A dome structure formed of successive pyroclastic accumlation of so-called “green tuff effusion” is the main geologic constituent of the Shakotan Peninsula, southwestern Hokkaido. Igneous effusion and intrusion held in the district are carried wholly concordant to this dome structure; intrusive bodies are prefered to the central part of the dome and younger effusives are arranged to the peripheral part. Further, prominent mineralized zones closely allied to this geologic structure are known in this volcanic field. They are arranged to the cross direction of the axis of the peninsula. With them, interesting zonal distribution of ore deposits such arrangement as (1) Mn (Pb, Zn) deposits disposed to the central part of the dome succeeded by (2)|Cu, Pb, Zn (Au, Ag) deposits, (3) FeS
2 deposits, and (4) BaSO
4 deposits to the outer parts, are well ascertained.
Of these deposits, some peculiar features of ore mineral are mentioned. They are unusual occurrences of pyrrhotite and molybdenite in the (1) Mn (Pb, Zn) deposits, realgar and orpiment in the (2) Cu, Pb, Zn) (Au, Ag) deposits and stibnite in the (4) BaSO
4 deposits. The trace elements associated with these deposits have also peculiar behaviours. High concentration of W in the rhodochrosite from the (1) Mn (Pb, Zn) deposits, and Bi, Mo, Sn in the sulphide minerals from the (2) Cu, Pb, Zn (Au, Ag) deposits are their prominent features.
Several varieties of wall rock alteration are mentioned with these ore deposits. Although sezicite-quartz and montmorillonite-kaolinite-quartz associations are the common feature of wall rock alteration of them, carbon-itization around the (1) Mn (Pb, Zn) deposits, occurrence of alunite, diaspore or jarosite with the (3) FeS
2 deposits and the (4) BaSO
4 deposits are the peculiar feature of this ore field. Their peculiarity is well serve for the prospecting researches.
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