In-situ sulfur isotope and trace element of pyrite constraints on the formation and evolution of the Nibao Carlin-type gold deposit in SW China

The fault-controlled Nibao Carlin-type gold deposit,together with the strata-bound Shuiyindong deposit,comprise a significant amount of the disseminated gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou Province,China.Five main types and two sub-types of pyrite at the Nibao deposit(Py1a/Py1b,Py2,Py3,Py4,Py5)were distinguished based on detailed mineralogical work.Py1,Py2and Py3 are Au-poor,whereas Py4 and Py5 are Au-rich,corresponding to a sedimentary and hydrothermal origin,respectively.Through systematic in situ analyses of NanoSIMS sulfur isotopes,the framboid pyrite Py1a with negative δ^34S values(-53.3 to-14.9%)from the Nibao deposit were found to originate from bacterial sulfate reduction(BSR)processes in an open and sulfate-sufficient condition while the superheavy pyrite Py1b(73.7–114.8%)is probably due to the potential influence of closed-system Rayleigh fractionation or the lack of preservation of deepsea sediments.Data of Py2 and Py3 plot within the area of S isotope compositions from biogenic and abiogenic sulfate reduction.In view of few coeval magmatic rocks in the mining district,the near zero δ^34S values of the Au-rich pyrites(Py4 and Py5)may discount the potential involvement of magmatic but metamorphic or sedimentary origin.LA-ICP-MS and TEM work show that Au in ore-related pyrite is present as both nanoparticles and structurally bound.LA-ICP-MS analyses show that the Au-rich pyrite also contains higher As,Cu,Sb,Tl and S than other types of pyrite,which inferred a distal manifestation of deep hydrothermal mineralization systems.

Genesis of the Bianjiadayuan Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit, Inner Mongolia, China:Constraints from in-situ sulfur isotope and trace element geochemistry of pyrite

The Southern Great Xing’an Range (SGXR) which forms part of the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is known as one of the most important Cu-Mo-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au metallogenic belts in China,hosting a number of porphyry Mo (Cu),skarn Fe (Sn),epithermal Au-Ag,and hydrothermal veintype Ag-Pb-Zn ore deposits.Here we investigate the Bianjiadayuan hydrothermal vein-type Ag-Pb-Zn ore deposit in the southern part of the SGXR.Porphyry Sn ±Cu ± Mo mineralization is also developed to the west of the Ag-Pb-Zn veins in the ore field.We identify a five-stage mineralization process based on field and petrologic studies including (i) the early porphyry mineralization stage,(ii) main porphyry mineralization stage,(iii) transition mineralization stage,(iv) vein-type mineralization stage and (v) late mineralization stage.Pyrite is the predominant sulfide mineral in all stages except in the late mineralization stage,and we identify corresponding four types of pyrites: Py1 is medium-grained subhedral to euhedral occurring in the early barren quartz vein;Py2 is medium- to fine-grained euhedral pyrite mainly coexisting with molybdenite,chalcopyrite,minor sphalerite and galena;Py3 is fine-grained,subhedral to irregular pyrite and displays cataclastic textures with micro-fractures;Py4 occurs as euhedral microcrystals and forms irregularly shaped aggregate with sphalerite and galena.LA-ICP-MS trace element analyses of pyrite show that Cu,Pb,Zn,Ag,Sn,Cd and Sb are partitioned into pyrite as structurally bound metals or mineral micro/nano-inclusions,whereas Co,Ni,As and Se enter the lattice via isomorphism in all types of pyrite.The Cu,Zn,Ag,Cd concentrations gradually increase from Py1 to Py4,which we correlate with cooling and mixing of ore-forming fluid with meteoric water.Py2 contains the highest contents of Co,Ni,Se,Te and Bi,suggesting high temperature conditions for the porphyry mineralization stage.Ratios of Co/Ni (0.03-10.79,average 2.13) and sulphur isotope composition of sulfide indicate typical hydrothermal origin for pyrites.The δ^34SCDT values of Py1 (0.42‰-1.61‰,average 1.16‰),Py2 (-1.23‰ to 0.82‰,average 0.35‰),Py3 (-0.36‰ to 2.47‰,average 0.97‰),Py4 (2.51‰-3.72‰,average 3.06‰),and other sulfides are consistent with those of typical porphyry deposit (-5‰ to 5‰),indicating that the Pb-Zn polymetallic mineralization in the Bianjiadayuan deposit is genetically linked to the Yanshanian (JurassiceCretaceous) magmatic-hydrothermal events.Variations of d34S values are ascribed to the changes in physical and chemical conditions during the evolution and migration of the ore-forming fluid.We propose that the high Sn content of pyrite in the Bianjiadayuan hydrothermal vein-type PbeZn polymetallic deposit can be used as a possible pathfinder to prospect for Sn mineralization in the surrounding area or deeper level of the ore field in this region.

