Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits form from hydrothermal fluids associated with submarine volcanic activity. Metal-bearing fluids discharge at or near the seafloor and precipitate accumulations of sulfide minerals that may contain copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver. Common ore minerals include chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena, while deposit mineralogy and metal zoning can vary substantially within an individual system.
The following Elements and Minerals may be found in this Deposit Type.
Mineral: Chalcopyrite - CuFeSâ‚‚ - Chalcopyrite is a principal copper-bearing sulfide mineral in copper-bearing VMS deposits.
Mineral: Galena - PbS - Galena is the principal lead-bearing sulfide mineral in lead-bearing VMS deposits.
Mineral: Sphalerite - ZnS - Sphalerite is the principal zinc-bearing sulfide mineral in zinc-bearing VMS deposits.