Professional Documents
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Sedimentology and Ore Genesis
Sedimentology and Ore Genesis
Sedimentology and Ore Genesis
DEVELOPMENTS IN SEDIMENTOLOGY
VOLUME 2
S E D I M E N T O L O G Y A N D ORE G E N E S I S
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
F U R T H E R TITLES IN T H I S SERIES
L . M . J. U. V A N S T R A A T E N , Editor
DELTAIC A N D SHALLOW M A R I N E D E P O S I T S
A. H. BO U M A and A . B R O U W E R , Editors
TURBIDITE S
F. G. T I C K E L L
THE TECHNIQUES OF SEDIMENTARY MINERALOGY
J. C. I N G L E , Jr.
T H E M O V E M E N T O F BEACH S A N D
L. V A N D E R P L A S
T H E I D E N T I F I C A T I O N OF DETRITAL F E L D S P A R S
G. L A R S E N and G. V. C H I L I N G A R , Editors
DIAGENESIS I N SEDIMENTS
R. F. D I L L
S U B M A R I N E EROSION
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
DEVELOPMENTS I N SEDIMENTOLOGY
VOLUME 2
SEDIMENTOLOGY A N D
ORE G E N E S I S
PROCEEDINGS OF A SYMPOSIUM, HELD DURING T H E
D E L F T - 1963
EDITED BY
G. C . A M S T U T Z
Director of the Institute of Petrology and Mineralogy
University of Heidelberg, Germany
Formerly Professor of Geology, School of Mines and Metallurgy
University of Missouri, Rolla, Mo., U.S.A.
ELSEVIER P U B L I S H I N G COMPANY
AMSTERDAM LONDON N E W YORK
1964
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
CONTENTS
Contents ..................................... V
Introduction
G. C. A M ~ T U(Rolla,
T ~ Mo. U.S.A.) ......................... 1
PARTA. REDUZATE . .
DEPOSITS . . . .. . ..................... 9
Early diagenetic pyrite in fine-grained sediments and the genesis of sulphide ores
.
L. G. LOVE(Sheffield, Great Britain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... 11
Apropos du rdle metallogenique de la prkipitation et de I’adsorption skdimentaires
A. BERNARD (Nancy, France) . . . . . . . ..
.. . . .. . . . .......... 19
Facies differentiation and controlling factors for the depositional lead-zinc concentration in the
W a n geosyncline of the eastern Alps
H.-J. SCHNEIDER (Munich, Germany) . . . . .. . .. . . ... .. . . ... . . . 29
Lead-zinc deposits in the Calcareous Alsp as an example of submarine-hydrothermal formation
of mineral deposits
0. SCHULZ . . .
(Innsbruck, Austria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
L’application des courbes pr6visionnelles a la recherche4 des gisements stratiformes de plomb
P. NIC~LINI (Paris, France) ..
... . . . . . .. . ... . . . . ... . . .. .
. 53
Diagenetic behaviour of sulphides
G. C. AMSTUTZ (Rolla, Mo., U.S.A.), P. RAMDOHR (Heidelberg, Germany) and W. C. PARK
(Hamilton, Ont., Canada) .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
I. Shallow water patterns of iron sulphide distribution in the Jefferson City Formation near
Rolla, Missouri . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
11. Galena localisation in late diagenetic fissures in algal carbonate rock, Elvins Mine,
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 .
111. Generations of diagenetic crystallization in the Cu-Pb-Co-Ni-deposit of Fredericktown,
Missouri.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
IV. Sphalerite, fluorite and galena as distinct diagenetic crystallization generations of an
oolitic phase of the Fredonia Formation, southern Illinois fluorspar district. .
. . . . . 76
.
V. The differential localization of sulphides in fossil wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
VI. Criteria for diagenetic crystallization and deformations in the Mount Isa sulphide beds. . 82
Supergene sulfides and sulfates in the supergene zones of sulfide ore deposits
P. ZUFFARDI and I. SALVADORI (Cagliari, Italy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
I. Supergene barites from Sardinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
II. Some examples of sulfides of Cd, Hg, Fe, Pb and Zn, regenerated by oxidation-reduction
processes in Sardinia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Discussion of papers in Part A. . . . . . .. . .................... 101
DEPOSITS.
PARTB. OXIDATE . . . ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Kohlensauerlinge als eine Eisenquelle der sedimentaren Eisenerze
H. HARDER (Munster, Deutschland) . . . . . , . . . . . . ............. 107
etude sMimentologique du minerai de fer oolithique de Lorraine
L. BUBENICEK(Maizitres-les-Metz, France) . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 13
Facies problems of boehmitic and diasporitic bauxites
I. VALETON (Hamburg, Germany) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Discussion of papers in Part B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
VI CONTENTS
PART
C. SULPHATE DEPOSITS.
AND PHOSPHATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Sedimentologie et recherche des gisements ddimentaires marins de phosphate
M.SLANSKY(Paris, France). . .... . . .. ... . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Mineralogisch-geochemische Untersuchungen an Coelestobaryt mit sedimentarem Gefiige
H. PUCHELT und G. MULLER(Tubingen, Deutschland) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Small scale sedimentary features in the Arkansas barite district
R. A. ZIMMERMANN and G. C. AMSTUTZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
(Rolla, Mo., U.S.A.).
Discussion of papers in Part C. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Rapport de synthkse
P.R~UTHIER (Paris, France). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Index ....................................... 177
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
INTRODUCTION
G. c. AMSTUTZ]
Historically, the relation between sedimentology and the field of ore genesis has been a
function of prevailing patterns of thought. Table I offers a brief schematic summary
of the trend of thought patterns since Albertus Magnus.
Whenever the trend was to search for causes from within, the interest in the wall
rock and its genesis was great. When causesfrom without appealed more to the scien-
tists, the rocks enclosing ore deposits, and especially the sediments received little
attention.
The present generation inherited largely the latter type of thinking; so much so, as
a matter of fact, that sedimentary petrology was treated as a step child in petrology
courses. An “economic geologist” was not required to have a serious interest in “soft
rock petrology”. The ore in “soft rocks” was a priori believed to have come from
“hard rocks” at unknown depths, and the magic word which solved all the problems
was “replacement”.
It is interesting to note that there exists a close relationship between the general
cultural trends and the changing patterns of thought in ore genesis displayed by
Table I. The tendency to search for causes from without or from within is an archetypal
pattern which is inherent in all cultures. The physicist PAULI(1952, pp.112-113)
stated: “As regulating operators and builders in this world of symbolic images, the
archetypes function precisely as the sought bridge between sense perceptions and
ideas, and are thus also prerequisites for the development of a scientific theory”.
A basic archetypal pattern present in all earth science theories on genesis is the
scheme of interpretation possibilities shown in Table 11.
We tend to approach the outcrop and set up an experiment on the basis of precon-
ceived hypotheses - consciously or, more often, subconsciously-and in interpreting
the observations, we are prone to use only those assumptions which are indigenous
with us. The experimentalist is, therefore, in an even less favorable situation than the
field geologist. His experiment is premised on those hypotheses and therefore a double
human relativity is involved in the interpretations of experimental results, which,
however, does not make them less urgently needed in the physical sciences.This relativ-
ity of scientific theories is commonly ignored or even suppressed because it introduces
an undesired and subconsciously feared irrationality factor into science and prompts
2 G . C. AMSTUTZ
TABLE I
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GENERAL CULTURAL TRENDS AND THE CHANGING PATTERNS OF THOUGHT IN
ORE GENESIS
Emphasis on
Historical
periods
I I
Albertus Magnus
( I 193/1205-1280)
earth 0
+ Hg + S
I
Agricola (epigeneticists)
fire is main agent
(1 494- 1555)
Neo-epigeneticists (PoXepn);,
Lindgren in part, Niggli in part) main agents
Geometric and geochemical distribution patterns (primary fabrics and compositional histograms)
inherent to the host rock are first compared before causes from without are assumed.
the scientist to be more than a technician, i.e., to adopt some of the “yvQzt O E C ~ U T ~ V ’ ’
into his work. But, it seems to me that no major advance has ever been made in science
which was not at the same time a considerable step towards a better knowledge of
man’s own self.
The relativity of scientific theories is, however, not only one of time and cultural
age, but also one of geographical or rather ethnological environment. These relations
are most interesting today, because at international meetings the theories defended
reflect cultural patterns of thought. Quite clearly, for example, the immigrated peoples
have a tendency to favor epigenetic introduction and replacement theories, just as they
also favor exogenous gods (cf. AMSTUTZ, 1960, pp.179-186).
The common tendency to repress and ignore these anthropological differences, or
to consider them as unscientific, denies to the sciences a great opportunity to develop
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
INTRODUCTION 3
TABLE I1
BASIC ARCHETYPAL PA’ITERN
Time Z ZI
syngenetic epigenetic
As formation formation
Space’ At=O At=x
A
endogenous possibility possibility
formation Ia IIa
ns=o (or Al) (or A2)
B
exogenous possibility possibility
formation Ib IIb
As=n (or B1) (or B2)
Endogenous = fromwithin (thahost rock or its own source); exogenous = from outside (the host
a Syngenetic -
rock or its own source).
at the same time as the host rock; epigenetic = at any later time than the host rock.
and mature their own theories. In other words, foreign literature is an extremely
valuable source of new thought, and for allowing ones own ideas and thoughts to
procede along the “arrow of evolution” of TEILHARD DE CHARDIN (1955).
There is always a very close connection between the general cultural pattern and the
scientific theories professed by the people living these patterns. It is not accidental that
a strong trend has emerged after World War I1 to look more into possible endogenous
and syngenetic causes in ore genesis, i.e., the trend away from a priori-assumptions
of epigenetic introductions from the outside. As I pointed out in a brief monograph
on “syngenesis-epigenesis” (AMSTUTZ, 1959), this evolution of geological thought
began in many countries simultaneously and largely independently. It is paralleled or
caused by a general trend for more inward interest, i.e., a certain trend away from an
overly extroverted and superficial pattern of life.
Fig.1 compares the pattern of interpretation built on the myth of “replacement”
(Fig.1A) with that of the new trend which prefers causes from within (Fig. 1 B), includ-
ing at the same time a reasonable amount of interaction between neighboring
systems. These figures also illustrate how, actually, ore genesis theories at present go
through exactly the same crisis and change as did paleontology one hundred years
ago, when Darwin and others proposed to look for factors “from within”, and rejected
the exogenous creationistic theories.
This process of evolution of thought from epi-exo-patterns to syn-endo-patternsis
one which takes place all the time in all fields of human culture, including the sciences.
It suffers relapses of course as recently seen when the myth of flying saucers and of
meteor impact structures swept around the world and even affected the sci’entists. It is
interesting to note that exaggerations in the other direction, i.e., towards syn-endo-
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
4 G . C . AMSTUTZ
INTRODUCTION 5
patterns are insignificant and always somewhat still integrated (for example the con-
generationist theories of Werner and the Farbenlehre of Goethe). This suggests that
the gradual disappearence of the overemphasis of the epi-exo-myths is a process of
gradual evolution of the human mind as so brilliantly and transparently pictured and
analyzed by TEILHARD DE CHARDIN, especially in The Phenomenon of Man (1955). He
himself emphasized the importance of the energy “inside of things”, as compared to
the “tangentional energy” operating on the outside of things.
As shown in Fig.1, the theories on the major base metal deposits reflect this evolu-
tion of thought. Instead of assuming a formation through solutions from hidden
outside sources, the possibilities of contemporaneous formation as part of rock genesis
itself are presently being proposed and investigated. Again, it is interesting to note
that the hidden sources for the emanating solutions are almost always at “unknown
depth”. The movement away from the myth of the “unknown depths” and the myth
of replacement is most interesting and valuable historically because it parallels the
general integration of a sound knowledge and acceptance of the realm of the sub-
conscious in the human mind. This acceptance eliminates the need for a mythological
compensation in form of a “scientific” theory on emanations from unknown depth or
impact from .unknown outer space sources.
Fig.1. Schematic representation of ore genesis theories according to the conventional and the new
patterns of thought.
A. This figure shows the domination of the myth of epigenetic replacement and of the unknown depth
(“deep seated sources”). Epigenetic introduction from the outside is an axiomatic condition for the
formation of most ore deposits. This pattern corresponds essentially to the creationistic, preDarwi-
nian beliefs in paleontology.
B. This figure pictures the pattern of ore genesis theories according to the new “petrographic” or
integrated theory, according to which ore deposits normally formed at the same time and essentially
within or very near the observed host rock. Just as man and animals in the evolution theory of paleon-
tology, ore deposits are, in the new theory, considered a normal integral part of rock evolution.
Z = igneous intrusive rocks (known!); ZI = igneous extrusive or subvolcanic rocks (known); ZIZ =
metamorphic igneous rocks or migmatites; IV = metamorphic sedimentary rocks; V = sedimentary
rocks (non-, or partly metamorphic); VZ = introduction from the (unknown) outside assumed;
VII = some migration probable, possible, or (?) questionable.
List of major types of ore deposits for which a syn-endo as well as an epi-exo origin has been proposed.
In sediments and volcanic rocks: I = Arkansas - type barite deposits; 2 = MississippiValley-type
deposits (including the barite and fluorspar deposits in the same type of sediments); 3 = Rammelsberg
and similar deposits; 4 = magnesite, rhodochrosite and siderite deposits of the Alps and elsewhere;
5 = Kupferschiefer and/or Red Bed copper deposits as well as various disseminated to massive
copper-lead-zinc deposits, for example of the Kuroko type; 6 = Blind River, Witwatersrand and
similar deposits; 7 = propylitic deposits of copper, gold, and other metals; 7a and 76 = deposits of
sulfides, oxides and native elements (Cu, Ag, Au) in or near volcanic rocks (often with spilitic phases);
8 = Mina Ragra type vanadium deposits; 9 = Colorado Plateau or “sandstone type ” Uranium
deposits; 10 = Iron deposits of the Lake Superior type; 11 = Ducktown, Broken Hill, Outukumpu,
Falun, and similar deposits in metamorphic belts.
In and adjacent to igneous rocks: a= porphyry copper deposits in and around intrusions (including
the Climax molybdenum deposit); 6 = Granite Mt., Utah, deposits of magnetite; and similar
deposits; c = tin deposits in and around intrusions; d = contact deposits, pipe deposits, perimagmatic
vein deposits; e = chromite deposits;f = pegmatites.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
6 G . C . AMSTUTZ
This shift of approach brings a more balanced distribution of the mineral deposits
along the geochemical cycle or rather cycles (Fig.2). If the new trend is on ,,the right
track”, one of the major “laws” of ore genesis will in the future be as follows: each rock
has its own natural share of ore deposits, formed at the same time and from within
its own sources. This means that the sedimentary part of the geochemical cycle be-
comes more important than it has been traditionally during the past 70 years. Sediments
cannot be considered any longer as “dirty, unimportant soft rocks”, only good if
invaded and replaced by magmatic rocks and ore solutions.
This is why sedimentary petrology has become extremely important in the study of
ore genesis in the last ten or twenty years. Of course, some investigators, clearly ahead
of their time, had recognized the situation much earlier. A general acceptance is only
following now, and this is why I considered it to be timely to suggest a symposium on
ore genesis within the International Sedimentological Congress.
Most of the papers in this symposium are purposely phenomenological. Those by
this author are deliberately geometric only, an experiment in testing out how far one
can go without including geochemical or even experimental results. This restriction
was of course also one of space limitations, set by the congress rules.
Perhaps the symposium topics embrace too broad a field; and that fact, combined
with the spice restrictions for each paper, creates simultaneously an advantage and a
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
INTRODUCTION 7
RESOLUTIONS
(I) The group wishes to thank the officers of the International Association of Sedi-
mentologists .and the Organization Committee of the Sixth International Sedimento-
logical Congress for accepting the idea of a Symposium on Ore Genesis and for their
moral and financial support.
(2) The group wishes to express its gratitude to the Technical University of Delft
and especially to Professor Faber for the invitation to hold the symposium in the In-
stitute of Applied Geology, and for the perfect hospitality they have extended.
(3) The group considers the integration of sedimentology in any study of ore depo-
sits in sediments essential to a correct interpretation. A study of the role of sedimen-
tary processes, including diagenesis, is an important field in pure as well as in applied
research on the genesis of mineral deposits.
(4) In particular, the group also considers the knowledge of sedimentary rocks and
processes (in regard to both, the fabric and the geochemical detail) a prerequisite for
the understanding of subsequent metamorphic processes and their possible role in the
deformation and reconstitution of mineral deposits and host rocks.
(5) The group suggests that similar symposia could with advantage be held at future
Congresses of the International Association of Sedimentologists.
REFERENCES
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1959. Syngenese und Epigenese in Petrographie und Lagerstattenkunde. Sehweiz.
Mineral. Petrog. Mitt., 39 : 1-84 (English translation:Intern. Geol. Rev., 1961,3 : 119-140,202-226).
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1960. Some basic concepts and thoughts on the space-time-analysis of rocks and
mineral deposits in oragenic belts. Geol. Rundschau, 50 : 165-189.
PAULI,W., 1952. Der Einfluss archetypischerVorstellungen auf die Bildung naturwissenschaftlicher
Theorien bei Kepler. Studien aus dem C.G. Jung-Institut, English translation: Boiling Series,
New York, 1952 : 109-194.
TEILHARD DE CHARDIN, P., 1955.L e Phinonzene humain. Gditions du Seuil, Paris, 348 pp.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
PART A
REDUZATE DEPOSITS
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
LEONARD G . LOVE
INTRODUCTION
In any discussion on sedimentology and the genesis of sulphide ores, the topic of
“syngenetic” ores and their formation is likely to be raised. Much, however, has yet to
be learnt about the occurrence and relationships of the sulphides normally found in
sediments before some the problems of these ores can be resolved. Both unconsolida-
ted sedimentsand older rocks must be studied in detail, not only to reveal the changes
produced by diagenesis but also because in considering ideas about “syngenetic” ores
it must be allowed that in the geological past conditions affecting the formation of
sulphides may not, quantitatively, have been as at present. Although in fact much
important chemical and biochemical work has been done on Recent sediments, one
field in particular is much neglected - that involving optically observable detail of
sulphides of the finest grain size. The present paper aims at reviewing the author’s
recent work on this and introducing some inferences from a more systematic study.
Starting with Recent sediments this is still in its early stages and a fuller account will
be presented later.
Superficial sediments examined from shallow coastal waters include those from
Christchurch Harbour in the south of England and from localities along Long Island
Sound, U S A . From both areas silty muds were used, grey to dark grey when dry
and containing a substantial fraction passing the 200-mesh B.S.l sieve (76 p). Fresh-
water lake mud from Queechy Pond, New York, was also used. X-ray examination of
the heavy fraction prepared from air dried samples of the wet sediment gave pyrite as
the dominant sulphide; marcasite was not found.
This pyrite is entirely microscopic and occurs as tiny crystals and spheres. The
isolated crystals are dominantly cubes but octohedra and pyritohedra have tentati-
vely been recognised among concentrates. The spheres, because of their distinctive
12 L. G . LOVE
appearence, have so far dominated the observations (Fig. 1) and sometimes may
indeed represent nearly all the pyrite present. With their remarkably regular spherical
form, they show the framboidal texture, this being a close packed aggregation of
small individual crystals, again mostly of the cubic habit. Such spheres have been
recorded from a number of Recent sediments and from dark shales and other sapro-
pelic rocks of most geological ages. A detailed account has already been given (LOVE,
1963) including a bibliography of recent and earlier research.
It is remarkable how the spheres even of Recent sediment can withstand mechanical
treatment during separation, although undoubtedly many will break down and add
to the number of small isolated crystals, especially at the expense of the proportion of
larger spheres. These may be 40 p in size or even more, while small spheres of regular
form have been seen as small as 2-3 p under reflected light. Measurements repeatedly
demonstrate a tendency towards a unimodal size distribution with the mode some-
where between 4 and 20 p. It has been noticed from many samples that while the
maximum and modal sizes of spheres vary from one sample to another, the
maximum size of single large crystals, presumably having grown in a solitary state,
may approach but not quite reach the modal diameter of the spheres for the same
sample. While the controls over the distribution of the sulphide between spherical
aggregates of crystals and singly growing crystals have still not yet been inferred, if
such an empirical relationship is generallyconfirmed it may be of value in the study of
later diagenetic changes and of sulphides in rocks.
Larger aggregations, often of the spheres themselves, may even completely fill shells
of foraminiferids or give free nodules, up to 1 mm in size. NEEB(1943) saw their
origin as test infillings, and in Carboniferous rocks they have also been observed free
of shells but none the less showing the distinct form of the infillings of small gonia-
tites. REGN~LL (1961) provides an example of the diagenetic solution of the calcite
shell of a foraminiferid infilled with pyrite in a deep sea sediment.
Not only may the pyrite occupy this inner space of micro-faunal tests but even more
abundantly it may occupy spaces in other, softer, tissues; in many of the sediments
individual spheres or groups fill small sacs. If thin and tightly fitting around the pyrite,
these sacs may not readily be visible in the microscope but they will always be revealed
by quick solution of the pyrite in nitric acid with a few drops of bromine added. From
a concentrate of the pyrite rounded, low density, pellicles would be left as a residue.
Comparison with the original sediment reveals that these represent an apparently
random part of all the microscopic organic debris preserved in the mud, and react
similarly to it on staining. Among much unrecognisable other material such items as
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
unicellular algae and cellular wood tissue are represented as well as the tests of
diatoms, ostracods and foraminiferids already mentioned. Unless disaggregation and
separation of the fraction has had a bigger effect than suspected, the smaller soft cells
appear to dominate in containing the pyrite. The occurrence of pyrite spheres within
such pellicles is not universal and in some samples examined from Queechy Pond, for
instance, the pyrite appears to be almost free from such associations, and this serves
to demonstrate that (unless an aerobic phase of decomposition has intervened) a posi-
tion inside pellicles of organic material is not an essential for the formation of pyrite
and, indeed, the larger single crystals normally appear to be free, although the smaller
ones may be seen in organic tissues. When organic tissues do contain pyrite both their
uncompressed nature and, indeed, the almost superficial position they may occupy in
the mud of some localities serves to indicate the very early presence of the pyrite and
yet that it is diagenetic in formation. Evidence on this point has been summarised by
Low (1963), and earlier by VALLENTYNE (1961) and NAUMANN (1919). Due to its
ready breakdown under conditions of weathering and transport, pyrite cannot be
regarded as a likely component of the clastic materials making up slowly deposited
muddy and silty sediments.
A clear statement on the mode of origin of the authigenic sulphide in those sedi-
ments is lacking at present although as a generalisationit is safe to say that the sulphide
radical is essentially the resultant of micro-biological processes in an anaerobic
environment. That this process can occur even though the sediment as a whole does
not yet appear to have reached the anaerobic condition may sometimes be demonstra-
ted by the presence of pyrite occurring, for instance, inside shells and other restricted
places. Recent studies using the stable isotopes of sulphur (KAPLAN et al., 1963;
D m and NAKAI, 1963) trace more clearly some of the stages of the bacterial pro-
duction of sulphide and confirm that the sulphate and other sulphur compounds in the
water body over the sediment are the principal sources of sulphur.
14 L. G. LOVE
occurrence of organic matter within the spheres. It must lie interstitially between the
individual crystals of the framboidal structure forming a sponge or meshwork which
may be revealed and left as a freestanding spherical body by dissolving away the
pyrite. Such bodies may be observed in variable proportions and are often very
plentiful.
They were earlier regarded by the author as microfossils, on the combined charac-
ters of regularity of structure and organic composition; while their abundant and
exclusive association with pyrite spheres suggested a genetic relationship. Neither of
these two inferences is now maintained, for subsequent rigorous study has shown
such organic bodies to be mostly absent from pyrite spheres of Recent sediments,
where even better occurrences than in rocks might have been anticipated. This is
discussed in detail in Low (1963); and similar analytical data on the absence of orga-
nic matter is presented by VALLENTYNE (1963). The geologicallymost Recent sediment
in which such interstitial organic material has been found abundantly in pyrite
spheres is an offshore silt of late Pleistocene age; whether in this and older sediments
it was present at the time of formation of the pyrite or entered later is open to con-
jecture.
The evidence of the environment of formation of shales and mudstones bearing
plentiful early diagenetic pyrite commonly points to those same conditions under
which such sediments are forming at the present day and amplify what is known of
them. Little can be added to the author’s earlier assessments (LOVE,1962b) of domi-
nantly fine silty and argillaceous sedimentation, preservation of organic material and,
frequently, preservation of fine lamination in the rock, all pointing to conditions
favourable to or positively indicative of the establishment of anaerobic conditions.
Benthonic faunas are not necessarily affected but burrowing may be inhibited. Geolo-
gical evidence indicates the great extent and uniformity which some basins of dark
mud deposition could attain, perhaps as a result of climatic as well as physiographic
influence, but such sediment may now also be found even in the intertidal region and
not, as might be expected, only in deep water below the base of wave agitation.
HJULSTROM (1935) and INMAN(1949), however, have demonstrated the progressive
increase in resistance to erosion by water movement as the grain size of a sediment
falls below 180 p. An added factor may be the inter-weaving effect of the live micro-
scopic flora or organic debris at the mud-water interface.
ORE SHALES
Turning more closely to the ore shales, the best documented occurrences of those con-
taining similar sulphides to the framboidal spheres and individual grains under dis-
cussion here are the Permian “Kupferschiefer”, the Devonian “Banderz” asso-
ciated with the Rammelsberg ore bodies of Germany, and the Mount Isa Shale of
Lower Proterozoic age of Queensland, Australia (SCHOUTEN,1946b). In each case
argillaceous strata of widespread extent are involved, with concentrations of useful
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
metals in more limited areas or as distinct ore bodies. Apart from the latter every
resemblance is found to other, “unmineralised”, shale formations. Among the ore
concentrations themselves, and particularly in the adjacent rock, pyrite spheres or their
relics have been recognised in abundance and provide a distinct link between all the
sulphides on the one hand and the characteristics of the host rocks on the other. They
do not themselves reveal the origin of the useful ores but their evidence is none the
less of significance. In each locality quoted, “replacements” have been illustrated by
SCHOUTEN (1946a) of pyrite framboids and other small pyrite crystals by one or more
of the metals copper, lead and zinc if not by others and, whatever paragenetic sequence
has been postulated and may be found acceptable, indications of a first and particu-
larly prolific pyrite stage have been abundant.
This primary pyrite may be traced beyond the areas of valuable mineralisation for
considerable distances, as far as the lithology of the rock remains that of a dark shale
or dark h e silt; and there can be no doubt, after comparison with other similar rocks
in different situations and of different age, that this is a sedimentological feature and
not one of later special mineralisation. In the case of the “Kupferschiefer” and its
approximate lateral equivalent in England, the Marl Slate, the sulphide spheres in
particular show just those associations with organic matter already described from
other shales and also close analogy with spheres lying within detrital organic remains
of Recent sediment. Internal, interstitial organic material is also abundant, leaving
the characteristic sponge-like bodies on solution of the pyrite (LOVE1962a,p.355). The
primary pyrite of Mount Isa also shows associations with carbonaceous material
(Low and ZIMMERMAN, 1961, p.882) which appears as pellicles from around sulphide
grains. When two points of discrepancy are resolved, the material bears close compa-
rison with that from the “Kupferschiefer” sulphide. Firstly, studies recently concluded
by the author show that it is distinctly more carbonaceous than its equivalent from
sulphide spheres of the “Kupferschiefer” and Carboniferous shales and this difference
is variable in the pale, grey substance of the pellicles, whereas those of the “Kupfer-
schiefer” are a rich brown. The chemically determinable difference, indicating “devo-
latilisation” or carbonisation, may be attributed to the mild degree of metamorphism
undergone by the Mount Isa Shale, in fact now a very hard compact rock. Secondly,
the peculiar form of the organic material held within the outer pellicle around Mount
Isa spheres can now more clearly be seen as a result of the recrystallisation of the
pyrite from an original framboidal condition into single regular crystals of much the
same total bulk, with the expulsion of interstitial material to a position just within the
outer skin. Similar forms will be described by the author from another, non-meta-
morphic, rock and this particular change does not appear to be one necessarily asso-
ciated with thermal or dynamothermal metamorphism of the rock. The pyrite spheres
from the Rammelsberg “Banderz” have also shown a typical range of carbonaceous
material in associations which indicate that this pyrite was a normal part of the
original sediment (AMSMZ and LOVE,in preparation).
