Harald G.
Dill 2010: The “chessboard” classification scheme of mineral deposits:
Mineralogy and geology from aluminum to zirconium.-
Earth-Science Reviews 100, 1 - 420
Abstract
Economic
geology is a mixtum compositum
of all geoscientific disciplines focused on one goal, finding new mineral depsosits and enhancing their exploitation. The keystones of
this mixtum compositum
are geology and mineralogy whose studies are centered around
the emplacement of the ore body and the development of its minerals and rocks.
In the present study, mineralogy and geology act as x- and y-coordinates
of a classification chart of mineral resources called the “chessboard” (or
“spreadsheet”) classification scheme. Magmatic and sedimentary lithologies
together with tectonic structures (1-D/pipes, 2-D/veins) are
plotted along the x-axis in the header of the spreadsheet diagram
representing the columns in this chart diagram. 63 commodity groups,
encompassing minerals and elements are plotted along the y-axis,
forming the lines of the spreadsheet. These commodities are subjected to a
tripartite subdivision into ore minerals, industrial minerals/rocks and
gemstones/ornamental stones.
Further
information on the various types of mineral deposits, as to the major ore and
gangue minerals, the current models and the mode of formation or when and in
which geodynamic setting these deposits mainly formed throughout the geological
past may be obtained from the text by simply using the code of each deposit in
the chart. This code can be created by combining the commodity (lines) shown by
numbers plus lower caps with the host rocks or structure (columns) given by
capital letters.
Each
commodity has a small preface on the mineralogy and chemistry and ends up with
an outlook into its final use and the supply situation of the raw material on a
global basis, which may be updated by the user through a direct link to
databases available on the internet. In this case the study has been linked to
the commodity database of the US Geological Survey. The internal subdivision of
each commodity section corresponds to the common host rock lithologies (magmatic,
sedimentary, and metamorphic) and structures. Cross sections and images
illustrate the common ore types of each commodity. Ore takes priority over the
mineral. The minerals and host rocks are listed by their chemical and
mineralogical compositions, respectively, separated from the text but
supplemented with cross-references to the columns and lines, where they
prevalently occur.
A metallogenetic-geodynamic overview is given at the bottom
of each column in the spreadsheet. It may be taken as the “sum” or the “ mean” of a number of geodynamic models and ideas put
forward by the various researchers for all the deposits pertaining to a certain
clan of lithology or structure. This classical or
conservative view of metallotects related to the
common plate tectonic settings is supplemented by an approach taken for the
first time for such a number of deposits, using the concepts of sequence
stratigraphy. This paper, so as to say, is a “launch pad” for a new mindset in metallogenesis rather than the final result.
The
relationship supergene–hypogene and syngenetic–epigenetic has been the topic of many studies
for ages but to keep them as separate entities is often unworkable in practice,
especially in the so-called epithermal or near-surface/shallow deposits. Vein-type
and stratiform ore bodies are generally handled also
very differently. To get these different structural elements (space) and
various mineralizing processes (time) together and to allow for a forward
modeling in mineral exploration, architectural elements of sequence
stratigraphy are adapted to mineral resources. Deposits are geological bodies
which need accommodation space created by the environment of formation and the
tectonic/geodynamic setting through time. They are controlled by horizontal to subhorizontal reference planes and/or vertical structures.
Prerequisites for the deposits to evolve are thermal and/or mechanical
gradients. Thermal energy is for most of the settings under consideration
deeply rooted in the mantle. A perspective on how this concept might work is
given in the text by a pilot project on mineral deposits in Central Europe and
in the spreadsheet classification scheme by providing a color-coded
categorization into
1. mineralization mainly related to planar architectural
elements, e.g. sequence boundaries subaerial and
unconformities
2. mineralization mainly related to planar architectural
elements, e.g. sequence boundaries submarine, transgressive
surfaces and maximum flooding zones/surfaces)
3. mineralization mainly controlled by system tracts (lowstand system tracts transgressive
system tracts, highstand system tracts)
4. mineralization of subvolcanic or
intermediate level to be correlated with the architectural elements of basin
evolution
5. mineralization of deep level to be correlated with the
deep-seated structural elements.
