Evidence for iron-rich sulfate melt during magnetite(-apatite) mineralization at El Laco, Chile

The origins of Kiruna-type magnetite(-apatite) [Mt(-Ap)] deposits are contentious, with existing models ranging from purely hydrothermal to orthomagmatic end members. Here, we evaluate the compositions of fluids that formed the classic yet enigmatic Mt(-Ap) deposit at El Laco, northern Chile. We report evidence that ore-stage minerals crystallized from an Fe-rich (6-17 wt% Fe) sulfate melt. We suggest that a major component of the liquid was derived from assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary rocks during emplacement of andesitic magma at depth. Hence, we argue that assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary strata played a key role in the formation of El Laco and likely Mt(-Ap) deposits elsewhere.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the fluid compositions that formed the classic yet enigmatic Mt(-Ap) deposit at El Laco in northern Chile, suggesting that ore-stage minerals crystallized from an Fe-rich sulfate melt. The major component of the liquid was derived from assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary rocks during emplacement of andesitic magma at depth. The assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary strata is argued to have played a key role in the formation of El Laco and likely Mt(-Ap) deposits elsewhere.