Ore-forming mechanism of Huxu Au-dominated polymetallic deposit in the Dongxiang Basin,South China:Constraints from in-situ trace elements and S-Pb isotopes of pyrite

The Huxu Au-dominated polymetallic deposit is a hydrothermal deposit located in the Dongxiang volcanic basin in the middle section of the Gan-Hang tectonic belt in South China.The orebodies primarily occur within the Jurassic-Cretaceous quartz diorite porphyry,while the genesis of this deposit is unclear.This study focused on geological and mineralogical characteristics,in-situ trace elements and S-Pb isotopes of three generations of pyrite of the Huxu deposit to clarify the distribution of trace elements in pyrite,ore-forming fluid and material sources,and genetic types of the deposit.The mineralization stage of the deposit can be divided into quartz-pyrite stage(S1),quartz-pyrite-hematite stage(S2),quartz-polymetallic sulfide stage(S3)and quartz-hematite stage(S4),with the corresponding pyrite being divided into three generations(Py1-Py3).in-situ trace element data of pyrite show that Au in pyrite mainly exists in the form of solid solution(Au^(+)),and the content is relatively low at all stages(0.18 ppm for Py1,0.32 ppm for Py2,0.68 ppm for Py3),while Pb and Zn mainly exist as sulfide inclusions in the pyrite.S-Pb isotopes show that the sulfur and ore-forming material of this deposit are mainly sourced from magma.The mineral association,mineral textures and trace elements in different stages of pyrite indicate that fluid boiling and fluid mixing are the key factors of native gold precipitation in S2 and S4,respectively,while water-rock interaction controlled the precipitation of Pb-Zn sulfides.These integrating with geological characteristics suggests that the deposit should be an intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Temporal and spatial distribution of Au-Ag polymetallic ore deposits and source of ore-forming materials in the Zhangjiakou-Xuanhua mantle-branch metallogenetic zone

The Zhangjiakou-Xuanhua area is a mineral resource-concentrated area for gold-silver polymetallic ore deposits. The temporal and spatial distribution and origin of mineral resources have been argued for a long time. Based on the comprehensive studies of geochronology and sulfur, lead, oxygen, carbon and noble gas isotopes, it is considered that the temporal and spatial distribution of mineral resources in this area is obviously controlled by the Zhangjiakou-Xuanhua mantle branch structure, as is reflected by the occurrence of gold deposits in the inner parts and of Ag-Pb-Zn polymetallic ore deposits in the outer parts. The mineralization took place mainly during the Yanshanian period. Ore-forming materials came largely from the deep interior of the Earth, and hydrothermal fluids were derived predominantly from Yanshanian magmatism.

Temporal-spatial distribution and ore-forming material source of gold,copper and silver polymetallic ore deposits in the Fuping mantle structure zone

This study was conducted following research on metallogenesis in the Zhangjiajie-Xuanhua and East Hebei mantle branch structure zones. The Fuping mantle branch structure zone is one where Au, Cu and Ag poly-metallic ore resources are concentrated in North Hebei. However, there has existed a long-standing controversy on the temporal-spatial distribution of ore resources and their ore-forming material sources. In terms of age dating and the comprehensive analysis of S, Pb, O, C and Si isotopes, it is considered that the temporal-spatial distribution of ore resources in this mantle branch structure zone is obviously controlled by the Fuping mantle branch structure. In space there is developed such a metallogenic pattern as to be Ag, Pb and Zn polymetallic ore deposits with gold appearing inside and copper appearing outside. Metallogenesis is dated mainly at Yanshanian, the ore-forming materials were derived predominantly from the deep interior of the Earth, and ore-forming fluids were derived largely from Yanshanian magmatism.

