Unveiling Nb-Ta mineralization processes:Insight from quartz textural and chemical characteristics in the Songshugang deposit,Jiangxi Province,South China

The Songshugang deposit is a large Ta-Nb deposit in South China,with Ta-Nb mineralization associated genetically with the granite and pegmatite.A diversity of quartz from topaz-albite granite,quartz-mica pegmatite,quartz-feldspar pegmatite,and quartz-fluorite pegmatite at Songshugang was studied by CL and LA-ICP-MS in order to constrain enrichment mechanisms of Nb and Ta and to find geochemical indicators of quartz for rare metal deposits.Cathodoluminescence image illuminates a canvas of complexity,the quartz from topaz-albite granite,quartz-mica pegmatite,quartz-feldspar pegmatite,and quartz-fluorite pegmatite,exhibits numerous dark CL streaks,patches,and a series of healed fractures.These textures suggest that the rocks were fractured because of deep crustal pressure,and underwent later hydrothermal metasomatism and quartz filling.The quartz from quartz-fluorite pegmatite present limited patches or fractures but distinct growth bands,indicating that the melt fluid composition during the formation of quartz at this stage varies greatly and is less aff ected by mechanical fragmentation.The LA-ICP-MS analysis of quartz shows that there is a positive correlation between Al and Li in the quartz from topaz-albite granite,quartz-mica pegmatite,quartz-feldspar pegmatite,to quartz-fluorite pegmatite,indicating that Al mainly enters the quartz lattice through charge compensation substitution mechanism with Li.However,our data deviate from the theoretical Li:Al mass ratio of~1:3.89 in quartz,indicating that there may be competition between H^(+)and Li in a water-rich magmatic environment.The quartz from topaz-albite granite is enriched in K and Na elements,and the quartz from quartz-fluorite pegmatite is enriched in fluorite with a low Ca content in quartz,further elucidating that these rocks were subjected to hydrothermal metasomatism.From topaz-albitite granite to quartz-fluorite pegmatite,Al,Li and Ge content and Al/Ti,Ge/Ti,Sb/Ti ratios in quartz gradually increased,but Ti content gradually decreased,reflecting the high evolution of magma,which can enrich rare metal elements.Based on the characteristics of quartz CL textures and trace elements in topaz-albite granite,quartz-mica pegmatite,quartz-feldspar pegmatite,and quartz-fluorite pegmatite,combined with the albitization and K-feldspathization of rocks,it is suggested that the Nb-Ta mineralization in Songshugang may be influenced by the combined action of magmatic crystallization differentiation and fluid metasomatism.By comparing the quartz in the Songshugang pluton with the quartz in the granite type and pegmatite type rare metal deposits recognized in the world,the Songshugang pegmatite share similarities with the LCT-type pegmatite.Combined with previous studies,the Ge/Ti>0.1 and Ti<10 ppm,as well as Al,Li,Ge,Sb,K,Na contents and Al/Ti,Sb/Ti ratios in quartz have the potential to be a powerful exploration marker for identifying granite-like pegmatitic Nb-Ta deposits in other places.

Study on the occurrence state of indium in sphalerite of Dulong Sn–Zn–In polymetallic deposit,Southwest China

The Dulong deposit,located in the Laojunshan area of southeastern Yunnan,China,is an important polymetallic deposit due to its high reserves of tin,zinc,and indium.The occurrence state of indium is critical for understanding its supernormal enrichment mechanism.Previous studies investigated the occurrence state of indium(including the valence state)based on the indium content in sphalerite and the correlation between metal concentrations.However,more evidence is needed to better constrain indium occurrence at the micro-,nano-,or even atomic scale.In this study,EPMA-FIB-SEM-TEM and XPS techniques were employed to investigate the indium distribution characteristics and occurrence state in sphalerite from the Dulong Sn–Zn–In polymetallic deposit.The maximum concentration of indium in the indium-rich sphalerite samples is 0.37%,and the results of the EPMA analysis showed a relatively homogeneous distribution of indium in sphalerite.The FIB-SEM-TEM results demonstrated that the lattice stripes of sphalerite were periodically and continuously distributed at the nanoscale,confirming that sphalerite in the deposit was an excellent single crystal structure,and the peak heights of the various characteristic peaks of indium in the EDX spectra were relatively close to each other,with no distinct peaks of high indium content.In addition,the XPS results indicate that the element valence state of indium in sphalerite is In^(3+),and it combines with S^(2-)to form a bond.These results indicate that indium in sphalerite of the Dulong deposit is uniformly distributed at both the micro-and nanoscale,and there is no indium-independent mineral.In^(3+)enters the crystal lattice of sphalerite by replacing Zn2+in the form of isomorphic substitution.

