Abstract
New observations and elementary chemical-mineralogical analyses of willemite (Zn2SiO4) mineralization from non-sulfide Zn-Pb deposits of La Calamine (Eastern Belgium) and Bou Arhous (Morroccan High Atlas) have been carried out. This study aims at evaluating the critical element distribution and deportmentmigration, in order to establish the potential of such deposits. In both cases, willemite occurs as a variety of types that continuously formed between the protore stage (sulfides) and the late supergene stage (carbonates and hydrated phases).
Based on microscopic observations, different types of willemite may be distinguished by their shapes and zoning characteristics, supporting 1) a polyphase non-sulfide mineralisation, after the protore stage, 2) local dissolution–reprecipitation processes of willemite and 3) coprecipitation of willemite and secondary Pb minerals like such as cerussite and galena. A significant change of major elements composition obtained by EPMA in the different generations of willemite is recorded. LA-ICP-MS measurements of minor and trace elements also reveal a strong variability between the different various willemite types.
In the La Calamine samples, we measure abnormal high contents in P, Cd, As, Pb, Ag and Sb, the three latter ones being related to tiny galena inclusions. The Ga and In contents are very low (less than 4 ppm) or below detection limits, respectively. Significant Ge contents up to 250 ppm were is measuredobserved. In the samples from Bou Arhous, willemite is variably enriched in Ge (up to 1000 ppm). Depending on the willemite generation, this substitution is positively or negatively correlated to the Zn-Pb substitution. According to the nature of zoning (sector versus oscillatory), the incorporation of Ge was either controlled by crystallographic factors or by the nature of the mineralizing fluids.
While, in the case of Belgium, the concentrations measured in willemite are very similar to those in sphalerite (averaging 250 ppm), the Moroccan willemite are enriched compare to the primary sulfides (less than 100 ppm). This may indicate that sphalerite played a role of precursor, but an additional input of minor and trace elements by external fluids is also necessary. This conclusion agrees is in agreement with the current models that suggestsuggesting that a strict supergene origin of willemite in numerous deposits is disputable and a contribution of low temperature hydrothermal fluids for willemite precipitation should be considered.
References
Choulet F, Richard J, Boiron M-C, Dekoninck A, Yans J. 2019. Distribution of trace elements in willemite from the Belgium non-sulphide deposits. European Journal of Mineralogy, 31: 983-997.
Choulet F, Barbanson L, Buatier M, Richard J, Vennemann T, Ennaciri A, Zouhair M. 2017. Characterization and origin of low-T willemite (Zn2SiO4) mineralization: the case of the Bou Arhous deposit (High Atlas, Morocco). Mineralium Deposita, 52: 1085-1152.
Based on microscopic observations, different types of willemite may be distinguished by their shapes and zoning characteristics, supporting 1) a polyphase non-sulfide mineralisation, after the protore stage, 2) local dissolution–reprecipitation processes of willemite and 3) coprecipitation of willemite and secondary Pb minerals like such as cerussite and galena. A significant change of major elements composition obtained by EPMA in the different generations of willemite is recorded. LA-ICP-MS measurements of minor and trace elements also reveal a strong variability between the different various willemite types.
In the La Calamine samples, we measure abnormal high contents in P, Cd, As, Pb, Ag and Sb, the three latter ones being related to tiny galena inclusions. The Ga and In contents are very low (less than 4 ppm) or below detection limits, respectively. Significant Ge contents up to 250 ppm were is measuredobserved. In the samples from Bou Arhous, willemite is variably enriched in Ge (up to 1000 ppm). Depending on the willemite generation, this substitution is positively or negatively correlated to the Zn-Pb substitution. According to the nature of zoning (sector versus oscillatory), the incorporation of Ge was either controlled by crystallographic factors or by the nature of the mineralizing fluids.
While, in the case of Belgium, the concentrations measured in willemite are very similar to those in sphalerite (averaging 250 ppm), the Moroccan willemite are enriched compare to the primary sulfides (less than 100 ppm). This may indicate that sphalerite played a role of precursor, but an additional input of minor and trace elements by external fluids is also necessary. This conclusion agrees is in agreement with the current models that suggestsuggesting that a strict supergene origin of willemite in numerous deposits is disputable and a contribution of low temperature hydrothermal fluids for willemite precipitation should be considered.
References
Choulet F, Richard J, Boiron M-C, Dekoninck A, Yans J. 2019. Distribution of trace elements in willemite from the Belgium non-sulphide deposits. European Journal of Mineralogy, 31: 983-997.
Choulet F, Barbanson L, Buatier M, Richard J, Vennemann T, Ennaciri A, Zouhair M. 2017. Characterization and origin of low-T willemite (Zn2SiO4) mineralization: the case of the Bou Arhous deposit (High Atlas, Morocco). Mineralium Deposita, 52: 1085-1152.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 7th Geologica Belgica International Meeting |
| Subtitle of host publication | Abstact book |
| Pages | 34 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Sept 2021 |
| Event | 7TH INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICA BELGICA MEETING 2021 - AfricaMuseum, Tervuren, Belgium Duration: 15 Sept 2021 → 17 Sept 2021 https://geologicabelgica2021.africamuseum.be/info |
Symposium
| Symposium | 7TH INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICA BELGICA MEETING 2021 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Belgium |
| City | Tervuren |
| Period | 15/09/21 → 17/09/21 |
| Internet address |