Behavior of major and trace elements during Ore deposition: Example from the low-sulfidation Pantingan gold system, Mount Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines

Abstract

The evaluation of the relatively fresh host rock and altered rock samples associated with the Pantingan Gold System exposed in Mount Mariveles, Bataan yield several notable observations that are useful in pinpointing potential gold pathfinder elements. Geochemical and petrologic analysis showed that the altered rocks can be subdivided into rocks that underwent propylitic alteration (group 1), argillized rocks with silica contents similar to those of the fresh host rocks (group 2), argillized but not strongly silicified rocks (group 3) and argillized and strongly silicified rocks (group 4). Selected element ratio patterns in the altered rocks and gold concentrations in gold-bearing quartz veins vary between the rock groups. Moreover, mass balance calculation also reflected the geochemical observations pertaining to the gains and losses of SiO2, Fe2O3 + MgO, CaO + Na2O and K2O, which are believed to be chemical reactions (i.e. breakdown of plagioclase, silica inundation or leaching, sulfide and calcite formation) caused by the influx of hydrothermal fluids. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation © 2007 The Society of Resource Geology.