The mineral factory: how to build a giant quartz reef

Abstract

Summary Giant quartz reefs can develop as part of a larger scale ‘mineral factory’ within a specific space and time, due to a series of interlinking processes and mechanisms. Ascertaining the criteria for giant quartz reef formation is based on data obtained from multidisciplinary, multi-scale analysis. The results show that a ‘quartz reef window’ is met when the following conditions are optimal (i) accommodation space; (ii) permeability; (iii) significant fluid supply; (iv) considerable Time Integrated Fluid Fluxes; (v) temperature conditions; (vi) SiO2 oversaturation; and (vii) cap rock/seal is present. These elements are key to understanding the evolution of giant quartz reef formations, as well as identifying and targeting these mineral lodes.