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Massive greisens are commonly associated with Sn-W mineralization and constitute low-grade high-tonnage deposits. The formation of this type of deposit results from an intense pervasive metasomatic alteration involving a major fluid and mass transfer through a nominally impermeable parental granite. A decrease in the volume of the solid phases associated with the mineral replacement reactions may be a potential process for creating pathways to enhance fluid flow. Here, we explore the effects of the replacement reactions related to greisenization on the granite's mineralogy and petrophysical properties (density, porosity, and permeability), as well as their potential implications for fluid flow in the case of the world-class Panasqueira W-Sn-(Cu) deposit, Portugal. Mineralogical and microtextural analyses of greisenized facies show that the total replacement of feldspars by muscovite is associated with a volume decrease of the solid phases that induces a significant porosity generation in greisen (~8.5%). Greisenization experiments coupled with permeability measurements show that the replacement of feldspars by muscovite permits new pathways at the crystal scale that significantly enhance the transient permeability. Moreover, permeability measurements performed on representative samples with different degrees of greisenization show that permeability increases progressively with the level of alteration from 10-20 m2 in least granite to 10-17 m2 in greisen. The correlation between the permeability and porosity evolutions demonstrates that the porous texture developed during replacement reactions creates new pathways that enhance significantly the permeability in greisen systems. The occurrences of mineral-bearing metals such as cassiterite in the newly formed porosity of greisen provide evidence that greisenization can be a decisive process for enhancing fluid flow and promoting transport of metals in Sn-W deposits. Finally, we present a model involving a positive feedback between greisenization and permeability, in which mineralizing fluids are able to generate their own pathways in initially impermeable granite via replacement reactions, which in turn promote further hydrothermal alteration and mass transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering the behavior of fluid flow at the magmatic-hydrothermal transition is crucial to understanding the physical processes leading to the formation of intrusion-related ore deposits and hence to predicting the locations of mineralized bodies. However, the hydrodynamics (direction and velocity) of the hydrothermal fluid flows related to this transitional stage remains poorly constrained. Here we present a coupled textural and chemical study performed on tourmaline growth bands to constrain fluid flow during the initiation of the hydrothermal system of the Panasqueira W–Sn–(Cu) deposit. This exceptional deposit consists of a dense network of flat wolframite and cassiterite-bearing quartz veins intensely developed above a well-known but hidden greisen cupola. The W–Sn mineralization is preceded by a tourmalinization stage occurring as metasomatic halos around veins and as selvages developed along the vein–wall-rocks contacts. Results emphasize the key role of the greisen cupola in fluid focusing and the role of fluid overpressure during vein opening. Velocity values highlight an efficient transport of metals in veins largely dominated by advective processes (10 −4 to 10 −3 m s −1 ), whereas fluid flow in the altered wall-rocks is slow and pervasive (10 −6 to 10 −5 m s −1 ), suggesting that element transport through the metasedimentary host rock was low and limited to the alteration haloes. LA-ICP-MS analyses of tourmaline growth bands reveal that fluids coming from the cupola are enriched in Na, K, Li, Sr and Sn, emphasizing the contribution of magmatic fluids during vein formation and the metasomatic alteration of the wall-rocks. More generally, this study demonstrates that the apical portions of granite bodies act as emanative centers of mineralizing fluids, and highlights the usefulness of mineral growth band analysis in the search for intrusion-related mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to uses paleomagnetic and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) methods to recognize the initial deposit position and to track the paleoflow at the origin of an iron skarn-related deposit. The Yamansu deposit is located in eastern Tianshan. This province has a substantial mining potential for Fe–(Cu) skarn, Cu–Ni and V–Ti orthomagmatic deposits, and orogenic Au lodes. Recent publication dates the Yamansu deposit at 323 Ma, and uses this deposit to define a model of Submarine Volcanogenic Iron Oxide (SVIO) deposits (Hou et al., 2014a,b). In the proposed model the Yamansu stratoïd ore bodies formed horizontally within the central venting part of a large submarine composite volcano in a back-arc environment. However, at Yamansu the ore bodies are tilted vertically by the large scale dextral strike-slip faulting during the Permian. The Carboniferous positions are thus overprinted and unknown. Understanding the initial geometry and structures of the Yamansu deposit is then necessary to test and/or improve the proposed SVIO model. Field observations evidence an emplacement of the basalt as sill and their alteration into skarn. Magnetic mineralogy results show that the magnetic remanence and susceptibility are carried by magnetite. Paleomagnetic measurements on massive garnet skarn and basaltic sill distinguish two groups of samples. The higher coercivity samples give a mean remanence direction that is compatible with regional Late Carboniferous directions after bedding correction. This result indicates that both the basaltic sill and the massive garnet skarn were horizontal when formed. The AMS results agree with the paleomagnetic data because the magnetic foliations after bedding correction are horizontal and the well-defined magnetic lineation suggests the existence of a horizontal fluid flow during metasomatism. These results indicate that the basaltic sill horizontally intruded the Carboniferous limestones intercalated within the volcanic pile. Metasomatic iron-rich fluid probably ascended along a pre-existing fault and was injected horizontally into the limestone