Diversity of Mineralization and Spectrum of the Gejiu Superlarge Tin-Copper Polymetallic Deposit,Yunnan,China

The Gejiu （个旧） deposit is a superlarge tin-copper polymetallic ore-forming concentration area characterized by excellent metallogenic geological settings and advantageous ore-controlling factors. The deposit displays diverse mineralization properties due to different minerals and mineral deposit types. Based on the principal metallogenic factors, metallogenic mechanisms, mineralized components, and occurrence of mineral deposits or ore bodies, the Gejiu mineral district can be divided into 2 combinations of metallogenic series, 4 metallogenic series, 8 subseries, and 27 mineral deposit types. Spatial zonality is evident. The distribution regularity of the elements in both plane and section is Be-W, Sn （Cu, Mo, Bi, Be）-Sn, Pb, Ag-Pb, Zn around a granitic intrusion. The metallogenic epoch is mainly concentrated in the late Yanshanian. During this period, large-scale metallogenic processes related to movement caused by tectonics and magmatism occurred, and a series of magmatic hydrothermal deposits formed. The ore-forming processes can be divided into 4 stages： the silicate stage, the oxide stage, the sulphide stage, and the carbonate stage. Based on the orderliness and diversity （in terms of time, space, and genesis） of the mineralization, the authors have developed a comprehensive spectrum of ore deposits in the Gejiu area. This newly proposed diversity of mineralization and the spectrum developed in this work are useful not only for interpreting the genesis of the Gejiu deposit but also for improving mineral exploration in the area, and in particular, for finding large deposits.

Mineral Geochemical Compositions of Tourmalines and Their Significance in the Gejiu Tin Polymetallic Deposits, Yunnan, China

The Gejiu tin polymetallic deposits are located in the southeastern part of Yunnan Province in China. A detailed electronic microprobe study has been carried out to document geochemical compositions of tourmalines from the deposits. The results indicate a systematic change of mineral geochemical compositions, which might be used as a mineral geochemical tracer for post-magmatic hydrothermal fluid, basin fluid and their mixture. The tourmalines from granite are schori with Fe/ （Fe＋Mg） ratios of 0.912-1.00 and Na/（Na＋Ca） ratios of 0.892-0.981. Tourmalines as an inclusion in quartz from the ore bodies are dravite with Fe/（Fe＋Mg） ratios of 0.212-0.519 and Na/（Na＋Ca） ratios of 0.786--0.997. Tourmalines from the country rocks are dravite with Fe/（Fe＋Mg） ratios of 0.313--0.337 and Na/（Na＋Ca） ratio of 0.599-0.723. Tourmalines from cassiterite-tourmaline veins that occur in crannies within the country rocks show distinct optical zoning with alternate occurrence of dravite and schorl, Fe/（Fe＋Mg）=0.374-0.843, Na/（Na＋Ca）=0.538-0.987. It suggests that schorl in granite and dravite in carbonatite are related to magmatic fluid and basin fluid respectively. When magmatic fluid rose up and entered into crannies of the country rocks, consisting mainly of carbonatite, basin fluid would be constantly added to the magmatic fluid. The two types of fluid were mixed in structural crannies of the sedimentary basin accompanied with periodic geochemical oscillations to form material records in chemical composition zonings of tourmalines.

