Sequence of Deposition of the Ore Minerals at the Magmont Mine, Viburnum Trend, Southeast Missouri

Abstract

Magmont ore samples have a paragenetic sequence of mineral deposition. Early disseminated mineralization was followed by sulfides characterized by colloform texture. These were succeeded by the deposition of crystalline sulfides, quartz, and calcite in fractures and rugs. The sequence is characterized by overlap and repeated deposition of sulfide minerals. Galena and chalcopyrite were deposited during six intervals; sphalerite, marcasite, and pyrite during four; and dolomite and quartz during three. The interpretation is that the Magmont ore deposits, like other deposits in the Viburnum Trend, were formed over a long period of time during which the ore-bearing fluids passed through sequences of mineral deposition, nondeposition, dissolution, and subsequent deposition.
The general paragenetic sequence corresponds with the areal and vertical mineral zoning of the Magmont orebodies. The earliest copper and zinc mineralizations occur in the lower and central portions of the breccia that initially controlled the deposition of the ore. Younger lead mineralization occurs within and peripheral to the copper and zinc. The youngest minerals are concentrated in the upper and outer portions of the orebodies. The relationship of paragenesis to zoning suggests that the ore fluids moved upward and outward during the mineralization of the breccia.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Lead Deposits - Missouri; Ore Deposits - Missouri; Geology

Geographic Coverage

Southeast Missouri

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0361-0128

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1977 Society of Economic Geologists, Inc., All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 1977

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