Caracterización paragenética de la veta la Salvadora en la mina Señor de la Esperanza

Abstract

Abstract: The present investigation exposes the paragenetic characterization of the study area in southern Ecuador, specifically of the La salvadora vein in the Señor de la Esperanza mining concession, focusing on both the host rocks and the mineralized vein. It was carried out in a series of stages, which consisted of describing in detail hand samples, physical and textural characteristics of the rocks, as well as the description of four thin sheets and two polished sections. Results were complemented with X-ray diffractometry (DRX) and X-ray fluorescence (FRX) assays, which were carried out at the mineral laboratory of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. Three phases of mineralization have been identified that reflect the geological evolution of the site. The first phase corresponds to a magmatic event, during which box rocks were formed and different minerals such as plagioclase (Plg), quartz (Qz), amphiboles (Amf), among others, were deposited, defining this stage as crucial to establish the geological basis for subsequent mineralization. The second hydrothermal phase in wich sulfides such as pyrite (Py) and electrum (Au-Ag) precipitated together with quartz (Qz). This process indicates an active hydrothermal environment that favored the concentration of metals. Finally, a third phase related to propylitic alteration, where minerals such as chlorite (Cl), calcite (Cal), gypsum (Gy), sericite (Ser), limonite (Li) and alunite (Al) were identified, reflecting changes in the chemical and physical conditions of the environment.