Trace element geochemistry of magnetite from the Ernest Henry IOCG Deposit, Australia

Trace element of magnetite plays a vital role in mineral exploration using minerals. We use EMPA and LA ICP-MS to analyse trace element concentrations in magnetite from the Ernest Henry IOCG deposit. Quantitative multi-element analyses suggest that trace element concentrations in magnetite are controlled by many factors such as the degree of crystallization; the degree of deformation; post-precipitation oxidation to hematite; the abundance of associated sulphides; the origin of the magnetite as infill or replacement of wall rock. Electron microprobe trace element maps indicate that magnetite is not zoned with respect to trace element distribution. The variation of trace element concentrations in magnetite likely reflects a complex combination of fluid composition, temperature, redox conditions, and fluid-rock interaction.