and sill, and then caused extensive skarnization and deposited the magnetite before tilting due to the Permian right-lateral strike-slip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Rio Tinto district of the Iberian Pryrite Belt of South Spain, the weathering of massive sulfide bodies form iron caps, i.e., true gossans and their subsequent alteration and re-sedimentation has resulted in iron terraces, i.e., displaced gossans. To study the stucture and evolution of both types of gossans, magnetic investigations have been carried out with two foci: (1) the characterisation and spatial distribution of magnetic fabrics in different mineralised settings, including massive sulfides, gossans, and terraces, and (2) paleomagnetic dating. Hematite has been identified as the suceptibility carrier in all sites and magnetic fabric investigation of four gossans reveals a vertical variation from top to bottom, with: (1) a horizontal foliation refered to as 'mature' fabric in the uppermost part of the primary gossans, (2) highly inclined or vertical foliation interpreted as 'immature' fabric between the uppermost and lowermost parts, and (3) a vertical foliation interpreted to be inherited from Hercynian deformation in the lowermost part of the profiles. In terraces, a horizontal foliation dominates and is interpreted to be a 'sedimentary' fabric. Rock magnetic studies of gossan samples have identified goethite as the magnetic remanence carrier for the low-temperature component, showing either a single direction close to the present Earth field (PEF) direction or random directions. Maghemite, hematite, and occasionally magnetite are the remanence carriers for the stable high-temperature component that is characterized by non PEF directions with both normal and reversed magnetic polarities. No reliable conclusion can be yet be drawn on the timing of terrace magnetization due to the small number of samples. In gossans, the polarity is reversed in the upper part and normal in the lower part. This vertical distribution with a negative reversal test suggests remanence formation during two distinct periods. Remanence in the upper parts of the gossans is older than in the lower parts, indicating that the alteration proceeded from top to bottom of the profiles. In the upper part, the older age and the horizontal 'mature' fabric is interpreted to be a high maturation stage of massive sulfides' alteration. In the lower part, the age is younger and the inherited 'imature' vertical Hercynian fabric indicates a weak maturation stage. These two distinct periods may reflect changes of paleoclimate, erosion, and/or tectonic motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crystal growth driven by a flowing solution is modeled for a flow with low Reynolds number using a computational dynamic software. Considering equivalent crystallographic faces, the chemical flux is calculated along upstream and downstream faces. Upstream flux is higher compared to downstream and leads to a symmetry breakdown of the crystal shape and develops mirror symmetry parallel to the flow velocity. Moreover the ratio of these two fluxes (upstream/downstream) gives a quantitative relation between the relative crystal growth rate and the flow velocity. Thus, using an inverse method, the flow direction and velocity can be deduced by the study of the variation of the growth band thicknesses of equivalent crystallographic faces. This new method was applied to the formation of metasomatic tourmalinite associated with a leucogranite sill. The approach is complemented by a study of the chemistry of the tourmaline. In the studied case, the application of the new method gives the high fluid velocities in pores (10−3–10−4 m/s) during metasomatism. Equivalent Darcy velocities are estimated and discussed accounting for the major role played by the regional deformation. Finally, a two-stage tectono-hydrodynamic model is proposed for the metasomatism. The first stage is genetically linked to the sill injection, and the second is characterized by a wider event with hydrothermal flow passing along the leucogranite sills. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study aims to apply the AMS method (Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility) at a regional scale to track the fluid circulation direction that has produced an iron metasomatism within pre-existing dolomite host rock. The Urgonian formations hosting the Zn–Pb mineralizations in La Florida (Cantabria, northern Spain) have been taken as target for this purpose. Sampling was carried out, in addition to ferroan dolomite host rock enclosing the Zn–Pb mineralizations, in dolomite host rock and limestone to make the comparison possible between magnetic signals from mineralized rocks, where fluid circulation occurred, and their surrounding formations. AMS study was coupled with petrofabric analysis carried out by texture goniometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations and also Shape Preferred Orientation (SPO) statistics. SEM observations of ferroan dolomite host rock illustrate both bright and dark grey ribbons corresponding respectively to Fe enriched and pure dolomites. SPO statistics applied on four images from ferroan dolomite host rock give a well-defined orientation of ribbons related to the intermediate axis of magnetic susceptibility K 2. For AMS data, two magnetic fabrics are observed. The first one is observed in ferroan dolomite host rock and characterized by a prolate ellipsoid of magnetic susceptibility with a vertical magnetic lineation. The magnetic susceptibility carrier is Fe-rich dolomite. These features are probably acquired during metasomatic fluid circulations. In Fe-rich dolomite host rock, ‹c› axes are vertical. As a rule, (0001) planes (i.e. planes perpendicular to ‹c› axes) are isotropic with respect to crystallographic properties. So, the magnetic anisotropy measured in this plane should reflect crystallographic modification due to fluid circulation. This is confirmed by the texture observed using the SEM. Consequently, AMS results show a dominant NE–SW elongation interpreted as the global circulation direction and a NW–SE secondary elongation that we have considered as sinuosities of the fluid trajectory. The second type of magnetic fabric is essentially observed in the limestone and characterized by an oblate form of the ellipsoid of magnetic susceptibility, a horizontal magnetic foliation and mixed magnetic susceptibility carriers. It is interpreted as a sedimentary fabric. