Skarns in British Columbia

Book excerpt: Skarns in British Columbia have historically been important sources of iron, tungsten, copper, and gold. This publication begins with an introduction on skarn terminology and the problems of skarn identification. It then reviews a genetic model of skarn formation and presents descriptive profiles of eight types of skarn deposits; describes the database of at least 735 skarn occurrences in the province, and the number and distribution of skarns in British Columbia according to their associations, class, age, and distribution; and notes the ages of British Columbia skarns and the total production of various metals extracted from British Columbia skarns. Subsequent sections provide information on assays and metal ratios of mineralized skarns, skarn mineralogy, skarn mineral chemistry, chemistry of skarn-related intrusions, and the mapping and evaluation of skarns. The appendix contains a listing of 735 skarn occurrences in British Columbia, giving deposit name, MINFILE number, latitude/longitude, elements and minerals present, and associated rocks and their ages.