The Paleo-environmental significance of the iron-formations and iron-rich mudstones of the Mesoarchean Witwatersrand-Mozaan Basin, South Africa
- Smith, Albertus Johannes Basson
- Authors: Smith, Albertus Johannes Basson
- Date: 2009-04-28T07:17:48Z
- Subjects: Geology , Petrology , Mineralogy , Geochemistry , Iron ores , Formations (Geology)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/370928 , uj:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2440
- Description: M.Sc. , The Mesoarchean Witwatersrand and Pongola Supergroups of South Africa are the oldest, well preserved supracratonic successions worldwide. Various banded iron formation (BIF) and iron-rich mudstone units occur within the West Rand Group of the Witwatersrand Supergroup and the Mozaan Group of the Pongola Supergroup. A granular iron formation (GIF) occurs in a single unit in the Nconga Formation of the Mozaan Group. The Witwatersrand Supergroup and Mozaan Group have been lithostratigraphically correlated and are interpreted to have been part of the same sedimentary basin. The studied BIF units occur in two associations: shale-associated and diamictiteassociated BIF. The GIF seem to have been deposited in shallower environments with greater hydrodynamic activity. The iron-rich mudstone shows a similar stratigraphic setting to that of the shale-associated BIF. The lithostratigraphic setting of the Witwatersrand-Mozaan basin BIFs are similar to what is seen for Superior-type ironformations, with the mudstones and associated BIFs marking marine transgressions. Various mineralogical facies of BIF were identified, including oxide, carbonate and silicate facies BIF, as well as mixed facies between these end members. The GIF is a unique facies and shows abundant petrographic evidence for biological activity. The iron-rich mudstone has been subdivided into iron-silicate rich, magnetite-bearing, carbonate-bearing, magnetite-carbonate-bearing and garnet-bearing subtypes. BIF, GIF and iron-rich mudstone have been subjected to lower greenschist facies metamorphism with some occurences of localized contact metamorphism. The abundance of magnetite shows that oxidation played an important part in BIF deposition, whereas the occurrence of 12C-enriched iron-rich carbonates suggests post depositional reduction of the deposited oxidized iron-rich minerals by organic matter. Al-bearing minerals are rare in the BIFs xxi and abundant in the iron-rich mudstones. Apatite and rare earth element (REE)- phosphates occur throughout. The major element geochemistry shows an inverse proportionality for Fe and Si in all the studied samples. BIFs show slightly higher Fe- and lower Si- and Al-concentrations compared to iron-rich mudstones which show higher Si- and Al- and lower Feconcentrations. The studied BIFs show major element geochemical attributes intermediate to those of Superior- and Algoma-type iron-formations. Provenance studies on some of the iron-rich mudstones illustrate that they were sourced from a mixture of mafic and felsic sources. The rare earth element (REE) geochemistry suggests strong hydrothermal input into the units, and positive correlation with the Fe-concentrations suggests that the Fe was introduced by high temperature hydrothermal fluids. The majority of the REEs are hosted by apatite and the REE-phosphates monazite and xenotime. The REEs were reconcentrated into these phosphates during diagenesis. A comparison of the studied lithostratigraphically correlatable units between the Witwatersrand Supergroup and Mozaan Group makes it possible to construct a depositional model for basin-wide BIF deposition in the Witwatersrand-Mozaan basin. Shale-associated BIF was deposited during the peak of transgression when reduced Ferich hydrothermal bottom waters were introduced into shallow ocean water that was either oxygenated or filled with anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. Diamictite-associated BIF, in contrast, was deposited during interglacial periods when the melting of glacial ice introduced sunlight, nutrients and oxygen to the reduced, hydrothermally influenced Ferich ocean water. GIF was probably deposited in shallow, above wave base waters cut off from clastic input, and then washed into deeper depositional environments. Iron-rich mudstone was deposited in a similar setting as the shale-associated BIF, but in environments that were not completely cut off from detrital influx. The study shows that it is impossible to construct a general depositional model for Precambrian BIFs, since the lithostratigraphic and depositional settings vary between different examples of BIF.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Smith, Albertus Johannes Basson
