Dear All,
I have detected microscopical Au-Ag-Cu-Hg iodide(s) in Nevada, which is a
classical place for halogenides (mostly Cl and Br) of Cu-Ag. The finding
is based on reproducible EMP (EDS) analyses of polished thick sections. The
iodides show some zonation, and variable metal ratios. Iodine
concentrations are sometimes too low for the total of the metals, which
suggests that an excess of the latter could be in the native state. The
problem is of course worsened by the volatility under the probe.
Literature searches disclose much hypothetical and thermodynamic
possibilities (although very positive), but not much hard data. Most
calculations attribute a role to iodine (and thiosulfate) in the
transportation as gold complexes, but nothing is said about a possible
stable iodide end-product.
Does somebody know of a factual observation of a solid compound, even flimsy?
Thanks to All,
J.J.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo-mineralisation is administered by the Mineral Deposits Studies Group (UK)
(www.mdsg.or.uk)
|