Vectors to ore in replacive volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits of the northern Iberian Pyrite Belt: mineral zoning, whole rock geochemistry, and application of portable X-ray fluorescence

Abstract. In this work we have performed a detailed study of vectors to ore representative volcanic-rock-hosted replacive volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit located in the northern Iberian Pyrite Belt (Spain), Aguas Teñidas deposit. The investigated include following: (1) mineralogical zoning, (2) host sequence characterization and mineralized unit identification based on whole rock geochemistry discrimination diagrams, (3) characteristics behaviour geochemical anomalies around (e.g. alteration-related compositional changes, extent halos indicative elements such as Cu, Zn, Pb, Sb, Tl, Ba deposit), (4) application portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) analysis detection previous vectors. footwall, concentric cone-shaped hydrothermal alteration zone bearing stockwork passes laterally, from core edge, quartz (only local) chlorite–quartz, sericite–chlorite–quartz, sericite–quartz zones. is also found hanging wall despite being tectonically allochthonous orebody: proximal sericite followed by more distal albite-rich one. Whole major show an increase indexes AI, CCPI) towards mineralization, general SiO2 enrichment, FeO enrichment well K2O Na2O depletion centre system, with MgO showing less systematic behaviour. leached system are transported deposited external areas. Copper, Zn produce areas, mobile generating wider halos. Whereas Sb Tl form all restricted areas body. Our results that proposed vectors, or adaptations designed overcome p-XRF limitations, can be confidently used analysing unprepared hand specimens, including rough curved surface drill cores. data presented not only applicable VMS exploration Belt, but broader scale they will contribute improving our understanding replacive-type deposits.