GEOL 535: LITHOGEOCHEMISTRY OF ORE-FORMING PROCESSES

GEOL 535 is primarily a geochemistry course with a focus on numerical modelling of fl uid-rock interaction and interpretation of alteration and mineralization in hydrothermal ore-forming systems. The course combines observations of mineral assemblages in rock and thin section samples with computer assisted geochemical calculations to analyze the mechanisms of chemical transformation of rocks that are a� ected by crustal fl uid-rock interaction processes. The students will learn to quantify, analyze, and comprehend a variety of geochemical data and create useful geological tools with that information.

GEOL 535 demonstrates how hydrothermal processes a� ect the geochemistry of ore deposits, and aims at giving an overview and understanding how to interpret geochemical and mineralogical fi eld data Using the open source GEMS code package, the student will learn to calculate the stability of ore minerals and solubility of metals in fl uids, and how to integrate fi eld observations with thermodynamic calculations. Students will hone microscopy and mineral identifi cation skills to make critical observations of alteration types and stages, and integrate their observations to learn how to establish a mineral paragenesis. Connecting alteration features with geochemical changes in bulk rock and mineral chemistry is just one learning outcome intended by the course exercises. Through class assignments and reading, students will be trained to develop tools that can assist geologists in understanding geochemical reaction pathways and vectoring toward ore targets.

After completing this course, students will know the chemical processes behind the genesis and zoning in various ore deposits, and will be well equipped with a fundamental knowledge to interpret geochemical data and logically communicate their results in presentation format.

Credit: 3.00Instructor: Dr. Alexander GysiPre-requisite Knowledge: Satisfactory completion of a mineral deposits course and its prerequisites, optical mineralogy, along with a basic understanding of petrology and mineralogy.

Database mode

Equ. calc. mode

DComp

Cp functionstd thermo properties