There are
several squares on the chessboard left blank mainly for lack of information on
sequence stratigraphy of mineral deposits. This method has not found many users
yet in mineral exploration. This review is designed as an “interactive paper”
open, for amendments in the electronic spreadsheet version and adjustable to
the needs and wants of application, research and training in geosciences.
Metamorphic host rock lithologies and commodities are addressed by different
color codes in the chessboard classification scheme.
Keywords: economic
geology; mineral deposits; geology; mineralogy; classification scheme;
spreadsheet
Article Outline
1.
Introduction
1.1. Mineral deposits
and economic geology
1.2. Classification
of mineral deposits through time
2.
The “chessboard” (spreadsheet ) classification scheme
of mineral deposits
2.1. The principles
of the “chessboard” (spreadsheet ) classification
scheme
2.2. The host of
mineral deposits
2.2.1. Magmatic host rocks
2.2.2. Ore-bearing structures
2.2.3. Sedimentary host rocks
2.2.4. Organic material and special host rocks
2.3. Type of
commodity (inorganic raw material)
2.3.1. Ore minerals
2.3.2. Industrial minerals and rocks
2.3.3. Gemstones and ornamental stones
2.4. Mineralizing
processes
3.
Chromium
3.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
3.2. Magmatic
chromium deposits
3.3. Sedimentary
chromium deposits
3.4. Metamorphic
chromium (gemstone) deposit
3.5. Chromium supply
and use
4.
Nickel
4.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
4.2. Magmatic nickel
deposits
4.3.
Structure-related nickel deposits
4.4. Sedimentary
nickel deposits
4.5. Nickel supply
and use
5.
Cobalt
5.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
5.2. Cobalt deposits
5.3. Cobalt supply and
use
6.
Platinum group elements (PGE)
6.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
6.2. Magmatic
platinum-group-element deposits
6.3.
Structure-related platinum-group-element deposits
6.4. Sedimentary
platinum-group-element deposits
6.5.
Platinum-group-element supply and use
7.
Titanium
7.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
7.2. Magmatic
titanium deposits
7.3.
Structure-related titanium deposits
7.4. Sedimentary
titanium deposits
7.5. Metamorphic
titanium deposits
7.6. Titanium supply
and use
8.
Vanadium
8.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
8.2. Magmatic
vanadium deposits
8.3. Sedimentary
vanadium deposits
8.4. Vanadium supply
and use
9.
Iron
9.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
9.2. Magmatic iron
deposits
9.3.
Structure-related iron deposits
9.4. Sedimentary iron
deposits
9.5. Metamorphic iron
deposits
9.6. Iron supply and
use
10.
Manganese
10.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
10.2. Magmatic
manganese deposits
10.3.
Structure-related manganese deposits
10.4. Sedimentary
manganese deposits
10.5. Metamorphic
manganese deposits
10.6. Manganese
supply and use
11.
Copper
11.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
11.2. Magmatic copper
deposits
11.3. Structure-bound
copper deposit
11.4. Sedimentary
copper deposits
11.5. Copper supply
and use
12.
Selenium and tellurium
12.1. Chemistry,
mineralogy and economic geology of selenium
12.2. Chemistry,
mineralogy and economic geology of tellurium
13.
Molybdenum and rhenium
13.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of molybdenum
13.2. Magmatic
molybdenum deposits
13.3. Sedimentary
molybdenum and rhenium deposits
13.4. Molybdenum and
rhenium supply and use
14.
Tin and tungsten
14.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
14.2. Magmatic tin
and tungsten deposits
14.3. Structure-bound
tungsten deposits
14.4. Sedimentary tin
and tungsten deposits
14.5. Supply and use
of tin and tungsten
15.
