Origin of the Yueguang gold deposit in Xinhua, Hunan Province, South China: insights from fl uid inclusion and hydrogen–oxygen stable isotope analysis

The Yueguang gold deposit is located in Fengjia,Xinhua County,Hunan Province,South China.It represents a recently discovered small-scale gold deposit situated in the southwestern region of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt,west of the Baimashan granitic batholith.In order to discern the characteristics of the ore-formingfluids,the underlying mineralization processes,and establish a foundation for the origin of the Yueguang gold depositfluid inclusion micro-thermometry,as well as quartz hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis,have been carried out on samples obtained from various stages of mineralization.The hydrothermal miner-alization stages within the Yueguang gold deposit can be categorized into three stages:(i)the barren,pre-ore quartz-pyrite stage(Stage Ⅰ),the quartz-pyrite-gold stage(Stage Ⅱ),and the post-ore quartz-carbonate stage(Stage Ⅲ),with the second stage being the main mineralization stage.Thefluid inclusions identified in samples from the main min-eralization stage can predominantly be described with the NaCl–H_(2)O and CO_(2)–NaCl–H_(2)O systems.These inclusions display homogenization temperatures ranging from 158.8 to 334.9℃,and thefluid salinity ranges from 0.3%to 4.0%(wt.%NaCl equiv.).Laser Raman spectroscopy analysis of individual inclusions further reveals the presence of gas-phases such as CO_(2),CH_(4),and N_(2).Isotopic analysis indicatesδ^(18)Ofluid values ranging from 3.95 to 6.7‰ and δDH_(2)O values ranging from-71.9 to-55.7‰.These results indi-cate that the ore-formingfluid of the Yueguang gold deposit belongs to metamorphic hydrothermalfluids of middle-low temperature and low salinity.In the process of ore formation,gold is transported in the form of Au(HS)2-complexes,with gold deposition being driven byfluid immiscibility.Therefore,the Yueguang gold deposit is categorized as an orogenic gold deposit dominated by metamorphic hydrother-malfluid.It may become a new target for gold exploration in the Baimashan region,central Hunan Province.

Discovery of scheelite in the Zaozigou gold deposit of West Qinling Orogen,Northwest China and its implications for ore genesis

1.Objective The West Qinling Orogen extends east-west over 1500 km and is endowed with dozens of large-super large scale gold deposits.The Zaozigou gold deposit has a proven reserve of 134 t with an average grade of 3.08 g/t thus is one of the largest deposits in the West Qinling Orogen.However,whether the fluid type is metamorphic or magmatichydrothermal and ore-formation processes of the Zaozigou gold deposit are equivocal.Scheelite is a ubiquitous accessory mineral in geologically diverse ore-deposit types and attested to be a strong indicator of ore-forming conditions and oredeposit genesis.

Geology and Geochemistry of K-feldspar Veins in Lamprophyre at the Zhenyuan Gold Deposit,Yunnan,Southwest China:Implications for Gold Mineralization

Lamprophyres typically appear in hydrothermal gold deposits.The relationship between lamprophyres and gold deposits is investigated widely.Some researchers suggest that the emplacement of lamprophyres triggers gold mineralization,whereas others hypothesize that the formation of lamprophyres increases the fertility of mantle sources and ore-forming fluids.K-feldspar veins,with ages between those of lamprophyres and gold deposits,appear in lamprophyres in Zhenyuan.Therefore,K-feldspar veins are ideal for investigating the relationship between lamprophyres and gold deposits.Phlogopite in K-feldspar veins has lower Mg#,Ni,and Cr contents and higher TiO2,Li,Ba,Sr,Sc,Zr,Nb,and Cs contents than phlogopite in lamprophyres.The in-situ Sr isotopic values of apatites(0.7063–0.7066)in K-feldspar veins are within the range for apatites(0.7064–0.7078)from lamprophyres.High large-ion lithophile element concentrations and low Nb and Ta concentrations in phlogopite from lamprophyres,in addition to high(87Sr/86Sr)i values of apatite(0.7064–0.7078),indicate that the magma parental to these phlogopite and apatite crystals is derived from an enriched mantle.Kfeldspar veins are genetically correlated with lamprophyres,whereas sulfide mineral assemblage and trace element compositions of pyrite in K-feldspar veins suggest that K-feldspar veins in lamprophyres are not directly related to gold mineralization of the Zhenyuan deposit.