- Date: 2009-04-28T07:17:48Z
- Subjects: Geology , Petrology , Mineralogy , Geochemistry , Iron ores , Formations (Geology)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/370928 , uj:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2440
- Description: M.Sc. , The Mesoarchean Witwatersrand and Pongola Supergroups of South Africa are the oldest, well preserved supracratonic successions worldwide. Various banded iron formation (BIF) and iron-rich mudstone units occur within the West Rand Group of the Witwatersrand Supergroup and the Mozaan Group of the Pongola Supergroup. A granular iron formation (GIF) occurs in a single unit in the Nconga Formation of the Mozaan Group. The Witwatersrand Supergroup and Mozaan Group have been lithostratigraphically correlated and are interpreted to have been part of the same sedimentary basin. The studied BIF units occur in two associations: shale-associated and diamictiteassociated BIF. The GIF seem to have been deposited in shallower environments with greater hydrodynamic activity. The iron-rich mudstone shows a similar stratigraphic setting to that of the shale-associated BIF. The lithostratigraphic setting of the Witwatersrand-Mozaan basin BIFs are similar to what is seen for Superior-type ironformations, with the mudstones and associated BIFs marking marine transgressions. Various mineralogical facies of BIF were identified, including oxide, carbonate and silicate facies BIF, as well as mixed facies between these end members. The GIF is a unique facies and shows abundant petrographic evidence for biological activity. The iron-rich mudstone has been subdivided into iron-silicate rich, magnetite-bearing, carbonate-bearing, magnetite-carbonate-bearing and garnet-bearing subtypes. BIF, GIF and iron-rich mudstone have been subjected to lower greenschist facies metamorphism with some occurences of localized contact metamorphism. The abundance of magnetite shows that oxidation played an important part in BIF deposition, whereas the occurrence of 12C-enriched iron-rich carbonates suggests post depositional reduction of the deposited oxidized iron-rich minerals by organic matter. Al-bearing minerals are rare in the BIFs xxi and abundant in the iron-rich mudstones. Apatite and rare earth element (REE)- phosphates occur throughout. The major element geochemistry shows an inverse proportionality for Fe and Si in all the studied samples. BIFs show slightly higher Fe- and lower Si- and Al-concentrations compared to iron-rich mudstones which show higher Si- and Al- and lower Feconcentrations. The studied BIFs show major element geochemical attributes intermediate to those of Superior- and Algoma-type iron-formations. Provenance studies on some of the iron-rich mudstones illustrate that they were sourced from a mixture of mafic and felsic sources. The rare earth element (REE) geochemistry suggests strong hydrothermal input into the units, and positive correlation with the Fe-concentrations suggests that the Fe was introduced by high temperature hydrothermal fluids. The majority of the REEs are hosted by apatite and the REE-phosphates monazite and xenotime. The REEs were reconcentrated into these phosphates during diagenesis. A comparison of the studied lithostratigraphically correlatable units between the Witwatersrand Supergroup and Mozaan Group makes it possible to construct a depositional model for basin-wide BIF deposition in the Witwatersrand-Mozaan basin. Shale-associated BIF was deposited during the peak of transgression when reduced Ferich hydrothermal bottom waters were introduced into shallow ocean water that was either oxygenated or filled with anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. Diamictite-associated BIF, in contrast, was deposited during interglacial periods when the melting of glacial ice introduced sunlight, nutrients and oxygen to the reduced, hydrothermally influenced Ferich ocean water. GIF was probably deposited in shallow, above wave base waters cut off from clastic input, and then washed into deeper depositional environments. Iron-rich mudstone was deposited in a similar setting as the shale-associated BIF, but in environments that were not completely cut off from detrital influx. The study shows that it is impossible to construct a general depositional model for Precambrian BIFs, since the lithostratigraphic and depositional settings vary between different examples of BIF.
