Distribution of trace elements in willemite from the Belgium non-sulphide deposits

2019

Samples of willemite (Zn2SiO4) mineralization from the historical non-sulphide Zn–Pb deposits of La Calamine (eastern Belgium) have been recovered from collections of the Geological Survey of Belgium. Textural and chemical analyses are used to evaluate the critical element distribution (Ge, In, Ga) and deportment. willemite occurs as a variety of types that continuously formed between the protore stage (sulphides) and the late supergene stage (carbonates and hydrated phases). Different types of willemite may be distinguished on the basis of their shape and zoning characteristics, supporting a polyphase non-sulphide mineralization after the protore stage. This is also marked by a significant…