Random Difference of the Trace Element Distribution in Skarn and Marbles from Shizishan Orefield, Anhui Province, China

Abstract

Spatial distribution patterns of element concentrations can reflect the information of the mineralization processes. Both the Hurst exponent calculated by R/S analysis and the generalized fractal dimension calculated by using the multifractal model are important parameters for describing the spatial distribution of elements. Five long drill holes, named as M1, S1, S2, S3, and S4, have been selected in the Shizishan skarn orefield in Tongling, Anhui Province, China. Marbles are well developed around M1 and skarn rocks are largely distributed along S1, S2, S3, and S4 drill holes. The drill holes were sampled evenly with an interval of 10 m and 16 trace elements have been measured. The mean of the ΔD(q) (the height of the generalized dimension spectrum) in the M1 drill hole is the lowest. In addition, the mean of the Hurst exponents of the 16 elements in the M1 drill hole is also much smaller than that of S1, S2, S3, S4 drill holes, which is in accordance with the analysis of the generalized dimension. It is indicated by the generalized dimension and Hurst exponent that the distribution of trace elements in the marbles is more random than that in the skarn. The result suggests that the mineralization process can change the randomness and persistence features of the element distribution.