Microthermometry and Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Fluid Inclusions in the Dongping Gold Deposit,Northern Margin of the North China Craton

To shed light on the genesis of the Dongping deposit and reveal the behaviour of CO_(2),Au and other ore elements(e.g.,Cu,Fe,Zn,As,Sb,Co etc.)in ore-forming fluids,petrographic,microthermometric and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence(SRXRF)analyses of fluid inclusions were conducted.The ore-forming fluid is characterized as an H_(2)O-CO_(2)-NaCl system with medium-high temperatures and low salinity.Four mineralization stages are identified,namely,feldsparquartz(stage 1);pyrite-white quartz(stage 2);sulfide-smoky grey quartz(stage 3);and carbonate-quartz(stage 4).Three types of inclusions were distinguished,based on fluid composition,phase assemblages and mode of homogenization.Type A:H_(2)O-rich fluid inclusions show 2 phases(liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+vapour H_(2)O(VH_(2)O))at room temperature and homogenize to the liquid phase.Type B:H_(2)O-CO_(2)fluid inclusions contain 2–3 phases(liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+vapour CO_(2)(VCO_(2));liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+liquid CO_(2)(LCO_(2)));liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+liquid CO_(2)(LCO_(2))+vapour CO_(2)(VCO_(2)))at room temperature and homogenized to the liquid H_(2)O phase.Type C:H_(2)O-CO_(2)fluid inclusions show 2 phases(liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+liquid CO_(2)(LCO_(2))at room temperature and homogenize to a critical state.CO_(2)is clearly more enriched in the fluid inclusions of stages 2 and 3 than in stage 1.Stage 1 is dominated by type A(H_(2)O-rich)inclusions with homogenization temperatures(Th)of 220–359℃and salinities of 1.1–3.1 wt%NaCl equivalent.Type B(CO_(2)-rich)inclusions gradually increase in stages 2 and 3.The Th range of type B inclusions in stage 2 is 241–397℃with salinities of 2.2–6.9 wt%NaCl equivalent;the Th range of type A inclusions is 217–373℃with salinities of 1.2–8.1 wt%NaCl equivalent.The Th range of type B inclusions in stage 3 is 215–361℃with salinities of 2.9–6.1 wt%NaCl equivalent;the range of type A inclusions is 158–351℃with a salinity of 0.7–5.5 wt%NaCl equivalent.Stage 4 is characterized by type A with Th of 151–250℃and salinities of 0.9–8.3 wt%NaCl equivalent.The mapping results show that elements As,Te and Sb are more concentrated in vapour CO_(2)than in liquid H_(2)O at room temperature,which suggests that vapour components are more able to transport elements when phase separation occurs.The SRXRF quantitative results show that Au,Cl,S and some other metals are obviously more enriched in the fluid inclusions of stages 2 and 3 than those in stage 1.Additionally,the contents of S in stages 1–3 are much lower than those of Cl,which suggests that gold might migrate mainly in the form of a gold-chloride complex.Au is more enriched in type B fluid inclusions than in type A fluid inclusions,which suggests that the enrichment and migration of gold are closely related to CO_(2)and CO_(2)plays a critical role in the migration and enrichment of gold.The trace elements in the fluid have a similar change trend to those in the Yanshanian syenogranite distributed in the southeastern part of the mining area,which may provide some evidence for an intrusion-related genesis for the Dongping gold deposit.

