Stratigraphic changes of Ge/Si, REE+Y and silicon isotopes as insights into the deposition of a Mesoarchaean banded iron formation

In order to determine the origin of silicon (Si) in banded iron formation (BIF), we have undertaken a multi-tracer study combining REE+Y data, Ge/Si ratios and Si isotopes (δ30Si) on stratigraphically resolved layers from a ∼2.95 Ga BIF from the Pongola Supergroup, South Africa. Si in both Si-rich and Fe-rich layers has a common origin, represented by a seawater reservoir strongly influenced by continent-derived freshwaters (∼10%) and very limited (<0.1%) high-T hydrothermal fluids as indicated by Eu anomalies and Y/Ho ratios. The coevolution of δ30Si signatures of Si- and Fe-rich layers of the BIF coupled with similar Eu and Y anomalies in both types of layers is in accordance with a common silica precipitation promoted by Si adsorption onto Fe-oxyhydroxides from Archaean seawater. An increase in δ30Si values from −2.27‰ to −0.53‰ stratigraphically upwards in the BIF is inferred to be the result of two successive isotopic fractionation processes during (1) silicon adsorption onto the Fe-oxyhydroxide precursor and (2) silica precipitation at the sediment–water interface from pore fluid triggered by the local silica saturation consecutive to an early diagenetic Si desorption from the precursor Fe-oxyhydroxide. The first fractionation process depleted the parental water in 28Si while the second released 30Si back into the parental water, resulting in an increase of the δ30Si value of the parental water reservoir over time.

► Silicon in both Si-rich and Fe-rich layers has a common origin.
► Parental fluid is seawater with about 10% freshwater and 0.1% hydrothermal fluids.
► Si- and Fe-rich layers have a common siliceous ferric oxyhydroxides precursor.
► δ30Si variations in Si-rich layers are controlled by two successive fractionation processes.