GG 545

Laboratory Exercise #3

Porphyry Copper Deposits

PART I: Alteration Zoning in Porphyry Copper Deposits

INTRODUCTION

The Silver Bell deposit in south-central Arizona exhibits alteration zoning similar to
Lowell and Guilbert's model deposit.

Samples SB-4 through SB-501 are from a quartz latite tuff (or tuffaceous intrusion)
which flanks the Silver Bell deposit and has imprinted on it a complete succession of
alteration zones. The quartz latite originally consisted of phenocrysts of quartz,
plagioclase, k-feldspar and biotite in a matrix of quartz and k-feldspar.

INSTRUCTIONS

The samples are listed on the following data sheet in order of increasing distance
from the deposit. Examine the hand specimens (thin-sections optional) and for each
sample and classify each as belonging to the potassic, phyllic, propylitic or outer calcitic
alteration zone.

Chemical reactions have taken place in each zone to form new minerals. a) Write
out a chemical reaction for these changes starting with the information given below. b)
Write out an expression for the equilibrium constant for the reaction.

Potassic Zone: In the postassic zone biotite replaces k-feldspar (use pyrite).

Phyllic Zone: In the phyllic zone sericite replaces k-feldspar.

Propylitic Zone: In the propylitic zone chlorite replaces feldspar (use hematite).

1998 GG 545 1 EUP

Part II : Porphyry Copper Deposits - Sufide Zoning

In this part we will examine a suite of mineralized rocks from a composite porphyry
copper deposit.

1. Examine each of the rocks and note the sulfide and oxide minerals present. On
Figure 1 note the probable location of the sample.

Samples:

1. ____________ 6. ____________

2. ____________ 7. ____________

3. ____________ 8. ____________

4. ____________ 9. ____________

5. ____________ 10. ____________

Part III : Porphyry Copper Deposits - Fluid Inclusions

Examine a thin-section of veined Bingham rock for fluid inclusions. Fluid

inclusion are small imperfections in crystals that trap some of the fluid from which the
crystal is growing. By examining the contents of a fluid inclusion we obtain clues as to the
source and nature of the fluids responsible for mineraliztion. We will look at fluid
inclusion in more detail in a later lab. For now examine the fluid inclusion that are found in
rocks from a typical porphyry copper deposit. Make an annotated sketch of the fluid
inclusion you see (This will be a challenge to your observational skills). How many
different types (families) are there? Speculate as to what is in each inclusion type, and what
that might tell you about the nature of the ore fluids that form porphyry copper deposits.

1998 GG 545 2 EUP

Part IV : Porphyry Copper Deposits - Veins

A significant portion of the sulfide mineralization is hosted by veins. Examine the

three vein-containing rocks listed below. Describe the veins in each rock in as much detail
as possible (characteristic dimensions, mineral content, nature of contact with surrounding
rock, vein density, etc..

Rock A:

Rock B:

Rock C:

Part V: Porphyry Copper Deposits - The Cu-Fe-S System

Figure 2 is a ternary diargram which represents experimentally determined phase

equilibria. Compositions in weight percent (or mole percent) are plotted in isothermal
sections and tie lines connect coexisting phases in equilibrium. Phases of variable
composition are shown as stippled ares and areas where only two phases coexist are
labelled with a “2”.

1. List the phases that may coexist with pyrrhotite at 400o C:

2. List the phase assemblages that may coexist with bornite at 400o C:

1998 GG 545 2 EUP

 Silver Bell Alteration Zoning
Sample # Quartz Copper Sulfides Secondary Sericite Chlorite Epidote Calcite Alteration Zone
Veining minerals biotite

SB-501

SB-4

SB-32

SB-11

SB-22

o = absent; x = minor; xx = moderately abundant; xxx = abundant

1977 GG 545 EUP

Figure 1

Ore minerals in a hypothetical oxidized and enriched porphyry copper deposit

Ore Zone

malachite jarosite or
goethite > weak goethite
azurite goethite
Oxide Capping jarosite pyrite, galena, sphalerite
tenorite
may persist to surface
cuprite
chrysocolla
jarosite & goethite

as above + native "sooty"

Oxides after Cu, "sooty" hematite hematite
enriched ore
chalcocite chalcocite
covellite covellite
pyrite
chalcopyrite pyrite
galena in veins
Enriched ore bornite, molybdenite chalcopyrite thin chalcocite
sphalerite
coatings on pyrite
bornite chalcopyrite >
chalcopyrite pyrite pyrite >>
Primary sulfides chalcopyrite
molybdenite
 Figure 2
Cc chalcocite
Cov covelite
Cu native copper 60 weight percent S
S native sulfur 400oC
Fe native iron
Po pyrrhotite Py
Py pyrite
Bo bornite
Id idaite
Cpy chalcopyrite
Cb cubanite

2
Po
2 2
Cov 2 2
Id
2 2 Cb
2
Cpy
2
Cc Bn
2
2

Cu Fe
Weight Percent