Variation of Chemical Elements due to Hydrothermal Alteration of Kyungju Pyrophyllite Deposits

경주납석광상의 열수변질작용에 따른 원소함량의 변화

The Kyungju pyrophyllite deposits were formed by the hydrothermal alteration of andesitic rocks, which were intruded by Cretaceous granite mass. The major minerals are pyrophyllite, kaolinite and chlorite. The deposits may be zoned outward into pyrophyllite zone, silicified pyrophyllite zone and weakly altered zone (propyrilite zone) according to mineral assemblages. Chemical compositions vary in close relation with the mineralogical assemblages: $Al_2O_3$ content is high due to pyrophyllitization at the deposits and altered zones in comparison to andesitic country rocks, while the contents of $Na_2O$, CaO and MgO are generally low due to leaching during the alteration. This variation of chemical elements may be applicable in the geochemical exploration of pyrophyllite deposits.