Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304

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Isotope geochemistry of the mafic dikes from the Vazante nonsulfide

zinc deposit, Brazil
M. Babinskia,*, L.V.S. Monteirob, A.H. Fetterc, J.S. Bettencourta, T.F. Oliveirad
a
Centro de Pesquisas Geocronológicas, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Lago, 562, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-080, Brazil
b
Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Rua João Pandiá Calógeras, 51, Campinas, SP CEP 13083-970, Brazil
c
Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Av. 24 A, 1515, Rio Claro, SP CEP 13506-900, Brazil
d
Companhia Mineira de Metais, Caixa Postal 3, Vazante, MG CEP 38780-000, Brazil
Received 1 August 2003; accepted 1 November 2004

Abstract
The Vazante Group, located in the northwestern part of Minas Gerais, hosts the most important zinc mine in Brazil, the Vazante Mine,
which represents a major known example of a hypogene nonsulfide zinc deposit. The main zinc ore is represented by willemite and differs
substantially from other deposits of the Vazante-Paracatu region, which are sulfide-dominated zinc-lead ore. The age of the Vazante Group
and the hosted mineralization is disputable. Metamorphosed mafic dikes (metabasites) that cut the metasedimentary sequence and are
affected by hydrothermal processes recently were found and may shed light on the geochronology of this important geological unit. Zircon
crystals recovered from the metabasites are xenocrystic grains that yield U–Pb conventional ages ranging from 2.1 to 2.4 Ga, so the basement
of the Vazante Group is Paleoproterozoic or has metasedimentary rocks whose source area was Paleoproterozoic. Pb isotopes determined for
titanite separated from the metabasites have common, nonradiogenic Pb compositions, which prevents determination of their crystallization
age. However, the Pb signatures observed for the titanite crystals are in agreement with those determined for galena from the carbonate-
hosted Zn–Pb deposits hosted by the Vazante Group, including galena from minor sulfide ore bodies of the Vazante deposit. These
similarities suggest that the metalliferous fluids that affected the metabasites may have been those responsible for galena formation, which
could imply a similar lead source for both nonsulfide and sulfide zinc deposits in the Vazante–Paracatu district. This common source could be
related to deep-seated, basin-derived, metalliferous fluids associated with a long-lived hydrothermal system related to diagenesis and
deformation of the Vazante Group during the Neoproterozoic.
q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Isotope geochemistry; Mafic dikes; U–Pb geochronology; Vazante Group; Zn–Pb mineralization

