Albite and gold

Abstract

A search of the literature reveals an imposing number of gold deposits from many parts of the world that are genetically related to albite-rich igneous rocks. The evidence suggests that these deposits contain little silver and the sulphides are simple and not abundant, whereas gold deposits genetically related to potash rich rocks are argentiferous, polymetallic, or contain abundant sulphides. It is concluded also that these gold deposits cannot be explained by a one-magma theory of petrogenesis, and that the granitic and trondhjemitic rock suites with their respective pegmatites and gold deposits were derived from two distinct magma types. Lastly, it is suggested that the nature of the associated feldspars is of sufficient significance to warrant more close attention.