Evolution of unconformity-related MnFeAs vein mineralization, Sailauf (Germany): Insight from major and trace elements in oxide and carbonate minerals

The Sailauf MnFeAs vein mineralization, located in the Spessart district (central Germany), is characterized by complex hydrothermal carbonate and oxide assemblages. The mineralization is hosted by a Permian rhyolite body and is structurally related to the Variscan unconformity that separates Permian sedimentary rocks from the underlying Variscan crystalline basement. The hydrothermal vein system has been studied by optical microscopy, electron-microprobe and LA-ICPMS analysis of major and trace elements (including the REE). Four distinct mineralization stages that are characterized by diagnostic carbonate-oxide assemblages are identified, which are (1) pre-ore stage, (2) ore stage 1, (3) ore stage 2, and (4) the replacement stage. Hydrothermal carbonates show complex compositional trends in CaMn (Fe + Mg) space, and comprise calcite, Mn-calcite, FeMg calcite, Ca-rhodochrosite, and Ca-kutnahorite. Oxide assemblages are dominated by braunite and hematite, with minor amounts of manganite and hausmannite. The mineralization is enriched in a distinct suite of trace elements, including As, W, Pb, Zn and Cu. Analysis of the paragenetic evolution, in conjunction with the major and trace element data, allows to reconstruct the fluid evolution of the hydrothermal system. The first order change in mineralogy between the two main ore stages (Mn oxides and calcite evolving into hematite and Mn-rich calcite) records a pronounced shift in fluid pH and silica activity of the system. This interpretation is also supported by variations in the behavior of Ce in different carbonate generations. The late stage replacement carbonates relate to destabilization of the primary ore assemblages. The distinct geological setting immediately below the Permian unconformity, in conjunction with the mineralogical and chemical data, suggests that dynamic fluid mixing processes involving basement-derived brines and more shallow groundwaters were important in the formation of the Sailauf MnFeAs mineralization. The significant enrichment in the AsWPbZnCu element suite resembles that of other MnFe deposits, and points to felsic lithologies as the main metal source of the mineralization.

► Major and trace element study of unconformity-related Mn-Fe-As vein mineralization.
► Enrichment in trace elements such as As, W, Pb, Zn points to felsic source rocks.
► Mineral assemblages record changes in silica activity, pH, CO2 fugacity and fO2
► Mineralization related to fluid mixing processes at the basement-cover interface.