It is on this basic conclusion, that the significant quantities of primary Sulphide of
these deposits belong to the normal formation of the shale and its early diagenesis,
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
16 L. G. LOVE
that this part of the sulphide may be withdrawn from the field of dispute on the origin
of sulphide ore occurrences in shales. In itself this produces no solution to the main
problem but it does in some degree affect the balance of existing arguments. The in-
troduction of ore metals has been attributed, in the literature, to exhalations or emana-
tions entering the seawaters below which the black mud is not yet deeply buried, if at
all, by later sediment, or, alternatively, to hydrothermal uprisings through underlying
strata at any later period. It has been thought that it may be the reducing activity asso-
ciated with the presence of organic material which acts as a trap for the metals, to be
retained as sulphides; but as an essential feature of the three deposits discussed is the
abundant initial presence of sulphide mineral (pyrite) more emphasis might be placed
on this itself being regarded as a significant trap for the ore metals. In some instances,
however, the addition of a distinct further generation of sulphide might be inferred
from evidence provided by the stable sulphur isotope ratios of different sulphide miner-
als in the rock (Love, unpublished data). By whichever method eventually shown
to have occurred, the time of the surrounding or replacement of the primary
pyrite still has to be defined, and it is now shown that this could conceivably have
occurred at a period not greatly removed from the time of deposition of the sediment,
with no great interval, if other evidence .requires it. Other authors in this symposium
are attempting to distinguish the special features of diagenetic and later mobilisation
movements of deposits rich in sulphides.
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
Low,L. G., 1963. Pyrite spheres in sediments. In: M. L. JENSEN(Editor), Biogeochemistry of Surfur
Isotopes. Natl. Sci. Found. Symposium, 1962. Yale University Press, New Haven, pp. 121-143.
LOVE, L. G. and ZIMMERMAN, D. O., 1961. Bedded pyrite and micro-organisms from the Mount Isa
Shale. Econ. Geol., 56 : 873-896.
NAUMANN, E., 1919. Om jarnets forekomstatt i limniska avlagringar. Sveriges Geol. Undersokn.,
Arsbok, Ser. C: Avhandl. och Uppsat., 289 : 1-47.
NEEB,I. G . A., 1943. The composition and distribution of the samples. In: The Snellius Expedition.
V. Geological Results. Results. Part 3, Bottom Sampels. Section 2.
REGNBLL,U., 1961. On pyrite in deep-sea sediments. Bull. Geol. Znst. Univ. Uppsala, 40 : 305-314.
SCHOUTEN,C., 1946a. Some notes on micro-pseudomorphism. Econ. Geol., 41 : 348-382.
SCHOUTEN, C., 1946b. The role of sulfur bacteria in the formation of the so-called sedimentary copper
ores and pyrite ore bodies. Econ. Geol., 41 : 517-538.
VALLENTYNE, J. R., 1961. On the rate of formation of black spheres in recent sediments. Intern. Ver.
Theoret. Angew. Limnol., Verhandl., 14 : 291-295.
VALLENTYNE, J. R., 1963. A chemical study of pyrite spherules isolated from sediments of Little
Round Lake, Ontario. In: M. L. JENSEN(Editor), Biogeochemistry of Suljiur Isotopes. Natl. Sci.
Found. Symposium, 1962. Yale University Press, New Haven, pp. 144-152.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
ANDRB BERNARD
INTRODUCTION
L‘un des arguments force des tenants de l’impr6gnation hydrothermale des sulfures
de mdtaux lourds dans les roches stdimentaires consiste A mettre en avant la variCtC
des roches supports de ces sulfures. Cette ubiquite n’est-elle pas contradictoire avec
un ensemble de conditions skdimentologiques prdcises et relativement restrictives qui
devraient prisider au dBp6t de ces roches? Dans le mdme esprit et par opposition, les
veritables gisements sidimentaires de m6taux (fer et manganltse, par exemple) n’inter-
viennent-ils pas en effet dans des environments bien particuliers et n’apparaissent-ils
pas bien localisds dans les sequences lithologiques?
Abandonnant ici l’aspect ndgatif d’une contre-argumentation1,je tenterai plut6t de
rksoudre la contradiction appatente que soulthe, A l’encontre de la concentration par
voie skdimentaire, l’apparition des sulfures de m6taux lourds dans des roches effective-
ment trlts varikes et diffkrentes.
ARGUMENTSPRI~LIMINAIRES
Ainsi et par exemple, dans quelle mesure la minette lorraine dipend-elle de son environ-
nement de d6pdt ? On s’attendrait A ce que les couches ferrugineuses apparaissent
entre argilites et roches carbonatkes a l’emplacement des ultra-dbtritiques (LOMBARD,
1956). Cette proposition reste vraie, localement, ii l’6chelle mdgascopique, mais elle
est insuffisante pour expliquer les recurrences lithologiques de la sCrie aalknienne A
Bask par exemple sur l’existence, quelque peu paradoxale pour les hydrothermalistes,des imprkg-
nations sulfurks de shales argileux et bitumineux.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
20 A. BERNARD
Fig. 1. SQquencetype de I’AalQniende lorraine. C‘est entre les niveaux a et b qu’apparait le maximum
d‘oolithes ferrugineuses: c’est la couche du mineur. I = Arknite grossikre passant parfois aux rudites.
2 = Arknites moyennes essentiellement ferriferes et caclcaires. 3 = ArQnitesfines surtout calcaires.
4 = Micro-grb siliceux ou calcaires. 5 = Shales argileux ou argilo-siliceux.
l’echelle minikre: en fait, chacune des .strates, bien limit& par des diastkmes nets
(“hard-grounds”), prksente un granoclassement inverse (skquence granulomktrique
nkgative, Fig.1) qui s’accorde bien avec le caractbre rkgressif de Lias supkrieur de
Lorraine et du Luxembourg (BERNARD et BUBENIC~K, 1960). La concentration ferri-
f6re marine apparait dks lors comme une constquence normale de la skdimentation
d’un klkment dktritique particulier, l’oolithe ferrugineuse, et, paradoxalement peut-
Stre, ce minerai doit Stre considkrk comme une ferri-arknite intervenant entre argilite
et conglomkrat (crassins de fin de sequence, BUBENICEK, 1961).
En bref, en deGa du problbme de l’oolithisation d’hydroxydes ferriques colloldaux
dans un milieu littoral (CORRENS, 1939), le phknombne majeur de la genbse du gisement
lorrain reste celui de l’apport exceptionnel du metal dans une aire relativement
restreinte’; au demeurant, le taux de concentration du fer strictement lik A la skdimen-
tation s’avkre relativement faible si on l’estime par rapport i la teneur moyenne de
chaque couche (2-5).
I1 est aisk d’elargir cette proposition a bon nombre de gisements stratoldes d’oxydes
de fer, de mangankse, de phosphates. . . L‘origine skdimentaire qu’on leur reconnait
se justifie essentiellementparce que les caractkres saillants actuels de ces concentrations
dkrivent directement de leur sidimentation. 11 serait sans doute plus rationnel d’Ccrire
que ces gisements ont 6tk skdimentks, sans prkjuger ainsi de la valeur du taux de con-
centration strictement lik 9 la skdimentation. Dans cet esprit, la localisation sdquen-
tielle de ces minkralisations stratoldes est bien un reflet direct mais partiel des environ-
nements de skdimentation, relativement nombreux au demeurant, oh se manifeste un
L. Bubenicek (communication orale, 1961) explique cet apport exceptionnel par 1’Qmersiondes
shales toarciens pyriteux et bitumineux lors de mouvements kpirogkniques affectant I’aire connue au
Lias sous le nom de Golfe du Luxembourg.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
ET ADSORPTION S~DIMENTAIRES
PR~~CIPITATION 21
22 A. BERNARD
termes, ce ne sont pas les minkralisations qui sont ubiquistes, mais bien les associa-
tions lithologiques qui les supportent.
Nature
Ces prkliminaires s’avbrent insuffisants pour conclure quant aux causes stdimen-
taires de ces concentrations. Un fait gtologique m’apparait comme le compliment
nhssaire de ces propositions: j’ai Btt amend (BERNARD, 1958) 8 constater, dans une
province mktallogknique donnk (la bordure triasique et liasique des Cevennes du
Sud, France), que tous les gisements sulfurts stratoides de cette couverture de socle
stable coincidaient avec des lacunes de skdimentation et, plus gtnkralement, avec des
aires de sMimentation ralentie dont la meilleure image est sans doute celle des biseaux
stratigraphiques marquant la ptriphkrie des hauts-fonds contemporains de la stdi-
mentation.
I1 s’agit 18 de biseaux dits par condensation qui s’opposent aux biseaux stratigra-
phiques de ligne de rivage, dits biseaux par reduction (GRABAU, 1906).
Le rBle skdimentologiquede ces hauts-fonds a t t t particulibrement m i s en tvidence
par LEVORSEN (1955) en ce qui concerne les hydrocarbures et je n’oublierai pas
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
d’insister ici sur l’accumulation potentielle de soufre d’origine organique qui dkcoule
de cette colncidence.
La matkrialisation de cette proposition peut dtre recherchke en Sicile oh les ckltbres
gisements solfifbrescoincident prkcistment avec des skries rkduites de hauts-fonds, en
milieu kvaporitique (OGNIBEN, 1957). Dans ce cas prkcis, la genBse purement skdimen-
taire de cette accumulation de soufre semble prouvke aussi catkgoriquement qu’on
puisse le faire aujourd’hui en gkologie par les analyses isotopiques prksentks par
DESSAU et al. (1962).
R61e
Bien qu’intuitive dans les cas simples, cette proposition meriterait de plus amples dkveloppements.
Ainsi, lors d’une transgression epicontinentale, alors que les bassins s’emplissent de dktritiques gros-
siers, seuls les dktritiques fins et les ultra-dktritiques peuvent persister dans le m&ne temps sur les
points hauts en raison de la gravite. La differenciation laterale qui apparait de bassin A haut-fond va
bien du conglomerat aux argilites. Laterales ou verticales les sequences ddimentaires sont bien posi-
tives ainsi que I’implique la tendance transgressivede I’environnement. Au contraire, la diffkrenciation
laerale qui apparait de bassin a ligne de rivage dans un biseau par reduction est toujours negative
quelle que soit la tendance de l’environnement.
a Les deux epaisseurs de roche ayant ete dkposkes dans le meme temps et contenant suivant I’hypo-
t h k de depart la m6me quantite de metaux lourds, la concentration resulte effectivement de la dispa-
rition des roches-supports jouant ici le r61e d’excipient stkrile. C‘est bience qu’exprime le rapport h/h’.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
24 A. BERNARD
h’
Fig.2. Diffkrenciation latkrale schkmatique d’un biseau skdimentaire de haut-fond en drie grkso-
argileuse de bassin. On dit qu’il y a condensationdes termes de la drie h dans le terme h’.
PR~~CIPITATION
ET ADSORPTION S~~DIMENTAIRES 25
CONCLUSION
L’industrie siderurgique franGaise ne tira-t-elle pas, au sikcle dernier, l’essentiel de ses &erais des
amas pyriteux sous-dvenols, oxydes il est vrai sous forme de chapeaux de fer (Alais, Froges et
Camargue)?
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
26 A. BERNARD
de la genbe stdimentaire des sulfures, argument suivant lequel les sulfures de mttaux
lourds interviennent dans des roches stdimentaires t r b diverses l’auteur examine
successivement: la position des mttaux lourds dans les sequences stdimentaires, la
nature des environnementspropices aux mttallisations sulfurtes, et dbgage, en conclu-
sion, le r61e des pibges stdimentaires (biseau par condensation). Prtcipitation et
adsorption stdimentaires apparaissent alors comme des processus de concentration
compltmentaires.
SUMMARY
In order to give a reply to the argument often set forth by the hydrothermalists in
opposition to the sedimentary genesis of sulfides (argument according to which the
sulfides of heavy metals occur in very different sedimentary rocks) the writer succes-
sively studies the location of heavy metals in sedimentary sequences and the consti-
tution of surroundings favourable to sulfide deposits, and draws, as a conclusion,
the role of sedimentary “traps” (condensated edge).
Sedimentary precipitation and adsorption appear then as complementary processes
of concentration.
BIBLIOGRAPHIE
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1958. Spiliticrocks and mineral deposits. Missouri, Univ., School Mines Met., Bull.,
Tech. Ser., 96 : 11 pp.
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1962. L’origine des gites minkraux concordants dans les roches ddimentaires.
Chronique Mines Outre-Mer Rech. Minikre, 308 : 115-126.
BERNARD, A., 1958. Contributiona I’lhde de la Provin# me‘tallifkresous-ce‘venole. Thkse, ficole Natio-
nale Supkrieurede Gkologie Appliquee et de Prospection Mhkre, Nancy, 640 pp. Aussi Sci. Terre,
7 (3-4) : 125-403.
BERNARD, A. et BUBENICEK, L., 1960. Remarques sur les skquences skdimentaires de 1’AalCnien de
Lorraine. Compt. Rend., 250 : 3353-3355.
BERNARD, A., 1962. Seance de clbture, discussions. Colloque sur les Gites stratiformes du Maroc,
1962 -Mines G.601. (Morocco), 20 : 11-39.
BUBENICEK, L., 1961. Recherchessur la constitution et la rkpartition du minerai de fer dans 1’Aalenien
de Lorraine. Sci. Terre, 8 (1-2) : 5-204.
CHOW,T. J. and PATTERSON, C. C., 1962. The occurence and significance of lead isotopes in pelagic
sediments. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 26 :263-308.
CORRENS, C. W., 1939. Die Sedimentgesteine.In: T. F. W. BARTH,C. W. CORRENS und P. ESKOLA
(Redakteure),Die Enststehung der Gesteine, Springer, Berlin.
DESSAU, G., JENSEN, M. L. et NAKAI,N., 1962. Geology and isotopic studies of Sicilian sulphur
deposits. Econ. Geol., 57 (3) :4 1 M 3 8 .
ERHART, H., 1961. Sur la genese de certains gites miniers ddimentaires, en rapport avec le phknomene
de bio-rhexistasie et avec des mouvements tectoniques de faible amplitude. Compt. Rend., 252 :
2904-2906.
GOLDSCHMIDT, V. M., 1937. The principles of distribution of chemical elements in minerals and rocks.
J. Chem. Soc., 1937 : 655-673.
GRABAU,A. W., 1906. Types of sedimentary overlaps. Bull. Geol. SOC. Am., 17 : 567-636.
KRUMBEIN, W. C. and SLOSS,L. L., 1951. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation. Freeman, San Francisco,
497 pp.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
HANS-JOCHEN SCHNEIDER
Institut fur allgemeine und angewandte Geologie und Mineralogie der Universitat,
Munchen (Deutschland)
INTRODUCTION
Throughout its entire area of distribution within the eastern Alpine geosyncline, the
extremely thick Middle Triassic limestone-dolomite complex contains relatively
uniform deposits of lead-zinc ores. This type of deposit is still of considerable econom-
ic importance today. In the southern Limestone AIps the most important deposits
still in operation are as follows: Gorno and Raibl (Cave di Predil), both in Italy; Mies
(Mezica, Jugoslavia); and Bleiberg-Kreuth (Austria). (See Fig. 1).
In the northern Limestone Alps also, more than 100 occurrences are known which
were in part profitably mined from the end of the Mediaeval Ages up to the beginning
of this century. These deposits range over an area of more than 450 km, from Grau-
bunden (Switzerland) in the west to the eastern part of the Austrian Alps. They are
especially massed, however, in Alpine ranges at the north Tyrolean-Bavarian frontier
from the Lechtal Alps to the Karwendel Mountains.
This report deals mainly with the above mentioned part of the northern Limestone
Alps, the author having concentrated principally, since 1950, on the ores and country
rocks of this region. Geological relationships and genetic problems of these deposits
remain, however, unchanged throughout the entire eastern Alps.
According to the still recently prevailing classification of ore deposits (e.g., SCHNEI-
DERHOHN, 1941; FRIEDRICH, 1953), these deposits of the so-called “Bleiberg type” were
considered to belong to the group of “metasomatic Pb-Zn ores in carbonate rocks”.
They were interpreted to be of apomagmatic-hydrothermal origin caused by a uniform
“alpidic metallogenesis” of Tertiary age (TORNQUJST, 1929; PETRASCHECK, 1932, 1945;
FRIEDRICH,1937; Dr COLBERTALDO, 1948; CLAR,1953). Based on these conclusions,
JICHA (1951) summarized the “hydrothermal paragenesis” of the above deposits in
referring them to the Pb-Zn deposits of the Mississippi valley type.
The prevailing theory of a hydrothermal-epigeneticTertiary origin of these Alpine
deposits, however, has not been universally accepted. SCHWINNER (1942, 1946, 1949)
and also HEGEMANN (1949) argued against a uniform Tertiary metallogenksis of the
eastern Alps. Especially Pb-Zn ores within the Triassic limestone complex, they
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
30 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
assumed, must be derived from submarine volcanism during the geosynclinal stage in
Triassic times, thus indicating syngenetic origin. Actually the discussed deposits do
contain, in nearly all cases, more or less extensive layered ore bodies, but none of
these has been sufficiently taken into consideration by earlier investigators. It was just
these layered portions of the deposits on which SCHNEIDER (1953, 1954), TAUPITZ
(1954), and SCHULZ (1955) did concentrate their investigations by means of modern
methods and theories of sedimentology.
In the course of their extensive investigations into the deposits of the northern
Limestone Alps, they succeeded in proving a syngenetic-sedimentary origin of the
layered ores. Their conclusions initiated vigorous discussions (MAUCHER, 1954;
MAUCHER and SCHNEIDER, 1957; CLAR,1956; Dr COLBERTALDO, 1956, 1957; PETRA-
SCHECK, 1957, 1960; SIEGL,1956; HEGEMANN, 1957, 1960; DI COLBERTALDO and
SCHNEIDERH~HN, 1958; SCHULZ,1959, 1960).
Continuing research on problems arising from these discussions, the author,
assisted by investigations of his students, was able to arrive at additional conclusions
in overlappingfields between sedimentology and geochemistry, concerning the deposi-
tional conditions of Pb-Zn ions in marine environments. The general results are given
in the following report as a summarizing .digest.
As mentioned above, these new ideas may also be taken into consideration for the
related Mississippi valley type deposits, as AMSTUTZ(1958, 1959, 1962) has recently
shown.
In general, the ore deposits reveal a series of common characteristicswhich are indica-
tive of sedimentary origin. In addition to essential stratigraphical and paleogeograph-
ical relationships, the most important marks indicating syngenetic origin are units
of layers, bearing distinct and typical sedimentary fabrics. It must be presumed,
however, that all types of alteration involved during the Alpine orogenesis, have
striven to eliminate primary textures and fabrics of sedimentary origin. Under this
supposition, of course, occurrences of fabrics, proving the primary stage, are rarely
found. Nevertheless, they may be recognized in nearly every deposit.
Paragenesis
The distinguishing feature of the sulfide ore paragenesis is the prevailing “bimetallic
character”: sphalerite and galena are quantitatively dominant (Zn/Pb = 2/1 to lO/l).
Galena is nearly always the primarily and most intensively recrystallized ore mineral
in “replacement textures”. Sphalerite and related gel textures (“Schalenblende”) of a
primary stage, however, are preserved sometimes in significant sedimentary fabrics
(see Fig.6, 7). Very rare botryoidal schalenblende shows relic patterns of wurtzite,
which is mostly alterated to sphalerite.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
The above mentioned ore minerals contain a considerable variety of trace elements
which have been analyzed recently for geochemical evaluations (SCHROLL,1953,
1955; HEGEMANN, 1960). The irregular content variations of these trace elements,
however, have not permitted a direct determination of their origin so far.
The FeS, content (pyrite-marcasite) is extensive, but, for the most part, subordi-
nate. Towards the northern range of ore distribution, however, the quantity of iron
sulfides increases to an absolute predominance. Therefore, in this northernmost strip
of the Bavarian Alps, ore deposits were formerly mined for their iron content only.
Galena and sphalerite occur locally only in microscopic traces in this region.
A certain portion of the pyrite is preserved everywhere at an early stage which is
known to be of micro-organic origin: the so-called “gel pyrite” (pyrite microspheres).
Marcasite appears always as a second stage of alteration, replacing primary pyritic
textures.
Cu-Sb-As containing ore minerals have been found only microscopically as very
small inclusions, chiefly in sphalerite and to a lesser degree in galena (e.g., boulange-
rite, tennantite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite). Due to the small quantity they are without
any economicvalue, but their occurrence in a few distinct locations reveals interesting
genetic indications (see p.40).
The accompanying “gangue minerals” of the layered ore accumulations occur in
varying quantities. According to their order of decreasing frequency we find: calcite,
dolomite and varying Fe-dolomites, fluorite, quartz, barite, celestite and also anhy-
drite. Stratigraphical as well as provincial distribution of the “gangue minerals” com-
pletes the congruent paleogeographic pattern of ore enrichment (see p.42). In partic-
ular fluorite-bearing seams contain well-preserved rhythmic lamination combined
with sedimentary fabrics (SCHNEIDER, 1954). Controlling factors for temporary and
local enrichments were found to be very complex, as will be shown below.
Over the entire extent of the Mesozoic calcareous complex of the eastern Alps, ore-
bearing beds are restricted to a few relatively thin units of the Middle Triassic sequence
(see Fig.1):
Upper Anisian - maximum 40 m in thickness
Lower Ladinian - maximum 50 m in thickness
Upper Ladinian - maximum 200 m in thickness
and, in addition, occurring only in the southern Limestone Alps,
Lower Carnian -from 7 m (Bleiberg) to 75 m (Gorno).
The complete Middle Triassic sequence (Anisian, Ladinian plus Carnian) reaches in
the main regions of richest ores a maximum thickness of more than 2,000 m!
The ore-bearing units intercalated between the enormous calcareous sequences,
show all the influences of the extensive alpine folding and over-thrusting. ‘
The ore-bearing layers are nearly always combined with a special facies develop-
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
32 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
Houptdolornft Houptdolomf t
A l l l 6 V V V C - D - E
Fig.1. Ore occurence, volcanism and their time relation during Triassic periode in the eastern
Alpine Geosyncline. A : typical deposits of the different areas. 1 = Bleiberg-Ramoz (Graubunden,
Switzerland); 2 = Silberberg-Davos (Graubunden, Switzerland); 3 = Sauling-Fiissen (Bavarian
Alps, northern border ranges); 4 = Lafatsch-Karwendel (northern Tyrolean Alps, Austria); 5 =
Mursee-Mieminger Massif (northern Tyrolean Alps, Austria); 6 = St. Veit-Heiterwand (northern
Tyrolean Alps, Austria); 7 = Bleiberg-Kreuth (eastern Gailtal Alps, Austria); 8 = Raibl, Cave del
Predil (Giulian Alps, northern Italy); 9 = Auronzo (eastern Dolomites, northern Italy); 10 = Gorno-
Dossena (Bergamasc Alps, northern Italy). B : ore bearing units. C : weak evaporitic facies (deposi-
tion of dolomite and anhydrite, gypsiferous beds). D : indications of volcanism (tuffaceous shales,
agglomeratic breccias etc.). E : tuff layers, porphyritic and basaltic eruptions. (Completed after
SCHNEIDER, 1957.)
ment of the country rock (called “Sonderfazies” by SCHNEIDER, 1954; see p.33).
A significant geological feature of the time interval between Upper Anisian and
Lower Carnian within the eastern Alpine geosyncline is the constant occurrence of
submarine volcanism of an early initial stage (CORNELIUS, 1941; SCHWNNER, 1949).
Its centre is situated in the southern Limestone Alps and in the Dolomites where,
moreover, the climax was reached. Important traces can be observed in the northern
Limestone Alps also. There are widely spread tufaceous layers and local eruptions of
basic to intermediate character (VIDAL,1953; SCHNEIDER, 1954).
Volcanic activity in the northern Limestone Alps decreases from uppermost
Anisian to the Lower Ladinian, whereas in the southern areas it continues until Lower
Carnian times (see Fig. 1). There, voluminous porphyritic extrusions fall within the
Middle Ladinian. It is a typical feature of the layered ore enrichments, however, that
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
they are never combined directly with volcanic beds, although they do contain indica-
tions of present activity of volcanism. Since the climax of Triassic geosynclinalvolcan-
ism, as well as the greatest number of the large Pb-Zn deposits, is found in the
southern Limestone Alps, there is apparently a close genetic relationship between vol-
canic activity and the maximum supply of ore matter. In the northern portion of the
geosyncline, on the other hand, weak volcanism is accompanied generally by ore
enrichments of lesser degree. The Pb-Zn deposits of this region are concentrated in a
few areas scattered throughout the entire northern Limestone Alps. It is in these areas
that centres of (weak) volcanism may be observed.
Another essential feature of mid-Triassic times is the evolution of huge plateau reefs
showing a wide spread of lagoonal environment. These provided perfect locations for
the sedimentary enrichment of Pb-Zn ores, which took place in connection with
hydrothermal supply during volcanic activity.
As described in current literature, the ore occurs predominantly as more or less massive
accumulationsin short unconformable veins and also in larger “replacement bodies”.
These types of ore-bodies are of major economic interest. In addition, however, the
ore occurs in far lesser concentration in conformable layers and lenticular bodies
which, in general, contain a sprinkling of ore mixed with various types of country
rock. The local predominance of the unconformable, metasomatic, ore enrichments
has led to the prejudiced and erroneous belief that all such features could be indicative
of hydrothermal epigenetic(-hypogene) origin only.
Replacement fabrics are, in fact, very common but they prove only that replacement
has taken place. They do not indicate the nature and geological time of supply.
Occasionally, such replacement fabrics are closely associated with sedimentary fabric
relics in various stages of transition (see Fig.5). Such examples, on the other hand,
indicate local transfer of ore matter during all stages of diagenesis. By this epigenetic
supergene mobilization secondary phases of ore enrichment reached a point where
they became of economic importance. These processes and structures are, however,
within the scope of this report, of secondary interest only.
The layered ore-bodies are associated by avariegated country rock which contains, in
addition, anabundance ofvarious sedimentaryfabricsand structures.These must becon-
sidered as the most important criteria for primary syngenetic enrichment of ore matter.
Within the normal sequence of carbonate deposition, bedded ore is limited to only a
few horizons, showing a remarkable development of certain sediment types. Devia-
tions from the predominant and monotonous carbonate deposition comprise the
so-called “special facies”. It consists of the following types:
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
34 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
Fig.2. Common rock type of the “backreef” facies of the upper Wetterstein Limestone. In the basal
part interbedded laminae of calcilutite and dololutite (“quiet water stage”), cut off by prevailing
pisolitic resediments (e.g., limy chunks, oolites, algal pellets, fragments of Dasycladacee. All terminal
envelopes of the fragments are dolomitized! (“turbulent water stage”, low graded bedding). The
dolomite content of the cement is increasing towards the top of the layer. Polished section,stained by
Alizarin Red (calcite = dark parts). Schneeferner-Kopf,Wetterstein Mountains, Bavaria.
