The Geochemistry of Gangue Minerals From Cardiganshire, Midwales
Abstract
Quartz and calcite are the commonest vein minerals associated with sulphide mineralization in Cardiganshire. Fifty samples of quartz were analysed for Al, Ti, Fe+3, P, Mn, Li, Nu, K, Ca, Mg, Sr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, Cd, Co and Ni. Chromium, F-1 and Cl-1, were determined in only a few simples. All these elements show different ranges of variation. Cobalt, however, is characteristically constant, and occurs in unusually high amounts. The absolute Cation ratio of alkalis, Ca, and Mg in quartz approches that of Red Sea brines. Quartz also seems to be very rich in Fluorine and Chlorine. The ratio of Zn/Pb/Cu in quartz can be used for geochemical prospecting, but does not reflect the true contents of the proportions of these elements as sulphides. Sixteen samples of Calcite were analysed for, Fe+3, Mu, Mg, Sr, NU, K, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, CO, Ni, Cr, F- and Cl-1. All these elements vary a lot except manganese which is practically constent. The ratio of Zn/Pb /Cu can be used as a geochemical tracer, but as in the case of quartz does not reflect the true proportion of these elements as sulphides.
The partition coefficients of the different trace metals in quartz and calcite reflect the paragenetic sequence and temperature of deposition of these mineral. The ratio of Na, K, both both in quartz and calcite, seems to be temperature controlled. The mineralization in Cardiganshire seems to have been caused by Na-K-Cl type brines highly enriched in flurine and lithium, suggesting a probable contribution from juvenile waters.
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