Magnetite and metal-rich sulfides in arc magmas

Huge copper-gold ore deposits are uniquely associated with island arcs, but the reasons for this are unknown. We recently found a magnetite precipitation trigger for a singular sulfide saturation event accompanied by base and precious metal concentration in an evolving arc magma suite. We will explore the conditions where this trigger can work using an extended compositional range of the best natural glassy samples and experimental analogues, and map trace element distributions including V and Mn in magnetite for use as an oxidation state proxy in exploration of potentially prospective arc terranes.