Geology, geochronology, and exploration of the Jiama giant porphyry copper deposit (11 Mt), Tibet, China: A review

Jiama,with more than 11 Mt of copper metal,is the largest porphyry-skarn copper system in the Gangdese metallogenic belt,Tibet,China,creating ideal conditions for deciphering the origin of porphyry ores in a collision setting.Despite massive studies of the geology,chronology,petrogenesis,and ore-related fluids and their sources in Jiama,there is a lack of systematic summaries and reviews of this system.In contrast to traditional porphyry copper systems in a subduction setting,recent studies and exploration suggest that the Jiama deposit includes porphyry-type Mo-Cu,skarn-type Cu polymetallic,vein-type Au and manto orebodies.This paper reviews the latest studies on the geology,chronology,petrogenesis,fluid inclusions,and isotopic geochemistry(hydrogen,oxygen,sulfur,and lead)of the Jiama deposit.Accordingly,a multi-center complex mineralization model was constructed,indicating that multi-phase intrusions from the same magma reservoir can form multiple hydrothermal centers.These centers are mutually independent and form various orebodies or are superimposed on each other and form thick,high-grade orebodies.Finally,a new comprehensive exploration model was established for the Jiama porphyry copper system.Both models established in this study help to refine the theories on continental-collision metallogeny and porphyry copper systems.

Application of tensor CSAMT with high-power orthogonal signal sources in Jiama porphyry copper deposit,South Tibet

The Jiama porphyry copper deposit in Tibet is one of the proven supergiant copper deposits in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at present,with the reserves of geological resources equivalent to nearly 20×10^(6) t.However,it features wavy and steep terrain,leading to extremely difficult field operation and heavy interference.This study attempts to determine the effects of the tensor controlled-source audiomagnetotellurics(CSAMT)with high-power orthogonal signal sources(also referred to as the high-power tensor CSAMT)when it is applied to the deep geophysical exploration in plateaus with complex terrain and mining areas with strong interference.The test results show that the high current provided by the highpower tensor CSAMT not only greatly improved the signal-to-noise ratio but also guaranteed that effective signals were received in the case of a long transmitter-receiver distance.Meanwhile,the tensor data better described the anisotropy of deep geologic bodies.In addition,the tests also show that when the transmitting current reaches 60 A,it is still guaranteed that strong enough signals can be received in the case of the transmitter-receiver distance of about 25 km,sounding curves show no near field effect,and effective exploration depth can reach 3 km.The 2D inversion results are roughly consistent with drilling results,indicating that the high-power tensor CSAMT can be used to achieve nearly actual characteristics of underground electrical structures.Therefore,this method has great potential for application in deep geophysical exploration in plateaus and mining areas with complex terrain and strong interference,respectively.This study not only serves as important guidance on the prospecting in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau but also can be used as positive references for deep mineral exploration in other areas.

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.

Chronology and Crust-Mantle Mixing of Ore-forming Porphyry of the Bangongco: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf Isotopes of the Naruo Porphyry Copper-Gold Deposit

The Naruo porphyry copper-gold deposit （hereinafter referred to as the Naruo deposit） in Tibet is a potentially ultra-large, typical gold-rich porphyry copper deposit, which was recently discovered in the Bangongco-Nujiang metallogenic belt. This study analyzed U-Ph chronology and Hf isotopes of the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry in the Naruo deposit using the LA-ICPMS dating technique. The results show that the weighted average age is 124.03±0.94Ma （MSWD=1.7, n=20）, and 2±6pb/23SU isocbron age is 126.2±2.7 Ma （MSWD=1.02, n=20）, both of which are within the error. The weighted average age represents the crystallization age of the granodiorite porphyry, which indicates that the ore-bearing porphyry in the Naruo deposit area was formed in the Early Cretaceous and further implies that the Neo-tethys Ocean had not been closed before 124 Ma under a typical island-arc subduction environment. The εGr（t） of zircons from the granodiorite porphyry varies from 2.14 to 9.07, with an average of 5.18, and all zircons have εRf（t） values greater than 0; 176Hf/177Hf ratio is relatively high （0.282725-0.282986）. Combined with the zircon age--Hf isotope correlation diagram, the aforementioned data indicate that the source reservoir might be a region that is mixed with depleted mantle and ancient crust, which possibly contains more materials sourced from depleted mantle. Rock-forming ages and ore-forming ages of the Duolong ore concentrate area are 120-124 Ma and 118-119 Ma, respectively, which indicate 124-118 Ma represents the main rockforming and ore-forming stage within the area. The Naruo deposit is located in the north of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture, and it yielded a zircon LA-ICPMS age of 124.03 Ma. This indicates the Bangongco-Nujiang oceanic basin subducted towards the north at about 124 Ma, and the Neo-tethys Ocean had not been closed before the middle Early Cretaceous. It is possible that the crust-mantle mixing formed the series of large and giant porphyry copper-gold deposits in the Bangongco.

