Formation of (Fе, Mg)SO4.7H2O (Kirovite) Due to Sulfide Oxidation in the Ural Submerged Massive Sulfide Mines

Numerical simulations of (Fe,Mg)SO4.7H2O (kirovite) and FeSO4.7H2O (melanterite) formation due to oxidation of submerged massive sulfides are performed. Secondary sulfates are formed under Eh change from reducing to oxic conditions, in the Fe(II) aqueous species stability field. The Fe/Mg ratio of (Fe,Mg)SO4.7H2O (kirovite) depends mainly on: (a) mass fraction of sulfides in water-rock system bulk composition, (b) water to rock ratio in the studied system, (c) openness of the system with respect to atmospheric gases, (d) temperature-pressure conditions.