficult to separate these as the colours vary. It destructive with increasing silica although the main
would be enough however, to suspect the presence of alteration zone displays a loose textural resemblance
at least two and possibly three other minerals. Quartz to the host rock. The upper zone, despite intensive.
is a candidate considering the obvious siliceous na- alteration, exhibits a distinct foliation and vague rem-
ture of the main “vein” zone above. Sericite would nants of rock can be discerned which seem elongate
also be suspected. The zone actually contains silica, and flattened. The texture is interpreted as ductile-
sericite and a large amount of ankerite. The ankerite high strain shear zone style deformation overprinted
is probably the pale buff mineral which rarely ap- by silica alteration. Some narrow sulphide-rich zones
proaches crystal form (left). The alteration is zoned traverse the top third of the plate and it is debatable
and the silica content increases towards the top as- whether or not these are an overprint shear/vein
sociated with a vague decrease (or different pattern) system or are directly related to the general silica-
of sulphide distribution. At the hand lens scale most pyrite alteration. The prominent pyrite vein contains
geologists would probably call this silica-sulphide al- an unidentified dark mineral.
teration. Taken in geological context the “carbonation” :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
label would immediately be suspected.
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE The fluids responsible for the bulk of the silica altera-
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J tion fairly clearly gained access via the ductile shear
system towards the top of the plate. It is difficult
The changeover zone is fairly sharp and to some extent to judge just how much of this is silica alteration
obscured by the white buff zone across the middle and how much is infill. From the texture, alteration
of the plate. This is difficult to interpret. It could silica is probably dominant which would be expected
be the actual alteration front?, it could be a previ- within this style of high strain zone access. Siliceous
ous alteration of the dark host? or it could be a late alteration is very texturally destructive and the blur-
overprint? This would need resolving by obtaining ring between infill and alteration components is a
/'
' (Zd
GC8K<(/ :8I9FE8K<$J@C@:8$GPI@K<8CK<I8K@FE
:XiYfeXk`feCXb\M`\n^fc[d`e\#BXc^ffic`\#N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X%
common problem of textural interpretation. A simi- or sulphur. The disappearance of the ferromagnesian
lar problem is encountered with common sulphides mineral suggests that iron and magnesium have either
such as pyrite (Plate 19), pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and been redistributed or gone into the ore fluid. The
sphalerite. This problem makes it difficult to say just pyrite could take up the iron and ankerite the mag-
how much of the small pyrite-rich vein (top) is infill. nesium. The ankerite suggests the presence of carbon
The dark crystals suggest infill whereas the spotty dioxide. Accurate assessment even by analytical ap-
nature of much of the pyrite indicates alteration. It proaches would be difficult in the top section bearing
is probable that both are represented. in mind the difficulty of sorting infill from alteration
and the uncertainty concerning whether or not the
:?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
high stress zone formed before or accompanying the
Depending on the position within the graded altera- mineralising fluid. Most of the answers require the
tion zone, there are obviously additions of silica and/ observer to move and look at more examples.
/(
§ GC8K<(0
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJ
GC8K<(0 GPI@K<8CK<I8K@FEjlcg_`[\Xck\iXk`fe$i\gcXZ\d\ek
DkDfi^Xe^fc[d`e\fi\ #Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
:?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
and gains in iron and silica, although an original host
Without accurate information on the host rock, it is rock is required for confirmation. The sulphide stage
a little difficult to assess chemical changes. It seems suggests a major introduction of sulphur (and gold),
that the original rocks may have been converted to possibly additional iron, and a loss of silica. Obvi-
silica-magnetite prior to the introduction of pyrite. ously more information is required on the fragment
The first stage probably involved a loss of aluminium types (move).
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe /*
§ GC8K<)' and pale pink spots. Some of the latter would be sus-
pected as pyrrhotite related to the alteration. Within
GPII?FK@K<8CK<I8K@FE the hand specimen the dark mineral has a dull sheen
Jlcg_`[\Xck\iXk`fe % and is intensely magnetic (magnetite). The paler grey
NXk\ikXeb?`cc^fc[d`e\#DkDX^e\k# mineral is probably silica although obviously this is a
N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X% case for microscope support. Close inspection indi-
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%E%G_`cc`gj % cates that the magnetite component is under suspicion
of being converted to sulphides. This is better seen
This specimen has been included to illustrate both on the specimen than in the plate. It is worth noting
selective layer and sulphide alteration. that sulphide replacement/alteration of magnetite is
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE very common, and the general assumption is made
that it provides a ready source of iron which promotes
An alteration front would be suspected within this a reaction with sulphur-bearing fluids. The lower
specimen from noting the facies change from pale sulphide-rich layer also grades out into magnetite a
brown (sulphides) to dark brown along the central few centimetres to the right of the frame. Observing
layer. Sulphide presence always signals the possibility a changeover into the coarser sulphide bleb material
of sulphide alteration (replacement) and the suspicion (centre left) is a little difficult owing to the effects of
would be enhanced by the presence of a potential faulting. However, a general impression is given that
feeder sulphide-rich vein system (left). the sulphides largely formed within a layer of different
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> composition and texture.
K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
Within the plate only eyeball movement is required.
However the reader is again reminded that selective The alteration is texture retentive within the central
layer replacements/alterations are very common, layer with the sulphides taking the place of the pre-
often extensive, and easily confused with various spe- existing magnetite. The blebby sulphide style is less
cies of sea floor/exhalative products. It is always wise pseudomorphic in texture although still retains an
to keep an open mind whilst seeking further evidence elongation reflecting the host layers. It is also ap-
concerning change-over zones and/or feeder systems. parent from the plate that the rock has also been
Numerous serious mistakes have been made by hasty affected by another alteration. The massive white
assignment of layer-controlled sulphides into either (quartz) area could well represent infill and there
syngenetic or epigenetic categories. are many points where the layered metasediments
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE seem to be converted to white-grey (silica?) textur-
ally retentive alteration products (bottom and top
Accepting the alteration hypothesis, the most obvious left). The vein-style sulphide components give several
product is a fine-grained pale-brown sulphide (pyr- indications that they cut both the infill and altera-
rhotite). The same mineral is present in other layers tion silica (bottom left) and there is good reason to
and to the left appears in a coarser-grained, irregular suspect an early brecciation/silica introduction prior
bleb style. It is also present within the vein-style fault to sulphide formation. It also seems probable that
related systems where it is accompanied by a darker there are silicified rocks (centre-left) which are less
dull yellow mineral (pyrite). The general alteration prone to sulphide alteration than the normal silica-
style would be called sulphide-replacement. the author rich metasediments.
would prefer to remove mental confusion by calling it a :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
layer controlled pyrrhotite (or sulphide) alteration, but
will have to admit the prospects of removing replace- The vein sulphide channelway appears to essentially
ment from common parlance are remote! be a system of brittle-fault fracturing superimposed
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FEJ upon a similar, earlier system which has allowed
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J entry of a silica-bearing fluid. Both the silica and
sulphide systems have selectively replaced the layered
The composition of the host layer is difficult to de- metasediments although the latter is more extensive.
cipher via hand lens observation owing to the small Fluid ingress into the metasediments seems to be
grain size. It is dominated by a dark mineral together along the layer parallel fissility (SO ?).
with a paler grey mineral and occasional pale brown
:?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
presumably reflecting an addition of sulphur and a
The sulphide alteration consists principally of pyr- loss of oxygen from the original quartz-magnetite
rhotite which has “pseudomorphed” magnetite, host rock.
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe /,
§ GC8K<)( The alteration could be called topazisation although
most geologists prefer the less unwieldy term topaz
KFG8Q8CK<I8K@FE alteration.
Jk\nXik?\X[j#?\iY\ikfek`e[`jki`Zk# :?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ %
Although the specimen has no fresh host rocks, the
This specimen has been selected specifically to illus- textural retention quickly leads the observer to
trate the usual style and colour of topaz alteration. suspect that the topaz is an alteration product of
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE granite feldspar. The dark white-mica zones may also
represent alteration of mica. Topaz is very common
Alteration within this rock is difficult to detect and in tin systems where the accompanying white micas
at first glance it appears to be a pale coloured gran- are lithium-rich.
ite. However, valuable clues are given by the lack of K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
sharp boundaries within the mineral assemblage.
This is a common feature of considerable value for The host rocks are coarse-grained granites and there
detecting alteration in granitoids. Both the white is a high degree of textural retention. The granite
minerals and the darker components are rather quartz is essentially unaltered.
blurred in character, especially with respect to their :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
grain boundaries.
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> The specimen gives little indication as to mode of
fluid access. This actually forms part of a fault zone
If alteration is recognised the observer would natu- with quartz-topaz infill in a vein-style format. A close
rally move to search for the host rock. inspection suggests that many of the quartz grains
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE are fractured and dislocated, suggesting a nearby zone
of major fracture.
The rock is composed of a white/cream mineral :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
(topaz), a glassy grey mineral (quartz) and isolated
darker patches (“muscovite”). Some of the larger Topaz has substituted for granite feldspars and it fol-
white topaz zones contain small quartz granules. This lows that the rock will have lost K, Na and possibly
is a common feature of topaz alteration of feldspar. Ca. Fluorine would form a major addition.
GC8K<)( KFG8Q8CK<I8K@FE
Jk\nXik?\X[j#?\iY\ikfek`e[`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ %
* 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe /.
§ GC8K<)) gain a few impressions by close inspection of grain
boundaries and internal grain features. Granite II has
>I8E@K<@ÈLE8CK<I<;É>I8E@K<ÆN@C; suffered extensive development of secondary albite.
I@M<IGCLKFE This forms preferentially along potassium feldspar
>I8E@K<@@8CK<I<;>I8E@K<ÆE@><I grain contacts, potassium feldspar-plagioclase con-
:I<<BGCLKFE tacts, and by enlarging existing perthite textures. The
J\c\Zk`m\j\d`$g\imXj`m\Xck\iXk`fe`e latter can just be seen within the potassium feldspars
^iXe`k\j#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% as pale white/pink anastomosing zones whilst the
Jg\Z`d\ejgifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\% former form a myriad of small white grains in and
around grain boundaries destroying any original
These specimens have been selected to illustrate fea- sharp contacts. This is difficult to see but it may help
tures which would suggest a semi-pervasive alteration the observer to assume that all small whitish-white
in granitoids. green grains in the above plate are secondary albite.
8CK<I8K@FEI<:F>E@K@FE The specimen has also been affected by sericitic altera-
tion which overprints the albitic alteration. This alter-
Background alteration within granitoids is a com- ation is responsible for the variable colours within the
mon guide to mineralisation potential and is well plagioclase/albite (especially the grey-green-yellow
recognised within many tin-related systems. It is effects). The biotite will have been chloritised and
however difficult to recognise by eye and usually although not too obvious on this plate is normally
requires microscope work. The major visual clue is expressed by a slightly duller, colouration and ragged
given by grain boundary blurring effects (mesostasis). grain boundaries.
Two granites have been presented here. Granite I is K<OKLI8CF9J<IM8K@FE
relatively unaltered and presents a general picture
of fresh-looking grains with sharp grain boundar- Almost by definition semi-pervasive background al-
ies. This contrasts directly with Granite II where the teration is texturally retentive. However the degree of
mineral grains appear rather variable in colour and mineral-fluid interaction can vary substantially and
have very poorly defined boundaries. mineral blurring (mesostasis) ranges from intense to
F9J<IM8K@FE8CGFJ@K@FE@E> very subtle. The above example would be regarded as
moderately intense.
Background semi-pervasive alteration is usually exten- :?8EE<CN8P@;<EK@=@:8K@FE
sive and commonly effects entire plutons. In this sense
no amount of physical movement will lead the observer The channelways responsible for fluid access are not
into fresh rocks. A thin section is usually essential. usually visible by eye. The alteration is thought to
D@E<I8C@;<EK@=@:8K@FE occur as fluids emerge at the final stages of granite
crystallisation and become trapped in inter granular
Granite I is composed of potassium feldspar (pink), pore spaces and grain boundaries. Movement may
plagioclase approaching albite in composition (white), also occur via this permeability system assisted
quartz (glassy grey) and biotite (black). Granite II has by mineral cleavages, grain boundaries and minor
a similar composition but the mineral grains are more microfracturing.
variable, potassium feldspar (varying shades of pink :?<D@:8C8N8I<E<JJ
to white), plagioclase (white-pale green-yellowish),
biotite (dark to less dark, note the ragged edges). The chemical changes associated with this type of
:?8E><FM<IF9J<IM8K@FE alteration are very subtle, and difficult to separate
KI8EJ@K@FE8CQFE<J from major and trace element specialisation associ-
ated with normal granite fractionation. Detailed
It is not possible with this alteration style to move microscope and/or microprobe work is usually more
from fresh to altered rock. It is however possible to effective for accurate delineation.
' (Zd
GC8K<)) >I8E@K<@ÈLE8CK<I<;É>I8E@K<ÆN@C;I@M<IGCLKFE
>I8E@K<@@8CK<I<;>I8E@K<ÆE@><I:I<<BGCLKFE
J\c\Zk`m\j\d`$g\imXj`m\Xck\iXk`fe`e^iXe`k\j?\iY\ikfe#
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
Jg\Z`d\ejgifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ % * 8ggifXZ_kf8ck\iXk`fe /0
+ 8ck\iXk`feD`e\iXcjÆJfd\>\e\iXcFYj\imXk`fej
This section has been written as a “helpful hints” con- many situations where white micas will actually
tribution. It is not intended to be comprehensive or a alter all the minerals of the host rock to ultimately
complete mineralogical expose. These are available in produce a mica product. This includes the quartz,
standard mineralogical works. and is particularly common in tin systems. Sericite
J<I@:@K<ÆB8c ) 8cJ` * F(' F? ) infill is a common corollary of sericite alteration and
can be distinguished as the infill component via a
This term has no formal mineralogical definition coarser grain size.
and is best termed white, fine-grained potassium :?CFI@K<
mica. It arose as a loose name given to fine-grained
white mica which is easily visible under a microscope Chlorite belongs to a large group of platy, monoclinic
and has extended out as entrenched parlance in field minerals. The general formula is (Mg, Fe 2 +, Fe 3 +)6
identification. The reason for the loose usage is that AI Si 3 O1 0 (OH)8 . Chlorite alteration is very common
even under the microscope the exact composition is and like sericite can range from a selective attack cen-
not obtainable and total chemical definition requires tred upon ferromagnesian components or take out the
detailed and time consuming follow up via X-ray dif- entire rock. The term chlorite embraces a wide range
fraction and chemical analysis studies. In most cases of compositional variations although iron-rich variet-
the field or petrological observers are not prepared ies are common. These are impossible to differentiate
to go to these lengths. It is, however, mandatory for by eye, difficult to separate beneath a microscope, and
a full-scale research study. For casual treatment it is identification of the mineralogical composition re-
regarded as muscovite K Al 2 (Al Si 3 O 1 0 ) (OH)2 . quires both probe and X-ray Diffraction work. Mixed
From the hand specimen perspective sericite poses layer arrangements are common within individual
particular problems for inexperienced observers. “chlorites”. Chlorite identification poses problems for
Firstly it is usually too fine-grained to see clearly beginners who are unfamiliar with chlorite colours.
under a hand lens and secondly it assumes a variety Most alteration chlorite is much darker in colour
of unexpected colours. The most common colour is a than might be anticipated. It commonly appears to be
pale-buff greenish tinge not unlike muscovite, but it is black and the touch of very dark green is difficult to
commonly dark grey and can range through greenish discern. The problem is accentuated in partial altera-
tints to bright yellow. The darker colours are usually tion situations where chlorite commonly occurs as an
due to its strong association with fine-grained, dark alteration of black ferromagnesian minerals such as
quartz. The silica-sericite combination is very com- biotite or hornblende.
mon with silica dominating near the fluid source and <G@;FK<:X ) 8c=\ * J` * F ()F?
sericite taking over on the fringes. Sericitic alteration
usually initiates within feldspars (especially calcic Epidote and members of the epidote group are com-
plagioclase) and the actual production of sericite also mon alteration minerals. Recognition of epidote is
generates quartz. usually easy owing to the characteristic pistachio
Within tin, tungsten and molybdenum systems green colour. It usually replaces plagioclase feldspars
the varying combinations of silica and sericite are or ferromagnesian minerals in a patchy manner, and
very common and the sericite is commonly coarse- is a common associate of chlorite.
grained (muscovite!). The mica frequently may HL8IKQJ`F )
contain additional components such as fluorine and
lithium. To make alteration life even more confusing Siliceous alteration (silicification) is extremely wide-
geologists working in this environment call the as- spread and usually presents very few problems to
semblage greisen. A similar quartz-sericite scenario most observers. A simple hardness test usually serves
within porphyry copper systems is called phyllic to confirm suspicions of silica content. Minor prob-
alteration! As mentioned above sericitic alteration lems occur where the alteration silica is very dark in
preferentially attacks feldspars. However, there are colour and there are situations where pink and buff
+ 8ck\iXk`fed`e\iXcj Jfd\>\e\iXcFYj\imXk`fej 0(
feeder channels, and the author has seen several JLCG?@;<J
examples of fine layering (including cross bedding)
selectively replaced over substantive distances. Rec- Sulphides are extremely common alteration products
ognition is relatively easy from the striated prismatic (often referred to as sulphide replacement). Pyrite,
crystal form although fine-grained examples require pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and arsenopyrite
petrological confirmation. Tourmaline alteration is are prolific alteration products and in some cases can
commonly associated with silicification and argil- totally take over the host rock. Rocks and miner-
lisation. als containing iron or calcium are highly favoured,
:C8P$8I>@CC@:8CK<I8K@FE although by no means exclusively. Pyrite and arse-
nopyrite readily assume euhedral crystal shapes. This
Clay alteration can only be described as a nightmare tendency together with the tendency for pyrrhotite
for both novice and experienced geologists. Most and chalcopyrite to avoid euhedral shapes in either
geologists have no problem in recognising clay, but all infill or alteration mode, poses many problems for the
have severe problems in identifying the type of clay observer. These problems usually make the separation
and whether or not it is derived from the weathering of infill from alteration very difficult. The common
process or via some deeper-seated hydrothermal chalcopyrite/pyrrhotite combination is especially
system. Surface clay alteration is almost inevitable problematic as infill and alteration are commonly
in sulphide-rich systems. The oxidising sulphides texturally identical. The presence of associated quartz
quickly generate a low temperature “acid bath”, and crystals invariably denotes an infill zone, but even
clay production predominates within the alumino- with this guide it may prove impossible to tell where
silicate host rocks. This style is readily suspected by infill passes into alteration.
the presence of substantial iron staining (limonite) KFG8Q8c ) J`F+ =#F? )
and obvious leached outcrops, denoting the former
presence of sulphides (pyrite, pyrrhotite). The clay Topaz is extremely rare as an alteration (or infill)
alteration usually extends down to the water table. mineral and is virtually restricted to selected tin
The problem still remains of whether or not there systems. Recognition is difficult and the most com-
was any original clay alteration prior to weathering. mon form is as a creamy-white mineral occupying the
In most cases this proves to be not the case but the sites of feldspar within “granite” rocks. In this format
problem is usually only resolved by deeper mining it is easily overlooked and confused with quartz. In
activities. most instances the quartz is darker and glassier. The
Identification of clay and clay-related alteration addition of topaz commonly results in some very
minerals is effectively impossible by eye, very difficult hard compact rocks which may prove troublesome
by microscope, and requires specialised equipment in any consequent crushing or grinding operation.
such as a short wave infrared spectrometer. Coarser- In general terms topaz signifies a high temperature
grained pyrophyllite Al2 Si4 O1 0 (OH)2 can be recog- system and signals the presence of fluorine within
nised as it resembles a soft greasy muscovite, but in the fluid.
general the beginner is advised to call for experienced
:8I9FE8K<JÆ:8C:@K<:X:F* #8EB<I@K<
back up!
:XD^#=\#De :F * ) #J@;<I@K<=\:F * #
?<D8K@K<=\ ) F *
;FCFD@K<:XD^:F * )
Hematite is a very common alteration product and is
quickly suspected from the pronounced red coloura- Carbonates of various species are very common alter-
tion of the alteration zone. In most cases it occurs as ation products and range from very easy to detect to
a very fine dusting throughout the altered minerals rather obscure. They tend to reach maximum devel-
(especially feldspar) and requires petrographic sup- opment in rocks which contain significant amounts
port for confirmation. Most red colourations are due of original carbonate, but also occur in rocks which
to fine-grained hematite, although there are situa- have significant amounts of calcium-rich plagioclase
tions where pink/red carbonate, albite or potassium especially in association with propylitic alteration
feldspar cause red colours to predominate. In this styles. They are always a potential candidate in fluid
sense a little caution is advised with pink/red altera- systems containing CO2 and for this reason appear
tion products. in abundance in association with greenstone gold
+ 8ck\iXk`fed`e\iXcj Jfd\>\e\iXcFYj\imXk`fej 0*
, 8jj\jjd\ekJ_\\k
This text commenced by saying that it took the author many years to develop good habits when confronted with alteration, and although
most practical approaches and principles outlined here may seem elementary, many of them eluded the author for some time. The check
list below has been included as a final reminder and there are no objections to anyone who would like to copy it for field use. An apology
is perhaps due for the low key tone of the text but the author can still recall the many problems of the early years and sincerely hopes
this will be of use. A full understanding of alteration is a valuable professional skill, and hopefully future texts on overprinting and
paragenesis will contribute further.
K?<CFFB8E;K?@EBGIF:<JJ
This is especially designed for those with the “morning after” syndrome which is very common in fieldwork
situations.
(% G@:BLG?8E;C<EJ
)% N?8K?8J9<<E8CK<I<;6
K_\DFM<gi`eZ`gc\
*% N?8K8I<K?<E<ND@E<I8CJ6
D`e\iXckpg`e^fiXkc\Xjkefk`e^k_\p\o`jkXji\[
fe\j\kZ%
+% N?8KD@E<I8CJ?8M<:?8E><;KFE<ND@E<I8CJ6
N_Xk`j_Xgg\e`e^`e[\kX`c6
,% @J@KK<OKLI8CCPI<K<EK@M<FI;<JKIL:K@M<6
KfkXcn`g\$flkfialjkXe`YYc\
-8%?FN;@;K?<=CL@;J>8@E8::<JJ6
8dfjk`dgfikXekhl\jk`fen_`Z_`emfcm\j-9
Æm\`e#Yi\ZZ`X\kZ%
-9%;FN<E<<;KFJFIK8CK<I8K@FE=IFD@E=@CC6
@edfjkZXj\jk_\Xejn\i`jp\jÆk_`j`jk_\dfjk
ZfddfejfliZ\f]d`jZfeZ\gk`feÆn_`Z_`jn_`Z_6
.% @JK?<I<DFI<K?8EFE<8CK<I8K@FE@EMFCM<;6
GXiX^\e\j`jÆ`emfcm\jZcfj\fYj\imXk`fen`k_YiX`e
`e^\Xi
/% N?8K8I<K?<D8@E:?<D@:8C:?8E><J6
8j[`ZkXk\[Ypk_\e\nd`e\iXcjÆZcl\jfeÕl`[
Z_\d`jkip
0,
- I\]\i\eZ\j
=IF>
This illustration might at first sight be considered as irrelevant. It
is however a North Queensland green tree frog and serves to show
just how difficult it can be to detect obscure alteration processes.
A reliable source indicates that it was once a handsome prince.
0.
Mfcld\*ÆFm\igi`ek`e^K\okli\j
Mfcld\=ifekGX^\
Specimen from Escondida copper mine, Chile. The specimen has been chosen to catch the eye of wealthy brows-
ing customers. It is from a porphyry copper system, with at least three overprinting vein stockworks readily
visible. Unfortunately it has been subjected to argillic alteration, and is from the zone of supergene enrichment.
Hence most of the dark minerals present are chalcocite/covellite after original sulphides (chalcopyrite/pyrite?).
