RT Journal Article
T1 Vein graphite deposits: geological settings, origin,and economic significance
A1 Luque Del Villar, Francisco Javier
A1 Crespo Feo, María Elena
A1 Huizenga, Jan-Marten
A1 Wada, Hideki
A1 Ortega Menor, Lorena
A1 Fernández Barrenechea, José María
AB Graphite deposits result from the metamorphism of sedimentary rocks rich in carbonaceous matter or from precipitation from carbon-bearing fluids (or melts). The latter process forms vein deposits which are structurally controlled and usually occur in granulites or igneous rocks. The origin of carbon, the mechanisms of transport, and the factors controlling graphite deposition are discussed in relation to their geological settings. Carbon in granulite-hosted graphite veins derives from sublithospheric sources or from decarbonation reactions of carbonate-bearing lithologies, and it is transported mainly in CO2-rich fluids from which it can precipitate. Graphite precipitation can occur by cooling, water removal by retrograde hydration reactions, or reduction when the CO2-rich fluid passes through relatively low-fO2 rocks. In igneous settings, carbon is derived from assimilation of crustal materials rich in organic matter, which causes immiscibility and the formation of carbon-rich fluids or melts. Carbon in these igneous-hosted deposits is transported as CO2 and/or CH4 and eventually precipitates as graphite by cooling and/or by hydration reactions affecting the host rock. Independently of the geological setting, vein graphite is characterized by its high purity and crystallinity, which are required for applications in advanced technologies. In addition, recent discovery of highly crystalline graphite precipitation from carbonbearing fluids atmoderate temperatures in vein depositsmight provide an alternative method for the manufacture of synthetic graphite suitable for these new applications.
PB Springer Science Business Media
SN 0026-4598
YR 2014
FD 2014
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/35536
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/35536
LA eng
NO Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 31 dic 2025