Geological and Geochemical Characteristics and Genesis of the Shaxi Porphyry Copper (Gold) Deposits, Anhui Province

The Shaxi porphyry copper (gold) deposits are a typical example of porphyry copper deposits associated with diorite in eastern China. Quartz diorite, which hosts the deposits, has a Rb-Sr isochron age of 127.9 ± 1.6 Ma. Geochemically, the rock is rich in alkalis (especially sodium), light rare earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), and has a relatively low initial strontium isotopic ratio (Isr=0.7058); thus it is the product of differentiation of crust-mantle mixing source magma. The model of alteration and mineralization zoning is similar to the Hollister (1974) diorite model. The ore fluids have a relatively high salinity and contain significant amounts of CO2, Ca2+, Na+ and ***CI?. The homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions for the main mineralization stage range from 280 to 420°C, the δ18O values of the ore fluids vary from 3.51 to 5.52 %, the δD values are in the range between ?82.4 and ?59.8 %, the δ34S values of sulphides vary from ?0.3 to 2.49 %, and the δ13C values of CO2 in inclusions range between ?2.66 and ?6.53 %. Isotope data indicate that the hydrothermal ore fluids and ore substances of the Shaxi porphyry copper (gold) deposits were mainly derived from magmatic systems.

The geology, structure and mineralisation of the Oyu Tolgoi porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum deposits, Mongolia： A review

The Oyu Tolgoi cluster of seven porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposits in southern Mongolia,define a narrow,linear,12 km long,almost continuously mineralised trend,which contains in excess of 42 Mt of Cu and1850 t of Au,and is among the largest high grade porphyry Cu-Au deposits in the world.These deposits lie within the Gurvansayhan island-arc terrane,a fault bounded segment of the broader Silurian to Carboniferous Kazakh-Mongol arc,located towards the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt,a collage of magmatic arcs that were periodically active from the late Neoproterozoic to PermoTriassic,extending from the Urals Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.Mineralisation at Oyu Tolgoi is associated with multiple,overlapping,intrusions of late Devonian（～372 to 370 Ma） quartzmonzodiorite intruding Devonian（or older） juvenile,probably intra-oceanic arc-related,basaltic lavas and lesser volcaniclastic rocks,unconformably overlain by late Devonian（～370 Ma） basaltic to dacitic pyroclastic and volcano sedimentary rocks.These quartz-monzodiorite intrusions range from earlymineral porphyritic dykes,to larger,linear,syn-,late- and post-mineral dykes and stocks.Ore was deposited within syn-mineral quartz-monzodiorites,but is dominantly hosted by augite basalts and to a lesser degree by overlying dacitic pyroclastic rocks.Following ore deposition,an allochthonous plate of older Devonian（or pre-Devonian） rocks was overthrust and a post-ore biotite granodiorite intruded at～365 Ma.Mineralisation is characterised by varying,telescoped stages of intrusion and alteration.Early A-type quartz veined dykes were followed by Cu-Au mineralisation associated with potassic alteration,mainly K-feldspar in quartz-monzodiorite and biotite-magnetite in basaltic hosts.Downward reflux of cooled,late-magmatic hydrothermal fluid resulted in intense quartz-sericite retrograde alteration in the upper parts of the main syn-mineral intrusions,and an equivalent chlorite-muscovite/illite-hematite assemblage in basaltic host rocks.Uplift,facilitated by syn-mineral longitudinal faulting,brought sections of the porphyry deposit to shallower depths,to be overprinted and upgraded by late stage,shallower,advanced argillic alteration and high sulphidation mineralisation.Key controls on the location,size and grade of the deposit cluster include（i） a long-lived,narrow faulted corridor;（ii） multiple pulses of overlapping intrusion within the same structure;and（iii） enclosing reactive,mafic dominated wall rocks,focussing ore.