Methane seepage intensities traced by sulfur isotopes of pyrite and gypsum in sediment from the Shenhu area,South China Sea

The northern slope of the South China Sea is a gas-hydrate-bearing region related to a high deposition rate of organic-rich sediments co-occurring with intense methanogenesis in subseafloor environments.Anaerobic oxidation of methane（AOM） coupled with bacterial sulfate reduction results in the precipitation of solid phase minerals in seepage sediment,including pyrite and gypsum.Abundant aggregates of pyrites and gypsums are observed between the depth of 667 and 850 cm below the seafloor（cmbsf） in the entire core sediment of HS328 from the northern South China Sea.Most pyrites are tubes consisting of framboidal cores and outer crusts.Gypsum aggregates occur as rosettes and spheroids consisting of plates.Some of them grow over pyrite,indicating that gypsum precipitation postdates pyrite formation.The sulfur isotopic values（δ^34 S） of pyrite vary greatly（from –46.6‰ to –12.3‰ V-CDT） and increase with depth.Thus,the pyrite in the shallow sediments resulted from organoclastic sulfate reduction（OSR） and is influenced by AOM with depth.The relative high abundance and δ^34 S values of pyrite in sediments at depths from 580 to 810 cmbsf indicate that this interval is the location of a paleo-sulfate methane transition zone（SMTZ）.The sulfur isotopic composition of gypsum（from–25‰ to –20.7‰） is much lower than that of the seawater sulfate,indicating the existence of a 34 S-depletion source of sulfur species that most likely are products of the oxidation of pyrites formed in OSR.Pyrite oxidation is controlled by ambient electron acceptors such as MnO2,iron（Ⅲ） and oxygen driven by the SMTZ location shift to great depths.The δ^34 S values of gypsum at greater depth are lower than those of the associated pyrite,revealing downward diffusion of 34 S-depleted sulfate from the mixture of oxidation of pyrite derived by OSR and the seawater sulfate.These sulfates also lead to an increase of calcium ions from the dissolution of calcium carbonate mineral,which will be favor to the formation of gypsum.Overall,the mineralogy and sulfur isotopic composition of the pyrite and gypsum suggest variable redox conditions caused by reduced seepage intensities,and the pyrite and gypsum can be a recorder of the intensity evolution of methane seepage.

Sulfur Isotopes of Framboidal Pyrite in the Permian-Triassic Boundary Clay at Meishan Section

Pyrite framboids were found in the Permian-Triassic boundary at Meishan Section,while their sulfur isotopes were determined.The majority of framboids is less than 5μm in diameter,with some large-sized framboids.Also,euhedral gypsums were observed in the boundary clay.The authors suppose that most of the pyrite framboids formed just below the redox boundary and stopped growing after entering the lower water column.The result indicates that it was probably lower dysoxia condition in the temporal ocean.Moreover,the authors also presume that some pyrite was oxidated to sulfates accompanying the fluctuation of redox condition,which would probably be the origin of the negative sulfur isotopes of gypsum and CAS reported before.In addition,sulfur isotope of framboidal pyrite suggests that sulfur is originated from bacterial sulfate reduction in anoxic condition.Therefore, this study confirms that the ocean was widely anoxic during the Permian-Triassic transitional period. However,the redox condition in temporal ocean was probably not stable,with short-term fluctuations.

