Experimental Alteration in Composite Mineral Systems: Mg-silicates, Fe-Ni-sulphides and Fe-Ti-oxides

Abstract

This study provides new insight into fluid-mediated replacement reactions for three different mineral systems. Hydrothermal experiments were conducted at 150 °C and 240 °C. It was found that serpentinisation reaction kinetics and crystal morphology are dependent on fluid and solid composition. Furthermore, primary Ni-sulphides were transformed into high Ni-tenor assemblages and it was found that the generation of fracture networks within ilmenite is strongly affected by the presence of hematite.