Geochemistry of Rare Earth Elements (REE) in the Weathered Crusts from the Granitic Rocks in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

We report for the first time the geochemistry of rare earth elements (REE) in the weathered crusts of I-type and calc-alkaline to high-K (shoshonitic) granitic rocks at Mamasa and Palu region, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The weathered crusts can be divided into horizon A (lateritic profile) and B (weathered horizon). Quartz, albite, kaolinite, halloysite and montmorrilonite prevail in the weathered crust. Both weathered profiles show that the total REE increased from the parent rocks to the horizon B but significantly decrease toward the upper part (horizon A). LREE are enriched toward the upper part of the profile as shown by La/YbN value. However, HREE concentrations are high in horizon B1 in Palu profile. The total REE content of the weathered crust are relatively elevated compared to the parent rocks, particularly in the lower part of horizon B in Mamasa profile and in horizon B2 in Palu profile. This suggests that REE-bearing accessory minerals may be resistant against weathering and may remain as residual phase in the weathered crusts. The normalized isocon diagram shows that the mass balance of major and REE components between each horizon in Mamasa and Palu weathering profile are different. The positive Ce anomaly in the horizon A of Mamasa profile indicated that Ce is rapidly precipitated during weathering and retain at the upper soil horizon

Petrology and Geochemistry of Granitoid from South Sulawesi, Indonesia: Implication for Rare Earth Element (REE) Occurrences

This study reports petrology and geochemistry of potential rare earth elements (REE) bearing granitoid from South Sulawesi. The granitoid consists of monzogranite, granodiorite and diorite with subordinate of quartz monzonite, monzodiorite and syenite. Major and trace element analysis were determined using XRF method while trace element and rare earth element composition were determined by ICP-MS method. Geochemical study suggested that the granitoid were metaluminous series and ???I-type??? granitoid. They were furthered classified as calc alkaline series in AFM diagram. The total REE concentration in the granitoids range from 279 ppm to 400 ppm whereas total REE + Y contents up to 305 ppm for Polewali and 428 ppm for Masamba granitoid.\ud Chondrite normalized REE patterns were characterized by enrichment of LREE with the depletion of heavy HREE. REE-bearing mineral were detected as zircon, apatite and monazite as shown by the positive correlation between Zr and P2O5 contents in bulk rock with REE content

Hydrogeochemical Characterization of GeothermalWater in Arjuno-Welirang, East Java, Indonesia

Arjuno-Welirang Volcanic Complex (AWVC) is one of geothermal fields whichlocated in East Java province, Indonesia. It belongs to a Quarternary volcanic arc and has potential for development of electricity. The field is situated in a steep volcanic terrain and there are only few geothermal manifestations, i.e., hot springs, fumaroles, solfataras, steaming ground and hydrothermal alteration. This study aims to classify the type and source of geothermal fluid and to estimate the reservoir condition of Arjuno- Welirang geothermal system. Data are obtained from collecting water samples including hot springs, cold springs, river waters and rain water, then they are analyzed using ICP-AES, titration and ion chromatography.All thermal waters have temperatures from 39.5–53°C and weakly acidic pH (5.2–6.5). Cangar and Padusanhot springs show bicarbonate water, formed by steam condensing or groundwater mixing. On the other hand, Songgoriti shows Cl-HCO3 type, formed by dilution of chloride fluid by either groundwater or bicarbonate water during lateral flow. All of the waters represent immature waters, indicating no strong outflow of neutral Cl-rich deep waters in AWVC. Cl/B ratios show that all water samples have a similar mixing ratio, showing they are from common fluid sources. However, Padusan and Songgoriti have higher Cl/B ratios than Cangar, suggesting that geothermal fluids possibly have reacted with sedimentary rocks before ascending to the surface. All waters were possibly mixed with shallow groundwater and they underwent rock-water reactions at depth before ascending to the surface. An estimated temperatures reservoir calculated using CO2 geothermometer yielded temperatures of 262–263 °C based on collecting of fumarole gas at Mt. Welirang crater. According to their characteristics, Cangar and Padusan are associated with AWVC, while Songgoriti is associated with Mt. Kawi

Geology, Geochemistry and Hydrothermal Fluid Characteristics of Low Sulfidation Epithermal Deposit in the Sangon Area, Kokap, Special Region of Yogyakarta

