High-Tech Elements in Minerals of Massive Sulfide Deposits: LA-ICP-MS Data

Abstract

LA-ICP-MS data on trace element zonation reflecting a local variation of physicochemical conditions of mineralization in black, grey and clear smokers from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are used for comparison with the ancient chimneys of the Urals, Rudniy Altai, Pontides and Hokuroko massive sulfide deposits. Host rocks also influence on high-tech trace element assemblages in chalcopyrite: ultramafic (high Se, Sn, Co, Ni, Ag and Au) → mafic (high Co, Se, Mo and low Bi, Au and Pb) → bimodal mafic (high Te, Au, Ag, Bi, Pb, Co, moderate Se, and variable As and Sb) → bimodal felsic (high As, Sb, Mo, Pb, moderate Bi, and low Co, Te and Se). In sphalerite of the same range, the contents of Bi, Ga, Pb, In, Ag, Au and Sb increase versus Fe, Se, Sn and Co. The variations in pyrite coincide with these changes. Diagenetic evolution of high-tech elements is recognized in sulfide nodules.