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to better define the dependence of the mineral texture on flow, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and microscopic observations have been performed on calcite-rich precipitations occurring in a horizontal pipe where the flow direction is clearly defined. A total of 65 cubes were cut from five slices, magnetic studies identified-pseudo-single domain magnetite as the major AMS carrier. Horizontal foliation characterizes the magnetic fabrics and the lineation is parallel to the pipe axis, that is, the flow direction. The origin of this lineation is discussed and is interpreted to be mainly the consequence of elongated pseudo-single domain magnetite. To complete the magnetic fabric studies, shape preferred orientation statistics were performed on 563 calcite sections in the (0001) calcite plane. It shows elongated shapes with a general orientation parallel to the pipe axis. The mean shape orientation is the average of two distinct subpopulations that deviated slightly from the pipe axis. Observation on calcite shapes and the direction of the magnetic lineation are coherent, suggesting that it is possible to track hydrothermal palaeocirculation using magnetic lineation and petrographic fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As in several other anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility studies, the main direction of the magnetic lineation analysed in part I of this work, as well as crystal elongation, have been found to be roughly aligned with the direction of the surrounding flow. In order to explain the mechanisms responsible for such crystal shape anisotropy in a hydrodynamic context, we derive a mathematical model based on Falkner–Skan self-similar boundary layers at high Reynolds numbers. The model allows calculating local growth rates out of diffusion processes in the concentration boundary layer for crystal faces orientated arbitrarily in the range 90° to −18° with respect to the flow direction, and for any flow velocity. Hence, our work generalizes rationally previous attempts already done in the case of a flow parallel to the crystal face. This crystal growth model is applied to a natural case of calcite growth rate in 2-D section perpendicular to the 〈 c〉 axis. The reconstructed calcite growth reproduces the texture of a natural case observed in Part I, although the local Reynolds numbers are quite low. This approach may be applied for various geological settings, from deep metasomatism to flowing on the Earth surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a possible use of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to describe the mineralizing process in hydrothermal systems. Ba–F–Fe-rich deposits within the Chaillac Basin are on the southern border of the Paris Basin. In these deposits hydrothermal textures and tectonic structures have been described in veins, sinters, and sandstone cemented by hydrothermal goethite. 278 oriented cores from 24 sites have been collected in these formations. In addition, a lateritic duricrust superimposed on the hydrothermal formation has been sampled. Rock magnetic investigations show that the principal magnetic carrier is goethite for the hydrothermal mineralization and for the laterite level. The AMS measurements show distinguishable behaviors in the different mineralogical and geological contexts. The K1 magnetic lineation (maximum axis) is strongly inclined for the vertical veins. For the horizontally mineralized sinters, the magnetic lineation is almost horizontal with an azimuth similar to the sedimentary flow direction. The AMS of goethite-rich sandstone close to the veins shows strongly inclined K1 as they are probably influenced by the vertical veins; however, when the distance from the vein is larger than 1 m, the AMS presents rather horizontal K1 directions, parallel to the sedimentary flow. The laterite has a foliation dominance of AMS with vertically well-grouped K3 axes and scattered K1 and K2 axes. Field structural observations suggest that the ore deposit is mainly controlled by EW extension tectonics associated with NS trending normal faults. Combining the AMS results on the deposit with vein textures and field data a model is proposed in which AMS results are interpreted in terms of hydrothermal fluid flow. This work opens a new investigation field to constrain hydrodynamic models using the AMS method. Textural study combined with efficient AMS fabric measurements should be used for systematic investigation to trace flow direction in fissures and in sand porosity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Amphibole-rich clots are vestiges of residual pyroxene-rich precursors from the source after partial melting. • The microgranular enclaves of the Tongshanling granodiorite are reworked restite enclaves. • A model illustrating the formation process of reworked restite enclave has been proposed. • The fertile amphibolitic source is beneficial to the formation of Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granodiorites in the Nanling Range. Abstract Microgranular enclaves, which can provide important petrogenetic indications for the host granitoids, are commonly observed in the Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granodiorites in the Nanling Range of South China. The origin of these Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granodiorites is still controversial, with two different hypotheses: crust-mantle mixing and partial melting of the mafic lower crust, primarily based on geochemistry and geochronology. Detailed petrographic and mineralogical studies have been carried out on the Tongshanling granodiorite and its microgranular enclaves to provide new textural and compositional constraints on the petrogenesis. The microgranular enclaves have dioritic compositions with a mineralogy dominated by plagioclase, amphibole, and biotite. Abundant residual materials, such as mafic mineral clots, inherited and metamorphic zircon, and Ca-rich core plagioclase, occur in the enclaves and are in favor of a restite origin. The amphibole-rich clots are considered as vestiges of residual pyroxene-rich precursors from the source. Three