Mineralogy and origin of ore deposits
Research group
Aims
- To determine the mineralogy of metalliferous deposits with the use of optical, chemical and structural techniques.
- To examine mineral associations and parageneses and to characterise the fluids responsible for metal transport and deposition and their likely provenance.
Description
The mineralogy and processes of formation of metalliferous mineralisation form the focus of work in this programme and enable us to address current industrial and academic issues and also to enhance the scientific value of the collections. Metals are transported and concentrated by hydrothermal fluids associated with magmatic activity in mid-ocean spreading centres and at destructive continental margins and subduction zones.
Currently, gold deposits and rare-metal mineralisation associated with collision belts are of interest. Modern sea floor hydrothermal mineralisation is shown to be associated with a distinctive vent biota, and fossil analogues in the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic are known. These are the subject of a newly funded study which links mineralisation with its direct effects on sea floor fauna.
Research team
- Dr Chris Stanley
- Dr Richard Herrington
- Mr Alan Hart
- Dr Eva Valsami-Jones
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Toolbox
The first collected specimen of Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is made, is kept in the Museum.