1. Introduction The tectonic setting of this unit is controversial. Recent

The Vazante Group (Dardenne et al., 1998), which
occurs in the northwestern part of Minas Gerais, hosts the
most important carbonate-hosted nonsulfide (Vazante) and
sulfide (Morro Agudo) zinc deposits known in Brazil. It also
represents one of the metasedimentary units of the southern
segment of the Brası́lia fold belt.
* Corresponding author. Fax: C55 11 3091 3993.
E-mail addresses: babinski@usp.br (M. Babinski),
lena@ige.unicamp.br (L.V.S. Monteiro), fetter@ms.rc.unesp.br
(A.H. Fetter), jsbetten@usp.br (J.S. Bettencourt), flavio@vz.cmm.com.br
(T.F. Oliveira).
0895-9811/$ - see front matter q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.jsames.2004.11.010
studies indicate that the Vazante Group could represent
sedimentation in a rapidly subsiding basin in the Brası́lia
fold belt’s initial thrust fronts (Dardenne, 2000) in a setting
similar to that of the Bambuı́ Group or correspond to the top
of the Meso-Neoproterozoic passive margin sequence,
represented mainly by the Paranoá Group (Pimentel et al.,
2001).
The Vazante Group is composed of a thick sedimentary
sequence whose depositional age remains disputable. The
available geochronological data indicate that it was
metamorphosed during the Brasiliano orogeny. Recently,
metamorphosed mafic dikes (here, metabasites) intrusive in
the metasedimentary sequence were found in drill cores in
294 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304
the Vazante underground mine. The metabasites are
tectonically imbricated with hydraulic breccias in the
Vazante shear zone, which represents the main structural
control of hypogene nonsulfide mineralization, and are
affected by hydrothermal alteration processes. Thus, their
geologic relationship is promising for constraining the
minimum age of the sediment deposition and the hydro-
thermal processes linked to the hypogene nonsulfide zinc
mineralization from Vazante.
This article presents U–Pb, Pb–Pb, and Sm–Nd isotopic
data along with petrological, geochemical, and C, O, and Sr
isotopic studies on the mafic dikes and the metasedimentary
rocks of the Vazante Group. It also reports the isotopic
signatures of the metalliferous fluid responsible for the
hydrothermal alteration that affected the metabasites and its
relationship with the hydrothermal system responsible for
the zinc mineralization hosted by the Vazante Group.
2. Geological setting
The Vazante-Paracatu region is located in the eastern
part of the Brası́lia fold belt (Almeida, 1967), which extends
for more than 1000 km over a width of 300 km along the
western margin of the São Francisco craton (Fig. 1). The
fold belt represents an unstable crustal block whose final
structural differentiation resulted from the closure of a wide
Fig. 1. Geological map of the southern part of the Brası́lia fold belt (Dardenne, 2000).
oceanic basin during the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano orogeny
(w600 Ma) (Pimentel et al., 2001). The Brası́lia fold belt
displays rock sequences thrust to the east with increasing
deformation and metamorphism to the west (Marini et al.,
1981), which reflect the vergence of the fold belt with
respect to the São Francisco craton (Dardenne, 2000).
The Vazante Group (Dardenne et al., 1998) represents
one of the metasedimentary units of the southern segment of
the Brası́lia fold belt involved in a complex imbricate
system of nappes and thrusts, with the main compressive
trend from SW to NE. It is affected by sinistral transcurrent
shear zones with SE transport (Dardenne, 2000), as well
as low greenschist facies metamorphism. It displays a
pervasive cleavage (S 1) related to regional folding,
which is overprinted by S2 and S3 cleavages related
to local D1 isoclinal and D2 open folds, respectively
(Monteiro, 1997).
The Vazante Group is divided into the following seven
formations (Fig. 2) from base to top: Santo Antônio do
Bonito, Rocinha, Lagamar, Serra do Garrote, Serra do
Poço Verde, Morro do Calcário, and Lapa. Metapelitic
units with phosphorite occurrences compose the basal
Retiro and Rocinha Formations (Dardenne et al., 1998;
Dardenne, 2000). The Lagamar Formation represents a
metapsamopelitic and carbonatic unit with basal meta-
conglomerates, dolomitic breccia, dark gray limestone,
and stromatolitic bioherm with columnar stromatolites of
 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304
Fig. 2. Lithostratigraphic column of the Vazante Group (Dardenne et al., 1998; Dardenne, 2000).
the Conophyton/Jacutophyton type (Cloud and Dardenne,
1973; Moeri, 1972). The Serra do Garrote Formation
consists of a thick sequence of gray slate, locally
carbonaceous and containing pyrite, with quartzite layers
(Madalosso and Valle, 1978).
The Serra do Poço Verde Formation is made up of gray to
pink algal-laminated dolomite, gray to green slates, sericite
phyllite, dark gray dolomite with birds’ eyes, marls, and
pyrite-bearing carbonaceous shale. Stromatolitic bioherm
facies, breccias, dolarenite, and subordinate carbonaceous
shale compose the Morro do Calcário Formation. These
formations are the dominantly dolomitic sequences (Fig. 2)
that host the Zn–(Pb) deposits.
The dolomitic sequence is overlain by the Lapa
Formation, with black carbonaceous slate and phyllite
(Serra do Velosinho member), and by phyllite, carbonate-
bearing metasiltstone, dolomite, and quartzite lenses of the
Serra da Lapa member (Madalosso and Valle, 1978). The
Canastra Group (1.2–0.9 Ga; Pimentel et al., 2001) metase-
diments, which comprise the chlorite-rich calc-phyllite of
the Landim Formation, and carbonaceous phyllites and
quartzites of the Paracatu Formation overthrust the rocks of
295
the Vazante Group as a consequence of the Brasiliano
collisional event (w630 Ma; Dardenne, 2000).
2.1. Mafic rocks
Minor magmatism associated with the Vazante Group is
represented by small bodies of metabasic rocks, identified
mainly at the Vazante underground zinc mine (Fig. 3). In
this deposit, the metabasites (Fig. 3) occur in the Vazante
shear zone, tectonically imbricated with hydraulic breccias,
hydrothermally altered rocks, and nonsulfide zinc ore
composed mainly of willemite (Zn2SiO4). These mafic
lithotypes were described initially as diabase dikes of
Cretaceous age (Rigobello et al., 1988). However, the
presence of a metamorphic mineral assemblage (Fig. 4) and
mylonitic fabric, not recognized in the Brazilian Cretaceous
rocks, indicates that the unit was affected by the regional
Brasiliano deformation event (Monteiro, 1997).
The metabasites and ore bodies are offset by normal and
reverse faults and cut by late hydrothermal veins, which
likely caused complex relationships between the ore bodies
and the host sequence.
296 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304

Fig. 3. Cross-section of the Vazante ore zone showing the spatial relationships among metabasites, the host sequence, willemitic ore, and the Vazante shear
zone (Monteiro, 1997; Monteiro et al., 1999).