Coupled trace element and SIMS sulfur isotope geochemistry of sedimentary pyrite:Implications on pyrite growth of Caixiashan Pb-Zn deposit

Colloform pyrite with core-rim texture is commonly deposited in carbonate platforms associated with the sulfide ores such as the Caixiashan Pb-Zn deposit.However,the genesis of colloform pyrite in Pb-Zn deposits,its growth controls and their geological implication are insufficiently understood.Integration of in-situ trace element and SIMS sulfur isotopes has revealed geochemical variations among these pyrite layers.These colloform pyrite occur as residual phases of core-rim aggregates,the cores are made up of very fine-grained anhedral pyrite particles,with some rims being made up of fine-grained and poorlycrystallized pyrite,while the other rims were featured with euhedral cubic pyrite.which are cemented by fine-grained calcite and/or dolomite with minor quartz.Sulfur isotope analysis shows that some wellpreserved rims have negative δ^34 S values(-28.12‰to-0.49‰),whereas most of the cores and rims have positive δ^34 S values(>0 to+44.28‰;peak at+14.91‰).Integrating with the methane and sulfate were observed in previous fluid inclusion study,we suggest that the 34 S depleted rims were initially formed by bacteria sulfate reduction(BSR),whereas the positive δ^34 S values were resulted from the sulfate reduction driven by anaerobic methane oxidation(AOM).The well-developed authigenic pyrite and calcite may also support the reaction of AOM.Combined with petrographic observations,trace element composition of the colloform pyrite reveals the incorporation and precipitation behavior of those high abundance elements in the pyrite:Pb and Zn were present as mineral inclusion and likely precipitated before Fe,as supported by the time-resolved Pb-Zn signal spikes in most of the analyzed pyrite grains.Other metals,such as Hg,Co and Ni,may have migrated as chloride complexes and entered the pyrite lattice.Arsenic and Sb,generally influenced by complex-forming reactions rather than substitution ones,could also enter the pyrite lattice,or slightly predate the precipitation of colloform pyrite as mineral inclusions,which are controlled by their hydrolysis constant in the ore fluids.The colloform pyrite may have grown inward from the rims.The successive BSR reaction process would enrich H^32/2S in the overlying water column but reduce the metal content,the nucleation of these pyrite rims was featured by strongly negative sulfur isotopes.The following AOM process should be activated by deformation like the turbidity sediment of the mudstone as the sulfide deposition are associated with fault activities that caused the emission of methane migration upward and simultaneously replenishing the metal in the column.The higher AOM reaction rate and the higher metal supply(not only Fe.but with minor other metals such as Pb and Zn) caused by sediment movement enhanced the metal concentration within the pyrite lattice.

Geology and sulfur isotope geochemistry of Dafulou tin-polymetallic deposit in Dachang orefield, Guangxi, China

No. 22 ore of Dafulou deposit was systematically analyzed for sulfur isotopes. The results show that the δ34S values of sulfide minerals, ranging from 0.154 to +0.218% and with an average value of +0.114 1%, are mostly positive and characterized by rich sulfur(S) content. This suggests that the sulfur of the Dafulou ore deposit is derived from magma and relates to the Longxianggai concealed granite, which points to the important role of magma during mineralization and implyies the product of the active continental margin. By comparison between the Dafulou and the Kengma tin deposit, significant differences exist in the sulfur isotope composition. In the Kengma deposit, the sulfur isotope composition is characterized by the high negative value, which is different from the Dafulou tin-polymetallic deposit. The difference of the enrichment and fractionation of the sulfur isotope is the synthesized result of the metallogenic conditions. It also has the difference in the metallogenic environment and metallogenic characteristics of the deposit in the same ore belt.

Gold and antimony metallogenic relations and ore-forming process of Qinglong Sb(Au) deposit in Youjiang basin, SW China: Sulfide trace elements and sulfur isotopes

