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The oldest classifications of ore bodies are based on morphology. Although this would not seem the most
useful mechanism of classification, it is by its nature genetic.
Syngenetic - Ore deposit formed contemporaneously with the enclosing rocks.
Epigenetic- Ore deposit introduced at some time after the host rocks formed.
A. Discordant - Cut across bedding
1. Regularly shaped body
a) Tabular - Extensive in two dimensions, restricted in the third. Veins or fissure veins
and lodes result from the infilling of open space along fractures and faults. If the vein are
inclined, as most are, we use the same hanging wall and footwall terminology used to
describe faults. Often have a series of pinches and swells which form as a consequence of
differing fracture angles in rocks of different lithology. Movement along faults causes a
series of pinches where rocks are held against one another or swells (dilatant zones)
where open space occurs.
b) Tubular or Pipe-like - Relatively short in two dimensions, but extensive in the third.
When they are horizontal the term manto is used to describe a tubular ore body.
b) Shale host - seem to be layered within the host rock and not related to subsequent
replacement. Examples are the Kupferschiefer of Central Europe and Sullivan, British
Columbia. This group includes some of the true giants of ore deposits.
c) Arenaceous host - Far less common, but include the Zambian copper belt. Ores
generally occur in sandstones with chalcopyrite, bornite and various uranium species the
only ore minerals of consequence. Ores appear to have been introduced after the
sandstone was deposited, but prior to cementation.
d) Conglomerate host - most of the placer and paleoplacer gold and uranium deposits of
the world occur in conglomeratic host rocks. Famous example is the Witwatersrand
goldfield of South Africa.
2. Igneous host rocks - Ore concordant with bedding, but in plan view deposits are often circular
to elliptical.
a) Volcanic host - many of the major massive sulfide deposits of the world occur in
volcanic rocks. Rocks range in composition through the entire spectrum of compositions.
Ore appear to occur as distinct horizons within the volcanic pile. Most studied example
are the Kuroko deposits of Japan.
b) Plutonic host - include the layered ultramafic complexes such as the Bushveld which
produces much of the worlds chromium and platinum as well as nickel deposits in a
variety of different plutonic settings.
3. Metamorphic host rocks - Only important as hosts of preexisting sedimentary or igneous
deposits.