Fig. 3. Rhythmic bedding of fluorite, calcilutite-calcarenite, organic matter and few ore grains, com-
bined with graded bedding. The fluorite is enriched within the dark (pelitic) top of each rhythmite.
The rhythmitic sequence is cut off by a penecontemporaneous phase of resedimentation (calcareous
“black breccia” at the top). Upper Wetterstein Limestone, Gute-Hoffnungs-Zeche near Mittenwald,
Bavaria. Polished section.
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36 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
Fig.4. Depositional lamination of fine-grained idiomorphic fluorite (dark) and calcarenite (light),
disconnected into tabular fragments during early diagenesis (stage of compaction). Orientated speci-
men, stained dry-peel (mm-scale left side). Upper Wetterstein Limestone; opening adit Gassenalm,
Wetterstein Mountains, Bavaria.
I 1
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Fig.6. A fragment of compacted calcareous mud (C), free of ore, has sunk into a “still hydroplastic”
bituminous limy slick with laminae of fine-grained sphalerite (black): load cast! The pebble belongs to
a graded breccia fan, which is composed of calcarenite and calcirudite (light), detrital sphalerite
grains and bent chunks of “Schalenblende I” (Zn, dark grey): turbidity currents! This sequence is
covered over by mm-rhythmitic laminae of bituminous calcilutite (black), interbedded again with
fine-grained sphalerite (grey). Orientated specimen 3 (location see Fig.5), polished section.
Fig.5. Several small sedimentary ore-bodies are transformed by degrees into one larger “metasomat-
ic” ore body through secondary mobilization. Relict patterns of the primary depositional stage are
preserved (see location I and Fig.6, 7). I = Primary ore pockets: depositional lamination of bitumi-
nous calcilutite, fine-grained sphalerite (traces of galena) and layered “Schalenblende I”. Cross-
bedding and glide-folding of ore and country rock with transition into glide breccias (slump struc-
tures); 3 :see specimen Fig.6; 4 : see specimen Fig.7. II = Metasomatic pattern (replacement textures)
of rind-like mammocks of recrystallized, coarse-grained “Schalenblende 11” and galena Pb)combined
with predominantly coarse-grained calcite. Upper Wetterstein Limestone, Lafatsch mine/880 m-layer;
Karwendel Mountains, northern Tyrol.
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38 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
Fig.7. Glide breccia (“ore-and-limemud breccia”) causing load casts on a rhythmic interbedding of
bituminous calcilutite (black) and sphalerite arenite (grey). C = calcareous mudstone, free of ore;
Zn = flag of extremely fine-grained sphalerite in limy matrix. Orientated specimen 4 (location see
Fig.S), polished section.
ranging from decimetre to metre size), combined with erosion unconformities, cross-
bedding, cut-snd-fill structures, etc. (see Fig.5, 8).
( d ) Closely associated with these structures are mud cracks, glide folds, and con-
volute bedding of all types of sediment mentioned previously (1-7).
(e) All possible passages to resediments of those types mentioned in a are encounter-
ed: coarse- and fine-grained breccias consisting predominantly of carbonate detritus,
partly mixed with ore fragments of all sizes in limey or marly matrix and often very
similar to “turbidity currents” (graded bedding, load casts, etc.; see Fig.6,7).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
m
I &
I ? ’ ’ ’ ‘ ’ 50 cm
H.-J. Schneider, 1963
I
Fig.8. Typical cut-and-fill structure of upper Wetterstein Limestone; “Sonderfazies” in an area with
low ore mineral contents. Dark bituminous breccia (S) of former lime mudstone in a (tuffaceous?)
greenish grey, marly calcilutite matrix, embedden pocket-like into backreef layers. The slump struc-
ture is bedded over by a layer of green marly limestonewith lenses of recrystallized celestite (C)at the
. top. Outcrop Maggeswand near Fischbach-Inn, Bavarian Alps.
The structures of bedded ore matter, considered together with facies differentiation
of the country rock therefore allows a reconstruction of the depositional conditions.
This will be exemplified by the Ladinian members of the northern Limestone Alps.
40 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
there exists close parallelism to the Permian reef complexes of the Guadalupe Moun-
tains (NEWELL et al., 1953).
In general, the “Wettersteinkalk” complex reveals the character of extensive plateau
reefs, separated into marginal belts of barrier reefs and central backreef lagoons. The
ecological features, however, were constantly changing throughout the stratigraphical
sequence. Therefore, the development of the entire Ladinian reef complex may be
divided conveniently into three stages, which are approximately congruent to the three
stratigraphical divisions familiar to field geologists.
The lower division is chiefly massive, consisting of pure dolomite in many regions.
Diagenetic alterations are prevalent, as shown, for example, by poorly preserved coral
colonies. Significant is the diagenetic filling of former reef cavities by carbonate matter
(so-called “Grossoolithe”), indicating an intensive recrystallization (“chemical intern
deposition”). Although not nearly as distinct as in the upper division, there is a notice-
able separation between bioherms or barrier reefs and lagoonal backreefs. Stratified
units, which bear the initial signs of the “special facies”, and also ore sediments, occur
in limited quantity.
The major amount of ore, however, is here accumulated in typical diagenetic re-
placement bodies within the cavernous sections of the reef. The ores are obviously the
product of direct precipitation from rising, rather high-temperatured, hydrothermal
solutions, as the resulting Pb-Zn ores contain microscopic particles of the Cu-Sb-As
paragenesis mentioned previously. Moreover, a low content of partly recrystallized
quartz is characteristic for the related country rock while fluorite is missing.
The middle division of the “Wettersteinkalk” forms a well-layered, thick, and pre-
dominantly very monotonous sequence. Guides for the altered environment and key
fossils are lime-secretingalgae (Dasycladacee), fragments of which are accumulated in
extensive lentils. Most probably an increased down-sinking of the entire reef area
tended to eliminate the previous reef pattern. Augmented depth of the sea above the
sunken platforms, good aeration, and sufficient light caused the sudden and prolific
growth of blue-green algae. This huge limestone complex contains no ore.
Within the comparatively thin upper division, again facies differentiation took
place in an even more distinct way than in the lower one. Marginal barrier reefs
(bioherms, mostly coral colonies) are found only rarely, whereas the typical backreef
facies extends widely over the shallow reef surface. The tendency to deposition in
shallow water environments increased, leading to stagnation locally. In flat basins,
development of weak evaporitic facies took place (finely-bedded dolomite, passing
laterally into mud cracks, occasional occurrence of celestite and anhydrite, etc.).
Within these areas also an euxinic environment spread especially in pools, pockets and
narrow troughs (bituminous calcilutite with sulfide ores). The most remarkable event
of this “stagnant stage” is the sudden occurrence of submarine slides (glide-folding,
convolute bedding) and resediments of varying sizes (mixed mudstone and ore brec-
cias, etc.). In the close vicinity of these sedimentary units there appear traces and indi-
cations of volcanism (see p.34, types 4,5 and 7). In the Gorno area, for instance, these
agglomeratic breccias are combined with actual volcanic pipes and tuff layers.
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Fig.9. The evolution of Ladinian plateau reef type, diagrammatic section. 1 = uppermost “Alpine
Muschelkalk”; wavy-clumpy, thinly bedded bituminous limestone with chert nodules; 2 = andesitic
green tuffs (ash and crystal tuffs, few lapilli) with thin layers of marl and limestone; 3 = “Partnach
Mergel”, clayey marls, shales with lenses of layered limestone (like 4 ) (Ladinian basin facies); 4 =
“Partnachkalk”, bituminous, marly, layered limestone units (Ladinian basin facies); 5-8 = different
types of “Wettersteinkak” (Ladinian reef facies); 5 = massive limestone and dolomite, partly caver-
nous or relictic patterns of bioherms (often coral colonies); 6 = well layered grey limestone (mainly
calcarenite) with debris and colonies of algae (Dasycladacee), single algal patch reefs; 7 = predomi-
nantly thinly layered limestone with intercalations of the “Sonderfazies” in special sequences (back-
reef units, tufaceous marls, slump structures, ore sediments etc.); 8 = late diagenetic alteration of the
cavernous reef body by recrystallization of dolomite, quartz and different Fe-dolomites; 9A = Pb-Zn
sulfide ores with sedimentary fabrics; 9B = Pb-Zn sulfide ores primary enriched in metasomatic
replacement bodies, locally associated by small amounts of Cu-Sb-As minerals.
These processes, however, lasted for short intervals as the sediments concerned are
intercalated only to a proportionally lesser extent into the main limestone sequence.
Characteristicfor these intercalations is the fact that they often recur and repeat them-
selves with any combinations of the various types of facies. Regarding the areas of
this development, therefore, a direct quantitative ratio may be observed between the
development of the “special facies” and the maximum quantitative occurrence of ore.
Except for the extreme components of the “special facies”, i.e., the ore sediments,
“Wettersteinkalk” is in many respects similar to the recently discussed reef complexes
mentioned above. The peculiarities of the Ladinian reefs, however, are the results of
their position within a temporarily mobile orogeosyncline and its related volcanic
activity.
In the northern Limestone Alps, volcanic activity alternated during Ladinian times.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
42 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
There is proof of the last eruptions by effusive rocks and tuff beds in the lower division
only. In the Middle Ladinian division, all indications of volcanic activity are missing.
During the same period of time the reef complexes sank further below sea level, show-
ing relatively uniform, non-differentiated, depositional environment.
On the contrary, the upper division reveals frequent and short intervals of eventful
changes of the sedimentary conditions. These periodical alternations of depositional
environments were caused by intervals of generally wide-spanned uplift of the reef
complexes. During this time, a significant differentiation took place, initiating the
development of typical backreef areas with local increasing stagnation.
The intervals of general extensive uplift of the reef complexes were, oddly enough,
combined with interstratal flowage, glide folding and resedimentation of ore-and-mud
breccias like turbidity currents. These structures of suddenly occurring mudstone
movements within the very flat relief of the platforms can be interpreted only as effects
of episodic tremors and shocks at the sea bottom. Such movements have apparently
been caused by volcanic activity.
The close relationship between the development of the “special facies” and the
general effects of volcanism is stressed by tufaceous, greenish marl beds, associated
agglomeratic breccias, and, above aU, by the appearance of thin bituminous layers
containing fluorite-rhythmites; the last-named can only be interpreted as a product
of submarine hydrothermal supply (SCHNEIDER, 1954). The primary precipitation of
the Pb-Zn sulfide gels took place in close genetical association with the localized pre-
cipitation of fluorite. Pools, craters and pockets with weak euxinic environment were
active spots of primary sedimentary enrichment of ore. From such localities in many
cases the ore has been redeposited penecontemporaneouslyby mechanical transport
as mentioned above.
There is no doubt about the presence of hydrothermal springs scattered over certain
areas of the reef surface. Thus, there is the possibility of precipitation of ore matter
from ascending thermal solutions in lower parts of the reef complex. Such “epigenetic-
hypogene” depositsare marked by the appearance of a Cu-Sb-As paragenesis (see p.3 1).
The paths, used by the ascending solutions, were retained permanently, as indicated
by vertical recurrences of layered ore bodies, especially of so-called “ore-bearing
craters”, sometimes over maximum distances of nearly 200 m.
Considering the entire sedimentaryseries of the Ladinian in respect of the stratigraph-
ical and paleogeographical distribution of the Pb-Zn mineralization, two funda-
mental features will be evident:
(I) Mineralization in general is restricted to those divisions which indicate a pene-
contemporaneous, weak, volcanic activity.
(2) Sedimentary mineralization in special is primarily bound to the reef complexes
and, moreover, secondarily restricted to a few intercalations (“special facies”, see
pp. 33-34).
Taking into account the distribution of ore deposits, one fact is remarkable: the
sediments of the forereef basins (i.e., the “Partnachschichten”) do not contain any
comparable ore enrichment. The metal ions, supplied by hydrothermes, have probably
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been scattered over the entire euxinic basins in geochemical amounts. The effective
environment for external sedimentary enrichment of ore matter was limited by the
extension of strong carbonate deposition within reef platforms.
It may be taken into consideration, therefore, that during distinct short intervals
marked by intercalations of “special facies”, two basic factors of development have
met. The first one may be assumed to be the permanent (?) hydrothermal supply as
discussed above; the second factor is, presumably, the development of a hypersaline
and weak euxinic environment, which took place only at short intervals. The synsedi-
mentary local enrichment of the typical bi-metallic ore matter is based on the signifi-
cant geochemical behaviour of the lead and zinc ions.
As CISSARZ (1930) and RICHTER (1947) have pointed out within the Permian “Kup-
ferschiefer” series of Germany, a strict separation into two groups of metals was appar-
ently caused by differing behaviour of metal ions under various conditions in sedi-
mentary environments. The first group, characterized by the combination of Cu-Mo-
V-Ni-Co, etc., was enriched within units of highly bituminous shaly layers, well
known as “Black Sea facies”. The second group, on the contrary, revealed a combina-
tion of three metals only: lead, zinc and cadmium. This group was concentrated solely
within an intercalated carbonaceous (dolomitic!) unit. The inverse behaviour of these
two metal groups during the primary precipitation is linked to different pH values of
the depositional environment. The Pb-Zn-Cd group especially tends to precipitate
under weak alkaline conditions (lower degrees above pH = 7). These conditions were
given during Ladinian times specifically within the intervals of hypersaline and weak
euxinic development at certain localities of the backreef area.
The sulfur ions, needed for the precipitation as sulfides, may have been produced in
a sufficientamount by actions of bacteria, presumably by sulfate reducing strains. The
environment of the stagnant backreef offered sufficient organic matter as well as hyper-
saline conditions.
The ascending hydrothermal solutions may procure metal ions of the “copper-
group” too, as proved by a few minor deposits. The dominint sedimentaryconditions,
however, did separate and enrich the Pb-Zn-Cd group only.
The author thinks that, by a complex mechanism, the sedimentaryorigin of a special
type of lead-zinc deposits in carbonate rocks could now be understood by facts which
had not been takeninto consideration so far. This mode of sedimentaryorigin,initiated
by hydrothermal supply in the course of submarine volcanism, may be obscured in
many a recrystallized ore deposit.
SUMMARY
Over the entire area of the Triassic geosyncline of the eastern Alps, the thick mid-
Triassic limestone formation contains in general four lead-zinc bearing horizons.
Apart from the more common replacement ore bodies, there remain layered parts
which exhibit many criteria for a syn-sedimentary origin. From the many complex
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
44 H.-J. SCHNEIDER
problems of genesis, only the facial development of the Ladinian members within the
northern Limestone Alps is discussed; however the same is true for the entire area.
Both the layered carbonate beds with and without primary sulfidic ore matter reveal
sedimentary structures and fabrics, which cannot be interpreted as mimetic replace-
ments, as was previously maintained. These are e.g., graded bedding (geopetal
fabrics!), cross-bedding, load casts, mud cracks passing over into different types of
“ore-and-mud breccias”. Flat submarine slides are documented by various intercala-
tions, mainly combined with “cut-and-fill structures”. Moreover, the paleogeograph-
ical conditions are marked by the evolution of extended reef complexes and the
appearance of submarine volcanism.
It is concluded that the environment leading to Pb-Zn-sulfide deposition is bound
to the Ladinian reef facies. The forereef basins are represented by the argillaceous
“Partnach-Schichten”, which contain Pb-Zn scattered in geochemical amounts only.
The syn-sedimentaryseparation and enrichment of Pb-Zn (Cd) is controlled by hyper-
saline and (local) weak euxinic conditions restricted to the backreef facies, moreover,
by various redepositional effects. The weak Ladinian volcanism, belonging to the
initial stage of the Alpine geosyncline, is assumed to be the hydrothermal source for
the ore.
REFERENCES
AMSTUTZ,G. C., 1958. The genesis of the Mississippivalleytype deposits, U S A . Experientia, 14 :235.
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1959. Syngenese und Epigenese in Petrographie und Lagerstattenkunde. Schweiz.
Mineral. Petrog. Mitt., 39 : 1-84. English translation in Intern. Geol. Rev., 3 :119-140,202-226,
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1962. L‘origine des gites minkraw concordants dans les roches skdimentaires.
Chronique Mines Rech. MiniPre, 308 : 115-126.
Ossmz, A., 1930. Qualitativ-spektralanalytische Untersuchung eines Mansfelder Kupferschiefer-
profiles. Chem. Erde, 5 : 48-75.
CLAR,E., 1953. uber die Herkunft der ostalpinen Vererzung. Geol. Rundschau, 42 : 107-127.
CLAR,E., 1956. Bemerkungen hu Entstehungsfrage der kalkalpinen Pb-Zn-Erzlagerstatten. Mitt.
Geol. Ges. Wien, 1955,48 : 17-28.
CORNELIUS, H. P., 1941. Zur magmatischen Tatigkeit in der alpidischen Geosynklinale. Be*. Reichs-
stelIe Bodenforsch., Zweigstelle Wien, 1941 : 89-94.
DI COLBERTALW, D., 1948. The lead and zinc deposit at Raibl in Friuli. Intern. Geol. Congr., 18th,
London, 1948, Rept., 7 : 1-15.
DI COLBERTALDO, D., 1956. Raibl 6. un giacimento di origine magmatica. Rend. SOC.Mineral. Ital.,
12 1-23.
DI COLBERTALW, D., 1957. Sulla nuova ipotesi dell’origine sedimentaria dei giacimenti alphi tipo
Bleiberg. Rend. Soc. Mineral. Ital., 13 :205-212.
DI COLBERTALDO, D. und SCHNEIDERH~HN, H., 1958. Die Blei-Zinklagerstatte von Raibl. Neues
Jahrb. Mineral., Monatsh., 1958 :217-224.
FRIEDRICH, 0. M., 1937. uberblick iiber die ostalpine Metallprovinz. Z. Berg-, Hiitten- Salinenw.
Deut. Reich, 85 ; 241-253.
FRIEDRICH, 0.M., 1953. Zur Erzlagerstlttenkarte der Ostalpen. Radex Rundschau, 1953 : 371-407.
HEGEMANN, F., 1949. Die Herkunft des Mo, V, As und Cr im Wulfenit der alpinen Blei-Zinklager-
statten. Heidelberger Beitr. Mineral. Petrog., 1 : 690-715.
HEGEMANN F., 1957. Geochemische Untersuchungen zur Entstehung der alpinen Blei-Zink-Erzlager-
statten in triadischen Karbonatgesteinen. Berg- Hiittenmann. Monatsh. Montan. Hochschule
Leoben, 102 :233-234.
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OSKAR SCHULZ
The discussion on the genesis of the Pb-Zn deposits in the “Calcareous Alps”, partic-
ularly in the Ladinian Wetterstein Limestone was revided in 1954 (SCHNEIDER, 1954;
TAUPITZ,1954; MAUCHER, 1954; HEGEMANN, 1948, 1960; see SCHULZ,1960 a, b).
The Raibl Beds, which are the Carnian units of the Triassic, contain ore minerals and
are of special interest. The studies comprised a partial mapping of the mine, a tectonic
analysis, and macroscopic and microscopic fabric analyses of the country rock and of
the ore bodies. The following results were obtained from studies which were completed
in the summer of 1958:
The Raibl Bed which is approximately 200 m thick comprises three beds of shale,
each of them approximately 20 m thick. These beds divide the dolomite strata into a
first (lower) and a second (upper) intercalated dolomite horizon. The workable ores
are found in the lower dolomite. The rocks, mainly mm-laminites, comprise partially
recrystallized dolomite-pelite and contain bitumen, FeS,, and clay minerals.
In the stratigraphic profile, the distance of the ore bodies from the central shale
beds is 11-24 m. In some cases also a second ore bed is found at a distance of approxi-
mately 4-7 m from this shale. Both ore bodies are sometimes connected; their beds are
approximately conformable, with some deviations and the ore grade varies in strike
and dip. Relative to the country rock, the main ore bodies (6.5 m thick at the most)
are, strictly speaking, “epigenetic”. They fill a relief cut obliquely into the sediment
that was to a certain extent diagenetically hardened. Some cavities are displayed by
this relief which is due to submarine earthquakes, accompanied by mechanical erosion
and chemical leaching. As a result, the beds are broken up into huge mosaics of
varying depths down to several metres. It is assumed that certain substances were
supplied simultaneously or subsequently by submarine thermal springs and that, after
deposition of sphalerite, quartz, small amounts of iron bisulphide and possibly also
of galena, a mechanical deposition took place of these mainly idiomorphic grains,
together with dolomite pelite, clay substance, and bitumen, partly as mm-rhythmic
laminites. The chemical deposition of schalenblende, galena, and fluorite as well as
metasomatism play an important part. Resedimented breccias can be observed mainly
in the lowest portions of the sediments filling the relief. Geopetal and polar fabrics
are observed frequently. Hence, it can be concluded that mechanical depohtion of the
ore pelite took place prior to the alpine tectonic displacement of the strata.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
48 0.SCHULZ
Fig.1. “Funnel” cut (I) in the footwall beds of dolomite rocks (2) today having a dip angle of 78”.The
cut is filled geopetally with mechanically accumulated ore mineral and clay laminae, partly with con-
formable beds of Schalenblende. The lamination of the “funnel sediment” and the coarse stratification
of the dolomite are parallel. The figure shows the tectonic tilting of the primary geopetal arrangement.
(Mine-wall “Max” mine, Kreuth.)
Fig.2. Space-rhythmic mm-lamination due to polar mechanical external deposition of‘ZnS grains
(b1ack) and quartz (white). The dark grey beds also repeating rhythmically are rich in dolomite p e h
and clay substance (thin section).
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0. SCHULZ
Fig.3. Section from a gradual transition of ore laminae (below) to dolomite pelite laminae (above),
(polished sections). ScaIe = 1 cm.
Fig.5.The repetition of the two beds can be explained by small scale thrust faulting, as could be seen
from the section 1plane of the figure. Space-rhythmic lamination with sphalerite, wuttzite, galena,
uartz, fluorite, dolomite pelite, clay substance. Light grey beds above: rich in ZnS. Black beds: rich in
iuorite. Grey beds below: rich in carbonate pelite and quartz. Scale strip = 1 cm (polished section).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
52 0. SCHULZ
deposits of the Raibl Beds can be found. In addition to fabrics indicating external
processes there are also fabrics that point to paradiagenetic processes, both in the
ore deposit proper and in the barren country rocks.
The fissures in the region studied are to be regarded as later faults, and not as
feeder channels of ore solutions. Belteroporic migration of ore solutions along fine
partings of the rocks and a diffusive metasomatic mineralization, can also be observed
on a restricted local scale.
Hence, the hydrothermal supply of ore matter causes, at least at some places, an
extrusive sedimentary, submarine deposition of ore minerals and, at the same time,
intrusive epigenetic mineralization in the lower sediment.
The results obtained in the studies herewith summarized, lead thus to essentially
the same hypotheses concerningthe origin of the main ore horizons of Bleiberg-Kreuth
which are contained in the Upper Wetterstein Limestone (Ladinian Stage of the Trias-
sic).
Data concerning this subject are given in the papers SCHULZ(1960a, b) in which
some of the figures of this article have already been published.
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
HEGEMANN, F., 1948. Uber sedimentare Lagerstatten mit submariner vulkanischer Stoffmfuhr.
Fortschr. Mineral., 21 : 54-55.
HEGEMANN, F., 1960.Die Entstehung der kalkalpinen Blei-Zinkerzlagerstatten. Neues Jahrb. Mineral.,
Monutsh., 7-8 : 170-185.
MAUCHER, A., 1954. Zur “alpinen Metallogenese”in den bayrischen Kalkalpen zwischen Loisach und
Salzach. Mineral. Petrog. Mitt., 4 (14) :454463.
SCHNEIDER, H.-J., 1954. Die sedimentare Bildung von Flusspat im Oberen Wettersteinkalk der
nordlichen Kalkalpen. Abhandl. Buyer. Akad. Wiss., Math. Naturw. KI., 66 : 1-37.
SCHULZ, O., 1960a. Die Pb-Zn Vererzung der Raibler Schichten im Bergbau Bleiberg-Kreuth (Grube
Max), als Beispiel submariner Lagerstattenbildung.CarinthiuZZ, Sonderh., 22 : 93 pp.
SCHULZ, O., 1960b. Beispiele fiir synsedimentare Vererzungen und paradiagenetische Formungen hn
alteren Wettersteindolomit von Bleiberg-Kreuth. Berg- Hiittenmiinnische Monafsh. Monfan.
Hochschule Leoben, 105 (1) : 1-11.
TAUPITZ, K. CH., 1954. Erze sedimentarer Entstehung auf alpinen Lagerstatten des Typs “Bleiberg”.
2. Erzbergbuu MetaIlhiittenw., 7 (8) : I.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
P . NICOLINI
INTRODUCTION
Dans un precedent travail (NICOLINI, 1962), nous avons pose le problkme: A savoir si
les conclusions dCgag6es a propos de la localisation du cuivre dans les courbes prkvi-
sionnelles peuvent &re &endues aux autres substances et notamment au plomb-zinc.
Nous avons citk, a ce propos, un gisement du Missouri oil les courbes sont assez
voisines de celles du cuivre. D'autre part, nous ne savions pas si l'association cuivre-
plomb-zinc 6tait necessaire, a Mansfeld par exemple, pour que le plomb et le zinc se
situent dans les memes types de courbes que le cuivre.
Des travaux recents nous permettent s'apporter un certain nombre de prkcisions a
ce sujet.
54 P. NICOLINI
-.I
I I
A C
2
Fig.2. Crktack du Gabon. hhelle 1 : 1.OOO. Z = organismes; ZZ = niveau brkhique. A . Courbe litho-
logique: I = conglomkrat; 2 = arkose grossikre; 3 = arkose moyenne-fine; 4 = gtks argileux;
5 = argilite; 6 = mame; 7 = cdcaire. B. Cycles: 1 = premier cycle; 2 = second cycle. C. Couleurs;
r = rouge; b = b1anc;g = gris, vert; n = noir. D.Niveaux minkralih.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
56 P. NICOLINI
Zellidja
A Zellidja, la mintralisation est incluse dans des dolomies liasiques reposant par
l’intermaiaire d’un conglomtrat dolomitique sur le socle de schistes vistens. L‘en-
semble peut 6tre assimile A une stquence brutalement positive, A l’kchelle du l/l.OOOk
ou du 1/2.000k malgre certaines variations pttrographiques dans le dttail.
A ouli-Mibladen
Des travaux gtologiques rtcents sur ces gisements sont dGs A BOULADON
(1960),
DIOURI(1962), EMBERGER (1962) et FELENC (1962).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Socle
+++
Fig.3. Gisements de plomb du Missouri (U.S.A.)
1
Cretace h h Plomb
g Earytiw
Ji E!
Cias
Trias -
SCCk
+ + +
Fig.4. Schemade la Srie de Mibladen (d’aprksles renseignements tirks des rapports de FELENC,
1962).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
58 P. NICOLMI
Ce gisement est surtout cCltbre pour le cuivre, mais renferme tgalement une trks belle
mintralisation stratiforme en plomb-zinc, situte un peu au-dessus du “Kupferschie-
fer”.
Ici le plomb et le zinc, encaissts dans un shale noir, sont localists dans une stquence
brutalement positive, du Zechstein marin, tvoluant entre des conglomtrats et des
roches saliftres.
La Fig.5 indique la position des mintralisations dans I’tvolution stdimentologique
1I
Fig.5. Courbes prtvisionellesdu gisernent de Mansfeld (Allemagne). A. Courbe lithologique: I = con-
glomerates; 2 = grks; 3 = argilites; 4 = calcaire; 5 = sel. B. Cycles: I = premier cycle; 2 = second
cycle. C. Couleurs: r = rouge;j = jaune; b = blanc;g = gris, vert; n = noir. D. Milieu: c = con-.
tinental; m = marin. E. Biorhexistasie: b = biostasie; r = rhexistasie. F. Niveau mineralid (I).
des stries (A et B), dans leurs variations de couleur (C) et en fonction de leur tvolution
palkogtographique ( D et E).
