Fractal Modeling of Sphalerite Banding in Jinding Pb-Zn Deposit, Yunnan, Southwestern China

Sphalerite banding is a common texture in Jinding Pb-Zn deposit, Yunnan, southwestern China. The frequency distribution and irregularity of sphalerite grains observed in the bandings are characterized quantitatively by fractal models. Fractal dimensions calculated by several fractal models including box-counting model, perimeter-area (P-A) model, and number-area (N-A) model show the gradual change from outer banding to inner banding, indicating a decrease in area percentage, in irregularity, in shape and in grain size, and an increase in the numbers of grains. These results may imply an inward growth of sphalerite during mineralization, and self-organization properties are involved in the nonlinear process of mineralization.