In the northwestern margin of the Youjiang basin(NWYB)in SW China,many Carlin-like gold deposits are highly antimony(Sb)-rich,and many vein-type Sb deposits contain much Au.These deposits have similar ages,host rocks,ore-forming temperatures,ore-related alterations and ore mineral assemblages,but the Au and Sb metallogenic relations and their ore-forming process remain enigmatic.Here we investigate the large Qinglong Sb deposit in the NWYB,which has extensive sub-economic Au mineralization,and present a new metallogenic model based on in-situ trace elements(EPMA and LA-ICP-MS)and sulfur isotopes(NanoSIMS and fs-LA-MC-ICPMS)of the ore sulfides.At Qinglong,economic Sb ores contain coarse-grained stibnite,jasperoid quartz and fluorite,whilst the sub-economic Au–Sb ores comprise dominantly veined quartz,arsenian pyrite and fine-grained stibnite.Three generations of ore-related pyrite(Py1,Py2 and Py3)and two generations of stibnite(Stb1 and Stb2)are identified based on their texture,chemistry,and sulfur isotopes.The pre-ore Py1 is characterized by the lower ore element(Au,As,Sb,Cu and Ag)contents(mostly below the LA-ICP-MS detection limit)and Co/Ni ratios(average 0.31)than the ore-stage pyrites(Py2 and Py3),implying a sedimentary/diagenetic origin.The Py2 and Py3 have elevated ore element abundance(maximum As=6500 ppm,Au=22 ppm,Sb=6300 ppm,Cu=951 ppm,Ag=77 ppm)and Co/Ni ratios(average 1.84),and have positive As vs.Au–Sb–Cu–Ag correlations.Early-ore Stb1 has lower As(0.12–0.30 wt.%)than late-ore Stb2(0.91–1.20 wt.%).These features show that the progressive As enrichment in ore sulfides is accompanied by increasing Au,Sb,Cu and Ag with the hydrothermal evolution,thereby making As a good proxy for Au.As-rich,As-poor and As-free zones are identified via NanoSIMS mapping of the Au-bearing pyrite.The As-rich zones in the Qinglong Au-bearing pyrites(Py2 and Py3)and ore stibnites(Stb1 and Stb2)have narrowδ^(34)SH_(2)S ranges(-8.9‰to +4.1‰,average-3.1‰)and-2.9‰to +6.9‰,average + 1.3‰),respectively,indicating that the Au-rich and Sb-rich fluids may have had the same sulfur source.Published in-situ sulfur isotopic data of pyrite As-rich zones from other Carlin-like Au deposits(Shuiyindong,Taipingdong,Nayang,Getang and Lianhuashan)in the NWYB have similar ore-fluidδSH_(2)S values(-4.5‰to +6.7‰,average-0.6‰)to those of Qinglong.Therefore,we infer that the sulfur of both Au and Sb mineralization was derived from the same magmatic-related source(0±5‰)in the NWYB.Moreover,the core of pyrites(Py1)has variable S isotope fractionation(-18.9‰to +18.1‰,mostly +3‰to +12‰),suggesting that the higher-^(34)S H_(2)S was produced by bacterial sulfate reduction(BSR).The hydrothermal pyrite(Py2 and Py3)δ^(34)S values gradually decrease with increasing As concentrations,and ultimately,within the restricted range(-5‰to +5‰)in As-rich zones.This variation implies that the As-rich pyrite was formed through ongoing interactions of the magmatic-hydrothermal fluid with pre-existing sedimentary pyrites,causing the progressive decreasing δ^(34)S values with As content increase,Hence,the fluid/mineral interaction may have generated the observed variation in δ^(34)S and As contents.Overall,comparing the Au and Sb deposits in the NWYB,we favor a magmatic-related source for the Au–Sb–As-rich fluids,but the Au-and Sb-ore fluids were likely evolved at separate stages in the ore-forming system.

Coupled carbon and sulfur isotope behaviors and other geochemical perspectives into marine methane seepage

Methane seepage is the signal of the deep hydrocarbon reservoir. The determination of seepage is significant to the exploration of petroleum, gas and gas hydrate. The seepage habits microbial and macrofaunal life which is fueled by the hydrocarbons, the metabolic byproducts facilitate the precipitation of authigenic minerals. The study of methane seepage is also important to understand the oceanographic condition and local ecosystem. The seepage could be active or quiescent at different times. The geophysical surveys and the geochemical determinations reveal the existence of seepage. Among these methods, only geochemical determination could expose message of the dormant seepages. The active seepage demonstrates high porewater methane concentration with rapid SO42- depleted, low HaS and dissolved inorganic carbon （DIC）, higher rates of sulfate reduction （SR） and anaerobic oxidation of methane （AOM）. The quiescent seepage typically develops authigenic carbonates with specific biomarkers, with extremely depleted 13C in gas, DIC and carbonates and with enriched 34S sulfate and depleted 34S pyrite. The origin of methane, minerals precipitation, the scenario of seepage and the possible method of immigration could be determined by the integration of solutes concentration, mineral composition and isotopic fractionation of carbon, sulfur. Numerical models with the integrated results provide useful insight into the nature and intensity of methane seepage occurring in the sediment and paleo- oceanographic conditions. Unfortunately, the intensive investigation of a specific area with dormant seep is still limit. Most seepage and modeling studies are site-specific and little attempt has been made to extrapolate the results to larger scales. Further research is thus needed to foster our understanding of the methane seepage.