Genetic Types and Metallogenic Model for the Polymetallic Copper–Gold Deposits in the Tongling Ore District, Anhui Province, Eastern China

The Tongling ore district is one of the most economically important ore areas in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, eastern China. It contains hundreds of polymetallic copper–gold deposits and occurrences. Those deposits are mainly clustered(from west to east) within the Tongguanshan, Shizishan, Xinqiao, Fenghuangshan, and Shatanjiao orefields. Until recently, the majority of these deposits were thought to be skarn-or porphyry–skarn-type deposits; however there have been recent discoveries of numerous vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb-Zn deposits that do not fall into either of these categories. This indicates that there is some uncertainty over this classification. Here, we present the results of several systematic geological studies of representative deposits in the Tongling ore district. From investigation of the ore-controlling structures, lithology of the host rock, mineral assemblages, and the characteristics of the mineralization and alteration within these deposits, three genetic types of deposits(skarn-, porphyry-, and vein-type deposits) have been identified. The spatial and temporal relationships between the orebodies and Yanshanian intrusions combined with the sources of the ore-forming fluids and metals, as well as the geodynamic setting of this ore district, indicate that all three deposit types are genetically related each other and constitute a magmatic–hydrothermal system. This study outlines a model that relates the polymetallic copper–gold porphyry-, skarn-, and vein-type deposits within the Tongling ore district. This model provides a theoretical basis to guide exploration for deep-seated and concealed porphyry-type Cu(–Mo, –Au) deposits as well as shallow vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb–Zn deposits in this area and elsewhere.

Ore Genesis for Stratiform Ore Bodies of the Dongfengnanshan Copper Polymetallic Deposit in the Yanbian Area, NE China:Constraints from LA-ICP-MS in situ Trace Elements and Sulfide S–Pb Isotopes

The Dongfengnanshan Cu polymetallic deposit is one representative deposit of the Tianbaoshan ore district in the Yanbian area, northeast(NE) China. There occur two types of ore bodies in this deposit, the stratiform ore bodies and veintype ones, controlled by the Early Permian strata and the Late Hercynian diorite intrusion, respectively. Due to the ambiguous genetic type of the stratiform ore bodies, there has been controversy on the relationship between them and veintype ore bodies. To determine the genetic type of stratiform ore bodies, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS) in situ trace elements and S–Pb isotope analysis have been carried on the sulfides in the stratiform ore bodies. Compared with that in skarn, Mississippi Valley-type(MVT), and epithermal deposits, sphalerite samples in the stratiform ore bodies of the Dongfengnanshan deposit are significantly enriched in Fe, Mn, and In, while depleted in Ga, Ge, and Cd, which is similar to the sphalerite in volcanic-associated massive sulfide(VMS) deposits. Co/Ni ratio of pyrrhotites in the stratiform ore bodies is similar to that in VMS-type deposits. The concentrations of Zn and Cd of chalcopyrites are similar to those of recrystallized VMS-type deposits. These characteristics also reflect the intermediate ore-forming temperature of the stratiform ore bodies in this deposit. Sulfur isotope compositions of sulfides are similar to those of VMS-type deposits, reflecting that sulfur originated from the Permian Miaoling Formation. Lead isotope compositions indicate mixed-source for lead. Moreover, the comparison of the Dongfengnanshan stratiform ore bodies with some VMStype deposits in China and abroad, on the trace elements and S–Pb isotope characteristics of the sulfides reveals that the stratiform ore bodies of the Dongfengnanshan deposit belong to the VMS-type, and have closely genetic relationship with the early Permian marine volcanic sedimentary rocks.

