The problem of time-and strata-bound formation of ore deposits has during the past decade become one of the most debated topics in cur rent international discussion. Due to the amazing results of modern mineral exploration and world-wide geophysical research, the mutual relationship between the complex geological history pf a crustal seg ment and the development of distinct metallogenic provinces (ore belts) has received much interest. Reviewing the earth's history in this light one can now recognize metallogenic epochs even of global range which document the existence of world-wide time-bound ore enrich ments. The knowledge of these metallogenetic processes has been growing step by step for several decades. It began with simple observations and sceptic interpretations, which at first threw heretical spot lights on to the edifices of the prevailing theories on granitic differentiation as the favoured source of ore deposits. It was obvious that the new ideas at first referred to ore enrichments in sedimentary sequences, nowadays summarized under the term strata-bound, and mainly interpreted as stratiform or sedimentary ore deposits. Moreover, the modern term "strata-bound" also includes ore mineralizations which are bound to distinct units of layered (intrusive or extrusive) igneous complexes as a general descriptive term without genetical restriction! Albert Maucher is one of the representatives of the initial era who discussed these genetical questions critically in the decade before the 2nd World War.

The present volume Stratabound Ore Deposits in the Andes has its roots in an international seminar on stratabound ore deposits which took place in September 1986 in Cusco, Peru, sponsored by Multi ciencias (Peru) and UNESCO. During this seminar it became clear that the amount and quality of research done on stratabound ore deposits in the Andes required a synthesis. Researchers in industry and government as well as in academia, including many which had participated at the Cusco Seminar, were invited to contribute. The answer was extremely positive, confirming the idea that a book expressing the state of the art of the study of stratabound ore deposits in the Andes was long overdue. As editors we sought to give maximum coverage to the present knowledge, yet keeping the length, and thereby the price, within rea sonable limits. The book contains three types of contributions. In the first part the reader will find review papers focusing on ( 1) the geologic framework (Frutos), (2) the metallogenesis in Andean countries including also types of deposits differing from those of stratabound nature (Cardozo and Cedillo, Oyarzun), and (3) an in troductory overview of the stratabound ore deposits in the Andes, emphasizing their geotectonic position as a classification tool (Font bote).

Mineral deposits have supplied useful or valuable material for human consumption long before they became objects of scientific curiosity or commercial exploitation. In fact, the earliest human interest in rocks was probably because of the easily accessible, useful (e. g. , red pigment in the form of earthy hematite) or valuable (e. g. , native gold and gemstones) materials they contained at places. In modem times, the study of mineral deposits has evolved into an applied science employing detailed field observations, sophisticated laboratory techniques for additional information, and computer modeling to build complex hypotheses. Understanding concepts that would someday help geologists to find new mineral deposits or exploit the known ones more efficiently have always been, and will continue to be, at the core of any course on mineral deposits, but it is a fascinating subject in its own right, even for students who do not intend to be professional economic geologists. I believe that a course on mineral deposits should be designed as a "capstone course" that illustrates a comprehensive application of concepts from many other disciplines in geology (mineralogy, stratigraphy and sedimentation, structure and tectonics, petrology, geochemistry, paleontology, geomorphology, etc. ). This book is intended as a text for such an introductory course in economic geology, primarily for senior undergraduate and graduate students in colleges and universities. It should also serve as a useful information resource for professional economic geologists.

This thoroughly revised and expanded new edition incorporates the most recent research findings on the subject, such as the discovery of dramatic undersea hydrothermal vents. It describes the key process in the generation of ore deposits and emphasizes solid theoretical understanding.

Empirical Metallogeny: Depositional Environments, Lithologic Associations, and Metallic Ores, Vol. 1: Phanerozoic Environments, Associations, and Deposits, Part B focuses on the composition, characteristics, properties, and reactions of Phanerozoic metallic ore deposits. The book first offers information on intracrustal and subcrustal environments and plutonic granite, diorite, (gabbro) association (GDG) and its aureole. Discussions focus on petrography, origin, and setting of GDG plutonic rocks; mineralization styles associated with Phanerozoic (higher-level) granite, diorite, (gabbro) association; copper skarns and carbonate replacements; and magnetite skarn and replacement deposits. Manganese, uranium, antimony, mercury, and arsenic deposits, hydrothermal iron ores, and hydrothermal-plutonic silver deposits are also discussed. The publication also takes a look at high- to medium-grade metamorphosed terrains, katazonal granites and pegmatites and continental fragmentation, rifts, and paleo-rifts. Topics include examples of modern rift and taphrogenic systems; mineralization styles in and related to the zone of ultrametamorphism and granitization; and petrography, origin, and setting of high-grade metamorphic terrains. The text is a valuable reference for readers interested in the study of Phanerozoic metallic ore deposits.