General Information
Abstract: Minor element concentrations in sphalerite from carbonate-hosted zinc-lead deposits in the Northern Cordillera have been determined to define the metallogeny of this remote region. Concentrations of Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Hg, were analyzed in 166 specimens from 48 deposits; an additional 13 elements were investigated at a qualitative level. Analytical data is reported here. Analyses of variance indicate that minor element variations within single hand specimens, and analytical variations, are insignificant relative to between deposit variations. Furthermore, within deposit variations are small relative to between deposit variations; therefore, each deposit can be characterized by the minor elements in the sphalerite.
Probability graph analysis of all minor element contents define bi-modal distributions consisting of relatively 'high' and 'low' populations for most elements. Proterozoic and Lower Cambrain rocks host sphalerite 'high' in minor elements. Sphalerite 'low' in minor elements occurs mainly in Ordovician to Devonian hosts. These patterns are explained best by two ages of regional metallogeny, possibly reflecting two different mineralizing processes. A major shale basin, dewatering to produce metal-rich brines, is associated only with the younger hosts. Major unconformities and paleophysiography suggestive of karst environments are associated with the older host rocks. A model of two metallogenic events, one during Middle to Late Cambrian and another during late Devonian or later is proposed.
Probability graph analysis of all minor element contents define bi-modal distributions consisting of relatively 'high' and 'low' populations for most elements. Proterozoic and Lower Cambrain rocks host sphalerite 'high' in minor elements. Sphalerite 'low' in minor elements occurs mainly in Ordovician to Devonian hosts. These patterns are explained best by two ages of regional metallogeny, possibly reflecting two different mineralizing processes. A major shale basin, dewatering to produce metal-rich brines, is associated only with the younger hosts. Major unconformities and paleophysiography suggestive of karst environments are associated with the older host rocks. A model of two metallogenic events, one during Middle to Late Cambrian and another during late Devonian or later is proposed.
Authors: McLaren, G.P. and Godwin, G.I.
Map Scale: 1 : 0
NTS Mapsheet(s): 105O, 105P, 106B, 106C, 106D, 106E, 106L, 116A, 116B, 116J
Citation: McLaren, G.P. and Godwin, G.I., 1979. Minor elements in sphalerite from carbonate-hosted zinc-lead deposits, Yukon Territory and adjacent District of Mackenzie, Northwest Territories. In: Mineral Industry Report 1977, J.A. Morin, M. Marchand, D.B. Craig, and R.L. Debicki (eds), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Northern Affairs Program, Yukon, Geology Section, p. 5-8.
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NTS Mapsheet(s): 105O, 105P, 106B, 106C, 106D, 106E, 106L, 116A, 116B, 116J
Related Occurrences
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Related Compilations
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Related Publications
| Number | Relationship | Authors | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIR1977 | Contained By | Morin, J.A., Marchand, M., Craig, D.B. and Debicki, D.L. | Mineral Industry Report 1977 |