Geology and S-Pb isotope geochemistry of the Hatu gold deposit in West Junggar,NW China:Insights into ore genesis and metal source

The Hatu gold deposit is the largest historical gold producer of the West Junggar,western China,with an Au reserve of about 62 t.The orebodies were controlled by NE-,EW-,and NW-trending subsidiary faults associated with the Anqi fault.This deposit exhibits characteristics typical of a fault-controlled lode system,and the orebodies consist of auriferous quartz veins and altered wall rocks within Early Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks.Three stages of mineralization have been identified in the Hatu gold deposit:the early pyrite-albite-quartz stage,the middle polymetallic sulfides-ankerite-quartz stage,and late quartz-calcite stage.The sulfur isotopic values of pyrite and arsenopyrite vary in a narrow range from-0.8‰to1.3‰and an average of 0.4‰,the near-zeroδ~(34)S values implicate the thorough homogenization of the sulfur isotopes during the metamorphic dehydration of the Early Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks.Lead isotopic results of pyrite and arsenopyrite(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb=17.889-18.447,^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb=15.492-15.571,^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb=37.802-38.113)are clustered between orogenic and mantle/upper crust lines,indicating that the lead was mainly sourced from the hostrocks within the Early Carboniferous Tailegula Formation.The characteristics of S and Pb isotopes suggest that the ore-forming metals of the Hatu orogenic gold deposit are of metamorphogenic origin,associated with the continental collision between the Yili-Kazakhstan and Siberian plates during the Late Carboniferous.

Morphological and Sulfur-Isotopic Characteristics of Pyrites in the Deep Sediments from Xisha Trough,South China Sea

Pyrite is one of the common authigenic minerals in marine sediments.Previous studies have shown that the morphological and isotopic characteristics of pyrite are closely related to the geochemical environment where it is formed.To better understand the for-mation mechanism of authigenic pyrite,we analyzed the isotopic composition,morphology,and distribution of pyrite in the sediment at 500m below the seafloor from Xisha Trough,South China Sea.Mineral morphologies were observed by scanning electron micros-copy and Raman spectrography.X-Ray computed tomography was applied to measure the particle size of pyrite.The size of pyrite crystals in the matrix sediment mainly ranged between 25 and 65µm(av.ca.40µm),although crystals were larger(av.ca.50μm)in the veins.The pyrites had a fine-grained truncated octahedral shape with occasionally well-developed growth steps,which implies the low growth rate and weak anaerobic oxidation of methane-sulfate reduction when pyrite was formed.Theδ^(34)S values of pyrites ranged from+20.8‰Vienna-defined Canyon Diablo Troilite(V-CDT)to+33.2‰V-CDT and from+44.8‰V-CDT to+48.9‰,which suggest two growth stages.In the first stage,with the continuous low methane flux,the pyrite possibly formed in an environment with good access to seawater.In the second stage,the pyrites mainly developed in sediment fractures and appeared in veins,probably due to the limited availability of sulfate.The less exposure of pyrite to the environment in the second stage was probably caused by sediment accumulation or perturbation.In this study,an episodic pyritization process was identified,and the paleoenvironment was reconstructed for the sediment investigated.

Mineralogy,sulfur isotopes and infrared microthermometric study of the Leishan-Rongjiang antimony ore field,SW China

The Leishan-Rongjiang antimony ore field(LAOF) is in a unique geotectonic location in the uplift between the Youjiang and Xiangzhong basins.This paper focuses on two representative deposits in the LAOF:the Bameng and Peize antimony(Sb) deposits.We analyzed fluid inclusions(FIs) in stibnite and coexisting quartz,as well as the sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite,to better understand the nature of the ore-forming fluid and the metallogenic process.The FIs data from samples of the stibnite and coexisting quartz indicate that the ore-forming fluids were characterized by low-temperature(150-210 ℃),low-salinity(1.5 wt%-6.0 wt%NaCl equiv.),and low-density(0.872-0.961 g/cm^3).The δ^(34)S values of stibnite(-8.21‰ to 3.76‰,average =-6.30‰)fall in between the sulfur isotopic compositions of the mantle and of biogenic sulfur in sedimentary rocks.However,the δ^(34)S_(∑s) values(-4.41 ‰ to +0.04‰,average =-2.49‰) of the ore-forming fluids are generally closer to the sulfur isotopic composition of the mantle source,indicating that the sulfur in the LAOF was mainly sourced from the mantle,but with possible involvement of biogenic sulfur.In addition,FIs petrography and ore deposit geology show that fluid boiling resulted from an abrupt decrease in pressure,which may have triggered the precipitation of stibnite.We conclude that low-temperature,dilute hydrothermal fluids with mixed origins migrated along the regional fault and interacted with the wall rock,extracting the ore-forming materials.Then,the oreforming fluids were injected into the fault fracture zones.

