Chert in the Iberian Pyrite Belt |
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| Authors: | J M Leistel E Marcoux Y Deschamps |
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| Institution: | (1) BRGM, DR/DMG, BP6009, 45060 Orléans Cedex 02, France, FR;(2) Seiemsa, Ed. Foro de Somosaguas, Pl.1A, mod. 5–6, Centra Carabanchel a Pozuelo, Urb. Pinar de Somosaguas, Pozuelo de Alarcon, 28228 Madrid, Spain, ES |
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| Abstract: | Since lenses of chert are common within the volcano-sedimentary succession hosting the massive sulphide deposits of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Spain and Portugal), we examined numerous chert occurrences, both petrographically and geochemically, to test their possible value for massive sulphide exploration. The chert is found at two main lithostratigraphic levels (upper and lower) that are also interpreted as massive-sulphide bearing. In both cases the chert is located at the top of acidic volcanic sequences or in the associated sediments; we have not been able to observe the relationships between massive sulphides and chert, but some of the large orebodies of the Province (Lousal, La Zarza, Tharsis, Planes-San Antonio body of Rio Tinto, Neves) are described as being locally capped by chert facies. Four main types are recognized among the chert and associated facies: (1) red hematitic chert?±?magnetite; (2) radiolarian and/or sedimentary-textured (conglomeratic) chert with hematite and/or Mn oxides; (3) pale sulphidic chert; (4) rhodonite and/or Mn carbonate?±?magnetite facies. In the Spanish part of the Province the radiolarian chert is confined to the upper level; the distribution of the other types appears to be haphazard. The hydrothermal origin of the South Iberian chert is shown by its high Fe-Mn and low Co-Ni-Cu contents. The presence of small positive Ce anomalies indicates a shallow marine environment (shelf or epicontinental sea), which is consistent with the volcanological and sedimentological data. The chert was emplaced below the sea floor through chemical precipitation and/or through alteration and replacement of the country rock, residual traces of which are ghost phenocrysts and high Al, Ti and rare earth contents. Macro- and microscopic relationships indicate that the oxide facies (hematite?±?magnetite) formed first, probably providing a protective insulating cover against the marine environment and enabling an evolution towards sulphide facies; a phase of Mn?carbonate and silicate + quartz?±?chlorite + sulphides appears to be even later. It was not possible, through discrimination, to isolate a chert that could be considered as representing a lateral marker of massive sulphides; moreover, both field observations and geochemical data seem to indicate a relative independence of this siliceous sulphide hydrothermal activity from the hydrothermal activity giving rise to the massive sulphides. Such is also indicated by the lead isotopic signature of the chert, which is appreciably more radiogenic than that of the massive sulphides; the lead enrichment in the sulphidic chert facies indicates the participation of a different source (sediments, sea water) from that of the massive sulphides. The hypothesis of an independent hydrothermal “chert” event can thus be envisaged, wherein the chert reflects submarine low-temperature hydrothermal activity that is most apparent during a “break” within the volcano-sedimentary succession and which may locally have competed with the high-temperature hydrothermal activity giving rise to the massive sulphides. The interest of the chert thus rests in its palaeodynamic significance, as a marker of periods of volcanic quiescence, and in its possible role as a protective insulating cap favourable to the deposition of massive sulphides. |
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