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Porphyry copper deposits are among the most significant sources of copper globally, accounting for over 60% of the world’s copper production . 1. Geological Overview a) Geological Background Porphyry copper deposits are typically associated with magmatic arcs related to subduction zones, where an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental or another oceanic plate. This tectonic […]Table of Contents Toggle 1. Geological Overviewa) Geological Background
Introduction Ore-bearing hydrothermal fluids are one of the most important agents in the formation of mineral deposits. These fluids, which originate from various geological processes, have the ability to dissolve, transport, and deposit metals in economic concentrations. The study of hydrothermal fluids is crucial for understanding ore genesis and guiding mineral exploration. This article provides […]Table of Contents Toggle Introduction1. Sources of Hydrothermal Fluids
Gold has been one of the most sought-after minerals for centuries due to its value and rarity. Prospectors, geologists, and even hobbyists often search for gold-bearing rocks in the field. But how do you identify rocks that contain gold? This guide will provide an in-depth look at the geological features, rock types, and mineral indicators […]Table of Contents Toggle 1. Understanding the Geological Settings of Gold
Introduction Alteration in geology refers to mineralogical, textural, and chemical changes in rocks due to interactions with fluids, temperature variations, and pressure changes. This process occurs in diverse geological settings, including hydrothermal systems, weathering environments, and metamorphic terrains. Understanding alteration is essential in mineral exploration, petrology, geotechnical engineering, and environmental studies. This article explores the […]Table of Contents Toggle IntroductionTypes and Processes of Alteration
Introduction The Induced Polarization (IP) method is one of the most effective geophysical techniques used in the exploration of sulfide ore deposits. This method is particularly useful for identifying disseminated sulfide minerals, which are commonly associated with copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) deposits. This article provides a detailed overview […]Table of Contents Toggle Introduction1. Understanding the Induced Polarization ...
Introduction Gold exploration is a complex process that requires a combination of geological knowledge, geochemistry, and geophysical techniques. One of the most effective methods for locating gold deposits is the identification of pathfinder elements and minerals. Pathfinder elements and minerals are geochemical indicators that suggest the presence of gold nearby, even if the gold itself […]Table of Contents Toggle IntroductionWhat Are Pathfinders for Gold Deposits?
Introduction Structural control is one of the most significant factors influencing the formation and distribution of hydrothermal gold deposits. Structural geology determines the pathways for mineralizing fluids, the locations of ore deposition, and the overall geometry of gold-bearing zones. Understanding these structural controls is essential for exploration geologists seeking new gold deposits and for mining […]Table of Contents Toggle IntroductionStructural Controls in Hydrothermal Gold Deposits
Introduction to Geology Geology, derived from the Greek words geo (Earth) and logos (study), is the scientific discipline dedicated to understanding the Earth’s composition, structure, processes, and history. It seeks to answer fundamental questions: How did mountains form? Why do volcanoes erupt? What clues do rocks hold about ancient life? From the atomic structure of […]Table of Contents Toggle Introduction to Geology
Engineering geological tests are critical for assessing the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of rocks and soils to ensure safe and cost-effective design of infrastructure (e.g., dams, tunnels, foundations). These tests help determine material strength, stability, permeability, and susceptibility to hazards like landslides or subsidence. Below are key tests categorized by their application: 1. Field […]Table of Contents Toggle 1. Field Tests (In-Situ)2. Laboratory Tests
Sand Dune Landform: Formation, Types, and Significance Sand dunes are dynamic landforms created by the interaction of wind, sand, and vegetation. These striking natural features are common in deserts, coastal regions, and even in some semi-arid and arid zones. This article explores every aspect of sand dunes, including their formation, types, ecological significance, and role […]Table of Contents Toggle Sand Dune Landform: Formation, Types, and Significance
What is difference between Gold and Pyrite?
The difference between gold and pyrite: 🔥 ● Gold - Crystals form as cubes or octahedrons but are rare. The usual habits are grains, flakes, nuggets and dendritic masses. Bright yellow color is tarnish resistant. Gold is often rich in silver, when it is paler in color. The band is golden yellow. GoldRead more
The difference between gold and pyrite: 🔥
See less● Gold – Crystals form as cubes or octahedrons but are rare. The usual habits are grains, flakes, nuggets and dendritic masses. Bright yellow color is tarnish resistant. Gold is often rich in silver, when it is paler in color. The band is golden yellow. Gold is opaque and its luster is metallic.
Formation:
Forms mainly in hydrothermal veins, often associated with quartz and sulphides. It also occurs in placer deposits of unconsolidated sand and in sandstone and conglomerate. It is possible to find alluvial gold in the form of grains or nuggets in stream beds. Gold panning by sieving sediments is an age-old method of searching for this rare and precious mineral. Gold can be confused with pyrite and chalcopyrite at first, but only a few tests are needed to identify it.
TESTS Insoluble in all simple acids; soluble in aqua regia.
Group: NATIVE ELEMENTS
Composition: Gold
Hardness: 2½–3
GS: 7:30 p.m.
Cleavage: None
● Pyrite – This mineral occurs as cubic, pyritohedral or octahedral crystals; pairing is common.
The crystal faces are frequently striated. Pyrite can be massive, granular, reniform, stalactitic, botryoidal and nodular. The pale yellow color gives rise to its nickname, “fool’s gold”. It has a greenish-black stripe. Pyrite is opaque and has a metallic luster.
Formation:
Pyrite is a common accessory mineral in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
TESTS Gives off sparks on impact with a hard metal object. Fuses quite easily.
Group: SULPHIDES
Composition: FeS₂
Hardness: 6–6½
OS: 5.00–5.03
Cleavage: Indistinct
Fracture: conchoidal to uneven
What is a placer deposit?
⚒️ Placer deposit ⚒️ 💠 Placer deposit, natural concentration of heavy minerals caused by the effect of gravity on moving particles. 💠 When heavy, stable minerals are freed from their matrix by weathering processes, they are slowly washed downslope into streams that quickly winnow the lighter matrix.Read more
⚒️ Placer deposit ⚒️
💠 Placer deposit, natural concentration of heavy minerals caused by the effect of gravity on moving particles.
💠 When heavy, stable minerals are freed from their matrix by weathering processes, they are slowly washed downslope into streams that quickly winnow the lighter matrix.
💠Thus the heavy minerals become concentrated in stream, beach, and lag (residual) gravels and constitute workable ore deposits.
💠 Minerals that form placer deposits have high specific gravity, are chemically resistant to weathering, and are durable; such minerals include gold, platinum, cassiterite, magnetite, chromite, ilmenite, rutile, native copper, zircon, monazite, and various gemstones.
💠 There are several varieties of placer deposits: stream, or alluvial, placers; eluvial placers; beach placers; and eolian placers.
💠 Stream placers, by far the most important, have yielded the most placer gold, cassiterite, platinum, and gemstones.
💠 Primitive mining probably began with such deposits, and their ease of mining and sometime great richness have made them the cause of some of the world’s greatest gold and diamond “rushes.” Stream placers depend on swiftly flowing water for their concentration.
💠 Because the ability to transport solid material varies approximately as the square of the velocity, the flow rate plays an important part; thus, where the velocity decreases, heavy minerals are deposited much more quickly than the light ones.
💠 Examples of stream placers include the rich gold deposits of Alaska and the Klondike, the platinum placers of the Urals, the tin (cassiterite) deposits of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and the diamond placers of Congo (Kinshasa) and Angola.
See lessHow diamomd formation in earth’s mantle?
💎 Diamonds were formed over 3 billion years ago deep within the Earth’s crust under conditions of intense heat and pressure that cause carbon atoms to crystallise forming diamonds. 💎 Diamonds are found at a depth of approx. 150-200km below the surface of the Earth. Here, temperatures averageRead more
💎 Diamonds were formed over 3 billion years ago deep within the Earth’s crust under conditions of intense heat and pressure that cause carbon atoms to crystallise forming diamonds.
💎 Diamonds are found at a depth of approx. 150-200km below the surface of the Earth. Here, temperatures average 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of 45 to 60 kilobars (which is around 50,000 times that of atmospheric pressure at the Earth’s surface).
👉 Under these conditions, molten lamproite and kimberlite (commonly known as magma) are also formed within the Earth’s upper mantle and expand at a rapid rate. This expansion causes the magma to erupt, forcing it to the Earth’s surface and taking along with it diamond bearing rocks. Moving at an incredible speed, the magma takes the path with least resistance, forming a ‘pipe’ to the surface.
💎 As it cools the magma hardens to form Kimberlite and settles in vertical structures known as kimberlite pipes. These kimberlite pipes are the most significant source of diamonds, yet it is estimated that only 1 in every 200 kimberlite pipes contain gem-quality diamonds.
👉 The name ‘Kimberlite’ was derived from the South African town of Kimberley where the first diamonds were found in this type of rock.
💎 Coal has rarely – if ever – played a role in the formation of diamonds. In fact, most diamonds that have been dated are much older than Earth’s first land plants – the source material of coal! That alone should be enough evidence to shut down the idea that Earth’s diamond deposits were formed from coal.
See lessWhat is difference between granite and basalt
Differences between basalt and granite Although there are some similarities between basalt and granite, there are also significant differences between these two rock types. Basalt is volcanic, or extrusive, forming at the surface, while granite is plutonic, or intrusive, forming beneath the sRead more
Differences between basalt and granite
Although there are some similarities between basalt and granite, there are also significant differences between these two rock types.
Basalt is volcanic, or extrusive, forming at the surface, while granite is plutonic, or intrusive, forming beneath the surface.
Basalt is mafic while granite is felsic
Basalt is common on both Earth and other Solar System bodies such as the Moon and Mars while granite is only common on Earth and rare elsewhere in the Solar System
Basalt can form in a few days to months, whereas granite plutons can take millions of years to cool and harden.
Basalt is more common in oceanic crust while granite is more common in continental crust.
See lessWhat is the study of geology?
Geology is the study of the earth (geo means earth, and ology means study of). This is a very simple definition for something so complex. Geology involves studying the materials that make up the earth, the features and structures found on Earth as well as the processes that act upon them. Geology alRead more
Geology is the study of the earth (geo means earth, and ology means study of). This is a very simple definition for something so complex. Geology involves studying the materials that make up the earth, the features and structures found on Earth as well as the processes that act upon them. Geology also deals with the study of the history of all life that’s ever lived on or is living on the earth now. Studying how life and our planet have changed over time is an important part of geology.
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