Alteration Vectoring in Epithermal High Sulfidation Au-Ag-Cu Systems

14 de jun. de 2016
In this post I would like to share some key points for conceptual mapping
of hydrothermal alteration in High Sulfidation (HS) epithermal systems.

In previous posts, I shared some useful tools for targeting and vectoring
in hydrothermal alteration mapping, please take a look, Hydrothermal
Alteration System, Mapping of Alteration with Focus in Targeting and
Vectoring, and Alteration Vectoring in Epithermal Low & Intermediate
Sulfidation Au-Ag Veins.
HS systems are emplaced over shallow intrusive magmas and its related
volcanic vents, and alteration patterns are produced by reaction of
magmatic fluids in conduits and permeable lithologies. Therefore HS
mineralization are typically emplaced in pre and sin-volcanic sequences,
(breccias, lavas and tuffs), even in older formations. Near surface
hydrothermal alteration is represented by footprints kilometric in size,
with advanced argillic and argillic mineral assemblages.

My intention in this post is to focus discussion on field conceptual

geology useful for vectoring, so geochemistry wont be boarded in detail.
Aimed at easy understanding, I will use a schematic picture to describe
and represent the typical patterns in quartz ledges, permeable lithology
trap, and diatreme breccias.

Groundwater

Groundwater table location is a very important concept to have in mind

when mapping is under way, because of the table location has influence
over the vertical and horizontal extension of the alteration footprints.

When magmatic vapor ascending finds a groundwater table, the vapor

condensates and the consequence is the acid leaching and residual
silica. The Resulting texture proximal to conduits is vuggy silica, and
massive silicification is expected in distal locations. Subsequently, both
textures occurrences are important vectors in lateral and vertical
location in the hydrothermal system. The shape of resultant silicic body
will be defined by hydraulic gradient of groundwater in permeable
lithologies.

Finally, over this point in shallow levels of the system the steam heated
zone is formed, containing characteristic kaolinite (powdery) and
cristobalite.
Structural Vector
Faults are the magmatic fluids conduits for excellence, connecting the
magmatic source to shallow levels of volcanic vents, and during the up
flow great changes affects pH, composition and temperature of fluids

In the field, conduits are generally represented by Quartz ledges, and

mineralization related, could be hosted as hydrothermal breccias, or in
different traps, like permeable lithologies or geological contacts. For that
reason, spatial location of Quartz-ledges structures need the attention
during mapping.

Mineralogical Vector
Mineral assemblages usually have well defined haloes representing the
pH and temperatures of fluids during crystallization. Alteration minerals
has stretch relation to depth and the distance from fluids source.

Mapping supported with spectrometer (i.e. ASD terraspec) permit to

differentiate mineral specimens and even composition in some cases,
very useful for vectoring the fluids source. For example, potassic, sodic
and calcic Alunite.

In the picture is explained typical crystallization conditions for alteration

minerals in HS systems.

Lithological Vector
Host rock composition and permeability are important characteristics in
HS systems, permeable lithologies or composition contrast in rocks (i.e.
ultramafic igneous rocks or carbon rich sediments) could be favorable
traps for ore crystallization and precipitation. Also mineral assemblages
and extension of haloes in alteration will depend of those characteristics.

Highly

active hydrothermal systems

are capable

to generate a

secondary permeability during hydraulic fracturing or breccia formation

(for example, diatreme or crackle breccias).
Mineralization
Metals are transported by HS2 or Cl2- solutions, and then are
precipitated during changes in fluids conditions (i.e. temperature, mix of
fluids, pH).
Some HS systems are hydrothermally actives during long time (for
example, 3 m.y. in Veladero and 5 m.y. in Yanacocha), consequently
multiple mineralization/alteration pulses and overprinting of those
events is very common.
Multiple hydrothermal events favoring the mineralization in HS systems,
therefore evidences of mineralization/alteration overprints, and physical
conditions need to have the attention during mapping. For example,
vuggy silica alteration transform the host rock like a sponge, favoring
mineralization in a later hydrothermal pulse.
The same as previous post, "Every projects has their own DNA, so
is very important to find the mineralogy/geochemistry ratios
showing a better response for vectoring."

Supergene alteration
Supergene alteration generates important leaching and oxidized profiles
in many HS systems, sometimes favorable for oxidized ore formation.

The overprinted alteration, generally is characterized by OxFe (Hematite,

Goethite), supergene sulfates like jarosite or alunite, and kaolinite (i.e.
halloysite) too.
These mineral associations masks many times the hypogene alteration
minerals, so is very important the training in hand lens identification of
alteration minerals (hypogene and supergene). With spectrometer
analysis is easy to define differences between those.