2.2. Zinc mineralization hosted by the Vazante Group
The Zn–(Pb) deposits contained within the Vazante
Group metasedimentary sequence predominantly are fault-
or shear zone-controlled and show distinct ore mineralogy
(sulfide- or silicate-bearing) and mineralization styles (syn-
to tardidiagenetic and epigenetic), which are associated with
long-lived hydrothermal systems related to the diagenesis
and deformation of the Vazante Group during the
The Vazante main ore is made of willemite (Zn2SiO4),
dolomite, quartz, siderite, hematite, barite, franklinite,
zincite, smithsonite, apatite, magnetite, and Zn-chlorite
(Monteiro, 1997; Monteiro et al., 1999). Small sulfide
bodies composed mainly of Cd-rich sphalerite and galena
occur tectonically imbricated with the willemitic ore and the
intensely hydrothermalized host rocks in the Vazante shear
Vazante Shear Zone development

Neoproterozoic (Monteiro, 2002; Monteiro and Bettencourt, Green schist facies Sn+1 Sn+2
Minerals
metamorphism (Sn) (ductile-brittle (ductile-brittle to
2001; Monteiro et al., 2003, submitted). structures) brittle structures)
Actinolite
The Vazante deposit is a main example of a hypogene Chlorite
Sericite
nonsulfide zinc deposit, as defined by Hitzman et al. (2003). Biotite
The zinc mineralization is epigenetic, linked to the Vazante Quartz
Epidote
shear zone development (N50/60NW), which was sub- Clinozoisite
Apatite
sequent to the low greenschist facies metamorphism of the Carbonates
Talc
Vazante Group. In the shear zone, the hydrothermal Chrysotile
alteration is largely fracture controlled and produced a Titanite
Rutile
complex zone of net-veined breccia filled by dolomite, Leucoxene
Hematite
ankerite, siderite, jasper, hematite, and chlorite (Monteiro, Lepidocrocite
1997; Monteiro et al., 1999). The ore bodies display pod Chlor itization Chloritization Carbonatization
Sericitization Serpentinization
morphology and are tectonically imbricated with small Epidotization Fe-oxides formation
metabasite bodies, brecciated metadolomites, and slates
(Monteiro et al., 1999). Fig. 4. Paragenetic associations of the metabasites (Monteiro, 1997).
 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304
zone. Sphalerite is coprecipited with willemite but com-
monly replaced by willemite due to fluctuations in the
fO2/fS2 conditions. Subsequent sulfide veinlets also cut the
willemitic ore (Monteiro, 1997; Monteiro et al., 1999).
Other carbonate-hosted Zn-(Pb) deposits in the Vazante
Group, such as Morro Agudo, Ambrósia, and Fagundes, are
composed mainly of sphalerite, galena, pyrite, marcasite,
dolomite, and quartz. The mineralization styles vary from
predominantly syndiagenetic (Morro Agudo) to late diage-
netic related to open-space filling (Fagundes) to epigenetic
(Ambrósia) (Monteiro, 2002; Monteiro et al., 2001, 2003,
submitted). Mobilization of preexisting ore is common in all
sulfide-rich deposits (Monteiro, 2002).
2.3. Previous geochronological constraints
The age of the Vazante Group is controversial.
Stromatolites indicate relative age intervals of 1650–
950 Ma (Conophyton Cylindricus Maslov, Moeri, 1972)
and 1350–950 Ma (Conophyton metula Kirichenko, Cloud
and Dardenne, 1973), a possible correlation with the 1200–
900 Ma Paranoá Group (Dardenne et al., 1976), which has
been related to a passive margin setting. The diamictite units
at the base of the Vazante Group, similar to those at the base
of the Bambuı́ Group (w740 Ma; Babinski and Kaufman,
2003), also suggest a correlation between these groups
(Dardenne, 2000).
An Rb–Sr whole-rock isochron for shales from the
Vazante Group yields an age of 600G50 Ma (Amaral and
Kawashita, 1967), which may represent the time of the
closure of the isotopic system during the Brasiliano
metamorphic event. Lead isotope analyses of galena
collected from different locations within the Vazante and
Morro Agudo deposits yield Pb model ages ranging from
930 to 600 Ma (Amaral, 1968; Cassedane and Lasserre,
1969; Iyer et al., 1992; 1993; Freitas-Silva and Dardenne,
1997; Misi et al., 1997; Cunha et al., 2001, 2003), which
have been considered the time of mineralization or
remobilization. These ages were calculated using different
models (Cumming and Richards, 1975; Stacey and
Kramers, 1975; cf. Holmes, 1946; Houtermans, 1946),
which may influence the large range of age values. Older Pb
model ages (1000–1200 Ma) for galena from the Morro
Agudo deposit estimated from the plumbotectonic model
(Zartman and Doe, 1981) have been interpreted as the age
that lead was isolated from its source or of syndiagenetic
mineralization (Freitas-Silva and Dardenne, 1997).
According to Azmy et al. (2001), d13C, d34S, and
87
Sr/86Sr signatures for the Vazante Group are consistent
with an early Neoproterozoic (Sturtian) age, but the
Precambrian baseline for isotope stratigraphy is poorly
known, and additional studies are required to confirm this
assertion. Sm–Nd analyses carried out on metasediments
from the Vazante Group indicate a uniform distribution of
depleted mantle model ages (TDM) between 1.7 and 2.1 Ga,
which, according to Pimentel et al. (2001), reflect
297
the overlap of sources associated with the Paranoá (TDMZ
2.0–2.3 Ga) and Bambuı́ (TDMZ1.4–1.9 Ga) Groups. This
idea is compatible with the intermediate stratigraphic
position of the Vazante Group between the Paranoá passive
margin and the Bambuı́ foreland sequences (Pimentel et al.,
2001). Thus, the Vazante Group may correspond to the top
of the passive margin sequence (Pimentel et al., 2001) or
represent sedimentation in a rapidly subsiding basin in the
Brası́lia fold belt initial thrust fronts (Dardenne, 2000).
3. Analytical procedures
All analytical procedures—except the U–Pb chemical
preparation analyses conducted at the Isotope Lab of São
Paulo State University (UNESP)—were carried out at the
Center of Geochronological Research of the University of
São Paulo.
U–Pb isotopic analyses were carried out on zircon and
titanite grains separated from metabasites collected in two
different cores. The samples were crushed and sieved, and
the !100 mesh heavy mineral fraction was concentrated.
Sample VZ-1 yielded a reasonable quantity of small, pink,
clear zircon grains. Another sample (VZ-2) had a very low
yield of zircon (also small, pink, clear crystals); however, a
great amount of titanite was recovered from it. The titanite
grains are creamy brown in color, have a sugary texture, and
are opaque.
Mineral fractions were prepared and dissolved, and Pb
and U were purified using procedures modified after Krogh
(1973, 1982) and Parrish (1987). All samples were spiked
with a 205Pb–235U tracer solution prior to dissolution.
Isotopic ratios were measured using a Finnigan MAT 262
multicollector mass spectrometer equipped with an ion-
counting system. Both Pb and U isotopic compositions were
analyzed on single Re filaments using silica gel and
phosphoric acid and corrected for average mass discrimi-
nation by a 0.12G0.05% per atomic mass unit factor for the
multicollector mode and a 0.18G0.05% per atomic mass
unit factor for the single-collector mode (based on replicate
analyses of common Pb standard SRM 981). In the case of
titanite fractions, U and Pb contents were determined for
one sample; in the other fractions, only Pb isotopic ratios
were measured because of their dominant common Pb
contents. Uranium fractionation was monitored by replicate
analyses of the standard SRM U-500. Uncertainties in U/Pb
ratios due to uncertainties in fractionation and mass
spectrometry were approximately G0.5% (2s); in some
cases, weak signals caused uncertainties up to 2% (2s).
Radiogenic Pb isotopes were calculated by correcting for
blank Pb and nonradiogenic original Pb, in line with Stacey
and Kramers’s (1975) model Pb, for the approximate age of
the sample. Uncertainties in radiogenic Pb ratios are
typically G0.1% unless the sample has an unusually low
206
Pb/204Pb ratio, in which case uncertainties in the common
Pb correction may be greater. Decay constants and isotopic
298 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304

