C&EN’s Post

Shake, rattle, and gold: Earthquakes may spark gold formation https://lnkd.in/djCFeKVs

New research led by Monash University reveals that piezoelectricity in quartz during earthquakes may explain large gold nugget formation, as stressed quartz electrochemically deposits gold, accumulating over time. https://lnkd.in/eyyF-2T7

"Model where ore-forming fluid for orogenic gold may be produced from metamorphism of top of lower underthrusted plate, rather than from heating of rocks in the accretionary prism and accreted terranes that were accreted onto an upper plate. Below about 50 km, any devolatilization can lead to melting of the mantle wedge and arc plutons. Between about 20 and 50 km depth, lower temperature aqueous-carbonic fluids can be channeled along the plate interface until deep crustal faults, commonly terrane sutures, intersect the base of the upper plate and move upward during seismic events to form orogenic gold deposits. Further seaward, compaction-related release of H2O-CH4 pore waters in the accretionary prism and from sediments on the downgoing plate, as well as initial petroleum migration from burial metamorphism, can form shallow Hg-rich deposits (with Sb and perhaps Au)." Source: https://lnkd.in/d2PuYCmf

The more the seismic activity during quartz vein emplacement the larger the gold nuggets... A nice bit of additional information which could be useful at all stages of a project. https://lnkd.in/gTv_Rn93

Scientists find seismic role in formation of large gold nuggets. Forces unleashed by quakes squeeze quartz enough to generate electric fields, driving formation of deposits. Chunky gold nuggets tend to form far underground along fracture lines that run through quartz, but the reason why has never been nailed down. https://lnkd.in/d-wBm-j3

The greatest treasures don’t come from stability or ease, but through pressure, upheaval, and transformation. During earthquakes, quartz veins are placed under immense pressure, generating a piezoelectric field around the mineral. This field then attracts gold particles that are suspended in superheated fluids, causing gold to accumulate in the cracks of the quartz. Over time, these repeated forces and electrical interactions form gold nuggets. In life, when we're under pressure, our own "piezoelectric field" emerges—drawing out the qualities that make us stronger. Just as gold forms from repeated stress, we too grow through adversity. It's the challenges that reveal our true value and potential. #EmbraceTheChallenges

Hydrocarbon traps form where permeable reservoir rocks (carbonates, sandstones) are covered by rocks with low permeability (caprocks) that are capable of preventing the hydrocarbons from further upward migration. Typical caprocks are compacted shales, evaporites, and tightly cemented sandstones and carbonate rocks. ....................................................... Traps are usually classified according to the mechanism that produces the hydrocarbon accumulation. The two main groups of traps are those that are formed by structural deformation of rocks (structural traps), and those that are related to depositional or diagenetic features in the sedimentary sequence (stratigraphic traps). Many traps result from both of these factors (strati-structural or combination traps). A common example is stratigraphic pinch-out (e.g., a sandstone lens wedging into mudstone) that is combined with tectonic tilting (which allows hydrocarbons to pond in the updip part of the sandstone wedge).

In seismic hazard analysis, most focus is given in seismic source characterization specially dealing with reverse and strike slip faulting. However, less consideration is given to normal faults. However, it has been noted and observed in various events rather specific fault type, tectonic system where faults exist play more.portant role, below mentioned my paper is one of the evidence showing how important normal faults are when they lie within subduction system range. The stress transfer and accumulation along these faults can results larger earthquakes as well. Idosawa fault has been discussed as an example in this case. Link. https://lnkd.in/eRNY4szS

Scientists think gold may be created by earthquakes which generate electric shocks in rock. It made me think how irritation and even pain can produce incredible results if we let it. Sand irritates the oyster and creates the pearl. The electric shock created by the earthquake creates gold. It made me think about all the difficult times of my own life and how those have fostered my growth and who I am today. Earthquakes may create gold nuggets by generating electricity in rock. Quartz crystals produce electricity when they are deformed by mechanical stress, which may explain how enormous chunks of gold can form in inert rock. Read the full article in New Scientist: https://lnkd.in/gYDFz5UV

Earthquakes may explain how huge gold nuggets form in quartz rock https://lnkd.in/dE--3Cxe Quartz crystals produce electricity when they are deformed by mechanical stress, which may explain how enormous chunks of gold can form in inert rock