Mineralogy,geochemistry,and sulfur isotope characteristics of sediment-hosted hydrothermal sulfide minerals from the southern Okinawa Trough

Studies of the mineralogy and sulfur isotope composition of sediment-hosted hydrothermal sulfide minerals in cores are important for understanding the seafloor mineralization environment and material source and reconstructing the hydrothermal history.However,the source of ore-forming materials and the history of hydrothermal activity in the southern Okinawa Trough(SOT)remain unclear.Here,the mineralogy and sulfur isotope characteristics of sulfides from gravity core HOBAB4-S2,collected between the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field(HF)and the Tangyin HF,was investigated.Enrichments in Zn(up to 321×10^(-6)),Cu(up to73.7×10^(-6)),and Pb(up to 160×10^(-6))and the presence of pyrite,galena,pyrrhotite and minor sphalerite and chalcopyrite provide evidence for the input of hydrothermal materials into the sediments.The pyrite morphologies include disseminated cubic,pentagonal dodecahedron,and framboidal forms.Except for minor framboidal pyrite,euhedral pyrite from core HOBAB4-S2 is mainly of hydrothermal origin with Co/Ni ratios>1 and S/Fe atomic ratios<2 in the Cu-Zn-Pb-rich layers.The occurrences of hexagonal pyrrhotite,high-Co(up to0.17%)pyrite and high-Fe sphalerite indicate that the hydrothermal precipitates formed at medium-high temperatures and low-sulfur fugacity(f S_(2))environments.The δ^(34) S values of sulfides(0.21‰–3.45‰)with low-f S_(2) mineral assemblages(e.g.,pyrrhotite±high-Fe sphalerite)in the core are significantly lower than those of magmatic rocks and seawater,indicating possible incorporation of previously formed biogenic sulfur in the sediment.Combined with the age model of the core,it is suggested that hydrothermal activity likely began in the Tangyin HF before AD 1445–1483 and that at least three active episodes may have occurred since then.

Discovery of an abnormally high-δ^(34)S barite deposit and a new understanding of global sulfur isotope variation during geological history

The evolution of the global sulfur isotope curve was plotted based on the δ34S values of evaporates resultant from oceanic evaporation. In the long period of geological history the δ34S values showed obvious peaks for three times during the process of ancient oceans' sulfur isotope evolution, namely the Early Cambrian (+30‰), the Late Devonian (+25‰) and the Permian-Triassic transition interval (+17‰), but the causes of the abnormal rise of sulfur isotopic values during the geological period are still in question. In this paper, 18 samples collected from a large Devonian barite deposit from Zhenning County were analyzed to determine their δ34S values, revealing that the 18 samples have very high δ34S values (δ34S=41.88‰-+68.39‰), with an average close to 56.30‰, which are higher than the isotopic values of contemporary sulfates (+17‰- +25‰). A comparative analysis was conducted of the emerging of high δ34S barite deposits (from Cambrian and Devonian) and the δ34S variation curves of the ancient oceans. The results indicate that the time when the obvious peaks of δ34S values appeared and the time of massive sedimentation of high δ34S barite deposits are very close to each other, which, in our opinion, is not a coincidence. There may exist some correlations between the sulfur isotope evolution of ancient oceans during the diverse periods of geological history and the massive sedimentation of high δ34S barite deposits. Therefore, it is inferred that perhaps it was the massive sedimentation of high δ34S barites that caused the sharp rise of δ34S values in a short period of time.

Sulfur Isotopes Geochemistry of the Nage Cu-Pb Polymetallic Deposit,Southeast Guizhou Province,China

The Nage Cu-Pb polymetallic deposit is located in the transitional zone of the Yangtze craton and cathaysia,that is the southwest of Jiangnan orogenic belt. The mainly strata are Wentong formation of Mesoproterozoic Sibo group and the Jialu formation(Qbj) ,Wuye formation(Qbw) ,Fanzhao formation(Qbf) and Gongdong formation(Qbg) of the Neoproterozoic Qingbaikou System Xiajiang group.