different types of amphibole, i.e., magmatic, metamorphic, and magma reworked metamorphic amphibole, have been recognized in the granodiorite and its enclaves. The magmatic amphibole occurs as enclosed and idiomorphic isolated crystals in the granodiorite with Al and Si contents of 1.34–2.12 apfu (atoms per formula unit) and 6.25–6.88 apfu, respectively, and a ΣREE content of 307–764 ppm. The metamorphic amphibole, with a granoblastic triple-junction texture, occurs as aggregated crystals dominantly in the enclaves and a few in the granodiorite. It has actinolitic compositions (Al: 0.31–0.81 apfu, Si: 7.33–7.72 apfu) and distinctly lower contents of incompatible elements (ΣREE: 99–146 ppm). The magma reworked amphibole has intermediate compositions (Al: 0.81–1.59 apfu, Si: 6.71–7.35 apfu, ΣREE: 317–549 ppm) between the magmatic and metamorphic amphibole. The zonal amphibole-rich clots exhibit increasing Al and decreasing Si contents from interior amphibole to exterior amphibole and also from core to rim in amphibole grains, and the outer parts of enclave magmatic zircon have higher ThO 2 + UO 2 contents and lower Zr/Hf ratios than the inner parts, showing the process of magma reworking of the restite enclaves. Based on the textural and compositional evidence, these microgranular enclaves are thought to be reworked restite enclaves. This is also supported by thermobarometric calculation. A model illustrating the formation process of reworked restite enclave has been proposed. Combined with previous experimental studies of partial melting, the Tongshanling granodiorite is deduced to be derived from dehydration melting of amphibolite in the mafic lower crust. The fertile amphibolitic source is beneficial to the formation of Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granodiorites in the Nanling Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Reaction-enhanced permeability during greisenization promotes the expulsion of magmatic fluids. • The efficient expulsion of magmatic fluids during greisenization stabilizes fluid overpressures responsible for the opening of vein swarm within the host rocks. • Interplays between permeability and greisenization promote and enhance the transport of a large amount of fluid. • Reaction-enhanced permeability is a key mechanism for formation of large vein and greisen Sn-W deposits. The formation of large tin-tungsten (Sn-W) deposits around granitic intrusions requires the circulation of large volumes of fluids within permeable structures. Half of the world's tungsten production originates from highly mineralized veins above granitic intrusions and from the altered part of the granite (the greisen), whose formation results from intense fluid-rock interactions. During greisenization processes, mineral reactions involve a decrease in the rock volume and thus an increase in porosity and permeability. To understand the complex fluid-rock interactions leading to the formation of large Sn-W ore deposits, we conducted numerical modeling accounting for magmatic fluid production and realistic permeability changes due to granite alteration and overpressure in the hosting rocks. The water/rock ratio is computed to constrain the rate of greisenization and therefore the porosity and permeability evolution laws. Four model results are presented: with and without fluid production exsolved from the granitic magma, and with and without dynamic reaction-enhanced permeability. The formation of greisen is reproduced, and greisen thickness reaches 200 m for the more sophisticated model. The interplay between greisenization and fluid production creates zones of overpressure above the granite that could localize the permeable structures such as the veins swarm observed at Panasqueira. Dynamic permeability promotes high fluid velocity and intense fluid-rock exchanges that could result in the formation of large ore deposits by enhancing mass transfer within and above granitic intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites in the Nanling Range have distinctly different mineralogical and geochemical signatures. The Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granites are dominated by metaluminous amphibole-bearing granodiorites, which have higher CaO/(NaO+KO) ratios, light/heavy rare earth element (LREE/HREE) ratios, and δEu values, lower Rb/Sr ratios, and weak Ba, Sr, P, and Ti depletions, exhibiting low degrees of fractionation. The W-bearing granites are highly differentiated and peraluminous, and they have lower CaO/(NaO+KO) ratios, LREE/HREE ratios, and δEu values, higher Rb/Sr ratios, and strong Ba, Sr, P, and Ti depletions. The Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granites were formed predominantly between 155.2 and 167.0 Ma with a peak value of 160.6 Ma, whereas the W-bearing granites were formed mainly from 151.1 to 161.8 Ma with a peak value of 155.5 Ma. There is a time gap of about 5 Ma between the two different types of ore-bearing granites. Based on detailed geochronological and geochemical studies of both the Tongshanling Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and Weijia W-bearing granites in southern Hunan Province and combined with the other Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites in the Nanling Range, a genetic model of the two different types of ore-bearing granites has been proposed. Asthenosphere upwelling and basaltic magma underplating were induced by the subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate. The underplated basaltic magmas provided heat to cause a partial melting of the mafic amphibolitic basement in the lower crust, resulting in the formation of Cu-Pb-Zn mineralization related granodioritic magmas. With the development of basaltic magma underplating, the muscovite-rich metasedimentary basement in the upper-middle crust was partially melted to generate W-bearing granitic magmas. The compositional difference of granite sources accounted for the metallogenic specialization, and the non-simultaneous partial melting of one source followed by the other brought about a time gap of about 5 Ma between the Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renewal of interest in Zn-Pb non-sulphide ores has been induced by mineral processing improvement and leads to new exploration and mining projects in the world. Although the mineralogy is often precisely known, and