Diablo and Pirquitas Cu Mines
About this location
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Found Here
Geology and deposit
- Host rock
- Volcanic Breccia (Agglomerate)
- Associated rock
- Diorite Batholith, Cret ( Ref. 2 ), Tert ( Ref. 3 ) — Diorite, Volcanic Rock (Aphanitic)
- Orebody form
- TABULAR MASSES PARALLEL TO BEDDING PLANES
- Tectonic setting
- Andean Cordillera And Batholith
North-Trending Broad Open Folds Faults Of Varying Lengths And Displacements, And Plutonic Masses, E-Dipping Monocline Cut By Diorite Batholith. Zone Of Block Faulting East Of Diorite Caused By 2 Sets Of N & N 75 Deg. W. Striking Faults. Displacements Range From Few Cm To 30 M. Two Sets Of Porphyritic Andesitic Dikes Cut Deposit. Strike N. 60 Deg. W., Dip N.
During Intrusion Of Diorite Batholith Hydrothermal Mineralized Solutions Emanated From Magmas Into Surrounding Rocks Deposits Probably Formed At 1000-4000 M Depth & Consist Of Disseminated Sulfides That Have Replaced The Calcareous Matrix Of Tuff Pebble Conglomerate And Breccia
Not Prominent But Some Silicification And Chloritization
Mining history
- Status
- Past Producer
- Production size
- Small
Records and references
RUIZ, F., CARLOS, 1965, GEOLOGICA Y YACIMIENTOS METALIFEROS DE CHILE: INST. INV. GEOL. CHILE, P. 198 (SPANISH)CARTER, W. D., 1961, YACIMIENTOS DE COBRE TIPO MANTO: CHILE INST. INV. GEOL. BOL. NO. 10, 30 P. (SPANISH)CARTER, W. D., 1960, ORIGEN OF MANTO-TYPE COPPER DEPOSITS OF THE CABILDO MINING DISTRICT CENTRAL CHILE: INT. GEOL. CONG., 21ST, NORDEN, PT. 16, P. 17-28RUIZ, C. AND PEEBLES, F., 1988, YACIMIENTOS METALIFEROS DE CHILE: SANTIAGO, 334 P. SERPLAC, 1981, ESTUDIO DEL SECTOR MINERO DE LA V REGION: SANTIAGO (6 VOL.)CARTER, WILLIAM, AND ALISTE, NELSON, 1962, QUADRANGULO NIHUE, PROV. ACONCAGUA: CHILE INST. INV. GEOL. IN PRESS (SPANISH).1965 GEOLMAP WILLIAM D. CARTECIMRIRUIZ, 1965, REF.
Data: USGS Mineral Resources Data System, record 10068732 — view the source record
Difficulty
Getting there
Location on Map
Coordinates: -32.57247, -70.85619
Nearby rockhounding locations
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Recommended Gear

Estwing E3-22P Rock Pick
The industry-standard 22oz geological hammer. One-piece forged steel with shock-reduction grip.

Clear Anti-Fog Safety Glasses (4 Pack)
Adjustable, anti-fog lenses for clear vision in any conditions. About $5 per pair.

Watertight Medical Kit
Compact, waterproof first aid kit with bandages, moleskin, and field essentials.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals
The classic pocket reference for identifying over 600 rocks and minerals in North America.
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