Genetic model of the El Laco magnetite-apatite deposits by extrusion of iron-rich melt

Magnetite-apatite deposits are important sources of iron and other metals. A prominent example are the magnetite lavas at the El Laco volcano, Northern Chile. Their formation processes remain debated. Here, we test the genetic hypothesis that an Fe-rich melt separated from silicate magma and ascended along collapse-related fractures. We complement recent analyses with thermodynamic modelling to corroborate Fe-Si liquid immiscibility evident in melt inclusions at El Laco and present viscometry of Fe- and Si-rich melts to assess the time and length scales of immiscible liquid separation. Using a rock deformation model, we demonstrate that volcano collapse can form failure zones extending towards the edifice flanks along which the ore liquid ascends towards extrusion driven by vapour exsolution despite its high density. Our results support the proposed magmatic genesis for the El Laco deposits. Geochemical and textural similarities indicate magnetite-apatite deposits elsewhere form by similar processes.

Automated summary

Magnetite-apatite deposits are important sources of iron and other metals, with the El Laco volcano as a prominent example. Research has shown that an Fe-rich melt separated from silicate magma and ascended to form the deposits, supporting the magmatic genesis hypothesis.