Formation of Mineral Deposits

Endogenous Processes

• Magmatic concentration

• Metamorphism/Metasomatism

• Hydrothermal process

Exogenous Processes

• Weathering & Supergene enrichment

• Chemical deposition

• Mechanical concentration

Endogenous Processes of Ore Formation

Stratiform chromite deposit, Bushveld Complex,South Africa

Pegmatite dyke in a granodiorite body

Endogenous Processes of Ore Formation

Exogenous Processes of Ore Formation

• Weathering/Supergene Enrichment

• Chemical Deposition

• Mechanical Concentration

Bauxite

Laterite

Weathering

Chemical Deposition

Mechanical Concentration

Process Mineral deposit mineral/energy resourceMagmatic processes1) segregation by settling2) fractional crystallization

1) chromite deposits in layeredintrusions2) pegmatites

1) chromium, vanadium, nickel, copper,cobalt, platinum2) beryllium, lithium, tantalum

Sedimentary processes1) precipitation (chemical)2) precipitation (organic)3) flowing water4) wind

1) evaporites. oolites, irondeposits2) phosphorites, hydrocarbon,limestone3a) placer3b) stream deposits4a) dune4b) loess

1) halite, sylvite, borax, gypsum, trona, BIF2) phosphate, oil, coal, limestone3a) gold, platinum diamonds, tin, ilmenite,rutile, zircons3b) sand and gravel4a) sand 4b) soil

Weathering / Ground water

residual soilsresidual weathering depositsgroundwater depositsbrinesgeothermal wellswater

claynickel, iron, cobalt, aluminum, goldtravertine, uranium, sulfurlead, zinc, copperhot water, electricitydrinking water, irrigation

Metamorphic processescontact metaqmorphismregional metamorphism

tungsten, copper, tin, lead, zinc, gold, silvergold, tungsten, copper, talc, asbestos

Hydrothermal processes (e.g. black smokers) hydrothermal deposits copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, tin, gold,

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