The oxidation/secondary enrichment obscures the primary infill/alteration features, and a deeper primary
ore specimen would be better for paragenetic/overprinting work. It does however illustrate the complexity in
porphyry systems, and makes a nice photograph.
§ GcXk\jMfcld\* FM<IGI@EK@E>K<OKLI<J
2 Pajingo gold mine, Charters Towers region, Queensland, Australia (Scott Lode).
Sequential infill – epithermal style. 113
16 Ravenswood gold mining district, Queensland, Australia (SYC Pit? Carpentaria Gold).
Suspicion arousing – complex overprinting, parallel reactivation, structural
superimposition – veins. 147
('(
17 Ravenswood gold mining district, Queensland, Australia. (Buck Reef – SYC Pit,
Carpentaria Gold) Suspicion arousing – complex overprinting, parallel reactivation.
Structural superimposition – veins. 149
18 Ravenswood gold mining district, Queensland, Australia (Nolans Pit, Carpentaria Gold).
Suspicion arousing – complex overprinting parallel reactivation, alteration mismatch.
Structural superimposition – veins. 151
Many of our concepts concerning the nature of hydrothermaal systems and their relationship with
rock fracturing arise from the common observation that hydrothermal fluids seem to precipitate
different mineral assemblages at different times. Practically every mineral deposit will provide
an example of crosscutting vein, which are conventionally interpreted as two (or a single) gen-
erations of hydrothermal fluids with an intervening period of rock fracturing. The crosscutting
relationship is an example of an overprinting texture and the implied timing relationship allows
the two veins to be catalogued as a temporal sequence, such as Stage 1 and Stage 2. The process
of constructing a time sequence is referred to as establishing the paragenetic sequence.
Nearly every deposit exhibits some three to five stages of development, which reflect the close
association between long-lived hydrothermal systems and associated tectonism. Some deposits
of the epithermal or porphyry style may exhibit numerous stages, reflecting very active rock
fracturing (usually due to the boiling of fluids) which continues intermittently throughout the
history of hydrothermal fluid flow.
An understanding of overprinting textures and their paragenetic implications is the basis for
all ore deposit studies. It would be fair to state that until this aspect is well-understood, any
further studies regarding such items as fluid inclusions, stable or radiogenic isotopes, alteration
geochemistry and fluid modelling, run the very grave risk of setting off from an incorrect prem-
ise. This situation is much more common than most of academia is prepared to admit! From a
practical perspective the comprehension of paragenetic sequencing is equally important. Firstly,
it provides the early information which serves to give the exploration team some concept of the
type of hydrothermal system under investigation, and it will come as no surprise to explora-
tion managers to learn just how many times this has been misinterpreted. Secondly, within
any multiphase system it is very important to understand which phases are actually ore and to
comprehend their spatial distribution.
From every perspective it becomes a prime geological requirement to fully delineate and interpret
the many facets involved concerning overprinting and paragenetic sequencing. The textures pro-
vide data concerning structural environment, fluid composition, structural controls, ore distribu-
tion, mineral zoning, temporal and thermal history of fluid flow, and a host of related subtleties
that sharpen comprehension and hence exploration targeting and continuing research.
Given the above it would be natural to assume that both the academic teaching system and the
mineral exploration community would stress the importance of this aspect. Regretfully the world
is a busy place, with academia having a large amount to fit into a three or four year programme,
and industry having to find ore quickly. Most geologists would conclude that there is room for
improvement, and this small text is offered in that spirit. The rocks will speak, but it always takes
time to learn a foreign language.
Fortunately within the domain of overprinting and paragenesis, practically all the major obser-
vations are to be made at the outcrop and hand specimen scale. It is much easier to sort things
out at the rock face scale, than beneath a microscope. Rock slabs and drill core are also prime
treasures, as both provide clean smooth surfaces enabling close observation. All of the above are
readily available in most exploration and mine environments, and when used in combination
are powerful weapons for resolving overprinting and hence sequencing problems. The rock slab
is definitely the most underutilised, and the tendency to leap from rock face (or drill core) to the
microscope frequently turns an easily soluble problem into confusing situations.
('*
In keeping with the rest of this series, the text is aimed at observations which can be made ei-
ther by eye or with a hand lens. The plates have been selected to show a range of mineralisation
styles, and plate descriptions have been written at length to indicate the approach and thought
processes involved.
* Infill. It is very rare that the sequential infill order can be easily observed on one sample.
If relationships are apparent they can be recorded. For example – quartz overprinted by chlorite,
or quartz (chlorite, pyrite, uncertain timing) etc.
('.
+ =`ijkFi[\i:i`k\i`XÆD`e\iXcJlg\i`dgfj`k`fe
J\hl\ek`Xc@eÔcc
((.
§ GC8K<+ The vein to the top right has some elements of the
above sequence (especially to the extreme right), but
JKIL:KLI8CJLG<I@DGFJ@K@FEÆM<@EJ seems to be cut by another generation of silica at a
B`[jkfe^fc[d`e\#<`eXjc\`^_i\^`fe# shallow angle. This is either cut off, or is running up
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% the side of the main central vein. The minute link
vein just below this intersecting vein set graphically
This plate has been selected to illustrate that crosscut- illustrates the problem of decision making concerning
ting relationships are not always as simple as might be which stage to group it with.
expected, especially in systems dominated by silica. This account could continue describing all the
It also shows some typical laminated style quartz other small veins within the stockwork. However, it
veins, which are very characteristic of porphyry mo- is apparent that precise delineation of the number of
lybdenum systems. stages is rather difficult. It is also apparent that all of
The relationship between the quartz veins within the stages look very similar in general, and the sys-
this plate is quite a mind puzzle. The central vein tem would be interpreted as a continuous fluid flow
seems to cut everything and is composed of fairly intimately associated with multiple periods of brittle
uniform dark grey silica. There is little real evidence fracture. Fluid pressure is difficult to estimate but
to delineate the proportions of infill versus alteration, seems enough to hold veins apart? The fine-grained
although the relatively good matching of the walls nature of the laminated silica and molybdenite sug-
suggest infill predominates. Against this it seems gest rapid deposition with multiple nucleation sites.
that some selective alteration has occurred of the vein These observations trigger a series of questions. What
intersection at the top right. A very close inspection is the cause of the repeated brittle fracture which ap-
reveals a very small darker silica vein within the pears to be part of a continued tectonic event within
central vein which is visible in the upper region of a relatively short period of time? What is the cause of
the plate and appears to contain wafer thin slivers rapid and/or fine-grained nucleation? Why is altera-
of the host vein? tion so limited? Why is the lamination and probably
The central vein seems to occupy a fault zone, as molybdenite deposition not present in the central
none of the veins on either side can be confidently vein system? Why does the stockwork exhibit a vague
matched. The well-laminated (light and dark layered) vein parallelism within the darker silica stages? Why
vein (centre-left) appears to be symmetrical sequential is this style of veining so characteristic of porphyry-
infill and the dark spots are probably molybdenite. related molybdenum deposits?
The sharp matching edges suggest little if any altera- Molybdenite is generally regarded as a high temper-
tion. None of the other veins convincingly match this ature, magmatic-related mineral. The rock is actually
infill sequence. a fragment within the main Kidston breccia pipe.
(*,
§ GC8K<() The mode of brecciation is a stockwork of brittle
fracture which seems to have involved the production
JKIL:KLI8CJLG<I@DGFJ@KFEÆ9I<::@8 of very small fragments of wall rock (fragments and
;`jiX\c`^fc[d`e\#I`j_kfe[`jki`Zk# gouge associated with a crushing/shearing move-
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% ment). This matrix forms the main focus for alteration
Jg\Zd`e\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\% (top third of plate) and fluid flow.
When this breccia is eliminated the rest of the
This specimen has been selected to illustrate many of rock remains, and is composed of well-defined dark
the problems associated with overprinting in breccia fragments and grey silica. The fragments are “granite”,
mode. These are three phases of hydrothermal fluid and are well-separated with many being well-rounded.
introduction involved, and three types of fracturing/ One “granite” fragment has an attached silica edge
brecciation. Working with brecciation is frequently and other smaller silica fragments are present. The
much more difficult than is generally conceived, and matrix of the early breccia is very difficult to discern
many breccias are overlooked. Readers are invited to through the overprinting sericitic alteration. It seems
test their observational skills on the opposite plate, siliceous? and possibly finely fragmental. (The frag-
before reading the detail below. ment at the top right seems to be different and pos-
The last stage is easily the most obvious, consisting sibly silica-altered). All of this suggests that the early
of calcite (white) and minor silica (grey) infill with- breccia may well be of the hydrothermal intrusive
out alteration, occupying a crackle style brecciation. (milled) variety. It is possible that some silicification
(This stage is actually overprinted by another crackle (quartz veining) occurred before this brecciation. If
style fracturing which is unmineralised and possibly this were so, it would imply another phase preceed-
caused by blasting activity.) ing the interpreted silicified hydrothermal intrusive
The middle stage is best observed by tracking the breccia. Obviously a wise observer would move and
pale yellow-buff materials, which are varying combi- try to find less overprinted material of the early
nations of sericite and pyrite. These actually all link stages. However, there is enough within the plate to
together in a complex network at both a coarse and fine lead the observer to suspect an intrusive breccia pipe
scale of fracturing. The differentiation between infill environment?
and alteration within this stage is not really possible. Selective assaying is required to track the gold.
Intuitively it seems that pyrite is involved as infill, The middle pyrite-rich stage is the most probable
but it also probably occurs as an alteration product. candidate.
Sericite is clearly involved, largely as alteration.
(+,
§ GC8K<(- by pyrite (pale yellow). This region is closely associ-
ated with small elongate brown components (mildly
JLJG@:@FE8IFLJ@E>:FDGC<O oxidised marcasite?). This assemblages can be traced
FM<IGI@EK@E>#G8I8CC<CI<8:K@M8K@FE# along most of the left hand side of the vein, and then
JKIL:KLI8CJLG<I@DGFJ@K@FEÆM<@EJ% becomes vague, but re-appears in the bottom right
IXm\ejnff[^fc[d`e`e^[`jki`Zk# hand edge. The bottom right hand occurrence is
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`XJP:G`k6:Xig\ekXi`X clearly cut off, by an assemblage of slightly greyer
>fc[ % silica associated with arsenopyrite (silver). This can
be traced along most of the right hand side of the
This specimen has been included to illustrate the com- vein, and is visible again to the right of the first stage
mon situation of repeated re-opening, and infilling assemblage at the top of the plate.
of the same fracture system. It also illustrates just The arsenopyrite-grey quartz stage is in turn cut
how difficult this can be to decipher. The problem by another vein, which is less well-defined, and com-
is compounded when each stage contains similar posed of dark brown (sphalerite) crystals, associated
components. with pale buff (siderite?) material, and probably pale
The narrow vein system traverses a slightly “weath- yellow pyrite and quartz.
ered” granitic rock, composed of quartz (grey-white) The relationships between these stages are very
and feldspar (pink-orange iron-stained) with minor confused and difficult to decipher. Indeed the author
biotite? (rusty brown). The feldspars are slightly argil- is by no means positive that the above interpretation
lised and minor acid leaching has occurred via some is totally correct. This serves to illustrate just how
of the crack systems. These traverse the vein horizon- effectively veins of similar composition can “hide” as
tally and link to low-angle fractures (left hand side). they overprint along the same controlling structural
No clear alteration halo borders the vein system. A weakness. Once again inspection of more examples is
close inspection of the vein indicates that it contains required to confirm initial suspicions. This example
at least three separate components. also illustrates the need for very careful observation.
The upper-left vein section is noticeable, as it The vein is gold-bearing, and it is not certain which
contains very well-developed white quartz crystals of the stages is gold-related!
growing irregularly from the vein wall, succeeded
)=IF>J
This photograph is totally irrelevant, but adds a north Queensland
flavour depicting two very friendly Townsvillian Bumpy Rocket
Frogs. Despite close inspection normal textural terms such as
overprinting, structural superimposition, or even sequential infill
are considered inappropriate.
The plate comes from the surperb collection of Stephen Richards
(Zoology Department of James Cook University). The correct name
for these non-publicity seeking beasts is Citoria Inermis.
However, the author is assured that they would prefer to be ad-
dressed as Mr and Mrs Frog.
(-(
Mfcld\+Æ9ifb\eIfZbj×9i\ZZ`X@
Mfcld\=ifekGX^\
Complex multiple stockwork from the Grasberg (copper, gold) mine, West Papua, Indonesia.
(See also Plate 32, p. 215)
§ GcXk\jMfcld\+ 9IFB<EIF:BJÆ9I<::@8@
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[N`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\
G\iZ\gk`fej#Xe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
1 Antisocialist tin mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (shear + brittle adjustment, concentrated fracture)
Problems (scale perceptions) 177
■ Representation of broken rock pattern (see Plate 3) 178
2 Telegraph tin mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (shear + brittle adjustment)
Problems (visual recognition – knobbly texture, scale perceptions, oxidation,
paragenetic concealment) 179
3 Telegraph tin mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (shear + brittle adjustment)
Problems (visual recognition – knobbly texture, scale perceptions, oxidation,
paragenetic concealment) 179
■ Representation of broken rock pattern (see Plate 5) 180
4 Isobella (silver, lead, zinc) mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (blocky, broken rock)
Problems (visual recognition, gossan, leached-infill recognition, paragenetic
concealment) 181
5 Isobella (silver, lead, zinc) mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (blocky, broken rocks, irregular limonite gossan)
Problems (leached outcrop – infill recognition) 181
■ Representation of broken rock pattern (see Plate 7) 182
6 UNA Balgammon (copper, tin) mine, Watsonville, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (shear + brittle adjustment)
Problems (visual recognition, scale perceptions, oxidation – gossan, paragenetic
concealment) 183
7 UNA Balgammon (copper, tin) mine, Watsonville, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (shear + brittle adjustment)
Problems (visual recognition, scale perceptions, oxidation – gossan, paragenetic
concealment) 183
■ Representation of broken rock pattern (see Plate 8) 184
8 Nolan´s gold mine, Ravenswood, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (complex low angle shear systems, repetitive shear and brittle adjustment)
Problems (scale perception) 185
9 Nolan´s gold mine, Ravenswood, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (complex low angle shear systems, shear and brittle adjustment)
Problems (scale perception) 185
■ Representation of broken rock pattern (see Plate 10) 186
10 Grasberg (copper, gold) mine, Heavy Sulphide Zone, Papua, Indonesia.
Patterns (brittle-broken fault)
Problems (repetitive fracturing – mineralisation concealment) 187
(-,
11 Grasberg (copper, gold) mine, Papua, Indonesia.
Patterns (central rubble – to jostled – to outer broken)
Problems (repetitive fracturing – obscuring paragenesis) 187
■ Representation of broken rock pattern (see Plate 12) 188
12 Boska tin mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (large scale, broken, shear + brittle readjustment)
Problems (visual recognition at different scales, overprinting of previously broken
ground, paragenetic concealment) 189
13 Puquqaqa copper prospect, Peru.
Patterns (small scale, broken)
Problems (overprinting previously broken ground, paragenetic concealment) 189
14 Mt Carbine tungsten mine, Queensland, Australia.
Pattern (sheeted veining, dilated)
Problems (dilation) 191
15 Suhakit tin mine, Phuket, Thailand.
Patterns (sheeted veins, dilated)
Problems (dilation) 191
16 Stackpool tin mine, Ardlethan, New South Wales, Australia.
Patterns (stockwork)
Problems (scale perception – origin) 191
17 AB Non Loc, Hodgkinson goldfield, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (fractures/faults in relation to folds)
Problems (timing relationships) 192, 193
18 AB Mt Isa (lead, zinc, copper) mine, Mt Isa, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (brittle – ductile combinations)
Problems (timing relationships) 195
19 Mt Isa (lead, zinc, copper) mine, Mt Isa, Queensland, Australia.
Patterns (layer parallel shearing at small scales, brittle-ductile combinations)
Problems (visual recognition, paragenetic timing, interpretation!) 197
The subject of breccias and mineralisation is rather large and it is not possible to remotely cover the
field in one slender volume. As a starting point it is perhaps best to deal with the vexing problem
of breccia definition. Readers may be surprised to hear that there is no satisfactory definition of
the term. This conclusion was also reached by Laznika (1988) in his massive, although somewhat
confusing tone on the subject. Some of the problems are immediately seen in the terms sedi-
mentary breccia and volcanic breccia. These terms are perfectly acceptable to sedimentologists
and volcanologists but do not sit very well with structural/economic geologists. The latter tend
to regard the term as relating to a once solid rock which is now broken and exhibits fragment
rotation. To this group a sedimentary breccia is an oxymoron (see military intelligence).
Nearly all breccias involving once solid rock which has become broken with obvious frag-
ment rotation will pass outwards into zones of less fragmentation and less rotation, and eventu-
ally terminate in a zone of fractured/shattered rock with no obvious movement of blocks (see
Plates 3 and 11). This tripartite pattern:
is obviously a related package. However, many people do not wish to apply the term breccia to
a cracked rock. Indeed, it is not unusual to see three different names given to segments of this
linked tripartite zonation. i. e. intrusive breccia – mosaic breccia – crackle zone (breccia).
Given the ingrained nature of common usage, personal prejudges and different training systems,
there seems to be no way out of the definition/nomenclature mad-house.
In order to maintain personal sanity the author would prefer to regard all of these phenomena
as simple zones of broken rocks. However, it is inconvenient to continually call out to colleagues
“Come and look at my zone of broken rock”and breccia seems destined to remain the preferred
all embracing term. If we wish to be pedantic even a cracked rock will exhibit minor rotation at
electron microscope scale?
The broken rocks covered in this volume are mostly those resulting from regional to local
tectonism where rock units are essentially broken in situ, such that the fragments have suffered
very little physical transportation. The rather loose term “break up” fragmentation covers the
general theme. This style is undoubtedly the single most common structural control providing
hydrothermal fluid conduits, and essentially involves movement along regional to local fault
structures driven by large scale tectonism.
However, it also embraces the lesser recognised process of much more localised fracture de-
velopment directly or indirectly relating to igneous intrusion. It is no coincidence that district
scale fracture intensity increases in the vicinity of igneous intrusions, especially those related to
mineralisation. Small apophyses (stocks) rising above larger scale underlying magma chambers
clearly exert enormous local pressure, and a modern school of thought invokes the idea that the
combination of regional tectonism and available melt, effectively raises magma pressure to easily
overcome local rock stress. This pressurised melt naturally seeks out weak spots in the overlying
rocks, which tend to be pre-existing faults, fractures, and fault intersections (large scale units of
broken rocks). The space problem is accommodated by envisaging direct force, block uplifts, and
(-0
block cut outs with huge segments effectively “sinking” have also contributed to the situation.
in a piston-like concept (See Plate 33A). This is not intended to be a structural text, and the
The net result is “break-up” fracturing focussed by writer does indeed belong to the mildly intimidated
local movements along pre-existing faults, and new grouping. However, some perception of terminology
fracturing occurring in and around the pluton. Apical problems can be seen from the short list below. These
zones are obviously especially prone to new fracture/ terms are all applied to broken rock systems and the
fault development and it is not surprising that many list is by no means exhaustive:
stocks are surrounded by zones of increased fracture
Tectonic breccia
intensity, commonly at kilometre scales.
In this volume, a further form of “break up” is Fault breccia
also considered which occurs when pressures in Fault gouge
hydrothermal fluids reach sufficient magnitude to
overcome local rock stress. This not only causes Cataclasite (complete with protocataclasite
existing fractures/faults to dilate under fluid pres- and ultracataclasite end members)
sure, but also creates new cracks. The phenomenon Crush zone
is in wide commercial use in the oil and gas industry
and is often referred to as hydrofracking. The author Shear zone
considers that this process is in much wider operation Brittle-ductile shear zone
than might be generally conceived, and is probably
much more operative in creating open space within Shatter breccia
pre-existing vein and stockwork systems than the Crackle breccia
more popular models of creating open space via rock
Mosaic breccia
fragmentation. Obviously both processes could be
expected to commonly work in tandem. Fracture zone/system
It is worth noting in passing that the apical re-
Jigsaw breccia
gions of many intrusives are also common sites for
sudden/episodic generation of rapidly expanding Stockwork
gas streams. These gas streams are responsible for Sheeted zones
various species of breccia containing highly rounded
fragments. There is also evidence of considerable Parallel vein swarm
fragment transportation. These are very different to Cymoid loop
the “break-up” breccia styles described in this text.
The breccias containing rounded fragments are given Fracture array
many names such as hydrothermal intrusive breccia, Implosion breccia
milled breccia, pebble dyke or diatreme, and will
form the subject of the next volume. However, as in Breccia vein
all broken rock systems they also have outer zones Hydraulic breccia
of cracked rocks which are not only of simple break-
up style, but also contribute to the high density of Intrusion breccia
fracture development in these domains. Tension fractures
The descriptive terminology utilised for broken
Tension gashes
rocks is extremely confusing, and along with most
branches of geology the structural fraternity have cre- Shingle structures
ated their own impenetrable language which confuses
Horsetail structures
and occasionally intimidates the uninitiated. In all
fairness it should be noted that economic geologists Chatter links
From the textural point of view it is recommended alteration effectively masks the multiple structures
that all of the above terms are temporarily discarded and regrettably, many structural and economic
during initial examination of hand specimens, field geologists do not try to unravel mineralised rocks
exposures and regional maps. Initial observation in channelway terms. It would be fair to state
should start by simple inspection of the actual that most economic geologists are not five star
fracture/broken rock pattern in question. This will structural observers, and equally most structural
quickly reveal a much more useful perspective than geologists are not good observers of overprinting
trying to find an appropriate name. It is the pattern of in altered, mineralised rocks.
the broken rock which is important to understanding (3) At slightly broader scales (air photos, satellite
fluid flow channelways and structural control. images) it also becomes quickly apparent that
It will quickly become apparent that the factors a major factor controlling breaking patterns
controlling fracturing/breaking are indeed complex. is pre-existing structural weakness. In short,
However several points are well worth making. the inhomogeneity exerts a strong control
creating major deviation from the standard
(1) Different rock types will fracture in significantly models derived via laboratory testing of small
different ways. scale homogeneous samples (blocks of marble,
Some rock units such as shales, schists and granite etc). Where igneous intrusions are in-
thinly bedded sediments already contain pre- volved, their emplacement is usually controlled
existing parallel oriented weak points. Fractures by pre-existing structures. The upward ascent
will naturally attempt to orient or deviate to par- of cusps and stocks from the main batholith
allel the fabric (see Plate 19). tends to accentuate the controlling fractures,
Granular rocks such as garnet and garnet- particularly above the apical zones. The whole
pyroxene skarns tend to break up in round to process sets up a pattern of more intense frac-
ovoid units (see Plates 27–30). ture around the stock which is repeatedly reacti-
In other cases, the external stress field appears vated as a multistage hydrothermal cycle evolves.
to play the major role, and fragmentation pro- In the same context it is always important
duces elongate to ovate-lens styles (see Plate 23). to realise that broken rock systems will vary
In fact, the combination of the numerous enormously along the relevant zone. This is
factors controlling fragmentation produces an again a reflection of numerous factors, with the
almost unlimited variation in fragment shape. inhomogeneity of the medium being traversed
It is always wise to look at the outer cracked zone, playing a major role. Brittle styles may domi-
as the outer fracture pattern gives a good guide nate at one point (dominated by angular broken
as to the fragment shapes to be expected in the rock patterns) and abruptly change to oriented
central dislocated rubble zones (see Plate 23). brittle-ductile shear patterns at another. In fact
(2) The majority of fractured-broken rock zones are the combination of breaking patterns is almost
sites of multiple disruption, and consequently a unlimited, giving all the more reason to actually
careful examination will reveal different genera- document the pattern rather than apply a seem-
tions of breaking contributing to the overall pat- ingly convenient term.
tern (see Plates 18, 19, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31 and 32). (4) The problem of scale presents even further diffi-
This common situation simply reflects the fact culties and in terms of mineralisation it usually
that once a weak point has been established any transpires that fracture-fault-veins observed in
further stress will naturally focus in and around normal scale exposures are actually part of a
the same place (the weak link in the chain). This much larger local (or even regional) pattern.
is the fundamental reason why overprinting is so However it is a little difficult to assess this at the
common, with 3–6 phases of breaking and fluid single exposure scale. It is usually best to adopt
introduction following the same channelway. It is the approach that the visible local scale of frac-
also the reason why so many vital structural con- turing will be a smaller scale version of the larger
trols are not recognised. The attendant infill and pattern (see Plates 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13)
(.(
* 8ggifXZ_kfLe[\ijkXe[`e^9ifb\eIfZbGXkk\iej
G_`cfjfg_p >\e\iXcGXkk\ief]Gi\j\ekXk`fe
Considerable difficulty has been encountered in 4.1 Problems of perception and general patterns at
arranging the illustrations in any logical format the larger scale (outcrops and small scale slabs
due to the problem of categorising broken rocks. representing miniatures of large scale rock frac-
In mineralised domains they have inevitably been ture/breaking patterns).
affected by 3–5 different tectonic events, which may (Plates 1 – 20)
be expressed in entirely different ways, and formed
under totally different regimes. 4.2 Dominantly brittle-ductile and ductile shear styles.