despite several studies linking ore deposition to regional tectonics, absolute dating of non-sulphide stages is rare and structure of ore bodies was largely disregarded. Geochronological data from non-sulphide ores are essential to timely constrain alteration episodes and to insert supergene ore genesis in the climate and tectonic evolution of the metallogenic province. The access to internal organization of ore could reveal post-mineralization episodes related to supergene evolution. Thus, a rock magnetism study combining anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and palaeomagnetism was performed on four non-sulphide deposits from the Moroccan High Atlas. AMS generally shows similar horizontal magnetic fabrics for ores and the clayey and carbonaceous internal sediments filling karstic cavities. The palaeomagnetic directions of ores and internal sediments are compatible, and the calculated poles are consistent with the last 30 Ma of the Africa apparent polar wander path, with an upper age at 0.78 Ma. The proposed three-step scenario is placed within the evolution of the Moroccan High Atlas belt. Deposition of primary sulphides is contemporaneous with opening of the Tethyan and Atlantic oceans. During the Tertiary, intracontinental deformation gave rise to the High Atlas fold-and-thrust belt and to regional uplift. Finally, Zn-Pb sulphides hosted in carbonates experienced oxidation under an arid climate to form karst-related Zn-Pb non-sulphide ores. These promising results pave the way for an efficient method to constrain the internal fabrics and age of Zn supergene deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permeability laboratory measurements under in situ pressures, temperature and strain have been performed on three different diabase alteration facies (metadiabase, chloritized diabase, epidosite) from the Troodos Ophiolite, Cyprus. This aims to study the relations between hydrodynamics, deformation and hydrothermal reaction in the sheeted dyke complex beneath oceanic ridges. The use of water as pore fluid in these experiments favors hydrothermal fluid–rock interactions. All experiments, performed with a Paterson gas-medium apparatus, were achieved at 400 °C, 100 MPa of confining pressure and 50 MPa of pore fluid pressure, conditions at the base of sheeted dykes. Permeability was measured by injection of water and argon before, during and after coaxial deformation. Resulting textures and mineralogy were studied by microscopy and X-ray microtomography in order to identify mineral reactions and to calculate the permeability by numerical simulation after decompression. During stress loading, a compaction/dilatant evolution is observed only in experiments on epidosite. Failure tends to increase permeability by one order of magnitude. For example, using water as pore fluid, permeability measurements after macroscopic failure give the following variations from 4 × 10 − 20 m 2 to 2.9 × 10 − 19 m 2 for metadiabase, 1 × 10 − 20 m 2 to 2.6 × 10 − 19 m 2 for chloritized diabase and 6.5 × 10 − 19 m 2 to 3 × 10 − 18 m 2 for epidosite. Textures suggestive of self-healing and sealing explain permeability reduction by hydrothermal reaction after macroscopic failure. Paradoxically, even using argon as pore fluid, hydrothermal reaction is possible in metadiabases due to dehydration of chlorite. Moreover, fractures appear much finer in rocks enriched in chlorite because of formation of gouge structures. After the experiments, 3D images of fracture networks enable calculation of permeability by numerical simulations which values are 4–6 orders of magnitude higher than the experimental measured values. Such results demonstrate that the geometry and the textures observed in unloaded samples are not suitable to estimate permeability and have to be very carefully interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whilst petrology, geochemistry and metal content of small mafic/ultramafic Ni–Cu bearing complexes have been extensively studied, their structural controls and emplacement mechanisms are still poorly documented. This study addresses the last two points with the Huangshan Ni–Cu ore belt (Chinese Eastern Tianshan) as a case study. The Huangshan intrusions are Early Permian; a period when the Tianshan orogenic belt recorded major right-lateral wrench tectonics, characterized by crustal-scale shear zones. Detailed mapping, petro-structural analysis and strain rate calculation within and around the intrusions allow us to establish that the Huangshan Ni–Cu-bearing mafic/ultramafic complexes are not layered intrusions. Instead, they emplaced by injection of several mafic/ultramafic magma batches within kilometre-scale tension gashes generated by Permian dextral shearing, and should be considered as synkinematic sheeted intrusions. Finite strain analysis across the Huangshan-Kangguer shear zone provides rather high shear strain rates (∼4.5). Considering the location and alignment of the Ni–Cu-bearing mafic/ultramafic bodies along regional shear zones throughout Eastern Tianshan, it appears that wrench tectonics most likely controlled and focussed the intrusion of parent magmas. As a consequence, rifting related to post-orogenic extension is not required to account for Permian magmatic features of the Tianshan Belt. Finally, the Huangshan Ni–Cu bearing mafic/ultramafic intrusions are neither parts of an ophiolitic suture, nor of a dunite-cored Alaskan-type ore deposit, as postulated in some previous studies. In the light of these new results, we believe that structural controls and emplacement mechanisms of many Ni–Cu sulphides deposits hosted by small intrusions (particularly funnel-shaped ones) should be (re-)evaluated from a structural and geophysical point of view. