T191 Mineralogical Evidence for the Co-Evolution of the Geosphere and Biosphere: In Honor of Robert M. Hazen, 2016 Roebling Medalist

Tuesday, 27 September 2016
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 207

SOCIAL NETWORK OF COPPER MINERALS: A MINERAL ECOLOGY STUDY

Paper number: T191-7
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:40 AM – 9:55 AM

Authors

Abstract

Extended networks of mineral species co-occurrence bear close resemblance to social networks. Here we apply data network visualization techniques, including force-directed diagrams and chord diagrams, along with statistical methods to explore the social network of copper (Cu) minerals.

As expected, common minerals form nodes around which less common minerals cluster. Cu minerals also tend to form distinct groups as a function of anion or anion complex, particularly around sulfides, sulfates and oxides. Furthermore, Cu minerals cluster according to rock and deposit type, such as hydrothermal sulfide veins and fumarole deposits, illustrating the geologic connectivity of mineral co-occurrence.

Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistical analyses of 3-element mineral correlation demonstrate chemical and geologic trends in the Cu system. With this method, we found that the presence of Cu enhances the relationship between oxygen and other chalcophile elements. We also observed that Cu-sulfates are less abundant than expected and Cu-silicates are slightly more abundant than expected based on first-order mineral composition trends.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 48, No. 7

doi: 10.1130/abs/2016AM-279379

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