Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sulphur isotopes in Lower Proterozoic iron and sulphide ores in northern Sweden

  • Published:
Mineralium Deposita Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present investigation deals with sulphur isotope distribution in Lower Proterozoic iron and sulphide mineralizations in northern Sweden. The contrasting sulphur isotope patterns are indicative of different genesis. Some 267 sulphur isotope analyses of pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and bornite from 23 occurrences have been performed. Some deposits exhibit uniform compositions, although the mean δ 34S values are clearly different, while other mineralizations have widely fluctuating values.

The δ 34S values in syngenetic, exhalative sedimentary skarn iron ores, quartz-banded iron ores and sulphide mineralizations of the 2.0–2.5 Ga old (Lapponian) Greenstone group show a large spread, supporting the existence of bacteriogenic sulphate reduction processes. The spread of the sulphur isotope values (δ 34S = -8 to +25‰), and the non-equilibrium conditions, point to a biogenic rather than to an inorganic reduction of seawater sulphate.

The isotopic composition of the sulphides in the epigenetic Lannavaara iron ores which were formed by a hydrothermal scapolite-tourmalme-related process, indicates a sulphur source similar to that of the Greenstone group. The δ 34S values of Cu-(Au) sulphide mineralizations in the Malmberget region (e.g. Aitik), which were formed by a similar process and hosted by the volcanics-volcanoclastics of the 1.9 Ga old Porphyry group, are slightly below zero ‰, indicating a magmatic origin. The existence of different sulphur compositions for these mineralization types formed by a similar hydrothermal process, probably reflects the influence of the host rock, the solutions leaching pre-existing sulphides.

In southern Norrbotten, epigenetic, Cu-Zn-Pb veintype mineralizations in metavolcanics and metasediments have δ 34S values close to zero ‰ indicating a magmatic origin. The sulphur isotope data of the volcanogenic, massive sulphide ores of the Skellefte district, in particular the ores of the Adak dome, are close to zero ‰.

The lead and sulphur isotopic features of the sulphides in northern Sweden show that the ore-forming processes were of a different nature on both sides of the Archean-Proterozoic border, implying differences in the crustal development. Lead isotopes show that lead was mobilized from specific sources on each side of the border. The sulphur of the sulphides in the Greenstone group in NE Sweden and Finland was introduced by sedimentary processes, whereas the sulphur of the sulphide occurrences towards the SW, mainly in the Porphyry group, is dominated by a magmatic sulphur component.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Danielsson, S. (1987) Geological description of the Nautanen-Aitik-Jårbojoki belt in the Gällivare area (in Swedish). Swedish Geological Co., Luleå, Exploration Report PRAP 87055, 25 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Danielsson, S., Lindroos, H. (1986) Aitik and Nautanen copper-gold deposit. In: Lindroos, H., Sundblad, K. (eds.) Proterozoic mineralizations in northernmost Sweden. Complementary guidebook to Swedish part of IAGOD excursion No. 6. Sver. Geol. Unders., Uppsala, pp. 12–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Drake, B. (1992) Aitik copper mine. Geologi 2:19–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Field, C.W., Sakai, H., Ueda, A. (1984) Isotopic constraints on the origin of sulfur in oceanic igneous rocks. In: Wauschkuhn, A., et al (eds.) Syngenesis and epigenesis in the formation of mineral deposits. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp. 580–588

    Google Scholar 

  • Finlow-Bates, T., Large, D.E. (1978) Water depth as major control on the formation of submarine exhalative ore deposits. Geol. Jahrb. 3D:27–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Frietsch, R. (1966) Geology and ores of the Svappavaara area, northern Sweden (in Swedish, English summary). Sver. Geol. Unders. C 604:282 pp

  • Frietsch, R. (1975) Brief outline of the metallic mineral resources of Sweden. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 718:64 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Frietsch, R. (1977) The iron ore deposits in Sweden. In: Zitzman A. (ed.). The iron ore deposits of Europe and adjacent areas. Explanatory note to the International map of iron ore deposits of Europe, Vol. 1. Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, Hannover, pp. 279–293

    Google Scholar 

  • Frietsch, R. (1984) Petrochemistry of the iron ore-bearing metavolcanites in Norrbotten county, northern Sweden. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 802:62pp

  • Frietsch, R. (1985a) The Lannavaara iron ores, northern Sweden. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 807:55 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Frietsch, R. (1985b) Formation of Mg-bearing magnetite and serpentine in skarn iron ores in Northern Sweden. Geol. Fören. Stockholm Förh. 106:219–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Frietsch, R. (1989) New ore types in the northern part of the Fennoscandian shield (abstract). Meeting: New Ore types in northern Fennoscandia. September 26–28 1989, Luleå. Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 14–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Frietsch, R. (1991) New ore types in northern Fennoscandia (abstract). Meeting in Luleå. In: Öhlander, B., Frietsch, R. (eds.) New ore types in northern Fennoscandia. Geol. Fören. Stockh. Förh. 113:46–48

