Part V.

Ore Deposits in Ophiolites

1. Introduction

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of the new theories

regarding the origin of ophiolites is the resurgence of interest (1972-1975)
by mining companies in exploration for stratabound ore bodies within
superficially worked out prehistoric and historic mines in copper-rich
massive sulfide zones because of recognition of the geologic setting
and localization of these deposits within ophiolite belts (Sillitoe, 1972;
Holmes, et ai., 1975; Huston, 1975). The fact that these massive sulfide
deposits are stratabound within the pillow lava sections of the ophiolite
sequence indicates that they probably formed within the ocean basins
and that they are related to volcanogenic processes at spreading centers
(Sillitoe, 1972, 1973; Duke and Hutchinson, 1974; Spooner et ai., 1974).
Differentiation of mafic and ultramafic magmas deep within the spreading
centers also concentrate chromite and minor sulfides and these processes
are equally important to the formation of ore deposits within the oceanic
crust. There are, of course, other massive sulfide deposits formed in
geologic environments quite distinct from those deposits occurring
in ophiolites. The discussion to follow is concerned only with those
massive sulfide deposits from the volcanic parts of ophiolites.
These ore deposits that formed within the oceanic realm are later
emplaced as oceanic crust fragments within the orogenic belts of
continental margins. Reconstructed oceanic crust stratigraphy shows
volcanics at the top with associated metalliferous sediments which
grade downward into sheeted dikes and then into a cumulate section
whose base is usually a metamorphic peridotite. This stratigraphy
provides a framework for systematic prospecting of on-land ophiolites.
The massive sulfide deposits seem to be restricted to the extrusive
volcanics, minor sulfide concentration are found in the cumulate
gabbros, and chromite deposits are confined to the ultramafic parts
of the ophiolite. Prior to the ideas generated by plate tectonics,
mining geologists could not develop a unified geologic model in which
to place their detailed observations from individual mining districts
situated within submarine volcanics. However, in recent years, systematic

R. G. Coleman, Ophiolites
© Springer-Verlag Berlin · Heidelberg 1977
 Massive Sulfides 125

exploration within the submarine volcanic sections of ophiolites has

produced significant new copper-rich deposits (Holmes et a!., 1975;
Huston, 1975).
Transfer and incorporation of large slabs of oceanic crust onto
the continental margin also produces, as a secondary product, another
class of ore deposits that are equally as important as the magmatic
and volcanogenic ore deposits. Where exposed areas of ophiolite
peridotite have undergone tropical weathering, nickel and iron laterites
are common, and under certain conditions of serpentinization asbestos
deposits may form within the peridotites. The discussion that follows
wiII provide a general background on the various ore deposits
characteristic of the ophiolite assemblage.

2. Massive Sulfides
Massive sulfide bodies are situated within the pillow lava sections
of many ophiolites. These sulfide bodies have certain common features,
such as, a tendency to be stratabound and to occupy stratigraphic
horizons within the volcanic section. The surrounding volcanic rocks
have typically been affected by ocean floor hydrothermal metamorphism
and the massive sulfides are found in those rocks that have undergone
zeolite or greenschist grade metamorphism under steep thermal gradients
(Gass and Smewing, 1973). Nearly all of these deposits have well-
developed gossans consisting of bright colored iron oxides, hydroxides,
and sulfates which attracted the ancient miners. Remnants of ancient
slag heaps are present in many of these massive sulfide mining districts
particularly in Cyprus and Oman (Bear, 1963a; Huston, 1975) and radio-
carbon dating of charcol indicates that some of this ancient mining
activity extends back to 2500 B.C.
In Cyprus, the massive sulfides are contained in the upper parts
of the lower piIlow lava series (see section on Troodos ophiolite,
Cyprus) which consists primarily of pillow lavas and less common
diabase dikes. Where the relations are preserved and not obscured by
surface gossans, the massive sulfides are overlain by the Ochre Group,
an iron-rich sediment containing sulfides but very low in manganese
(Searle, 1972; Constantinou and Govett, 1973). These iron-rich sediments
are very similar to the metal-rich muds that occur in the Red Sea axial
deeps that have formed along the present-day spreading axis of the
Red Sea (Bischoff, 1969; Amann et aI., 1973; Backer, 1973). Unconform-
ably overlying the lower pillow series is the upper pillow lava series
considered to be an off-axis volcanic series and barren of any massive
sulfide deposits (Gass and Smewing, 1973). The upper pillow lava series