Multi-metal mineralization and microfossils in a black shale-hosted sulfide ore layer, South China: Implications for early Cambrian biomineralization

Abstract

A remarkable polymetallic sulfide extremely enriched ore layer is embedded at the bottom of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation along the passive margin of the Yangtze Platform in South China, with its genesis still highly disputable. Previous studies suggested that marine organisms probably played an important role in the formation of this ore layer. A combination of techniques, including optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis, X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, etc., were used to examine the mineralogy and petrology of the polymetallic sulfide ore. Laminated and frambiodal pyrite was proved to be the predominant ...