  • Frietsch, R., Perdahl, J-A. (1989) Geochemical features of Early Proterozoic volcanites in the Aitik sulphide ore and some other sulphide and iron ores in Norrbotten, northern Sweden. Research Report TULEA 1989:25. Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 63 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Gavelin, S. (1948) The Adak area (in Swedish, English summary). Sver. Geol. Unders. C 490:54 pp

  • Godin, L. (1986a) Viscaria- a copper deposit in a Proterozoic playalake complex (abstract). VII IAGOD Symposium, Luleå

  • Godin, L. (1986b) The Viscaria copper ore, Kiruna. In: Lindroos, H., Sundblad, K. (eds.) Proterozoic mineralizations in northernmost Sweden. Complementary guidebook to Swedish part of IAGOD excursion No 6. Geol. Survey Sweden, uppsala, pp. 10–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Haas, J.L. (1971) The effect of salinity on the maximum thermal gradient of a hydrothermal system at hydrostatic pressure. Econ. Geol. 66:551–556

    Google Scholar 

  • Hattori, K., Cameron, E.M. (1986) Archean magmatic sulphate. Nature 319:45–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiltunen, A. (1982) The Precambrian geology and skarn iron ores of the Rautuvaara area, northern Finland. Geol. Survey Finland Bull. 318:133 pp

  • Huhma, H. (1986) Sm-Nd, U-Pb and Pb-Pb isotopic evidences for the origin of the early Proterozoic Svecokarelian crust in Finland. Geol. Survey Finland Bull. 337:52 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Krill, A.G., Bergh, S., Lindahl, I., Mearns, E.W., Often, M., Olerud, S., Olsen, O., Sandstad, J.S., Siedlecka, A., Solli, A. (1985) Rb-Sr, U-Pb and Sm-Nd isotopic dates from Precambrian rocks of Finnmark. Norges Geol. Unders. Bull 403:37–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindroos, H. (1974) The stratigraphy of the Kaunisvaara iron ore district, northern Sweden. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 695:18 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Ljung, S. (1974) The Adak-Lindsköld and Brännmyran mines in the Adak area, N.Sweden (in Swedish, English summary). Sver. Geol. Unders. C 701: 94 pp

  • Lundberg, B. (1967) The Stora Sahavaara iron ore deposit, Kaunisvaara, northern Sweden. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 620:37 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Mäkelä, M.J. (1977) Sulfur isotope stratigraphy in some Finnish ore deposits. Geol. Fören. Stockholm Förh. 99:163–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Mäkelä, M.J., Tammenmaa, J. (1978) Sulfur isotope studies in Finnish Lapland, 1974–1976 (in Finnish, English summary). Geol. Survey of Finland, Report of investigation No. 24, Espoo, 64 pp

  • Martinsson, O. (1987) Exhalites related to Skellefte District orebodies. Subproject Långdal (in Swedish). Research Report TULEA 1987:15. Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 86 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Martinsson, O. (1991) Geological and geochemical evidence for the genesis of the Viscaria Cu-deposit, northern Sweden (abstract). Meeting in Luleå. In: Öhlander, B., Frietsch, R. (eds.) New ore types in northern Fennoscandia. Geol. Fören. Stockh. Förh. 113:58–59

  • Martinsson, O. (1992a) Exploration of greenstone-hosted Cu-Au ores, conclusions from a study of the Viscaria and Pahtohavare deposits. In: Frietsch, R., Widenfalk, L. (eds.) PIM etapp 1-forskningsresultat och relevans for prospektering. Research Programme Ore Geology related to prospecting (abstract). Meeting Uppsala, 21–22 January 1992, p. 25

  • Martinsson, O. (1992b) Greenstone hosted Cu-Au ores. The Viscariaand Pahtohavare sulfide deposits and the stratigraphy of the Kiruna greenstones. Research Programme Ore Geology Related to Prospecting. Report. NUTEK Project nr 88–05116p. Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 79 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Nord, A.G., Billström, K. (1982) A system for stable isotope analyses of geological samples. Geol. Fören. Stockh. Förh. 104:113–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Öhlander, B., Nisca, D.H. (1985) Tectonic control of Precambrian molybdenite mineralization in northern Sweden. Econ. Geol. 80:505–512