Microthermometric measurement of fluid inclusions and its constraints on genesis of PGE-polymetallic deposits in Lower Cambrian black rock series, southern China

Systematic microthermometric measurements of fluid inclusions in the PGE-polymetallic deposits hosted in the Lower Cambrian black rock series in southern China were performed, and the results suggest: (1) there exist two types of fluid inclusions. TypeⅠis of NaCl-H-2O system with low-medium salinity, and its homogenization temperatures (T-h) and salinities are {106.9}-{286.4℃} and ({0.8}-{21.8}) wt%NaCl eq. respectively; TypeⅡ is of CaCl-2-NaCl-H-2O system with medium-high salinities, and its homogenization temperatures and salinities range from {120.1℃} to {269.6℃} and ({11.4}-{31.4}) wt%NaCl eq., respectively. The typeⅡ fluid inclusions have been discovered for the first time in this kind of deposits; (2) two generations of ore-forming fluids were recognized. Characteristics of fluid inclusions in the PGE-polymetallic ores and carbonate-quartz stockworks in the underlying phosphorites are almost of no difference, they may represent ore-forming fluids at the main metallogenic stage. The peak value of homogenization temperature of those fluid inclusions is about 170℃, while their salinities possess a remarkable bimodal distribution pattern with two peak values of (27-31) wt%NaCl eq. and (4-6) wt%NaCl eq. On the contrary, fluid inclusions in the carbonate-quartz veins in the hanging wall may represent ore-forming fluids at the post-metallogenetic stage. The homogenization temperatures and the peak values of salinities are mostly 130-170℃ and (12-14) wt%NaCl eq., respectively; (3) nobel gas isotopic composition analyses in combination with the microthermometric measurements of fluid inclusions suggest that the ore-forming fluids at the main metallogenetic stage were probably derived from mixing of basinal hot brines with the CaCl-2-NaCl-H-2O system and seawater with the NaCl-H-2O system; (4) in the Early Cambrian, the basinal hot brines were trapped in the Caledonian basins, which were distributed along the southern margin of the Yangtze Craton, and where giant thick sediments were accumulated, and expelled and migrated laterally along the strata because of the pressure caused by overlying sediments. The basinal hot brines absorbed Ni, Mo, V, PGE from the surrounding rocks and were transformed into ore-bearing hydrothermal fluids with the CaCl-2-NaCl-H-2O system and medium-high salinities, then ascended along faults and mixed with seawater of the NaCl-H-2O system, and finally PGE-polymetallic deposits or occurrences were formed in the black rock series.

Geochemical Characteristics of Gold Polymetallic Deposits as Exemp lified by the Laozuoshan Deposit, Heilongjiang, China

From the studies of ore deposit geologic settings, sulfur i so topes, lead isotopes, carbon isotopes and oxygen isotopes, fluid inclusions and petrochemistry in this paper, the authors have drawn a conclusion that the ore- forming hydrothermal solutions are the high-temperature magmatic hydrothermal s olutions for the gold ore deposit, and at the same time, the involvement of crus tal materials can not be ruled out. It is the first time that the authors have p roposed that the Laozuoshan gold-polymetallic ore deposit in Heilongjiang Prov ince was formed in the calc-alkaline series environment at the margin of an act ive continent.

Endogenic Au-Ag polymetallic ore deposits and ore-bearing potentiality of strata

The problem of ore-bearing potentiality of the strata involves metallogenic theory and ore-search orientation.Studies of the spatial distribution of endogenic Au-Ag polymetallic ore deposits in North Hebei indicated that the strata in which ore deposits occurred range in age from Paleozoic,Proterozoic to Mesozoic.In addition the ore deposits are characterized as being strata-bound in nature.The arise and establishment of "extracting" viewpoint may be attributed to the following three reasons:1) influence by the idea of "ore-source bed";2) limitation of analytical techniques in the 1980s'(especially gold element);and 3) a small number of samples(sampling locations were mostly disturbed by mineralization).Studies have shown that ore-forming materials would most probably come from the deep interior of the Earth.Deep-seated ore-bearing materials including Au-Ag polymetals were brought to the shallow levels by way of mantle plume-mantle sub-plume-mantle branch structure multi-stage evolution,finally leading to the formation of ore deposits.