Characteristics of Authigenic Pyrite and its Sulfur Isotopes Influenced by Methane Seep--Taking the Core A at Site 79 of the Middle Okinawa Trough as an Example

Objective Authigenic pyrite often develops extensively in marine sediments,which is an important product of sulfate reduction in an anoxic environment.It has a specific appearance and complicated sulfur isotopic properties,and acts as important evidence of methane seep in marine sediments.Strong AOM（anaerobic oxidation of methane）activity has developed in the Okinawa Trough.

An Experimental Calibration on the Sphalerite-Galena Sulfur Isotope Geothermometer

A new experimental calibration was undertaken in this study to get a more reliable sphalerite-galena sulfur isotope geothermometer. The experimental conditions selected in study were very similar to those of natural hydrothermal solution. The high-precision SF6 method was used in sulfur isotope analyses. The obtained calibration curve for sulfur isotope fractionation between sphalerite and galena can be expressed with the equation 10001nαSp-Gn= 0.74×106T-2+0.08.

Mixed Population Screening for Sulfur Isotopes

Quantitative research of the origin of sulfur isotopes is a difficult problem that has puzzled geochemists all along. In the study of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Dongpo orefield in Hunan Province, the authors successfully applied the mathematical model of mixed population screening to quantitatively resolving the problem on the origin of sulfur isotopes, which is significant in finding out the source of mineralizing matter and metallogenic mechanisms.

Sulfur Isotope Composition of Evaporites in Different Strata in the Tarim Basin

Evaporite series is both an important target area looking for high-quality large potash deposits,but also one of the main types of hydrocarbon cap.Outcrops and drilling results indicate that five sets of evaporites were developed

Diverse transformations of sulfur in seabird-affected sediments revealed by microbial and stable isotope analyses

Microbial communities,sulfur isotope of sulfides(δ^(34)S_(AVS)and δ^(34)S_(CRS)),and sulfur and oxygen isotopes of sulfate(δ^(34)S_(SO_(4))and δ^(18)O_(SO_(4)))in sediments were analyzed to reveal the biogeochemical transformations of sulfur in a seabird-affected lake Y2 and a se abird-free YO from Fildes Peninsula,Antarctic Peninsula.The microbial communities in Y2 were mainly associated with penguin activities,while those in YO were limited by nutrients.The much enriched δ^(34)S_(SO_(4))recorded at depth of 30,41,and 52 cm in Y2indicates very strong sulfate reduction therein.The sulfur-degrading bacteria Pseudomonas in 0-23 cm of Y2 was 3.5 time s as abundant as that of sulfur oxidizing bacteria(SOB),indicating remarkable remineralization of organic sulfur.The abundant SOB and ^(34)S-depleted sulfate indicate considerable sulfur oxidation in 34-56-cm layer in Y2.In YO sediments,the highest abundance of Desulfotalea and the most enriched δ^(34)S_(SO_(4))(35.2‰)and δ^(34)S_(CRS)(2.5‰)indicate the strongest sulfate reduction in 28-cm layer.High abundance of Pseudomonas indicates active remineralization of organic sulfur in 3-5-cm layer in YO.The medium δ^(34)S_(SO_(4))and considerable abundance of SOB and sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB)indicate concurrence of sulfur oxidation and sulfate reduction in other layers in YO.Therefore,a high level of organic matter input from penguin populations supported the diverse microbial community and transformations of sulfur in aquatic ecosystems in Antarctica.

Measurements of Sulfur Isotope Composition on Ultrasmall(80 Nanomole) Sulfide and Sulfate Samples by a Modified EA-IRMS

The traditional method for sulfur isotope measurement using EA-IRMS commonly requires sulfur content greater than 2 μmol. Such a large sample size limits its application to low-S materials, the size mainly being due to ineffective utilization of sample gas, almost 99.7% of which is discarded with carrier gas through the split port of the continuous-flow interface. A modified EA-IRMS system with a gas chromatographic(GC) column and a custom-built cryogenic concentration device is used in this study. We measured six reference materials to test the performance of this method. The results were consistent with those obtained through traditional EA-IRMS. Precisions ranging from ±0.24‰ to ±0.76‰(1σ)can be obtained with samples equivalent to ~80 nmol sulfur, which were similar to results obtained from an alternative method using an absorption column. Our improved method is a powerful tool for sulfur isotope measurement in ultrasmall sulfide and sulfate samples, which can be further applied to carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope analyses of samples at about 100 nmol level.