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Geochemical and modal data for igneous rocks associated with epithermal mineral deposits

August 29, 2014

The purposes of this report are to (1) present available geochemical and modal data for igneous rocks associated with epithermal mineral deposits and (2) to make those data widely and readily available for subsequent, more in-depth consideration and interpretation. Epithermal precious and base-metal deposits are commonly associated with subduction-related calc-alkaline to alkaline arc magmatism as well as back-arc continental rift magmatism. These deposits form in association with compositionally diverse extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks. Temperature and depth regimes prevailing during deposit formation are highly variable. The deposits form from hydrothermal fluids that range from acidic to near-neutral pH, and they occur in a variety of structural settings. The disparate temperature, pressure, fluid chemistry, and structural controls have resulted in deposits with wide ranging characteristics. Economic geologists have employed these characteristics to develop classification schemes for epithermal deposits and to constrain the important genetic processes responsible for their formation.

Publication Year 2014
Title Geochemical and modal data for igneous rocks associated with epithermal mineral deposits
DOI 10.3133/ds875
Authors Edward A. du Bray
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Data Series
Series Number 875
Index ID ds875
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center