En fait, selon que l’on considtre l’ensemble Zechstein-Trias, nous avons une
s6quence oscillante positive favorable pour le cuivre, ou bien si l’on considkre le
Zechstein comme un tout (coupure entre le Zechstein et le Trias), la skquence est
brutalement positive et par constquent favorable au plomb et au zinc.
On pourrait multiplier les exemples dans le monde de la localisation prtftrentielle
du plomb dans l’tvolution des stries stdimentaires.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Courbes Iithologiques
Le fait, que la plupart des gites stratiformes sensu strict0 de cuivre se trouvent dans des
roches clastiques ou argileuses la plupart des gites de plomb-zinc dans des roches car-
bonattes, laisse supposer une localisation sequentielle differente du cuivre et du plomb.
Les exemples cites plus haut montrent, en effet, que, si les horizons renfermant des
mineralisations cuprifbres sont represent6 par des sequences oscillantes positives sur-
montant une sequence en I, les skquences 6 plomb sont brutalement positives et la
skquence en I sous-jacente n’est pas nkcessairement prhente. Au contraire, dans une
region donnde, il semble que les chances de trouver des concentrations plombifkres
croissent lorsque la longueur de la sequence en I sous-jacente diminue. On peut citer A
ce propos le Trias c6veno1, mineralid en plomb lorsque la sequence en I est nulle ou
faible (pas ou peu de Permien), mineralis6 en cuivre lorsque la sequence en Z sous-
jacente devient trbs longue, dans le Bassin de Lodbve par exemple.
Le cas des gttespb&oncordants est un peu d86rent: si la mineralisation qu’elle soit
cuprifkre ou plombifbre, se trouve dans des roches-h6tes analogues, generalement
clastiques, cette mineralisation se trouve dans des sequences differentes brutalement
positives pour le plomb, oscillante positive pour le cuivre (la localisation sequentielle
du cuivre penkconcordant est cependant moins rigoureuse que la localisation s6quen-
tielle du cuivre stratiforme).
En r6sum6:
(a) Le cuivre et le plomb se trouvent tous deux, dans des skquences positives donc
dans des phases transgressives. Mais les oscillations des sequences cuprifires indiquent
une transgression plus saccadke, plus rythmee, le mouvement transgressif est plus net,
sans retour A des microphases regressives dans le cas du plomb.
(b) La presence d’une skquence en I, n’est pas nkcessaire pour qu’il existe une mind-
ralisation stratiforme plombifbre, mais cette sequence en I est parfois presente: au
Missouri et 51 Mansfeld par exemple. A Mansfeld, l’association du cuivre au plomb-
zinc coincide avec la presence d‘une sequence en I . Dans le Missouri, la localisation du
plomb autour des paltoreliefs du socle indique dkj51 une tendance A la reduction
d’ipaisseur de la sequence en I.
La sequence en Z traduit deux sortes de ph8nomBnes:
( I ) Un phenombne de comblement avec superposition monotone des mQmesstdi-
ments: grande epaisseur de conglomerats par exemple 51 White Pine (U.S.A.). Ce
phenomknepeut correspondre 51 un remplissage Bolien, 51 un ependage de piedmont, etc.
(2) Un ph6nomBne de subsidence saccadke, oscillations faibles sur une grande Cpais-
seur entre deux termes petrographiques trbs rapproches (grBs fins argileux et pClites
argileuses par exemple): cas du Saxonien du Bassin de LodBve.
Dans le premier cas -comblement - la mobilit6 du fond du bassin pedt Qtrenulle
et la sidimentation peut s’expliquer par de simples variations du couvert vCg6tal sur le
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
60 P. NICOLINI
Cycles de sgdimentation
Couleurs
Le potentiel d’oxydo-reduction originel n’est pas toujours aid il determiner. I1 faut tenir compte
egalement des colorations trompeuses - mangankse, magnetite, etc. - qui n’indiquent pas nkes-
sairement un milieu reducteur. L’altbration mbtkorique des roches modifie Bgalement la couleur
originelle, lorsque l’ttat du fer se modifie.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Milieu de skdimentation
Bio-rhexistasie
CONCLUSIONS
Nous avons vu que le cuivre et le plomb se trouvent tous deux dans des sequences
En milieu continental peuvent exister des sites pbkconcordants de cuivre, souvent associb au
vanadium ou A l’uranium, mais rarement des gisements exploitables.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
62 P. NICOLINI
positives mais que la sequence du plomb est moins oscillante - et mCme n’oscille pas
- et qu’il n’est pas ntcessaire d’oberver une sequence en “I” sous-jacente aux
sequences plombifkres. En d’autre termes, le plomb et le cuivre se trouvent dans des
phases transgressives, plus franches pour le plomb, et n’ayant pas nkcessairement un
“passe sedimentaire”.
Les metalloginistes ont explique certainesparagensses, certaines associations mind-
rales par des affinitks physico-chimiques des dements (temperature de formation des
mineraux, temperature de fusion des metaux, rayons ioniques, affinites chimiques,
etc.). Mais, si l’on replace les minerais dans les courbes prdvisionnelles, on constate
que certaines associations minerales s’ordonnent en fait, dans un encaissement sedi-
mentologiques particulier a chaque metal ou a chaque groupe de metaux. I1 ne faut
pas Cvidemment negliger le c6te physico-chimique de la gitologie mais certaines asso-
ciations minerales insolites ou plus exactement la presence de certains minerais dans
des milieux insolitesl devient moins aberrante si le minerai n’est plus BtudiC en tant
que tel, mais en fonction de son contexte gitologique et notamment s6dimentologique.
Les differences observees dans les localisations sequentielles du plomb et du cuivre
correspondent bien a la rarete des concentrations stratiformes de Cu-Pb-Zn ayant un
intergt Cconomique dans le monde. Le cas de Mansfeld fait exception; cependant,
dans ce gisement allemand, les faciks Cu et les faciks a Pb-Zn sont en fait separb, et
la sequence lithologique est intermediaire entre une sequence cuprifkre et une sequence
plombifkre.
Un problkme peu Btudie est le problkme du passage, dans un m&mebassin, de
sequences cuprifkres des sequences plombifkres. I1 s’agit la autant de variations
paleogeographiques que de variations sedimentologiques, les deux &ant likes. Ceci a
une importance fondamentale dans les previsions de recherche.
Ceci nous conduit parler de la latitude deformation des minkaux, latitude a la
fois stdimentologique et paleogeographique.
Nous avons montre (NICOLINI,1962) que, si les sulfures de Cu, Pb, Zn se trouvent
concentres dans des sediments deposCs sous climat a tendance chaude et en milieu
marin ou lagunaire, la pyrite beaucoup plus ubiquiste, peut se trouver a peu prks dans
tous les types de paleoclimats et milieux (sauf peut-&re en milieu Bolien). Sur le plan
sdimentologique, nous observons A peu prks les m&mesphenomknes: le cuivre se
trouve, en milieu marin et dans des skdiments deposes sous climat A tendance chaude,
lorsque les conditions sedimentologiques favorables apparaissent pour la premisre
fois, dans une serie s6dimentaire2.Les concentrations plombifkres apparaissent &gale-
ment lorsque les conditions sedimentologiques sont favorables pour la premikre fois
dans la s6rie stratigraphique, mais d’autres concentrations peuvent ainsi exister, si les
mt?mes conditions skdimentologiques se reproduisent dans le temps. Cependant, lorsque
l’effet socle-couverture tend a s’attenuer, c’est-A-dire lorsque la distance du socle au
La pyrrhotine dam des argiles non mktamorphiquesde Sicile, par exemple TAMAYO (1955).
I1 peut exister parfois dew ou trois niveaux minkralids en cuivre, mais ces niveaux sont gknkrale-
Dent tres rapprochk stratigraphiquementet sont i n c h dans la m&medquence lithologique.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
niveau considtrt comme favorable est trop tloignte, la mintralisation plombiftre peut
stre absente.
La pyrite, dont la latitude stdimentologique est tres grande, se retrouve dans tous
les types de stquences, mais gtntralement plus abondante dans les sequences favo-
rables au cuivre ou au plomb dans une province minerale donnte, et cette pyrite
dtborde gtographiquement les zones mintralistes notamment en plomb-zinc. Elle
deborde aussi, stratigraphiquement, les niveaux mintralists en sulfures de Pb, Zn, Cu.
Dans une certaine mesure, elle peut, par condquent, “annoncer” les zones 9 minerais
utiles, un peu comme la barytine annonce les zones i plomb-zinc dans certaines
provinces mintrales.
Les recherches de l’auteur ont permi de montrer que les gisements stratiformes de
cuivre se trouvent localisis dans un environnement stdimentologique particulier:
premitre stquence oscillante 9 tendance positive, surmontant une longue stquence en
I dam les courbes lithologiques de LOMBARD (1956); niveaux verts, gris ou noirs
dans les stries de couleurs varikes, etc.
Cette ttude est destinte 9 montrer dans quelle mesure les conclusionsmises en tviden-
ce pour le cuivre, peuvent &re appliqutes i l’ttude des gisements stratiformesde plomb.
En fait, les min6ralisations plombifbres se localisent gtneralement dans les stquen-
ces brutalement positives, que celle-ci soient prtctdtes ou non par une sequence en I.
La localisation dans les roches de couleurs dttermintes est moins rigoureuse que pour
le cuivre. Les mintralisations plombiftres sont d’autre part replactes dans l’tvolution
bio-rhexistasique de ERHART (1956) et dans l’tvolution des cycles de stdimentation.
SUMMARY
64 P. NICOLINI
BIBLIOGRAPHIE
ARNOULD, M., CARRIE, J. et KNUP,J., 1962. Rapport inedit Bur. Rech. Gtol. Minitres sur le plomb
du Crktack gabonais.
BERNARD, A. et FOGLIERINI, F., 1963. AperCu sur le Trias m&alliftre en France. En: Colloque sur le
Trias de la France et des rdgions Iimitrophes -Mdm. Bur. Rech. Gdol. Mini&es, 15 : 635-650.
BOULADON, J., 1960. Sur les mineralisations en Pb-Zn et en Sb de la pkriphkrie du Mt. Lozere. Bull.
SOC.Gdol. France, 2 :906-914.
CARRIE, J., KNUP,J. et NICOLINI, P., 1962. Observations sur les Mindralisations en Pb-Zn du Crdtacd
gabonais. Bur. Rech. Geo1. Minitres, Paris, 40 pp. (inedit).
DIOURI,M., 1962. Renseignementsinedits.
EMEERGER, A., 1962. Renseignementsinkdits.
ERHART, H., 1956. La Genbe des Sols en tant que Phdnomdnegdologiques.Masson, Paris, 88 pp.
FELENC, R., 1962. Rapport inedit.
LOMBARD, A., 1956. Geologie sddimentaire.Les Sdries marines. Masson, Paris, 722 pp.
NICOLINI, P., 1962. L'utilisation des donnks ddimentologiques dans l'etude et la recherche des
gisementsstratiformes. Etablissement des courbes previsionnelles.Chronique Mines Rech. MiniPres,
309 : 156167.
STEWARD, J. M. et FISCHER, R. P., 1961. Copper, vanadium and uranium deposits in sandstones. Their
distribution and geochemicalcycles. Econ. Geol., 56 (3) :509-520.
TAMAYO, E., 1955. Sur la presence de pyrrhotine de nkofonnation dans les argiles ddimentaires de
Sicile. Bull. SOC.Gdol. France, 5 (4-6) : 375-379.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
G. c. A M S T U T Z ~ ,P . R A M D O H R , F . E L B A Z and w. c . PARK
INTRODUCTION
In the following six short papers, phenoinena of diagenetic behaviour of sulphides are
reported which bear a close similarity and relation to each other. In all cases, the
sulphides are shown to be associated with distinct diagenetic patterns; in some cases,
even to the extent of being located at definite loci, which inevitably suggests that they
crystallized at definite stages during the gradual formation of the respective sedimen-
tary rocks.
Each one of the short papers represents a preliminary summary on extensive
detailed work. The purpose of presentation at this time is to draw attention to certain
phenomena and their distinct genetic meaning, which, although widespread and well
known in sedimentary petrology, have not been used as yet in the interpretation of
sulfide ore deposits.
Megascopic observations
The Quarry Ledge Member of the Ordovician Jefferson City Formation 11 km south
of Rolla, Missouri, on both sides of Highway 72, contains the sulphide patterns to be
discussed in this paper. A shallow marine environment is indicated by the presence of
sun cracks and perhaps also by ripple marks and crossbedding at different horizons.
The beds containing the sulphides to be described consist of dolomitic limestones
with partial vertical variations to sandy and clayey portions. The rock is quite mas-
sive and the layering is often seen only from the layered arrangement of sulphides or
from stylolite seams, as seen in the figures. The distribution patterns of sulphides are
conspicuous and the great variety of forms invites an analysis of the diagenetic history.
66 G. c. AMSTUTZ et a].
.Ia - 1 crn
c
ma
5
lcm
H
- llIb
---Ie
icrn
H
*
1crn
U
IIa lIb
Fig.1. I , II. Congruent patterns (on bedding planes or disseminated).IlI, ZV. Non-congruentpatterns
(crosscuttingwithin a certain layer). p v = plan view; qtz = quartz; s = section; I = solid; 2 = dis-
seminated; 3 = calcite core.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Microscopic observations
68 G . c. AMSTUTZ et al.
Fig.2. Stylolite with small amounts of sulphideshide the seam. Patterns Ilc, IId and geodes (I&) in
the lower half. The “double lense” of pyrite in the lower left is more resistant to weatherkg than the
dolomitic limestone.
Fig.3. Example of pattern IIIb below a shallow-water erosion surface. Also various discoidal aggre-
gate varieties of pattern II present.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Summary
PLATE I
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
later generations have occasionally migrated and filled diagenetic partings, veinlets or
vugs, and sun-cracks.
A textural classification is offered. It corresponds in part to subdivisions in diagene-
tic generationswhen combined with additional microscopic features. Sulphide patterns
are shown to be a convenient clue to the diagenetic history of a sediment.
Fig.4 represents a typical “ore specimen” of rich lead ore from Elvins Mine, Missouri.
It belongs to the late Cambrian Bonne Terre Formation and contains distinct brown-
ish dense algal fingers which rest on a shale layer rich in disseminated galena. The
top-bottom features at the base of the algal “fingers” are genuine; usually a hollow has
been pressed into the shales by the weight of the fingers and mud has formed salt-dome
shaped, upwards-trendingdomelets as high as 5 cm above the top of the shale layer.
In these inter-finger spaces, some of the galena has accumulated, whereas the buff
dense bodies of the fingers contain practically no sulphides. A major portion of the
galena is distributed homogeneously throughout the shale layer. In this shale, star-
shaped “phenocrysts” have formed in some cases and top-bottom features are quite
common (although not as distinct as in the sandy shaley layers of Fredericktown, see
section 111).
Between the algal fingers, there are fissures which die out downwards and upwards
and can be shown, by a simple analytical procedure of rock mechanics, to be of late
diagenetic age. This mechanical analysis shows that the fingers must have been the
stiff elements which did not allow homogeneous compaction and caused the interme-
diary material to break and to slip or to part.
There must not always be movement to form these fissures since the dehydration of
the lime ooze during diagenetic crystallization means a reduction of space. Most of
this reduction is, of course, taken care of by the diagenetic compaction. However, in
an inhomogeneous field of compaction-stress and at the latest stages of compaction,
some of the lateral space reduction can not be accomodated by small differential
adjustments between grains which leads to vertical “reduction fissures” (German:
“Schwundrisse”; see, for example, HUMMEL, 1960).
Galena has entered into these late diagenetic spaces and crystallized. The fact that
it occurs as a supporting element in both the fissures and the matrix of diagenetic
PLATE I
Various subtypes of pattern IV, as well as bedding plane disseminations of pattern q,Ila, Ilc, Ild and
ZZC Plate IA shows a sack-likevertical slump pattern which occasionallyaccompanies pattern I Vb, c, d,
The upper portions of the “veins” in Plate IB and C show congestions as drawn in Fig.1, IVd. The
“dip” of these sheet-like features is not always vertical; it may cross the bedding planes at almost any
angle.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
72
G . c. AMSTUTZ et al.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Fig.5. Movement of pore waters during diagenesis (Leduc Riffchain, Canada; after ILLING, 1959).
idiomorphic dolomite supports, together with other observations, the idea of a late
diagenetic age of its crystallization. There is no evidence of replacement except for the
type describedin section 1V;which appears to be of diagenetic age.
A similar late diagenetic accumulation of galena appears to take place on a larger
scale also. There is no space for a presentation of full details at this time. However, if
we visualizethe diagenetic circulation paths of pore solutions in areef structure (FigS),
as demonstrated in petroleum geology (cf. ILLING,1959), the high content of galena in
the porous flanks and crests of reefs is perfectly well explained. Late diagenetic phases
get moved around and PbS will be precipitated in areas of anaerobic conditions where
the decay of organic matter produces NH,.
The abundance of distinct top-bottom features in the Missouri Lead Belt has been
described by the authors (Fig.6) and used as genetic criterium for a syngenetic origin
(AMSTUTZ, 1958; AMSTUTZ et al., 1962). In various instances small fissures were obs-
erved in the concretionary accumulations or in individual clusters of sulphides. These
were filled by the same mineral which was also last in the paragenetic sequence of the
concretions; i.e., by galena, and more rarely by chalcopyrite.
Fig.7 illustrates an example of large vertical grains of marcasite which are broken
parallel to the diagenetic vertical stress which was exerted on sulphide “phenocrysts” or
clusters during diagenesis. Some of these marcasite grains broke and the breaks were
filled by galena. This is just one more criterion for a later diagenetic age of galena
crystallization in the Lead Belt of Missouri and probably in most other carbonate
provinces with PbS (cf. AMSTUTZ, 1962).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
74
G.
c. AMSTUTZ et al.
U
9
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
76 G. C. AMSTUTZ et d.
In the studies on the genesis of the famous fluorspar district of southern Illinois,
virtually only the rich and always quite unusual “ore textures” are described. It is true
that these textures differ greatly from the “normal” country rock, and it is easy to see
how the genetic theories deviated into speculations about unusual processes (cf.
BRECKE,1962).
The present study deals with low grade material, the content of which in “ore
matter” is too low for the formation of textures differing from the “normal”. One
should start here with an objective study in order to understand what factors may have
been active in the genesis of ore deposits.
The rock samples described here are oolitic portions of the Fredonia Limestone,
Hardorff Mine. They only contain from &lo% Pb or Zn. As shown in Fig.8, the
sphalerite occurs only in two loci: (I) in the bituminous rims of oolites, and (2) in the
meandering stylolite seam traversing the thin section.
~~
(deDOSiffOna1) I
f‘diagenetic period PddiagenetIc period
lshallow burial) 1 3d diagenetic perioc
(cementation)
PLATE I1
Individual “ooids” with diagenetic sphalerite “idioblasts” within the bituminous portions. Note the
four distinct generations pictured in Fig.8. Enlargement: A, B, x 100; C, D, x 50. A, B, C with
plain light; D with slightly crossed nicols. Barely transparent idiomorphic patches in A and B,
and black patches in C and D are sphalerite.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
77
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
78
G.
c. AMSTUTZ et al.
c
0
4
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
(4) Coarse grained matrix calcite, often consisting of only one grain, filling the
interstices between the oolites rimmed by generation 3.
Frequently a black tar-like, irregular rim follows between generation 3 and 4, or
between grains of gneration 4.
On the basis of the paragenetic sequence pictured on Fig.8 which corresponds to
some 500 oolites with sphalerite, typical examples of which are shown in Fig.9 and
Plate 11,we may conclude that the sphalerite crystallized during the second diagenetic
stage (cf. DAPPLES, 1959, 1962, for the definition of the stages).
This theory finds additional support in observations made on the stylolitic seam
which crosses the slide. Here, the sphalerite has been accumulated as a residuum
during the Riecke-solution of the oolites (cf. VONENGELHARDT, 1960). The stylolite
nature is obvious from the many partially eliminated “ovoids” and the pressure
cracked sphalerite which, as a matter of fact, has the same grain size and shape as in
the ovoids. Pressure twinning in third generation calcite and the quartz accumulation,
formation of autogenic quartz and, finally, the accumulation of hydmcarbon along
the stylolitic rims is additional proof for the stylolite nature of the seam and its
late diagenetic age.
Fluorite and galena occur in a late diagenetic stage and will be described later.
In many fossil wood specimens in coal and in “common” sediments, sulphide fillings
are observed. Occasionally more than one sulfide species or more than one type of
pyrite is present. The most distinct occurence known to the author is material from
Mitterberg, Austria (Fig.10, ll).l
Five different types of sulphides are localized in distinctly different portions of the
fossil wood, as shown diagrammaticallyin Fig. 11.
On the basis of an area corresponding to several hundred wood cells, there is no
doubt about the existence of some sort of a differential factor during the implacement
of the different sulphides. The physical difference between pyrite I and I1 is reflected by
the chagrined, somewhat darker surface of pyrite 11. Pyrite I is cleaner and brighter.
It looks as if the chalcopyrite has penetrated and in part destroyed the cell walls
(X).Tetrahedrite either destroyed the cell structure (? X)or never penetrated into it.
I am grateful to Professor Friedrich for having brought this material to my attention. For a descrip-
tion of the complete deposit see KARL(1953), MATZ(1953) and STERK (1954).
Fig.10. Cell structure with four types of sulphides in four distinct geometric loci: ( I ) “clean” pyrite
(white) within the cells (2) chagrined pyrite in cell walls and, with somewhat smoother,surface and
brighter reflecticity,in the “channels” between cell walls (3) chalcopyrite (light grey, strong relief)
between cells and cell walls, wherever these textures have been obliterated (4) tetrahedrite (grey)
outside but near (5)arsenopyrite(white) idiomorphic grains away from the wood.
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80
G . c. AMSTUTZ et
al.
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82 G. c. AMSTUTZ et al.
Fig.11. Differential localization of sulphides in fossil wood possibly during diagenetic crystallization.
X sipiies possible destruction (diagenetic replacement).
Arsenopyrite never touched it, but occurred as idiomorphic grains in its neighbour-
hood.
If one considers the known fact that pH-Eh relationships between the individual
space units of Fig.11 (i.e., the cell center, the cell wall, the immediate and the more
distant neighbourhood of the wood) are the more different the less diagenetically
destroyed the decaying organic “agents” within these spaces are - then it becomes
probable that the most likely factors leading to the observed differentiationin sulphide
emplacement are probably those active during diagenetic decomposition.
One may, of course, construct a post-diagenetic theory; however, it is easy to show
that the number of assumptions necessary is at least twice as large as for a syn-diage-
netic origin in a sapropelic environment.
This, therefore, may probably be considered to be another typical example for a
diagenetic behaviour of sulphides.
VI. CRITERIA FOR DIAGENETIC CRYSTALLIZATION AND DEFORMATIONS IN THE MOUNT ISA
SULPHIDE BEDS
(P. RAMDOHR and G. c. AMSTUTZ)
Introduction
Recent papers on the ore deposits of Mount Isa by FISHER (1960), WALPOLE (1960),
LOVEand ZIMMERMANN (1961), and by others discussed many facets of the Mount Isa
ore textures so well pictured by BLANCHARD and HALL(1942).
All these later papers rejected, in principle, the pan-epigenetic origin proposed by
Blanchard and Hall and suggested an essentially syngenetic mode of formation. Many
interesting and valuable criteria were developed in the latest papers. One question
remained open: the problem of the age of deformation of the sulfide beds. In the dis-
cussion of the genetic problem as a whole, one type of information was, to the know-
ledge of the present authors, left essentially untouched: the information on the age of
crystallization of the sulphides,i.e., whether they are diagenetic or post-diagenetic. This
is the question of primary crystallization versus re-crystallization in a stress-field
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foreign to the primary symmetry of the bedding. It is the limited aim of the present
preliminary paper to shed some light on this question.
The samples on which this study is based were in part collected by the senior author
during a recent stay at Mt. Isa (1962) and in part on specimens sent to the junior
author by Mr. R. La Ganza in 1958.
The senior author wishes to acknowledge the visit to the deposit with Mr. Bennett,
Chief Geologist, and to the discussion of genetic problems. On this occasion, he was
pleased to note an almost complete agreement on subaqueous slumping as a main
cause of the formation of the fabrics discussed below. Independently,the junior author
had developed the same ideas during a study of the literature and of samples.
Synsedimentary structures, in this paper, are defined as geometric features which have
been found in sedimentary primary rocks and bear no relationship to tectonic activity
after diagenesis. Such features have been described and defined in numerous papers,
for example by SHROCK (1948) and KUENEN(1953).
The structures here described are predominantly formed by submarine slumping,
where water was the lubricant; however, similar structures are also known to the
authors from ‘‘nukes ardentes” or ignimbritic material, where a hot air cushion acted
as the “lubricant”. Yet, the latter possibility does not have to be considered in this case.
The textural analysis of polished sections of Mt. Isa ore allowed recognition of
distinct age relationships in the crystallizationof the various sulphides. This is one part
of the evidence. The criteria for age relationships are: ( I ) idiomorphism per se; (2)
convex, “aggressive” intergrowth lines of a later mineral B on a semi-idiomorphic,
presumably earlier mineral A; (3) filling of cracks in an earlier mineral A by a later
mineral B; (4) inclusions of an earlier mineral A in a later mineral B; (5) coatings of a
later mineral B on an earlier mineral A.
d i a g e n e t i c p e r i o d s
I I1
pore space d e p 0 s i t i 0 n
deposition s.str:
and c o m p a c t i o n
(mechanical, burial and compaction b
colloidal. compaction a (cementation b )
chemical) (cementation a ) with i
Rieckesolution
“gangue minerals” -
--- -
--.------- -----.---- ---
------- ------
pyrite
pyrrhotite
sphalerite
-----
-------
----------..- - --------I
84 G. c. AMSTUTZ et al.
Any of these criteria alone was not considered to be conclusive enough for estab-
lishing a clear relationship. Idiomorphism, for example, may be an expression of a
difference of form e n e r e between two contemporaneously crystallizing phases or a
product of later idioblastic growth. Two or more criteria were combined to lead to
the tentative, generalized “paragenetic sequence”, as shown in Fig. 12.
Except for some late carbonates and quartz, most of the gangue minerals appear to
have cxystallized before or contemporaneously with pyrrhotite and pyrite I. In a few
cases, however, gangue minerals filled diagenetic “fissuresyyand appear to have been
later.
Since the Mount Isa ores are often finely bedded and since each bed usually contains
only two to five, and rarely less (thus one) or more (thus six or more) phases, the
paragenetic sequence of Fig. 12 is a summary over various beds which are connected
by cross-cutting “intraformational”, diagenetic features as now will be described.
In Fig.13 a clear relationship is seen between two properties of the rock layers and
their mechanical behaviour during deformation, (I) the mineralogical composition,
and (2) the depth of burial below the (presumably,but quite obviously)free surface of
the material on the bottom of the sea.
The more gangue (gg) a layer has, the more brittle it behaved during mechanical
deformation; the more sphalerite (sl)and, especially, the more galena (gn) it has, the
more isotropic (amorphous) it behaved. There is also some pyrite, pyrrhotite, tetra-
hedrite, jamesonite, chalcopyrite, and cody substance, but all of these phases occur,
in this specimen, in small quantities unessential to the mechanical strength. Layer I
Fig.13. Relationship between the mechanical behaviour during the formation on one hand and the
mineralogical composition and the depth of burial below the free surface on the bottom of the sea on
the other hand.gg = gangue;gn = galena; sl = sphalerite; x 5.