On the basis of the previous studies and reconnaissance survey in the studyarea covering Sangon, Kalirejo, Kokap Sub-district, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, it reveals some facts of the occurrence of quartz veins with massive, crustiform, comb, drusy cavity, saccharoidal, granular, and reniform/mammillated textures, the appearance of lattice bladed barite and hydrothermal breccia veins. Referring to those characteristics, the deposit type in the study area is interpreted to be low sulfidation epithermal type. This study is aimed to understand and characterize the geological condition, rock and ore geochemistry and the mineralizing fluids. The alteration and ore mineralization are almost observed in entire rock units particularly the intrusive andesite 1. Their formation is controlled by the tension fractures (NW–SE and NE–SW) which associate with sinistral strike slip faults (NE–SW), dilational jog (NNW–SSE), oblique normal fault (WNW–ESE), and predictable normal fault at the NE of study area (NW–SE). The alteration zones are developed to be silica-clay (quartz-illite-kaolinite-kaolinite/smectite), argillic (smectite-illite/smectite), and propylitic (chlorite-calcite±epidote). The precipitationof ore minerals is controlled by boiling, mixing, and wall-rock alteration, and canbe found in the quartz veins (quartz-adularia-sericite) and disseminated in the alteration zones, which their high variability is only can be found in the quartz veins, including pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, marcasite, and arsenopyrite. Based on the ICPAES measurement of 5 quartz vein samples, the Cu, Zn, Pb, and As grade reach about 5,171 ppm, 8,995 ppm, 6,398 ppm, 34.1 ppm, and 1,010.5 ppm, respectively. Gold is not detected. Fluid inclusion microthermometric analysis shows Th of 242.1–257.6 °C and salinity of 1.57–3.87 wt.% NaCl equiv., which indicate a depth below the paleosurface of 384–516 m, and pressure of 101.7–136.6 bar. The ore deposit in the study area is interpreted to be a deep basemetal low sulfidation epithermal type. Gold might be depleted in this epithermal type

Lateritization process of peridotites in Siruka, Choiseul, Solomon Islands

The lateritic weathering crusts exposed in Siruka, Choiseul Islands, Solomon Islands, were developed on the expense of serpentinized peridotite underlain by Siruka schists and Voza lavas with a subhorizontal contact. The lateritic profiles consist of three generalized zones: bedrock, saprolitic zone (weathered and decomposed zone) and the limonitic zones. The profiles demonstrate variations in depths and continuity but illustrate mineralogy and geochemical affinity down profile and are analogous to saprolitic nickel laterite deposits. Silica and magnesia in the bed rock and the saprolitic zones have been removed and only the residual elements (iron, chromium, aluminium, manganese, cobalt and nickel) remain in the limonitic zone. These elements are relatively concentrated as a result of the removal of the soluble elements. Nickel is associated with silica and magnesia, as lizardite ormixed gels (garnierite nickel ore) at the weathering fronts. On the other hand, nickel, with generally low concentrations

Petrography and Geochemistry of Metasedimentary Rocks from the Taku Schist in Kelantan, North-East Peninsular Malaysia.

The Taku Schist, which is located in the north-east Peninsular Malaysia, is characterized by its North-South oriented elongated body. It forms part of the Indonesian orogenic build-up that was generated via the convergence of the Sibumasu continental unit and Sukhothai Arc. Subsequent petrography analyses of the metasedimentary rocks sourced from the Taku Schist revealed that their formation was attributable to the metamorphism of greenschist into amphibolite facies, which could be observed near the Triassic and Cretaceous intrusions of the Kemahang Granite. The evolutionary process of the rocks could be linked with the interactions occurring between contact and regional metamorphisms. The resulting chemical classification upon their assessment disclosed that the metasedimentary rocks of Taku Schist were made up of greywacke and shale, grouped into the quartzose sedimentary provenance, and belonged to the Continental Island Arc (CIA). This information is required for the tectonic setting discrimination purpose. It is a reflection of the episodic contractions underwent by the Taku Schist, wherein they would lead to the Sibumasu sedimentary cover along with both an accretionary wedge and the genetically-correlated Bentong-Raub melange to different greenschist. Otherwise associated with amphibolite facies, the conditions and depths of the facies were determined according to their position in relation to the upper plate of the Sukhothai Arc

The Kago low-sulfidation gold and silver deposit: a peripheral mineralisation to the Nansatsu high-sulfidation system, southern Kyushu, Japan