ratios used in the age calculations are those listed by Steiger
and Jäger (1977). Total procedure blanks are 30 pg for lead
and 1 pg for uranium. The U–Pb data were regressed using
the ISOPLOT/EX program (Ludwig, 1999). The uncertainty
in the concordia intercept age is given at the 2-sigma level.
Seven metabasite samples recovered from two drill cores
were powdered and digested in acids. Ion exchange resin
was used for primary separation of the rare earth elements,
followed by a secondary HDEHP-coated Teflon powder
column for Sm and Nd separation. The isotope ratios were
measured on a Finnigan MAT 262 mass spectrometer, and
the quoted errors are given at the 2-sigma level. Sm–Nd
model ages were calculated using the depleted mantle
model (TDM) of DePaolo (1981).
Sr isotopic analyses were performed on dolomite
samples dissolved with HCl 0.1 N. Strontium was isolated
by standard ion exchange techniques, and isotopic compo-
sitions were determined on a VG 354 thermal ionization
mass spectrometer. Multiple NBS 987 standards (nZ28)
analyzed during and prior to this work yielded an average
value of 0.710241G8 (2s).
Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios were obtained after
reacting the powdered dolomites with 100% H3PO4 at 25 8C
for 1–3 days (McCrea, 1950). The released CO2 was