Numerical simulation of hydrothermal mineralization associated with simplified chemical reactions in Kaerqueka polymetallic deposit, Qinghai, China

The Kaerqueka polymetallic deposit, Qinghai, China, is one of the typical skarn-type polymetallic ore deposits in the Qimantage metallogenic belt. The dynamic mechanism on the formation of the Kaerqueka polymetallic deposit is always an interesting topic of research. We used the finite difference method to model the mineralizing process of the chalcopyrite in this region with considering the field geological features, mineralogy and geochemistry. In particular, the modern mineralization theory was used to quantitatively estimate the related chemical reactions associated with the chalcopyrite formation in the Kaerqueka polymetallic deposit. The numerical results indicate that the hydrothermal fluid flow is a key controlling factor of mineralization in this area and the temperature gradient is the driving force of pore-fluid flow. The metallogenic temperature of chalcopyrite in the Kaerqueka polymetallic deposit is between 250 and 350 ℃. The corresponding computational results have been verified by the field observations. It has been further demonstrated that the simulation results of coupled models in the field of emerging computational geosciences can enhance our understanding of the ore-forming processes in this area.

Re-Os Isotopic Dating of a W-Be Polymetallic Deposit in the Southern Qinling Region, China

Objective In recent years, a series of tungsten prospecting breakthroughs have been made in the southern Qinling Mountains. Especially, a new deposit type with a scheelite -beryl-molybdenite assemblage in the Zhen＇an area of Shaanxi Province was firstly discovered. This deposit is currently in a detailed investigation stage, and no detailed study has been yet conducted. This work selected one molybdenite sample from the Be （W） ores in this deposit for Re-Os isotope measurements to define the time limit of tungsten and beryllium mineralization, and to further reveal the ore-forming geological setting of rare metals in the southern Qinling region.

Geochemical Characteristics of Rare Earth Elements in Gejiu Tin Polymetallic Deposits, Yunnan Province, China

In order to get a better understanding of metallogeny, the geochemical characteristics of REE and trace element for Gejiu tin polymetallic deposits were studied by comparing concentrations of REE and trace elements in different type ores and rocks, including skarn-type ore, bedded-type ore, vein-type ore, altered granite, country rocks. Results of this study indicated that the metallogenic matters for different type ores in the study area might be derived from the same origin source, which may be mainly related to granitic activities. Furthermore, there are some differences in concentrations of REE in different ores due to their different depositional mechanism during that time. LREE concentrations were enriched relatively in the vein-type ores and the bedded-type ores with relatively low total REE concentrations, whereas total REE concentrations were higher in the skarn-type ores with LREE and HREE concentrations in wide variation ranges.

Growth Pattern and Its Indication of Spheroidal Nano-Micro Crystal Aggregates of Pyrite in the Baiyunpu Pb-Zn Polymetallic Deposit, Central Hunan

The Baiyunpu deposit lies in the southwest plunging Dachengshan anticline in central Hunan, which is a large Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit. The orebodies were surrounded by the Qiziqiao Formation limestone in the Middle Devonian, and its geological occurrence is consistent with the wall rocks. A large number of spheroidal pyrite aggregates are found unevenly distributed in the ores. The spheroidal aggregates are made up of kernels and concentric rings. The kernels are composed of approximately epigranular pyrite nanocrystals, while the rings are composed of accumulated pyrite microcrystals growing along the radial direction. The spheroidal pyrite aggregate and its outer zones can be divided into five areas（A–E）. The results of electron probe micro analysis（EPMA） show that from the zone A1 to B, Co/Ni 〈1, the sum of Co and Ni is 0.08%–0.26%, S/Fe increases from 2.06 to 2.15. While from the zone C to E, Ni cannot be detected and S/Fe decreases from 2.22 to 2.08. Powder X-ray diffraction（XRD） analysis in the micro zone shows obvious crystalline characteristics in the aggregates. Moving from the inside outwards, the maximum diffraction peak intensity of the（111） and（220） crystal planes of pyrite increases, and the crystallinity improves. The degree of change in the（111） plane is the most prominent. Considering the theory of crystal growth along with the geologic features of the depositional environment where the spheroidal pyrite aggregates developed, we confirm that the spheroidal aggregates are the result of nano-micro crystalline gathering and growth occurring by the following sequence of processes：nano-crystalline nucleation and growth, gathering into a ball, oriented growth of microcrystals, continuous accumulation, and adjustment of grain boundaries. The formation of the spheroidal pyrite aggregates in the late Qiziqiao Formation of the Middle Devonian occurred in a neutral to weak alkaline and reductive sedimentary environment in the normal oxygen-rich shallowwater carbonate platform edge. The variations in the S/Fe ratio and crystallisation characteristics indicate that during pyrite crystal growth, the sulphur fugacity was high locally and rose constantly, the degree of supersaturation decreased locally and the growth environment was stable relatively.