For instance, it is almost the norm for an early Overprinted by later hydrothermal events.
formed ductile or brittle-ductile shear zone to be (Plates 20 – 23)
reactivated at some later time by brittle dominated
events associated with hydrothermal activity. Possibly 4.3 Dominantly brittle styles, and complex hydro-
dilation and further crack extension via pressurised thermal overprinting with emphasis on different
fluid further adds to the picture! breaking patterns and possible fluid pressure
Similarly, it is again almost the norm for deep- effects.
seated shear-related structures occupied by barren (Plates 24 – 33)
quartz of the slate belt/greenstone gold style to be
overprinted by brittle crack styles at much later 4.4 A miscellaneous section!
times, with the gold relating to these later events (Plates 34 – 36)
(see Plate 33).
After considerable thought, the pattern given below
has been adopted. Hopefully the critical reviewers
will forgive the inevitable overlaps. Considerable
effort has been devoted to plate descriptions and
cross-referencing. The whole purpose of the series
is to encourage readers to look at rocks from a field
and/or hand lens perspective. It is the texture that
is all important and frequently overlooked by the
tendency to jump from outcrop to thin section scale
without slabbing.
(.,
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#
JZXc\G\iZ\gk`fejXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
' ,Zd
GC8K<( GXkk\iejj_\Xi"Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek#ZfeZ\ekiXk\[]iXZkli\
GifYc\djjZXc\g\iZ\gk`fej
(..
8ek`jfZ`Xc`jkk`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
§ GcXk\j)Æ* The same exercise can be repeated utilising Plate 3
at a different scale. It is worth noting that weathered
GXkk\iejj_\XiXe[Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek outcrops assist considerably in bringing out the
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`feÆbefYYcp knobbly/broken patterns.
k\okli\#jZXc\g\iZ\gk`fe#fo`[Xk`fe (b) Combine the search for broken rocks with any
ZfeZ\Xcd\ek#gXiX^\e\k`ZZfeZ\Xcd\ek obvious geological/alteration features. In general
K\c\^iXg_k`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[# terms noticeably white and/or red zones deserve
8ljkiXc`X% special attention. Red zones usually reflect a
permeable zone, which originally contained
The plates opposite have been selected as typical iron-rich minerals (sulphide, chlorite, etc.) now
weathered oxidised exposures of a brittle-ductile converted to limonite via the weathering process.
faulted broken rock system. A strongly recommended White zones normally reflect strong kaolinite al-
procedure is to commence the observational process teration of wall rocks and/or broken rock zones,
with a long distance overview. The reasons for long relating to acid-rich surficial water derived from
distance perspective are: sulphide oxidation.
1. The suspected broken rock zone(s) will inevitably Plates 2–3 exhibit red zones corresponding with the
be part of a much larger system, and it is wise to broken-knobbly criterion and Plate 3 has narrow
get a broad scale overview. This means observers linear white clay zones. The close up photograph
should resist the natural temptation to rush up to exhibits a structural pattern which defines an anas-
areas of interest. A quiet reflective walk around tomosing complex of stronger fractures (high strain
the pit edge is highly recommended. shear zones) linked by cracked rocks. (See also the
2. Broken rock zones reveal themselves via several line drawing).
parameters, and as mentioned previously many It is extremely common for the most visible fracture
observers simply fail to see them. The most useful pattern to represent late-space to post-mineralisation
techniques are: movement, superimposed over a zone of repeated
(a) Stand back and systematically ask the question tectonism. In this instance the white fractures are very
“which areas of this exposure look broken or late stage features (acid fluid-clay alteration/precipita-
cracked?” More importantly “which bits look tion) which overprint a more strongly developed shear
more shattered than the others (relatively disrup- system (red-linear), which in turn overprints a linear
tion)?” For instance within Plate 2, the area to the milled breccia (red fine-grained rubble). Cassiterite
left looks very broken (knobbly), the central zone occurs in the milled breccia. Sense of movement is
is cracked but relatively intact, while the right difficult to define (given at least three disruptions).
hand side is extremely broken with an obvious The overall pattern suggests a strong dextral influ-
rock fabric. ence at some point.
I\gi\j\ekXk`fef]
Yifb\eifZbgXkk\ie
j\\GcXk\*
K_`Zbc`e\jÆdXafi
]iXZkli\%
K_`ec`e\jÆd`efi
]iXZkli\%
9ifnej_X[`e^
Æ_`^_cpYifb\e&
fo`[`j\[%
(./
' (d
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
GC8K<) GXkk\iejj_\Xi"Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`feÆbefYYcpk\okli\#jZXc\g\iZ\gk`fe#
fo`[Xk`feZfeZ\Xcd\ek#gXiX^\e\k`ZZfeZ\Xcd\ek K\c\^iXg_k`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
GXkk\iejj_\Xi"Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`feÆbefYYcpk\okli\#jZXc\g\iZ\gk`fe#
fo`[Xk`feZfeZ\Xcd\ek#gXiX^\e\k`ZZfeZ\Xcd\ek K\c\^iXg_k`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
GC8K<* g_fkf^iXg_\[kfk_\i`^_kf]GcXk\)
' ,d
(.0
§ GcXk\+ § GcXk\,
This plate may dispel some of the preconceived visions The lower close up reveals a similar picture to the
concerning broken rocks, especially with respect stand back view above, in that fragments are not im-
to fault zones. The plates opposite are well worth mediately obvious. The key factor here concerns the
inspection as the brecciation and consequently the rusty zones, which on close inspection are composed
mineralisation style was expensively misidentified. of limonite with numerous large quartz crystals.
The brecciation was not even recognised! The latter provide the valuable information that the
In terms of the “rules”, a simple stand back glance iron-oxide rich zones are in fact large holes once
at Plate 4 should reveal a very “knobbly” exposure infilled by quartz and an iron-rich sulphide (now
with obvious iron-oxide concentrations signalling oxidised – gossan).
the probable presence of broken rocks. The small photograph below is a piece of primary
The zone extending back to the vehicle is the trend ore, which is composed of infilling iron-rich sphaler-
of a major fault zone, which at this point traverses ite (black) with quartz crystals passing into silicified
quartzite /meta-sandstone. The fragmentation wall rock and a quartz-rich host meta sediment.
occurred across the exposure and the blocks are The underground exposures reveal infilled cavities
relatively large. Note there is only the vaguest hint of at the 0.5–1 metre scale. It is interpreted that the very
fragment orientation parallel to the hill slope. brittle rock has fractured/faulted into large blocks
with either block rotation and/or high pressure fluid
introduction creating large, irregularly distributed
cavities. Sphalerite and galena are the main infill
minerals. The large cavities gave a false impression of
massive sulphide during drilling and despite the infill
character they were judged to be exhalative. Unfortu-
nately, the isolated cavities were erroneously linked
between drill hoes for ore reserve calculations.
Gi`dXipfi\i\cXk`e^kfGcXk\,%
HlXikqn_`k\ jg_Xc\i`k\[Xib
nXccifZb^i\p %
' )Zd
GXkk\iejYcfZbp#Yifb\eifZb#`ii\^lcXic`dfe`k\^fjjXe
GifYc\djc\XZ_\[flkZifgÆ`eÔcci\Zf^e`k`fe
GC8K<, @jfY\ccXj`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
(/(
§ GcXk\j- Æ. that simplistically outlined in the line drawing. (see
Plate 7 opposite).
GXkk\iejj_\Xi"Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek This reveals a prominent set of structures associ-
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`fe#jZXc\ ated with broken and cracked rocks which form part
g\iZ\gk`fej#fo`[Xk`fe^fjjXe of a larger anastomosing brittle/shear system.
ZfeZ\Xcd\ek#gXiX^\e\k`ZZfeZ\Xcd\ek The iron-oxides (red) are accompanied by minor
L%E%8%9Xc^XddfeZfgg\i#k`e d`e\# occurrences of copper secondary minerals (mala-
NXkjfem`cc\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% chite, azurite) and also secondary arsenical products
(scorodite). These are not visible on the plate but re-
The plates opposite, and the line drawing below have flect the fact that the primary ore is composed domi-
been selected to again illustrate some of the problems nantly of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite.
involved in identifying broken rocks within weath- Minor sphalerite, galena, stannite and cassiterite are
ered profiles, and also to impress upon inexperienced also present and the paragenesis is complex – multi-
readers that fault zones are commonly quite complex staged.
in nature. The plate also serves to provide a good The sulphide oxidation has etched out the ore
impression of a low angle brittle-ductile mineralised structure, with the smaller rock fragments represent-
fault zone/system. ing silicified comminuted wall rocks which were orig-
The upper plate depicts an exposure which was inally surrounded by infill (and alteration) sulphide
not correctly observed in initial investigations, and a assemblages. This assemblage overprints an original
failure to recognise the nature of the deposit proved shear system. It is possible that later reactivation of
to be an expensive error. the fundamental underlying fault system is also rep-
The presence of knobbly rocks, partially linked to resented within the exposure. The system portrayed
limonitic zones provides two vital observations. The in the plates is part of a major low angle fault system,
process of separating very broken rocks from less running semi-parallel to bedding and porphyry sills.
broken rocks will quickly reveal a pattern similar to (see Plates 8–9 for larger scale equivalent).
I\gi\j\ekXk`fef]Yifb\eifZbgXkk\iej\\gcXk\.
K_`Zbc`e\jÆdXafi]iXZkli\j%K_`ec`e\jÆd`efi]iXZkli\j%
9ifnej_X[`e^Æm\ipYifb\e&fo`[`j\[%
' (d
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
GC8K<- GXkk\iejj_\Xi"Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`fe#jZXc\g\iZ\gk`fej#fo`[Xk`feÆ^fjjXeZfeZ\Xcd\ek#gXiX^\e\k`ZZfeZ\Xcd\ek
L%E%8%$9Xc^XddfeZfgg\i#k`e d`e\#NXkjfem`cc\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
GXkk\iejj_\Xi"Yi`kkc\X[aljkd\ek
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`fe#jZXc\g\iZ\gk`fej#fo`[Xk`feZfeZ\Xcd\ek#gXiX^\e\k`ZZfeZ\Xcd\ek
GC8K<. L%E%8%$9Xc^XddfeZfgg\i#k`e d`e\#NXkjfem`cc\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
' (d
(/*
I\gi\j\ekXk`fef]dXafi\c\d\ekjf]Yifb\eifZbgXkk\iej\\gcXk\/fggfj`k\
N_`k\c`e\jÆdX`e]iXZkli\j%
GXkk\iejZfdgc\ocfnXe^c\j_\Xiqfe\#i\g\k`k`m\j_\XiXe[Yi`kkc\i\X[aljkd\ekÆj\\Xcjf
gcXk\j.Xe[/
GifYc\djjZXc\g\iZ\gk`fe
GC8K<0 EfcXe¡j^fc[d`e\#IXm\ejnff[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
(/,
§ GcXk\('
GXkk\iejYi`kkc\$Yifb\e]Xlckj
GifYc\dji\g\k`k`m\]iXZkli`e^
d`e\iXc`jXk`fe
>iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#?\Xmp
Jlcg_`[\Qfe\#GXglX#@e[fe\j`X%
§ GcXk\((
I\gi\j\ekXk`fef]Yifb\eifZbgXkk\ie`eGcXk\('Æfggfj`k\%
J\ej\f]j_\Xijl^^\jk\[YpdXafi\c\d\ekjkfgi`^_k `j GXkk\iejZ\ekiXcilYYc\#dXi^`eXc
[\okiXc%
N_`k\c`e\jÆdX`e]iXZkli\j%
afjkc\#flk\i]iXZkli\
9ifnej_X[`e^Æm\ipYifb\e&fo`[`j\[qfe\j% GifYc\dji\g\k`k`m\]iXZkli`e^
fYjZli\jgXiX^\e\j`j
>iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\%?\Xmp
Jlcg_`[\Qfe\#GXglX#@e[fe\j`X%
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
GXkk\iejZ\ekiXcilYYc\#
dXi^`eXcafjkc\#flk\i
]iXZkli\ Xe[gifYc\dj ' ,d
i\g\k`k`m\]iXZkli`e^fYjZli\j
gXiX^\e\j`j
>iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#
?\XmpJlcg_`[\Qfe\#GXglX#
GC8K<(( @e[fe\j`X%
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(/.
I\gi\j\ekXk`fe
f]dX`e\c\d$
\ekjf]Yifb\e
ifZbgXkk\ie`e
GcXk\()%
K_`Zbc`e\jÆ
dXafi]iXZkli\j%
K_`ec`e\jÆ
d`efi]iXZkli\j%
§ GcXk\() this is not the first time that this zone has fractured
in this manner! (see also Plates 10, 11, 12, 25, 26, 29
GXkk\iejj_\XiXe[Yi`kkc\i\X[aljkd\ek and 30).
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`feXk[`]]\i\ek
jZXc\j#fm\igi`ek`e^f]gi\m`fljYifb\e
^ifle[#d`e\iXcgXiX^\e`j`jZfeZ\Xcd\ek § GcXk\(*
9fjbXk`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#
8ljkiXc`X% GXkk\iejkpg`ZXcYi`kkc\Yi\Xb`e^
GifYc\djfm\igi`ek`e^gi\m`fljYifb\e
The top plate (opposite) has been selected to again il- ^ifle[#d`e\iXcgXiX^\e\j`jZfeZ\Xcd\ek
lustrate that many faults are not single isolated zones, GlhlhXhXZfgg\igifjg\Zk#G\il%
but are commonly composed of linked networks of
individual components. The major components of This plate (opposite) has been paired with the one
this brittle style system all show minor amounts of above to illustrate a very similar style of unminer-
crushed rocks at a close-up scale, and probably mark alised brittle fault-fracture (broken rock pattern)
sites of minor movement. The important point is that again superimposed on previously fractured-altered
the intervening zones have been placed under stress, (argillised) igneous rocks. The new pattern is partially
and have responded by simple but extensive cracking. outlined by limonite alteration via surface oxidation
The crack (broken rock) pattern for a portion of the (oxygenated meteoric water). The argillisation is a
system is illustrated above, where it can be observed fringe zone effect relating to a very large (kilometre)
that more extensive cracks are interlinked by smaller scale “intrusive-diatreme” copper mineralised system.
cracks (a cobweb effect). This is a very typical situa- The ever diminishing, crude cobweb pattern can be
tion for large scale fractured ground preparation. It seen as the rocks have cracked to take up strain be-
is not difficult to imagine the effect of introducing tween the differential movements of the main move-
either a low or high pressure hydrothermal fluid ment zones (thicker lines). Considerable amounts of
with major alteration plus or minus additional hy- small scale rubble with fine clay gouge are present. It
drofracture – and potential stockwork formation. If is possible (probable) that two separate unmineralised
alteration prevails it could become very difficult to systems are represented, with the cracks now outlined
discern the original structural controls. In fact, the by limonite belonging to a more recent small scale
unmineralised fracture pattern in the plate overprints reactivation. This style of brittle ground preparation
a completely altered rock (sericite-silica) with minor is similar to the situation discussed above, and il-
(// isolated infill zones (quartz-cassiterite) suggesting lustrates small scale detail.
' ,d
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
GC8K<() GXkk\iejcXi^\ijZXc\Yifb\e$j_\Xi"Yi`kkc\]iXZkli\i\X[aljkd\ek
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`feXk[`]]\i\ekjZXc\j#fm\igi`ek`e^f]gi\m`fljYifb\e^ifle[#d`e\iXcgXiX^\e`j`j
ZfeZ\Xcd\ek
9fjbXk`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
GXkk\iejkpg`ZXcYi`kkc\Yi\Xb`e^
GifYc\djfm\igi`ek`e^gi\m`fljYifb\e^ifle[#d`e\iXcgXiX^\e\j`jZfeZ\Xcd\ek
GC8K<(* GlhlhXhXZfgg\igifjg\Zk#G\il%
' )%,d
(/0
§ GcXk\(+ § GcXk\(,
GXkk\iejj_\\k\[m\`e#[`cXk\[ GXkk\iejj_\\k\[m\`ej#[`cXk\[
GifYc\dj[`cXk`fe GifYc\dj[`cXk`fe
Dk:XiY`e\kle^jk\ed`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[# JX_Xb`kk`ed`e\#G_lb\k#K_X`cXe[%
8ljkiXc`X%
A similar example to Plate 14 of parallel sheeted style
A spectacular example of parallel sheeted fractur- fracturing, but with quartz-cassiterite veining. The
ing now occupied by major quartz veins. The latter host rock is argillised fine-grained granite. The rock
contain substantial wolframite and were mined in face is sluiced, and cassiterite is ultimately extracted
recent times via an open pit selective mining process. via sluice boxes/shaking tables (see also Plate 24F).
The quartz-wolframite components were separated
via automated colour sorting subsequent to crush-
ing. The wall rocks are fine-grained siliceous meta-
§ GcXk\(-
sediments. This style of subparallel sheeted veining
is extremely common in quartz wolframite concen-
trations throughout the world. Numerous examples GXkk\iejjkfZbnfib
form directly above underlying granite cupolas. The GifYc\djjZXc\g\iZ\gk`fe#fi`^`e
lower and upper parts of the system (1–2 km scale) JkXZbgffck`ed`e\#8i[c\k_Xe#E\nJflk_
feather out, with maximum vein widths occurring NXc\j#8ljkiXc`X%
in the central and lower central sectors. The veins are
clearly infill dominated, and high fluid pressures are The intensely brittle fractured zone now accentuated
suspected to play a major dilational role. The fracture by surficial weathering and mining activity would
style seems connected directly to the probable force- certainly qualify for the term stockwork. The large
ful intrusion of the underlying igneous apophysis/ zone of shattered rock forms the marginal zone to
stock. Movement along fractures is minimal and it an intrusive style hydrothermal breccia pipe. These
seems as if an array of brittle parallel cracks formed are thought to form via the escape of rapidly expand-
in relation to the local stress domain, usually within ing gas. Not surprisingly, many of these columns of
rocks that are relatively isotropic. An analogy of driv- milled fragmented rocks are surrounded by zones of
ing a blunt chisel into an unfractured rock might be intense brittle fracture. The latter form perfect sites for
appropriate? permeation and mineral deposition via later genera-
tions of more conventional hydrothermal fluids.
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
GC8K<(, GXkk\iejj_\\k\[m\`ej#[`cXk\[
GifYc\dj[`cXk`fe
JX_Xb`kk`ed`e\#G_lb\k#K_X`cXe[%
GXkk\iejjkfZbnfib
GifYc\djjZXc\g\iZ\gk`fe#fi`^`e
GC8K<(- JkXZbgffck`ed`e\#8i[c\k_Xe#E\nJflk_NXc\j#8ljkiXc`X%
(0(
§ GcXk\(.89 of brittle and ductile rock breaking factors simultane-
ously. Quite clearly any further tectonic disturbance
GXkk\iej]iXZkli\j&]Xlckj`ei\cXk`fekf (such as granite intrusion) will reactivate any or all
]fc[j of these with focussed rebreaking. Development of
GifYc\djjZXc\g\ijg\Zk`m\j#[`]]\i\ek regional scale faults (either brittle or ductile) will
Õl`[^\e\iXk`fej tend to have major segments following the fold limbs
LecfZXk\[jg\Z`d\e#?f[^b`ejfe^fc[Ô\c[# (that is the country rocks will break along pre-existing
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% weaknesses). Similarly the introduction of a high pres-
sure fluid at any time will create dilation and further
The specimen has been selected to give a visual un- associated rock fracture. Lower pressure fluids will
derstanding of rock breaking associated with fold permeate along both brittle and ductile structures.
development. The pre-folding package consisted of Obviously, the combination of regional/local major
fine-grained, siliceous sediments (mudstones) which fault movement of structures already containing hy-
are now represented as siliceous metasediments (grey- drothermal fluids will create massive overpressuring/
cream) and quartz veins (pale to dark blue grey). dilation/rock breaking. Many veins, vein systems, are
The rocks probably contained a pre-existing cleav- controlled in this manner, and there are many lessons
age (not visible) and the main cleavage structure now to be learned from this plate. Again it is wise to think
visible is a spaced differentiated crenulation cleavage in different scales, and make the plate 0.5 km across,
(the dark cracks running approximately parallel to changing the folded quartz vein to a quartzite (see
the axial plane of the fold with mildly radial devel- also Plates 18 A, B, 19 and 33).
opments towards the basal sector). In detail these
are actually subparallel sets of brittle cracks which
are now filled with grey quartz, suggesting that they
have been utilised by the introduction of pressurised
hydrothermal fluid.
The larger pale to dark blue-grey quartz veins have
clearly been folded with mild crenulation visible in
some small scale examples (lower Plate 17B). The
competent quartz has responded via brittle fracture
and many elements of this can be seen from the faint
darker structures running at right angles to the vein
and radially around the fold axis. This weakness has
been exploited at some point by a stage precipitating
white infill quartz (centre right). This particular hy-
drothermal event can be seen at many points within
the rock (top left, centre right) and obviously occurred
prior to the shear style disruption (dark layers).
The flanks of the fold ultimately become areas of
extremely high strain, particularly with reference to
lower strain domains towards the centre and apex.
