The role of iron-rich hydrosaline liquids in the formation of Kiruna-type iron oxide–apatite deposits

Zeng, Li-Ping, Zhao, Xin-Fu, Spandler, Carl, Mavrogenes, John A., Mernagh, Terrence P., Liao, Wang, Fan, Yi-Zhe, Hu, Yi, Fu, Bin, and Li, Jian-Wei (2024) The role of iron-rich hydrosaline liquids in the formation of Kiruna-type iron oxide–apatite deposits. Science Advances, 10 (17). eadk2174.

[img]
Preview
PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial.

Download (765kB) | Preview
View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk2174


Abstract

Kiruna-type iron oxide–apatite (IOA) deposits, an important source of iron, show close associations with andesitic subvolcanic intrusions. However, the processes of ore formation and the mechanism controlling iron concentration remain uncertain. Here, we report the widespread presence of high-temperature (>800°C) water-poor multisolid hydrosaline liquid inclusions in pre- and syn-ore minerals from IOA deposits of eastern China. These inclusions consistently homogenize to a liquid phase by vapor disappearance and mostly contain 3 to 10 wt % Fe, signifying a substantial capacity for iron transportation by such hydrosaline liquids. We propose that the hydrosaline liquids were likely immiscible from the dioritic magmas with high Cl/H2O in subvolcanic settings. Subsequent reaction with host rocks and/or decompression and cooling of the hydrosaline liquids is deemed responsible for the simultaneous formation of high-temperature alteration and magnetite ores, thereby providing important insights into the distinctive characteristics of IOA deposits in shallow magmatic-hydrothermal systems.

Item ID: 85910
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 2375-2548
Copyright Information: Copyright © 2024 the Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. no claim to original U.S. Government Works. distributed under a creative commons Attribution noncommercial license 4.0 (cc BY- nc).
Date Deposited: 19 Jun 2025 03:06
FoR Codes: 37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3706 Geophysics > 370699 Geophysics not elsewhere classified @ 50%
37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3705 Geology > 370599 Geology not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes: 25 MINERAL RESOURCES (EXCL. ENERGY RESOURCES) > 2503 Mineral exploration > 250304 Iron ore exploration @ 30%
28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280107 Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences @ 70%
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page