Niobium-, tantalum- and scandium
15.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy
15.2. Magmatic
niobium-, tantalum- and scandium deposits
15.3. Sedimentary
niobium- and tantalum deposits
15.4. Supply and use
of niobium and tantalum
16.
Beryllium
16.1. Beryllium
chemistry and mineralogy
16.2. Magmatic
beryllium deposits
16.3. Structure-bound
beryllium deposits
16.4. Sedimentary
beryllium deposits
16.5. Metamorphic
beryllium deposits
16.6. Supply and use
of beryllium
17.
Cesium, lithium and rubidium
17.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of cesium and lithium
17.2. Magmatic
cesium-, lithium and rubidium deposits
17.3. Cesium and
lithium sedimentary deposits
17.4. Cesium and
lithium supply
18.
Lead, zinc, germanium, indium, cadmium and silver
18.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of lead, zinc, germanium, indium, cadmium, and silver
18.2. Magmatic
lead-zinc deposits
18.3. Structure-bound
lead-zinc deposits
18.4. Sedimentary
lead–zinc deposits
18.5. Metamorphic
lead–zinc deposits
18.6. Silver deposits
sensu stricto
18.7. Lead, zinc,
germanium, indium, cadmium, and silver supply
18.7.1. Past and present of mining and metallurgy of lead
18.7.2. Past and present of mining and metallurgy of zinc
18.7.3. Final use of germanium, indium and cadmium
18.7.4. Final use of silver
19.
Bismuth
19.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of bismuth
19.2. Deposits of
bismuth
19.3. Final use of
bismuth
20.
Gold
20.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of gold
20.2. Magmatic gold
deposits
20.3. Structure-bound
gold deposits
20.4. Sedimentary
gold deposits
20.5. Metamorphic
gold deposits
20.6. Gold supply and
use
21.
Antimony, arsenic and thallium
21.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of antimony, arsenic and thallium
21.2. Antimony
deposits
21.2.1. Magmatic
antimony deposits
21.2.2. Structure-bound antimony deposits
21.2.3. Sedimentary antimony deposits
21.3. Arsenic
deposits
21.4. Thallium
deposits
21.5. Antimony,
arsenic, thallium supply and use
21.5.1. Antimony
21.5.2. Arsenic
21.5.3. Thallium
22.
Mercury
22.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of mercury
22.2. Magmatic
mercury deposits
22.3. Structure-bound
mercury deposits
22.4. Sedimentary
mercury deposits
22.5. Mercury supply
and use
23.
Rare Earth Elements (REE)
23.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of rare earth elements
23.2. Magmatic rare
earth element deposits
23.3. Structure-bound
rare earth element deposits
23.4. Sedimentary
rare earth element deposits
23.5. Rare earth
element supply and use
24.
Uranium, thorium and radium
24.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of uranium and thorium
24.2. Uranium deposits
24.2.1. Magmatic uranium deposits
24.2.2. Structure-bound
uranium deposits
24.2.3. Sedimentary uranium deposits
24.3. Thorium
deposits
24.3.1. Magmatic thorium deposits
24.3.2. Structure-bound thorium deposits
24.3.3. Sedimentary thorium deposits
24.3.4. Uranium and thorium supply and use
25.
Aluminum and gallium
25.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of aluminum and gallium
25.2. Magmatic aluminum
deposits
25.3. Sedimentary
aluminum deposits
25.4. Gallium
deposits
25.5. Aluminum and
gallium supply and use
26.
Magnesium
26.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of magnesium
26.2. Magmatic
magnesium deposits
26.3. Structure-bound
magnesium deposits
26.4. Sedimentary
magnesium deposits
26.5. Magnesium
supply and use
27.
Calcium
27.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of calcium
27.2. Magmatic
calcium deposits
27.3. Structure-bound
calcium deposits
27.4. Sedimentary
calcium deposits
27.5. Metamorphic calcium
deposits
27.6. Carbonate rocks
supply and use
28.
Boron
28.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of boron
28.2. Magmatic boron
deposits
28.3. Sedimentary
boron deposits
28.4. Metamorphic
boron deposits
28.5. Boron supply
and use
29.