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Achmmach tin mineralization (NE of the Moroccan Central Massif) is associated with tourmaline-rich alteration halos, veins, and faults hosted in sandstones and metapelites of the Upper Visean-Namurian. These deposits are reported to be late Hercynian in age and related to the emplacement of late-orogenic granite not outcropping in the studied area. Structural and paragenetic studies of the Achmmach tin deposit were conducted in order to establish a general model of the mineralization. From field constraints, the late Hercynian phase is marked by a transition from transpression to extension with deformation conditions evolving from ductile to brittle environments. The transpression (horizontal shortening direction roughly trending E-W) is coeval with the emplacement of the first tourmaline halos along several conjugated trends (N070, N020, and N120). Thereafter, a tourmaline-rich breccia formed in response to the fracturing of early tourmaline-altered rocks. Subsequently, during the extensional phase, these structures were reactivated as normal faults and breccias, allowing the formation of the main tin mineralization (cassiterite) associated with a wide variety of sulfides (arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite, bismuthinite, pyrite, and stannite). This evolution ends with fluorite and carbonate deposition. The hydrothermal fluid flow velocity, calculated by applying statistical measures on the tourmaline growth bands, varies with the lithology. Values are lower in metapelites and higher in breccia. In the general evolution model proposed here, tourmaline alteration makes the rock more competent, allowing for brittle fracturing and generation of open space where the main Sn mineralization was precipitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two stages of fluid exsolution are recognized in the Weijia W skarn deposit. • F-rich magmatic fluids are enriched in REEs, Y, Nb, Ta with flat REE patterns. • F consumption is critical for the compositional evolution of F-rich mineralizing fluids. • Combined garnet and scheelite trace elements are powerful in tracking W skarn mineralization. Fluid evolution is an essential subject in the studies of hydrothermal ore-forming processes. Garnet and scheelite prevail in W-bearing skarn deposits and record plentiful information on W skarn mineralization. In-situ LA-ICP-MS trace element analyses have been carried out on the garnet and scheelite from the F-rich Weijia W deposit in South China to constrain the processes of fluid evolution and W skarn mineralization. The Weijia W deposit mainly consists of calcic and magnesian skarns and was formed through six stages of alteration and mineralization. Two stages of fluid exsolution are recognized in the magmatic-hydrothermal system. The earlier exsolved fluids are Cl-rich with rightward-sloping REE patterns and result in pre-ore skarnization. The later exsolved fluids are F-rich with relatively flat REE patterns and are responsible for W mineralization. The pre-ore garnets are LREE-enriched and HREE-depleted whereas the syn-ore garnets are LREE-depleted and HREE-enriched with lower δ Eu values than the former, denoting a transition from wall rock-controlled to magmatic fluid-dominated fluid-rock interaction. Combined with the skarn occurrences, mineral assemblages, and garnet textures, it is revealed that the mechanism of skarn formation shifts from more diffusive metasomatism under lower water/rock ratios to more advective metasomatism at higher water/rock ratios. The advective metasomatism with a high flux of ore-forming fluids is hydrodynamically favorable for the consequent W mineralization. The earliest-formed scheelite is akin to the host granite porphyry in REE patterns and can reflect the features of initial mineralizing fluids. It has high ΣREE (1255–5059 ppm), Y (616–1416 ppm), Nb (585–2629 ppm), Ta (14–248 ppm), Mn (up to 1977 ppm) and low Mo (mostly < 1000 ppm) contents, indicating that the primary F-rich magmatic fluids are reduced and enriched in REEs, Y, Nb, and Ta. The contents of ΣREE, Y, Nb, and Ta in scheelite are decreasing with the evolution of the F-rich mineralizing fluids. The latest-formed scheelites have distinctly lower ΣREE (2.9–140 ppm), Y (0.01–4.1 ppm), Nb (1.7–77 ppm), and Ta (0.04–0.19 ppm) contents and higher (La/Yb) N ratios and δ Eu values. They show 1:1 positive correlation of Eu N vs. Eu N * and have high Mo (up to 129466 ppm) and low Mn (as low as 3.4 ppm) contents, implying involvement of meteoric waters in the evolved ore-forming fluids and an oxidizing condition. Fluid-rock interaction, mineral precipitation, and fluid mixing largely control the process of fluid evolution. Fluorine consumption due to the formation of fluorite and the other F-rich minerals is vital for the compositional evolution of F-rich mineralizing fluids. The decrease of F concentration in fluids will depress the solubilities of REEs, Y, Nb, and Ta and enhance the LREE/HREE fractionation. Greisenization and skarnization induced the neutralization of the acidic W-bearing fluids and the liberation of Ca from the granite porphyry and carbonate strata and then triggered the scheelite precipitation. The carbonate strata contain abundant Ca and the granite porphyry is poor in Ca, and thus the economic W mineralization dominantly occurs in the skarns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permian large-scale transcurrent tectonics and massive magmatism are prominent features of the Tianshan belt and neighboring regions of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Structural, geochronological and geochemical analyses of Carboniferous and Permian intrusive rocks associated with the Kangguer-Huangshan Shear Zone (eastern Chinese North Tianshan) provide constraints on their tectonic setting and the tectonic evolution of the Tianshan belt as well. Carboniferous granitic rocks were emplaced at 338 ± 4 Ma and 347 ± 2 Ma, respectively, and show geochemical features typical of the calc-alkaline series. These arc-type granites do not display ductile deformation, probably because they were completely cooled at the time of shearing tectonics, and are only offset by brittle strike-slip faults. In contrast, Permian granitoids display pervasive ductile tectonic features diagnostic of synkinematic emplacement. Four gabbro and diorite samples from the East Huangshan intrusive complex yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 267 to 275 Ma, and a granitic dike is dated at 290 ± 1 Ma. The granitic dike is cut by en-echelon right-lateral strike-slip faults, and the mafic intrusive complex displays a sigmoidal shape with mylonitic foliation localized at its margins. Other specific pluton shapes (such as tongue and tadpole-like) and syn-magmatic deformation can be observed in intrusions of the same age, showing similar fabrics and kinematics consistent with that of the Kangguer-Huangshan Shear Zone. Numerous