Geochemistry Of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits

This thoroughly revised and expanded new edition incorporates the most recent research findings on the subject, such as the discovery of dramatic undersea hydrothermal vents. It describes the key process in the generation of ore deposits and emphasizes solid theoretical understanding.

This book is intended primarily for exploration geologists and post graduate students attending specialist courses in mineral exploration. Exploration geologists are engaged not only in the search for new mineral deposits, but also in the extension and re-assessment of existing ones. To succeed in these tasks, the exploration geologist is required to be a "generalist" of the Earth sciences rather than a specialist. The exploration geologist needs to be familiar with most aspects of the geology of ore deposits, and detailed knowledge as well as experience play an all important role in the successful exploration for mineral commodities. In order to achieve this, it is essential that the exploration geologist be up to date with the latest developments in the evolution of concepts and ideas in the Earth sciences. This is no easy task, as thousands of publications appear every year in an ever increasing number of journals, periodicals and books. For this reason it is also difficult, at times, to locate appropriate references on a particular mineral deposit type, although this problem is alleviated by the existence of large bibliographic data bases of geological records, abstracts and papers on computers. During my teaching to explorationists and, indeed, during my years of work as an explorationist, the necessity of having a text dealing with the fundamental aspects of hydrothermal mineral deposits has always been compelling. Metallic mineral deposits can be categorised into three great families, namely: (I) magmatic; (2) sedimentary and residual; (3) hydrothermal.

Complexing and Hydrothermal Ore Deposition provides a synthesis of fact, theory, and interpretative speculation on hydrothermal ore-forming solutions. This book summarizes information and theory of the internal chemistry of aqueous electrolyte solutions accumulated in previous years. The scope of the discussion is limited to those aspects of particular interest to the geologist working on the problem of hydrothermal ore genesis. Wherever feasible, fundamental principles are reviewed. Portions of this text are devoted to calculations of specific hydrothermal equilibriums in multicomponent solut.

Volume 76 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry presents an extended review of the topics conveyed in a short course on Geothermal Fluid Thermodynamics held prior to the 23rd Annual V.M. Goldschmidt Conference in Florence, Italy (August 24-25, 2013). It covers Thermodynamics of Geothermal Fluids, The Molecular-Scale Fundament of Geothermal Fluid Thermodynamics, Thermodynamics of Aqueous Species at High Temperatures and Pressures: Equations of State and Transport Theory, Mineral Solubility and Aqueous Speciation Under Hydrothermal Conditions to 300 °C – The Carbonate System as an Example, Thermodynamic Modeling of Fluid-Rock Interaction at Mid-Crustal to Upper-Mantle Conditions, Speciation and Transport of Metals and Metalloids in Geological Vapors, Solution Calorimetry Under Hydrothermal Conditions, Structure and Thermodynamics of Subduction Zone Fluids from Spectroscopic Studies and Thermodynamics of Organic Transformations in Hydrothermal Fluids.

Mapping closely to how ore deposit geology is now taught, this textbook systematically describes and illustrates the major ore deposit types, linking this to their settings in the crust and the geological factors behind their formation. Written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a basic background in the geosciences, it provides a balance of practical information and coverage of the relevant geological sciences, including petrological, geochemical, hydrological and tectonic processes. Important theory is summarized without unnecessary detail and integrated with students' learning in other topics, including magmatic processes and sedimentary geology, enabling students to make links across the geosciences. Students are supported by further reading, a comprehensive glossary, and problems and review questions that test the application of theoretical approaches and encourage students to use what they have learnt. A website includes visual resources and combines with the book to provide students and instructors with a complete learning package.

Volume 65 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry attempts to fill this gap and to explicitly focus on the role that co-existing fluids play in the diverse geologic environments. It brings together the previously somewhat detached literature on fluid–fluid interactions in continental, volcanic, submarine and subduction zone environments. It emphasizes that fluid mixing and unmixing are widespread processes that may occur in all geologic environments of the entire crust and upper mantle. Despite different P-T conditions, the fundamental processes are analogous in the different settings.

This monograph reflects the results of a fundamental investigation of metasomatic skarn and ore formation in dolomites, which the author has been conducting for decades. The genetic complication and practical significance of skarn deposits of ores and other minerals found on all continents necessitated comprehensive studying of the processes of their formation, the petrochemical and mineral composition of metasomatic rocks and ores, and their postmagmatic and exogentic alteration. The investigation was based on the latest methods for establishing chemical composition, simulation of hydrothermal ore formation, and on information on the isotope composition of carbon, oxygen, boron and sulfur in ores and minerals. The development in geochemical methods of prognosis, prospecting for, and appraising the quality of skarn ores of various composition proved their merits in the finding of new deposits and promising bodies of new mineral kinds of ores in Russia and other countries.