Fig. 5. (a) Bleached dolomite showing S-C structures associated with the Vazante shear zone. (b) Hydrothermally altered metabasite with chrysotile, hematite,
and dolomite veins. (c) Least altered metabasite. (d) Tectonic contact between metabasite and brecciated dolostone from the Vazante zinc mine. (e) Metabasite
showing remains of subophitic igneous texture. Plagioclase is sericitized, and pyroxene is replaced by amphibole and chlorite (transmitted light, photo widthZ
3.2 mm). (f) Mylonitized metabasite cut by carbonate veins (transmitted light; photo widthZ3.2 mm). (g) Igneous ilmenite replaced by hydrothermal titanite
(SEM image).
 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304
analyzed by an Europa Geo 20–20 mass spectrometer. The
CO2 oxygen isotopic compositions were corrected to calcite
and dolomite by applying, respectively, the fractionation
factors of 1.01025 and 1.01111. The uncertainties of the
isotope measurements were 0.1‰ (2s) during the period of
analyses.
4. Results and discussion
4.1. Petrography and hydrothermal alteration
of the mafic dikes
The metabasites exhibit relicts of subophitic igneous
texture and remnants of igneous minerals, such as
plagioclase, pyroxene, and ilmenite, replaced by a typical
low greenschist facies assemblage composed of actinolite,
clinozoisite, epidote, chlorite, talc, sericite, quartz, calcite,
rutile, leucoxene, and apatite. Sericite, clinozoisite, chlorite,
and carbonates replace plagioclase. Pyroxene exhibits
strong chloritization, whereas ilmenite, initially zoned, is
replaced by leucoxene and rutile. Biotite remnants indicate
early potassic alteration, possibly preceding the mylonitiza-
tion of this rock (Figs. 4 and 5).
In addition to the low greenschist facies metamorphism,
mylonitization and hydrothermal activity related to fluid
flow within the Vazante shear zone also affected the
metabasites. Chlorite (penninite), apatite, and leucoxene
formation, related to S–C structures, overprints the potassic
alteration. Late dolomitization associated with the for-
mation of talc, chrysotile, lepidocrocite, and hematite within
ductile brittle and brittle structures accompanies the total
destruction of igneous textures and minerals (Fig. 4).
Titanite occurs as fine-grained crystals on the chlorite vein
borders and along S–C structures, thus representing a
hydrothermal phase associated with mylonitization.
(a) 45
Zn
hydrothermalized metabasite
Mylonitized and
30
Pb
MgO Al2O3
15 LOI
Y CO2
Fe2O3
Cr Zr
Co Cu Sr
CaO
0
0 10 20
Least-altered metabasite
Fig. 6. Isocon diagrams (Grant, 1986). (a) Mass balance between least altered metabasite and mylonitized metabasite. Oxides in wt.%, and elements in
0.05 ppm. (b) Mass balance between least altered dolostone and bleached dolostone in contact with metabasite. Oxides in wt.%, and elements in 0.02 ppm
(Monteiro, 1997).
299
Mass balance calculations (Monteiro, 1997) indicate that
the mylonitized metabasite displays a mass increase (3%)
relative to the least mylonitized metabasite (Fig. 6a). This
mass increase is related mainly to MgO (w60%), CO2
(w60%), Pb (w174%), and Zn (w212%) enrichments.
Relative loss of Fe2O3 (w33%), Ba, and Sr (w60%) also
are observed (Fig. 6a). In contrast, the host bleached
dolostones exhibit a mass decrease of 6% relative to the
least altered dolostone (Fig. 6b).
The zinc ore, in tectonic contact with metabasic rocks,
shows a different mineral association characterized by
Zn-rich chlorite, hematite, talc, and apatite associated with
willemite.
Within the shear zone, the hydrothermal alteration is
mainly fracture controlled, but the host dolostones are
affected by pervasive alteration characterized by color
alteration from gray or pinkish to red, which is associated
with silicification, recrystallization, and replacement by
dolomite, siderite, jasper, hematite, and chlorite. Along the
contact with the metabasites, however, the dolostones are
bleached and display a distinct mineral assemblage com-
pared with those of the hydrothermalized dolostones, which
are composed of dolomite, chrysotile, chlorite, and quartz
and thereby indicate metasomatic alteration. These rocks
also present great differences in their isotopic compositions
(d18OVSMOWZC21.4 to C16.7‰, d13CPDBZK0.2 to
K1.5‰) relative to unaltered dolomites (d18OVSMOW
ZC26.2 to C27.2‰, d13CPDBZK1.0 to C2.7‰).
The calculated 87Sr/86Sr initial ratios (tZ750 Ma) of the
bleached rocks (87Sr/86SrZ0.7327) are more radiogenic
than the unaltered ( 87 Sr/ 86SrZ0.7064–0.7081) and
hydrothermalized (87Sr/86SrZ0.7130–0.7160) dolomites
(Monteiro, 2002). The calcite of the bleached metadolomite
has the most distinct d13CPDB value (K10.3‰) compared
with the hydrothermal carbonates in the fault zone
(d13CPDBZK5.9 to C1.7‰) (Monteiro et al., 1999).
(b) 180
Zn
SiO2
bleached dolostone
Mylonitized and
120
CA=1.06 C˚
Mass loss of 6% wt.
CA=0.97 C˚
Mass increase of 3% wt.
60
LOI
Ba CaO
SiO2 MgO
0
30 40 50 0 20 40 60
Least-altered dolostone
300 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304
4.2. Relationships between the metabasites and zinc ore
