The mineralogy of wallrock alteration in Maria Josefa mine was investigated in order to establish the paragenetic mineral association and their origin in the framework of the gold-alunite Rodalquilar mining district (SE Spain). Microprobe analyses exhibit two types of adularia existing in the aureoles of the Maria Josefa vein system reflecting the evidence of both replacement and neoformation dunng the alteration process. Three paragenetic association have been recognized: quartz-adularia, quartz-adulana-sencite and quartz-sericite. X-ray diffraction analyses were performed in order to identify and quantify the existing minerals. The data obtained indicate the presence of minor amounts of kaolinite, goethite, hematites, calcite, gypsum and jarosite. Pynte was identified as the principal base metal-containing mineral. The mineral paragenetic assemblages found in wallrock alteration at the Maria Josefa mine present a good example of low sulfidation type of epithermai gold deposit located penpherally to the Rodalquilar caldera structure, contrasting with the high-sulfidation type existing in the core.

The field work, carned out in 199 1, was sponsored by the Agreement for Cooperation in Science and Technology between the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Two of iie authors (MKanazirski, 1,Queralt) received financial support from European Community (Programme for Cooperation in Sciences and Technology with Central and Eastem Countries).

The authors are indebted to Prof. A. Arribas Jr. and other anonymous reviewer, for the comments and suggestions on the manuscript.

Peer reviewed