Gold upgrading in metamorphosed massive sulfide ore deposits: Direct evidence from laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry analysis of invisible gold

Research Article| September 01, 2007 Gold upgrading in metamorphosed massive sulfide ore deposits: Direct evidence from laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry analysis of invisible gold Thomas Wagner; Thomas Wagner 1Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Reiner Klemd; Reiner Klemd 2Mineralogisches Institut, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Thomas Wenzel; Thomas Wenzel 3Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Benny Mattsson Benny Mattsson 4Boliden Mineral AB, SE-93681 Boliden, Sweden Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2007) 35 (9): 775–778. https://doi.org/10.1130/G23739A.1 Article history received: 02 Feb 2007 rev-recd: 03 Apr 2007 accepted: 07 Apr 2007 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Thomas Wagner, Reiner Klemd, Thomas Wenzel, Benny Mattsson; Gold upgrading in metamorphosed massive sulfide ore deposits: Direct evidence from laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry analysis of invisible gold. Geology 2007;; 35 (9): 775–778. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G23739A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The metamorphosed Boliden volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) ore deposit, northern Sweden, is characterized by an abundance of massive arsenopyrite ore and unusually high gold enrichments (up to 300–600 g/t) in crosscutting veins and fracture zones. The ore textures observed record progressive recrystallization and porphyroblast growth during meta morphism. We conducted a systematic laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrom etry (LA-ICP-MS) study on the gold distribution in fine-grained massive arseno-pyrite and pyrite ore, partially recrystallized arsenopyrite ore, and both arsenopyrite and pyrite porphyroblasts found in gold-rich veins. The gold concentrations in massive arseno-pyrite are highest (30–50 ppm on average) and systematically decrease to 0–2.7 ppm with increasing degree of recrystallization. By contrast, gold concentrations in pyrite ore are much lower and do not exceed 0.2 ppm. The LA-ICP-MS data, coupled with textural data, provide the first direct conclusive evidence that gold is progressively liberated from massive sulfide ores during metamorphism and reprecipitated in veins and other low-strain sites. We suggest that such upgrading is the principal mechanism responsible for significant gold enrichment observed in many metamorphosed VHMS deposits worldwide. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.