- Full Text:
Geochemistry and mineralogy of supergene altered manganese ore below the Kalahari unconformity in the Kalahari manganese field, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Du Plooy, Andries Petrus
- Date: 2009-01-28T09:38:57Z
- Subjects: Geology , Geochemistry , Mineralogy , Petrology , Manganese ores , Northern Cape (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14834 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1958
- Description: M.Sc. , It is the focus of the study to qualitatively describe and then quantify the mineralogical and geochemical changes associated with the supergene alteration of carbonate-rich braunite lutite (Mamatwan-type ore) immediately below the Kalahari unconformity along the southeastern suboutcrop perimeter of the Hotazel Formation in the Kalahari deposit. It was also the objective of this study to determine the timing and duration of supergene alteration. Samples for polished thin sections were carefully selected from eight representative boreholes to be representative of all the lithostratigraphic zones and ore types. The thin sections were used to study mineralogy by means of reflected light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray powder diffractometry on representative powder samples were used to study the mineralogy and geochemistry of the samples. Microprobe analyses were also performed on the representative samples. Finally the samples were submitted for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. In this supergene enrichment zone carbonates are leached (associated with an increase in porosity) and Mn2+/Mn3+ -bearing minerals (kutnahorite, Mn-calcite an braunite) are altered to supergene Mn4+-bearing mineral phases (todorokite and manganomelane) and minor quartz. This process upgrades ore from 38 wt% Mn to ore with more than 40 wt% Mn. Element fluxes, enrichment and depletion of major and trace elements were quantified by mass balance calculations. Na2O, K2O, Sr, Ba, Zn and H2O were enriched, while Mn3O4, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, P, B and CO2 were leached from the ore during supergene alteration. Results of this study suggest that the development of Post African I erosional surface may have taken place 45 Ma ago. The bottom of the weathering profile gives a well-defined peak at ca. 5 Ma that may possible coincide with the development of Post African II erosional surface. The major characteristics of the alteration process of the unaltered Mamatwan-type ore to supergene altered braunite lutite can be summarized as follow: • Leaching of Mn carbonates and Mn2+/Mn3+-oxides. • Formation of Mn4+-oxyhydroxides and quartz. • Decrease in relative density of the ore. • Increase in porosity of the ore. • Leaching of Mn3O4, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, P, B, CO2. • Enrichment of Na2O, K2O, Sr, Ba, Zn, H2O. Chemical weathering processes along the Cenozoic Kalahari unconformity appear to have affected the manganiferous lithologies of the Hotazel Formation from 45 Ma onwards to 5 Ma. The weathering front processes very slowly through the Mn-rich braunite lutite (<10m in 40 Ma; <0.25m/Ma); producing a very uniform and microcrystalline supergene mineral assemblage with distinct characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plooy, Andries Petrus
- Date: 2009-01-28T09:38:57Z
- Subjects: Geology , Geochemistry , Mineralogy , Petrology , Manganese ores , Northern Cape (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14834 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1958
- Description: M.Sc. , It is the focus of the study to qualitatively describe and then quantify the mineralogical and geochemical changes associated with the supergene alteration of carbonate-rich braunite lutite (Mamatwan-type ore) immediately below the Kalahari unconformity along the southeastern suboutcrop perimeter of the Hotazel Formation in the Kalahari deposit. It was also the objective of this study to determine the timing and duration of supergene alteration. Samples for polished thin sections were carefully selected from eight representative boreholes to be representative of all the lithostratigraphic zones and ore types. The thin sections were used to study mineralogy by means of reflected light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray powder diffractometry on representative powder samples were used to study the mineralogy and geochemistry of the samples. Microprobe analyses were also performed on the representative samples. Finally the samples were submitted for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. In this supergene enrichment zone carbonates are leached (associated with an increase in porosity) and Mn2+/Mn3+ -bearing minerals (kutnahorite, Mn-calcite an braunite) are altered to supergene Mn4+-bearing mineral phases (todorokite and manganomelane) and minor quartz. This process upgrades ore from 38 wt% Mn to ore with more than 40 wt% Mn. Element fluxes, enrichment and depletion of major and trace elements were quantified by mass balance calculations. Na2O, K2O, Sr, Ba, Zn and H2O were enriched, while Mn3O4, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, P, B and CO2 were leached from the ore during supergene alteration. Results of this study suggest that the development of Post African I erosional surface may have taken place 45 Ma ago. The bottom of the weathering profile gives a well-defined peak at ca. 5 Ma that may possible coincide with the development of Post African II erosional surface. The major characteristics of the alteration process of the unaltered Mamatwan-type ore to supergene altered braunite lutite can be summarized as follow: • Leaching of Mn carbonates and Mn2+/Mn3+-oxides. • Formation of Mn4+-oxyhydroxides and quartz. • Decrease in relative density of the ore. • Increase in porosity of the ore. • Leaching of Mn3O4, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, P, B, CO2. • Enrichment of Na2O, K2O, Sr, Ba, Zn, H2O. Chemical weathering processes along the Cenozoic Kalahari unconformity appear to have affected the manganiferous lithologies of the Hotazel Formation from 45 Ma onwards to 5 Ma. The weathering front processes very slowly through the Mn-rich braunite lutite (<10m in 40 Ma; <0.25m/Ma); producing a very uniform and microcrystalline supergene mineral assemblage with distinct characteristics.
