ISSN:
1432-1866
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Sulfur isotopic disequilibrium is commonly observed between associated pyrite and copper sulfides in NW Queensland. A sulfur isotopic study of copper mineralization in dolomites at Paradise Valley and arenites at Mammoth has allowed the significance of such disequilibrium to be evaluated. Copper mineralization at Paradise Valley is characterized by a greater enrichment in 34S, with δ34S values often greater than +30‰, for both copper sulfides and associated syngenetic/diagneetic pyrite. At Mammoth, copper sulfides have isotopic compositions (δ34S=−15.9 to −0.3‰) transitional between disseminated syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite (δ34S=−5.7 to −1.7‰) and epigenetic vein pyrite (δ34S=−17.9 to −7.1‰) suggesting progressive reaction and replacement of syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite by a copper-bearing mineralizing fluid under oxidizing conditions. The isotopic data, within the constraints imposed by geological and geochemical factors, support a model of reaction between copper-bearing mineralizing fluids and pre-existing syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite for both the carbonate- and arenite-hosted deposits.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00204322
