Geochemistry of Sphalerite from the Permian Volcanic-Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) Deposits in the Tasik Chini Area, Peninsular Malaysia: Constraints for Ore Genesis

The Bukit Botol and Ketaya deposits are two examples of volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) that occur in the Tasik Chini area, Central Belt Peninsular Malaysia. mineralisation is divided into subzones distinguished by spatial, mineralogical, textural characteristics. primary minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, with lesser amounts Sn- Ag-bearing minerals, Au. However, pyrrhotite absent from both deposits. This study presents results sphalerite chemistry analysed using an electron microprobe. Two types recognised: deposit reveals a range <DL to 24.0 mole% FeS, whereas shows 3 FeS. Significant variations shown Zn, Cu, Cd, Ag levels. Although has wide variation composition, discernible decreasing Fe trend exhibited stringer zone towards sulphide. compositional sphalerites may part reflect variable temperature activity sulphur hydrothermal fluids during ore formation. Alternatively, bimodal composition suggest mineral relates contrasting depositional processes. Zn/Cd ratios for these similar those volcano−sedimentary volcanic origin. Therefore, consistently low Cd concentrations moderate high mixing seawater minor magmatic controlling at their