    Google Scholar 

  • Öhlander, B., Skiöld, T., Elming, S-A., BABEL Working Group, Claesson, S., Nisca, D. (1993) Delineation and character of the Archean-Proterozic boundary in northern Sweden. Precambrian Res. 64:67–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohmoto, H. (1972) Systematics of sulfur and carbon isotopes in hydrothermal ore deposits. Econ. Geol. 67: 551–578

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohmoto, H., Rye, R.O. (1979) Isotopes of sulfur and carbon. In: Barnes, H.L. (ed.) Geochemistry of hydrothermal ore deposits, 2nd edn. Wiley, New York, pp. 509–567

    Google Scholar 

  • Perdahl, J-A., Frietsch, R. (1993) Petrochemical and petrological characteristics of 1.9 Ga old volcanites in northern Sweden. Precambrian Res. 64:239–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Plimer, I.R., Finlow-Bates, T. (1978) Relationship between primary iron sulphide species, sulphur source, depth of formation and age of submarine exhalative deposits. Mineral. Deposita 13:399–410

    Google Scholar 

  • Rickard, D. (1986) The Skellefte Field. Sver. Geol. Unders. Ca 62:54 pp

  • Rickard, D.T., Zweifel, H., Donnelly, T.H. (1979) Sulfur isotope systematics in the Åsen pyrite-barite deposits, Skellefte district, Sweden. Econ. Geol. 74:1060–1068

    Google Scholar 

  • Ridge, J.D. (1973) Volcanic exhalations and ore deposition in the vicinity of the sea floor. Mineral. Deposita 8:332–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Romer, R.L. (1989) Trace lead compositions of sulfides from mineralizations in the Proterozoic Råppe supracrustal belt, northern Sweden. Geol. Fören. Stockh. Förh. 111: 155–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Rye, R.O., Ohmoto, H. (1974) Sulfur and carbon isotopes and ore genesis: a review. Econ. Geol. 69:826–842

    Google Scholar 

  • Sawkins, F.J., (1984) Metal deposits in relation to plate tectonics. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, 325 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Silvennoinen, A., Honkamo, M., Juopperi, H., Lehtonen, M., Mielikäinen, P., Perttunen, V., Rastas, P., Räsänen, J., Väänänen, J. (1980) Main features of the stratigraphy of north Finland. In: Silvennoinen, A. (ed.). Jatulian geology of the eastern part of the Baltic shield. Proceedings of a Finnish-Soviet Symposium, Finland 21th-26th August 1979, Rovaniemi, pp. 153–162

  • Skiöld, T. (1979) Zircon ages from an Archean gneiss province in northern Sweden. Geol. Fören. Stockh. Förh. 101:169–171

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skiöld, T. (1986) On the age of the Kiruna greenstones, northern Sweden. Precambrian Res. 32:35–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Skiöld, T. (1987) Aspects of Proterozoic geochronology of northern Sweden. Precambrian Res. 35:161–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Skiöld, T., Cliff, R.A. (1984) Sm-Nd and U-Pb dating of Early Proterozoic mafic-felsic volcanism in northernmost Sweden. Precambrian Res. 26:1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Skiöld, T., Öhlander, B. (1989) Early Proterozic crust-mantle interaction at a continental margin in northern Sweden. Precambrian Res. 45:19–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaasjoki, M., Sakko, M. (1988) The evolution of the Raahe-Ladoga zone in Finland: isotopic constraints. Geol. Survey Finland Bull. 343:7–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Welin, E. (1987) The depositional evolution of the Svecofennian supracrustal sequence in Finland and Sweden. Precambrian Res. 35:95–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Welin, E., Christiansson, K., Nilsson, Ö. (1971) Rb-Sr radiometric ages of extrusive and intrusive rocks in northern Sweden, 1. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 666:38 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Yngström, S., Nord, A.G., Åberg, G. (1986) A sulphur and strontium isotopic study of the Aitik copper ore, northern Sweden. Geol. Fören. Stockh. Förh. 108:367–372

    Google Scholar 

  • Zweifel, H. (1976) Aitik — geological documentation of a disseminated copper deposit. Sver. Geol. Unders. C 720:79 pp

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Applied Geology, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden

    R. Frietsch & J. A. Perdahl

  2. Laboratory for Isotope Geology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, S-104 05, Stockholm, Sweden

    K. Billström

Authors
  1. R. Frietsch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. K. Billström
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. J. A. Perdahl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Frietsch, R., Billström, K. & Perdahl, J.A. Sulphur isotopes in Lower Proterozoic iron and sulphide ores in northern Sweden. Mineral. Deposita 30, 275–284 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00196363

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00196363

Keywords

Search

Navigation