Paleocene adakite Au-Fe bearing rocks, Mezcala, Mexico; evidence from geochemical characteristics

Abstract

The Au-Fe mineralized granitoids at Mezcala district have a porphyry texture with a quartz+feldspar microcrystalline matrix and phenocrysts of plagioclase, quartz (with reaction rims), hornblende and biotite. The primary minerals are oligoclase-andesine, microcline and beta -quartz. The accessory minerals are biotite, hornblende and, in minor amounts, apatite+zircon+sphene+titanomagnetite. Some intrusive rocks present abundant hornblende autoliths. Based on the petrography and bulk geochemistry of these granitoids, they are classified as monzonite, tonalite (the most abundant) and granodiorite with a strong calc-alkaline trend in potassium (K (sub 2) O=3.8% average). The bulk and trace elements chemistry is SiO (sub 2) =63.8%, Al (sub 2) O (sub 3) =15.83%, Fe (sub 2) O (sub 3) +MgO+MnO+TiO=6.52%; V=76.7 ppm, Cr=50.2 ppm, Ni=19.7 ppm, Sr=694 ppm. These granitoids show a strong depletion in heavy rare-earth elements (HREE), with average values of Yb=1 ppm and Y=13 ppm, this being the characteristic geochemical signature for adakite. The trace elements content suggests that the adakite granitoids from Mezcala were formed within a tectonic framework of volcanic arc related to the interaction between the Farallon and North America plates. This interaction occurred during the Paleocene after the Laramide Orogeny (post-collision zone) in a fast convergent thick continental crust (>50 km) subduction regime. The original magma is interpreted as being the product of partial melting of an amphibolite-eclogite transition zone source with little contribution of the mantle wedge. Along with the hydration processes, a metallic fertility also took place in the area. The geochemical signature of the adakites within the granitoids rocks represents a characteristic guide for further exploration for Au-rich skarn-type ore deposits in southern Mexico.

18 samples from this reference