Distribution and existing state of indium in the Gejiu Tin polymetallic deposit, Yunnan Province, SW China

The Gejiu tin polymetallic deposit, located in the southwest margin of the South China Belt bordering on the Yangtze Block, is hosted in Triassic carbonates. This study shows that there is an indium enrichment in the ores.Indium mainly exists in sphalerite-rich massive sulfide ores with a concentration of 198.3–1570 ppm; the indium concentration in sphalerite ranges from 493.3 up to4781 ppm. The inferred indium reserve in the Gejiu Sn deposit is over 4000 t, indicating that the Gejiu tin deposit is a giant In-bearing Sn-polymetallic deposit, similar to the Dachang and Dulong in southwest China. Sphalerite with a high Fe value(8.05–13.27 wt%) is the predominant indium carrier mineral; meanwhile chalcopyrite plays the secondary indium carrier role. EPMA mapping result shows that indium is likely distributed homogeneously and presented as a substitution for Zn in sphalerite.

The Characteristics of Ore-Controlling Structure in Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn Polymetallic Deposit,Hunan Province

The Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit is lied in the central Nanling mineralization zone,and belongs to the junction area of the Chenzhou-Linwu fault zone and the Leiyang-Linwu fault zone.It is a significant part of Nanling polymetallic deposit belt.The outcropping stratas consist of upper Devonian Shetianqiao,Xikuangshan Formation,Lower Carboniferous Menggong’ao,Shidengzi,Ceshui,and Zimenqiao Formation.Igneous rocks in the Baoshan ore area mainly comprise granodiorite porphyry.Furthermore,the radio isotopic age ranges from 123 Ma to 183 Ma,belonging to the early to middle Yanshanian.

Magmatic Hydrothermal Origin of the Wenyu Copper Polymetallic Deposit, Southern Lancangjiang Zone, SW China

The Wenyu copper polymetallic deposit, with proven reserves of about 0.23 Mt Cu, 394 t Ag and 0.04 Mt Pb, is located in the central part of the Lancangjiang volcanic rock belt （Fig. l a）, which is one of the most potential copper polymetallic exploration areas in SW China.

He-Ar Isotopic Systematics of Fluid Inclusions in Pyrites from PGEpolymetallic Deposits in Lower Cambrian Black Rock Series, South China

He-Ar isotopic compositions of fluid inclusions trapped in pyrites from some representative PGE-polymetallic deposits in Lower Cambrian black rock series in South China were analyzed by using an inert gas isotopic mass spectrometer. The results show that the ore-forming fluids possess a low 3He/4He ratio, varying from 0.43×10-8 to 26.39×10-8, with corresponding R/Ra value of 0.003-0.189. The 40Ar/36Ar ratios are 258-287, close to those of air saturated water (ASW). He-Ar isotopic indicator studies show that the ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from the formation water or basinal hot brine and sea water, while the content of mantle-derived fluid or deep-derived magmatic water might be negligible. The PGE-polymetallic mineralization might be related to the evolution of the Caledonian miogeosynclines distributed along the southern margin of the Yangtze Craton. During the Early Cambrian, the formation water or basinal hot brine trapped in Caledonian basins which accumulated giant thick sediments was expelled and migrated laterally along strata because of the pressure generated by overlying sediments. The basinal hot brine ascended along faults, mixed with sea water and finally deposited ore minerals.

