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

Geology
By: , and 

Links

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 ??m in diameter, formed in the early Miocene, ranges from <0.1 to 0.35 mol% FeS; the ??34S values range from -25??? to -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.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Extreme 34S depletions in ZnS at the Mike gold deposit, Carlin Trend, Nevada: Evidence for bacteriogenic supergene sphalerite
Series title Geology
DOI 10.1130/G19831.1
Volume 31
Issue 10
Year Published 2003
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Geology
First page 913
Last page 916
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details