TYPES OF SKARN

DEPOSITION
Part-2
Types of Skarn Deposits
-based on the dominant economic minerals.

Iron Skarns
The largest skarn deposits, with many over 500
milliion tonnes.
They are mined for their magnetite. Minor
amounts of Ni, Cu, Co and Au may be present, but
typically only Fe is recovered.
They are dominantly magnetite, with only minor
silicate gangue.
 Gold Skarns
It associated with relatively mafic diorite –
granodiorite plutons and dyke/sill
complexes.
Some large Fe or Cu skarns have Au in the
distal zones.
 Copper Skarns
It's orogenic zones related to subduction both in
continental and oceanic settings.
It associated with porphyritic plutons with co-
genetic volcanic rocks, stockwork veining, brittle
fracturing, brecciation and intense hydrothermal
alteration.
It's indicative of a relatively shallow environment
& associated with porphyry copper deposits.
 Zinc Skarns
Most occur in continental settings associated
either with subduction or rifting.

They mined for

lead and silver,
and are high
grade.

They form in
the distal zone
to associated
igneous rocks.
 Molybdenum Skarns
It associated with leucocratic (lacking
ferromagnesian minerals) granites and form
high grade, small deposits.
Most molybdenum skarns occur in silty
carbonate or calcareous clastic rocks
 Tin Skarns
These are almost exclusively associated with high
silica granites generated by partial melting of
continental crust.
Greisen alteration by fluorine produces a
characteristic yellowish mica.
Many large tin skarn systems are zoned spatially
from skarn-rich to skarn-poor
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DEPOSIT YOU LIKE &
WHY?

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