Trace element distribution in the searchlight, Nevada quartz monzonite stock

Gold, silver, copper, and lead-bearing veins, non-radially zoned, occur just beyond the southern and western margins of the Searchlight, Nevada, quartz monzonite stock. Seven samples of the quartz monzonite and purified individual constituent minerals of the rock, representing apophyses and marginal and interior parts of the intrusive mass, were analyzed petrographically and spectrographically. A semiquantitative total-energy spectrographic method proved satisfactory for Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Ga, Mo, Mn, Ti, V, Cr, Sr, and Zr, but too insensitive for Zn, Ag, and Au. A synthetic silicate base was used for preparation of standards and working curves. The modal trace element content of unaltered (hypothetical) quartz monzonite samples was determined from the trace element content of the purified minerals. Ferromagnesian minerals contain concentrations of Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Mn, and Cr. Felsic minerals are low in these but high in Sr and Ga. Cu appears to have been partly released during chloritization of the mafic minerals. Ni, Cr, Zr show little difference between the unaltered (hypothetical) and actual rock. Ga, V, Mn, Sr are in lesser quantities in the altered rock. Pb and Cu also show a loss, especially nearest largest Pb and Cu producers. Pb, Cu, V occur in the spatially related veins, but Sr or Ga have not been reported to date. Pb/Cu in unaltered rock compared to altered rock is 1.6/1; past mining production ratio of Pb/Cu is 2.6/1. While further work is needed, the trace element pattern suggests a possible means of identifying a "productive" intrusive body.