Tension vein arrays in progressive strain: complex but predictable architecture, and major hosts of ore deposits

Most en échelon vein arrays are extensional and can be termed tension vein arrays (TVAs). TVAs in major fault and shear zones (FSZs) are subject to progressive deformation. This deforms the initial TVA (whose geometry is well documented in the literature), via discrete stages; first into progressively more complex architecture, involving folding of the tension veins, then into progressively more simple architecture, ultimately forming pipes. During this progression the TVA axis (new definition) rotates within the shear plane from normal, to parallel, to the displacement vector. The deforming TVA axis has simpler geometry than the complex tension veins, and it can be employed to precisely track the deformation state of the FSZ, its displacement vector, and shear sense, through all the strain stages. Five structural–metasomatic stages are defined by discrete steps in the strain evolution. re difficult to recognise, and are under-recognised, in ore systems for a number of inherent geological reasons. Orebodies founded on dilation form parallel to the TVA axis, which is also parallel to dilational jogs in the parent FSZ. Orebodies formed early in the FSZ history are normal to the displacement vector, and in progressive shear rotate with the TVA axis toward the displacement vector; orebodies formed late in the FSZ history overprint apparently complex to ‘chaotic’ vein stockwork, which nevertheless has analysable geometry. TVA-hosted orebodies are not necessarily parallel to the displacement vector of the host FSZ, but occupy elongate orientations over a 90° range within the FSZ. Large orebodies are favourably developed in TVAs in unfoliated FSZs (type 1 shear zones), which may form fluid ‘superhighways’. Type 1 shear zones form in predictable circumstances involving particularly host rocktype and crustal position. Strike-slip FSZs possess a downdip TVA axis and are especially able to tap deep crustal fluid. sted orebodies form a major deposit style. Exploration requires careful analysis of the prospect geometry at an early stage, and recognition of the multi-faceted TVA architecture. The relationship between the parent shear zone or fault (including fault veins) and the component tension veins is complex, and search strategies depend critically on the strain stage, the type of host FSZ, and the type of exposure. Deciphering the architecture of TVAs involves a combination of vector (orientational) parameters and scalar (angular relationship) parameters. This permits ready analysis in oriented rock (outcrop and oriented drillcore) and in unoriented rock (unoriented drillcore, mine dumps and float).