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Sulphur isotope studies of the Mt Molloy, Dianne and O.K. stratiform sulphide deposits, Hodgkinson Province, North Queensland, Australia

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Abstract

Stratiform sulphide deposits which have been metamorphosed to lower greenschist facies occur within the Paleozoic strata of the Hodgkinson Province, northeast Queensland. Massive cupreous pyrite is ubiquitous and Mt Molloy and Dianne also have layered chalcopyrite-rich and sphalerite-rich lenses. Sulphide δ34S values for the mineralisation show a narrow spread, around 0‰2030; at the Dianne and O.K. deposits, but a wider spread and an average several per mil higher at the Mt Molloy area. The minerals can not be used for geothermometry due to isotopic disequilibrium. However, metamorphic effects on the isotopic compositions appear not to have been significant. A decrease in temperature and contact of the ore fluid with sea water probably caused the precipitation of the ore minerals. A magmatic ore fluid with δ34SΣS around 0‰2030; predominated at the Dianne and OK deposits whereas the fluid at Mt Molloy mixed with sea water to acquire a higher δ34SΣS value.

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Gregory, P.W., Robinson, B.W. Sulphur isotope studies of the Mt Molloy, Dianne and O.K. stratiform sulphide deposits, Hodgkinson Province, North Queensland, Australia. Mineral. Deposita 19, 36–43 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206595

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