Helium-argon isotopic tracing for the Pb-Zn-Ag polymetallic ore deposits in the central-south segment of the Da Hinggan Ling Range

In recent years big strides have been made in the exploration of ores in the central-south segment of the Da Hinggan Ling Range,though some debates still exist on the metallogenesis and sources of ore-forming materials.Pyrite and other sulfides in direct relation to the Pb-Zn-Ag ore deposits were chosen for the He and Ar isotopic analysis of ore-forming fluids,and the first He and Ar isotope data have been obtained from the study region.3He/4He ratios in 14 samples collected from 7 mining districts are 2.17×10-6-12.52×10-6,averaging 6.86×10-6 and their R/Ra ratios are 1.56-9.01 Ra,averaging 4.37 Ra.By projecting the data points onto the 3He-4He concentrations diagram,all the points fall near the mantle helium area.The calculated mantle-source helium ratios are within the range of 19.58%-76.96%,with an average of 49.52%.Argon isotopic characteristics are close to those of mantle source,indicating that the ore-forming material was transport upwards via the multi-stage evolution of mantle plume and concentrated as ores in the favorable loci of mantle branch structures.

Ore-controlling Characteristics of Synchronous Faults of Dongshengmiao Polymetallic Sulfide Deposits in Inner Mongolia

1 Introduction The Dongshengmiao deposit is a super-large Zn-Pb polymetallic sulfide deposit which occurring in the Langshan-Zhaertaaishan metallogenic belt,and located in the western margin of the North China Platform.The ore-bodies of Dongshengmiao deposits are mainly hosted in the second Formation of Langshan Group.There are some studies on the geological characteristics(Peng et al.,2004),geological and

Geological Characteristics and Its Metallogenesis of Daolundaba Copper Polymetallic Deposits,Inner Mongolia

1 Geology Daolundaba copper polymetallic deposit occurs in West Ujimqin Banner,the Xilin Gol League of Inner Mongolia,along the west side of South part of Daxinganling ore belt,whose tectonic position just lies at the junction of Siberian Block in the south part,North China Block in the north and Songliao block in the east.The Daolundaba copper polymetallic deposit is hosted by the Lower Proterozoic Baoyintu group of biotite-plagioclase gneiss(Pt1by),upper Permian Linxi formation of sandy slate(P2l),and the Hercynian Qianjinchang pluton of biotite granite.

豫西熊耳山蒿坪沟Ag-Au-Pb-Zn多金属矿床闪锌矿矿物学和微量元素组成特征及其成矿启示

蒿坪沟银金铅锌多金属矿床是豫西熊耳山地区重要的铅锌多金属矿床之一,矿体主要赋存在蚀变破碎带和断裂带内,成矿与区内岩浆活动关系密切。目前该矿床的研究集中于同位素地球化学、成矿时代和成矿物质来源等方面,但从矿物角度示踪成矿过程的报道较少。本文以矿石中不同世代闪锌矿为研究对象,开展电子探针和LA-ICP-MS原位主微量元素分析,查明不同世代闪锌矿的矿物学和微量元素组成特征,以反演矿床成矿物理化学条件进而约束矿床成因类型。结果表明,该矿床中闪锌矿主要存在两个世代:第一世代闪锌矿(Sp1)呈黑褐色或浅褐色,常与黄铁矿和黄铜矿共生,相对富集Fe、Mn、Cd、Cu和In;第二世代闪锌矿(Sp2)呈黄褐色或暗褐色,与大量方铅矿共生,裂隙被它形黄铁矿和碳酸盐充填,相对富集Co、Ge、Sn和Pb。闪锌矿中主要富集的元素为Fe、Co和In,其中Fe、Mn、Cd、Co和In等元素基本是以类质同象的形式赋存在闪锌矿的矿物晶格中,而Ag、Sb、Cu和Pb可能是以子矿物或显微包裹体的形式赋存。此外,Zn/Cd、Zn/Fe和Ga/In比值以及Fe温度计指示闪锌矿形成于中低温(沉淀时流体温度为229~259℃)和低硫逸度(lgƒ(S_(2))=-12.0~-10.1)的环境下,由成矿阶段II(Sp1到成矿阶段Ⅲ(Sp2其成矿温度可能发生了显著变化,结合面扫描分析结果,指示闪锌矿从核部到边缘温度逐渐降低。通过与国内外典型铅锌矿床闪锌矿微量元素特征对比,结合本矿床闪锌矿中低的Ga/In和Ge/In比值及Ge含量的特征,指示蒿坪沟银金铅锌多金属矿床成矿过程有岩浆活动的参与。综合认为蒿坪沟银金铅锌多金属矿床可能属于岩浆期后热液蚀变岩型和脉型矿床。

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.

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.

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.