A novel chemical model for burial diagenesis and Zn–Pb sulphide precipitation within the Carboniferous Waulsortian Limestone, Ireland

Abstract

Basin-scale processes such as regional fluid flow and organic maturation are commonly associated with the precipitation of Pb–Zn sulphide minerals. Despite extensive study, the origin of carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn mineralisation (Mississippi Valley-type and Irish-type) remains controversial, with deposits viewed as exceptional features derived from unusual basin conditions (e.g. regional hydrothermal fluid flux). In order to explore the links between mineralisation and broader-scale basinal processes, we have examined the relationship of base metal sulphides to regional diagenetic phases in the Waulsortian Limestone (Feltrim Formation) of the world-class Irish Midlands Zn–Pb province. Using comb..