Epithermal Gold Deposit Main Characteristics

    Parameter

    Low Sulphur deposit

    High sulphur deposit

    Ore minerals

    Gold, pyrite, electrum, sphalerite, galena

    Gold, chalcopyrite, pyrite, tellurides, covellite

    Gangue minerals

    Quartz, calcite, adularia, illite, carbonates

    Quartz, alunite, barite, kaolinite, pyrophyllite

    Textures

    Veins, and open space filling drusy cavities, symmetrical banding and Colloform.

    Wall rock replacement, breccias, veins

    Deposit characteristics

    Cavity veins and stockworks ore common

    Disseminated ores and replacement ores common

    Main metals

    Au, Ag, Zn, Pb, and minor Cu, Sb, As, Hg, Se

    Au, Ag, Cu, As, and minor Pb, Hg, Sb, Te, Mo, Bi

    The genesis of epithermal deposits have been a subject of much debate over the years and are based on theories on the source for the mineralizing fluids. Some geologists believe that the epithermal deposits may have been formed entirely by the circulation of meteoric fluids, with no part played by a magmatic source (fig. 3.5). The area is situated in a U-shaped valley which has many geothermal springs; these have been used to demonstrate a relationship between hot springs and epithermal deposits. Studies of these springs mainly by the use of fluid inclusions and stable isotope studies has shown that the fluids are dilute, weakly alkaline chloride water which has undergone boiling, fluid mixing and oxidation at temperatures around 250oC (LS). It can be said that in many areas the ore minerals are deposited by magmatic fluids with a certain amount of dilution by meteoric waters (HS).

    Some geologists believe that a caldera setting is a requisite for the formation of an epithermal deposit. If there is an ore deposit in such a situation it is because there is a well developed fracture network for the hydrothermal fluids to localize mineralization. Evidence has been found in the United States on studies of Tertiary volcanoes, which has proved that the ores are 2-17 million years younger than the caldera forming volcanism. There is also no specific rock type in which an ore deposit may occur. In general rocks which sustain large open fracture systems over extended periods of time are likely targets for mineralization.

    g402
    Fig. 3.6 convection of meteoric water in cooling volcanic rocks depositing Au beneath hot active springs.

    Parameter

    Gold Mining &  Gold Prospecting Epithermal Gold Deposits Epithermal Gold -Alteration of Deposits Epithermal gold -types of mineralizing fluids Epithermal Gold Deposit Main Characteristics Epithermal Gold Economics