Petrography and geochemistry of fault-controlled hydrothermal dolomites in the Riopar area (Prebetic Zone, SE Spain)

Abstract

The present paper reports the first detailed petrographical and geochemical studies of hydrothermal dolomites related to MVT Zn-(FeePb) deposits in the Riopar area (Mesozoic Prebetic Basin, SE Spain), constraining the nature, origin and evolution of dolomitizing and ore-forming fluids. Mapping and stratigraphic studies revealed two stratabound dolostone geobodies connected by other patchy bodies, which replace carbonate units of Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous ages. These dolostones are associated to the WeE trending San Jorge fault, indicating a main tectonic control for fluid flow. Seven different dolomite types were identified: i) matrix-replacive planar-s (ReD-I); ii) matrix-replacive planare (ReD-II); iii) planar-e sucrosic cement (SuD); iv) non-planar grey saddle dolomite cement (SaD-I) predating Zn-(FeePb) sulfides; v) non-planar milky to pinkish saddle dolomite cement (SaD-II) post-dating Zn-(FeePb) ores; vi) ore-replacive planar-e porphyrotopic (PoD); and vii) planar-s cloudy cement (CeD). Meteoric calcite types were also recognized. The different dolomite types are isotopically characterized by: i) depleted d18O (from þ25.1 to þ27.6‰ V-SMOW) and d13C (from 2.3 to þ0.9‰ V-PDB) values compared to Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous limestone signature (d18O: þ27.6 to þ30.9‰ V-SMOW; d13C: þ0.5 to þ3.2‰ V-PDB); and ii) 87Sr/86Sr ratios for the main dolomitization phases (ReD and SuD: 0.70736e0.70773) close to the Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate values (0.70723e0.70731) whereas more radiogenic values (0.70741e0.70830) for saddle dolomites (SaD) related to the Zn-(FeePb) sulfide mineralization prevailed after fluid interaction with Rb-bearing minerals. Microthermometrical studies on two-phase liquid and vapor fluid inclusion populations in planar and non-planar dolomites and sphalerite show homogenization temperatures between 150 and 250 C. These data indicate that both planar and non-planar dolomite textures formed at high-temperatures under hydrothermal conditions in deep-burial diagenetic environments. The main dolomitizing phase (ReD-I/ReD-II and SaD-I) shows low to moderate fluid inclusions salinity (5e14 wt.% eq. NaCl), whereas the dolomitization related to ore precipitation (sphalerite and SaD-II) spreads to higher salinity values (5e25 wt.% eq. NaCl). These data may respond to a mixing between a low salinity fluid (fluid A, less than 5 wt.% eq. NaCl) and a more saline brine (fluid B, more than 25 wt.% eq. NaCl) at different fluid proportions.