Sulfur and calcium sulfate
29.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of sulfur
29.2. Magmatic sulfur
and sulfate deposits
29.3. Sedimentary
sulfur and Ca sulfate deposits
29.4. Sulfur and
calcium sulfate supply and use
30.
Fluorine
30.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of fluorine
30.2. Magmatic
fluorine deposits
30.3. Structure-bound
fluorite and topaz deposits
30.4. Sedimentary
fluorite and topaz deposits
30.5. Fluorine supply
and use
31.
Barium
31.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of barium
31.2. Magmatic barium
deposits
31.3. Structure-bound
barium deposits
31.4. Sedimentary
barium deposits
31.5. Barium supply
and use
32.
Strontium
32.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of strontium
32.2. Magmatic
strontium deposits
32.3. Structure-bound
strontium deposits
32.4. Sedimentary
strontium deposits
32.5. Strontium
supply and use
33.
Potassium, sodium, chlorine and bromine
33.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of potassium, sodium, chlorine and bromine
33.2. Sedimentary
potassium, sodium, chlorine and bromine deposits
33.3. Sodium,
potassium, chlorine and bromine supply and use
34.
Nitrogen and iodine
34.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of nitrogen and iodine
34.2. Sedimentary
nitrogen and iodine deposits
34.3. Economic
consideration of nitrogen and iodine deposits
35.
Sodium carbonate and –sulfate
35.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of sodium carbonate and –sulfate
35.2. Sedimentary
sodium carbonate and –sulfate deposits
35.3. Sodium
carbonate and –sulfate supply and use
36.
Phosphorus
36.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of phosphorus
36.2. Magmatic
phosphate deposits
36.3. Structure-bound
phosphate deposits
36.4. Sedimentary
phosphate deposits
36.5. Metamorphic
phosphate deposits
36.6. Phosphate
supply and use
37.
Zirconium and hafnium
37.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of zirconium and hafnium
37.2. Magmatic,
metamorphic and sedimentary zirconium (hafnium) deposits
37.3. Zirconium
(hafnium) supply and use
38.Silica
38.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of silica
38.2. Magmatic silica
deposits
38.3. Structure-bound
silica deposits
38.4. Sedimentary
silica deposits
38.5. Metamorphic
silica deposits
38.6. Silica supply
and use
39.
Feldspar
39.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of feldspar
39.2. Magmatic
feldspar deposits
39.3. Structure-bound
feldspar deposits
39.4. Sedimentary
feldspar deposits
39.5. Metamorphic
feldspar deposits
39.6. Feldspar supply
and use
40. Feldspathoid
40.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of feldspathoids
40.2. Magmatic feldspathoids deposits
40.3. Metamorphic feldspathoids deposits
40.4. Feldspathoids supply and use
41.
Zeolites
41.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of zeolites
41.2. Magmatic zeolite deposits
41.3. Sedimentary zeolite deposits
41.4. Metamorphic zeolite deposits
41.5. Zeolite supply and use
42.
Amphibole and asbestos
42.1. Chemistry and mineralogy
of amphibole and asbestiform minerals
42.2. Magmatic
amphibole and asbestos deposits
42.3. Metamorphic
amphibole and asbestos deposits
42.4. Amphibole and
asbestos supply and use
43.
Olivine and dunite
43.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of olivine minerals
43.2. Magmatic
olivine and dunite deposits
43.3. Sedimentary
olivine deposits
43.4. Metamorphic
olivine and dunite deposits
43.5. Olivine and dunite supply and use
44.
Pyroxene and inosilicates
44.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of pyroxene and pyroxenoid
44.2. Magmatic
pyroxene and inosilicate deposits
44.3. Metamorphic
pyroxene and inosilicate deposits
44.4. Pyroxene and inosilicate supply and use
45.