The net result is that the fold breaks and shears de-
velop along the flanks. These are well displayed on
the plate as antasomosing dark wavy zones (top right)
which displace segments of pre-existing quartz veins
(both early blue and later white) as well as shearing
out, stretching, crushing, and grinding rock frag-
' *Zd
ments. Under a 15 × hand lens, the rock fragments
within the shear zones are altered (buff to green) and
the entire shear network is dark green, suggesting the
passage of a hydrothermal fluid (low pressure) causing GC8K<(.9 ?`^_\idX^e`ÔZXk`fe`ej\ik]ifdGcXk\(.8
sericite/chlorite? alteration. ?f[^b`ejfe^fc[Ô\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
It can be seen that folding introduces a combination Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ %
' ,Zd
(0*
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
GC8K<(/8 GXkk\iejYi`kkc\$[lZk`c\ZfdY`eXk`fej`emfcm`e^XZfdg\k\ekcXp\ij\k`ec\jjZfdg\k\ekjliifle[`e^j
GifYc\djk`d`e^i\cXk`fej_`gj
Dk@jXc\X[#q`eZ#Zfgg\i d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpN%G%CX`e^ %
?`^_\idX^e`ÔZXk`feg`Zkli\f]Xgfik`fef]GcXk\(/8kfj_fnk`d`e^i\cXk`fej_`gj%
EFK<1K_`jgXkk\ie`jm\ipZfddfe#Zfddfecp`emfcm`e^gfig_pip&YXjXck`Zj`ccjXe[[pb\jn`k_`ec\jj
Zfdg\k\ek#cXp\i\[le`kj%\%^%k_\Dk:_Xicfkk\^fc[jkfZbnfib#BXc^ffic`\#N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X %
GC8K</9 Dk@jXc\X[#q`eZ#Zfgg\i d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%j\\XcjfGcXk\j(.8#(.9Xe[(0
' (Zd
(0,
§ GcXk\(0 In terms of broken rocks and paragenesis the white
dolomitic veins are the earliest feature. They are
GXkk\iejcXp\igXiXcc\cj_\Xi`e^XkjdXcc clearly infill in character with no obvious associated
jZXc\j#Yi`kkc\$[lZk`c\ZfdY`eXk`fej alteration. Those situated in the tuff marker bed oc-
GifYc\djm`jlXci\Zf^e`k`fe#gXiX^\e\k`Z cupy dilated cracks (fluid pressure dilation?) and a
k`d`e^f][`]]\i\ek\m\ekj#`ek\igi\kXk`fe similar origin can be postulated for the segments of
Dk@jXc\X[#q`eZ#Zfgg\i d`e\#Dk@jX# vein materials running semi-parallel or at low angles
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% to layering situated within the pale brown sphalerite
band(s). An impression is rapidly gained that the latter
This rock has been included to illustrate a combina- have been disrupted – faulted.
tion of three problems which commonly confront any
observer of “mineralisation textures” from a broken Examination of the sphalerite reveals two major
rock perspective. textural domains:
(a) Bedding parallel and/or low angle to bedding
GIF9C<D(– Actual recognition/observation of zones of fine-grained massive sphalerite.
the textures. In this case the original texture in the (b) Lensoid zones in between the above containing
underground rock face reveals almost nothing. The elongate blebs-spots-discontinuous tiny veins.
slabbed rock brings out a few textures, but the full
visual picture has only been presented after careful There are numerous examples of a combination of the
treatment with different size grinding powders. above which is interpreted as small scale discontinu-
GIF9C<D) – Recognition of multiple overprint- ous layer replacive sulphide alteration (see Plate 36).
ing hydrothermal stages. A good understanding of Taken as a total package, the entire picture can be
infill, alteration and overprinting textures is required interpreted as an anastomosing micro shear system
to interpret structural controls and paragenesis. which has formed a channelway for hydrothermal
GIF9C<D * – Given the above, an interpretive fluid flow (see Plates 20 and 21). Sphalerite formation
stage still leaves room for errors/ambiguity and it is almost totally in replacive mode which blurs the
may be necessary to follow-up with a complete suite original shear structure. The total to partial alteration
of rocks and targeted microscopy. The above problems reflects the permeability of the original channelways,
are always compounded when permeability chan- and given that the unsheared rock was probably
nelways are liable to be layer parallel, and there are originally very carbonate rich, a classic carbonate
substantial post-mineralisation deformation effects! replacement model seems probable. The pre-existing
All of the above apply to the major Mt Isa lead, zinc, coarser-grained vein dolomite is less prone to altera-
copper systems and their related cousins throughout tion, but on close inspection numerous sphalerite al-
the northern region of the Mt Isa province (Century, teration spots occur within the veins. The shear style
McArthur River, Hilton, George Fischer etc). hypothesis fits very well with the pre-existing vein
dismemberment.
The rock depicted is from one of the Mt Isa lead-zinc The pyrrhotite has photographed very well and
orebodies (see also Plate 18A, 18B). The pale green can easily be distinguished (lighter yellow colour)
layer (left) is a “tuff marker bed” composed of fine- from the sphalerite (pale brown). A very similar
grained silica, feldspar ± carbonate, and the remain- picture emerges (solid and spotty zones). This is well
ing metasediments are fundamentally variations on seen at far left where minute bedding parallel to low
carbonate-rich siltstones and shales. angle massive zones anastomose along the layer with
discontinuous spot-lens style sulphide alteration
In terms of mineral identification: occurring in the intervening rock-lensoid zones.
1. The prominent white veins in the tuff marker A broken dark rock layer reinforces the picture of
bed and elsewhere are essentially coarse-grained small scale movement. The pyrrhotite to the centre
dolomite ± quartz. and left occurs in a wide variety of layer parallel and
2. The prominent bright spots (left) are pyrite crosscutting flecks giving a strong impression of
(yellow). overprinting the sphalerite and again picking out the
3. The pale brown material dominating the right original shear fabric.
hand side is sphalerite. The pyrite distribution is more difficult to interpret.
4. The intermediate bright buff coloured mate- The isolated spots (left) exhibit good crystal shapes
rial which is prominent in a centre left band is but there is no obvious channelway relationship. Their
pyrrhotite. timing is thus obscure, possibly early? (diagenetic?).
(0-
+%( >\e\iXcGXkk\iejf]9ifb\eIfZbjXe[GifYc\dj@emfcm\[n`k_I\Zf^e`k`fe#JZXc\G\iZ\gk`feXe[Fm\igi`ek`e^
' )Zd
§ GcXk\)' § GcXk\)(
GifefleZ\[`emfcm\d\ekf]j_\Xi GifefleZ\[`emfcm\d\ekf]j_\Xi
Zfdgfe\ekjfm\igi`ek\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\ Zfdgfe\ekjfm\igi`ek\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\
_p[ifk_\idXc\m\ekj _p[ifk_\idXc\m\ekj
JkXiiXZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#J\cnpe# JkXiiXZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#J\cnpe#
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
This plate has been selected to show a reactivation This specimen is an excellent visual example of mul-
“breaking” pattern controlled by a pre-existing duc- tiple usage of an original brittle-ductile shear fabric,
tile shear fabric. This is also a very common situation and exhibits a very typical reactivation, overprinting
where mineralisation overprints pre-existing shear fracture system.
style fault fabrics. The darker pink fine-grained siliceous ± hematite
The photograph is over-exposed to bring out the host rock has been part of a major ductile shear fab-
texture. The pale grey to dark grey rock fabric is black ric. The initial fabric has controlled the entry of high
in reality and the elongate-lensoid nature of ductile temperature fluids which resulted in significant albite
“flattened-stretched” fragments is pronounced, creat- alteration (paler pink). There is no discernable infill
ing an anastomosing effect. These are now composed and hence a relatively low pressure fluid involvement
of chlorite ± quartz. It is quite possible that an early is inferred.
biotite alteration may have been present given the na- At some subsequent time the inherited shear/albite
ture of the system? (occasional dark greenish tinge). fabric has been fractured in a brittle fashion, presum-
The early shear fabric is now overprinted by an ably as a result of stress refocusing along the original
another anastomosing pattern outlined by grains, fault zone. The net result is a subparallel lensoid-ovoid
granular aggregates, and minute veins of pale silver anastomosing style of fragmentation. In the plate op-
hematite. These are not deformed and outline the posite, this is a species of crackle zone with very little
pathway which controlled hydrothermal fluid entry. evidence of rock breaking (gouge, rock fragments) or
The hematite is actually an alteration of pre-existing new shear fabric.
magnetite which is recognisable from the crystal/ An introduction of hydrothermal fluid presumably
grain shapes. Fairly obviously, this is a re-utilisation with a reasonably high pressure has forced apart the
of the existing shear fabric. It is not clear whether or crack system and eventually precipitated fine-grained
not there is re-shearing or just re-cracking involved calcite (grey), magnetite (black) rare quartz and possi-
both are suspected? bly biotite (chlorite altered)? This stage has no obvious
The granular magnetite/hematite is formed mostly accompanying alteration. Although not totally clear
as an alteration component, which tends to obscure the possibility of an even later carbonate infill stage
the original channelway structures. Some of the is suggested by the whiter central vein.
minute cracks are probably infill dominated, although Brittle style fracture superimposed upon more
it is fairly clear that open space is minimal. ductile styles is a very common situation.
(See also Plates 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22,
34 and 35).
GC8K<)' GifefleZ\[`emfcm\d\ekf]j_\XiZfdgfe\ekfm\igi`ek\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\_p[ifk_\idXc\m\ekj
JkXiiXZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#J\cnpe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpE%8[j_\X[$9\cc %
j\\XcjfGcXk\j)#*#-#.#/#0#(.#(/#(0#)(#))#*+Xe[*,
GifefleZ\[`emfcm\d\ekf]j_\XiZfdgfe\ekfm\igi`ek\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\_p[ifk_\idXc\m\ekj
' (Zd
(00
§ GcXk\))89:; possibly associated with the dark siliceous altera-
tion. Arsenopyrite also occurs in other regions of
GifefleZ\[`emfcm\d\ekf]j_\Xi the slab which on close insection can also be linked
Zfdgfe\ekjfm\igi`ek\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\ to minute dark impersistent (silica?) cracks. The dark
_p[ifk_\idXc\m\ekj`eZcl[`e^Yi`kkc\ “vein” structures mostly parallel the early rock fabric,
]iXZkli`e^Xe[gifYXYc\_p[iXlc`Z[`cXk`fe % although one angles across.
Jflk_KXcYfk^fc[d`e\#BXc^ffic`\[`jki`Zk# In the third plate (Plate 22C), the dark silica-
N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X% arsenopyrite stage is even more strongly developed
with the dark alteration replacing both feldspathic
The four illustrations opposite (Plate 22 ABCD) have and ferromagnesian components components.
been chosen to again illustrate the extremely common Arsenopyrite alteration is similarly more extensive
situation of a major ductile shear zone, overprinted and large crystals and grains are easily visible, to-
by later more brittle fracturing associated with high gether with minor pyrite. The dark channelways are
pressure fluid dilation/brecciation. oriented parallel to initial rock foliation. Note the
The specimens illustrate a progressive sequence textural inheritance.
which commences at the outer perimeter of the shear The final plate is a good illustration of the dark
zone (Plate 22A) moving into the central quartz- silica-arsenopyrite spotted stage, occurring as frag-
dominated vein zone (Plate 22D). The exact location ments in a mass of white quartz. Many of the frag-
of the gold is uncertain. The various components are ments are partially altered to white-grey quartz.
best described with reference to all four plates.
:fdgfe\ek*ÆN_`k\HlXikq§
:fdgfe\ek(ÆK_\DX`e<XicpJkX^\ 8ij\efgpi`k\#Gpi`k\
;lZk`c\J_\XiQfe\ The white quartz stage is dominated by infill and
The host rock is a medium-grained equigranular igne- is clearly visible on all the plates. The relationship
ous rock and although no fresh examples are visible with the dark silica is a little questionable. The close
it approximates to diorite. It is best seen via the paler spatial connection initially suggests that it is simply
grey zones towards the base of Plate 22A and the top the infill stage to the dark silica -arsenopyrite. This
of Plate 22B. The paler cream coloured materials were is further supported by the presence of arsenopyrite
originally plagioclase feldspars, and the darker zones (and pyrite) as coarse-grained infill (Plate 22D – top
were ferromagnesian minerals (mostly amphiboles). right). However there are two less convincing fac-
Both major components now exhibit alignment (a tors. Firstly the dark silica alteration is overprinted
ductile shear fabric). The feldspars are mildly serici- (altered) by the white silica (Plate 22D), and some of
tised whilst the ferromagnesian components are now the white quartz veining is seriously asymmetric in
varying combinations of “titano-ilmenite/leucoxene” relation to dark alteration (see Plate 22B). The white
and sericite? Fine-grained calcite is also present, and quartz is crystalline, not deformed, and although not
most of this alteration seems to be linked with the visible in the plates, commonly contains small vugs
ductile shear development (early). (incomplete infill), and isolated prismatic crystals
with a pearly lustre and suspected multiple twinning.
:fdgfe\ek)Æ;Xib>i\pHlXikq$ They are probably albite.
8ij\efgpi`k\§Gpi`k\ Despite the questions concerning precise timing,
This is well represented on all four plates. In Plate it is evident that ductile shear structure has been a
22A it is weakly represented as a spaced crack style focus for more brittle style refracturing. It can be
which both parallels and crosscuts the earlier shear interpreted that the fluid responsible for white quartz
fabric. These appear to be small infill veins (quartz is probably of the high pressure variety, being respon-
– dark grey, arsenopyrite – pale silver). The veining sible for both vein dilation and dismemberment of
is stronger in Plate 22B where it is clear that signifi- wall rocks.
cant dark siliceous alteration accompanies the vein The identity of the yellow infill mineral in
structures. Numerous large grains of arsenopyrite Plate 22A is unknown.
(silver) occur as isolated alteration spots (top right)
GC8K<)) GifefleZ\[`emfcm\d\ekf]j_\XiZfdgfe\ekjfm\igi`ek\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\_p[ifk_\idXc\m\ekj`eZcl[`e^
Yi`kkc\]iXZkli`e^Xe[gifYXYc\_p[iXlc`Z[`cXk`fe
)'(
Jflk_KXcYfk^fc[d`e\#BXc^ffic`\#N\jk\ie8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X%
§ GcXk\)*89:; a good guide to locating nearby shear zones. It is
tempting to use the term tension gash, although this
GifefleZ\[j_\Xijkpc\jpjk\ddlck`gc\ is misleading if the opening is due to fluid pressure.
Yi`kkc\jkpc\i\XZk`mXk`fejXe[dlck`gc\ A tension gash philosophy would involve a sense of
`ekif[lZk`fef]_p[ifk_\idXcÕl`[j % movement.
;`cXk`feXe[_p[if]iXZkli\m`XÕl`[ § GC8K<)*9
gi\jjli\6
<ie\jk?\eipZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#:cfeZliip This plate is similar to Plate 23A but conveys the
[`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% broken rock pattern in a more visual manner. The
creation of irregular to rounded-ovoid-lensoid rock
Ernest Henry is located within a major regional ductile patterns is more obvious. The specimen is still within
to brittle shear system which exhibits multiple reacti- a marginal cracked rock zone, either adjacent to or
vation and multistage introduction of hydrothermal between sheared zones (see Plates 6, 7, 8 and 9) but
fluids. The four examples illustrate repetitive breaking has been affected by greater fluid flow. In particular,
styles controlled by the presence of an original shear the early dark stage is better developed and it is ap-
structure, local stress regimes within the wall rocks, parent that alteration associated with this stage is
and probable dilation due to fluid introduction. intense. The rocks have been altered via the devel-
opment of fine-grained magnetite spotting and the
§ GC8K<)*8
brick-red feldspathically altered volcanic host rocks
This section of core is composed of fine-grained brick have deepened in colour.
red material which is a K-feldspar ± hematite altered
§ GC8K<)*:
meta-volcanic rock. The alteration is an early event
which on a larger scale appears to relate to the broad This core sample is from one of the “central” sectors
scale shear structure, increasing in intensity as the of the fault system. The major difference is that the
structure is approached. extent and amount of white carbonate ± magnetite,
The prominent irregular white wispy zones are pyrite, and chalcopyrite infill has now increased to oc-
composed of carbonate (white) magnetite (dark) and cupy some 40–50 % of the rock. The earlier wall rocks
minor chalcopyrite-pyrite (pale yellows). The zones are now fragments, many of which assume irregular
are oriented and essentially represent infill with little but generally rounded outlines. The rounding effect
or no alteration. The term “seagull texture” has been probably reflects the way the rock disintegrates (see
used as a local descriptive term. Plates 23A, 23B) and has little to do with any milling
The remaining dark spotted material is predomi- effects. This interpretation is supported by the lack
nantly magnetite associated with fine-grained spots of of any fine rock flour-sandy matrix. It would seem
sulphide (pyrite, chalcopyrite). Some biotite may also that the effect is due to the presence of a fluid under
be present ± minor carbonate. This stage is actually a high pressure causing dilation/fragmentation. Any
combination of infill and alteration which precedes original structural information has been overprinted
the white carbonate stage. A careful inspection re- and effectively concealed by the successive feldspathic
veals that it is arranged as an oriented, interconnected and magnetite alteration effects.
meshwork, with an overall orientation paralleling
§ GC8K<)*;
that of the more obviously carbonate dominated
stage. From a broken rock perspective, both oriented This plate further illustrates the repetitive overprint-
meshwork patterns are essentially cracks and create ing breaking theme. The rock comes from the fringe
ovoid to elongate lensoid fragmentation. (See also zone (crackle zone) of one of the major ore struc-
Plates 27–30). tures (see Plate 23 A above) and illustrates a further
The oriented meshworks are crackle zones which oriented crack style dislocation now represented by
are positioned at right angles to the main shear fabric, fine-grained pyrite. The previous red feldspathic ±
and give the impression that the peripheral crack hematite, dark (magnetite) and white (carbonate)
zones, are largely controlled by pre-existing stress stages are all represented.
distribution in the wall rocks. The “seagull texture” The complete nature of the late pyrite-dominated
results from the irregularly distributed dilation oc- stage is unclear. However, it is apparent that pyrite al-
curring during late stage fluid introduction, and it teration plays a major role with pre-existing carbon-
is suspected that the fluid pressure is responsible for ate (calcite?) being replaced. Pyrite infill is strongly
the dilation. It is noted that this type of rock breaking suspected, associated with the alteration. Note that
is commonly picked out by later dilation and forms all stages are similarly oriented.
)')
' (Zd ' (Zd
)*8 )*9
)*: )*;
GC8K<J)* GifefleZ\[j_\Xijkpc\jpjk\ddlck`gc\Yi`kkc\jkpc\i\XZk`mXk`fejXe[dlck`gc\`ekif[lZk`fef]_p[ifk_\idXc
Õl`[j%Jljg\Zk\[[`cXk`feXe[_p[if]iXZkli\m`XÕl`[gi\jjli\6
)'*
<ie\jk?\eipZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#:cfeZliip[`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
+%* Jpjk\dj&IfZbjn`k_GifefleZ\[9i`kkc\:fdgfe\ekj
§ GcXk\j)+8Æ = § GcXk\)+;<
JdXccjZXc\\oXdgc\jf]mXi`fljYi`kkc\ :pdf`[Cffg
]iXZkli\jkpc\j BXe^Xiff?`ccjk`eÔ\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#
8ljkiXc`X%
§ GcXk\)+9: § GcXk\)+=
;`cXk`feXcAf^ J_\\k\[m\`ejpjk\d
EfeCfZ#?`[[\eMXcc\pk`e[`jki`Zk# NXm\ic\p[`jki`Zk#BXe^Xiff?`ccjk`eÔ\c[#
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
An excellent small scale example of two parallel A small scale example of spaced parallel fractures
fractures linked by shattered broken ground. The with an infill of quartz (grey) and cassiterite (dark).
link mosaic pattern although brittle stockwork in This is a species of sheeted veining. The entire zone is
style does exhibit a general orientation. This type of only a few centimetres wide and it is a little difficult
pattern is generally loosely referred to as a dilational to envisage the style of stress/strain that would result
jog and is very common at all scales within fracture in this style of fracturing. There seems to be little
systems. The linking fracture is considered to form or no displacement involved. The material is locally
via stress fields building up at the main fracture tips called streaky ore. The granite host rock is partially
which are ultimately relieved via brittle semi-oriented albitised to the right, with potassium feldspar (pink)
rupture. The reason for stress concentration could be being replaced by albite (white). (See also Plates 14
either directly tectonic (movement) or a fluid pressure and 15)
build up related to tectonism. The “vein” system is
composed of dark infill (cassiterite?) overprinted by
iron-oxides. The white/pink patch also appears to be
infill (feldspar?quartz?) and the grey background is a
pre-existing siliceous? alteration of the fine-grained
granite host.
' (Zd
GC8K<)+8 JkfZbnfibI\[;fd\^fc[d`e\#:_`ccX^f\#
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X
JdXccjZXc\Æj\\XcjfGcXk\j*(Xe[*)
GC8K<)+9: ;`cXk`feXcAf^
EfeCfZ#?`[[\eMXcc\pk`e[`jki`Zk#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
+%* Jpjk\dj&IfZbjn`k_GifefleZ\[9i`kkc\:fdgfe\ekj
8ljkiXc`X% K`eÔ\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
JdXccjZXc\Æj\\XcjfGcXk\j(+Xe[(,
§ GcXk\), § GcXk\)-
GifefleZ\[Yi`kkc\]iXZkli\jkpc\ Dlck`gc\Yi`kkc\]iXZkli\jpjk\d
fm\igi`ek\[Yp_p[ifk_\idXcXck\iXk`fe \ok\ej`m\cpfm\igi`ek\[Xe[fYjZli\[Yp
EfeCfZ#BXe^Xiff?`ccjk`eÔ\c[# jlZZ\jj`m\jkX^\jf]Xck\iXk`fe&`eÔcc
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% :Xe[\cXi`XZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#:fg`Xgf
[`jki`Zk#:_`c\%
This specimen is an excellent example illustrating an
extremely common brittle style fault situation and a This plate illustrates the normal situation revealed by
range of attendant breaking patterns. any close examination of mineralisation, with suc-
A pre-existing quartz vein/silicified rock (white- cessive stages of fracturing/faulting being utilised by
grey) has been a focus for renewed fault movement. successive stages of hydrothermal fluid introduction.
At the bottom of the plate very little movement has The latter produce infill/alteration which commonly
occurred, and the rock has broken in an anastomos- conceals the situation from casual viewing. In out-
ing pattern creating a variety of shapes including crop the rock is extremely dark, and reveals little of
lensoid and simple crack style fracture. the extensive multi-fracturing history. The specimen
The central and upper regions have clearly suffered (Plate 26) has been slabbed and ground flat, and
more extensive disruption, creating both angular and several stages are now apparent.
semi-rounded fragments which range from equant to The initial stage within this rock is magnetite
elongate. Most of these shapes can readily be seen in (black) which occurs as a total fine-grained alteration
the cracked materials within the lower region of the of pre-existing rocks. Elsewhere it is apparent that
plate. This general format is sometimes referred to this too is brittle fracture controlled, and is preceded
as cataclastic (brittle, with lots of angular fragments by a similarly structurally controlled biotite alteration
in a finer gouge). stage. The original wall rocks are mostly andesitic.
The broken rock with a gritty quartzose matrix The brittle magnetite has been fractured, and suc-
forms an extremely permeable unit which in this case ceeded by a fluid which precipitated fine-grained crys-
has channelled hydrothermal fluid. The dark material talline prismatic green amphibole and white calcite.
is tourmaline ± quartz, and is present as partial to This is clearly infill and thus implies a reasonably high
complete alteration of the fine-grained matrix and fluid pressure. It is probable that some hydrofractur-
larger fragments. Very little infill is discernable and ing is involved and undoubtedly the patterns observed
a low pressure fluid infiltration is suggested. here are part of a much larger system (Candelaria is a
The top right of the plate reveals a relatively unal- major copper deposit!). Note the lensoid fragmenta-
tered zone with a more visible matrix. This demon- tion style of the magnetite.
strates that fragmentation (faulting) preceded fluid The final stage is essentially controlled by an
introduction. This is the usual situation, i.e. fracturing overprinting brittle crackle system, now marked
precedes hydrothermal fluid circulation. by the yellow sulphides (pyrite and chalcopyrite).
A more recent crack pattern overprints the rock as These are a combination of infill and alteration. Infill
a minute pale network of infill veining plus broken predominates in the magnetite host where excellent
rock. (See also Plates 10, 11, and 13). trianagular textures are visible. It is possible that
some of the carbonate has been altered to sulphide.
The style of the infill component suggests a mild fluid
pressure may have assisted dilation.
The small rock is actually part of a much larger
system (scale perception problem – see Plates 1, 2
and 7).
GC8K<), GifefleZ\[Yi`kkc\]iXZkli\jkpc\fm\igi`ek\[Yp_p[ifk_\idXcXck\iXk`fe
BXe^Xiff?`ccjk`eÔ\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ %
Dlck`gc\Yi`kkc\]iXZkli\jpjk\d\ok\ej`m\cpfm\igi`ek\[Xe[fYjZli\[YpjlZZ\jj`m\jkX^\jf]Xck\iXk`fe&`eÔcc
:Xe[\cXi`XZfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#:fg`Xgf[`jki`Zk#:_`c\%
GC8K<)- Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
+%* Jpjk\dj&IfZbjn`k_GifefleZ\[9i`kkc\:fdgfe\ekj
' (Zd
)'.