The metabasic rocks occur mainly within the Vazante
shear zone, juxtaposed with dolomites and slates of the
Vazante Group. Therefore, recognition of the relationship
between the metabasites and the host sequence is difficult,
but the strong metasomatic alteration of the bleached
dolostone in contact with the metabasites—as evidenced by
its distinct aspect, mineralogy, and isotopic signatures
compared with hydrothermalized dolostones in the shear
zone—may be related to alteration due to the dike
emplacement. Metasomatic processes also affected the
metabasites and nonsulfide zinc ore, which indicates that
strong fluid-rock interactions took place along the tectonic
contact zones.
Mass balance calculations and stable isotopic studies
(Monteiro, 1997; Monteiro et al., 1999) indicate that the
metasomatic processes are related to Zn- and Pb-rich fluid
circulation in the Vazante shear zone. Thus, metabasites
were affected by hydrothermal processes similar to those
responsible for the epigenetic nonsulfide zinc ore formation,
which is coeval with the Vazante shear zone development
(Monteiro, 1997; Monteiro et al., 1999).
The low d 13C value of calcite in the bleached
metadolomite could indicate a local carbon source, as
represented by the metabasites. However, the predominance
of positive d13C values in gangue carbonates of the zinc ore
may reflect the minimal importance of this carbon source for
mineralization processes.
4.3. Geochronology and isotope geochemistry
of the mafic dikes
Sm–Nd isotopic analyses were carried out on seven
whole-rock samples from two mafic dikes (Table 1). The
TDM model ages are 1.15–1.21 Ga, and the 3Nd(0) varies from
C0.16 to K0.41. Because the Sm/Nd ratios are very
fractionated (0.16), the TDM ages are overestimated and
represent the maximum crystallization age of the dikes. In
addition, crustal contamination during magma ascent, which
could increase the TDM ages, cannot be ruled out.
Five small zircon fractions with different morphologies
(from euhedral to rounded grains) of sample VZ-1
were analyzed, and all are discordant (Table 2, Fig. 7).
Table 1
Sm–Nd isotopic data for mafic dikes from the Vazante Group
147
Sample Sm (ppm) Nd (ppm) Sm/144Nd
VZ-1a 5.596 21.15 0.1600
VZ-1b 5.399 20.37 0.1603
VZ-1c 5.548 20.77 0.1615
VZ-3a 4.355 16.45 0.1601
VZ-3b 4.215 15.999 0.1593
VZ-3c 4.406 16.78 0.1588
VZ-3d 4.080 15.65 0.1576
The zircon fractions yield 207Pb/206Pb minimum ages of
2096–2398 Ma; the oldest age was determined for euhedral
acicular zircon. The single fraction of euhedral zircon
recovered from sample VZ-2 yielded a 207Pb/206Pb
minimum age of 2092 Ma with a large error (110 Ma).
However, this age is similar to ages obtained from two
fractions of sample VZ-1 (Table 2, Fig. 7). The U–Pb ages
determined for zircon grains recovered from the metabasites
are too old and thereby indicate that zircon crystals were
assimilated by the magma from the basement rocks.
Although the results show some scatter on the U–Pb
diagram, fractions define a discordia that yields an upper
intercept age of 2100G25 Ma, which indicates the presence
of a Paleoproterozoic basement for the Vazante Group.
Furthermore, according to the older 207Pb/206Pb ages
(2.2–2.4 Ga) determined through some fractions, the
magma may have passed through crust composed of rocks
older than 2.1 Ga. Another possibility is that the magma
assimilated detrital zircon from younger metasedimentary
rocks whose source rocks were Paleoproterozoic.
Seven single-crystal fractions of titanite separated
from a metamorphosed mafic dike (VZ-2) were analyzed
for Pb isotopic compositions and U and Pb concen-
trations. Surprisingly, all the samples contained virtually
all common Pb, as shown by the high Pb (878 ppm) and
low U (1.2 ppm) concentrations determined from one
sample (Table 3; Fig. 8a,b). The isotopic ratios are
uniform and do not present a large variation: 206Pb/204Pb
values range from 17.68 to 17.85, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.66
to 15.76, and 208Pb/204Pb from 37.07 to 37.34. Despite
the large errors (Table 3), these isotopic ratios plot well
above the Pb evolution curve proposed by the two-stage
model of Stacey and Kramers (1975), which represents
the average crustal Pb and has a m2 (238U/204Pb) value of
9.74 and k2 (232Th/238U) value of 3.78 (Fig. 8a,b). Our
Pb isotope results fit better on an evolution curve with a
m2 value of 10.4 (Fig. 8a) and k2 value of 3.58 (Fig. 8b),
which suggests that the hydrothermal fluids originated
from a source with a U/Pb ratio higher than the average
crustal value. 207Pb–206Pb model ages (Table 3) deter-
mined through Stacey and Kramers’s (1975) evolution
model range from 780 to 870 Ma. Although Pb–Pb
model ages are questionable (Faure, 1986), they could
indicate the time when the Pb-rich fluids separated from
143
Nd/144Nd Error (2s) TDM (Ga) 3(0)
0.512625 0.000015 1.19 K0.25
0.512617 0.000013 1.21 K0.41
0.512646 0.000022 1.16 C0.16
0.512632 0.000014 1.17 K0.12
0.512631 0.000016 1.15 K0.13
0.512620 0.000011 1.17 K0.35
0.512617 0.000007 1.16 K0.41
 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304 301

