Abstract
Dolomites associated with copper mineralization have higher Fe contents and lower Mn/Fe ratios than their unmineralized equivalents. Over a wide stratigraphic interval and range of original depositional environments, copper-associated dolomite in the Proterozoic Mount Isa Inlier of NW Queensland has Mn/Fe≤0.11. Vein dolomite has a higher Fe content than its corresponding matrix; nevertheless the Mn/Fe ratio of the matrix is a good guide to the maximum Mn/Fe ratio for a dolomitic vein. Thus the simple determination of the Fe and Mn component in the dolomite of a rock gives information about the possible association with copper mineralization even when the rock itself is completely barren.
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Scott, K.M. Dolomite compositions as a guide to epigenetic copper mineralization, Mount Isa Inlier, NW Queensland. Mineral. Deposita 24, 29–33 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206718
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206718