§ GcXk\). § GcXk\)/
9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\gXkk\ien`k_ 9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\gXkk\ien`k_
ifle[\[kffmf`[]iX^d\ekXk`fef]^Xie\k knf^\e\iXk`fejf]ifle[\[kffmf`[
_fjkifZbjjbXie ]iX^d\ekXk`fef]^Xie\k_fjkifZbjjbXie
NXYl^fc[gifjg\Zk#9`cf^X`#GXglX# NXYl^fc[gifjg\Zk#9`cf^X`#GXglX#
@e[fe\j`X% @e[fe\j`X%
The main reason for inclusion of the plate opposite The skarn assemblage and textures opposite should be
is to demonstrate that contrary to popular concep- compared with the illustration above (Plate 27).
tion there are many rocks which actually break up The main feature to note is that not all rocks break
naturally into ovoid and lensoid shapes. (See also up into angular fragments. The host rocks here are
Plate 23). already fragmental, and although difficult to discern
The dark ovoid shapes are composed of myriads of are actually the pale green and later cream-pink gar-
pinhead size granular garnets. They were originally nets depicted above (Plate 27)
pale green (mid-top right) but are now substantively The pale green alteration garnet is well-illustrated at
altered (dark green-chlorite?). mid-top left and is substantially altered to carbonate,
The garnet grain size suggests that the original rock chlorite(?) and probably epidote. The subsequent infill
was fine-grained and the local context indicates a host of pink garnet is visible at many points, particularly
rock of fine-grained carbonate. This alteration (skarn) to the edges of the finer green-grey clumps, where the
commonly results in a garnet-carbonate assemblage, spotty nature actually reflects coarser-grained zoned
although no carbonate is present here. garnet crystals. The rock dislocation naturally occurs
The paler network is also garnet (pale pink-cream) along the pre-existing coarse-grained garnet infill
which is crystalline and more variable in crystal size. channelways (see above) and results in fragments with
The fracture pattern is interpreted as a crackle style, variable amounts of coarse-grained garnet attached,
subsequently invaded by a pressurised hydrother- isolated small granular clumps and even crystals of
mal fluid which dilated the cracks and precipitated pink garnet.
garnet. Coarse-grained white to pale pink carbonate is also
The pink garnet infill is commonly incomplete fragmented, and seems to have originally infilled post
and has created a very porous/permeable rock. The pink garnet (top-mid-right).
remaining interstitial spaces have been variably The prominent dark grey material is infill mag-
infilled by later stages, including very dark chlorite, netite ± dark grey carbonate, which is interpreted to
grey calcite, and rare sulphides (pyrite, sphalerite? result from precipitation from a high pressure fluid.
hematite?). This has gained entry via a fracture system and then
It is probable that the chloritic alteration of the proceeded to dismember the granular rocks. The
green garnet relates to one or more of these. magnetite does not cause any significant alteration
of the garnet wall rocks. A few sulphides (mostly
pyrite-yellow) occur within the magnetite and it is
not clear whether these are late infill or alteration
of carbonate.
The zone is part of a much larger, layer parallel fault
system, some metres above at a carbonate/metasedi-
ment boundary.
9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\gXkk\ien`k_knf^\e\iXk`fejf]ifle[\[kffmf`[]iX^d\ekXk`fef]^Xie\k_fjk
ifZbjjbXie
GC8K<)/ NXYl^fc[gifjg\Zk#9`cf^X`#GXglX#@e[fe\j`X%
+%* Jpjk\dj&IfZbjn`k_GifefleZ\[9i`kkc\:fdgfe\ekj
' (Zd
)'0
§ GcXk\)0 cavities. The galena is accompanied by a wide range
of silver-rich sulphosalts, and from the infill nature
9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\gXkk\iej it can be interpreted that a reasonably high pres-
ZfeZ\Xc\[Ypdlck`gc\Xck\iXk`fe& sure fluid has dismembered the previous wall rocks
`eÔccfm\igi`ek`e^#ifle[\[kffmf`[ via a fracture network, presumably involving some
]iX^d\ekXk`fe hydrofracking.
:Xee`e^kfej`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\# The other stage is defined by the darker green zones
:Xee`e^kfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% which are also soft and granular (slightly plucked out
via polishing). Chlorite and a pale green-buff vitreous
The plate opposite has been included to illustrate just component (fluorite?) predominate with a rare brown
how difficult it is to observe broken rock textures red vitreous equant mineral. Under a high power
within multiply broken, highly mineralised ore sys- lens (15 ×) the galena stage appears to cut these com-
tems. A good understanding of infill, alteration and ponents, which in turn cut the magnetite. The dark
breccia textures is critical, and obtaining a good view green stage is again predominately infill. Obviously,
via cut slabs is almost mandatory. The second major some microscopic detailing would sharpen mineral
point of the photograph is to illustrate that, contrary identification, but the rock seems to have suffered at
to intuition, there are many situations where host least four stages of brittle fracturing (± effects of high
rocks fragment in a rounded/ovoid manner. It is pressure fluids).
always a good idea to move away from the intensely
broken areas and look at the crackle patterns towards
§ GcXk\*'
to perimeter. These show how the rock will ultimately
break up.
The plate illustrates that a pale green host rock 9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\ifle[\[
occurs as rounded, almost circular fragments (see ]iX^d\ekXk`fen`k_gifYXYc\_p[iXlc`Z
also Plates 23, 27 and 28). This rock is somewhat [`cXk`fe
unusual, resulting from alteration/infill of sillimanite :Xee`e^kfej`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#
grade metamorphic rocks (schist, gneiss, amphibo- :Xee`e^kfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
lite). The extensive alteration overprint results in a
pyroxene (hedenbergite)-pyroxenoid (pyroxmangite) The second plate from the Cannington silver-lead-
– amphibole (hornblende) assemblage. The resultant zinc deposit (see also Plate 29) also demonstrates the
green rock is very granular and ultimately controls propensity for the altered wall rocks to fragment in
the ovoid breakup pattern (see also garnets, Plates ovoid patterns. The fragments are composed predom-
27 and 28). inately of granular pyroxene (green) and quartz (grey)
The granular pyroxene assemblage is cracked and are set in a matrix of coarse-grained sphalerite
and broken into rounded shapes in association with (brown) galena (silver) and rare creamy fluorite? The
a second hydrothermal fluid which has produced latter are undeformed and from microscopic exami-
magnetite as infill and alteration of the pyroxene nation appear to be infill. Minor sphalerite alteration
assemblage. This is difficult to see on the plate, but is may be present as small brown spots within some of
displayed (mid section of basal edge) where pale grey the fragments. The recognition of infill immediately
materials (magnetite) can be seen surrounding pale implies that at one stage the majority of this rock was
green fragments (pyroxene). This occurs inside the a fluid filled cavity and it is presumed that the fluid
obvious fragments. was under high pressure, which probably assisted rock
Two more stages are readily apparent although the fracture/dismemberment. This pattern is identical to
relationship between them is obscure. that in Plate 27. It also makes the point that not all
A major galena stage (silver coloured) is very fragment rounding is necessarily related to milled
obvious, and is clearly dominated by infill textures. style (gas release) brecciation. The rocks simply break
At microscopic level, minute needles of Mn-rich into ovoids.
chlorite (pyrosmalite) partially line some of the (See also Plate 23 C).
GC8K<)0 9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\ZfeZ\Xc\[Ypdlck`gc\Xck\iXk`fe&`eÔccfm\igi`ek`e^#ifle[\[kffmf`[]iX^d\ekXk`fe
:Xee`e^kfej`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#:Xee`e^kfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\ifle[\[]iX^d\ekXk`fen`k_gifYXYc\_p[iXlc`Z[`cXk`fe
GC8K<*' :Xee`e^kfej`cm\i#c\X[#q`eZ d`e\#:Xee`e^kfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
+%* Jpjk\dj&IfZbjn`k_GifefleZ\[9i`kkc\:fdgfe\ekj
' (Zd
)((
§ GcXk\*( The quartz stockwork is in turn overprinted by
millimetre scale stockwork style brittle fracture veins
9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli\dlck`gc\ containing coarse-grained black infill magnetite. This
jkfZbnfib relationship is not easy to see on most of the plate.
>iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#GXglX# However careful inspection will reveal dark veins
@e[fe\j`X% along quartz vein margins (top left – centre right)
and also dark veins vaguely central to quartz veins
The plate opposite has been selected to illustrate (centre left and right).
multiple brittle stockwork style fracturing, which The sulphides (yellow) represent a further brittle
typifies most of the porphyry copper style deposits stockwork fracturing and are present as infill (chal-
on a global scale. The fracturing commonly develops copyrite ± bornite, pyrite, gold and molybdenite).
at kilometre scale, and the reasons for the extensive The fracturing crosscuts the quartz veins and also
repetitive style are a little obscure. Commonly there channels along their margins and central zones after
is little or no obvious connection with significant incomplete quartz infill (magnetite occurs similarly).
faulting, although the associated intrusive rocks were The sulphide stage accounts of 99 % of the copper
initially emplaced via large scale fracture controls. grades at Grasberg, and is the virtually the last stage
The style seems related to repeated focussed pressure in a long history of fracturing and fluid circulation.
from directly below. Minor gypsum overprints the sulphides.
This specimen is a small scale example from the The host diorite has been totally replaced by a major
Grasberg porphyry copper-gold system where a mul- fine-grained magnetite alteration (dark background)
tiple stockwork system some 1 km × 600 m in surface which elsewhere can also be seen to be brittle stock-
area extends for over 1.5 km in depth. The system is work controlled. In the rock opposite this has been
complex but contains an early stage barren quartz superimposed on a major potassium feldspar altera-
stockwork which increases in intensity towards a tion (pale tinges in right hand corner). No fresh rock
central intrusive unit, located within a kilometre exists on the illustration!
scale diatreme. The major iron content (magnetite) raises the ques-
The quartz stockwork is depicted in the opposite tion of whether or not the occurrence should classify
plate as a set of grey-blue quartz veins which are as an iron-oxide-copper-gold style deposit as opposed
composed of infill crystalline quartz, suggestive of to a more conventional porphyry copper system?
dilation via high pressure fluid activity.
' )Zd
)(*
' )Zd
)(,
GC8K<**8 9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli`e^#gifYXYcpi\cXk\[kfXj_\Xijpjk\d[`cXk`fegifYXYcpi\cXk\[kfÕl`[
gi\jjli\kpg`ZXcjcXk\$Y\ckjkpc\
EfeCfZ#?f[^b`ejfe^fc[Ô\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
+%* Jpjk\dj&IfZbjn`k_GifefleZ\[9i`kkc\:fdgfe\ekj
GC8K<**9 9i`kkc\jkpc\ifZb]iXZkli`e^#
gifYXYcpi\cXk\[kfXj_\Xi
jpjk\d[`cXk`fegifYXYcp
i\cXk\[kfÕl`[gi\jjli\kpg`ZXc
jcXk\$Y\ckjkpc\
EfeCfZ#?f[^b`ejfe^fc[Ô\c[#
Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
' )Zd
)(.
+%+ K\okli\jf]I\cXk\[&D`jZ\ccXe\flj@ek\i\jk
GC8K<*+ Gfjk$[\gfj`k`feXc%J_\XijkiX`e[`jjfclk`fe#jkpcfc`k\[\m\cfgd\ek#Yfle[`eX^\#ÕXkk\e`e^Xe[i\ZipjkXcc`jXk`fe
JkXn\cc^fc[d`e\%M`Zkfi`X%8ljkiXc`X%
Gfjk$[\gfj`k`feXc%J_\XijkiX`e[`jjfclk`fe#jkpcfc`k\[\m\cfgd\ek#Yfl[`eX^\#ÕXkk\e`e^Xe[i\ZipjkXcc`jXk`fe
GC8K<*, EfecfZ#M`Zkfi`X6#8ljkiXc`X%
+%+ K\okli\jf]I\cXk\[&D`jZ\ccXe\flj@ek\i\jk
' (Zd
)(0
§ GcXk\*- The finer grained pyrite sporadically developed as
blebs and spots along layering is sulphide alteration,
ÈJX[[c\I\\]ÉmXi`Xk`fej and readers should note that this texture is extremely
:fjdf?fnc\p^fc[d`e\#Efik_\ie characteristic of layer controlled sulphide alteration.
K\ii`kfip#8ljkiXc`X% The sulphides are typically elongate and discontinu-
ous in detail.
The plate opposite illustrates an unusual(?) form of The major question here concerns the development
rock “breaking” with the result resembling a saddle of the cavities. These clearly favour the general hori-
reef style of ore deposition. However, careful exami- zontal direction, and to some extent the fluids do not
nation reveals no signs of associated shearing which seem to be exploiting the vertical high strain zones.
commonly accompanies the classic saddle reefs of The favoured interpretation is that high pressure
slate belt gold fields. fluids were introduced laterally from a nearby major
The rock here is a fine-grained carbonaceous structure. The fluids essentially travelled horizontally
shale/slate which has been tightly folded, and prob- (i. e. from behind or in front of the photograph) and
ably contains an approximately layer parallel early sought out weak points to cause inhomogeneous dila-
cleavage (not visible). Specific zones of high strain tion. In short, the layers were broken apart selectively,
are visible (left side) which represent a differentiated with a preference for hinge zones.
crenulation cleavage. An alternative suggestion is that the “open space”
The sulphide (yellow, white ± quartz) is fine- was formed via deformation, with subsequent fluid in-
grained pyrite and clearly represents infilI, with some troduction. It is difficult to supply definitive evidence
open vugs (dark) revealing minute pyrite crystals. for either process, and both could be involved.
' (Zd
GC8K<*- ÈJX[[c\I\\]ÉmXi`Xk`fej
:fjdf?fnc\p^fc[d`e\#Efik_\ieK\ii`kfip#8ljkiXc`X%
))(
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[YpN%G%CX`e^ %
, I\]\i\eZ\j
Laznicka, P., 1988. Breccias and coarse fragmentites: pe-
trology, environments, associations, ores. Amsterdam,
Elsevier, 832 p.
)))
Mfcld\,Æ9ifb\eIfZbj×9i\ZZ`X@@
Mfcld\=ifekGX^\
Specimen from the Mungana (intrusive) breccia pipe, Chillagoe, Queensland, Australia. The speci-
men has been selected primarily because it “looks nice” and forms a spectacular cover illustration.
It is very oxidised and displays a wide range of different argillised-, silicified- and iron-oxide-
altered fragments within a prominent fine-grained (iron-stained) matrix. The fragments are a
mix of angular and rounded, with the milling being more apparent at the smaller scales. The pipe
is associated with gold mineralisation and interpreted as a diatreme style (Broadhurst, 1953).
Specimen provided by G. W. Clarke.
§ GcXk\jMfcld\, 9IFB<EIF:BJÆ9I<::@8@@
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
1 Wheal Remfry china-clay mine, Cornwall, England.
Initial recognition – no recognition problem, classic format with mixed fragments
and fragment rounding. 235
2 Kidston gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
Initial recognition – minor problem of fragment scale. 235
3 Non Loc., tin mine, Bolivia.
Initial recognition – the clay/mine dump problem, breccia concealment and/or clues
for recognition. 237
4 Non Loc., tin mine, Bolivia.
Initial recognition – the clay/mine dump problem, breccia concealment. 237
5 Non Loc., tin mine, Bolivia.
Initial recognition – the clay problem, breccia concealment. 237
6 Escondida copper mine, Chile.
Initial recognition – the clay problem, breccia concealment and/or clues to breccia location. 239
7 Escondida copper mine, Chile.
Initial recognition – the clay problem, breccia concealment and/or clues to breccia location. 239
8 Doi Ngom tungsten mine, Thailand.
Initial recognition – observational problems, gossanous exposures-textural changes. 241
9 Doi Ngom tungsten mine, Thailand.
Initial recognition – observational problems, knobbly broken rocks and textural variations. 241
10 Ardlethan tin mine, New South Wales, Australia.
Initial recognition – textural concealment, clues to major overprinting alteration situation. 243
11 Olympic Dam (copper, gold, uranium) mine, South Australia, Australia.
Initial recognition – confusion with sediments. 243
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\jÆIXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
12 Wheal Remfry china-clay mine Cornwall, England.
General features – range in styles and scales. Medium scale breccia pipe. Intrusion,
dilation and comminution of wall rock. Variably milled. 245
13 Wheal Remfry china-clay mine, Cornwall, England.
General features – range in styles and scales. Medium scale breccia pipe – marginal sheeted
fracture – well milled. 247
14 Dizon copper mine, Puo Diatreme, Philippines.
General features – range in style and scale – mixed fragments – vague alignment of clasts,
substantive matrix proportion and rounding of fragments, cracked wall rocks with
evidence of forceful intrusion. Medium- to large scale-breccia pipe. 247
15 EI Teniente copper mine, Chile.
General features – range in style and scale. Major scale-breccia pipe with comminuted
style, fragment mixing, abundant matrix component. 249
)),
16 EI Teniente copper mine, Chile.
General features – range in style and scale. Major-scale breccia
pipe with comminuted style, fragment mixing, abundant matrix component. 249
17 Tintic district, Utah, United States of America.
General features – range in style and scale. Small-scale pebble dykes. 251
18 Tintic district, Utah, United States of America.
General features – range in style and scale. Small-scale pebble dykes. 251
19 Llallagua tin mine, Bolivia.
General features – ranges in style and scale. Medium-scale breccia pipe?, with small-
scale fragments, polished quartz pellets. 253
20 Boska tin mine, Herberton, Queensland, Australia.
General features – range in style and scale. Small-scale breccia dyke, with small fragments,
polished quartz pellets. 253
21 Mt Leyshon gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
General features – range in style and scale. Tuffisite dyke. 254
* Dlck`jkX^\JkilZkliXcXe[?p[ifk_\idXcFm\igi`ek`e^
22 Cuajone copper mine, Peru.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting. 257
23 Esis copper prospect, New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting. 257
24 Kidston gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting. 259
25 Kidston gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting. 259
26 Grasberg copper-gold mine, Dalam fragmental unit, Indonesia.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting – textural modification via alteration. 261
27 Ok Tedi copper mine, Papua New Guinea.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting – textural modification via
intense alteration. 261
28 Ardlethan tin mine, New South Wales, Australia.
Multistage structural and hydrothermal overprinting – textural modification intense
alteration. 262
+ Jg\Z`Xc=\Xkli\j8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_J\c\Zk\[@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`Xj
29 Wheal Remfry china-clay mine, Cornwall, England.
Special features associated with selected intrusive breccias – intrusive breccia as veins. 265
30 Ardlethan tin mine, New South Wales, Australia.
Special features associated with selected intrusive breccias – onion skin textures. 265
31 Wheal Remfry china-clay mine, Cornwall, England.
Special features associated with selected intrusive breccias – curved sheeted fractures
and alleged decompressive shock textures. 267
, @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_DXXi$MfcZXef\jXe[8jjfZ`Xk\[;`Xki\d\JkilZkli\jÆ
;`Xki\d\;fdX`ej
37 Grasberg copper-gold mine, Papua, Indonesia.
Diatreme domains – general surficial appearance, lacustrine sediments. 275
38 Grasberg copper-gold mine, Papua, Indonesia.
Diatreme domains – general surficial appearance “muddy”. 275
39 Wau gold-field, Papua New Guinea.
Diatreme domains – common style of intrusive breccia in diatreme environments. 277
40 Wau gold-field, Papua New Guinea.
Diatreme domains – common style of fragmental rocks, organic layering. 277
41 Various localities – Lepanto gold-district, Philippines, Wau goldfield, Papua New Guinea.
Kelian gold mine, Indonesia. Hornsby diatreme, New South Wales, Australia.
Kilbourne Hole, United States of America.
Diatreme domains – accretionary lapilli, wood fragments, base surge deposits. 279
- @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X`eFk_\i <g`k_\idXcJpjk\dj
42 Woolgar gold field, Queensland, Australia.
Intrusive breccia in epithermal settings – in quartz vein. 281
43 Wirralie gold mine, Queensland, Australia.
Intrusive breccia in epithermal settings – small scale intrusive breccia, silificiation. 281
Mfcld\, GcXk\j
)).
))/
@ekif[lZk`fe#JZfg\Xe[8iiXe^\d\ekf]Mfcld\
This volume is designed to illustrate textures and field 1. Decompression mechanisms and related phase
identification problems associated with a group of separations within:
fragmented rocks which are loosely termed “intrusive (a) magma
breccia”. The intrusive terminology is derived from (b) magmatic hydrothermal fluid
their tendency to contain numerous rounded, milled (c) meteoric fluid
fragments which exhibit evidence of upward trans- 2. Second boiling creating phase separation
port and forceful injection to form pipe and branch- within naturally crystallising magma
ing dyke-like structures. The breccias are commonly 3. Boiling of meteoric water and consequent
hosts to overprinting economic mineralisation and phase separation:
with their tendency to reach maximum development (a) Via heat transfer from a nearby magma
within well-mineralised epithermal and porphyry chamber to adjacent groundwater
environments, are of major exploration interest. (b) Via ground water and magma coming into
direct contact.
The term “intrusive breccia” has been selected by the
author as an appropriate general family name for the Interested readers are referred to summary overviews
purposes of textural illustration, however, readers {Sillitoe (1985), Allman-Ward et al. (1982), Burnham
should also be aware that within the jungles of breccia (1985), Hedenquist and Henley (1985) and Sheridan
nomenclature there are numerous other terms with and Wokletz (1983)}.
descriptive and genetic overtone which are utilized After considerable thought the text has been arranged
within this general grouping. These include milled, into six sections, including:
explosive, explosion, cobble, volcanic, diatreme,
hydrothermal, hydrothermal intrusive, magmatic- 1. Initial recognition. This section aims to
hydrothermal, phreatic, phreatomagmatic, hydromag- introduce the reader to the very common
matic, pebble dyke, tuffisite and fluidised. The author problem called total lack of recognition. It
would also confess to having added to the confusion commences with some easily recognised
by suggesting to generations of students that the field situations and progresses to increasingly
term “push-up breccia” is a useful catch-all phrase. obscure examples.
2. Ranges in styles and scale of intrusive breccia.
It is not proposed to become enmeshed in the prob- Intrusive breccias range from extremely large
lems of either terminology or classification systems breccia pipes at kilometre scales, to narrow
within this small volume. The latter has defeated sections of milled materials within epithermal
generations of breccia specialists, and readers are veins. Some concepts of style and scale changes
best referred to an especially gallant attempt by Sil- are illustrated.
litoe (1985) to place a volcanoplutonic arc perspective 3. Multiple overprinting and/or textural
upon the many variations of this (and other) breccia modification. Intrusive breccia forms a
styles. It should be noted that from a field perspective natural focus for hydrothermal fluid flow
he regretfully concludes “a continuum exists between and consequently hydrothermal alteration.
many of the breccia types and it is difficult to identify The breccia sites are usually involved with
unique criteria for their distinction” (Sillitoe, 1985). repetitive fracture zones, and multiple
In terms of genesis, a major source of energy is clearly overprinting commonly makes identification
required to comminute rock fragments and arrange and paragenetic studies very difficult. Several
them into pipe- and dyke-like formats. There is a spread examples are illustrated to demonstrate
of opinion concerning magmatic versus meteoric fluid recognition and procedural problems.
input, but most authors are in general agreement that 4. Selected special features of intrusive breccia.
the mechanism involves sudden, localised, potentially This section is designed to show some selected
violent explosive release of expanding high-pressure features which may be encountered within
fluids. Common suggestions embrace. individual examples of intrusive breccia.
))0
5. Intrusive breccia associated with maar-
volcanoes and associated diatreme structures.
