Contenido

1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2 DEFINITION .............................................................................................................................................. 3
3 ENDOSKARN AND EXOSKARN ................................................................................................................. 3
4 TRAINING AND ORIGIN............................................................................................................................ 4
5 STEPS IN FORMING A SKARN TYPE DEPOSIT ........................................................................................... 5
6 RETROGRAMED CHANGE ........................................................................................................................ 6
7 STAGES IN THE EVOLUTION OF A PLUTO ASSOCIATED WITH SKARN TYPE DEPOSITS ............................ 7
8 MAIN STRUCTURAL TYPES OF THE SKARN .............................................................................................. 8
9 MINERALOGY OF THE SKARN .................................................................................................................. 8
10 FACTORS CONTROLING SKARN TYPE MINERALIZATION ..................................................................... 9
10.1 DEPTH OF SITE ................................................................................................................................. 9
10.2 MIGRATION OF FLUIDS.................................................................................................................... 9
10.3 TECTONIC MARGIN AND MAGMATISM ........................................................................................ 10
11 TYPES OF SKARN DEPOSIT MENA ...................................................................................................... 10
12 LOCATION ACCORDING TO PLATE TECTONICS .................................................................................. 10
13 GEOLOGICAL TIMES OF THE SKARN .................................................................................................. 11
14 SKARN DEPOSITS IN PERU ................................................................................................................. 11
15 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................... 13
16 BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................................................................................... 14
 1 INTRODUCTION
The term skarn was introduced by Swedish metamorphic petrologists to design regional or contact metamorphic
rocks consisting of Ca, Mg and Fe silicates derived from a limestone and dolomite protolith in which large
quantities of Si, Al, Fe and Mg. Thus skarn is understood to mean rocks containing calcosilicate minerals, such as
for example: diopside, wollastonite, andradite and actinolite. These commonly occur in metamorphic contact
auras around plutons that intricate calcareous sequences.

Skarn deposits are a great source of tungsten in the world; Of the largest sources of copper, important sources
of iron, molybdenum and zinc; And smaller sources of cobalt, gold, silver, lead, bismuth tin, beryl and boron.
 2 DEFINITION
Yacimientos de reemplazo metasomtico (tambin llamados metamrficos hidrotermales, metamrficos
gneos, metamrficos de contacto, pirometasomticos), en los cuales se han introducido cantidades de Si,
Al, Fe y Mg. Las rocas se caracterizan por contener minerales calcosilicatados de Ca, Fe, Mg y Mn; como
granate (andradita, grosularia, almandino), dipsido, wollastonita, tremolita-actinolita, scheelita, smectita
(arcilla), clorita, epidota, talco, entre otros. La mineralizacin metlica asociada puede ser de W, Cu, Zn, Pb,
Sn, Fe-Ca menor Au-Ag (Townley, 2001). Siendo la roca husped tpicamente secuencias calcreas (calizas,
dolomitas, entre otras). El rango general de formacin de skarn es a altas temperaturas, aproximadamente
de 400-600C, con una presin variable, formndose de 1 a varios kilmetros de profundidad.

FORM OF THE SKARN TYPE DEPOSIT

Skarn mineral deposits are irregular in shape, they can form ore languages that extend along any planar
structure (stratification, diaclases, faults, etc.).

Its distribution within the contact aura is poorly defined, as the mineralized bodies can abruptly terminate due
to some structure.

3 ENDOSKARN AND EXOSKARN

Skarns can be subdivided according to several criteria. Exoskarn and endoskarn are the most used terms to
indicate sedimentary protolith or igneous protolith, respectively. The term Magnesian and Calcium Skarn can be
used to describe the composition of the dominant protolith and minerals resulting from skarn. Such terms may
be combined, as in the case of a magnesium exoskarn containing forsterite-diopside of a skarn formed of
dolomite.

The terms exoskarn and endoskarn apply to carbonate and intrusive replacement respectively, although some
authors use the term endoskarn for skarns formed on any aluminous rock including shale and volcanic rocks.
Other authors use the term silicon skarn to refer to any metasomatic replacement. In deep ground, where the
plutons are less fractured and fluid circulation is more restricted, the skarn only develops a narrow zone very
close to the intrusive.

This results in a zoning:

Endoskarn: Mineral calcosilicates within the intrusive.

Exoskarn: Skarn on calcareous rocks.

Figure 1. Scheme of endoskarn and exoskarn.

El endoskarn ocurre principalmente en la periferia de los plutones intrusivos donde el flujo de

fluidos fue hacia adentro del plutn o paralelo al contacto de ste, pero usualmente estn ausentes
en las cpulas de intrusiones con mineralizacin de tipo prfido debido a que domina el flujo
ascendente de los fluidos provenientes del plutn.

