Geochemical Behavior of Minor Elements in the Altered Zone of Some Hydrothermal Deposits

The geochemical behavior of minor elements in the altered zone of some hydrothermal deposits, i.e. "Kuroko" (Black Ores), gold, pyrophyllite and sulfur deposits in Japan is considered. The minor elements involved in the discussion are barium, strontium, boron, gallium, vanadium, lead, chromium, cobalt, nickel, silver and copper. The geochemical association among some minor elements in the altered zone of hydrothermal deposits differs remarkably from that in wall rocks and minerals. The contents of minor elements in the altered rocks varies corresponding to the nature of hydrothermal deposits. Lead, vanadium, and gallium are always present in the all altered zones of hydrothermal deposits investigated. Chromium in "Kuroko" deposits in less abundant than in the other hydrothermal deposits, whereas lead is more abundant in the "Kuroko" deposit. The altered zones of the "Kuroko" deposit lack tin, except for the pyrophyllite containing one. However, tin is always found in the altered zone around the other types of hydrothermal deposits than that of "Kuroko" deposit. Thus, it is suggested that the difference in minor element distribution is caused primarily by a different geological condition