Numerous epithermal (and porphyry) systems
can be related to intrusive breccia diatreme
structures, and this section is designed to
provide the reader with some overview of the
maar-volcano environment.
6. Intrusive breccia in other epithermal domains.
A short section to illustrate some further
epithermal styles.
It may come as a surprise to many readers who are new b. Late-stage overprinting via major supergene clay
to the breccia world to learn that one of the biggest alteration. This is extremely common and occurs
problems is total lack of breccia recognition. The non- where normal weathering causes oxidation of sul-
recognition problem is particularly true in relation phides (usually pyrite) and creates a large-scale,
to “intrusive breccia” styles. It would be possible to low-temperature “acid bath”. The general effect
document some ten to twenty examples here where is to convert silicates to kaolin and smectite style
“total lack of recognition” has proved to be not only minerals. This effect is commonly superimposed
geologically embarrassing but also extremely costly. upon the initial “hypogene” clay environment
There is perhaps little point in specific “finger point- described above.
ing”, but this is a very real and potentially serious
problem. The first section of this volume attempts to The net result is to produce rocks composed of soft
illustrate easy versus difficult to recognise intrusive white end-products, which within regions of mod-
breccia exposures, and some case history lessons are erate to high rainfall may become a clay-like mud
embodied in the plate descriptions. The factors work- at surface. Within early- or late-stage mining, the
ing against recognition are listed below and several clay-like mud is easily confused with soil profile and/
of them can work in combination. or old dumps/tailings. Although clay alteration acts
to conceal intrusive breccias, it can also operate in
(%( @eX[\hlXk\<og\i`\eZ\Xe[&fi@e`k`Xc reverse to the experienced breccia hunter, who should
KiX`e`e^ automatically go and check any clay-rich zone.
This factor was a major issue during the 1950–1980 (%* K_\8ck\iXk`feGifYc\d
period, when breccia styles had received very limited
research description, and as a consequence were not Many intrusive breccias are overprinted by one or
included in many tertiary curricula. The knowledge more hydrothermal stages which may cause perva-
problem was particularly acute in the United King- sive alteration, such as feldspathisation, biotitisation,
dom/Europe, Australian, Canadian and Asian cir- sericitisation, silicification or “skarn” development.
cuits. The problem still exists but has been alleviated This effectively conceals the original texture from
by increasing published documentation. casual observation. The problem is common, and any
major mass of alteration should come under suspicion
(%) K_\:cXp&D`e\;ldgGifYc\d as being breccia based. In most cases slabbing with
a rock saw may reveal some texture, and if possible a
Many intrusive breccia columns are overprinted by general investigation of more exposures or drill core
later hydrothermal activity producing large amounts will reveal areas that are less overprinted which reveal
of clay or clay-associated minerals. Two basic mecha- original rock texture.
nisms are operative, and in many cases both work
in tandem to achieve a camouflage effect regarding (%+ K_\MfcZXe`ZcXjk`Z&J\[`d\ekGifYc\d
surface exposures.
Many intrusive breccias are missed in volcaniclastic
a. Late-stage overprinting by major hypogene clay terrains ,with both exposures and drill core materials
alteration. This is achieved via alteration of both being misidentified as agglomerates and tuffaceous
fragments and matrix to “clay minerals”, and rocks. This is one of the more difficult problems as
is particularly prevalent within deposit styles many species of intrusive breccia are located within
involving intermediate or advanced argillic altera- volcanic/subvolcanic terrains. Geologists are fa-
tion. The clay effect is even more enhanced where miliar with volcaniclastics and tend to record them
the rocks have been previously feldspathised, a automatically without considering that there may
common story in porphyry style mineralisation. be intrusive breccias hiding within them. It can also
)*(
)*)
be very difficult to distinguish between the options (%, FYj\imXk`feXcGifYc\dj
without additional information such as the general Breccias that are hidden beneath alteration overprints
stratigraphic column, layering and graded bedding. of all kinds commonly remain unrecognised despite
The situation is commonly further confused by surfi- the fact that they have quite characteristic knobbly
cial or hypogene alteration affects. textures. This broad-scale texture is usually best ob-
Similar problems can arise with sediments. The served by standing well back from the questionable
writer once mapped a circular patch of conglomerate exposures (usually mineralised zones) and gaining a
within granite at the Ardlethan tin mine, and beyond perspective of the rock types. Breccia zones usually
thinking it mildly unusual, completely failed to rec- stand out from the solid wall rocks –
ognise an intrusive breccia pipe. Initial identification
of extensive fragmental rocks as a talus slope red-bed 1 With a change in texture from relatively solid
environment at the now well-established intrusive blocky and/or layered rocks to knobbly zones
breccia pipe at Olympic Dam, South Australia, simi- associated with alteration/mineralisation
larly caused serious geological misinterpretation. It 2 By a sudden loss of jointing, passing from nor-
is probably best practice in mineralised fragmental mal country rock to “broken” breccia-zones.
rocks to suspect any fragmental rock as a possible
intrusive breccia. This approach at least safeguards The combination of the above two criteria can be uti-
against major errors, and stimulates the observer to lised at all scales of observation, and it is commonly
gather more data. possible to spot or suspect the presence of major
breccia from 0.5–1 km distance.
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
)**
§ GcXk\( § GcXk\)
@ejkXeki\Zf^e`k`fe @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
Efi\Zf^e`k`fegifYc\d#ZcXjj`Z]fidXk D`efigifYc\df]i\Zf^e`k`fe[l\kf
n`k_d`o\[]iX^d\ekjXe[]iX^d\ek ]iX^d\ekjZXc\%
ifle[`e^% B`[jkfe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eX$ZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc# This plate had been included as a second reasonably
<e^cXe[% black and white example of an intrusive style breccia.
The fragments are composed of dark coloured meta-
In anticipation of this volume being utilized by people morphic rocks, along with less obvious pale coloured
who have little or no concept of the “intrusive breccia” granite. Although recognition is reasonably easy, it is
style, this plate has been selected as a very visual, size- worth noting the general knobbly effect on the bench
able end-member of the clan. It is literally a black and faces. This is very typical of intrusive breccia and a
white example with the bench face being some 5–6 m very useful long and short range criterion, where
high. The body occurs within a white kaolin clay pit fragments are obscured by subsequent alteration or
and measures some 400 m × 40–100 m, with around general dust cover from mining operations. The large
90 m of vertical exposure. The contacts display many central lensoid fragment of metamorphic host rock is
examples of breccia apophyses and veinlets, and on- particularly striking, and subrounded fragments of
site the fragments appear to have suffered both lateral this scale are common within this major kilometre
and vertical transport. The plate illustrates very visible scale breccia pipe. Recognition of large-scale frag-
fragmented rock with clasts ranging from metre to low ments is always difficult both at bench and drill core
centimetre scales. The fragments are of different rock scales, and stand back observation is always recom-
types with white kaolinised granite being more obvi- mended. At this mine a whole wall of the pit proved
ous than the less abundant dark metasediments. to be a fragment or screen, and substantive additional
Even at this distance many of the white fragments ore was ultimately located requiring expansion of
are distinctly ovoid to subrounded and the generally the pit. The gold mineralisation at Kidston is largely
rubbly effect suggests a high proportion of cobble-like contained within late-stage sheeted quartz veins ±
boulders. A milled-intrusive style breccia would be an pyrite, sphalerite, galena, which overprint both the
immediate suspicion. The dark colour represents tour- breccia and later-stage “rhyolitic” dykes. The breccia
maline alteration via a hydrothermal fluid which has pipe varies substantively in fragment size. The actual
been particularly effective at transforming small scale pipe is some 1.100 × 900 m at surface and extends
fragments and the grit/silt size matrix to tourmaline- subvertically for at least 300 m. At least two stages of
silica altered rocks. (Allman-Ward et al., 1982). intrusive brecciation are recognised, and there are
Tourmaline-dominated intrusive style breccias are indications of associated collapse breccia. The fluid
extremely common internationally, and are widely history is dominated by magmatic contributions,
reported within porphyry-level domains of tin and although the exact nature of the fluids responsible
copper systems (Sillitoe, 1985). They are commonly for brecciation is unknown (Baker and Andrews,
very early-stage features of magmatic-dominated 1991). Further Kidston breccia textures are depicted
systems and range up to sub-kilometre dimensions, in Plates 24, 25.
commonly occurring in clusters. Tourmaline brec-
cia systems are commonly disappointingly barren
of metal content, but may provide a focus for later
overprinting mineralising stages. They are also note-
worthy in that a good case can usually be made for
alteration being essentially synchronous with breccia
formation implying actual breccia formation via a
rapidly exsolving boron-rich fluid. In most non-
tourmaline breccia of this style, the major alteration
effects are clearly post breccia formation. Further
Wheal Remfry examples are shown in Plates 12, 13,
29, 31–34.
GC8K< ( @ejkXeki\Zf^e`k`fe
Efi\Zf^e`k`fegifYc\d#ZcXjj`Z]fidXkn`k_d`o\[]iX^d\ekjXe[]iX^d\ekifle[`e^%
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eXZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc#<e^cXe[%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
D`efigifYc\df]i\Zf^e`k`fe[l\kf]iX^d\ekjZXc\%
GC8K< ) B`[jkfe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
' /d
)*,
§ GcXk\* § GcXk\,
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXp&d`e\[ldggifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`X K_\ZcXpgifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ek%K`e
ZfeZ\Xcd\ekXe[&fiZcl\j]fii\Zf^e`k`fe d`e\efecfZ% #9fc`m`X%
K`ed`e\efecfZ% #9fc`m`X%
A closer view of part of the pit wall from Plate 4. This
This is a good example of breccia concealment, al- again illustrates the difficulty of locating milled brec-
though in reality the situation would act as a focus cia within extremely weathered environments. The
for intrusive breccia hunters. The main clue here is kaolinised milled breccia is located to the centre and
the white zone (centre) of relatively fine-grained rub- right (whiter zone), with the broken fractured wall
ble, leading upwards into a white in-situ clay zone, rocks occurring to the left (yellow jarositic staining).
forming part of the pit wall. Upon close inspection The lesson is to suspect all clay zones as potential
this was identified as a small well-milled intrusive intrusive breccia. The fragment size is not visible
breccia. The tendency to rill and create sandy/scaly here, but the milled rock fragments rarely exceed
scree zones is commonly a direct breccia signpost. 3–5 centimetres, and are contained within a matrix
(See Plates 4, 6, 7). of silt/clay size materials.
§ GcXk\+
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXp&d`e\[ldggifYc\dÆYi\ZZ`X
ZfeZ\Xcd\ek
K`ed`e\efecfZ% #9fc`m`X%
GC8K< * @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXp&d`e\[ldggifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ekXe[&fiZcl\j]fii\Zf^e`k`fe
K`ed`e\efecfZ% #9fc`m`X%
' )d
GC8K< + @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXp&d`e\[ldggifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ek
K`ed`e\efecfZ% #9fc`m`X%
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXpgifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ek
GC8K< , K`ed`e\efecfZ% #9fc`m`X%
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
)*.
' (d
§ GcXk\- § GcXk\.
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXp&Yi\ZZ`XgifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`X K_\ZcXpgifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ek
ZfeZ\Xcd\ekXe[&fiZcl\jkfYi\ZZ`X Xe[&fiZcl\jkfcfZXk`fe%
cfZXk`fe% <jZfe[`[XZfgg\id`e\#:_`c\%
<jZfe[`[XZfgg\id`e\#:_`c\%
This is a close-up picture of a bench face within the
The plate is a good illustration of how the tendency bottom right hand corner of the Escondida porphyry
towards clay alteration within intrusive breccias can copper pit as shown in Plate 6. Features to note are
be utilized to locate potential candidates at long range. the very rubbly, knobbly nature of the exposure, with
This picture was taken around 1997, and subsequent an obvious tendency to fall down and disaggregate
to local comments concerning bad ground, drilling to form fine-textured scree (bottom of bench). The
and collapsing bench faces, an inspection confirmed intrusive breccia had not been recognised at the time
kaolinised intrusive breccia in the right-hand back of photography (1997), and with further excavation
corner of the pit. (See Plate 7). expanded to a major breccia pipe body occupying the
entire pit base. It is a late-stage intrusive breccia over-
printed by advanced argillic alteration assemblages
(alunite, pyrophyllite ± kaolinite, illite) and primary
high-sulphidation copper mineralogy (chalcocite,
enargite, bornite). Extensive pyrite-associated with
the early porphyry mineralisation and the later high
sulphidation system has oxidized to create acid
groundwaters, resulting in supergene chalcocite
enrichment and further supergene kaolin/smectite
development in the altered porphyritic rock mass.
GC8K< - @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXp&Yi\ZZ`XgifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ekXe[&fiZcl\jkfYi\ZZ`XcfZXk`fe%
<jZfe[`[XZfgg\id`e\#:_`c\
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
K_\ZcXpgifYc\d#Yi\ZZ`XZfeZ\Xcd\ekXe[&fiZcl\jkfcfZXk`fe%
GC8K< . <jZfe[`[XZfgg\id`e\#:_`c\
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
' '%,d
)*0
§ GcXk\/ § GcXk\0
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
FYj\imXk`feXcgifYc\dj#^fjjXeflj FYj\imXk`feXcgifYc\djÆbefYYcp$Yifb\e
\ogfjli\j#k\okliXcZ_Xe^\j% ifZbjXe[k\okliXcmXi`Xk`fej%
;f`E^fdkle^jk\ed`e\#K_X`cXe[% ;f`E^fdkle^jk\ed`e\#K_X`cXe[%
This plate depicts a fairly typical long distance view The yellow relatively featureless zone in the previous
of an intrusive breccia system, which at the time of plate is shown here at close range, and can imme-
photography had not been recognised due to a com- diately be seen as extremely knobbly and without
bination of gossanous iron-oxide overprinting and through-going joints. It is obviously a leached-gos-
local inexperience. This is a common situation. The sanous exposure and equally obviously is the main
points to note here are focus of excavation.
Readers are strongly recommended to observe the
1 Always make sure to conduct initial observation textural changes within the exposure via a mental
from long range, and process of picking out zones that are more broken
2 Examine the excavation for both colour and (more knobbly) versus zones which are less broken
textural changes. The latter should include not- (more solid). The eyes will slowly attune, and eventu-
ing knobbly-broken rocks and paying particular ally delineate large steeply inclined relatively unbro-
attention to the distribution of jointing. Breccia- ken slabs, surrounded by zones of extremely broken
tion destroys jointing and this feature commonly finer textured rubble. The big blocks are well seen to
enables recognition from long range (100 m to the top left and centre right, dipping some seventy
1 km). degrees to the right. Although not easily visible, the
rubble zones contain many rounded rocks arousing
In this example, large blocky country rocks with well suspicions of intrusive style breccia. This intrusive
developed through-going jointing (top right) transi- breccia zone can be traced as an elongate body within
tion into more featureless, less well-jointed materials metasedimentary host rocks, and several other min-
(centre and left). The transition is also marked by a eral occurrences in the near vicinity suggest the pos-
general colour change from a white-red-yellow com- sibility of a clustered breccia-pipe system relating to
bination (right) to a more uniform yellow less well- an intrusive. This is somewhat different to the original
jointed zone, and breccia suspicions are immediately interpretation of oxidized vein systems.
aroused. (See Plate 9).
GC8K< / @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
FYj\imXk`feXcgifYc\dj#^fjjXeflj\ogfjli\j#k\okliXcZ_Xe^\j
;f`E^fdkle^jk\ed`e\#K_X`cXe[%
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
FYj\imXk`feXcgifYc\dj#befYYcp$Yifb\e
ifZbjXe[k\okliXcmXi`Xk`fej
GC8K< 0 ;f`E^fdkle^jk\ed`e\#K_X`cXe[%
' (d
)+(
§ GcXk\(' § GcXk\((
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe @e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`fe
k\okliXcZfeZ\Xcd\ek[l\kfdXafi Zfe]lj`fen`k_j\[`d\ekj
fm\igi`ek`e^Xck\iXk`fe% Fcpdg`Z;XdZfgg\i#^fc[#liXe`ld d`e\#
8i[c\k_Xek`ed`e\E\nJflk_NXc\j# Jflk_8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X
8ljkiXc`X%8i[n\jkJflk_:_\iipg`k % G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%N%:cXib\ %
The now famous major intrusive breccia system at
The pit view illustrates an ore zone which had been Olympic Dam provides another example where initial
under excavation for some 5–10 years before the intru- recognition of intrusive breccia proved very difficult.
sive-breccia character was recognised. In retrospect The plate illustrates a small area of breccia composed
some major clues are present even at the broad-scale. of fragmented granite.
The host rocks to the right are well-jointed relatively Fragment size is variable, as is the degree of frag-
unaltered granite and the sun can be seen reflecting ment rounding and alteration. The red hematite
from the high angle flat joint surfaces of the pale red alteration affects all fragment sizes, but is principally
oxidised rocks. focused within the small fragments and sand/silt size
Traversing to the centre and left the rocks become breccia matrix. Later-stage hematite veins (dull grey
slightly redder within the ore zone, and the large joint metallic) overprint the main breccia and are them-
faces vanish. The red colour is due to oxidation of sul- selves offset by minor late-stage faulting.
phides and gangue minerals. The combination of joint The plate depicts an underground face where good
loss plus major alteration is enough to raise suspicion exposures confirm the intrusive breccia style. How-
of breccia, and further examination (Plates 28ABC ever, the initial core logging favoured a talus slope
and 30) revealed a major series of intrusive breccia (red bed) sediment style.
pipes resulting in a total reorientation of exploration
and mining development approaches.
@e`k`Xci\Zf^e`k`feÆZfe]lj`fen`k_j\[`d\ekj%
Fcpdg`Z;XdZfgg\i$^fc[$liXe`ldd`e\#Jflk_8ljkiXc`X#8ljkiXc`X
GC8K< (( G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
( @e`k`XcI\Zf^e`k`fe
' '%,d
)+*
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\jÆIXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]
@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
This section is designed to introduce the reader to rounded (milled) versus angular (broken) fragments
the extreme range in style and scale involved in ex- is infinitely variable, and all of the above parameters
amples of intrusive breccia. The linking factors are may be linked with fragment size and vary from
the concepts of significant fragment transport with one portion of a system to another. The selected
attendant mixing and milling. However, within this plates only show a small sample of the range, and
simple context the end results may range from vein a more complete cover is available by perusing the
to breccia pipe scales, and exhibit wide variations complete volume. For instance the vein styles are
in the proportions of fragments (large bits) versus better illustrated within the epithermal and special
matrix (smaller bits). Similarly the proportions of feature sections.
§ GcXk\() § GcXk\(*
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[ >\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[
jZXc\j%D\[`ldjZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\% jZXc\j%D\[`ldjZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\Æ
@ekilj`fe#[`cXk`feXe[Zfdd`elk`fef] dXi^`eXcj_\\k\[]iXZkli\Æn\ccd`cc\[%
nXccifZb%MXi`XYcpd`cc\[% N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eXZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc#
N_\XcI\d]ip:fienXcc#<e^cXe[% <e^cXe[%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ % G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
This plate has been included to demonstrate a rela- This plate illustrates one contact zone of the tourma-
tively early stage in the development of an intrusive line breccia pipe. The main body is of medium scale
breccia. It also illustrates some commonly observed with a plan dimension of 400 × 40–100 m, and further
textural features. The exposure is interpreted to rep- examples from this well-exposed breccia are shown in
resent the forceful intrusion of a sandy slurry into a plate (1, 12, 29, 31–34). This plate gives some concept
fractured host rock. Within this context, the breccia of scale and the general style is somewhat different
can be viewed as two separate but related components. to the zone depicted in Plate 1. The jig-saw, mildly
The larger (hammer scale) blocks of granite (white) jostled effect has been replaced by fragments which
give a general impression of having been dilated and seem considerably more detached and jumbled. Al-
mildly rotated. There is a general impression that though it is a little difficult to see, some well-rounded
they can almost be fitted back together, rather like a specimens are present towards the basal sector.
jostled jig-saw puzzle. These blocks are mostly angular The marginal zones of intrusive breccia systems
and some appear to be forcefully levered away from are extremely variable in texture, and range from
their neighbouring smaller pieces. The remainder intensely fractured, through sheet fractured to es-
exhibit a size range extending down to cobble-sand sentially unfractured. It is usually difficult to judge
scales (matrix) associated with a dark component. how much of the fracture effect is due to the original
On close inspection this proves to be tourmaline ± structure in the host rocks versus the effects of brec-
quartz which is present as an alteration of the matrix. cia emplacement.
The pebble-scale fragments within the matrix exhibit In this example, the narrow 1 m scale border zone
considerable rounding and the matrix component is contains a concentration of brittle sheeted fracture.
interpreted as a pressure-driven comminuting slurry. The fractures contain veins (tourmaline?) and there
The slurry was associated with breaking and dila- is a relatively sharp contact with the jumbled breccia
tion of the host rock. Readers are referred to plates zone.
(1, 13, 29, 31–34) which exhibit other features of this
well-exposed breccia.
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\j%D\[`ldjZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\ÆdXi^`eXcj_\\k\[]iXZkli\Æn\ccd`cc\[%
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eXZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc#<e^cXe[
GC8K< (* G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\j IXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
' '%.,d
)+,
§ GcXk\(+ ultimately replacement of the smaller particles before
enchroaching upon the larger sizes. In this instance,
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\ matrix alteration is relatively mild, and only a few
Æd`o\[]iX^d\ekj#mX^l\Xc`^ed\ek fragments or parts of fragments have been affected
f]cXi^\iZcXjkj#jlYjkXek`m\dXki`o by the dark sericitisation. It is not possible to discern
gifgfik`fejXe[ifle[`e^f]]iX^d\ekj whether the dark sericitisation is produced by a fluid
ÆZiXZbc\[nXccifZbjn`k_\m`[\eZ\f] accompanying or postdating brecciation, although
]fiZ\]lcdXki`o`ekilj`fe%D\[`ld$kf the latter is more common and further search may
cXi^\$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\%;`qfeZfgg\id`e\# find zones of unaltered matrix.
Glf;`Xki\d\#G_`c`gg`e\j% The photograph also emphasizes the importance
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp>%N%Dfii`jfe % of noting the composition and alteration character-
istics of intrusive breccia fragments. It is clear the
This specimen displays the contact zone between a pale sericitisation, silicification, sulphide alteration
section of a large 400–500 metre diameter intrusive (pyrite) and the white (illite/kaolinite?) alteration
breccia (Puo Diatreme), and porphyritic andesite. precede both the breccia and dark sericite formation
The fragments (0.5–2 cm scales) exhibit a vague suggesting the nearby presence of a major evolving
alignment and are composed of variably altered hydrothermal system.
andesite(s) including grey – silicified, paler grey The andesitic wall rocks are shattered, with an
sericitized and white sericite/illite/kaolinite? Sev- oriented brittle crackle pattern. The crackled zone
eral fragments contain spots of pyrite and there are is intruded by the matrix, which has levered off wall
a few unidentified darker fragments. The fragment rocks into the main flow zone. The origin of the brit-
variability in contrast to the wall rock is suggestive tle fracturing is a little difficult to interpret with both
of fragment transport and mixing, and along with pre-existing fracture and/or fracture caused by the
the general alignment suggest an intrusive breccia intruding breccia being viable explanations.
interpretation. Further suspicions are aroused by The boundaries of intrusive breccia bodies vary
the high proportion of fragment rounding, especially considerably and range from sharp with little sign of
at the medium to lower size ranges, and the high wall rock fracture, to various styles of brittle fracture
degree of matrix components (40–60 %). The matrix stockworking – sheeting and/or shearing. In the case
has become mildly altered and both the matrix and of major-scale pipes it is always difficult to discern
smaller fragments are partially altered to dark seric- just how much of the edge structure is pre-existing
ite. Readers are reminded that alteration via entry of or formed via the violent intrusive action of the brec-
fluid through an unconsolidated matrix is very com- cia. In reality there is very little scientific structural
mon in milled breccia, and results in blurring and documentation or analysis of this problem.
