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Sulphur isotopic investigation of vein lead-zinc mineralization at Tyndrum, Scotland

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Abstract

The Tyndrum Pb+Zn veins, hosted by late Proterozoic quartzites, were probably generated in the Tournaisian (360 Ma). By determination of sulphur isotopic ratios of vein minerals three aspects of the Tyndrum mineralization were addressed, (i) sulphate sulphur sources; (ii) reduced sulphur source; (iii) isotopic equilibrium in the vein system including geothermometry. Twelve galenas have δ34S values ranging from +3.55 ‰ to +6.38 ‰ (this excludes one value of +11.21 ‰ from a large but nearly barren quartz vein). Other sulphides are enriched or depleted in 34S in the sense expected for isotopic equilibrium although there is no evidence for isotopic equilibrium between the vein minerals. The sulphide sulphur source was probably in the Dalradian metasediments where disseminated pyrite averages +6 ‰. Baryte had δ34S values averaging 14 ‰ and was therefore not in isotopic equilibrium with sulphides: a continental groundwater source is most likely.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Manchester, England

    R. A. D. Pattrick

  2. Institute of Geological Sciences, Geochemical Division, Grays Inn Road, London

    M. L. Coleman

  3. Department of Applied Geology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland

    M. J. Russell

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  1. R. A. D. Pattrick
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  2. M. L. Coleman
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  3. M. J. Russell
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Pattrick, R.A.D., Coleman, M.L. & Russell, M.J. Sulphur isotopic investigation of vein lead-zinc mineralization at Tyndrum, Scotland. Mineral. Deposita 18, 477–485 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00204492

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00204492

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