4 TRAINING AND ORIGIN

Skarns can be formed during regional or contact metamorphism and a variety of metasomatic processes
involving magmatic, metamorphic, meteoric, and / or marine fluids. They are adjacent to plutons, along
the faults and major shear zones, in the superficial geothermal systems, in the lower part of the seabed,
and at lower depth in the crust, buried metamorphic terrains. What relationship exists between these
different environments, and what defines a rock as skarn, is mineralogy. This mineralogy includes a wide
variety of calco-alkaline minerals, silicate minerals and associated minerals, but is generally dominated by
garnet and pyroxene.
 5 STEPS IN FORMING A SKARN TYPE DEPOSIT

There are different mineral associations in Skarn deposits, and their formation processes are similar,
location of an intrusion, magmatic and hydrothermal activity, at different levels in the crust.

These are explained by the following processes:

Skarn progrado:

Isochemical metamorphism (contact metamorphism).

Metasomatism and replacement (exsolution of magmatic fluid and beginning of
mineralization). Skarn retrograde:Re Retrograde alteration (influence of meteoric waters).

ISOCHEMIC METAMORPHISM

Corresponds to the metamorphic recrystallization and mineralogical change reflecting the protolith and
circulation of fluids at high temperature forming calcosilicate minerals and rocks of contact
metamorphism called Hornfels or Corneanas. It also includes the development of: marble, horny rocks,
quartzite, reaction skarn, skarnoids, talc and wollastonite towards the periphery (anhydrous phases).
There is no mineralization at this stage.

METASOMATISM AND REPLACEMENT

Ex solution of magmatic fluid

Crystallization of magma and release of a fluid phase producing metasomatic skarn.

Anhydrous minerals are formed mainly by magmatic by-pass fluids at temperatures of 400 -800 C.
Usually mineralization occurs or begins at this stage.
 6 RETROGRAMED CHANGE
Cooling of the pluton and circulation of water at a lower temperature, possibly meteoric (oxygenated),
causing the lowest possible alteration of anhydrous minerals already formed, this is favored by the
structural control of the area. Under these conditions mineralization continues to precipitate the sulfides.

Mineralogy of ore:

Magnetite and hematite (dissemination and veining).

In the center there is pyrite-calcopiritamagnetita.
On the edges bornite, sphalerite and galena.

On the other hand, the retrograde alteration is more extensive at lighter levels (either a shallow skarn or
upper parts of a skarn type system), since it is controlled by fluid circulation and the participation of
meteoric waters in the phase System.
Figure 4. Processes in the evolution in the formation of a Skarn deposit.

7 STAGES IN THE EVOLUTION OF A PLUTO ASSOCIATED WITH

SKARN TYPE DEPOSITS
A. Initial intrusion that causes contact metamorphism in sedimentary rocks.

B. Metamorphic recrystallization and changes of mineralogical phases in the original rock, with local
phenomena of metasomatism and circulation of fluids forming various minerals of the calco-silicate group

C. Crystallization and release of aqueous facies resulting in skimming by metasomatic fluids.

Figure 5. Evolutionary stages of

skarn deposits associated with
plutons.
 8 MAIN STRUCTURAL TYPES OF THE SKARN

A: Skarn Biometasomatic 1: Intrusive

B: Vein in Exoskarn 2: Limestone

C: Vein in Endoskarn 3: Skarn

D: Skarn Frontal 4: Lutita

9 MINERALOGY OF THE SKARN

Just as mineralogy is the key to the recognition and definition of skarns, it is also fundamental to
understand its origin and in distinguishing the economic importance of interesting mineral deposits
among unprofitable localities. Mineralogy in Skarn is mappable in the field especially the "alteration" and
serves as the broadest guide to finding a potential mineral body. Recognition of distal alteration
characteristics may be critical in the early stages of exploration. Details of the skarn mineralogy and
zoning can be used to construct specific deposit models of exploration as well as more general utility
models in the development of base exploration programs or regional syntheses.

The advent of modern analytical techniques, in particular the electron microprobe, makes it relatively
easy to determine the exact composition of minerals and consequently requires the use of mineralogical
names. However, mineralogical names should be used correctly to avoid giving more than what is known
about the mineral composition. For example, the sequence of pyroxene, clinopyroxene, clinopyroxene
calcium and diopside, are becoming more specific.
Figure 7. Mineralization of skarn.

10 FACTORS CONTROLING SKARN TYPE MINERALIZATION

10.1 DEPTH OF SITE

Skarn development depends on depth of training.

At shallower levels the metasomatic skarn has a large lateral extension that can exceed the
metamorphic aura, while in depth it is relatively small compared to the metamorphism aura.

10.2 MIGRATION OF FLUIDS

To a greater depth these are concentrated between strata or following a plane.