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.

Lead Isotopic Composition and Lead Source in the Bainiuchang Ag-polymetallic Deposit, Yunnan Province, China

The Bainiuchang deposit in Yunnan Province, China, is located geographically between the Gejiu ore field and the Dulong ore field. In addition to the 〉7000 t Ag reserves, the deposit also boasts of large-scale Pb, Zn and Sn reserves with a lot of dispersed elements （In, Cd, Ge, Ga, etc.）. We have determined systematically the Pb isotope composition of the deposit. The Pb isotope ratios of the ores that are of sea-floor exhalative sedimentary origin in the northwest of the mining district, are 206pb/204pb = 17.758-18.537, 207pb/204pb = 15.175-15.862 and 206pb/204pb = 37.289-39.424, while those of ores that are of magmatic hydrothermal superimposition origin in the southeast of the mining district, are 206pb/204pb = 17.264-18.359, 207pb/204pb = 14.843-15.683 and 208pb/204pb = 36.481-38.838, respectively. In terms of the Pb isotope composition of feldspar in magmatic rocks or magmatic whole- rock samples from the mining district, we have determined the Pb isotope composition and acquired the Pb isotope ratios as： 206pb/204pb -- 18.224-18.700, 207pb/204pb -- 15.595-15.797 and 208pb/204pb -- 38.193-39.608. Then, in the light of the Pb isotope composition of metamorphic rock samples from the Proterozoic basement exposed in the Dulong ore field, we have determined the Pb isotope composition and obtained the isotope ratios as： 206pb/204pb -- 18.434-19.119, 207pb/204pb -- 15.644-15.693, and 208pb/204pb = 38.514-38.832. And the Pb isotope ratios of Cambrian sedimentary rocks, which are exposed in the Bainiuchang mining district, are 206pb/204pb = 18.307-19.206, 207pb/204pb = 15.622-15.809, and 208pb/204pb = 38.436-39.932. By comparing the two types of ores with respect to their Pb isotope compositions, it is indicated that lead in the Bainiuchang deposit was derived largely from the lower-crust granulite which is earlier than Neoproterozoic in age, but the Yanshanian magmatic hydrothermal fluids probably provided a part of ore-forming elements such as Sn for the ore blocks in the south of the mining district.

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Hekoulinchang Sn-Pb-Zn-Ag polymetallic deposit(73240 t) in Heilongjiang Province, China

The Hekoulinchang Sn-Pb-Zn-Ag polymetallic deposit(20000 t Sn at 0.27%,236 t Ag at 122.89 g/t,15000 t Pb at 0.84%,and 38000 t Zn at 1.43%)is located in the Wandashan Terrane of the easternmost segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.The timing of Sn-Pb-Zn-Ag polymetallic mineralization remains unclear due to a lack of precise isotope dating directly conducted on ore minerals.The authors herein report that the LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of cassiterite and zircon from the granite porphyry in the Hekoulinchang Sn-Pb-Zn-Ag polymetallic deposit are 101.4±7.9 Ma and 115.4±1.0 Ma,respectively,indicating that Sn mineralization and magmatism occurred during the Early Cretaceous.The granite porphyry belongs to the subalkaline series peraluminous I-type granites that are depleted in Nb,Ta,and Ti and enriched in Rb,Th,U,and Pb.TheεHf(t)values of the granite porphyry range from 0.9 to 7.4,with an average of about 5.6 and two-stage model ages(T_(DM2))of 705–1116 Ma,with an average age of 819 Ma.The ε_(Nd)(t)values of the apatites are–1.60–0.45,with an average of–0.9,and two-stage model ages(T_(DM2))of 872–1040 Ma,with an average age of 983 Ma.The Nd-Hf isotope data indicate that the magma may have been derived from the partial melting of juvenile crustal material.

