Work

Extreme 34S depletions in ZnS at the Mike gold deposit, Carlin Trend, Nevada: Evidence for bacteriogenic supergene sphalerite

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: We identified submicrometer-sized framboidal sphalerite (ZnS) below the base of supergene oxidation in a Carlin-type gold deposit of Eocene age in Nevada, United States, where the framboidal sphalerite forms a blanket-like body containing >400,000 metric tons of zinc. Framboidal sphalerite <0.1 mum in diameter, formed in the early Miocene, ranges from <0.1 to 0.35 mol% FeS; the delta(34)S values range from -25% to w-70%, the lowest values measured in a marine or terrestrial environment. These S isotope data demonstrate the involvement of sulfate-reducing bacteria and provide the first documentation that sphalerite can form significant supergene sulfide-enrichment blankets.

Source: Geology

DOI: 10.1130/g19831.1

Authors: Thomas M. Bawden, Marco T. Einaudi, Benjamin C. Bostick, Anders Meibom, Joseph Wooden, John W. Norby, Michael J.T. Orobona, C. Page Chamberlain

Institutions: Stanford University, United States Geological Survey, Newmont Mining (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Geological and Geochemical Analysis

Subfield: Geophysics

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Newmont Corporation

OpenAlex ID: W2059981010

FWCI: 2.297

Cites: 28

Cited by: 47

Related to: 10