thumbnail

Isotopic studies of mariposite-bearing rocks from the south- central Mother Lode, California.

California Geology
By: , , and 

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Gold-bearing vein formation in the Mother Lode belt of the study area apparently occurred during the Early Cretaceous between 127 and 108 m.y. B.P. The hydrothermal fluids that carried the gold precipitated quartz and mariposite at approx 320oC, similar to the T of precipitation of gold-bearing quartz veins in the Allegheny district. The O- and H-isotopic composition calculated for the fluid indicate that it was similar to formation water or was metamorphic in origin. If the carbonate in the veins was in isotopic equilibrium with this same fluid, it apparently precipitated at a higher T of approx 400oC. The Sr in the carbonate is much less radiogenic than that in any known marine carbonate, but is similar in isotopic composition to that in metamorphosed mafic volcanic rocks of the general region. These mafic rocks could have been the source for the Sr in the hydrothermal veins. This observation supports the contention that the gold-mariposite-quartz-carbonate rocks were formed as an alteration product of serpentinite and other mafic igneous rocks.-A.P.

Suggested Citation

Kistler, R.W., Dodge, F.C., Silberman, M., 1983, Isotopic studies of mariposite-bearing rocks from the south- central Mother Lode, California.: California Geology, v. 36, no. 9, p. 201-203.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Isotopic studies of mariposite-bearing rocks from the south- central Mother Lode, California.
Series title California Geology
Volume 36
Issue 9
Year Published 1983
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title California Geology
First page 201
Last page 203
Additional publication details