ORE-RELATED DIAGENESIS-AN ENCYCLOPEDIC REVIEW

Abstract

This chapter describes diagenesis in the context of ore genesis. After discussing general aspects in some detail, the numerous variabIes involved in diagenesis of metalliferous deposits are each briefly examined. The chapter lists in numerous tables the components, variables, and factors involved in diagenesis, which presents intra-table and inter-table duplications, overlaps, and transitions. These interdependencies in and between man-made catalogue-like and pigeon-hole-type tables also reflect the complexities in nature. A table presents a total of twenty-five variables, most of which are self-explanatory and another table lists the geological disciplines which have employed diagenetic investigations. Another table offers a generalized chemical classification comprising the five major constituents that may be involved in diagenesis, namely fluids, solids, gas/vapor, organic matter, and organisms. One of the tables summarizes the factors that control geochemical systems, either directly or indirectly, while another presents a classification of the biochemical, physicochemical, and mechanical barriers that result in the “fixation”, concentration or accumulation of certain chemical elements.