Enrichment of Platinum-group Elements(PGE) and Re-Os Isotopic Tracing for Porphyry Copper(Gold) Deposits

Platinum-group elements （PGE） in PGE-rich porphyry copper （gold） deposits are mainly Pt and Pd, whereas the concentrations of other PGE （Ru, Rh, Os, Ir） are significantly low. Moreover, Pt and Pd mainly exist in sulfides in the forms of crystal lattice or tiny platinum-group mineral （PGM） inclusions. The present data show that there is a positive relationship between Pt and Pd concentrations and Cu （Au） in porphyry copper （gold） deposits. The comparison of chondrite-normalized PGE distribution patterns between the ore-bearing porphyry intrusions and ore-barren porphyry intrusions in arc setting, 187^Os/188^Os, 87^Sr/86^Sr and S isotopes for porphyry copper （gold） deposits shows that PGEs were mainly derived from the mantle, and fluids from subduction zones devoted trivial PGE to the magma. The porphyry copper （gold） deposits associated with subducted events are most probably enriched in PGE, whereas those related to crustal thickening, lithospheric delamination or underplating rarely concentrate PGE. The osmium isotopic compositions in porphyry copper （gold） deposits reveal that （187^Os/188^Os）i values are highly variable and not lower than those of primitive upper mantle （PUM） and mantle peridotite, however, osmium concentrations are commonly lower than mantle peridotite, suggesting that parental magmas of some porphyry intrusions had experienced crustal contamination during magma evolution. Experimental investigations have proved that PGE exist in the forms of Cl^- and HS^- complexes during transportation and migration of the oreforming fluids. This paper summarizes previous studies including crucial controlling factors and mechanisms for PGE enrichment, and points out that the mantle-derived magmas parental to porphyry intrusions are the prerequisite for PGE enrichment in porphyry copper （gold） deposits. Favorable physical and chemical conditions （including salinity, temperature, pressure, pH, and oxygen fugacity） in hydrothermal fluids crucially control the PGE enrichment, and sulfur concentrations of melts play important roles in this process as well.

Formation of the adakite-like granitoid complex and porphyry copper-gold deposit in Shaxi from southern Tancheng-Lujiang fault belt: A clue to the West Pacific plate subduction

On the basis of the geological and geochemical studies, including chemical analysis of bulk rocks, rare-earth and trace element studies, fluid inclusion, and S and O isotopic analyses, the authors described the geological background of the deposit in detail and presented significant proofs for the conditions of formation of the Shaxi porphyry copper-gold deposit. Compared with other large and supper-large porphyry copper deposits in China and the adjacent Cu-Au mineralized areas, the ore-forming processes and conditions were analyzed; and the possibility of forming large porphyry copper deposits in the Shaxi area was discussed. The present study indicated that the ore-forming fluid and material were mainly of magmatic origin, while meteoric water played a certain role in the ore-forming processes. Interactions between subducting and overriding plates provided a major driving force for the formation of igneous rocks and the deposition of metal elements in East China since Jurassic. Based on the geo- chemical data of the Shaxi intrusive, it is found that the copper (gold) mineralization is closely related to the genesis of adakite-like intrusive in the Shaxi area. This adakite-like intrusive was formed in the subduction environment as a result of the subduction of the West Pacific plate toward the East China continent, where there is a great potentiality to form a large porphyry copper deposit.

