Preliminary sulfur isotope investigations of mineral deposits in the Precambrian shield, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Massive sulfide deposits and sulfide-bearing veins in Saudi Arabia show a wide range in δ34S values from very negative to strongly positive and cover almost the entire range observed for ore deposits in nature.
Massive sulfide deposits that have very negative values (Wadi Wassat and Wadi Qatan) formed as syngenetic sedimentary deposits in stagnant, euxinic basins. Deposits that have large positive values (Khnaiguiyah and Al Amar) were formed by sea water hydrothermal systems.
Gold- and silver-bearing veins whose δ34S values fall near 0 permil (Mand adh Dhahab and Samrah) are believed to have derived both sulfur and metals from magmatic sources. Massive sulfide deposits whose δ34S values range from slightly negative to slightly positive (Kutam, Al Masane, Wadi Bidah, and Jabal Sayid) are thought to have been formed largely from sea water hydrothermal systems, though deep-seated contributions of sulfur cannot be ruled out. Some deposits in this group (Nuqrah and AT Ridayniyah) appear to have derived their sulfur from volcanic exhalative sources.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Preliminary sulfur isotope investigations of mineral deposits in the Precambrian shield, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 78-776 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr78776 |
| Year Published | 1978 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Description | ii, 19 p. |
| Country | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
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