' (Zd
D\[`ld$kfcXi^\$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\%
;`qfeZfgg\id`e\#Glf;`Xki\d\#G_`c`gg`e\j%G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp>%N%Dfii`jfe %
§ GcXk\(, § GcXk\(-
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[ >\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[
jZXc\%DXafi$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\n`k__`^_cp jZXc\%DXafi$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\n`k__`^_cp
Zfdd`elk\[jkpc\%=iX^d\ekd`o`e^Xe[ Zfdd`elk\[jkpc\]iX^d\ekd`o`e^#
XYle[XekdXki`oZfdgfe\ek% XYle[XekdXki`oZfdgfe\ek%
K_\<@K\e`\ek\Zfgg\id`e\#:_`c\% <@K\e`\ek\Zfgg\id`e\#:_`c\%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj % G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj %
The spectacular and large Braden breccia-pipe com- This plate illustrates a contrasting style and scale of
plex at the El Teniente mine has a surface diameter milled brecciation in comparison to that exhibited
of some 1300 m and extends downwards in a taper- in Plate 15.
ing format in excess of 1600 m. It is interpreted to It represents another portion of the Braden breccia
represent an extremely milled end-member of the system which lacks large fragments. Fragment size
intrusive breccia family, and in the plate opposite the ranges from centimetre to millimetre scales, with
entire rock mass is considered to have been in vigor- abundant evidence of rounding, mixing and milling.
ous motion, such that even the 20–40 cm blocks of It is worth noting that not all fragments are rounded.
porphyritic igneous rocks (buff colour) are smoothly Angular fragments are common in intrusive breccias,
rounded. The darker fragments are andesite and and can be explained as:-
some of the clasts contain pre-breccia mineralisation.
Breccias of this style with abundant finer-grained 1. representing “recently” acquired wall rocks which
components are commonly referred to as matrix- have not had sufficient time to be abraded
supported, although the amount of matrix may vary 2. fragments which were once larger and have only
dramatically from place to place. “recently” broken apart
The enormous breccia complex is considered to 3. a fragmentation style relating to explosive forces
have developed over a time span of greater than and rapid injection of debris.
2 million years, between >6.4 and 4.4 Ma (Skewes
et al., 2002). The matrix (smaller scale fragments) is extremely
visual down to grit size, at which point the particles
become slightly vaguer and appear to be altered (dark
tourmaline?). The effects of hydrothermal fluids are
usually first manifested by alteration of the finest
breccia (matrix) particles and these are the focal ob-
servation point for the observer. Larger fragments are
commonly unaffected in tourmaline breccias.
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\%DXafijZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\n`k__`^_cpZfdd`elk\[jkpc\#]iX^d\ek
d`o`e^#XYle[XekdXki`oZfdgfe\ek%<@K\e`\ek\Zfgg\id`e\#:_`c\%
GC8K< (- G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj %
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\j IXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
' (Zd
)+0
§ GcXk\(. § GcXk\(/
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\% >\e\iXc]\Xkli\jf]`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XÆ
JdXcc$jZXc\g\YYc\[pb\j% iXe^\`ej`q\Xe[jZXc\%JdXcc$jZXc\g\YYc\
K`ek`Z[`jki`Zk#LkX_#Le`k\[JkXk\jf] [pb\j%
8d\i`ZX% K`ek`Z[`jki`Zk#LkX_#Le`k\[JkXk\jf]
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj % 8d\i`ZX%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj %
Intrusive style brecciation adopts a wide variety of
formats and is by no means restricted to large-scale This close up photograph of the pebble dyke shown
circular pipes. The general process also produces within Plate 17, illustrates how the name pebble dyke
lensoid pipes, dykes of various scales, and even milled has arisen. The milled fragments are set within a finer-
segments within veins. The latter are common in grained, largely unconsolidated matrix, and hence
epithermal domains. A species which always attracts tend to weather out. The fragments are extremely
attention and is generally very visible, takes the form rounded. The larger clasts are quartz-rich, and al-
of narrow (0.5–1 m scale) dykes with very rounded/ though not visible here the fragments are composed of
milled fragments at pebble sizes. Not surprisingly quartz veins, quartzite, shale, limestone, and pyrite.
these are universally called pebble dykes. There is Pebble-dykes are commonly late-stage features
occasional debate as to the amount of fragment move- within porphyry systems, and not overprinted by
ment as opposed to “spinning on the spot”, but in multiple hydrothermal events. They are usually
general some upward movement can be demonstrated. post-mineralisation events, although this could be
The example shown here is 0.5 m scale. a little illusory, as they are more difficult to discern
when mineralised and/or altered. Models involving
escaping/expanding hydrothermal fluids (gas and/
or liquid) channelled through existing structures are
generally proposed to explain their characteristics.
(e. g. Bryant, 1968).
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jf]`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XÆiXe^\`ej`q\Xe[jZXc\%JdXcc$jZXc\g\YYc\[pb\j%
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\j IXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
K`ek`Z[`jki`Zk#LkX_#Le`k\[JkXk\jf]8d\i`ZX
GC8K< (/ G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj %
' ,Zd
),(
§ GcXk\(0 § GcXk\)'
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\j`ejkpc\jXe[ >\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\j`ejkpc\jXe[
jZXc\%D\[`ld$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`Xg`g\#n`k_ jZXc\%JdXcc$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`X[pb\n`k_jdXcc
jdXcc$jZXc\]iX^d\ekj#gfc`j_\[hlXikq jZXc\]iX^d\ekj#gfc`j_\[%
g\cc\kj% 9fjbXk`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#
CcXccX^lXk`ed`e\#9fc`m`X% 8ljkiXc`X%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
Strongly milled breccia with fragment size at the
This plate illustrates a common situation with in- 0.5–1.5 cm scale. The fragments are extremely well-
trusive breccias, where intense milling has created rounded (pellets), highly polished quartz grains
small scale fragments with considerable fine-grained probably representing original quartz phenocrysts.
matrix. In this instance the breccia exposure is They are hematite coated and stained due to surficial
substantive (20–30 m), and the specimen consists iron-oxide derived from weathering of the biotite-
of relatively few clay-altered (white) igneous frag- altered matrix. This breccia is very irregular and
ments, and a large matrix component composed of very small-scale (2–20 cm), however it remained
principally of siliceous sediments (glassy grey). The unrecognised over some 50 years of local mining, and
well-rounded fragments have polished surfaces as- when finally identified proved to be one of several
sumed to be related to comminution. The breccia is in the adjacent tin field, with major implications for
unconsolidated, post-mineralisation and within the breccia-pipe exploration.
high rainfall environment is both waterlogged and
soft. It resembles a mine tailings dump and this style
is commonly overlooked and misclassified as surficial
weathering debris. (See also Plates 3–7).
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jÆiXe^\j`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\%JdXcc$jZXc\Yi\ZZ`X[pb\n`k_jdXcc$jZXc\]iX^d\ekj#gfc`j_\[hlXikq
g\cc\kj
GC8K< )' 9fjbXk`ed`e\#?\iY\ikfe#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\j IXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
' ('Zd
),*
§ GcXk\)( alteration prior to inclusion within the rock
(dark-sericite/biotite?, white clay?). The frag-
>\e\iXc]\Xkli\jf]`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`Xk`feÆ ments are predominately rounded, and if this
iXe^\j`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\%Kl]Ôj`k\[pb\% plate is compared with many others within this
DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[# book, it will be immediately obvious that the
8ljkiXc`X% only real textural difference is one of scale. The
grain size of this rock attracts the name “tuffisite”
Intrusive style breccias occur at a wide range of rather than “pebble dyke” or milled breccia.
scales, and this figure illustrates an extremely fine Without the field context a standard volcaniclas-
-scale example. tic name would be appropriate, again illustrating
identification problems at drill core or restricted
A The central unspectacular white zone represents a outcrop scales. The “tuffisite” could be viewed as
high angle dyke, which traverses some 50 m of pit a fine-grained milled matrix component which
walls at Mt Leyshon. The wall rocks are intrusive has become separated (“elutriated”) from a more
breccia which form part of a major kilometre- substantive breccia at depth. This concept is il-
scale pipe-like system. The knobbly nature of the lustrated in Plate 35.
wall rock is just discernible. Mineralisation is a C The fine-grained rock depicted within Plate 21B,
late-stage event overprinting all the rock types. as a relatively uniform white zone (upper region)
The white material is soft, clay-like and referred to is actually clearly fragmental when examined in
locally as tuffisite. The “clay” alteration is prob- thin section. The problems of scale now become
ably a primary rather than a supergene effect. very obvious, as the texture of multiple fragment
B The white-clay dyke depicted within Plate 21A, types, fragment rounding with significant matrix
is not uniformly textured, and contains discrete component is typical of intrusive breccia. It is
zones of visibly fragmental materials (base) and equally clear that without good field context, any
finer-grained zones (top). The coarser materials intrusive breccia component is easily overlooked
are composed of multiple fragment types at the in favour of volcanic-volcaniclastic interpreta-
0.5 cm scale ranging down to submillimetre tions. It is not surprising that many intrusive
“dust” particles. Some of the larger fragments breccia systems are initially overlooked when
have clearly been affected by hydrothermal coping with volcanic wall rocks.
GC8K<)(8
GC8K< )( >\e\iXc]\Xkli\jf]`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`Xk`feÆiXe^\j`ejkpc\jXe[jZXc\Ækl]Ôj`k\[pb\%
DkC\pj_fe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
) >\e\iXc=\Xkli\j IXe^\`eJkpc\jXe[JZXc\f]@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X
' *Zd
GC8K<)(9
GC8K<)(:
' (dd
),,
* Dlck`jkX^\JkilZkliXcXe[?p[ifk_\idXc
Fm\igi`ek`e^
Multistage intrusive breccias are components of intrusive breccias are commonly overprinted by one
evolving hydrothermal systems, with a tendency to or more later stages. In many cases the overprinting
form either early or late within the order of events. and associated alteration may become so complex
The early-formed styles are subject to refracturing and/or intense that the original breccia texture is
and introduction of new hydrothermal fluids, and difficult to discern. This section introduces the reader
it is also not unusual to find more than one stage of to some of the textural problems created, and stresses
intrusive breccia formation. the need for very careful observation. Once again
The pattern of nearly all hydrothermal deposits in- there are many other examples scattered throughout
volves a succession of fracturing events coordinated in this volume and this section is only intended as a
time with a succession of hydrothermal fluids (para- focus for overprinting issues.
genetic development). It follows that hydrothermal
§ GcXk\)) § GcXk\)*
Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc Dlck`gc\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc
fm\igi`ek`e^% fm\igi`ek`e^%
:lXafe\gfig_pipZfgg\i d`e\#G\il% <j`jgfig_pipZfgg\i gifjg\Zk#<XjkE\n
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp;%8e[i\nj % 9i`kX`e#GXglXE\n>l`e\X%
This specimen illustrates a very common situation This deceptive intrusive breccia is a very good illus-
in intrusive breccia domains, where the main brec- tration to remind the observer to carefully assess the
cia contains fragments which have been previously fragments for signs of previous brecciation/minerali-
brecciated. The early brecciation is best displayed sation. The most critical observation within this rock
in the large fragment (left) and an early intrusive is the fragment (lower centre-right) of porphyritic
breccia event is suggested with some evidence for rock with a dark vein traversing vertically (left hand
fragment rounding and a major matrix component. side). This is composed of biotite ± pyrite, and would
The latter is clearly of fine grain size, although de- classify as potassic “alteration” indicating the pres-
tails have been obscured by the silica-sericite (grey) ence of a nearby porphyry copper system. A signal of
alteration effects. this magnitude cannot afford to be overlooked. The
The main breccia is another example of an intrusive main breccia resembles a volcaniclastic rock and this
breccia style which is common in tourmaline-related sample falls into the “recognition problem” category.
environments. This style contains a disproportionate In the field its pipe-like context is apparent, however
amount of very angular, splinter-like fragments. The as an isolated specimen it can only be placed under
matrix commonly exhibits a fine dust/sand-scale ma- suspicion due to:
trix substantively obscured by tourmaline alteration.
The lack of mineral fragment rounding is a little 1. A wide range of fragment compositions
difficult to explain. One possibility is that the force- 2. Extreme fragment rounding, which has affected
ful intrusive activity is at the explosive end of an most of the larger pieces
“expanding gas” scale. This concept envisages a short 3. A high matrix component, with little or no sign
sharp forceful intrusion/fragmentation of matrix of layering and/or graded bedding.
materials with limited time to achieve substantive
milling. The multistage development is completed by The matrix is very mildly altered and the pale green,
the pyrite (yellow) which although not totally clear pale yellow colours are due to chlorite and epidote,
in parts of the plate, is infill occupying a late-stage representing a weakly developed propylitic altera-
brittle fracturing of the main breccia (see fracture tion.
filling at base).
Dlck`gc\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXcfm\igi`ek`e^%
GC8K< )* <j`jgfig_pipZfgg\i gifjg\Zk#<XjkE\n9i`kX`e#GXglXE\n>l`e\X%
* Dlck`jkX^\JkilZkliXcXe[?p[ifk_\idXcFm\igi`ek`e^
' (Zd
),.
§ GcXk\)+ § GcXk\),
Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc
fm\igi`ek`e^% fm\igi`ek`e^%
B`[jkfe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% B`[jkfe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
The specimen illustrates a common theme of intrusive The specimen illustrates a small portion of drill core
brecciation where several generations of hydrother- from the kilometre diameter intrusive breccia com-
mal activity are finally overprinted by brittle fracture- plex (see also Plates 2, 24).
controlled hydrothermal fluid flow accompanied by This sector of the pipe is composed of fragments at
precipitation of economically valuable mineralogy. the 2–4 cm scale which are extremely tightly packed
In this case the bulk of the Kidston gold credits are such that they are either touching one another, or just
contained in peripheral sheeted quartz vein systems. separated by smaller fragments/matrix at the 0.5–1 cm
The quartz (white centre) is accompanied by sporadic scale. There is very little fine-grained matrix. Termi-
sphalerite (dark), pyrite (dull yellow) and gold (not nology such as fragment-supported might be utilised
visible). The early stage intrusive breccia contains in this situation, although the reader should be aware
a mixture of fragments including pale fine-grained that this is a relative term and that textural variation
porphyritic rocks (left), very altered originally gra- from matrix to fragment supported is common within
nitic rocks (centre-base) and quartz vein fragments metre length scales in intrusive breccia.
(top-centre). The fragments exhibit minor rounding and are
The original nature of the finer-grained matrix composed of gneissic rocks (dark, left), granitic rocks
has been obscured by several stages of overprinting (pink and grey, base), very fine-grained (pale) quartz
alteration, and fragment matrix relationships are porphyry (centre right), and broken (mid grey) quartz
obscure. Utilising data available from other samples veins (top left). The pale quartz porphyry has been
the sequence is interpreted to contain early stage pre- overprinted by pink potassic alteration prior to bre-
brecciation K-feldspar alteration (see Plate 25), which cciation and the dark metamorphic gneiss contains
is suspected here in some of the paler granitic zones. early quartz veins. A green tinge at various points
This has been extensively overprinted subsequent to represents late-stage epidote/chlorite alteration. In
brecciation by the dark silica ± sericite alteration of larger specimens this overprints the milled gritty
the gritty matrix (basal region). The relationship of matrix.
the coarse-grained pyrite (centre right) to the quartz Two late stage quartz veins clearly post-date all
vein is obscure, but it does appear to overprint the previous events.
dark sericite. Complex relationships of this nature are
typical and multiple samples are required to resolve
their timing.
A most important texture within a porphyritic
fragment (top right) is worth noting. The quartz
“phenocrysts” exhibit a tendency to link together in
a chain like manner, with the crystals all pointing in
one direction. This is most probably a unidirectional
solidification texture (UST), which forms in apical
regions of many intrusives associated with miner-
alisation. The crystals project downwards into the
underlying chamber. (See also Plates 2, 25).
Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXcfm\igi`ek`e^
GC8K< ), B`[jkfe^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
* Dlck`jkX^\JkilZkliXcXe[?p[ifk_\idXcFm\igi`ek`e^
' (%,Zd
),0
§ GcXk\)- § GcXk\).
Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc
fm\igi`ek`e^Æk\okliXcdf[`ÔZXk`fem`X fm\igi`ek`e^%
Xck\iXk`fe%;XcXd]iX^d\ekXcle`k FbK\[`gfig_pipZfgg\i d`e\#GXglX
>iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#GXglX# E\n>l`e\X%
@e[fe\j`X%
This is an excellent example of an intrusive breccia
The problem of multiple hydrothermal overprint- that proved extremely difficult to recognise due to
ing is extremely common within intrusive breccia overprinting alteration effects. The specimen has
systems, and original textures can be completely or been affected by major potassium feldspar alteration.
partially obliterated. This becomes a major problem The alteration (pale pink-grey-white) is particularly
if geologists are trying to establish the original brec- effective at modifying and obscuring the details of
cia details and also presents difficulties in unreveling the finer-scale matrix materials, and even the larger
paragenetic sequences. fragments have somewhat blurred outlines.
The plate presented here is an excellent example of The original composition of the fragments is a
extreme complexity from the huge Grasberg system, little obscure but it is clear that several different
where a kilometre scale breccia pipe has been so lithologies are present, and that fragment rounding
heavily modified by alteration that it is very difficult is well-developed.
to establish its original parameters. Although the breccia texture is reasonably obvious
The fragmental nature is easily perceived, although here, it must be pointed out that the rock has been
all of the visible fragments have been modified by both slabbed and ground in an effort to bring out a
intense potassium feldspar (potassic) alteration (pale suspected breccia texture. The original rock is a fea-
pink-white). It can just be discerned that they were tureless white-grey rock with a proportion of the pale
once fine-grained porphyritic igneous rocks. potassic alteration being converted to white supergene
Similarly, a reasonable degree of rounding could be clay minerals. There are no obvious fragments, and
interpreted. The nature of the matrix is impossible to breccia was only suspected by noting a mildly knobby
assess, as it has been successively changed by surface within an obviously very altered rock. The
darker lines are original sulphide-dominated veins
1. Intense potassium feldspar alteration. (The pale now converted to chalcocite in the zone of supergene
pink mottling between fragments to the top left, enrichment.
and bottom right).
2. Intense brown biotite alteration (the darker
colours between fragments at bottom centre to
bottom right)
3. Silicification ± sericite (pale grey and white) in a
0.5 cm zone either side of a central narrow pyrite
vein (vertical vein to the left of centre).
Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXcfm\igi`ek`e^%
GC8K< ). FbK\[`gfig_pipZfgg\i d`e\#GXglXE\n>l`e\X%
* Dlck`jkX^\JkilZkliXcXe[?p[ifk_\idXcFm\igi`ek`e^
' )Zd
)-(
§ GcXk\)/ 89: feldspars can look fairly similar to the original host.
Any subsequent alteration preferentially affects the
Dlck`jkX^\jkilZkliXcXe[_p[ifk_\idXc feldspar dust, again creating an effect resembling
fm\igi`ek`e^Æk\okliXcdf[`ÔZXk`fem`X altered granite.
`ek\ej\Xck\iXk`fe% This has occurred within Plate 28A, where the
8i[c\k_Xek`e\d`e\#E\nJflk_NXc\j# pale brown sericitic alteration is actually concentrated
8ljkiXc`X%8i[n\jkÆJflk_:_\iipG`k % within milled matrix materials. The darker compo-
Jg\Z`d\ejgifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ % nents are mostly tourmaline.
This textural concealment is revealed by etching
The intrusive breccia system at Ardlethan tin mine the sample via hydrofluoric acid fumes (NB. This
remained concealed from geological perception for process is very dangerous and should only be attempted
many years. The main deposit (Plate 10) was vaguely under proper laboratory supervision).
designated disseminated and local exploration pro- The result (Plate 28B), clearly reveals two separate
ceeded in an empirical fashion. domains. The fragments retain a coarser-grained
The main breccia pipes are heavily camouflaged igneous texture with the original feldspars standing
by alteration. Some concept of the problem can be out as white linked interstitial networks. The milled
gained from inspecting Plate 28A. This slab has matrix is much finer-grained, and the combination
been specially prepared to enable good vision, but of rounded fragments within a milled dusty/sandy
it is seriously doubted that most first time viewers matrix is enough to rouse suspicion of intrusive
will be able to see any texture remotely resembling breccia. The smaller inset within Plate 28C, reveals
breccia. In reality the actual field exposures are even that fluid ingress is not restricted to the permeability
more obscure. of the matrix but is also via extremely small-scale
The problem posed by Plate 28A is relatively com- discontinuous cracks. These are picked out as minute
mon in situations where granite is the only major tourmaline rich infill zones running vertically up the
host rock. The milling process commonly liberates centre of the inset. The brown colouration is due to
the quartz component at approximately the same surficial weathering and precipitation of iron oxides
grain size as within the original rock. Consequently along a crack.
a milled mixture of quartz grains and powdered
GC8K<)/:
' *Zd
GC8K<)/8
GC8K<)/9
* Dlck`jkX^\JkilZkliXcXe[?p[ifk_\idXcFm\igi`ek`e^
' )Zd
)-*
+ Jg\Z`Xc=\Xkli\j8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_J\c\Zk\[
@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`Xj
This section is designed to illustrate some selected
special textures which may be encountered within
individual intrusive breccia systems.
§ GcXk\)0 § GcXk\*'
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[ Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[
`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆ`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XXj `ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆfe`fejb`ek\okli\j%
m\`ej% 8i[c\k_Xek`ed`e\#E\nJflk_NXc\j#
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eX$ZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc# 8ljkiXc`X%
<e^cXe[% Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp>%N%:cXib\ %
Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp;%B`in`e %
Geologists take great delight in using colloquial
This plate has been included as a cautionary note to names to describe textures and these are usually only
all field geologists. At first sight it would appear to of value at the local scale.
represent a small-scale brittle fracture vein system This slide depicts some vague curved zones within
disrupting a porphyritic igneous rock. However, a a fragment. These are relatively common within gra-
closer inspection (bottom centre) reveals that the nitic fragments and commonly attract the description
subcentimetre scale veins are actually composed of of onion skin textures. The grey curved domains
finely milled rock dust, which is partially replaced (centre and right) are sericitic alteration of the granite
by tourmaline (black). This is interpreted to sug- (pale). Presumably a minute curving discontinuous
gest that the fracture system has been exploited and fracture had allowed entry of a hydrothermal fluid.
dilated by an intruding pressurized slurry, and the The main breccia zone (left), consists of a milled
“veins” are conceptually more akin to dykes. This is matrix of granitic composition which has been par-
probably an early stage of the process illustrated in tially altered to tourmaline (dark).
Plates 12 and 31.
Situations of this nature are common in intrusive
breccia systems, and are particularly important to
recognise. An isolated exposure of this breed may
be signalling the presence of a nearby or underlying
major breccia pipe. The texture within the vein is a
little difficult to see at this scale, but can be easily
visualized via inspection of the altered matrix zones
in Plates 31–34.
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆfe`fejb`ek\okli\j%
8i[c\k_Xek`ed`e\#E\nJflk_NXc\j#8ljkiXc`X
GC8K< *' Jg\Z`d\egifm`[\[Yp;i%>%N%:cXib\ %
+ Jg\Z`Xc=\Xkli\j8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_J\c\Zk\[@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`Xj
' )Zd
)-,
§ GcXk\*( § GcXk\*)
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[ Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[
`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆZlim\[j_\\k\[ `ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆZlim\[j_\\k\[
]iXZkli\jXe[Xcc\^\[[\Zfdgi\jj`m\j_fZb ]iXZkli\jXe[Xcc\^\[[\Zfdgi\jj`m\j_fZb
k\okli\j% k\okli\j%
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eX$ZcXpd`e\%:fienXcc# N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eXZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc#
<e^cXe[% <e^cXe[%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ % G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
The texture illustrated within this exposure is in- The spectacular broken onion-skin curved fragmen-
terpreted as representing a curved sheeted fracture tation is considered to be an extension of the curved
system, being exploited and dilated by the forceful sheeted fracture style represented in Plate 31. The
intrusion of pressurized milled intrusive breccia. original curving fracture has been intruded by finely
The milled matrix has been converted to tourmaline milled, dusty tourmaline-altered materials. Curved
(dark), and the situation is considered to result from to rectangular fragments have been levered off into
the explosive escape of a boron-rich volatile fluid from the main breccia flow and further comminuted and/
an apical zone of a granite magma. or altered.