Metallogeny of Shoshonite-Hosted Copper-Gold Deposits in Middle-South Parts of Tancheng-Lujiang Deep Fault Zone and Its Vicinity, Eastern China

The middle south parts of Tancheng Lujiang deep fault zone and its vicinity are an important locality of Cu Au deposits related to Mesozoic volcanic subvolcanic magmatism in eastern China. According to their metallogenic features and ore forming conditions, copper gold deposits in this district are ascribed to two groups: the epithermal group which can be further divided into tellurium gold type, quartz adularia type and quartz manganoansiderite type; the magmatic hydrothermal group which includes porphyry Cu Au deposit, breccia pipe porphyry type Au Cu deposit and skarn type Au Cu deposit. In this paper, characteristics of six typical shoshonite hosted Cu Au deposits are outlined. Additionally, the factors that control the metallogenesis and distribution of these Cu Au deposits are discussed preliminarily.

The first discovery of Xinlong epithermal gold deposit in southern margin of the Bangonghu-Nujiang metallogenic belt: A new expansion of gold prospecting in Northern Tibet

The Xinlong gold deposit is located in Niyma County,Naqu area of Tibet and was discovered by the Institute of Mineral Resources,Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences through the 1∶50000 mineral geological survey.The ore bodies occur in the Zenong Group volcanic rocks in the middle section of the central Lhasa subterrane and are structurally controlled by the NNW-striking faults.Four ore bodies have been found,exhibiting cloddy,dense-sparse,disseminated,and breccia structures.The ore minerals are mainly tetrahedrite group minerals,and other ore minerals include pyrite,chalcopyrite,nevskite,bornite,anglesite,native gold,and silver-gold bearing selenide,etc.The types of alteration are dominated by silicification,as well as middle-and high-graded argillization.The alteration mineral assemblages contain quzrtz,pyrophyllite,and kaolinite.The Zaliela Formation volcanic rocks of Zenong Group are silicified by later hydrothermal fluid with vuggy quartz in some fractured zones.The middle-and high-graded argillization are characterized by pyrophyllitization and kaolinization.The Xinlong gold deposit shows great metallogenetic potentiality and has been revealed by 1∶10000 geological mapping,IP sounding,and trial trenching in the mining area.Combined with the regional metallogenic geological setting,we suppose that a potential epithermal gold belt probably exists in the middle of the Lhasa terrane.The discovery of the Xinlong gold deposit opens a new chapter for the gold prospecting in Northern Tibet.

Fe-bearing minerals and implications for gold mineralization for the Wangu deposit in Central Jiangnan Orogen

Hydrothermal alteration with bleaching of host rocks is the most important prospecting indicator for gold deposits in the Jiangnan Orogen Belt.The alteration has been identified as pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization and the Fe of siderite in the alteration zone is derived from the host rocks rather than fluids.In addition,such alteration decreases in intensity and width with depth and gold mineralization also occur in the non-bleached rocks,casting doubt on the reliability of the prospecting indicator.Detailed petrographic work and SEM analysis on the Wangu deposit indicate that there are two types of siderites,i.e.,Sd1 and Sd2.Among them,Sd1 grains are relatively small and distributed along the planes of unaltered host rocks,while Sd2 grains,only occurring in the altered slates,are commonly larger.Both types of siderites were altered by auriferous fluids,producing porous cores and minerals such as pyrite,quartz,and ankerite.Compared with unaltered parts,the altered parts have lower Fe,but higher U,Pb,and REE.In addition,Sd1 and Sd2 are similar in Mn,Na,V,and Sr concentrations but different in Fe and Mg.The occurrence and geochemical compositions of both siderites indicate that Sd1 could be transformed into Sd2 by pre-mineralization alteration through dissolution-reprecipitation.Chlorite is another important Fe-bearing mineral in the host rocks,and EPMA analysis suggests that it is ripidolite with relatively high Fe contents.Consequently,chlorite can also provide Fe to form the pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization.Geochemical modeling demonstrates that both ripidolite and siderite can result in sulfidation and therefore gold precipitation.As a result,this study demonstrates that pre-ore alteration with characterized bleaching is not a prerequisite for gold mineralization despite of its prominent features.Due to the presence of Fe-bearing Sd1 and chlorite,gold mineralization could still occur through sulfidation in the unaltered rocks.

