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Vacancies in sulfides facilitate fluid-induced solid-state diffusion and critical metals accumulation

Author

Listed:
  • Zheng-Jie Qiu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yanlu Xing

    (Mineral Resources
    Monash University)

  • Joël Brugger

    (Monash University)

  • Barbara Etschmann

    (Monash University)

  • Zsanett Pintér

    (Mineral Resources)

  • Denis Fougerouse

    (Curtin University)

  • Jing Xu

    (Fuzhou University)

  • Zhiyang Yu

    (Fuzhou University)

  • Guang-Jun Guo

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hong-Rui Fan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Understanding elements uptake and release from minerals in source rocks is crucial for comprehending critical metals accumulation, yet the mechanisms and kinetics of element mobilization at the atomic scale remain mostly unknown. Here, we analyzed the distribution of cobalt (Co) in natural pyrite from a Cu-Co ore deposit and found that metals distribution is best described by steady-state diffusion with constant flux and concentration-dependent diffusivities, rather than transient-state diffusion with time-evolving concentrations. First-principles calculations and diffusion modelling further demonstrate that this diffusion is accelerated by vacancy pathways and is far more efficient than traditional vacancy-mediated lattice diffusion, with element transfer rates higher by almost two orders of magnitude. We conclude that steady-state lattice diffusion induced by vacancies in the presence of fluid can be an efficient mechanism promoting the preferential release of metals into ore fluids and the accumulation of metals during ore formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng-Jie Qiu & Yanlu Xing & Joël Brugger & Barbara Etschmann & Zsanett Pintér & Denis Fougerouse & Jing Xu & Zhiyang Yu & Guang-Jun Guo & Hong-Rui Fan, 2025. "Vacancies in sulfides facilitate fluid-induced solid-state diffusion and critical metals accumulation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57171-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57171-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gan Duan & Rahul Ram & Yanlu Xing & Barbara Etschmann & Joël Brugger, 2021. "Kinetically driven successive sodic and potassic alteration of feldspar," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Sandra Piazolo & Alexandre La Fontaine & Patrick Trimby & Simon Harley & Limei Yang & Richard Armstrong & Julie M. Cairney, 2016. "Deformation-induced trace element redistribution in zircon revealed using atom probe tomography," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-7, April.
    3. Yanlu Xing & Joël Brugger & Barbara Etschmann & Andrew G. Tomkins & Andrew J. Frierdich & Xiya Fang, 2021. "Trace element catalyses mineral replacement reactions and facilitates ore formation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.
    4. Patrick R. Phelps & Cin-Ty A. Lee & Douglas M. Morton, 2020. "Episodes of fast crystal growth in pegmatites," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
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