Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS)

Sulphide deposits formed at seafloor hydrothermal vents, typically carrying copper and zinc with silver and gold.

Definition

A type of metal sulfide ore deposit formed on the seafloor from hydrothermal vents in volcanic environments. VMS deposits typically contain copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver in massive sulfide lenses. Found in ancient volcanic sequences now exposed on land.

Why it matters

VMS bodies are compact and high grade, and they occur in clusters — finding one strongly suggests more nearby, which is why VMS camps stay explored for decades.

See also

  • Polymetallic Deposit — A mineral deposit containing economically significant quantities of two or more metals, such as copper-gold, z…
  • Flotation — A mineral processing method that uses chemical reagents and air bubbles to separate valuable minerals from was…
  • Concentrate — The product of mineral processing that contains elevated concentrations of valuable metals. Concentrates are t…
  • Class 1 Nickel — High-purity nickel (≥99.8% Ni) suitable for battery-grade nickel sulphate production. Class 1 nickel commands …

More geology terms

AlterationAssayBastnasiteCarlin-Type DepositCut-off GradeEpithermal DepositEpithermal Silver DepositGrade (g/t)Heavy Rare Earths (HREE)InterceptLight Rare Earths (LREE)Lithium Brine
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