mafic to felsic dikes occur within and off the shear zone with a dominant SE-NW orientation and minor varieties in N-S or NNE-SSW directions. One gabbro dike that intrudes the early Carboniferous granite of the East Kanggurtag area yielded a magmatic age of 274 ± 4 Ma, and contains older zircons (~340 Ma, ~390 Ma, ~450 Ma, and 1.3-2.2 Ga) probably inherited from intruded rocks. The Permian intrusive rocks have variable chemical compositions suggesting derivation of these rocks from depleted and undepleted (or enriched) mantle sources with involvement of subduction-related components. We conclude from our integrated analysis of the geological, structural, geochemical and geochronological data that the Permian magmatic rocks were formed in a post-collisional/post-orogenic setting from multiple sources, and were emplaced under the control of large-scale dextral transcurrent tectonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To understand the processes and timing of their formation, six non-sulfide Zn–Pb ore deposits were investigated in the Moroccan High Atlas. Sulfide and non-sulfide ores are hosted in Lower Jurassic reefal to para-reefal limestone. Zn (Pb) carbonates, Zn silicates and associated hydrated phases directly replace the stratabound primary ore bodies or fill cavities along fractures related to the Atlasic compression. Field observation has been complemented by a multidisciplinary approach (e.g. XRD, Raman, SEM, EPMA) for the mineralogical characterization. All six ore deposits present similar paragenesis revealing three successive stages for ore deposition: 1) formation of the protore sulfides, 2) early supergene weathering with formation of Zn–Pb-bearing carbonates and iron oxi-hydroxides and 3) late supergene weathering with deposition of Zn-carbonates, Zn-silicates and hydrated phases. Direct replacement of primary sulfides is accompanied by precipitation of zinc non-sulfide minerals in cavities or internal sediments filling. The proposed three-step scenario can be placed within the tectonic evolution of the Moroccan High Atlas belt. Deposition of primary sulfides is contemporaneous with opening of the Tethyan and Atlantic oceans. During the Tertiary, intracontinental deformation has given rise to the High Atlas fold-and-thrust belt and to regional uplift. As a result, Zn–Pb sulfides, hosted in carbonates experienced oxidation under an arid climate to form karst-related Zn–Pb non-sulfide ore bodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to provide information about the biological properties of iron oxide nanoparticles (IO-NPs) obtained in an aqueous suspension. The IO-NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of hysteresis loops data at room temperature for magnetic IO-NPs sample indicated that the IO-NPswere superparamagnetic at room temperature. The calculated saturation magnetization for magnetic iron oxide was Ms = 18.1 emu/g. The antimicrobial activity of the obtained PMC-NPs was tested against Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1397, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922), Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis IC 12488) bacterial as well as fungal (Candida krusei 963) strains. The obtained results suggested that the antimicrobial activity of IO-NPs is dependent on the metallic ions concentrations and on the microbial growth state, either planktonic or adherent. The obtained IO-NPs exhibited no cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells at the active antimicrobial concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The magnetite fabrics measured by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and by shape preferred orientation (SPO) optical methods are classically used as flow kinematics indicators in lava flows. The development of magnetite fabrics during simple shear strains γ≤20 was performed using a suspension of 1% volume fraction of multidomain magnetite randomly contained in a mixture of silicone and wax. We measured AMS fabric and SPO ellipsoids by calculating a quadratic shape tensor from oriented thin-sections. For γ <8, fabrics obey to the theoretical model of rotation of Jeffery (1922). Fabrics are usable to determine the flow kinematics, including the amount of applied finite strain. For γ >8, fabric elements, foliation and lineation, are stabilised closely parallel to the flow plane and the shear direction, respectively. Two- and three-dimensional numerical simulations using measured aspect ratios of magnetite point out that the large scattering of aspect ratios and the initial orientation distribution of particles are together responsible for a wide-ranging loss of periodicity. The stable AMS and SPO fabrics observed at large strains in experiments are the result of these primary fabric properties combined to collisions between particles and, possibly, their complex three-dimensional shapes. In addition, the constant angular relationship observed at large strains between fabrics and flow components is related to the transient collisions. Consequently, the determination of the lava flow kinematics by using fabric properties measured either by AMS or by SPO analyses should be indubitably associated to a detailed study of the three-dimensional shape of the solid carriers. Regularly shaped populations of low elongated particles will be capable to produce cyclic to oscillating fabrics, while the fabric of elongated particles will be more sensitive to the shape parameters and collisions, ultimately favouring stable fabrics at large strains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Massive mineralisation formed by remobilisation of massive magnetite/spinel bodies. • Vein system formation is tectonically controlled. • Continuous evolution from Ni-rich to Co-rich mineralisation in all structures. • Orebodies have sedimentary breccia precursors. • Orebodies are formed in the slope of detachement faults allowing mantle rocks exhumation. The two main types of mineralisation in the Co-Ni-As Bou Azzer district, i.e., "contact" mineralisation" and "cross-cutting" structures have been re-defined based on new field, structural, textural and mineralogical observations. The main orebodies consist of elongated lenses of massive Ni-Co-Fe arsenide minerals. These lenses occur in a core of carbonate or siliceous gangue and are almost exclusively located along