Abstract

GARGIULO, M.F.; RUBINSTEIN, N.; CARPIO, F.  and  SALVARREDI, J.. Characteristics of Central II alteration zone, San Rafael Massif, province of Mendoza. Rev. Asoc. Geol. Argent. [online]. 2007, vol.62, n.3, pp.387-395. ISSN 0004-4822.

The goal of this paper is to present the petrographic study from outcrop samples of the Central II alteration zone. This area is located in the San Rafael Massif, province of Mendoza (34°54'56" S; 68°37'02" O) and is related to hypoabyssal rhyolitic bodies that intrude a volcanic-volcaniclastic sequence corresponding to the upper section of Choiyoi Group. The alteration zone is represented by pervasive sericitization overprinted by silicic breccias and veins with WNW trend (Az 290° - 300°) and vertical dip. Hydrothermal veins are mainly composed by quartz with primary growth, recrystalization and replacement textures with minor pyrite, chalcopyrite and scarce arsenopyrite. The combination of crustifiform - colloform silica banding, quartz pseudomorphs of bladed calcite and adularia with different morphologies (sub-rhombic, rhombic and pseudo-acicular) is a clear evidence of a low-sulfidation epithermal system with paleozones of upflow boiling.

Keywords : Low-sulfidation epithermal system; Boiling upflow; Adularia; Hydrothermal quartz; Upper section of Choiyoi Group.

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