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is hardly bent. It is the thickest layer with high gangue content and apparently served
as the stable base during the movement. Layer 2 consists actually of a series of about
ten small beds; according to the terminology applied and defined by LOMBARD (1956),
it is really a rhythmite, i.e., an alternation of five sandy-shaly layers with five galena
layers. The younger the beds, the more they were affected by the lateral movement
which broke layer 3 and caused a micro-overthrust of 2 mm on the left side of the
figure. Layer 3 is also composite and consists of two galena layers surrounding a
gangue layer. The latter shows minute folds near the overthrust.
The following layer 5 shows some internal stratification too. It is to be noted that
it did not break, but rather “neutralized” all the lateral movement by a large and
several small ondulations and by internal rearrangements within the galena, as can be
seen from the geometric distribution patterns of the galena. It thus reacted partly
isotropic (amorphous) and partly anisotropic.
Layer 6 is a somewhat coarser grained layer also consisting of two or three sub-
layers which are highly contorted in portions. Two small “injections” into a vertical
fissure and a horizontal split in the next upper bed, number 7,are seen. Layer 7 was
the last “solid” bed below the massive galena-sphalerite “mud”. It broke up into
small fragments during the movement, and many of these fragments are now seen
floating in the galena-sphalerite mass. It behaved much more brittle than layer 5
because of its higher gangue to sulfide ratio. Its fragments were not confined by an
overlaying layer and floated upward in the sulfide mass, either because of gravitational
buoyancy or because of fluid flow within layer 8.
A number of geopetal or gravity features are readily seen. One of them was mention-
ed above and consists of the gradual decrease of mechanical confinement from
bottom to top. The layers witH even numbers, 2, 4, 6, served as lubricating surfaces
(similar to the listric surfaces of alpine tectonics). It is not difficult to show, by means
of methods developed by rock mechanics, that the galena layers must have been in a
mechanically amorphous, and thus fluid, state when the movement took place, espe-
cially in layers 6 and 8. The mathematical treatment will be published at a later date
by the junior author. At this time, it may only be emphasized that an analysis of the
stress pattern around the broken portions of layers rich in gangue revealed that it is
not possible to establish solid phase transmission patterns of mechanical vectors.
Each piece has its own independent symmetry field and the coherence of these fields
can only be understood by fluid isotropic (amorphous) flow patterns and not by any
deformation pattern in a solid phase, which must always be anisotropic. It is not
possible, either, that a solid phase pattern was eliminated by recrystallization because
broken grain fragments are still seen within the area of anisotropy, i.e., inside and
alongside the fragments of gangue beds.
The hypothesis that much or all of the latest generation minerals, galena and in part
sphalerite, were still in a colloidal disperse or in another amorphous state is further
supported by various primary crystallization phenomena, additional to, the ones
mentioned in the text. Perhaps the major one is the fact that both pyrite phenocrysts
as well as the gangue layers in unit 8 are overgrown by a layer of sphalerite. The
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86 G . C. AMSTUTZ et d.
Fig.14. Example with a coarse-grained layer of pyrite (brightest white) at the bottom of the sample.
Galena from above (white) is filling a fissure between two ends of broken sandy-shaly layers which
were pulled apart. Excellent convolute bedding is present within the complex layer following above;
x 5.
Fig.15. Essentially the same as shown and analyzed in Fig.13. Note the thrust faults and the folds in
subsequent layers in mechanically amorphous relationship with each other; x 5.
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layered gangue pieces show this corona of sphalerite even around the breaks vertical
to the bedding.
Most significant is the coincidence of point 3 of the list of criteria with the breakage
features of micro- and megastratigraphic units, and also the clear relationship of the
crystallization generations one or two, and in certain instances perhaps even more
generations of rupture, or with a continuous movement of the strata (compare the
“saddle-cracks” in Fig. 16).
The younger generations heal or cement the diagenetic ruptures of earlier “pheno-
crysts” as well as the space between the diagenetically broken or bent and warped
fragments of layers. The older the generation of sulphides, the more it is affected by the
breakage and the less it takes part itself in the cementing, healing and filling process.
Thus, pyrrhotite I and pyrite I are often broken and “healed” by later generations,
and sphalerite I is often accumulated mechanically by the moving snow-shovel-shaped
broken layers of gangue. The fact that the obviously not dissolved and reprecipitated
sphalerite I1 and most frequently galena often enter into fractures and “interstrata
veinlets” leads to the conclusion that these phases existed as “mud” when the move-
ments took place which broke up early grains and stiff layers.
In addition, the latest generations, especially galena, play still another role which
suggests late diagenetic crystallization. In small diagenetic thrust-faults and folds and
even in larger folds, disharmonicdifferential folding of shale and sand layers took
Fig.16. A portion of a medium size fold exhibitingfeatures of breakage of the gangue layers caused by
isotropic (mechanically amorphous) flow of the galena. This “mineral” was squeezed, when in a fluid
state before complete solidification, into the crest of the fold and tore the two gangue layers apart to
accumulate them also in the crest. Note the cracks in the crest of the banded major gangue layer; these
cracks are filled by galena; x 2.
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88 G. c. AMSTUTZ et al.
place in a matrix of obviously soft PbS-mud. The galena “mud”-layer has acted as a
soft matrix which was squeezed into saddles of folds, out of the flanks of folds. This
squeezing action is illustrated in Fig.16 and the ruptured shale layer on the sides of
the fold is excellent proof for the squeezing movement. This action is similar to the
formation of boudins, except that here the matrix must have been fluid.
A distinct detail which may be noted at this time is the almost submicroscopic
mixture of about s/4 galena with 1/4 gangue-“dust” which occurs, occasionally, either
in coarser grained layers or, more often, in the neighbourhood of gangue layers.
Again, would the material filling the spaces, which were created by the breakage
or the folding, consists of epigeneticproducts of recrystallization, its grain size would
naturally be much different from that of the layers from which the material came. Only
in the “fissures” is t h i s the case, but not so much within folded areas. Also, Riecke-
type corrosion which, along stylolite faces, is excellent proof for the presence and
interaction of two solid phases, is absent in general.
The coincidence then of the paragenetic sequence with the behaviour in micro-
mechanical diagenetic movements speaks a clear language for a diagenetic age of
crystallization of the major phases.
This does not exclude any later recrystallizations which may have been caused in
tectonically stressed zones. However, such stresses should be evident through trans-
secting lineations or s-planes, and through Riecke-reduction of normal grains. In
samples studied, the transverse pyrrhotite and micas may perhaps belong to a later
stress period. Some of the persistent fractures and a part of the recrystallizations may
also extend into, or belong to the post-diagenetic period. The extent and characteris-
tics of these later features are presently being investigated. In its main traits, however,
these ores afford a very excellent example for the diagenetic behaviour of sulphides.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In connection with section I1 we wish to express at this time our thanks to the St.
Joseph Lead Company and especially to Dr. F. Snyder, Chief Geologist, for the many
interesting discussions and field trips, as well as for the permission to work on speci-
mens collected from their mines.
SUMMARY
during diagencsis. One of the main purposes was to show that sedimentation and dia-
genesis do produce cross-cutting features. It is, therefore, incorrect to use them as
proofs of “hydrothermal” origin. Purposely, these patterns were first described for a
non-commercialmineral and for non-commercialconcentrations. The comparison with
commercial materials described in the later reports may convince the unaware of the
validity of this approach.
The second, third and fourth papers offer examples of diagenetic features of
sulphides in three distinct districts and sediments of the MississippiValley Pb-Zn-Cu-
Co-Ni-deposits.
The fifth paper describes a differential pattern of sulphide formation within wood.
The sixth paper considers fabric patterns in the Mount Isa layered sulphide deposits
which are best understood as having formed during diagenetic compaction.
REFERENCES
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1958. Syngenetic zoning in ore deposits. Proc. Geol. Assoc. Can., 11 :95-1 13.
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1963. Bemerkungen zur Genese von kongruenten Blei-Zink-Lagerstatten in Sedi-
menten. Ber. Glcol. Ges. Berlin, Sonderh., 1 : 3142.
AMSTUTZ,G. C., UHLEY, R. P. and EL BAZ,F., 1961. Sedimentary features in the layered sulfide
deposits of Fredericktown, Missouri. Geol. SOC.Am., Spec. Papers, 68 : 128 pp.
BLANCHARD, R. and HALL,G., 1942. Rock formation and mineralization at Mount Isa. Proc. Am.
Inst. Mining Met. Engrs., 125 :1-60.
BRECKE, E. A., 1962. Ore genesis of the Cave-in-Rock fluorspar district, Hardin county, Illinois.
Econ. Geol., 57 :499-535.
CORRENS, C. W., 1950. Zur Geochemie der Diagenese. Geochim. Cosmochim.Acta, 1 :49-54.
DAPPLES,E. C., 1959. The behavior of silica in diagenesis. In: Silica in Sediments - SOC.Econ.
Paleontologists Mineralogists, Spec. Publ., 7 : 36-54.
DAPPL~S, E . C., 1962. Stages of diagenesis in the development of sandstones. Bull. Geol. SOC.Am.,
73 :913-934.
FISHER, N. H., 1960. Review of evidence of genesis of Mt. Isa ore bodies. Rept. 21st Intern. Geol.
Congr., Copenhagen, 16 : 99-111.
GRAF,D. L. and LAMAR, J. E., 1950. Petrology of Fredonian oolite on southern Illinois. Bull. Am.
Assoc. Petrol. Geologists, 34 : 2318-2336.
HUMMEL, P., 1960. Petrographie, Gtiederung and Diagenese der Kalke im Oberen WeissenJuru der
Schwubischen Alp. Thesis, Geol. Palaontol. Inst., Tech. Hochschule, Stuttgart, 87 pp.
ILLING, V., 1959. Deposition and diagenesis of some Upper Paleozoic carbonate sediments in western
Canada. World Petrol. Congr., Proc., 5th, N.Y., 1959,l (2) : 23-50.
KARL,F., 1953. Anwendung gefiigeanalytischer Arbeitsmethodenam Beispiel eines Bergbaues (Kup-
ferbergbau Mitterberg, Salzburg). Neues Jahrb. Mineral., Abhandl., 85 :203 pp.
KUENEN, PH. H., 1953. Significant features of graded bedding. Butl. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists,
37 : 1044-1066.
LOMBARD,A., 1956. GPologie skdimentaire.Les SPries marines. Masson, Paris, 722 pp.
LOVE,G. and ZIMMERMANN, D. O., 1961. Bedded pyrite and micro-organisms from the Mount Isa
Shale. Econ. Geol., 56 : 875-896.
MATZ,E., 1953. Die Kupfererzlagerstatte Mitterberg (Miihlbach am Hochkonig, Salzburg). Mitt.
Abt. Mineral., Landesmuseum Joanneum, Sonderhef, 1953 : 7 pp.
SHROCK, R. R., 1948. Sequence in Layered Rocks. McGraw-Hill, New York, 507 pp.
STERK, G., 1954. Vererzte Manzenreste aus der Kupferkieslagerstatte Miihlbach/Hochkonig (Salz-
burg). Berg- Hiittenmann. Monatsh. Montan. Hochschule Leoben, 99 (3) :48-51.
STRAKOV, N. M., 1953. Diagenese der Sedimente und ihre Bedeutung fur die Bildung ddimenttirer
Erzlagerstatten.Zzv. Akad. Nuuk S.S.S.R., Ser. Geol., 5 : 12-49.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
90 G . c. AMSTUTZ et al.
VON ENGELHARDT, W., 1960. Der Porenraum der Sedimente. Springer, Berlin-Heidelberg-Wien,
207 pp.
WALWLE,B. P., 1958, 1960. Discussions of the “source bed concept”. &on. Geol., 53 : 890-893;
55 : 615-617.
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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Fig.1. Breccia of white opaque barite fragments cemented by oolitic iron ore; x p.5.
Fig.2. Large perfect crystal of yellow transparent barite embedded in the same oolitic iron ore as
Fig.1; x 0.5.
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Fig.3. Barite crystal group occurring in a crevice of Monteponi oxidized ores: the limonitic wall of the
crevice is visible: natural size.
perfect crystals of yellow transparent barite (Fig.2) embedded in similar oolitic iron
ore.
It is suggested that the two types of barite have a different origin: the first generation
consists of a mechanical concentration of eroded primary barite veins; the second
generation of a crystallisation from ground water solutions.
(2) An outstanding example of supergene BaSO, is, in our opinion, the presence of
BaSO, in anglesites.
According to Ramdohr (as quoted by DANA,1960, p.424) some anglesites contain
more than 7 % BaSO,. Anglesites from Montevecchio mines studied by us all contain-
ed some BaSO, (and SiO,); the lowest values are 0.09% BaSO, (0.018 SiO& the
highest values are 3 % BaSO, (1.6 % SiO,).
Montevecchio baritic anglesites appear perfectly homogeneous in thin sections and,
consequently, one may assume that BaSO, and PbSO, form solid solutions.
Undoubtedly, in these cases, BaSO, is syngenetic with PbS0, and, consequently, it
has to be supergene, deposited by weathering processes. The same genesis is proposed
for the barite crystal groups that occur in crevices of some oxidized ores; Fig.3 shows
one of them, in which the limonitic wall of the crevice is clearly visible.
Other instances of probably supergene barites are found in other portions of the
same mine.
Fig.4 shows perfectly formed, transparent, slender prisms of barite associated with
calcite-aragonite coating the walls of a large fissure across a main lead-zific vein of
the Montevecchio mine. In the same mine, perfect crystals of transparent, tabular
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Fig.4. Slender prisms of barite associated with-calcite-aragonite coating the walls of a large fissure
across a main lead-zinc vein of Montevecchio mine; x 0.33.
11. SOME EXAMPLES OF SULFIDES OF Cd, Hg, Fey Pb, AND Zn, REGENERATED BY OXIDATION-
REDUCTION PROCESSES IN SARDINIA
(P. ZUFFARDI)
Summary
A red crust of cinnabar associated with lead oxides (whitish yellow) is deposited on
corroded galena.
The order of deposition is: galena-lead oxides (mainly cerussite)-cinnabar.
The sample was collected above the water table in a lead-zinc ore-body in dolomite
wall rock (at Monteponi).
Mercury may derive from weathering of mercuriferous sphalerjtes.
Here again, another example of the validity of the Schiirmann series is seen; just a
very small amount of H,S - so small as to leave cerussite unaffected and that can be
available even in oxidizing conditions - is able to precipitate Hg, the element with
the highest affinity for sulfur of all metals of the Schiirmann series.
Examples 5-10: Deposition of colloidal sphalerite and galena in the oxidatjon zone
These samples have been collected at various depths along the Montevecchio lead-
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zinc ore-body from about 10 m below the outcrops on the surface to about 500 m
below the surface (200 m below sea level).
Example 5 shows nodules of botryoidal sphalerite deposited on top of partially
dissolved ankerite (Fig.6).
Example 6 consists of gypsum (platy white crystals) in association with the same
type of sphalerite.
Examples 7 and 8 show reniform to botryoidal sphaleriteupon which some embryon-
al crystals of galena grew (Fig.7).
Examples 9 and 10 represent the same situation in polished section. Galena crystals
are arranged along the boundaries of the sphalerite “shells” and/or in contraction
fissures in the external portions of the sphalerite nodules.
On the basis of examples 5-10 a paragenetic order of deposition may be estab-
lished: galena was deposited during or after sphalerite.
This fact would be in contrast with the Schurmann series if one assumes that zinc
and lead have circulated in true solution. Perhaps, in this case, zinc sulfide was
formed from a colloidal suspension, while lead was circulated in ionic solution.
The samples in this case originated from deep levels of the Montevecchio lead-zinc
mine.
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Fig.7. Botryoidal sphalerite upon which two embryonal crystals of galena are visible; x 8.
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Fig.8. Massive galena coating tabular, probably supergene, barite crystals; natural size.
SUMMARY
Some examples of barite and of various sulfides deposited in late supergene fissures
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REFERENCES
Ahlsmz, G. C. and WARD, H. J., 1956. Geologia y mineralizaci6n del deposit0 de plomo de Mata-
gente, Cerro de Pasco, Peru. Bol. Soc. Geol.Peru, 30 : 13-31.
DANA, J. D., 1960. m e System of Mineralogy,7 ed. Wiley, New York, 2 : 1124 pp.
SALVADORI, I., 1951. Su alcune particolari mineralizzazioni del Sulcis (Sardegna Sud-Occidentale).
Rend. Assoc. Mineraria Sarah, 65 (8) : 58-71.
SUIRNOW, S. S., 1954. Die Oxyahtionszone surjidischer Lqgerstatten. Akademie Verlag, Berlin, 312 pp.
(Russian edition 1951).
ZUPPARDI, P., 1960. Segnalazione della presenza di Monheimite fra i minerali del giacimento di
Montevecchio. Rend. Assoc. Mineraria Sarah, 64 (8) : 5-9.
ZUPPARDI, P., 1962. Fenomeni di ricircolazione nel giacimento di Montevecchio e I’evoluzione in
profonditil della sua mineralizzazione. Rend. Assoc. Mineraria Sarah, 66 (1,2) : 17-73.
ZUPPARDI, P.,1963. Fenomeni di ricircolazione nel giacimenti sardi a solfuri. Rend. Assoc. Mineraria
Sarda, 67 (7) :5-28.
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A . Bernard (France):
A propos de la communication de L. Love: Pyrite des Malines et du Soulier (Gaid).
Elles montrent frequemment une evolution esquisske dans Fig. 1.
r6lique de texture
en frarnboise
pyrite
Fig. 1.
D . H . Welte (Germany):
With reference to the paper by L. Love: If one dissolves the little pyrite globules
with HNO,, one can find a kind of a network of organic matter.
D. di Colbertaldo (Italie):
A propos de la structure microframboidale illustree par L. Love, de pyrite, je veux
remarquer d’avoir observe plusieur fois dans les calcaires Ladinique et dans les dolo-
mites anisiques des Alpes Meridionales, des veins microscopiques avec spherulites
framboidales de pyrite.
P. Zufsardi (Italy):
Referring to L. Love’s paper on the possibility of low temperature sulfide deposi-
tion, I wish to present two examples which, in my opinion, can be taken as a proof that
some sphalerite and some galena may be deposited at a low temperature; namely, the
temperature of weathering.
The first example refers to mammillary sphalerite on corroded ankerite. The sample
was collected on outcrops of the Montevecchio lead-zinc mine (Sardinia). I think that
the corrosion of ankerite and the deposition of sphalerite are linked, and both depend
on local variations of oxidation-reduction conditions.
The second example refers to embryonal galena growing on mammillary sphalerite.
The sample was collected on a lower level in the same mine, where reducing conditions
were prevalent.
If more time was available, I should like to present more instances of sulphide depo-
sition at low temperatures by weathering processes; namely: (I) pyrite-marcasite, in
drop-like little masses and in stalactites; (2) greenockite on galena; (3) cinnabar on
I
lead-oxides.
Of course I wish to emphasize that the samples presented by me are, in my opinion,
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
connected only to weathering processes and they do not involve any implication on the
general genesis of the main ore-bodies from which they come.
H. J. MacGiIlavry (The Netherlands):
Does Mr. Bernard consider his haut-fonds hypothesis as an alternative to the hypoth-
esis of late volcanic exhalations? Some writers would consider it necessary to have
depressions, rather, of the sea-floor. However, both would then consider the configura-
tion of the sea-floor as the main cause of metal-concentration.
This however does not necessarily mean that these hypotheses are alternative to the
hypothesis of submarine volcanic exhalations. That hypothesis would also presumably
need some conditions of sea-floor configuration in order to cause the ore to be formed.
Isn’t it necessary to consider the entire geologic context?
A. Bernard (France):
L’hypothtse purement skdimentaire s’oppose 21 l’hypothtse exhalative-skdimentaire,
dans la mesure oa cette dernitre se veut unique. La nature de l’apport exceptionnel de
mktaux lourds dans un site skdimentologique pitge doit &re recherchke dans l’histoire
gkologique de l’environnement du gite:
(1) Skries transgressives sur un socle longtemps kmerg6 (milieux kpicontinentaux),
absence de manifestations effusives, par exemple, province sous-cdvenole; il semble
ici I’apport le plus probable soit terrigtne.
(2) Skries gkosynclinales (mio-gkosyclinales) a volcanisme sous-marin pr6orogkni-
que, visiblement en liaison spatiale et temporelle avec les minkralisations: la, et si j’en
crois H.-J. Schneider et A. Maucher, il semble que l’apport le plus probable soit
volcanique-exhalatif.
Ma communication n’a donc d’autre but que de donner droit de citk 21 l’apport
terrigtne sans exclure pour autant l’apport exhalatif.
Ph. Launey (France):
A propos de la communication d’ A. Bernard: L‘analyse gkochimique en roche,
portant sur 5.000 kchantillons du gite de zinc de Figeac et de sa pkiphkrie, montre
que ce gite est ceinturk d’une anomalie negative en zinc: le fond gkochimique qui
entoure le haut-fond a une valeur Cgale au tiers de celle trouvke rkgionalement. La
combe de variation du fond gkochimique dans le sens bassin haut-fond ainsi &re
schkmatiske comme en Fig.2. Cette anomalie nkgative n’est pas l’dquivalent de signe
coupe schematique
Fig.2.
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inverse de l’“anoma1ie positive” que constitue le gisement. Elle lui est nettement
infkrieure.
P . Routhier (France):
Observe que le raisonnement d’A. Bernard suppose que la composition de la lame
d’eau varie peu suivant le “sibe”, la position au-dessus du haut-fond ou non; qu’il n’y
aurait pas d’effet de “barribre chimique”.
A . Bernard (France):
Le schkma que j’ai proposk se place dans les conditions les plus dkfavorables: la
dissymktrie de rkpartition des teneurs par effet de barribre lors du d6pBt ne peut
qu’augmenter le taux de concentration du versant p l a d “sous le courant”.
P . Routhier (France):
Je demande a H.-J. Schneider des prkcisions sur le lien spatial entre produits vol-
caniques et minkrais dans les Apes orientales.
H.-J. Schneider (Germany):
The minerals derived from volcanic ashes do not always occur within the same
stratigraphic horizon as the ore beds. But this is not necessary in order to support a
common origin since, in active volcanic areas, the exhalation products do not always
coincide exactly with either the horizons of ash beds or the lavas.
R. W. van Bemmelen (The Netherlands):
During my field studies of the Gail-Alps with students of the Geological Institute of
the State University, Utrecht (The Netherlands), I also arrived at the conclusion that
the occurrences of lead-zinc ores in this belt (to which belong the ore deposits of
Bleiberg-Kreuth at their eastern end, near Villach) are syngenetic Ladinian deposits
which have been remobilized during the Tertiary alpine orogenesis.
These views have been stated in my papers on the Gail-Alps (“Beitrage zur Geologie
der Gailtaler Alpen”, I and II) published in the Juhrbuch der Geologischen Bundes-
unstult, 1957, 100 and 1961, 103.
Therefore, I fully agree with the views expressed by H.-J. Schneider in his paper
presented to the Symposium on sedimentology and ore genesis at Delft.
Ph. Launey (France):
A propos de la communication de G. C. Amstutz: J’ajouterai que l’on peut trouver
des relations non plus qualitatives m a i s bien quuntitutives entre certaines figures
saimentaires et la concentration des m6taux lourds: Par example, dans les gisements
stratoides de zinc du Lias infkrieur de Figeac (France). Les couches minBralis6es de
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Fig.4.
PART B
O X I D A T E D E P O S IT S
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
HERMANN HARDER
EINLEITUNG
108 H. HARDER
mehreren 100°C konnen auch in einem Nebenmeer nicht wahrend geologischer Zeiten
vorgelegen haben; denn die Eisenerzbildung ist kein sporadischer, kurzfristiger Vor-
gang, sondern vielmehr finden wir in dem Grenzlager in den unteren Schichten
(MATERN, 1931) eine Fauna, die fur das obere Mitteldevon spricht, wahrend in den
oberen Horizonten oberdevonische Fossile vorkommen.
(2) Die bei der Hydrolyse der Chloride freigewordene Salzsaure hatte das pH im
Meerwasser wesentlich verandern mussen. Die Fauna beweist aber, dass normale pH,
sowie auch normale Temperaturbedingungenvorgelegen haben.
(3) Die Erze sind zum allergrossten Teil in Zeiten vulkanischer Ruhe zur Ablagerung
gelangt. Nimmt man aber eine Zufuhr von Eisen in chloridischer Form an, wie sie bei
aktiven Vulkanen wahrend der Eruption und unmittelbar danach vorkommt, so
musste man auch in den Eisenniederschlagen die vulkanischen Produkte beobachten
konnen.
(4) Der Spurenelementgehalt der Lahn-Dill-Erze spricht aber vor allem gegen eine
exhalative Zufuhr der Metalle als Chloride. Es ist zu erwarten, dass nicht nur das Eisen
und die Kieselsaure angereichert werden, sondern auch die anderen fluchtigen
Metallchlorideentsprechend ihrem Dampfdruck und der Haufigkeit in den Gesteinen.
Die Chloride von P, Sn, As, Ti, Al, Sb, Mo, Hg haben hohere Dampfdrucke als das
FeCl,. Diese Elemente sind aber nur in geringer Menge in den Erzen enthalten. Aus-
serdem weiss man von der technischen Anreicherung der Schwermetalle mittels
Chlorgas, dass Eisen aus den Oxyden erst zwischen 800-900°C in die Chloride uber-
geht, das Si02erst bei ca 1500°C.Es ist so auch aus diesem Grunde unwahrscheinlich,
dass Eisen und Kieselsaure als Chloride angereichert werden.
Urn eine plausible Vorstellung uber die Entstehung der Lahn-Dill-Erze zu geben,
erschien es notwendig, ‘die rezenten Eisenausscheidungen einer Untersuchung zu
unterziehen.
Die hamatitischen Lahn-Dill-Eisenerze zeigen in ihrem Chemismusviele Parallelen
zu den Niederschlagen der Eisensauerlinge, vor allem durch einen hohen $30,-Gehalt
und geringe Gehalte an Al, P, Ti, Cu, Pb, etc. Es wurden so verschiedene Eisensauer-
linge einer genaueren Untersuchung unterzogen (Tafel I): Kohlensauerlinge in der
Umgebung von zeitweise tatigen Vulkanen (Xtna, ltalien; Santorin, Griechenland);
verschiedene Kohlensauerlinge als postvulkanische Nachwirkung in der Eifel;
Kohlensauerlinge in der Dachla-Oase (Agypten), die nicht im unmittelbaren Zusam-
menhang mit vulkanischen Gesteinen stehen. Bei allen Quellen handelt es sich urn
niederthermale (bis 30°C) Kohlensauerlinge. Als Quellgas kommt neben Kohlensaure
auch Stickstoff vor. Das pH liegt um 6 und wird durch die Kohlensaure-Ionen
erzeugt. Neben Kieselsaure sind in den Quellwassern Fe2+-, Mn2+-, Mg2+-, Na+-,
K+- und Ca2+-Ionen vorhanden. Der Chloridgehalt ist da, wo keine anderweitigen
Zufliisse vorliegen, sehr gering. Kommen die Wasser in den Bereich der sauerstoff-
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haltigen Oberflache, so bleibt das Fe2+nicht mehr stabil und wird zu Fe3+oxydiert. In
diesem pH-Bereich ist das Fe3+aber praktisch unloslich und es flockt als rontgenamor-
phes Eisenhydroxyd aus. Diese positiv geladenen Eisenhydroxyd-Sole flocken die
negativ geladene Kieselsaure aus und nehmen so grossere Mengen Kieselsaure auf.
