Genetic model of the El Laco magnetite-apatite deposits by extrusion of iron-rich melt.

ABSTRACT: Magnetite-apatite deposits are important sources of iron and other metals. A prominent example are the magnetite lavas at the El Laco volcano, Northern Chile. Their formation processes remain debated. Here, we test the genetic hypothesis that an Fe-rich melt separated from silicate magma and ascended along collapse-related fractures. We complement recent analyses with thermodynamic modelling to corroborate Fe-Si liquid immiscibility evident in melt inclusions at El Laco and present viscometry of Fe- and Si-rich melts to assess the time and length scales of immiscible liquid separation. Using a rock deformation model, we demonstrate that volcano collapse can form failure zones extending towards the edifice flanks along which the ore liquid ascends towards extrusion driven by vapour exsoluti

SUBMITTER: Keller T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9576724 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature