Experimental evidence of sulfide melt evolution via immiscibility and fractional crystallization

Abstract

Most ore deposits in high-grade metamorphic terranes show signs of remobilization of sulfide ores. During this process the compositions and tenor of the ore change dramatically. In this report we show the results of a study designed to clarify chemical modification of sulfide melts as they cool from high temperatures. Sulfide melts were allowed to "trickle down" through a permeable inert host over an extreme temperature gradient. The effects of crystal fractionation and liquid immiscibility can be clearly seen in the resultant experimental charges, explaining many features previously documented in metamorphosed ores. Show more