Die zunachst ausgeflockten Niederschlage sind arm an Calcium und Mangan und
reicher an Eisen und Kieselsaure. Calcium und Mangan werden bei Iangerem Stehen
der Losung und vor allem bei erhohten Temperaturen (was mit einer C0,-Abgabe
verbunden ist) in grosserer Menge ausgeschieden. Der Eisengehalt in den Kohlen-
saurewassern ist nicht gross (bis 50 mg/l H,O). Diese Mengen konnen aber, wie die
rezenten Beispiele zeigen, Eisenlagerstatten in geologischen Zeiten bilden. Es ist
moglich, dass es Obergange von den kalten, etwa neutralen Kohlensaurequellen zu
heissen, sauren Quellen gibt, die vor allem unmittelbar nach einer aktiven vulkani-
schen Tatigkeit auftreten. Die heissen Quellen konnen neben Eisen auch sehr grosse
Gehalte an Aluminium aufweisen und an anderen Schwermetallen, wie Zink, Kupfer,
Arsen etc.
Durch das Ausfallen der Eisenniederschlage aus den Kohlensauerlingen wird so das
chemische Ausgangsprodukt fur die Bildung der beiden Erztypen geschaffen: hama-
titische Erze mit Kieselsaure oder mit Kalk als Gangart.
TAFEL I
ZUSAMMENSETZUNG VON EISENNIEDERSCHL~~GENAUS MINERALQUELLEN
110 H. HARDER
TAFEL I1
CHEMISCHE ZUSAMMENSETZUNG DES QUELLWASSERSUND DES DARAUS
AUSGEFLOCKTEN EISENNIEDERSCHLAGESIM WEHRER KESSEL
Im Eisenniederschlag % (in
Oxyden angegeben, H 2 0frei
berechnet)
Si02 60,8
Fez+ 18,8
Mn2+ 4,1
M3+ 0,3
Ti4+ 0,005
Ba2+ 0,Ol
Ca2+ 64
Mg2+ 404
Sr2+ 0,37
Na+ 100
K+ 52
Li+ ca.0,l
Rb positiv
HC0,- 765
c1- 13,6
so42- 4,6 0,02
HP042- 0,27 0,24(P20.5)
ausgelaugt worden. Es gibt keinen sicheren Hinweis dafur, dass es sich um rein vulka-
nisch zugefuhrtes Eisen handelt.
Die an den rezenten Kohlensauerlingen zu beobachtenden physikalisch-chemischen
Bedingungen erklaren die Verhaltnisse, die auf Grund geologischer Beobachtungen
bei der Ablagerung der Lahn-Dill-Erze geherrscht haben mussen: normale pH- und
Temperaturbedingungen wahrend der Ablagerung. Die Forderung von Kohlensauer-
lingen kann bei vulkanischer Ruhe geologische Zeiten uberdauern und die Elemente
anreichern, die wir in den besprochenen Erzen finden.
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
Fur die hamatitischen Eisenerze vom Lahn-Dill-Typ wurde bisher eine hochtempe-
rierte exhalative Zufuhr des Eisens und der Kieselsaure als FeCl, bzw als SiCl, ange-
nommen. Es wird eine Entstehung dieser sedimentaren Eisenerze durch Zufuhr des
Eisens aus niederthermalen Eisensauerlingen diskutiert. Rezente Eisensauerlinge
wurden chemisch untersucht. Sie enthalten: Fe2+-, Mn2+-, Ca-, Mg-, Na-, Si0,-,
HC0,-, CL- und SO,-Ionen. An der Oberflache sind die Fe2+-Ionennicht stabil, das
Eisen wird oxydiert und flockt als rontgenamorphes Hydroxyd aus. Diese Hydroxyde
adsorbieren grossere Mengen an Kieselsaure. Durch diagenetische Vorgange konnen
die Hydroxyde umkristallisieren und grobkristallinen Hamatit und Quarz bilden, die
die Hauptbestandteile der Erze vom Lahn-Dill-Typ sind. Chemisch sind die rezenten
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
SUMMARY
Two different sources of the iron in the marine-sedimentary iron-ores are possible:
(I)iron solution from weathering (Minette iron ores), (2) iron solution from volcanic
processes (Lahn-Dill-type). Genetically different iron ores can be distinguished by
using the trace element content of pure samples (free of clay or tuff).
Iron ores derived from weathering solutions are geochemically characterized by
high contents in Ti, Cr, P and especially Al. Iron ores derived from volcanic processes
have a low content of these trace elements.
This paper deals with sedimentary iron ores the Fe-content of which is attributed to
volcanic processes (Lahn-Dill-type). Other investigationshave suggested that volcanic
FeC1,-exhalations at high temperature are the source of iron for the Lahn-Dill ores.
According to these views, hematite was formed by reaction of FeCI, with water:
2 FeCl, + H 2 0 + Fe203+ 6 HC1
Similar processes are postulated for the deposition of silica. Fumaroles connected
with recent volcanism contain, besides water vapour, gases rich in various elements:
As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Al, P etc. Hot springs in volcanic environments are strongly acid
and sometimescontain the same trace elements, as well as Fe and much Al. Submarine
exhalations of these gases were suggested as the iron source for the Lahn-Dill ores.
These views, however, prove wrong in the light of recent evidence, which is (a)
geochemical: elements with high vapour pressur of their halogen compounds (Hg,
As, Sn, Ti, Al. etc.) are very rare in the ores; (b) geological: FeCI, is exhaled only at
high temperatures during a time of eruption. But the iron ores were deposited during
a period of repose. Fossils - which are found in the ores are made up of CaCO, -
cannot exist at higher temperatures nor in HC1-solutions.
To understand the origin of the Lahn-Dill ores, it seemed necessary to analyze
recent iron-rich emanations. Some acid, iron-rich springs were investigated accor-
dingly. Carbonate springs in the vicinity of temporarily active volcanoes (Etna,
Italy; Santorin, Greece); several postvolcanic carbonate springs in the Eifel moun-
tains; carbonate springs in the Dachla Oasis (Egypt) which are not directly related to
volcanic rocks. AN these are low-temperature (10-30°C) carbonate springs.
The pH ranges about 6 and is produced by the carbonate acid ions. Beside silicic
acid, Fe2+-, Mn2+-,Na+-, K+- and Ca2+-ionsare of special interest. (See Table 11.)
If the waters get to the oxygenated surface, the Fe2+does not remain stable and is
oxydized to Fe3+.In this range of pH Fe3+is practically insoluble and it flocculates as
non-crystalline iron hydroxyde. This iron hydroxyde flocculates greater quantities of
silicic acid1. The precipitates flocculated in the beginning contain little cqkium and
See the composition of the iron precipitationin Table I.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
112 H. HARDER
manganese and much iron and silicic acid. During a longer settling period of the
solution and at higher temperatures C02is released and calcium and manganese are
eliminated in greater quantities. From the precipitate of the carbonate springs the
chemical product for the origin of the two types of ores is produced: hematitic ores
with silicic acid or with lime. The Fe content in the spring waters is not great (40
mg/l H20). These quantities of iron can, however, form iron deposits in geological
times. Among the low thermal iron mobilisation by carbonate springs it is possible
that there are transitions to the acid iron springs with high temperature. The acid hot
springs have a higher content of Al, Cu, Zn etc.
The hydroxydes flocculated from carbonate springs are non-crystalline. In the course
of geologicdevelopment diagenetic and metamorphic processes may have transformed
these hydroxydes into more or less crystallized hematite, quartz and calcite. Fine
intergrowths of quartz and hematite are still observed in the ores.
If the added carboniferous waters do not find any oxydizing conditions in the area
of precipitation, the iron may be eliminated in a different way: iron carbonate can
precipitate in a seabasin the water of which is without any oxygen and H,S. Iron
sulfide will be formed, if the water contains H,S. In these different kinds of iron preci-
pitate, more productive trace elements are rendered provided they exist in the emitted
solutions. In primarily eliminated iron carbonate the manganese and calcium content
will be higher, whereas in the sulphide precipitate the content of metal-sulphides is
higher.
The iron is possibly leached out by the carbonate springs from the country rock.
There is no evidence that the iron has been added by magmatic processes.
The physical and chemical conditions to be observed in the carbonate springs
explain the processes which must have taken place during the sedimentation of the
Lahn-Dill ores: normal conditions of pH and temperature. On the assumption that
iron is added as FeCl,, high temperatures and acid pH are to be expected. The emis-
sion of carbonate springs can outlast geological times and make the elements to be
found in the ores in question richer.
LITERATUR
HARBOT, E., 1903. Zur Frage nach der Entstehung gewisser devonischer Roteisenerzlagerstten.
Neues Jahrb. Mineral., Geol. Palaontol., 1 : 179-192.
HARDER, H., 1954. Beitrag zur Petrographie und Genese der Hamatiterze des Lahn-Dill-Gebietes.
Heidelberger Beitr. Mineral. Petrog., 4 : 54-66.
HARDER, H., 1963. K6nnen die Eisensauerlinge die Genese der Lahn-Dill Erze erklilren? Beitr.
Mineral. Petrog., 9 ( 5 ) : 379-422.
HARDER, H., 1964. The use of trace elements in distinguishingdifferent genetic types of marine sedi-
mentary iron ores. Intern. Geol. Congr., 22nd, New Delhi, 1964, in preparation.
HENTSCHEL, H., 1960. Zur Frage der Bildung der Eisenene vom Lahn-Dill-Typ. Freiberger For-
schungsh., C, 79 : 82-105.
MATERN, H., 1931. Das Oberdevon der Dillmulde. Abhandl. Preuss. Geol. Landesanstalt, 134, 51-139.
SCHNEIDERH~HN, H., 1941.Lehrbuch der Erzlagerstattenkunde.Fischer, Jena, 784 pp.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
L. B U B E N I C E K
Les minerais
La premiere observation que l'on peut faire sur les minerais de Lorraine, est la grande
diversitt des aspects et l'htttrogtntitt 21 I'tchelle des blocs (BICHELONNE et ANGOT,
1939; CAILLBEE et KRAUT, 1954; C A ~1922). , Dans une analyse plus dttaillk, il
apparait que tous les minerais appartiennent toujours de par l e u structure primaire B
l'une des deux grandes catdgories suivantes (BUBENICEK,1961a): les minerais en
stratification entrecroiste et les minerais B structure contournte; les minerais du pre-
114 L. BUBEMCEK
mier type sont de loin les plus frdquents, reprtsentant environ 90% de l’extraction
actuelle.
1 *
;;,
50-
Q - s
c
10- cg C
a
30- 30- $ - 7
-
20- 20-
- -
10- 10-
O - - K - 0 - - P
t
Fig.2. Histogrammes des distributions granulomttriques des phases quartz et oolithes ferrifkres
d’arhites en stratification entrecroide. A. Oolithes. Boulange, couche grise. B. Oolithes, Hussigny,
calcaire pauvre. C. Quartz. Tressange, couche grise. D. Quartz. Tressange, couche jaune sauvage.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
TABLEAU I
ANALYSE DE LA LIMONITE
.__
&kment, composk Pourcentage
Fig.4. Arenite de paragenkse chloriteuse. Zone interconcretion. Les oolithes de limonite sont cimen-
t&s par de la chlorite en texture pelliculaire. Les figures de contact entre limonite et chlorite indiquent
le sens des reactions qui sont apparues au cows de la diagenkse: la chlorite derive de la limonite. Con-
cession de Landres, couche grise, dimension moyenne des oolithes 250 p.
Fig.5. Corrosion d‘un grain de quartz par la siderose. Les deux plages residuelles de quartz presentent
des contours dentelts, arrondis, et conservent la mgme orientation optique. Concession d’hgevillers,
couche grise, dimension moyenne du grain corrode 250 p.
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Les microarknitks
FrBquemment calciques ou quartzeuses, les microarknites prksentent une structure
contournke caracttristique; dans ce contournement, le rale jouk par Ids animaux
fouisseurs est essentiel, A tel point qu’on peut souvent parler de structure grumeleuse
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
118 L. BUBENICEK
SUCCESSION LITHOLOGIQUE
LITHOLOGIE T E N E U R EN F E R NATURE
D E 5 10 15 20 25 30 MI N I ~ R E
INTER-
CALAIRE
I
I COUCHE
I ROUGE
I
I 'RINCIPALE
I
I BASE DE
I COUCHE
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I INTER-
I
CALAIRE
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
IUCHE JAUNE
'RINCIPALE
COUCHE
GRISE
Fig.6. Lkgende A p. 11 8.
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120 L. BUBEMCEK
CONDITIONS PAL~~OGEOGRAPHIQUES
DE FORMATION
Que ce soit dans les formations actuelles ou dans les d6ppbts anciens, les sables marins
presentant une structure en stratification entrecroide, peuvent etre rapport& aux
dBp6ts littoraux ou nkritiques dans la zone d’agitation de l’eau par les vagues. De tels
dBp8ts ont BtB signalts A plus grande profondeur, mais il s’agit toujours de formations
de trbs faible extension; elles ne constituent que des anomalies locales (GUILCHER,
1954; TWENHOFEL, 1950).
Les faits precedemment Bnoncks permettent de penser que la minette lorraine s’est
depose6 dans des conditions analogues. Ceci est confirm6 par l’ttude du passage latttal
du minerai aux roches stdriles. Vers les zones topographiquement plus Blevtes, et
surtout le long du littoral suppos6, les arenites mintralisees passent A des artnites plus
grossikres, coquillibres, qui marquent l’extrbme limite des dkpdts. Ceux-ci sont ensuite
tronquts par une surface de stratification prtsentant des figures indubitables d’exon-
dation, tout au moins temporaire. Localement, cette surface n’apparait que sur des
roches riches en galets, argileuses et constitudes essentiellement de minerai remanid.
Vers les zones marines plus profondes, l’arknite mineralisee passe lattralement et pro-
gressivement A des roches contenant des argiles; plus on s’6loigne vers le large d’autre-
fois, plus la dimension des grains enrobts dans le ciment argileux diminue, et plus la
proportion de ce ciment augmente. Les figures structurales qui apparaissent sont celles
de dkppbts en milieu progressivement moins agites par l’eau, et en particulier, des
litages horizontaux ultkrieurement dtformks par le brassage d’animaux fouisseurs: ces
traces confirment la nature oxydante de l’eau sur le fond, ainsi qu’une grande abon-
dance de mati2re organique (STRAKHOV, 1957). Les artnites, par contre, ne montrent
pas de telles figures: leur zone de dtp6t cofncide en fait avec la bande oh ont dO
s’kraser violemment les vagues.
Ces difftrents termes qu’on observe en passage lateral A partir du minerai, et qui se
rapportent A ce qu’on sait des dippbts littoraux actuels (PETTIJOHN, 1956; TWENHOFEL,
1950) sont Bgalement distribues de manibre remarquable en sequences verticales.
La formation de telles sequences ne peut s’expliquer que par des regressions qui
ambnent en un point donne, des dkppbts plus grossiers et donc plus littoraux sur des
sediments plus fins anterieurement d6posCs. Les transgressions intermidiaires n’ont
apportt que peu de dtppbts, A l’exception de remaniements A la base des skquences, et
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
122 L. BUBENICEK
La formation de telles skquences ne peut s’expliquer que par des rkgressions qui
ambnent, en un point donnk, des dtpbts plus grossiers et donc plus littoraux sur des
skdiments plus fins antkrieurement dkposks. Les transgressions intermkdiaires n’ont
apportk que peu de dkpbts et des facibs de remaniement.
SUMMARY
Detailed petrographic analysis of the oolitic iron minerals of Lorraine make it possible
to recognize the part played by diagenetic processes which have contributed in giving
the minette ore its present appearance. These processes consisted mainly in the con-
centration, leading to the formation of concretions, of the calcite material of shells,
and in the reduction of the iron, which resulted in the formation of new minerals:
chlorite, siderite, pyrite.
In their original state, which is sometimes preserved, and in the remaining cases can
always be reconstructed, these sediments were indurated sands composed of oolites,
quartz grains and shell fragments, i.e., arenaceous material. Their original structure
was cross bedded (or -laminated). These facts render it likely that the minette ore was
deposited in littoral environment under the influence of waves. The petrography of
the various lithological units shows unequivocally that not only the ore minerals, but
almost the whole mass of the aalemian deposits is of detrital origin.
In studying the distribution of the ore layers in the whole formation, granulome-
trical sequences have become apparent, in which the mean diameter of the detrital
grains increases from the base to the top: they are “negative sequences”.
The formation of such sequences can only be explained as the result of regressions
which led, at a given point, to the deposition of coarser and more littoral material on
older sediments of finer grain. The intervening transgressions have resulted in little
sedimentation, the material having a reworked character.
BIBLIOGRAPHlE
I D A VALETON
The bauxites in southern France are derived from fine clastic sediments. They are
deposited in layers on an ancient karst relief, on the southern slope of the “Massif
Central”, the “Isthme durancien”, and the “Massif des Maures”. Petrographically
they may be divided into three different facies: ( I ) Bauxite with gibbsite. (2) Bauxite
with boehmite. (3) Bauxite with diaspore. (VALETON and KLINT,1962.)
The experimental representation of the system Al,O,-H,O (Fig.1) by ERVINand
OSBORN(1951) gave the incorrect idea that natural diaspore can only be built under
high temperature and pressure conditions, and thus that it is always metamorphic.
TEMPERATURE O C
Fig.1. Equilibriumdiagram for the system Al,Os-HzO. Heavy lines delineate regions of stability of the
crystalline phases. Light line is the vaporisation curve for water; and, in view of the low solubility of
alumina in water, this curve approximates the vaporisation curve for solutions in this system. (After
ERVIN and OSBORN, 1951.)
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
124 I. VALETON
m Sno.
O’” 0 10 20 39 40 0 to 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 10 20 M 40 Weight,%
KAOLlNlTE BOEHMITE -+ ANATASE HEMATITE + GOETHITE
A. The boehmitic facies -in Mazaugues (Var) - consists of three zones in a vertical
succession:
111. Bright bauxite, with few pisolites.
11. Red bauxite, with many pisolites and “fluidal” textures.
I. Bright bauxite, with few pisolites.
The following minerals appear: Kaolinite in the zones I and I11 in the matrix,
boehmite and a little gibbsite in all zones in the matrix as well as in the pisolites. The
content of anatase rises with that of boehmite. Hematite and sometimes goethite are
found in zone 11in the matrix and in the pisolites (Fig.2).
The chemical investigation shows that the A1,03 content increases only a little
towards the top. SiO, has a maximum in zones I and 111 corresponding to the content
of kaolinite. The content of Fe,03 increases in zone I1 from bottom to top and vanishes
almost completely in zone III. TiOz and ZrO, contents behave like Al,03. NiO, how-
ever, is proportional to SiO, and is included in the kaolinite. The content of trace
elements in the minerals of iron changes abruptly between zones I1 and 111. In that
section there is no FeO (Fig. 3).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
n
-
lI
' i O- I
- 1
0 . 10 20
KAOLlNlTE
30 40 1 10 20
BOEHMITE
30 40
DIASPORE
50
- 60 70 0 10 20 Weight,%
f GOETHITE t
HE MAT I T E
Fig.4. Quantitative mineral distribution of section 9, Pkreille (Arikge),
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
1 I
I
I
I
127
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
128 I. VALETON
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
I
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 9 1011 12 13 i
PH
Fig.6. Eh-pH stability fields for hematite (Fe,O,), magnetite (Fe,O,), siderite (FeCO,) and pyrite
(FeS,) at 20°C and 1 atmosphere under the following conditions: (Z dissolved sulphur ionic species) =
1 0 9 moles/l. (X dissolved carbonate ionic species) = 10-l molesll. The dotted lines mark the field
boundaries of FeCO,, Fe(OH), and Fe(OH), under the following conditions: (Z dissolved sulphur
ionic species) = 1o-S moles/l. (Z dissolved carbonate ionic species) = lWmoles/l. (After NICHOLLS,
1963.)
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
If the iron compounds of our bauxite are placed in this scheme, than the diaspore
bauxite appears as the result of natural diagenesis without metamorphism and with a
lower redox potential than that of the bauxite with boehmite. On the other hand,
BARDOSSY(1958) has shown that bauxite with gibbsite is formed at a higher redox
potential than boehmite.
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
BARDOSSY, G . J., 1958. The geochemistry of Hungarian bauxites. 11. Acta Geol. Acad. Sci. Hung.,
5 : 103-155. .
ERVIN,G . and OSBORN, E. F., 1951. The system AI,O,-H,O. J . Geol., 59 : 381-394.
NICHOLLS, G. D., 1963. Environmental studies in sedimentary geochemistry. Sci. Progr. (London),
51 (201) : 12-31.
VALETON, I. and KLINT,W., 1962. Petrographie der Bauxite von Mazaugues, Siidfrankreich. Geol.
Rundschau, 52 :475492.
VALETON, I., 1963. Petrographie und Geochemie siidfranziisischer Bauxitlagerstatten. Beitr. Mineral.
Petrog. - Festband Prof. Correns, in press.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
A. Bernard (France):
L. Bubenicek pourrait-il nous donner, en parallhle, son opinion sur l’origin terrigene
du fer?
L. Bubenicek (France):
Pour expliquer une telle concentration du fer dans I’Aalenien de Lorraine, plusieurs
auteurs ont 6th aments a imaginer une ttape anttrieure de concentration, cette fois
ptdologique; en particulier les sols ferralitiques ou lattritiques.
En fait il semble qu’une solution plus simple, et surtout exigeant des conditions
moins extraordinaires, puisse Ctre envisagte:
En effet, la fin du Toarcien (ex-Aalenien)co’incideen Lorraine avec une vaste regres-
sion faisant suite une ptriode assez longue durant laquelle se sont dtposks des assi-
ses extrCmement tpaisses de skdiments argileux marins. Ces stdiments se sont trouvds
exondts et soumis l’trosion sur d’immenses surfaces en avant des massifs primaires.
Or une premiere concentration du fer (et du phosphore) est apparue au stade diagknt-
tique dans ces produits argileux sous forme de concretions sidtritiques ou phosphattes.
L’action de l’trosion de cet ensemble liasique s’est traduit par un transport de
l’ensemble vers la mer.
Le long du littoral les conditions physiques et physicochimiques du milieu ont
effectut une stparation des produits:
(a) par dimensions et donc entre divers dttritiques apportts ou meme d’origine
littorale (en particulier les oolithes et les dtbris de coquilles) et les produits argileux
fins;
(b) par nature chimique: prtcipitation littorale du fer avec formation d’oolithes, ce
qui lui permet d’etre ensuite trit par dimension.
Le cycle du fer est apparemment indtpendant du cycle gtntral d’tvolution du bassin
marin: lorsque du fer est apportt dans le bassin, il est stdimentt le long du littoral
sous forme d’oolithes limonitiques. Pour qu’il y ait gisement, il est nkessaire alors
que les apports d’autre nature soient faibles. En Lorraine, la pauvrett en grains de
quartz des sBries ferrifhres s’expliquerait par la nature essentiellement argileuse des
assises dont les produits de l’trosion alimentent le bassin a la fin du Toarcien. Ainsi,
dans le minerai, la dilution des oolithes dans l’ensemble des grains dttritiques est
faible, et ne s’ophre surtout que par la calcite des dtbris de coquilles.
Par ailleurs les quantitks de fer mises en jeu par cette trosion, sont largement supk-
rieures a celles de l’ensemble du gisement.
La position des divers minerais de fer oolithiques du monde au cours des Bges
gtologiques montre par ailleurs que cette hypothtse, Cmise anttrieurement par M.
Kolbe pour expliquer la gtntse du gisement de Salzgitter, peut &re largement appli-
quke.
J. Senstius (USA.):
In connection with Mrs. I. Valeton’s paper mentioning kaolin, I should like to ask
whether she has used modern methods of kaolin determination and, if so, whether she
has not found montmorillonite, which would be of great importance in the consider-
ation of the origin of bauxite.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
P. Routhier (France):
Je demande A Mme I. Valeton si elle peut s'expliquer la rtpartition (paleo) gtogra-
phique de l'hydrargillite, de la boehmite, du diaspore, etc., et fait observer que la
rtgion A diaspore semblerait tout de mbme se trouver dans la region la plus d6formke.
I. Valeton (Deutschland):
Als Antwort auf die Frage von P. Routhier, Ursachen der Faziesunterschiede
Boehmit-Diasperbauxite: Boehmit-Bauxit mit Haematit und Goethit; Diasporbauxit
mit wenig Haematit und Siderit, Pyrit, etc. als primare Bildungen.
Die tektonische Beanspruchung am Col de Btzon ist so gering, dass keine Meta-
morphose durch tektonische Einwirkung aufgetreten sein kann. Die Bildungszeit war
sehr kurz, Liegendes Baremien, Hangendes Aptien in der gleichen karbonatischen
Riffazies.
Frage ob authochton oder allochton: Alle untersuchten Profile zeigen eine sicher
authochtone Abfolge. In den untersuchten Profilen treten keine Umlagerungspro-
dukte auf und sind keine Erosions-erscheinungen zu beobachten.
Frage von J. Senstius nach Tonmineralgehalt: Im Var nur Kaolinit mit blattchen-
formiger Gestalt, pseudohexagonal, und d = 7.2 A, in Aritge und Ande wurden in
der tonigen Fazies auch ein geringer Gehalt an Montmorillonit beobachtet.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
PART C
S U L P H A T E A N D PHOSPHATE D E P O S I T S
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
MAURICE SLANSKY
INTRODUCTION
Les roches phosphaths sont relativement frdquentes dans les formations sedimen-
taires, mais la plupart du temps elle ne prdsentent aucun intCrQtkonomique et n’indi-
quent mQmepas la proximite d’un niveau A mindralisation plus abondante. Seuls les
indices trbs importants, s’ils sont visibles, peuvent mener directement au gisement.
Aussi, si Yon. veut dhouvrir une accumulation economiquement intdressante sans
trop faire appel au hasard, l’dtude des indices doit Ctre compldtde par des methodes
gdologiques dont cette note essaie d’dvoquer l’importance.
Les argiles magnksiennes telles que la montmorillonite, l’attapulgite et la dpiolite f o m n t , dam cet
ordre, une dquence positive comparable h la dquence calcaire, calcaire dolomitique, dolomie. Je
pew que ces Sequences sont parall&leset ne peuvent etre condensks en une seule.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
138 M. SLANSKY
Opposition d’origine
I1 semble, que l’on puisse admettre que la plupart des d$&s rencontrbs dans les
series sedimentaires habituelles sont la constquence directe de l’erosion des conti-
nents. En suivant les idBes de ERHART (1956), on peut distinguer trois modes d’drosion:
( I ) Celle qui entraine essentiellement vers le bassin les solutions chimiques de la
“phase migratrice” des sols, en periode biostasique.
(2) Celle qui entraine vers le bassin les particules de la “phase rbsiduelle” des sols,
en pkriode rhexistasique.
(3) Celle qui entraine vers le bassin des debris plus ou moins gros des roches mBres
du continent en periode post-rhexistasique.
Ces trois modes d’krosion expliquent bien la formation concomitante, dans le
bassin, des roches sedimentaires habituelles: roches detritiques diverses likes A la
rhexistasie ou la post-rhexistasie, roches d’origine chimique tels que les calcaires,
dolomies, cherts, argiles magnesiennes neoformies likes A la biostasie. En dehors de
cas exceptionnels d’krosion directe de roches riches en phosphates, seule la phase
migratrice des sols de la pkriode biostasique semble pouvoir constituer pour le bassin
un approvisionnement rkgulier en solutions phosphatkes.
Cependant, la proportion de phosphate de la phase migratrice des sols du continent
parait bien faible par rapport aux autres produits en solution apportes au bassin et il
est difficile d’imaginer que cette seule source, utilisee directement, permette la forma-
tion d’un niveau phosphate important prenant le pas sur toute autre sbdimentation.
Par contre, si ce phosphate n’est pas utilise immidiatement, s’il est m i s en reserve dans
la mer, on conCoit beaucoup mieux qu’il puisse intervenir ensuite, dans certaines con-
ditions, de facon beaucoup plus massive.