Sulfur isotopic composition of the Bainiuchang super-large Ag polymetallic deposit,Yunnan Province,China: Implications for the source of sulfur in ore-forming fluids

The Bainiuchang deposit in Yunnan Province, China, is located geographically between the Gejiu ore field and the Dulong ore field. In addition to >7000 t Ag reserves, the deposit possesses large-scale Pb, Zn, Sn reserves and a mass of dispersed elements (i.e., In, Cd, Ge, Ga, etc.). Based on systematic studies of sulfur isotopic composition, the authors conclude: The Bainiuchang deposit experienced two epochs of metallogenesis, i.e., the Middle-Cambrian sea-floor exhalative sedimentary metallogenic epoch and the Yanshanian magmatic hydrothermal superimposition metallogenic epoch. In the two metallogenic epochs, the δ34S values of sulfides were all near 0, showing a tendency of being enriched slightly in heavy sulfur. The δ34S values of sulfides in the early metallogenic epoch are within the range of 2‰–5‰ with a peak value range of 2‰–3‰ and an average of 3.0‰, and those of sulfides in the late metallogenic epoch are within the range of 2‰–6‰ with a peak value of 3‰–4‰ and an average of 3.9‰. For the single metallogenic epoch, sulfur in the ore-forming fluids in the early epoch already reached isotopic equilibrium and was derived mainly from underneath the magma chamber or basement metamorphic igneous rocks. Sulfur in the sulfides in the late epoch was derived mainly from magmatic hydrothermal fluids formed in the process of remelting of the basement metamorphic igneous rocks.

The Sachakou Deposit in West Kunlun of Xinjiang: A Pb-Zn Polymetallic Deposit Associated with Magmatic Metasomatism of Carbonate Rock

Objective The Sachakou Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit is located in Hetian County, Xinjiang （geographical coordinates of E78° 57＇ 54.30＂-78°59＇ 53.63＂, N34° 39＇ 27.50＂-34° 40＇ 57.21＂）. It belongs to the West Kunlun orogenic belt on the northwest edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is connected to the Sanjiang orogenic belt to the south （Spurlin et al., 2005）. In recent years, a series of Pb-Zn mineralized spots and deposits have been discovered in this area one after another, which is called the Huoshaoyun ore concentration area. Among them, the Sachakou Pb-Zn deposit has reserves up to140 Mt, which has reached a large scale. However, the study on the genesis of deposits in this area has only just begun. This work studied the genesis ofthis Pb-Zn deposit in order to provide new ideas for the genesis of regional deposits and regional prospecting.

Sea-floor exhalative sedimentary and magmatic hydrothermal superimposition on the Bainiuchang polymetallic deposit in Yunnan Province: REE geochemical evidence

In order to study the characteristics of sea-floor exhalative sedimentary and magmatic hydrothermal superimposition on the Bainiuchang polymetallic deposit, the REE compositions of the granites, host-rocks and ores have been systematically analyzed by ICP-MS. As viewed from their REE compositions, the granites show obvious negative Eu anomalies and weak negative Ce anomalies. According to their REE characteristics, the host-rocks were derived partly from sea-floor exhalative sediments. In terms of their REE compositions, the ores can be divided into two groups: one group, of which the samples were collected from the Baiyang segment relatively far away from the Bozhushan granite batholith, possesses positive Eu anomalies or no Eu anomaly and negative Ce anomalies, indicating that ore-forming hydrothermal fluid was relatively reductive and its temperature was higher than 250 ℃. Furthermore, the coinstantaneous presence of positive Eu anomalies and negative Ce anomalies indicate that the convective mixing of a little amount of seawater with hydrothermal fluid had happened while ores were precipitated on ancient sea floor. The other group, of which the samples were mainly collected from the Chuanxindong and Duimenshan segments near the Bozhushan granite batholith, has similar chondrite-monalized REE distribution patterns to those of the magmatic rocks. But as a whole, the REE characteristics of both groups change gradually starting from the Bozhushan granite batholith. Based on the REE characteristics of the granites, host-rocks and ores, it is suggested that the ore-forming metals seem to have come from several different sources.