Error 2s
0.42 2250
Samples

110
13
33
15

10
VZ-1 & VZ-2 2150

0.38 2050

207Pb*/
206Pb*
2157
2398
2225
2097
2096
2092

206Pb/238U
1950

0.34 1850
207Pb*/

1750
235U
2010
2080
2050
1854
1962
1974
0.30 1650 Model 1 Solution on 4 points
Lower intercept: 0 ± 30 Ma
Ages (Ma)

Upper intercept: 2100 ± 25 Ma

MSWD = 26, P = 0.000
206Pb*/

1550
238U

0.26
1870
1774
1880
1644
1836
1863

3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5

207Pb/235U
2s (%)

Fig. 7. U-Pb concordia diagram of zircon from metabasites of the Vazante

0.74
1.94
0.87
0.19
0.55
6.13

Group. Analyses represented by filled ellipses were not used for the
regression. The analysis with the larger uncertainty is from sample VZ-2;
all the other points were obtained from zircon fractions separated from
0.134454
0.154658
0.139845
0.129950
0.129881
0.129521
207Pb*/

sample VZ-1.
206Pb*

the source. If so, the maximum age for the mineralizing

event would be 870 Ma. However, it is worth noting that,
2s (%)

0.861

because our Pb data do not fulfill all the conditions of

1.07
2.76
1.27
0.58

7.67

Stacey and Kramers’s Pb model (i.e. the data plot above

the Pb growth curve), the ages presented here must be
0.336428
0.316824
0.338545
0.290576
0.329587
0.335073
206Pb*/

considered with caution.

Zircon morphology: R, rounded; A, acicular (5:1); Eu, euhedral; SR, slightly rounded; and An, anhedral.
238U

The Pb isotope compositions of titanite plot on the same

Radiogenic ratios

field defined by the Pb isotopic ratios reported for galena

from the Morro Agudo, carbonate-hosted Zn–Pb deposit
2s (%)

and minor sulfide ore bodies from the Vazante deposit (Misi
1.34
3.48
1.58
0.62
1.05
10.1

et al., 1999; Cunha et al., 2001, 2003). Thus, the

hydrothermal metalliferous fluids responsible for the sulfide
mineralization exhibit isotopic signatures similar to those
207Pb*/

6.23688
6.75605
6.52770
5.20649
5.90223
5.98387
235U

that affected the metabasites (Fig. 8). The presence of

common Pb in the titanite, with its unusually low U
(1.2 ppm) and high Pb (878 ppm) concentrations (U/PbZ
0.001), confirms petrographic observations that the mineral
206Pb/
204Pb
(obs.)

135.6

146.0
116.7
180.3
69.6

75.3

is hydrothermal and coeval with the timing of the Pb-rich

U–Pb zircon data for mafic dikes from the Vazante Group

fluid percolation in the shear zone. Furthermore, compari-

Pb* (ppm)

son of the Pb isotopic compositions from the hydrothermal

mineral phases, such as titanite (Vazante mine) and galena
76.1

64.4
50.4
129.6
162.8

106.7

(Morro Agudo and Vazante mines), suggests similarities

between the metalliferous fluids that affected the metabasic
dikes and the fluids responsible for the galena formation.
U (ppm)

95.0
255.1
263.0
153.9
220.5
138.3

This finding reinforces that a similar lead source was

responsible for the genesis of both nonsulfide and sulfide
zinc deposits in the Vazante-Paracatu district. Furthermore,
Size (mg)

it may reflect the periodic expulsion of metalliferous fluids

0.006
0.002
0.008
0.060
0.016
0.002

related to a long-lived hydrothermal system or the

hydrothermal/metamorphic mobilization of common lead
from syn- to late-diagenetic Zn–Pb mineralization in the
VZ-1 An