the contact between serpentinite and a quartz diorite intrusion. Vein system, cross-cutting the different lithologies, is ore-bearing only along segments in contact with the serpentinite and/or the massive mineralisation. The two orebody types share a rather similar mineralisation history, starting with a Ni-rich arsenide stage (mainly expressed within the massive mineralisation), followed by a massive Co-arsenide stage recognised in both mineralisation styles, and ending with Fe-rich arsenide and base metal sulphide stages. Detailed field observations, microstructural, tectonic, textural and mineralogical analyses led us to propose a genetic model for the Bou Azzer ore district in which massive mineralisation was formed by alteration and transformation of previously formed breccia levels composed of serpentinite (transformed to gangue) and magnetite/spinel (transformed to Co-Ni arsenide minerals) fragments. Inversely, a tectono-hydrothermal event controlled by a NE-oriented transtension generated the vein system, associated certainly with partial remobilisation and reconcentration of metals from the massive mineralisation because veins are principally mineralised when crossing massive orebodies. We discuss a possible temporal continuum between the two mineralisation styles: massive mineralisation, coeval with serpentinisation (serpentine neoformation), is related to the transformation of brecciated lenses, and vein mineralisation is formed as an infill of large fractures during transtensive tectonics. This model has significant tectonic implications, because serpentinite breccia lenses, favourable high-permeability environment for the massive mineralisation formation, can be compared to ophicalcic rocks developed in a context of mantle exhumation by detachment. Two types of textures can be differentiated within the massive mineralisation: i) Brecciated Massive Mineralisation, developed in the core of ophicalcic levels, and ii) Laminated Massive Mineralisation, supposed to form within ancient mylonitic serpentinite levels corresponding to intensive deformation zones. Although the geodynamic significance will not be addressed in this article, we propose and discuss an alternative model in which the presence of exhumed mantle rocks allows the formation of specific massive arsenide deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The French Massif Central (FMC) forms the hinterland of the west-European Variscan belt and was subject to numerous tectonic and metamorphic events from Devonian to Permian times. The accreted tectonic units belonging to Gondwana and Laurussia were variably involved in subduction, nappe stacking and syn- to post-orogenic extension. Besides, plutons and migmatites showing syn-collision crust melting are very common in the Variscan belt. Such orogenic evolution implies that the resulting finite structure likely reflects the interference between fabrics formed at different stages of the orogenic cycle with different degrees of overprinting, depending on e.g. the spatial strain gradients, lithologies, structural level or partial melting grade.We present a model of finite strainfield of the western FMC based of the analysis/interpolation of ductile and brittle fabrics, at regional to local scale, using geostatistics. Ductile fabrics within autochthonous units and syn-collisional plutons are poorly disturbed and reflect the transition from syn-thickening to extensional lateral flow of the partially molten mid-lower crust. In contrast, allochtonous units are affected by numerous perturbations including polyphased ductile shearing, folding and faulting inducing local bloc tilting and rotations. Taking into account the overprint of late tectonic events, we show that early fabrics related to High Pressure metamorphism or nappes' stacking have suffered intense reorientations. The finite trend of the related lineations L1 must be treated with extreme caution and may not reflect the original direction of stretching and shearing that occurred during the initial compressional stages. Taking into account i) the spatial distribution and amount of reorientation of these D1 fabrics and ii) the deconvolution of these disturbances, we propose that:- The high dispersion of lineation trend can be simply explained by passive rotations, during late isoclinal folding, rather than two superposed tectonic phases, as previously inferred. - The allochtonous units formed one single tectonic unit. - This D1 event looks related to the exhumation of the subducted continental crust due to partial melting- The formation of Variscan orogenic prism in western FMC only results of continuous south-directed thrusting rather than a switch from NE-SW to NW-SE thrusting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jbel Saghro is interpreted as part of a long-lived silicic large igneous province. The area comprises two lithostructural complexes. The Lower Complex consists of folded metagreywackes and N070–090°E dextral shear zones, which roughly results from a NW–SE to NNW–SSE shortening direction related to a D1 transpressive tectonic stage. D1 is also combined with syntectonic plutons emplaced between ca. 615 and 575 Ma. The Upper Complex is defined by ash-flow caldera emplacements, thick and widespread ignimbrites, lavas and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks with related intrusives that were emplaced in three main magmatic flare ups at ca. 575, 565 and 555 Ma. It lies unconformably on the Lower Complex units and was affected by a D2 trantensive tectonic stage. Between 550 and 540 Ma, the magmatic activity became slightly alkaline and of lower extent. Ore deposits show specific features, but remain controlled by the same structural setting: a NNW–SSE shortening direction related to both D1 and D2 stages. Porphyry Au(–Cu–Mo) and intrusion-related gold deposits were emplaced in an earlier stage between 580 and 565 Ma. Intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposits may have been emplaced during lull periods after the second and (or) the third flare-ups (560–550 Ma). Low sulfidation epithermal deposits were emplaced late during the felsic alkaline magmatic stage (550–520 Ma). The D2 stage, therefore, provided extensional structures that enabled fluid circulations and magmatic-hydrothermal ore forming processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]