Detailed mineralogy and petrology of manganese oxyhydroxide deposits of the Imini district (Morocco)

A. Dekoninck, A. Bernard, J. Barbarand, B. Saint-Bezar, Y. Missenard, R. Lepretre, O. Saddiqi, J. Yans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Manganese ore in the Cenomanian-Turonian dolostone of the Imini district (south of the High Atlas, Morocco) displays a high Mn content due to the occurrence of pyrolusite, cryptomelane, hollandite sensu stricto, coronadite, romanechite, and lithiophorite. The orebodies occur mainly as three stratabound layers along the ~25-km-long ore belt following a WSW-ENE direction. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) coupled with X-ray diffraction (XRD), we here refine the mineralogy and petrology of Mn oxides and oxyhydroxides in order to constrain the paragenetic sequence and define the main processes of ore formation. Deposition and concentration of Mn oxyhydroxides follow a two-step sequence after dolomitization: (1) replacement of dolomite fabric (dolomite micrite and dolomite rhombs) by hollandite group minerals leading to a textural conservation and then (2) neoformation of collomorphous aggregates in an opened and brecciated system. These observations are consistent with a multistage evolution including multiple reworking and brecciation. Pyrolusite is the main Mn oxide observed in the Imini district during both early and late stages. The superficial environment provides supergene conditions suitable for the deposition of only Mn oxyhydroxides. This supergene environment and the occurrence of multiple bands of hollandite group minerals indicate an external migration (allochthonous supply) of Mn and associated elements, contemporaneous to an in situ chemical and mechanical dissolution of the host dolostone. The lithological heterogeneities of dolostone and its chemical environment compared to less permeable surrounding rocks may have provided the conditions to concentrate Mn oxides and oxyhydroxides.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-23
Number of pages11
JournalMineralium Deposita
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2016

Keywords

  • Cretaceous dolostone
  • Hollandite group minerals
  • Imini
  • Manganese deposits
  • Weathering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detailed mineralogy and petrology of manganese oxyhydroxide deposits of the Imini district (Morocco)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this