Sulphate and arsenate minerals as environmental indicators in the weathering zones of selected ore deposits, Western Sudetes, Poland

Authors

  • Jan Parafiniuk Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Geology , University of Warsaw, Al. Żwirki i Wigury, 93, PL-02-089 Warszawa, Poland
  • Rafał Siuda Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Geology , University of Warsaw, Al. Żwirki i Wigury, 93, PL-02-089 Warszawa, Poland
  • Andrzej Borkowski Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Geology , University of Warsaw, Al. Żwirki i Wigury, 93, PL-02-089 Warszawa, Poland

Keywords:

Sulphates, Arsenates, Slavikite, Zýkaite, Kaňkite, Pitticite

Abstract

The results of a complex investigation of the sulphate and arsenate assemblages forming in the weathering zone of selected ore deposits in the Sudetes are presented. The development of the weathering zone has been characterised in the polymetallic ore deposits at Miedzianka–Ciechanowice and Radzimowice, and the pyrite deposit at Wieściszowice, which differ in the chemical compositions of the ore and barren minerals and the hydrological conditions. Secondary sulphate and arsenate mineral assemblages vary significantly among the ore deposits under study. Their crystallization is discussed, taking into consideration the stability of particular minerals and the paths of their transformation. It is shown that these minerals have great potential as indicators of weathering processes. A significant role for microorganisms in the formation of the weathering zone of the ore deposits under study is also proven.

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Published

2016-09-29

Issue

Vol. 66 No. 3 (2016): Geological Sciences at the University of Warsaw

Section

Articles