Ore-filled hydrothermal karst features in the Triassic rocks of the Cracow-Silesian region

Abstract

The ore-bearing dolomite of Triassic age reveals evidence of phreatic circulation of acid solutions. This circulation gave rise to a variety of karst features such as solution cavities residual clays collapse breccias and related disturbances consequent upon the removal of carbonates. The karst features are ore-lined or filled with sulfide ores. It is suggested that these features were produced by hot, ore-bearing solutions and that the precipitation of ores proceeded concomitantly with the cavity-making and the formation of collapse structures. The possible age of sulfide mineralization is briefly discussed.