Publication Date:
2011-06-07
Description:
Diagenetic pyrite from the Silurian continental red bed-hosted Transfiguration cupriferous deposit in the Quebec Appalachians, Gaspe Belt, Canada, contains up to [~]2% (m/m) Pb. This large Pb content in pyrite contrasts with experimental determinations that indicate solubility of 0.1% (m/m) Pb has rarely been described; it is thus possible that plumbiferous pyrite may have been overlooked in metalliferous deposits worldwide. The plumbiferous pyrite from Transfiguration has a light S-isotope composition that is characteristic of bacterial sulphate reduction. We suggest that Pb in diagenetic pyrite indicates Pb-tolerant bacterial activity and, perhaps, constitutes a biosignature of bacterial tolerance to Pb in ancient sedimentary systems.
Print ISSN:
0026-461X
Electronic ISSN:
1471-8022
Topics:
Geosciences
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