- Full Text:
Metasedimentary manganese ores of the Serra do Navio deposit, Amapa Province, Brazil
- Authors: Chisonga, Benny Chanda
- Date: 2009-01-27T07:18:17Z
- Subjects: Geology , Manganese ores , Petrology , Mineralogy , Fluid inclusions , Geochemistry , Amapá (Territory) Brazil
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1952
- Description: M.Sc. , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chisonga, Benny Chanda
- Date: 2009-01-27T07:18:17Z
- Subjects: Geology , Manganese ores , Petrology , Mineralogy , Fluid inclusions , Geochemistry , Amapá (Territory) Brazil
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1952
- Description: M.Sc. , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Geological and geochemical study of the quartzofeldspathic rocks from the farm Gotha, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Authors: Barnett, Martina
- Date: 2009-01-27T07:17:45Z
- Subjects: Geology , Geochemistry , Petrology , Mineralogy , Structural geology , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1949
- Description: M.Sc. , This study has served to expand the geological map of surroundings of the Venetia Mine (Limpopo Province, South Africa) incorporating the area lying south of the kimberlite deposit and bounded in the south by the Dowe-Tokwe fault. The most significant structural conclusion stemming from this mapping project is that the Venetia Synform seems to be tectonically separate from the surrounding area and actually forms a klippe (shallowly dipping thrust) against the Krone Metamorphic terrane and the Gotha Complex. Petrographic descriptions of quartzofeldspathic lithologies found in the Krone Metamorphic Terrane to the west of the Venetia klippe (Mellonig, 2004) are identical suggesting that they belong to the Gotha igneous complex. There are no differences in geochemical compositions of monzogranite to granodiorite, tonalite and quartz diorite from Farms Gotha and Venetia. The rocks are I-type granitoids that generally form in continental magmatic arcs. The amount of U and Th in the igneous rocks of the Farms Gotha and Venetia (contained in minerals found within quartz, plagioclase, amphibole and K-feldspar crystal boundaries and the magmatic zircons of the Farm Gotha samples) and the pattern produced by heat producing elements (Council for Geoscience Radiogenic Map), indicate that that the unexpectedly high concentration of these elements are not the result of regional metamorphism, but is the remnant of the final crystallisation phase of the magma of the area. REE plots of the Venetia Mine samples show negative Eu anomalies, indicating the presence of plagioclase and K-feldspar in the magma source of the Venetia mine samples. The assumption is, that most samples retained their original chemical compositions having experienced only weak deuteric alteration and no dynamic metamorphism.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Barnett, Martina
- Date: 2009-01-27T07:17:45Z
- Subjects: Geology , Geochemistry , Petrology , Mineralogy , Structural geology , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1949
- Description: M.Sc. , This study has served to expand the geological map of surroundings of the Venetia Mine (Limpopo Province, South Africa) incorporating the area lying south of the kimberlite deposit and bounded in the south by the Dowe-Tokwe fault. The most significant structural conclusion stemming from this mapping project is that the Venetia Synform seems to be tectonically separate from the surrounding area and actually forms a klippe (shallowly dipping thrust) against the Krone Metamorphic terrane and the Gotha Complex. Petrographic descriptions of quartzofeldspathic lithologies found in the Krone Metamorphic Terrane to the west of the Venetia klippe (Mellonig, 2004) are identical suggesting that they belong to the Gotha igneous complex. There are no differences in geochemical compositions of monzogranite to granodiorite, tonalite and quartz diorite from Farms Gotha and Venetia. The rocks are I-type granitoids that generally form in continental magmatic arcs. The amount of U and Th in the igneous rocks of the Farms Gotha and Venetia (contained in minerals found within quartz, plagioclase, amphibole and K-feldspar crystal boundaries and the magmatic zircons of the Farm Gotha samples) and the pattern produced by heat producing elements (Council for Geoscience Radiogenic Map), indicate that that the unexpectedly high concentration of these elements are not the result of regional metamorphism, but is the remnant of the final crystallisation phase of the magma of the area. REE plots of the Venetia Mine samples show negative Eu anomalies, indicating the presence of plagioclase and K-feldspar in the magma source of the Venetia mine samples. The assumption is, that most samples retained their original chemical compositions having experienced only weak deuteric alteration and no dynamic metamorphism.
- Full Text:
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