The origin of the curved fractures remains con-
tentious, although decompressive shock exfoliation
related to rapid pressure release is a widely accepted
hypothesis (Allman-Ward et al., 1982). The rectangular
network grid pattern present within Plate 29, is also
evident within parts of the larger curved system.
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆZlim\[j_\\k\[]iXZkli\jXe[Xcc\^\[[\Zfdgi\jj`m\
j_fZbk\okli\j
GC8K< *) G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
+ Jg\Z`Xc=\Xkli\j8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_J\c\Zk\[@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`Xj
' ('Zd
)-.
§ GcXk\** § GcXk\*+
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[ Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[
`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆj_\\k\[]iXZkli\jXe[ `ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆj_`e^c\k\okli\%
j_`e^c\k\okli\% N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eX$ZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc#
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eX$ZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc% <e^cXe[%
<e^cXe[% G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
Another example of shingle style brecciation, with
This feature of intrusive breccias is common within interpreted disruption via a high-pressure volatile
tourmaline related styles and is generally referred to intrusive tourmaline-altered rock flour matrix. Note
as shingle texture. The shingle designation relates the degree of fragment rounding is very minor and
to the semi-parallel, overlapping, elongate pieces of there is a considerable amount of material which
wall rock, which appear to be spalling off from the can be visualized as a jig-saw fit (limited transport,
porphyritic wall rocks. The elongate fragments are but high dilation). See also Plates 13, 31, 32, 33 for
less distinct to the right and are both smaller and sheeted fracture effects.
more altered to tourmaline (dark). At the extreme
right the texture is changing to slightly more rounded
fragmentation.
The origin of the shingle/curving texture is un-
certain, but seems to relate to curved parallel sheet
fractures (see Plates 31 and 32). Shingle texture is
widely reported in tourmaline style intrusive breccia-
tion, where explosive and rapid decompressive events
are favoured interpretations.
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XjÆj_`e^c\k\okli\%
N_\XcI\d]ipZ_`eX$ZcXpd`e\#:fienXcc#<e^cXe[
GC8K< *+ G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[YpG%A%GfccXi[ %
+ Jg\Z`Xc=\Xkli\j8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_J\c\Zk\[@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`Xj
' )Zd
)-0
§ GcXk\*, (yellow), with late-stage carbonate (white and grey).
Gold is presumed to accompany this assemblage.
Jg\Z`Xc]\Xkli\jXjjfZ`Xk\[n`k_j\c\Zk\[ The remaining component is represented by the
`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`XÆc`d`k\[dXki`o% fine-grained, white-grey silicified material occur-
N\cZfd\^fc[d`e\#D`e^\cX#Hl\\ejcXe[# ring sporadically between fragments. In places this
8ljkiXc`X% exhibits poorly formed layering and/or more sandy
domains. It appears to be a silicified matrix and poses
This highly photogenic specimen is from a small some problems as
40 × 30 m scale irregularly shaped pipe zone, which is
interpreted to represent an unusual form of intrusive 1. It seems too fine-grained to represent a normal
breccia. milled matrix
The breccia is unusual in being predominately com- 2. It is very rare within the main outcrop.
posed of very rounded fragments and large amounts
of infill, but little matrix. One suggestion envisages the matrix as a tuffisite
The fragments are of variably altered porphyritic style remnant, with the bulk of the original milled
granodiorite. The alteration affects the matrix of the matrix having been “blown away”? (See also tuffisite
igneous rocks, and where more advanced turns the style, Plate 21 ABC).
rock grey-white with the phenocryst margins becom- The timing of infill development is also enigmatic,
ing blurred and difficult to discern. The alteration is and it is possible that it substantively postdates the
of sericite ± silica style. fragment/matrix components and that very high
The prominent red hematite appears to be a differ- fluid pressures have fractured and dilated rocks such
ent later-stage alteration effect (weathering)? that minimal matrix is now visible? The fragment,
The prominent infill is composed of early crystals “matrix”, infill relationships are exhibited again in
of sphalerite (dark) succeeded by irregularly distrib- the lower inset.
uted pyrite-marcasite (dull yellow) and chalcopyrite
' (Zd
).(
GC8K<*-:
' )%,Zd
GC8K<*-8
GC8K<*-9
+ Jg\Z`Xc=\Xkli\j8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_J\c\Zk\[@ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`Xj
' (d
).*
, @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_DXXi$MfcZXef\j
Xe[8jjfZ`Xk\[;`Xki\d\JkilZkli\j
The term diatreme was originally utilised to describe pipe may consist of combinations of intrusive brec-
a vent produced by volcanic explosion (Daubrée, 1891) cia, pyroclastic debris, possible tuffaceous (crystal)
and in recent times several epithermal systems have components, slumped and/or faulted blocks of wall
been identified associated with diatremes in a maar- rocks, organic debris, and occasionally glassy magma
volcano setting (Sillitoe et al, 1984, Sillitoe, 1985). The fragments. The wall rock components may include
maar-volcano setting consists of a kilometre-scale portions of the tuff ring with characteristic base
circular crater-pipe structure surrounded by a ring surge style materials, accretionary lapilli and even
of pyroclastic base surge and fall deposits. The system lacustrine sediment. In general terms the combina-
is considered to form via repeated phreatomagmatic tion of these features allows the intrusive breccia
explosions, with interaction between magma and component to be placed in a diatreme context, and
groundwater creating the explosive energy. this section illustrates some of the textural features
The resultant crater is extremely unstable with of observational value.
slumping and faulting via ring faults partially infill- As a note of caution, the phreomagmatic origin
ing the pipe, which may ultimately or temporarily should not be an automatic assumption with some
become the site of a crater lake. breccia experts (including the author) suspecting that
The crater-pipes extend downwards to at least near surface magmatic fluid release might also cause a
a kilometre and at lower levels consist largely of similar result (see also Sillitoe, 1985). It should also be
milled fragments with major matrix development noted that there are many examples of diatreme styles
(comminuted rock flow). In the upper sectors the that are not associated with mineralisation.
§ GcXk\*. § GcXk\*/
;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆ^\e\iXcjliÔZ`Xc ;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆ^\e\iXcjli]XZ\
Xgg\XiXeZ\#cXZljki`e\j\[`d\ekj% Xgg\XiXeZ\Édl[[pÉ%
>iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#GXglX# >iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#GXglX#
@e[fe\j`X% @e[fe\j`X%
This late-stage fragmental body occurs as a crescent An enlargement of the finer grained fragment-matrix
shaped zone in the southwest region of the open pit component present within Plate 37. This illustra-
and is devoid of copper-gold mineralisation. The tion is photographed some 20 m along strike from
general surface dimensions are some 8 × 70 m and the above location and is more typical of the overall
it extends downward for at least 150 m. Smaller texture.
drill intercepts within the surrounding carbonate- Centimetre-scale fragments of carbonate and argil-
dominated metasediments suggest dyke-like bodies lised metasediment are supported by a major fine-
and the unit has recently been interpreted as part of grained matrix component. Evidence of fragment
a late diatreme style unit (Prendergast 2001). mixing, comminution and rounding is abundant.
Factors favouring this interpretation are evidence The exposure is very muddy, soft and essentially
of major milling with a high matrix component, the unconsolidated.
general shape and the presence of argillised finely
laminated contorted slabs of sediment (lower centre).
The latter are considered to be slumped blocks of lake
sediment. The exposure is extremely soft/muddy and
unconsolidated, with both supergene and hypogene
argillisation suspected. Within the plate the breccia
body is unconformably overlain by well-layered sedi-
ments including a basal conglomerate.
, @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_DXXi$MfcZXef\jXe[8jjfZ`Xk\[;`Xki\d\JkilZkli\j
;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆ^\e\iXcjli]XZ\Xgg\XiXeZ\Èdl[[pÉ
GC8K< */ >iXjY\i^Zfgg\i#^fc[ d`e\#@i`XeAXpX#@e[fe\j`X%
' '%),d
).,
§ GcXk\*0 § GcXk\+'
;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆZfddfejkpc\f] ;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆZfddfejkpc\jf]
`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X`e[`Xki\d\\em`ifed\ekj% ]iX^d\ekXcifZbj#fi^Xe`ZcXp\i`e^%
NXl^fc[Ô\c[#GXglXE\n>l`e\X% NXl^fc[Ô\c[#GXglXE\n>l`e\X%
G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp<%D%9Xb\i % G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp<%D%9Xb\i %
The epithermal gold mineralisation of the Wau dis- This fragmental rock has been interpreted (Silli-
trict is considered to be associated with the generation toe et al., 1984) to represent part of the upper portion
of a maar volcano and associated endogenous domes of a maar vent/diatreme. The interpretation is based
(Sillitoe et al., 1984). upon the geological context of the region. In this case
The plate illustrates a mix of angular and rounded suspicions are aroused by the presence of a block of
clasts set within a fine grained matrix. The domi- interbedded finely layered siltstone with dark organic
nant fine matrix, fragment rounding and general layers contained within breccia consisting of angular
geological setting, have enabled the interpretation to rounded fragments with significant finer grained
that this intrusive breccia is of diatreme style (see matrix components. The organic rich siltstone could
also Plates 40, 41). be a product of slumping or fall into the diatreme
vent. The exposure is very near to surface and both
soft and argillised. (See also Plate 38).
, @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_DXXi$MfcZXef\jXe[8jjfZ`Xk\[;`Xki\d\JkilZkli\j
;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆZfddfejkpc\jf]]iX^d\ekXcifZbjÆfi^Xe`ZcXp\i`e^%
NXl^fc[Ô\c[#GXglXE\n>l`e\X%
GC8K< +' G_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp<%D%9Xb\i %
' '%*d
)..
§ GcXk\+( 89:;< difficult to see in field situations and are only
just apparent here subsequent to slabbing and
;`Xki\d\[fdX`ejÆ^\e\iXck\okliXc grinding. A selection of lapilli are outlined in
Xjg\Zkjf]mXcl\`e`ek\igi\kXk`fef] the lower representation of Plate 41C to guide
[`Xki\d\i\cXk\[`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`Xk`fe% visual recognition. The unit suggests the nearby
8#9#;ÆG_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp%<%D% presence of a diatreme style vent (the Kelian
9Xb\i % breccia pipe).
<ÆG_fkf^iXg_gifm`[\[Yp%>%N% ; Wood fragment, Hornsby diatreme, New South
Dfii`jfe % Wales, Australia. This specimen was collected
from the vent/pipe zone of an unmineralised
8 Accretionary lapilli, Lepanto gold district, Phil- diatreme. It illustrates the nature of the matrix
ippines. These accretionary lapilli are of the dominated intrusive breccia, with tiny scale
fine grained argillised dust style and consist of pellet-like fragments set within a major amount
vaguely concentrically banded fine grained ash of very fine (“muddy”) comminuted clay/grit
within a tuff bed. Given that they are thought to size matrix. This material upon reaching surface
form via accretion of dust onto water droplets in would have deposited as pyroclastic base surge
expanding phreatomagmatic explosive clouds, and fall materials, and to the average geologist
some form of diatreme system is indicated within would merit the terminology of tuff. This again
the local district. This is indeed true and the de- illustrates the problems involved in identifying
posits also have a spatial and temporal association intrusive breccia. The prominent banana-shaped
with epithermal gold on the regional scale. fragment is actually a piece of carbonised wood,
9 Accretionary lapilli, Wau gold district, Papua enabling a “near surface” interpretation.
New Guinea. Accretionary lapilli within tuffa- < Base surge deposition, Kilbourne Hole, United
ceous fragmental rocks interpreted to represent States of America. Typical base surge material
pyroclastic “tuff-ring” rocks of a maar-volcano/ of pyroclastic materials. Note low angle cross
diatreme system (Sillitoe et al, 1984). Note the bedding of less the 15°, repetitive nature, and
various styles of concentric layering in the pellet graded bedding. This style of material is common
size particles. with the “tuff ring” of maar-diatreme volcanoes,
: Accretionary lapilli, Kelian gold mine, Indone- and in combination with other features assists
sia. Accretionary lapilli concentrated within a in establishing the diatreme intrusive breccia
dark layer of tuffaceous rocks. These are very environment.
' *dd
GC8K<+(8
' (Zd
, @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X8jjfZ`Xk\[n`k_DXXi$MfcZXef\jXe[8jjfZ`Xk\[;`Xki\d\JkilZkli\j
' *Zd
GC8K<+(9 GC8K<+(:
GC8K<+(; GC8K<+(<
This volume has concentrated upon porphyry related two more smaller scale examples are illustrated here.
intrusive breccia styles, and this small section is The phenomenon of within-vein intrusive breccia is
included as a reminder that many styles of intrusive far more common than generally appreciated, and is
breccia are present within epithermal domains. The possibly related to sudden fluid expansion/degassing
maar volcano setting is discussed on page 274, and upon localized pressure changes?
§ GcXk\+) § GcXk\+*89
@ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X`e\g`k_\idXcj\kk`e^jÆ @ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X`e\g`k_\idXcj\kk`e^jÆ
hlXikqm\`e% jdXccjZXc\`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X#j`c`Z`ÔZXk`fe%
Nffc^Xi^fc[Ô\c[#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X% N`iiXc`\^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
The pre-existing epithermal quartz vein has been Finely milled tuffaceous volcanic material (pale)
extensively shattered, creating many angular ro- has intruded and dilated (Plate 42A) the fractured
tated fragments. However close inspection reveals tuffaceous rocks. Subsequent or associated dark
a considerable proportion of rounded fragments at siliceous alteration has obscured the texture of the
the medium to small scales. This suggests a milling/ original matrix components. A few (dark) siliceous
intrusive breccia component. The finer scale-matrix fragments are still visible (Plate 42B) and represent
fragments are partially replaced by darker silica, and an earlier quartz vein event. Late stage quartz veining
it is probable that even smaller scale grit/dust matrix is also represented (Plate 42B) with dark grey quartz
particles have been completely replaced. veinlets overprinting the breccia. Matrix replace-
The original quartz vein contains some small scale ment of this extensive nature is a common feature of
and slightly obscure examples of silicified bladed epithermal related intrusive brecciation. Significant
carbonate textures which are characteristic of many gold values are commonly associated with dark silica
low sulphidation epithermal systems (within the large stages within epithermal systems.
fragment – arrowed).
GC8K<+*9
' -dd
@ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`X`e\g`k_\idXcj\kk`e^jÆjdXccjZXc\`ekilj`m\Yi\ZZ`Xj`c`Z`ÔZXk`fe%
GC8K<+*8N`iiXc`\^fc[d`e\#Hl\\ejcXe[#8ljkiXc`X%
- @ekilj`m\9i\ZZ`X`eFk_\i<g`k_\idXcJpjk\dj
' )Zd
)/(
. I\]\i\eZ\j
Allman-Ward, P., Halls, C., Rankin A., and Bristow, C. M., Hedenquist, J. W., and Henley, R. W., 1985. Hydrothermal
1982. An intrusive hydrothermal breccia body at Wheal eruptions in the Waiotapu geothermal system, New
Remfry in the western part of the St Austell granite Zealand. Their origin, associated breccias and relation
pluton, Cornwall, England. In Evans, A. M. (ed.), Met- to previous metal mineralisation. Economic Geology,
allization associated with acid magmatism. Chichester, v. 80, p. 1640–1668.
John Wiley and Sons, p. 1–28.
Prendergast, K., 2001. Evolution of the West Grasberg brec-
Baker, E. M., and Andrew, A. S., 1991, Geologic, fluid inclu- cia zone and gold bearing limestone breccias, Ertzberg
sion and stable isotope studies of the gold-bearing brec- Mining district. In Williams, P. J. (ed.), A hydrothermal
cia pipe at Kidston, Queensland, Australia. Economic Odyssey: Extended conference Abstracts, Economic Ge-
Geology, v. 86, p. 810–830. ology Research Unit, Contribution 59, School of Earth
Sciences, James Cook University, p. 168–169.
Broadhurst, E., 1953. The Chillagoe copper lead field. In
Edwards, A. B. (ed.), Geology of Australian ore depos- Sheridan, M. F., and Wohletz, K. H., 1981. Hydrovolcanisms:
its. Melbourne, Australasian Institute of Mining and basic considerations and review. Journal of Volcanology
Metallurgy, p. 768–782. and Geothermal Research, v. 17, p. 1–29.
Bryant, D. G., 1968. Intrusive breccias associated with ore, Sillitoe, R. H., Baker, E. M., and Brook, W. A., 1984. Gold
Warren (Bisbee) mining district, Arizona. Economic deposits and hydrothermal eruption breccias associ-
Geology, v. 63, p. 1–12. ated with a maar volcano at Wau, Papua New Guinea.
Economic Geology, v. 79, p. 638–655.
Burnham, C W., 1985. Energy release in subvolcanic envi-
ronments: Implications for breccia formation. Economic Sillitoe, R. H., 1985. Ore related breccias in volcanoplutonic
Geology, v. 80, p. 1515–1522. arcs. Economic Geology, v. 80, p. 1467–1814.
Clarke, G. W., Paterson, R. G., and Taylor, R. G., 1985. The Skewes, M. A., Arevalo, A., Floody, R., Zuniga, P. H., and
nature and origin of brecciation and mineralisation Stern, C R., 2002. The giant EI Teniente breccia de-
at the White Crystal ore deposit, Ardlethan tin mine, posit – hypogene copper distribution and emplacement.
New South Wales. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, Society of Economic Geologists, Special Publication 9,
v. 32, p. 343–348. p. 299–332.
Daubree, A., 1891. Recherches experimentales sur le rôle
des gaz e hautes temperatures. Bulletin de la Société
Géologique de France, v. 19, p. 313–354.
)/)
Fi\K\okli\jÆ@e[\o
@e[\o=ifekGX^\
Specimen from the Ravenswood gold mining district, Queensland, Australia (SYC Pit? Carpentaria Gold). This
specimen illustrates the common situation of repeated re-opening and infilling of the same fracture system. It
also illustrates just how difficult this can be to decipher. The problem is compounded when each stage contains
similar components (see also page 147).
@e[\o
8 :
abundant matrix component 249 calcite 92
accretionary lapilli 274, 278 carbonates 92
adularia 91 carbonate-silica-pyrite alteration 80, 81
adularia alteration 64, 65 cataclastic 206
advanced argillic alteration 72, 73 central infill 128
albite 76, 91 changeover observation 44
albitic alteration 68, 69 channelway identification 44
alteration-infill mismatching 145 chlorite 90
alteration mismatches 150 chlorite alteration 52, 53, 54, 55
alteration of alteration 106, 145, 154, 156, 158 chlorite, epidote (carbonate) alteration 58, 59
alteration recognition 43 circular fragments 210
alteration textures 35 clay alteration 178
altered granite 88, 89 clay-argillic alteration 92
alunite 72 clay/ breccia problem 238, 239
anastomosing micro shear system 196 clay-carbonate alteration 70, 71
ankerite 92 clay/mine dump problem 231, 236, 237
approach to alteration 43 collapse breccia 272, 273
argillisation 188 comminution of wall rock 244, 245
argillised fine-grained granite 190 competent siliceous layer 194
arsenopyrite alteration 200 complex low angle shear 185
assessment sheet 95 complex overprinting 146, 148, 150, 152, 154
asymmetric infill 120 concentrated fracture 176, 177
confusion with sediments 242, 243
9 crackled wall rocks 246, 247
base surge deposition 278 crater lake 274
biotite alteration 66, 67, 260 crenulation cleavage 192
bladed carbonate textures 280 crosscutting vein 113, 117
blocky broken rock 180, 181 crystal criterion 21
boundinage 218, 219 crystals 5, 7, 14, 30, 32
break-up 169, 170 curved sheeted fractures 266, 267
breccia 135, 136, 138, 140, 142 cymoid loop 204, 205
breccia concealment 236, 237, 238, 239
breccia definition 169 ;
breccia dyke 252, 253 decompressive shock textures 266, 267
breccia recognition 23, 27, 29 diatreme 274, 278, 279
brittle breaking 189 diatreme domains (structures) 274, 230
brittle-broken faults 186, 187 dilation 190, 191, 202, 203, 216, 217
brittle-ductile combinations 194, 195, 196, 197 dilational jog 204, 205
brittle-ductile – ductile shear styles 175, 176 dissolution 218
brittle fracture readjustment 189 dolomite 92
brittle refracturing 200 ductile shear 194
brittle style rock fracture (fracturing) 175, 188, ductile shear fabric (zone) 198, 200
201, 204, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215,
217 <
broken rocks (patterns) 163, 171 edge effects 22, 23, 26, 28, 30
edge problem 6, 21
)/,
epidote 90 A
epidote-chlorite alteration 256 jig-saw fit 268
euhedral 6, 7, 9, 11, 22, 30, 33 jig-saw puzzle 244
euhedral crystals 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 26, 28, 30, jostled effect 244
32
B
= kaolinised 236
faults/fractures in relation to folds 192, 193 K-feldspar alteration 258
fault structures 169 knobbly 180, 182, 234, 238, 240, 241
feldspathic alteration 214 knobbly texture (zones) 179, 233
fluid pressure dilation 196
forceful matrix intrusion 247 C
fragment mixing 248 lacustrine sediments 274, 275
fragment rounding 234, 235 laminated veins 218
fragment scale 235 large-scale breccia pipe 246, 247
late reactivation 186
> layer control 158
gossan concealment 182, 183 layered textures 10, 11, 13
gossanous exposures (gossan) 180, 181, 240, 241 layering 10, 12
greisen 48, 49 layer parallel shearing 196, 197
leached outcrop 180
? limited matrix 270, 271
half/half rocks 44 limonite gossan 180
hematite 92 loss of jointing 233
hematite alteration 74, 75, 242 low-angle fault system 182
high dilation 268 low-angle shear system 184
high fracture density 176
highly comminuted style 248 D
high sulphidation system 238 maar-volcano (volcanoes) 274, 276, 278
hydraulic dilation 200, 201, 210, 211 magnetite 93
hydrofracture 203 magnetite alteration 82
hydrothermal breccia pipe 190 magnetite-chlorite-albite ± epidote alteration
hydrothermal intrusive (breccia) 170, 229 76, 77
major-scale breccia pipe 250
@ marginal jostle 186, 187
igneous interstitial mineralisation 30 marginal sheeted fracture 244, 245
inconsistent alteration 106, 152, 154, 156 marginal zone 190
inconsistent alteration selvages 145 matrix proportions 247
indirect overprinting temperature inference 106 medium-scale breccia pipe 244, 245
infilling quartz crystals 272 miarolitic 29, 31
infill recognition 180, 181 miarolitic granite 29, 52, 53
infill textures 1, 5 miarolitic/pegmatitic texture 26
initial recognition 229, 234, 240, 241, 242, 243 milled breccias 178
intrusive breccia 229, 231, 234, 244, 256, 258, 260, milled matrix 266
262, 264, 266, 270, 274, 276, 280 milled texture (well-milled, variably milled) 244,
intrusive breccia associated with maar-volcanoes 245
230 mineral identification 43
intrusive breccia as veins 264, 265 mineral paragenisis concealment 188, 189
intrusive breccia in epithermal settings 280 mineral superimposition 105, 109, 140
irregular nucleation 6, 10 mismatches between alteration and infill
components 105
mixed fragments 234, 235, 246, 247