L‘etude des dBp6ts chimiques effectues au cours d’une pkriode biostasique permet de
remarquer que de grandes series argilo-marneuses magnbsiennes ne contiennent que
trBs peu de phosphate et souvent pas du tout; cela semble aussi le cas des grandes
series cherteuses. La phase migratrice correspondante, cependant vraisemblablement
phosphatk, a donc, pendant tout ce temps contribue A renforcer la reserve phosphatee
de la mer. Au bout d’une longue periode de sedimentation chimique pauvre en phos-
phate, cette contribution peut devenir importante.
La rkserve phosphatee de la mer apparait ainsi comme la meilleure source suscepti-
ble de contribuer A la formation d’un dBp6t important de phosphate. Cette idee n’est
bvidemment pas nouvelle; elle a 6t6 notamment utilisee de f q o n particulikrement
fkconde par KAZAKOV (1937) pour expliquer la formation des dkp6ts phosphates par
l’existence de courants marins ascendants venant des profondeurs marines oil le
phosphate est plus soluble qu’A faible profondeur; elle permet ici de mettre l’accent
sur l’opposition originelle existant entre une couche de phosphate et les niveaux s6di-
mentaires stbriles plus habituels. Ceux ci se constituent en general A partir de matkriaux
provenant directement du continent, celle-lA ne trouve une matike premihre abon-
dante que dans les solutions mises en reserve dans la mer au cours de longues periodes
anterieures.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Opposition quantitative
Plusieurs auteurs ont dCja remarquk que les zones les plus riches en phosphate d’une
formation gkologique, correspondent a des zones de moindre kpaisseur de cette for-
mation. SALVAN(1959) a notamment constatk ce phknombne au Maroc et j’ai eu
l’occasion de le remarquer en Afrique occidentale. Par exemple au Togo, la formation
phosphatke a une dizaine de mbtres d’tpaisseur et appartient a la partie suptrieure du
Lutttien; la minkralisation devient diffuse et disparait vers le sudest en mCme temps
que cette mCme formation atteint rapidement une Cpaisseur de plus de 100 m. Au
Sknkgal, la diffkrence d’kpaisseur entre le Lutktien supkrieur phosphate et son kquiva-
lent latkral stkrile est du mCme ordre et mdme plus important.
Ces diffkrences d’kpaisseur montrent que l’apport phosphate est beaucoup plus
faible que l’apport responsable des dip& skdimentaires plus habituels.
Lorsque l’on s’kloigne d’un gisement de phosphate en direction des Cpaisseurs crois-
santes de la formation stratigraphique correspondante, la minkralisation disparait,
soit brutalement, soit par l’intermkdiaire d’une zone plus ou moins importante A
minkralisation diffuse. Mais il ne semblejamais y avoir rtellement dilution de la mink-
ralisation par la sedimentation abondante des zones kpaisses, il y a en quelque sorte
inhibition plus ou moins rapide. Les conditions de dkp6t favorables a l‘abondance de
la skdimentation stkrile ou de la sedimentation phosphatke semblent s’opposer.
La recherche du phosphate est ktroitement like A cette opposition existant entre cette
roche et les formations stkriles habituelles. En effet, du fait de l’origine gknkralement
diffkrente de ces deux sortes de dkp6ts, l’un lib aux solutions en rkserve dans la mer,
l’autre aux matkriaux provenant directement du continent, un bassin marin peut &re
au mCme moment aliment6 concurremment de ces deux facons. Mais dans ce cas, la
skdimentation stkrile, par son abondance et ses propri6tes inhibitrices possibles, a de
fortes chances de l’emporter. Aussi, pour qu’un gisement de phosphate se :oit formk, il
faut qu’aient exist6 A la fois dans le bassin une pkriode favorable a la phosphatogknbse
une rkgion favorable aux accumulations de phosphate a bonne teneur, une pkriode
ou une rkgion dkfavorables A la sedimentation stkrile abondante.
Pkriodesfavorables h. la phosphatogknke
La recherche de ces pkriodes peut Ctrz abordke de deux facons diffkrentes qui, d’ail-
leurs, se complbtent. ;
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
140 M. SLANSKY
Crittrespalko-odanographiques
Determiner directement le moment oh ont exist6 des courants amenant vers la
surface les solutions plus riches en phosphate des profondeurs marines, est un pro-
blbme pal6o-ockanographique difficile & resoudre. Cette determination peut &re faite
cependant indirectement par l’bge des indices de phosphate que l’on connait dans la
strie stratigraphique locale ou dans les bassins voisins.
Critires skdimentologiques
Du fait de la permanente de la reserve phosphatk de la mer, on peut s’attendre B ce
que les courants phosphatogbnes puissent concrktiser leur effet dans un bassin &
n’importe quel moment du cycle sedimentaire. Certains exemples viennent & l’appui de
cette id&. Toutefois, les dt5pBts phosphates importants ont une position beaucoup
moins variee par rapport & la skdimentation. VISE (1953) avait dkjh remarque que ces
dkpBts importants se produisaient en fin de cycle sedimentaire. A la lumibre de ce que
j’ai pu voir en Afrique occidentale, plus rapidement en Afrique du nord, et tout rkcem-
ment en Colombie, on peut ajouter que les dkpdts phosphates importants intervien-
nent vers la fin d’une sedimentation chimique pauvre en phosphate. C‘est ainsi qu’au
Togo et au Sknkgal, les dt5pBts exploites de l’fiocbne moyen se superposent a une
importante serie argileuse B attapulgite pauvre en phosphate, qui dkbute dbs la fin du
PalBocbne. En Colombie, les niveau COMUS les plus importants interviennent & la
fin de dBpBts chimiques 2i montmorillonite - attapulgite dans lesquels les cherts sont
particulibrement dkvelopp6s. On peut alors se demander si ces dkpBts, au lieu #&re
liks simplement A la reserve phosphatte gBnQale du fond des mers, ne sont pas lies au
contraire 6troitement & la rkserve phosphatke particulibre qui s’est constituke dans le
bassin ou & proximitk, a partir de la phase migratrice des sols, pendant tout le temps
de dCpBt des formations argileuses magnksiennes ou cherteuses peu phosphatks.
I1 semble ainsi qu’on ait des chances notables de rencontrer une periode favorable
& la phosphatogknbe abondante, vers l’issue d’une longue periode & sedimentation
chimique peu phosphatee. On voit alors que, dans ce premier aspect de la recherche
du phosphate, & c6tB de la recherche habituelle des indices, l’ktude skdimentologique
des formations stkriles prend un rBle important.
Rkgionsfavorables 6 la phosphatogkntse
Lorsque Ies reliefs sont vigoureux sur le continent, l’krosion est vive, les d$Bts sont
dktritiques et abondants. Les reliefs ensuite s’attknuent, l’6rosion est moins Bnergique,
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
CONCLUSION
Cette courte note ne peut prktendre traiter tout le problkme de la recherche du phos-
phate. Elle essaie simplement de montrer que ce problkme peut Ctre abordk de plu-
sieurs manikes qu’il faut d’ailleurs associer. Au stade de la recherche des zones favo-
rables aux accumulations phosphatkes, la recherche des indices minkralisks, si elle est
importante, n’a cependant qu’un r61e relativement secondaire. L‘ktude skdimentolo-
gique des formations stkriles, des dkp6ts d’origine chimique notammeht, joue au
contraire un r6le de premier plan.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
142 M. SLANSKY
RESUMB
Les phosphates de chaux skdimentaires s’opposent aux termes plus habituels des
skquences lithologiques par l’origine distincte des matkriaux qui leur ont donnk nais-
sance, la diffkrence quantitative existant entre les apports phosphatks et les apports
stkriles contemporains, les conditions de dkp6t. Ces oppositions servent de fils con-
ducteurs a la recherche du phosphate qui consiste 51 localiser a la fois des pkriodes et
des rkgions favorables a la phosphatogknbse et des pkriodes et rkgions dkfavorables a
une skdimentation stkrile abondante. Au stade de la recherche des zones favorables
aux accumulations phosphatkes, l’ktude skdimentologique des formations stkriles
joue un r61e essentiel.
SUMMARY
The sedimentary calcium phosphates are opposed to the more usual lithological
sequences by the distinct origin of the materials that have given them birth, by the
quantitative difference existing between the influx of phosphates and the influx of
contemporaneous barren materiel, and by the conditions of sedimentation.
These oppositions serve as a guide to the research for phosphates which consists in
localizing, at the same time, the periods and regions favourable for the genesis of
phosphates and those unfavourable for an abundant sedimentation of barren material.
The sedimentological study of the barren formations is essential during the phase of
research of zones fwourable for the accumulation of phosphates.
BIBLIOGRAPHIE
ERHART, H., 1956. La Gendse des Sols en tant gue Phdnomdnegdologigue.Masson, Paris, 90 pp.
KAZAKOV, A. V., 1937. Les facibs phosphatks et la genkse des phosphates. Tr. Nauchn. Inst. PO Udobr.
i Insektofug., 139 : 3-73.
LOMBARD, A., 1956. Gdologie sddimentaire. Les Sdries marines. Masson, Paris, 722 pp.
SALVAN, H., 1959. Le problbme de la phosphatogknbse et son kvolution. Mines Gdol. (Morocco),
6 : 3141.
SLANSKY, M., 1962. Contribution it l’ktude gkologique du bassin sidimentairecotier du Dahomey et
du Togo. Mdm. Bur. Rech. Minidres, 11 : 270 pp.
VISSE,L., 1953. Les facibphosphates. Rev. Znst. Franc. Pdtrole Ann. Combust. Liguides, I : 87-99.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
MINERALOGTSCH-GEOCHEMISCHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN AN
COELESTOBARYTMIT SEDIMENTAREM GEFUGE
(Bohrung Hohes Moor Z 1, Nordwest-Deutschland)
Der Bereich der angenommenen Storung wurde durch die Kernstrecke 3568,8-
3578,4 m (Gewinn 9,0 m) erfasst und lasst sich nach QUESTER
(1959) in die vier fol-
genden Abschnitte gliedern (von oben nach unten):
Der Baryt (b)stellt nach QUESTER(1959) eine das primar hier vorhandene Karbonat-
gestein verdrangende Einschaltung dar, unterhalb der eine 6 m machtige, stark zer-
brochene und zerriittete Kalk- und Dolomitserie (c) folgt. Einzelne Gesteipsteile sind
Die fur diese Untersuchung zur Verfugung gestellten Kernabschnitte ergaben eine Machtigkeit der
Barytlage von 0,79m.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
zerbrochen und gegeneinander versetzt (zum Ted mit calcitverheilten Kliiften, die
Fluorit enthalten), der urspriingliche Gesteinsverband ist jedoch stets noch erkennbar.
QUESTER (1959) folgert hieraus, dass der obere Teil des in der Bohrung Hohes Moor
Z 1 auftretenden Hauptdolomits im Bereich einer St6rungszone liegt, die auch die im
Vergleich zu den benachbarten Bohrungen Deblinghausen Z 1 und Buchhorst Z 1
angetroffene geringe Machtigkeit des Hauptdolomits deuten wiirde.
Die vorliegenden Untersuchungen beschranken sich auf die eigentliche Barytzone
sowie auf die Gesteinsbereiche im unmittelbaren Hangenden und Liegenden.
MIKROSKOPISCHE BESCHREIBUNG
rechteckigem Querschnitt und einer mittleren Grosse von 0,1o-O,25mm bilden ein
unregelmassig-korniges Gefuge, gelegentlich wird die fur primare Anhydritabschei-
dung typische “pile of brick-structure” beobachtet.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Stellenweise treten einzelne grosse (bis 2 mm) Anhydritkristalle auf, die auf Kosten
kleinerer Kristalle gewachsen sind.
Untergeordnet sind feinstkorniger Calcit und Tonmineralien (Illit und Kaolinit)
am Gesteinsaufbau beteiligt.
Die Barytzone
Coelestobaryt
Der Coelestobaryt tritt fast niemals in definierten Einzelkristallen sondern meist in
facherformigen und rosettenartigen Aggregaten auf. Die im Durchschnitt 3-6 mm
langen, haufig gekriimmten und sich ineinander verzahnenden, nach der a-Achse
gestreckten, xenomorphen bis hypidiomorphen Kristalle, die undulos ausloschen und
haufig aufeinander senkrecht stehencie Spaltrichtungen (nach 001 und 0 10) erkennen
lassen, sind durch feinstverteilten Pyrit schwach dunkel gefarbt (Abb.3).
Vom strahligen, grobspatigen Typus abweichend sind hypidiomorphe bis idio-
morphe Kristalle von 0,1-0,3 mm Lange, die nicht gekriimmt sind und keine undulose
Ausloschung zeigen. Sie treten stets in karbonatreichen Partien der Coelestobarytzone
auf und ahneln in Ausbildung und Gesteinsverband den von MULLER (1962) beschrie-
benen evaporitischen Coelestin-Karbonat-Mischgesteinen.
Karbonate
Calcit und Dolomit mit einem Einzelkorndurchmesservon ca. 0,Ol mm bilden un-
regelmassig begrenzte wolkig-schlierige Haufwerke. Daneben tritt klarer Calcit als
Zwickelfiillung (bis 6 mm Durchmesser) im Coelestobaryt auf. Idiomorpher Dolomit
(Rhomboeder) ist haufig auf Coelestobaryt-Korngrenzen sowie auf Kliiften zu be-
obachten.
Quarz
Quarz tritt vereinzelt als EinschluB in Coelestobaryt oder (hier zum Teil stark ange-
reichert) auf Stylolithenflachen auf. Er ist stets idiomorph, haufig enthalt er Ein-
schlusse von feinverteiltem Karbonat.
;
Anhydrit
Anhydrit tritt in bis 2 mm grossen, langprismatischen, in Bezug auf den sie ein-
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Schwefel
Geringe Mengen von Schwefel sind feinverteilt uber das ganze Profil vorhanden.
Lediglich im Bereich von barytverheilten Kluften finden sich bis zu 1 cm grosse
Kristalle.
Fluorit
Fluorit wurde nur im untersten Teil der Coelestobarytzone als Seltenheit beob-
achtet. Er tritt als Zwickelfullung (max. 1,5 mm) zwischen Coelestobaryt auf.
Die chemische Untersuchung des Profils wurde derart ausgefuhrt, dass die gesamte
Machtigkeit des Coelestobaryts in 40 Abschnitte zerlegt wurde. Der hangende An-
hydrit wurde in einer, der liegende Kalk mit sechs Proben erfasst. Bestimmt und in
Tabelle I angegeben wurden die Werte Dichte, Sr, CaO, MgO, Schwefel, COz und
Fluor. Ausserdem wurden an einer Anzahl von Proben die Porositat und der Kalium-
gehalt bestimmt. Qualitativ konnte im Kalk Mangan nachgewiesen werden. Stron-
tium, Calcium und Kalium wurden flammenphotometrisch bestimmt (cf. PUCHELT,
1963). Mg sowie Calcium (als Kontrolluntersuchungen) wurden mit AeDTE titriert.
Die ubrigen Werte wurden nach gangigen Methoden erhalten (siehe HILLEBRAND
et al., 1953). Die Porositat betragt bei allen Proben unter 6%, in vielen Fallen war
uberhaupt kein Porenraum mehr feststellbar. Der Kaliumgehalt aller untersuchten
Proben (12) ist unter 0,02 % K,O.
Das Karbonat der Proben ist in Calcit und Dolomit enthalten. Durch Vergleich der
Analysenwerte fur Kohlendioxyd und MgO sowie CaO geht hervor, dass nur ge-
ringste Mengen des CaO (stets < 0,1%) in den Baryt eingebaut sein konnen.
Unter Beriicksichtigung der Grbsse der untersuchten Profilabschnitte errechnet
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
TABELLE I
ERGEBNISSE DER CHEMISCHENUNTERSUCHUNGEN urn DER DICHTEBESTIMMUNGEN~
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I1 I2 13
Laufende Abstand von Dichte CO, CaO MgO CaIcit2 DolomitS Sr SrSO, SrSO, F 5
Nr. der Grenze Baryt- 20"/4" % % % % % Gewichts- Molekular
Probe Anhydrit: cm prozent4 Prozent4
1 - 4,O- 0,o 2,973 0.66 n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. 0,23 < 0,002 ' 0,27
2 0,O- l,o 4,320 0,97 1,22 < 0,Ol 2,18 < 0,05 3,76 8,06 10,02 < 0,002 0,09
3 1,O- 3,O 4,280 1,Ol 1,26 < 0,Ol 2,25 < 0,05 4,67 10,02 12,40 n.b. 0,10
4 3 , s 5,O 4,324 1,25 1,55 < 0,Ol 2,77 < 0,05 3,99 8,60 10,68 n.b. 0,30
5 5,O- 7,O 4,309 1,23 1,54 < 0,Ol 2,75 < 0,05 3,02 6,48 8,09 0,007 0,47
6 7,O- 8,5 3,974 8,09 10,13 0,20 17,58 0,91 3,08 7,92 9,85 n.b. 0,19
7 8,5-10,O 3,906 8,41 10,28 0,38 179 1,74 3,21 8,32 10,34 n.b. 0,14
8 lO,O-11,5 4,288 0,92 1,14 < 0,Ol < 0,05 4,63 9,90 12,25 < 0,002 0,45
9 11,5-13,O 4,333 0,51 0,62 < 0,Ol 1,11 < 0,05 4,65 9,87 12,22 < 0,002 0,11
10 13,o-14,O 4,347 0,67 0,81 0,02 1,39 0.10 3,76 8,00 9,95 n.b. 0,26
11 14,0-15,5 4,250 1,50 2,02 < 0,Ol 3,61 < 0,05 4,85 10,55 13,03 < 0,002 0;39
12 153-17,0 4,333 1,68 2,24 0,02 3.94 0,lO 4,42 9,65 11,95 n.b. 0,22
13 17,O-19,0 4,040 6,02 6,95 0,56 10,99 2,56 3,84 9,32 11,55 n.b. 0,08
14 19,0-21,0 4,155 4,22 4,93 0,24 8,21 1,14 4,3 1 9,96 12,32 < 0,002 0,06
15 21,O-23,0 4.185 4,07 4,79 0,14 8,21 O,@ 4,49 10,33 12,77 < 0,002 0,16
16 23,O-25,5 4,08 1 6,14 6,68 0,68 10,23 3,11 3,74 9,05 11,23 n.b. 0,10
17 25,5-27,0 4,300 0,76 0,92 0,08 1,45 0,37 4,67 9,97 12,34 < 0,002 < 0,02
18 27,0-30,0 4,351 0:05 0,06 < 0,Ol 0,ll < 0,05 5,15 10,79 13,32 n.b. 0,04
19 30,O-33,0 4,417 0,05 404 < 0,Ol 0,07 < 0,05 4,78 10,02 12,40 < 0,002 0,06
20 33,O-35,0 4,315 1,19 1,12 0,14 1,66 O,@ 4,85 10,41 12,87 n.b. 0,08
21 35,0-37,0 4,261 1,48 1\90 0,04 3,28 0,18 4,47 9,71 12,02 < 0,002 0,07
22 37,O-39,0 3,724 12,73 15,83 0,37 27,33 1,69 3,11 9,18 11,54 n.b. 0,W
23 39,0-42,0 4,078 5,15 6,12 0,31 10,14 1,42 3,75 8,89 11,13 0,004 0,08
24 42,M,O 3,750 14,62 18,02 0,50 30,92 2,29 2944 7,65 9,52 0,013 0,03
25 44,0453 4,195 3,36 4,17 0,12 7,14 0,55 4,07 9,24 11,45 n.b. 0,05
26 45,5473 4,362 1,54 1,79 < 0,Ol 3,20 < 0,05 4,22 9,14 11,46 0,004 0,08
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
TABELLE I (Fortsetzung)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I1 12 13
27 47,5-49,5 4,163 2,90 3,76 < 0,Ol 6,71 < 0,05 4,75 10,34 12,78 n.b. 0,09
28 49,5-52,O 4,192 3,36 4,03 0,18 6,75 0,82 4,36 9,89 12,24 < 0,002 0,13
29 52,0-54,5 3,857 9,88 12,15 0,13 21,37 0,59 3,28 8,81 10,93 n.b. 0,11
30 54,5-56,5 3,772 11,72 14,30 0,42 24,49 1,92 3,08 7,72 9 61 < 0,002 0,10
31 56,5-58,5 3,550 16,89 21,19 0,26 37,18 1,19 2,26 7,68 9,56 n.b. 0,38
32 58,5-60,0 3,435 19,09 23,63 0.55 40,81 2,52 2,16 7,98 9,93 < 0,002 0,24
33 60,0-61,5 3,974 10,25 12,46 0,37 11,94 1,69 3,65 8,85 10,98 n.b. < 0,02
34 61,5433 4,317 1,30 1,51 0,lO 2,45 0,46 4,66 10,05 12,43 < 0,002 0,04
35 63,5-66,O 2,928 40,26 32,80 3,40 25,28 61,30 0,83 12,96 15,91 < 0,002 0,05
36 66,0-68,0 3,999 5,42 6,67 0,21 9,34 0,96 3,lO 7,24 9,02 0,049 0,09
37 68,0-70,0 3,852 11,67 14,00 0,58 19,39 2,66 3,18 8,56 10,63 < 0,002 0,25
38 70,&72,5 3,945 7,68 9,30 0,28 13,Ol 1,28 3,23 7,90 9,83 n.b. 0,07
39 72,5-74,5 4,073 5,lO 6,42 0,09 8,87 0,41 3,36 7,77 9,67 0,006 0,22
40 74,5-77,0 4,129 4,81 5,80 0,14 8,25 0964 3,30 739 9,52 0,004 0,15
41 77,O-79,0 4,207 3,58 4,423 0,09 6,16 0,41 3,91 8,76 10,97 < 0,002 0,17
42 79,O-8 1,O 2,941 46,20 37,60 15,32 29,06 70,09 0,015 n.b. 0,94
43 81,&83,0 2,755 44,25 48,06 606 70,76 27,72 0,023 n.b. 0,12
44 83,O-85,O 2,752 43,71 50,55 3,74 80,95 17,ll 0,034 n.b. 0,06
45 85,0-87,0 2,850 44,23 45,50 7,43 62,76 33,99 0,028 n.b. 0,33
46 87,&89,0 2,721 43,33 48,80 4,93 74,88 22,53 0,030 n.b. 0,05
47 89,0-91,5 2,720 44,13 51,34 3,42 83,15 15,64 0,027 n.b. 0,06
-
Vergleiche Abb.4.
Berechnet aus Spalten 4 und 5 .
BerThnet aus Spalten 5 und 6.
+
Berechnetfur SrSO, BaSO, = 100%.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Robe
cm
0
10
4
20
r
40
50
70
80
90
0 M 40 €0 80 1
Gew% Boryr. Calcit, Dolornit
o m m
W
Dichte fg/cm’J I Gew% SrSOl bezogen ouf
IBaSO++ SrSO,,: 100% 1 Gew 7
.
Schwefei
Diskrepanz zwischen den beiden Methoden lasst sich nicht durch die Anwesenheit
von Ca oder Pb im Gitter erklaren, da beide Elemente nur in Spuren im Coelestobaryt
nachgewiesen werden konnten.
Der Coelestobaryt der Bohrung Hohes Moor Z 1 zeigt in chemischer Hinsicht zwei
Besonderheiten: (1) einen sehr hohen und in Bezug auf das Verhaltnis SrSO,/BaSO,
verhaltnismassig konstanten Strontiumgehalt, (2) das Auftreten deutlicher Mengen
von elementarem Schwefel.
Der Strontiumgehalt im Coelestobaryt zeigt uber die gesamte Coelestobarytzone
keine gesetzmassigen Schwankungen.
GENETISCHE BETRACHTUNGEN
Die Art der konkordanten Lagerung bei scharfen Grenzen gegen das Hangende und
Liegende, das Fehlen eines Salbandes und eines Zonenbaus sowie das deutliche sedi-
mentare Gefuge sprechen gegen eine hydrothermale Gangfullung.
Ein Vergleich mit Strontiumgehalten von Baryten aus Gangen zeigt, dass nur einige
wenige Vorkammen ahnlich hohe Strontiumgehalte aufweisen:
GUNDLACH (1959) untersuchte 186 Baryte aus verschiedenen Vorkommen des
Harzes, aus dem Ruhrcarbon, dem Schwarzwald sowie weitere Einzelstucke und
fand bei nur drei Proben einen Strontiumgehalt > 4 %.
BUSCHENDORF und PUCHELT (1962) stellten die Strontiumgehalte von 174 Baryten
des Ruhrcarbons fest und fanden nur eine Probe mit einem Strontiumgehalt > 2 % Sr.
An 136 Schwerspaten aus verschiedenen Gangen des Schwarzwaldes bestimmten
BUSCHENDORF et al. (1962) Strontiumgehalte bis max. 3,54% Sr (24 Proben > 2%,
davon 4 Proben > 3 % Sr).
WERNER (1958) bearbeitete unter anderem die Baryte des Schmalkaldener Reviers
geochemisch. Er erhielt bei insgesamt 659 Proben einen Maximalwert fur Sr von
2,58 %, wahrend die Mittelwerte fur die verschiedenen Gange von 0,98 bis 2,24 %
schwanken.Eine Unterscheidungsmoglichkeitvon Gangen saxonischerund variscischer
Genese liegt nach WERNER (1958) in den Strontiumgehalten, die fur die erstgenannten
zwischen 0,48 und 1,67% und fur die letzteren zwischen 1,91 und 4,78% liegen.
STARKE (1962) bestimmte im Owospat von Freiberg/Sa. den Strontiumgehalt zu
maximal 2,9 %.
BAUMANN (1958) fand fur den Zentralteil der Freiberger Gange Strontiumgehalte
bis zu 2,4 %.
Die bekannten deutschen sedimentaren Lagerstatten Meggen/Lenne und Rammels-
berg/Harz wurden von BUSCHENDORFund PUCHELT (1963a, 1963b) bearbeitet. Fur
Meggen (239 Proben) wurde ein hochster Strontiumgehalt von 1,14 % gefunden,
wahrend fur die beiden Lagerteile Mittelwerte von 0,30 und 0,79 % erhalten wurden.
Der Baryt des Rammelsberges ergab maximal 1,08 % Sr.
Aus diesen Vergleichen ist die Sonderstellung des Coelestobaryts dei Bohrung
Hohes Moor Z 1 aufgrund seines hohen Strontiumgehaltesersichtlich.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Aus hydrothermalen Gangen sind uns keine Paragenesen bekannt, die Baryt und
elementaren Schwefel enthalten. Zur Erklarung der Entstehung solcher Mineralverge-
sellschaftungen mochten wir auf Beobachtungen von BUTLIN(1953) hinweisen, der
eine Tatigkeit von sulfatreduzierenden Bakterien bis zu einer Tiefe von 1.200 m und
bis zu einer Temperatur von 63°C in artesischen Wassern in der Nahe von Tripoli
feststellte. Weitere Angaben fur die Entstehung elementaren Schwefelsdurch Bakterien
finden sich unter anderem bei DESSAU et al. (1962), die mit Hilfe von Schwefelisotopen-
untersuchungen Beweise fur die bakterielle Entstehung sizilianischer Schwefellager-
statten erbrachten.