At lower depth the fluids will be more pervasive, generating hydraulic fracturing, and coarser
grains.
 10.3 TECTONIC MARGIN AND MAGMATISM

Skarn deposits occur in different geotectonic frames, due to the presence of calcareous
sequences and intrusions.
The associated mineralization will depend on the composition of the magmas related to each
particular geotectonic environment.

11 TYPES OF SKARN DEPOSIT MENA

Groups of skarn deposits can be based on descriptive characteristics, such as composition of protolith,
type of rock and dominant economic metal (s), as well as genetic characteristics such as fluid circulation
mechanism, formation temperature, and degree Of magmatic partition. The general tendency of modern
authors is to adopt a descriptive classification of skarn based on the economic domain of metals and then
modify the basis of each of the categories of composition, tectonics, or genetic variations.

12 LOCATION ACCORDING TO PLATE TECTONICS

An early orogenic environment can be visualized as a magmatic arc associated with a steep angle in the
subduction zone in a dominant ocean environment. In some cases these lands are subsequently accreted
by growing continental margins. Arctic island magmatism includes basaltic and andesitic volcanic rocks
which can be locally interdigitated with classical back-arc rocks or volcanic arches below sea level, with
clastic surface marine rocks including calcareous reefs. Intrusive rocks with ranges of gabbro to
granodiorite with smaller alkaline rocks. Skarn deposits rich in magnetite are associated with such plutons
and are formed in volcanic andes and limestones.

The arrangement of skarn deposits depends on the occurrence of carbonated rocks. In this way, the
occurrence of skarn can be erratic and in some larger portions of the orogenic belt they are absent or
notably scattered.

Figure 8. Skarn formation environment, referred to a magmatic arc where the intrusives of medium-acid composition come into
contact with sedimentary rocks of the limestone and dolomite type and from this interaction occur phenomena of contact
metamorphism and that later with the cooling Of the intrusive releases fluids that react with the limestone and happens the
phenomenon of metasomatismo. (Modified from Meinert, 1983).
 13 GEOLOGICAL TIMES OF THE SKARN
In general, skarn-type deposits occur in varied geological environments ranging from the Precambrian to
the Late Tertiary. Most of the deposits of economic importance are relatively young and are related to
magmatic-hydrothermal activity associated with diorite to granodiorite plutonism in orogenic belts,
(Einaudi and Burt, 1982).

14 SKARN DEPOSITS IN PERU

The skarn deposits in Peru have been formed mainly in the Mesozoic Sedimentary belt of the Inter-
Andean Cordillera, in the contact of Tertiary intrusive stock, intermediate composition (diorite, diorite
cuprifera, granodiorite, monzonite, monzonite cuprifera) with (Cu, Zn, Ag, Mo), Raura (Zn, Pb, Ag),
Morococha (Cu, Ag, Zn, Pb), Milpo Antacocha (Zn , Pb, Ag); In the Upper Tertiary Andahualylas-Yauri
batholith in contact with Cretaceous limestones to the upper and middle Cretaceous, examples are the
skarn deposits of Fe (Andahuaylas, Ferrobamba, Livitaca), Chalcobamba (Cu), Tintaya (Cu , Mo).

The depth of its mineralization is a function of the deepening of the limestone, greater than 600 m. In this
Inter-Andean mountain range, associated to sedimentary rocks of the Mesozoic, there are also skarn
deposits of lower tonnage that could be exploited within the small mining. Exceptionally there is skarn-
type mineralization of Fe in Marcona in the Cordillera de la Costa, in the account of the volcanic Rio
Grande of the Jurassic with Jurassic and Paleozoic limestones, is the only Faith deposit in present
exploitation in Peru. In the Black mountain range (Ancash) in the limestone formations of the Lower
Cretaceous, the strange skarn deposit (Pb, Ag, Zn) was exploited, in which the skarn appears as mantles of
form a deposit Type skarn of Cu in Cobriza (Huancavelica). These skarn deposits are of great importance in
the reduction of metallic minerals in Peru.
Figure 9. Distribution of the
Skarn of Cu in Peru.
 15 CONCLUSIONS
Skarn deposits are important sources of copper and tungsten worldwide.

The description of the evolutionary processes of the Skarn is of vital importance, since this will
identify the minerals associated with each type of deposit.

The relationship exists between the different environments of skarn formation, and what defines
a rock as skarn, is the mineralogy.

Minerals that are very useful for classification and exploration of skarns are garnet, pyroxene and
amphiboles.
 16 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fontbot L., Vallence J., and Marckowski A., 2004, Oxidezed Gold Skarns in the Nambija
District, Ecuador: Society of Economic Geologists, Special Publication 11, p.341-357

http://www.unalmed.edu.co/~rrodriguez/skarn/skarn.htm

http://www.unalmed.edu.co/~rrodriguez/MODELOS/cox-and-singer/Sn_skarn.htm

http://www.unalmed.edu.co/~rrodriguez/MODELOS/cox-and-singer/Cu_Skarn.htm