The Kago deposit is a small deposit located at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula of Southern Kyushu, Japan. It lies proximal to the well-known Nansatsu-type mineralisation province dominated by high-sulfidation type epithermal deposits. The deposit was heavily mined in the 18 th Century, largely for its relatively higher gold compared to that of surrounding and regional deposits. The Kago deposit is a typical low-sulfidation deposit, characterised by adularia-quartz veins, composed of electrum, Ag-tetrahedrite, polybasite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. Based on mine records, the grade ranged from 4.1 to 13.3 g/t Au and 2.6–6.6 g/t Ag. Alteration grades from low to high temperature argillic into a propylitic zone at the extremes of the vein exposures. Carbonate is absent. Fluid inclusion microthermometry reveals a typical temperature range of 220–240 °C with salinity of 0.7–2.6 NaCl eq. wt%. Electrum from high-grade ore ranges from 66 to 69 wt% Au. 40Ar/39Ar age dating of adularia bearing colloform/crustiform and brecciated veins, suggests a mineralisation event from 4.23 to 4.0 Ma. δ18O of veined and silicified quartz ranges from +4.0 to +18.4‰. δ18OH2O of fluids in equilibrium with quartz, in the dominant range of measured fluid inclusion temperatures, ranges from −6.5‰ to −0.2‰. δ34S of pyrite has a narrow range from −1.8 to 2.7‰. The deposit lies at the northern extent of the classic Nansatsu high-sulfidation epithermal area, in which a number of silicified bodies punctuate the region in a roughly semi-circular shape. The Kago deposit lies within the principle mineralisation age range of the high-sulfidation deposits, which range from 5.5 to 3.7 Ma. The structural displacement of the Kago deposit from the Nansatsu mineralisation and the differing host rocks has greatly influenced alteration, ore and rock-water interaction of the ore depositing fluids. Here we seek to establish the relationship that this extended mineral province has between the differing styles of mineralisation

Geochemistry of the Late Cretaceous Pandan Formation in Cebu Island, Central Philippines: Sediment Contributions From the Australian Plate Margin During the Mesozoic

The Late Cretaceous Pandan Formation in Cebu Island is one of the oldest sedimentary units in the Central Philippines. The inconsistencies in geological descriptions and interpretation of the depositional environment of the Pandan Formation complicated efforts to determine the origin and tectonic history of the basement of Cebu Island. This study therefore looks into the petrological and geochemical characteristics of the Pandan Formation and their implications for the tectonic development of the Philippine Arc during the late Mesozoic. Petrographic analyses indicate significant contribution from mafic sources with additional inputs from felsic rocks, siliciclastics and metamorphic sources. Enrichment of detrital quartz from felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks, as well as from siliciclastic and metamorphic sources, has shifted the SiO2 composition of the Pandan clastics from a mafic to a more intermediate source. Whole-rock geochemical analyses revealed low SiO2/Al2O3 = 4.21, low K2O/Na2O = 1.16, low Th/Sc = 0.13, low Th/U = 2.78, high La/Th = 4.51, significantly low REEs = ca 76.45 ppm and low LaN/YbN = 4.28. A slight negative chondrite-normalized Eu/Eu* (0.91) anomaly and significantly high PAAS-normalized positive Eu/Eu* (1.39) values are consistent with derivation from a young undissected magmatic arc terrane. Tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest formation in an oceanic island arc to active margin/collision zone modelled to be located at the oceanic leading edge of Australia. Rapid uplift and erosion of the magmatic arc and older allochthonous blocks gave way to the rapid deposition of the Pandan Formation in the Late Cretaceous at the subequatorial region

High temperature wall-rock alteration zoning in the Sanjin deposit, Hishikari gold mine, Japan: Implication for exploration of mature mining districts

The Sanjin deposit is one of three major ore zones hosted by Pleistocene quartz-adularia veins being mined at the Hishikari low-sulfidation epithermal gold mine, which has produced more than 242 t of gold at an extraordinary average grade since 1985. Hydrothermal alteration zoning of the Sanjin deposit was examined with respect to mineralogy, geochemistry, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and oxygen and hydrogen isotopes. Clay minerals are dominated by interstratified chlorite-smectite (C/S) and interstratified illite-smectite (I/S) with <20% smectite. Epidote and prehnite are recorded for the first time at Hishikari in the southeastern part of the Sanjin deposit, typically coexisting with chlorite. Trapping temperatures of fluid inclusions from associated ore zone quartz veins typically range from 195 to 230 °C, with higher temperatures prevalent in the southeastern part of the Sanjin deposit. The calculated fluid δ18O and δ2H values from clay minerals and quartz cannot be explained by a simple water-rock interaction or a simple fluid mixing model, since variable isotopic exchange temperature and endmembers have to be considered. This suggests that both water-rock interaction and mixing of fluids occurred between dynamically variable end members during mineralization. The average estimated formation temperature of chlorites in the Sanjin deposit using chlorite geothermometry is 233 ± 19 °C, in agreement with the highest temperature zone in Hishikari, estimated by homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions of ore veins. In addition, the estimated formation temperatures of chlorite in epidote- and/or prehnite-rich altered rocks are higher (avg. 240 ± 17 °C) than those in epidote- and/or prehnite-poor altered rocks (avg. 216 ± 9 °C). Thus, the chlorite-epidote/prehnite assemblage can be an index of a high temperature alteration zone in the Sanjin deposit. Considering the position of the paleo-water table of the three ore zones, these factors are consistent with the formation of the Sanjin deposit proximal to the upflow zone responsible for gold mineralization at Hishikari. We suggest that our approach could be utilized to understand the thermal structure of epithermal gold system, which may be important to explore for blind veins at mature mining districts