I want to know more about sedimentary ore deposits.
Dear Gholamreza Fotoohi Rad
Gholamreza Fotoohi RadOne of the most well-known and significant sedimentary metallic ore deposits is the "Redbed" or "Mississippi Valley-Type" (MVT) deposit. MVT deposits are notable for their high-grade ore content and are found in specific geological environments. Here's an overview of MVT deposits and why they are considered significant:
Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) Deposits:
- MVT deposits are a type of sediment-hosted lead-zinc deposit that is found in sedimentary rocks.
- They are typically characterized by high-grade concentrations of lead and zinc minerals, often occurring as galena (lead sulfide) and sphalerite (zinc sulfide).
- MVT deposits can also contain other valuable metals such as silver, copper, and barium.
- These deposits are named after the Mississippi Valley region in the United States, where they were first extensively studied and recognized.
Geological Environment:
- MVT deposits typically form in carbonate-rich sedimentary rock sequences, such as limestone or dolomite.
- They are often associated with faults and fractures that provide pathways for mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids to circulate.
- MVT deposits are often found in proximity to or adjacent to older igneous intrusions or tectonic boundaries.
Why MVT Deposits are Significant:
- High-Grade Ores: MVT deposits are known for their high-grade ore content, which can result in economically valuable concentrations of lead, zinc, and other metals.
- Economic Importance: These deposits have been historically significant sources of lead and zinc, which are vital for various industrial applications.
- Formation Mechanism: MVT deposits provide insights into hydrothermal ore formation processes in sedimentary environments, contributing to our understanding of mineralization mechanisms.
However, it's important to note that the "best" ore deposit depends on various factors, including the specific metal you're interested in, economic considerations, environmental impact, and current market demand. Different sedimentary ore deposits, such as sediment-hosted copper deposits and sedimentary iron ore deposits, also hold significant importance in the mining industry.
Each type of deposit has its unique geological characteristics, mineral assemblages, and formation mechanisms. It's recommended to consult with geologists, mining experts, and researchers specializing in ore deposits to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ore deposit that aligns with your interests and goals.
Dear Tobias
Thanks a lot for your complete answer to my question.
Dear Sophie Graul
Hi
Many thanks for your time and your excellent answer to my question.
Best wishes and thanks
Banded Iron Formations have formed on the ocean floor a very long time ago. They are the source of iron used in many many human applications since the beginning of the "Iron Age".
More recently iron (that can be oxidized into rust) has been substituted with steel that does not rust. Also other lighter metals like aluminum have replaced some usages of iron, because iron is quite heavy.
In the early Earth, iron was soluble in water and upon erosion it collected into the oceans which must have been red in color at the time.
Then, animals were created in the sea and used seawater (blood) to carry on all life functions through their bodies).
When plants appeared in the early Earth, they produced oxygen which entered the atmosphere and attacked the iron produced by erosion. The iron oxides were precipitated on the ocean floor for millions of years until there was no more soluble iron left in the sea (which turned colourless ever since).
So, if you are looking for iron deposits you have to go into very very old (pre-oxygen) rocks on Earth which are still abundant on every continent.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Materials
- Inorganic Materials
- Metals
- Alloys
- Steel