VZ-1 SR
VZ-1 An
VZ-1 Eu

VZ-2 Eu
VZ-1 R
fraction
Table 2

Sample

district and its subsequent deposition into the epigenetic

nonsulfide Zn mineralization.
302 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304

T (Ma)a
780
810
857
857
868
818
855
U (ppm)

1.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
Pb (ppm)

878
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.612
0.377
0.815
0.017
0.649
0.114
0.060
Error
Pb/204Pb

Pb/206Pb model ages determined according to Stacey and Kramers’s (1975) two-stage Pb evolution model.
37.073
37.252
37.297
37.246
37.341
37.142
37.221
207

Isotopic compositions corrected for mass fractionation factor of 0.12 amu-1. Errors are 2 sigma (%).

Fig. 8. (a) 207Pb/204Pb versus 206Pb/204Pb diagram and (b) 208Pb/204Pb

versus 206Pb/204Pb diagram showing isotopic compositions determined for
titanite from the metabasites from the Vazante Group. Ellipses represent
0.612
0.369
0.823
0.015
0.640
0.109
0.060
Error

2-sigma errors. On the right side of (a), Pb isotope data of galena from the
Vazante-Paracatu area (Field I, galena from N ore-body from Morro Agudo
Pb isotope data determined for titanite from mafic dikes from the Vazante Group

district; Field II, galena from other ore bodies from Morro Agudo and
Vazante districts; Field III, galena from Ambrósia and Fagundes districts;
Cunha et al., 2003) are presented for comparison.
Pb/204Pb
15.659
15.708
15.738
15.725
15.759
15.693
15.723

5. Conclusions
207

The U–Pb investigation of zircon of the mafic dikes

(metabasites) that cut the metasedimentary rocks of
the Vazante Group and are affected by hydrothermal
processes yields Paleoproterozoic ages (2.1–2.4 Ga),
0.608
0.376
0.820
0.016
0.641
0.123
0.060
Error

which suggests that the zircon crystals are xenocrystic

grains. These zircon grains probably were assimilated by the
magma during ascent through the continental crust; thus, the
basement of the Vazante Group is either Paleoproterozoic or
Pb/204Pb

contains metasedimentary rocks formed by 2.1 Ga or older

17.726
17.806
17.811
17.780
17.846
17.758
17.777

detrital sources.
206

Mass balance calculations indicate that the metabasites

were affected by hydrothermal processes responsible for the
relative Zn and Pb enrichments and that these metasomatic
processes are linked to Zn- and Pb-rich fluid circulation in the
Table 3

Sample

VZ-2b

VZ-2d

VZ-2g

a 207
VZ-2a

VZ-2c

VZ-2e
VZ-2f

Vazante shear zone. Metasomatic processes also affected the

dolostones and nonsulfide zinc ore in contact with
 M. Babinski et al. / Journal of South American Earth Sciences 18 (2005) 293–304
metabasites, which provides evidence that strong fluid-rock
interactions took place along the tectonic contact zones.
These processes resulted in higher 18O-shifts and more
radiogenic Sr signatures in bleached dolostones compared
with those of hydrothermalized dolostones located in the
shear zone.
The similar Pb isotopic compositions of hydrothermal
titanite from the metabasites and galena from the Vazante
deposit suggest that the metamorphic mafic rocks were
affected by epigenetic-hydrothermal processes comparable
to those responsible for the Vazante nonsulfide zinc
mineralization that is closely linked to the Vazante shear
zone development. The titanite Pb isotopic signature also is
similar to those reported for galena from other zinc sulfide
deposits hosted by the Vazante Group, such as the
diagenetic–epigenetic Morro Agudo deposit. This similarity
may imply a common source of lead for both epigenetic
nonsulfide and diagenetic–epigenetic sulfide zinc deposits in
the Vazante-Paracatu district. It also could be related to the
metamorphic/hydrothermal remobilization of preexisting Pb
or deep-seated, basin-derived metalliferous fluids associated
with a long-lived hydrothermal system related to the
diagenesis and deformation of the Vazante Group during
the Neoproterozoic.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Companhia Mineira de Metais for
continuous support and hospitality at the mine. This
research was partially supported by Pronex funds (Project
167/96) and FAPESP grants (Proc. 98/0412-3, 96/3941-3,
and 95/4652-2). MB and JSB thank CNPq for a Research
Fellowship. We thank S.R.F. Vlach for microprobe analysis
on titanite and V.T. Martins for preparing the Pb diagrams.
We also thank Massimo Chiaradia (University of Leeds,
U.K.) and an anonymous reviewer whose thorough reviews
helped improve the article. This study is a contribution to
IGCP 450-Proterozoic Sediment-Hosted Base Metal Depos-
its of Western Gondwana.
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