Garnet
45.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of garnet-group minerals
45.2. Magmatic
garnet deposits
45.3. Structure-bound
garnet deposits
45.4. Sedimentary
garnet deposits
45.5. Metamorphic
garnet deposits
45.6. Garnet supply
and use
46.
Epidote-group minerals
46.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of epidote-group minerals
46.2. Magmatic
epidote-group mineral deposits
46.3. Metamorphic
epidote-group deposits
46.4. Epidote-group
minerals supply and use
47. Sillimanite-group minerals
47.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of sillimanite-group minerals
47.2. Magmatic
deposits of sillimanite-group minerals
47.3. Structure-bound
deposits of sillimanite-group minerals and staurolite
47.4. Sedimentary
deposits of sillimanite-group minerals and staurolite
47.5. Metamorphic sillimanite-group deposits
47.6. Sillimanite-group minerals and staurolite
supply and use
48.
Corundum and spinel
48.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of corundum and spinel minerals
48.2. Magmatic
deposits of corundum and spinel minerals
48.3. Sedimentary
deposits of corundum and spinel minerals
48.4. Metamorphic
deposits of corundum and spinel minerals
48.5. Corundum and spinel supply and use
49.
Diamond
49.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of diamond
49.2. Magmatic
deposits of diamonds
49.3. Sedimentary
deposits of diamonds
49.4. Metamorphic
deposits of diamonds
49.5. Diamond supply
and use
50.
Graphite
50.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of graphite
50.2. Magmatic
deposits of graphite
50.3. Structure-bound
graphite deposits
50.4. Sedimentary
graphite deposits
50.5. Metamorphic
graphite deposits
50.6. Graphite supply
and use
51.
Clay minerals
51.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of clay minerals
51.2. Magmatic
deposits of clay minerals
51.2.1. Serpentine–kaolin
51.2.1.1. Serpentines
51.2.1.2. Kaolinite-group minerals and natural Si–Al complexes
51.2.2. Talc-pyrophyllite
51.2.2.1. Talc
51.2.2.2. Pyrophyllite
51.2.3. Smectite
51.2.4. Vermiculite
51.2.5. Mica
51.2.6. Chlorite
51.2.7. Sepiolite–palygorskite (hormites)
51.3. Sedimentary
deposits of clay minerals
51.3.1. Serpentine–kaolin
51.3.1.1. Serpentines
51.3.1.2. Kaolin-group minerals and natural Si–Al complexes
51.3.2. Talc-pyrophyllite
51.3.3. Smectite
51.3.4. Vermiculite
51.3.5. Mica
51.3.6. Sepiolite–palygorskite (hormites)
51.4. Metamorphic
deposits of clay minerals
51.4.1. Mica–(chlorite)
51.4.2. Prehnite
51.4.3. Talc
51.4.4. Pyrophyllite
51.5. Clay minerals
and phyllosilicate supply and use
52.
Biological materials (“biominerals”)
52.1. Chemistry and
mineralogy of biological materials
52.2. Jet and amber
deposits
52.3. Supply and use of
biological materials
53.
Discussion
53.1. The columns:
geodynamic setting and environment of deposition
53.1.1. The ultrabasic magmatic clan
53.1.2. The basic magmatic clan
53.1.3. The intermediate and felsic magmatic clan
53.1.4. The alkaline magmatic clan and carbonatites
with pegmatitic plus aplitic derivative products
53.1.5. One-dimensional structures— pipes
53.1.6. Two-dimensional structures—veins
53.1.7. Duricrusts–regolith–vein like deposits
53.1.8. Coarse-grained clastic rocks
53.1.9. Fine-grained clastic rocks and massive
rocks
53.1.10. Limestones
53.1.11. Evaporites
53.1.12. Special sedimentary rocks and carbon-bearing hosts
53.2. Metamorphogenetic mineral deposits
53.3. The spreadsheet
correlation — bringing together the columns and the lines
53.4. Sequence
stratigraphy of epigenetic and diagenetic mineral deposits in Central Europe
54.
Conclusions — the importance of raw materials
Acknowledgements
References