What Happens to Create the Lode?
Original lesson by Stephen Fuller
Modified and adapted by Karen Munroe & Rachel Hughes
Time:
1 class period
Preparation
1 hour
Time:
Materials: 3 beakers per group, ammonia, iron acetate, alum,
Epson salts., steel wool, vinegar, plastic spoons,
student worksheet
Abstract
As a result of this laboratory experience students will be able to explain how solutions precipitate out in different
conditions and compare this to the formation of ore deposits in hydrothermal systems.
Objectives
Students will:
1. Understand how mineral deposits are formed and why they are not evenly dispersed.
2. Create and describe 3 different precipitates from four solutions simulating mineral ore deposit
formation in sedimentary rock.
National Science Education Standards:
CONTENT STANDARD B Physical Science
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Chemical reactions can take place in time periods ranging from the few femtoseconds (10-15 seconds)
required for an atom to move a fraction of a chemical bond distance to geologic time scales of billions of
years. Reaction rates depend on how often the reacting atoms and molecules encounter one another, on
the temperature, and on the properties--including shape--of the reacting species.
Teacher Background
Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are the three main types of rock. Sedimentary rock is
formed in three main ways—by the accumulation of other rocks pieces (known as 'clastic' sedimentary
rocks), by the accumulation of biogenic activity (fossils), and by precipitation from solution. As sediment
deposits build up, the overburden (or lithostatic) pressure squeezes the sediment into layered solids in a
process known as lithification ("rock formation").
Sedimentary rocks contain important information about the history of the earth. They contain fossils, the
preserved remains of ancient plants and animals. The composition of sediments can also provide clues to
the original igneous rock. Differences among successive layers of sedimentary rock indicate changes to
the environment which have occurred over time. Sedimentary rocks can contain fossils because, unlike
most igneous and metamorphic rocks, they form at temperatures and pressures that do not destroy fossil
remnants.
Sedimentary rocks include common types such as chalk, limestone, sandstone, clay and shale.
Sedimentary rocks cover 75% of the earth's surface, but the total contribution of sedimentary rocks is
estimated to be only 5% of the total. As such, the sedimentary sequences we see represent only a thin
veneer over a crust consisting mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
The process of precipitation of solids as two solutions meet is critical to the creation of mineral deposits.
Gold deposits are formed by a very wide variety of geological processes. The majority of primary gold
deposits fall into two main categories: lode gold deposits or intrusion-related deposits.
Lode gold deposits are generally high-grade, thin, vein- and fault-hosted. They are comprised primarily of
quartz veins also known as lodes or reefs. Lode-gold deposits are intimately associated with tectonic
plate collision events within geologic history.
Most lode gold deposits are sourced from metamorphic rocks because it is thought that the majority are
formed by dehydration of basalt during metamorphism. The gold is transported up faults by hydrothermal
waters and deposited when the water cools too much to retain gold in solution.
Intrusive related gold is generally hosted in granites, porphyry or rarely, dikes. Intrusive related gold
usually also contains copper, and is often associated with tin and tungsten, and rarely, molybdenum,
antimony and uranium. Intrusive-related gold deposits rely on gold existing in the fluids associated with
the magma, and the inevitable discharge of these hydrothermal fluids into the wall-rocks.
Related and Resource Websites
www.mii.org/pdfs/naturestorehouse.pdf
Activity
Note: make the iron acetate 5 days in advance of the lesson. Take a jar with a lid, label it iron acetate,
and fill it one-half full with steel wool. Add enough vinegar to cover the steel wool. Secure the lid on the
jar and allow the jar to stand undisturbed for 5 days.
Explain to your students the three major types of rock and how they are formed. Emphasize the
importance of sedimentary rock and the mineral deposits that can be formed within them. Today’s
exercise is going to simulate an aqueous solution from a hydrothermal system coming in contact with
three other aqueous solutions
The household ammonia is the one common solution. You can label it as the main solution. The
students are going to mix this with 3 other chemicals.
Procedure:
Precipitate 1:
Fill the beaker half full with water. Add 1/2 teaspoon alum to the water and stir. Stir in 2 tablespoons of
ammonia. CAUTION: ammonia has strong fumes, be careful not to breathe the fumes. Allow the solution
to stand for 5 minutes. Observe the formation of the aluminum hydroxide precipitate. As it sits, the
precipitate will settle to the bottom of the jar.
Precipitate 2:
Fill the beaker half full with water. Add 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt to the water and stir to dissolve. Pour
2 teaspoons of ammonia into the jar. DO NOT STIR. Allow the solution to stand for 5 minutes. Observe
the formation of the magnesium hydroxide precipitate as the ammonia mixes with the Epsom salt
solution. As it sits, the precipitate will settle to the bottom of the jar.
Precipitate 3:
In a beaker place a tablespoon of liquid from the jar labeled iron acetate. Add one tablespoon of
ammonia and stir. A dark green substance should form immediately.
Recap the experiment and explain that this process is occurring underground and in hydrothermal vents
right now and in the past. Explain that this is why we have mineral ore deposits and why they are not
evenly spread around the globe.
Extensions:
1.) Explain and calculate the stoichiometry of the three reactions. Have students balance the equation
and calculate the amount of product produced.
Embedded Assessment
Students make scientific observations on the attached worksheet.