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Chromian spinel mineralogy of the Staré Ransko gabbro-peridotite, Czech Republic, and its implications for sulfide mineralization

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Abstract

Chromian spinels from the Staré Ransko gabbro-peridotite, Czech Republic, display a distinct development trend: from primary Cr-rich spinels towards ferro-ferri (Ti-enriched magnetite) and magnesio-alumina (spinel sensu stricto) spinels. Zoning in the spinels is thought to be the result of a combination of exsolution, postdepositional diffusion and replacement processes. Multiphase, globular silicate inclusions — mainly biotite and amphibole, also orthopyroxene, serpentine and chlorite — are present in euhedral, largely homogeneous chromian spinels which occur in a matrix of poikilitic amphibole. The enclosed minerals have similar compositions to the minerals in the host rock. These silicate inclusions are interpreted as being due to a late magmatic introduction of a hydrous K-Ca-rich melt phase, contaminated by wall-rock interaction, into a semi-solidified olivine (± pyroxenes) cumulate.

The composition of the chromian spinel may be used as an indicator for sulfide mineralization conditions (Johan 1979). The data reported in this paper are compatible with Johan's model.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Earth Sciences, Department of Geology, University of Utrecht, P.O. Box 80.021, 3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    A. H. van der Veen

  2. Institute of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    P. Maaskant

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van der Veen, A.H., Maaskant, P. Chromian spinel mineralogy of the Staré Ransko gabbro-peridotite, Czech Republic, and its implications for sulfide mineralization. Mineral. Deposita 30, 397–407 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202282

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