Fur die Deutung der Genese miissen unseres Erachtens die deutlich vorhandenen
sedimentaren Gefugemerkmale besonders herausgestellt werden. Bei metasomatischen
Prozessen in Sedimenten wird das primare Gefuge haufig ebenfalls erhalten, desglei-
chen konnten im vorliegenden Falle die im Coelestobarytkorper noch vorhandenen
feinkornigen Karbonate als Relikte der primaren Karbonatgesteine aufgefasst
werden. Zahlreiche Beobachtungen weisen jedoch darauf hin, dass eine syngenetisch-
sedimentare Bildung des Coelestobaryts in einem Evaporitzyklus nicht auszuschlies-
sen ist. Sedimentare Barytabscheidungen sind in Salinarfolgen des Perms und Neo-
gens aus der U.d.S.S.R. bekannt (DRAGUNOV und KATSCHENKOV, 1953; KATSCHENKOV,
1961; KOSSOVSKAJA und SCHUTOV,1954). Fur die Bildung wird Ausfallung in ufer-
nahen Regionen des Meeres sowie in lagunaren Bereichen angegeben. Aus rezenten
pelagischen Sedimenten des Pazifiks beschreibt ARRHENIUS (1962) das Auftreten von
authigenem Coelestobaryt mit einem SrS0,-Gehalt von 5,4 mol. %.
Das konkordante Auftreten des Coelestobaryts zwischen Hauptdolomit und Basal-
anhydrit bei verringeiter (bisher tektonisch gedeuteter) Schichtmachtigkeit des Haupt-
dolomits ist palaogeographisch zu begrunden, wenn man annimmt, dass die Abschei-
dung des Coelesto6aryts ahnlich wie bei den Coelestinvorkommen von Hemmelte-
West und am Ostrand des Rheinischen Schiefergebirgesauf einer submarinen Schwelle
erfolgt ist, auf der in Bezug auf den Gesamtozean wegen der hier hoheren Verdunstung
eine Vorkonzentration des Meerwassers stattfand. Wahrend der hohe Sr-Gehalt des
Baryts sich ohne weiteres aus den primar im Meerwasser vorhandenen Sr-Gehalten
ableiten lasst, trifft dies auf das Barium nur bedingt zu (vergleichehierzu die Diskussion
um die Herkunft des Ba in den bekannten Lagerstatten Meggen und Rammelsberg).
Das Auftreten von Fluorit widerspricht nicht einer synsedimentaren Entstehung,
da erst kiirzlich (KRUGER,1962) im Plattendolomit des Geraer Beckens syngenetisch-
sedimentarer Fluorit nachgewiesen worden ist. Bereits fruher war Fluorit aus dem
Haupt- und Plattendolomit des Emslandes beschrieben worden (FUCHTBAUER, 1958),
dessen Auftreten an Algen oder Algenlagen benachbarte Zonen gebunden war.
Den Firmen Mobil Oil A.G. in Deutschland, Celle, sowie Gewerkschaft Elwerath,
Hannover, danken wir fur die Zurverfugungstellung des Untersuchungsmaterials
sowie fur die Genehmigung zur Veroffentlichung dieser Ergebnisse.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
SUMMARY
A 75 cni thick layer of celestobarite with an average SrS0,-content of 8.6 weight per-
cent has been found in the upper Permian (Zechstein 2) of the Hohes Moor Z 1
wildcat in northwestern Germany.
Owing to its sedimentary structures, its distinct boundaries with both the hanging
and the foot wall, its high Sr-content and the occurrence of native sulphur, the authors
deny a hydrothermal origin. They suppose a syngenetic intraformational deposition
in the Zechstein-salinare since the celestobarite corresponds in some respects (bedding,
fabric, paleogeographicalconditions) with the Hemmelte-West celestite deposit.
LITERATUR
ARRHENIUS, G., 1962. Pelagic sediments. In: M. N. HILL,E. D. GOLDBERG, C. O’D. ISELIN and W. H.
MUNK(Editors), The Sea, Ideas and Observations on Progress in the Study of rhe Seas. 3. Inter-
science, New York (N.Y.), in press.
BAUMANN, L., 1958. Tektonik und Genese der Erzlagerstatte von Freiberg (Zentralteil). Freiberger
Forschungsh., C, 46 : 106.
BUSCHENDORF, F. und PUCHELT, H., 1962. Untersuchungen an Baryten des Ruhrcarbons (Zur Geo-
chernie des Baryts, 111). TechnischeHochschule, Hannover (unveroffentlichtesManuskript).
BUSCHENDORF, F. und PUCHELT, H., 1963a. Untersuchungen am Schwerspat des Meggener Lagers
(Zur Geochemie des Baryts, I). Geof.Jahrb., 82, im Druck.
BUSCHENDORF, F. und PUCHELT, H., 1963b. Untersuchungen am Schwerspat der Rammelsberger
Lager (Zur Geochemie des Baryts, 11). Geof.Jahrb., 82, im Druck.
BUSCHENDORF, F., PUCHELT, H. und SCHURENBERG, H., 1962. Untersuchungen an Schwerspaten des
Schwarzwafdes (Zur Geochernie des Baryts, ZV) . Technische Hochschule, Hannover (unveroffent-
lichtes Manuskript).
BUTLIN.K. R., 1953. The bacterial sulphur cycle. Research (London), 6 : 184.
DESSAU,G., JENSEN, M.L. und NAKAI,N., 1962. Geology and isotopic studies of Sicilian sulfur depo-
sits. Econ. Geol., 57 :410-438.
DRAGUNOV, V. I. und KATSCHENKOV, S. M., 1953. Uber Coelestin und Schwerspat aus den Neogen-
ablagerungenam siidlichen Mangyschlak. Dokl. Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R., 93, (2) 315-318 (in russischer
Sprache). I
GWNDLACH, H., 1959. Untersuchungen zur Geochemie des Strontiums auf hydrothermalen Lager-
statten. Geol. Jahrb., 76 : 637-712.
HILLEBRAND, W. F.. LUNDELL, G. E. F., BRIGHT,H. A. und HOFFMAN, J. I., 1953. Applied Inorganic
Analysis, 2 ed. Wiley, London, 1034 pp.
KATSCHENKOV, S. M., 1961. Characteristics of conditions of sediment accumulation from dispersed
chemical elements. Tr. Vses. Neft. Nauchn. Issled. Geologorazved. Inst., 174 : 109.
KOWVSKAJA, A. G. und SCHUTOV, V. D., 1954. Uber die Bildungsbedingungen der produktiven
Schichtenfolgeder Republik Azerbajdshan. Dokl. Akad. Nauk. S.S.S.R.,97 : 141-144.
KRUGER, P., 1962. uber ein Vorkommen von syngenetisch-sedimentaremFluorit im Plattendolomit
des Geraer Beckens. Bergakademie, 11 : 742-750.
MULLER, G., 1962. Zur Geochemie des Strontiums in ozeanen Evaporiten unter besonderer Beruck-
sichtigung der sedimentaren Coelestinlagerstattevon Hemmelte-West (Sud-Oldenburg). Geologie
(Berlin), Beih., 35 : 90 pp.
PUCHELT, H., 1963. Eine Methode zur Bestimmung flammenphotometrischerfassbarer Elemente in
schwerloslichen Sulfaten. Erzmetall, 1964, im Druck.
QUESTER, H., 1959. Hohes Moor Z 1. Petrographische Untersuchungen an Kemproben des Haupt-
dolornit. Mobil Oil A.G., Petrog. Ber., 213 : 28 pp.
RICHTER-BERNBURG, G., 1955. uber salinare Sedimentation. Z. Deut. Geol. Ges., 105 : 593.
STARKE, R., 1962. Die Strontiumgehalte der fba-Baryte des Freiberger Lagerstattenbezirks. Berg-
akademie, 14 : 282-286.
STARKE, R. und RUHLICKE, D., 1961. Eine Methode zur flammenphotometrischenund rontgenogra-
phischen Bestimmung von Strontium und Kalzium im Baryt. Bergakademie, 7-8 : 505-51 1 .
WERNER, C.-D., 1958. Geochemie und Paragenese der saxonischen Schwerspat-Flussspat-Gange im
Schmalkaldener Revier. Freiberger Forschungsh., C, 47 : 1-120.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Fig.1. The four basic theories on the genesis of the Arkansas barite belt. S.S. = sandstone.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Fig.2 illustrates the bedded occurrrence of the barite nodules, which, on a milli-
meter scale, show the depositional patterns which we consider to be the most critical
genetic features. The larger nodules generally occur within well-defined beds of silty
shale which very often overlie silt or shale beds barren of barite. A simple rhythmic
relationship exists between individual beds of shale or silt, shale with lenses and
nodules, and beds consisting mainly of dense barite. Generally, a shale or silt bed is
overlain by a similar bed consisting essentially of nodular or lenticular barite, which
in turn is overlain by a dense barite bed. If the dense barite bed is absent, then the
nodular or lenticular bed will be overlain by barren shale. Fig.2 illustrates these
relationships with five distinct pairs of rhythms on top and eight indistinct pairs
towards the bottom. This outcrop occurs in the barite section at the southeast end of
the Chamberlain Creek syncline.
Fig.3-7 are enlarged 1 : 1 photographs of thin sections. The present scale varies
from 3 : 1 to 6.5 : 1 as indicated. Also, top and bottom in the picture always corres-
ponds to top and bottom in the sedimentary bed.
The barite nodules lie in distinct shale or silt layers. Their shape varies from per-
fectly spherical, as shown in Fig.3, to oval (Fig.4, 5) or even sausage- or worm-shaped
(Fig.5, 6, 7). .
Fig.5. Thin section with a combination of worm-shaped bodies, “drops”, lenses and spherical barite
nodules; x 3.5.
Many barite nodules and the local bedding show geometric patterns typical of
depositional sedimentary features. These patterns are clear evidence for the primary
depositional origin of the barite. SANDER(1936) has used the term geopetal for these
geometric patterns which are standard criteria for top-bottom distinction in sedimen-
tary petrology.
In Fig.3, one of the nodules rests on a lower nodule which is broken, with the broken
part moved slightly to the left. The trend of the sediments around the nodules are
typical depositional and diagenetic gravity or geopetal features. The breakage must
have occurred during diagenesis because the layers surrounding it are adjusted. This
then may be considered a case of diagenetic brecciation. At the bottom of this figure,
micro-cross-bedding is seen. Fig.3-6 illustrate the polar depositional nature of the
bedding in the vicinit! of the nodules. On the right side of the large unbroken nodule
of Fig.3, there rests a wedge of indistinctly bedded sediment. This wedge is a polar or
geopetal feature because it has always the same top-bottom orientation. The size and
shape of these wedges, as well as the depth of burial in itself, are functions of the
viscosity, the time of formation, the difference in specific gravity and a few other
minor factors.
Local bedding around the nodules often contains fine baritic laminae, or worm-to-
sausage shaped bodies, often with a core of pyrite. In such cases, another distinct
geopetal feature is often found: if one of these baritic “sausages” overlies two neigh-
boring nodules, the upper surface is essentially horizontal, whereas at the bottom it
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
fills the V-shaped space between the two nodules (two examples in Fig.6). This is just
another of the numerous small geopetal features observed on a microscopic scale. A
combination of worm-shaped bodies, “drops”, lenses and spherical nodules is shown
in Fig.5.
The sedimentation featuresjust described could be called “static depositional fea-
tures” because, essentially, they display only a vertical polar vector.
A second type of feature displays patterns which cannot be visualized without
assuming some horizontal movement in the unconsolidated state. In addition to the
vertical gravity vector, a horizontal vector of movement must have played a role in the
formation of the patterns observed and shown in Fig.7. This figure illustrates micro-
folding within one of the baritic shale beds. The axial planes of the intraformational
drag-folds of baritic shale are roughly parallel to the overlying and underlying beds.
Fig.7 also illustrates sedimentary or diagenetic flowage of a baritic layer.
Other features suggesting horizontal movement before and during consolidation
are the abundant step-like or en-echelon patterns of baritic beds with or without
associated folds and corrugations of the associated shale layers (cf. Fig.5). In addition,
in shaley barite layers which exhibit flowage patterns, the barite lenses are often flat
oval, suggesting flattening during the diagenetic microtectonic lateral movement.
These flattish lenses of granular barite may be called micro-pressure lenses.
These observations are good evidence for assuming that the barite has played an
integral part in the formation of this second class of depositional and diagenetic
patterns with two vectors. Therefore, these patterns afford a second class of criteria
for a sedimentary origin of the barite.
A third class of small scale features and criteria for a syngenetic depositional origin
Fig.7. Thin section with oval and sausage-shapedbarite nodules, illustratingmicro-folding within one
of the baritic shale beds and sedimentaryof diagenetic flowage of a baritic layer; x 6.5.
of the barite consist of the crystal growth features of the nodules themselves. The
internal texture of the barite nodules is also of detective value. In the sediments which
often do not show any horizontal vector of depositional movement, the nodules often
display a radiating pattern. The individual barite rods either radiate from a common
center as illustrated in Fig.4 or from a mass of varying size of fine-grained barite
occupying the central portion of the nodule (upper portion of Fig.5). This central
portion often shows a concentric ring-type pattern with the finest material in the
center. Occassionally one of the concentric spheres consists of pyrite.
A barite nodule in detail often shows a corrugated surface. Each individual bend
corresponds to one individual barite crystal. These radiating crystal-growth textures
are rarely found in the sediments showing horizontal movement during or before
diagenesis. This fact may, therefore, be considered .to be additional proof of the depo-
sitional age of the growth of the barite nodules.
Based on the observations presented here, the authors believe that the genetic
hypothesis requiring the least number of assumptions is the one which assumes a
sedimentaryformation of the Arkansas barite. The question of the possible source of
the Ba and S is presently being investigated with chemical and isotope analyses.
SUMMARY
Small-scale features of the Mississippian barite beds of Arkansas are described. Their
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
top-bottom or geopetal nature shows that they must have originated during sedimen-
tation and diagenesis. These hitherto unknown features of primary sedimentation and
the wide-spread regional distribution at distinct stratigraphic and paleogeographic
loci rule out the conventional epigenetic theory.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The interest and financial help of the Arkansas Geological Survey is gratefully
acknowledged.
REFERENCES
AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1962. L'origine des gites minkraux concordants dans les roches skdimentaires.
Chronique Mines Rech. MiniPre, 308 : 115-126.
HAM, W. E. and MERRIT, C. A., 1944. Barite in Oklahoma. Oklahoma, Geol. Surv., Circ., 23 :42 pp.
JONES,T. A., 1948. Barite depositsin the Ouachita Mountains, Montgomery, Polk and Pike Counties,
Ark. U.S., Buy. Mines, Rep'. Invest., 4348 : 1-15.
MISER,H. D. and PURDUE, A. H., 1929. Geology of the De Queen and Caddo Gap quadrangles, Ark.
US.Geol. Surv., Bull., 808 : 1-195.
SANDER, B., 1936 (Translation by E. B. Knopf, 1951). Contribution to the Study of Depositional
Fabrics. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists, Tulsa, 160 pp.
SCULL,B. J., 1958. Origin and occurence of barite in Arkansas. Arkansas Geol. Conserv. Comm.,
Inform. Circ., 18 :101 pp.
SHROCK, R. R., 1948. Sequence in Luyered Rocks. McGraw-Hill, New York, 507 pp.
ZIMMERMANN, R. A. and AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1961. Sedimentary features in the Arkansas barite belt.
Ann. Meeting Geol. SOC.Am., Cincinnati, 1961. Abstracts -Bull. Geol. SOC.Am., 68 : 306-301.
ZIMMERMANN, R. A., 1963. Sedimentary Petrology of the Barite Deposits of Arkansas. Ph. D. Thesis,
University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri, in preparation.
ZIMMERMANN, R. A. and AMSTUTZ, G. C., 1964. Die Arkansas-Schwerspatzone(neue sedimentpetro-
graphische Beobachtungenund genetischeUmdeutung). Erzmetall, in press.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
RAPPORT DE SYNTH~SE
PIERRE R O U T H I E R
INTRODUCTION
Que Yon nous autorise les neologismes, rnsme ma1 construits, “gitologie” et “gitologu6”! Chacun
sait ce qu’il faut entendre par la; ils sont dtja pass& dans l’usage oral de divers spkialistes et le
premier est encore le rneilleur tquivalent de l’allemand “Erzlagerstattenkunde”.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
168 P. ROUTHIER
proche dans des ensembles logiques. C’est ce que nous tenterons ici, en rtservant pour
la fin l’tvocation des interprktations gtnttiques.
Dans ce rassemblement apparait, tout naturellement, une petite difficultt: divers
auteurs ne se limitent Bvidemment pas a une mtthode d’approche et a une tchelle.
Leurs communications seront alors cities sous plusieurs rubriques.
En effectuant ce travail, dont il a rapidement brosst l’tbauche a la fin de la journte
du Symposium, le rapporteur a pu se rendre coupable de quelques schtmatisations ou
omissions. I1 espbre cependant faciliter la tiiche des tr6s nombreux gitologues qui n’ont
pu assister au Symposium, et s’il avait en partie “trahi” la penste de certains auteurs,
les textes dtposts par ceux-ci demeurent, auxquels on peut se rtftrer.
Les rtftrences non suivies d’annte, de publication ont trait aux communications
contenues dans le prtsent ouvrage.
RAPPORT DE S Y N T H ~ E 169
1961 ;etc.) ont finalement tous abouti au m8me schtma paltobathymttrique favorable
aux concentrations sulfurtes: protubtrance et talus du fond sous-marin.
Phosphates d’origine marine. Les zones les plus riches en phosphate d‘une formation
gtologique correspondent a des zones de moindre tpaisseur de cette formation (exem-
ples: Maroc, Togo, Stntgal); la recherche de phosphates devra donc envisager la
dttermination des zones A stdimentation rtduite (SLANSKY).
Barytine (et ctlestite). La ctlestobarytine d‘un sondage dans le Zechstein du Nord-
ouest de l’Allemagne, comme la ctlestite d’autres regions allemandes, et par exemple
de la bordure orientale du Massif schisteux rhtnan, coincide avec une ride sous-marine
(PUCHELT et MULLER). Remarquons que cet exemple en rappelle d’autres, oh la barytine
semble s’8tre dCposCe plus prts des sommets de hauts-fonds que les sulfures (galtne).
170 P. ROUTHIER
sentee; les bauxites seraient autochthones et les bauxites B diaspore ne seraient pas
likes au metamorphisme mais B la diagen6se normale VALETO ON)^.
Minkralisations et kmissions volcaniques sous-aqueuses. Dans le cadre des reconsti-
tutions palkogeographiques sont nottes, B plusieurs reprises, les relations Bvidentes ou
possibles des minkralisations avec le volcanisme sous-marin.
Dans le gkosynclinal ladinien des Alpes orientales les dep6ts minkralisks ne se
placent jamais au contact direct des produits volcaniques, mais toujours A proxkitk.
Il est possible que les eaux thermales likes B ce volcanisme soient responsables du
dkp6t des petits corps minkralisks dans les parties profondes des appareils recifaux
(SCHNEZDER). Pour le district de Raibl en particulier la supposition est avancee, avec
plus d’insistance, d’un apport hydrothermal sous-marin (Scmz).
La source et le mode de transport du fer des gisements hkmatitiques du type Lahn-
Dill, dont on conndt le lien avec le volcanisme sous-marin, sont rkexaminks, par
comparaison avec les dBp6ts ferrugineux de certaines sources thermales actuelles qui
succ6dent assez largement au volcanisme (Etna, Santorin etc.). Ces dernitres, caract6-
riskes par leur basse tempkrature (30”), leur haute teneur en silice, adsorbke par
Fe3+- qui se forme en surface B partir de Fe2+- et leur richesse en CO,, donnent
une meilleure image du mode de dkp6t pour les gisements du type Lah-Dill que la
thkorie classique de I’apport exhalatif sous forme de chlorures. Au demeurant celle-ci
semble controuvke par la presence de fossiles - qui exclut celle de HCI - par
l’absence de produits volcaniques au mi3me niveau que les minerais, etc. (HARDER).
Mintralisations su!furkes
Les premiers travaux dans cette voie ont d’abord portk sur les minkralisationsstrati-
formes de cuivre. A Delft, des donnees nouvelles sont apporttes sur le plomb et com-
parees B celles du cuivre (exemples empruntks aux Causses du Sud de la France, au
Gabon, au Missouri, au Maroc, A Mansfeld). Retenons en particulier:
(a) que, si les horizons cuprif6res se placent dans des sequences oscillantes positives
surmontant une skquence en “I”, les sequences B plomb sont brutalement positives
et la sequence en I sous-jacente n’est pas necessairement prksente (elle l’est B Mansfeld
et dans le Missouri);
(b) que les minkralisations plombifhres peuvent se trouver soit dans des phases
rhexistasiques, soit dans des phases biostasiques (au sens d‘ ERHART,1956), c’est-a-dire
Ces sujets trbs controvers6s n’ont pu Ctre discutCs en dktail, car la communicationn’a Ct6 pr6sent-k
qu’en dance, sans &re prh5d-k d‘un “pre-print”.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
Fer oxydk
Les gisements deferpalkozoiques, ceux par exemple qui sont si rtpandus a l’Ordovi-
cien, ont gtntralement Ctt m i s en liaison avec des transgressions ttendues ou mCme
mondiales. En fait ils peuvent aussi s’Ctre formts durant des mouvements rkgressifs,
par exemple les gisements de Boheme et de Thuringe, phtnomtne normal si 1,011 songe
que, l’oscillation rtgressive s’accompagnant d’une m o n t e correlativt du continent,
les produits ferrugineux de l’alttration mtttorique seront transportts en plus grandes
quantitts a la mer (PETRANEK, 1964).
Panni les gisements de minerais oolithiques mksozoiques, l’ttude de ceux de Lorraine
permet d’aboutir A des conclusions analogues. Tous les stdiments aaltniens &ant
dttritiques, la succession virtuelle locale est fondte sur la granulomttrie. Une seule et
mCme succession lithologique se rtptte douze a quinze fois: dtpets fins argileux a la
base, puis artnites fines, puis artnites plus grossitres mineralistes (ferri-artnites) et
parfois conglomtrats argileux (“bourrelets de plage”). Du point de vue granulomk-
trique il s’agit d’une skquence negative. La formation de telles stquences ne peut
s’expliquer que par une rkgression qui amtne, en un point donnt, des dtp8ts plus
grossiers, et donc plus littoraux, sur des sediments plus fins anttrieurement dtposts
(BUBENICEK) .
Phosphates
Les dtp6ts phosphatts importants interviennent vers la fin d’une stdimentation
chimique pauvre en phosphates; par exemple argiles montmorillonite-attapulgite,
au Togo, au Sinkgal, en Colombie (SLANSKY).
Barytine
Un lit de ctlestobarytine (5 8 % de SrSO,), tpais de 75 cm, du Zechstein de 1’Alle-
magne du Nordouest se place entre calcaires dolomitiques au mur et anhydrite au toit,
donc dans une stquence positive tvoluant vers les tvaporites (PUCHELTet MULLER).
Textures et structures des minerais et des roches encaissantes (“small scale sedimentary
features”)
172 P. ROUTHIER
Nous ne distinguerons pas ici textures et structures, faute de pouvoir adopter une signification
universellernent admise. Le terme allemand: “Gefuge” les rkunit.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
RAPPORT DE S Y N T H ~ E 173
Ce terme dtsigne les structures orienths, dont on p u t reconnaitre la base et le sommet; ces struc-
tures servent donc de “crithres de polarite”.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
174 P. ROUTHIER
Analyse minkralogiquej n e
Sous cette rubrique noas mentionnerons en particulier l’ttude sur les bauxites du
Midi de la France (VALETON).
Nous avons dit plus haut que le souci implicite des participants ce Symposium fut de
ne pas sombrer dans les “thtories” gtnttiques au sens habitue1 du mot. I1 est cepen-
dant tvident qu’il n’est pas possible de collecter des faits, puis de les confronter, sans
apporter quelques suggestions en vue d’une future thtorie. Nous regrouperons rapide-
ment ces suggestions sous quelques rubriques.
Mode de dkpGt
Chimique (prtcipitation). Exemple: fer de Lorraine (en partie) - oolithisation de
goethite.
MBcanique. Exemple: fer de Lorraine (en partie). Rassemblement de particules
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
CONCLUSIONS
Les conclusions que l’on peut tirer de ce Symposium, modeste par le nombre de ses
contributions mais attachant par leur qualitt et leur “&at d’esprit”, ne peuvent
Cvidemmentpas Ctre les m&mespour tous les lecteurs. Le rapporteur se contentera d’en
souligner trois.
(I) Tout d’abord il n’y a pas de contradiction entre les mtthodes d’approche et les
Cchelles. De l’unitt paleogtographique (talus sous-marin, haut-fond) aux “framboises”
de pyrite, tous les auteurs, des gtologues miniers aux microscopistes, tendent aujour-
d’hui a raccorder leurs observations au lieu de les opposer en en faisant des domaines
Csoteriques sans communication entre eux. Un progrbs considtrable est ainsi large-
ment amorct.
(2) Le bien fondt de cette attitude est demontrt par une remarquable convergence
des conclusions, sinon toujours exprimtes, du moins sous-jacentes. A savoir: la durte
d’tlaboration des mintralisations stratiformes se resserre de plus en plus entre le
dipat syngtnttique et les phases tardives de la diagenbse. L’histoire du minerai va de
pair avec l’histoire du stdiment, depuis la boue gorgte d’eau jusqu’a la cdmpaction
dtfinitive. Ainsi le r61e de l“‘tpigenbse”, pour les mintralisations tvoqutes ici, se
rtduit de plus en plus.
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
176 P. ROUTHIER
BIBLIOGRAPHIE
BERNARD,
A., 1958. Contribution A l’etude de la province metalliftre sous-dvenole. Sci. Terre
7 ( 3 4 ) : 125-403.
CAILL~RE, S. et KRAUT,F., 1954. Les gisements de fer du bassin lorrain. Mim. MusCum Natl. Hist.
Nat., Sir. C (Paris), 4 (1) : 192 pp.
ERHART, H., 1956. La GenPse des Sols en tant que PhinomPne giologique. Esquisse d’une Thiorie
gkologique etgiochimique. Biostasie et Rhexistasie. Masson, Paris, 88 pp.
ESPOURTEILLE, F., 1960. L h d e giologique et mhalloginique de la RPgion de Nant-St-Jean-du-BrueI
(Aveyron)et de TrPves (Gard). Thtse, Fac. Sci., Paris, 147 pp. (inkdit).
LAUNEY, PH. et LEENHARDT, R., 1959. Les brkhes ddimentaires zinciftres du Sinemurien du Lot.
Bull. SOC.GCol. France, 1 (5) :467484.
LOMBARD, A., 1956. GCologie sidimentaire. Les Shies marines. Masson, Paris, 722 pp.
NICOLINI,P., 1961. Conclusions d’observations sur la localisation des mineralisations cupriftres
stratiformes dans les dries sedimentaires. Compt. Rend., 255 (16) : 1717-1718. Aussi en Symposium
sur les Gisements straiiformes de Cuivre en Afrique. Lithologie-Sidimentologie. Assoc. Serv. Gkol.
Africains, Paris.
PETRANEK, J., 1964. Shallow-water origin of Early Paleozoic oolitic iron ores. In: L. M. J. U. VAN
STRAATEN (Editor), Deltaic and Shallow Marine Deposits. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 319-322.
ROGEL,P., 1961. Le Gisement de plomb de la Plagne (Savoie). b u d e giologique et mitalloginique.
Thtse 3e cycle, Fac. Sci., Paris, 64 pp. (inedit).
ROUTHIER, P., 1963. Les Gisements mitallif2res. Giologie et Principes de Recherche. Masson, Paris,
2 tomes, 1273 pp.
SCHOUTEN, C., 1946. Synthetic replacements as an aid to ore-genetic studies. Econ. Geol., 42 (6) :
659-667.
ZISERMAN, A., 1964. .!?tudegblogique et mt3alloginique de la Rigion d’dlzoonle Vigam (Gard). Thtse,
Fac. Sci., Paris (inedit).
PROPERTY INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY,S.L.
INDEX
178 INDEX
INDEX 179
180 INDEX
INDEX 181
182 INDEX
INDEX 183
184 INDEX
ERRATA