Abstract
Several occurrences of red-colored rocks, which represent an unusual species within the lower Zechstein sediments as well as siderite ribbons and kaolinization have been reported from the West German lower Zechstein sequence. The red-colored rocks had been classified into two types, i.e., the stratiform red layers (SRL) and the Rote Fäule (RF). With regard to the gray beds, both types are characterized by enrichments and depletions of certain elements. As a result, ore-related Rote Fäule could be distinguished from insignificant stratiform red layers. Whereas Rote Fäule, which represents the alteration zone around diagenetic Kupferschiefer-type deposits, is chiefly characterized by apparent red coloring and enrichment in sulfate S, both the siderite ribbons and kaolinization of feldspars refer to formation of Cu-As sulfides and arsenides due to a hydrothermal, epigenetic process. Formation under more oxidizing, synsedimentary conditions is presumed for the stratiform red layers.
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Schmidt, FP. Alteration zones around Kupferschiefer-type base metal mineralization in West Germany. Mineral. Deposita 22, 172–177 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206606
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206606