In Situ Rb-Sr Dates of Muscovite and Sulfur Isotope of Pyrite from the Yangshan Gold Deposit in Western Qinling,China

Located along the southern part of the West Qinling orogenic belt,the Yangshan gold deposit is one of the largest in China.The major gold ores of Yangshan are disseminated in metasedimentary host rocks with minor native gold amounts in stibnite-gold quartz veins.Pyrite and arsenopyrite are the major Au-bearing minerals.Hydrothermal muscovite from gold-bearing quartz veins was dated using the in situ Rb-Sr method to determine the formation age of the Yangshan gold deposit.The Rb-Sr isochron date of the muscovite yielded 210.1±5.6 Ma(MSWD=1.2).This date is near the lower end of the period of the mineralized granitic dykes(210.49-213.10 Ma).Two stages of gold enriching process are recognized in the gold-bearing pyrite:the first is incorporated with the Co,Cu,As,Ni enrichment;and the second is accompanied by Bi,Co,Ni,Pb,Cu,Sb concentration.The in-situ sulfur isotopic values of pyrites show a restrictedΔ34s range of-1.43‰to 2.86‰with a mean value of 0.43‰.Trace-element mapping and in-situ sulfur isotopic analysis of pyrite suggest that the sulfur deposits are likely derived from a magmatic source and likely assimilated by sulfur from the sedimentary bedrock.Thus,magmatism plays a critical role in the formation of the Yangshan gold deposit.

Correlations between trace elements in pyrite and gold mineralization of gold deposits on the North China platform

By studying both the microscopic physical and chemical typomorphic characteristics of typical mineral pyrite samples associated with representative gold deposits on the north-central margin of the North China Platform,this paper seeks to identify macroscopic metallogenic mechanisms of gold deposits and to reveal the formation mechanism of lattice gold in pyrite.Typomorphic characteristics of pyrite reveal that pyrite grain size has a negative correlation with gold content.Cubic pyrite,as the dominant crystal form,contains more gold than pentagonal dodecahedral pyrite.Both pyrite crystal forms and chemical compositions indicate that the replacement style of gold deposit formed in a low saturability,low sulfur fugacity,and at temperatures either much higher or much lower than its best forming temperature;comparatively,that of the quartz vein style of gold deposit occurred under conditions with the best temperature,rich in sulfur,and with high sulfur fugacity.The Au/Ag ratios of the pyrites show that both the replacement and quartz vein styles of deposits are mesothermal and hypothermal,while the Co/Ni ratios of the pyrites indicate that the quartz vein style is of magmatic-hydrothermal origin.The X-ray diffraction intensity of pyrite rich in gold is lower than that of pyrite poor in gold at the quartz vein style.In general,with an increase in gold content in pyrite,the total sum intensityΣI decreases.The pyroelectricity coefficient has a negative correlation trend with the values of(Co+Ni+Se+Te)-As and(Co+Ni+Se+Te)/As.The pyrite pyroelectricity of the replacement style is N-type,indicating that it formed under low sulfur fugacity,while that of the quartz vein style is a mixture of P-N types,indicating that it formed under high sulfur fugacity.On the pyroelectricity-temperature diagram,pyrite of the replacement style is mainly distributed between 200 and 270°C,while that of the quartz vein style varies between 90–118 and274–386°C,demonstrating a multistage forming process.In contrast to previous researchers'conclusions,the authors confirm the existence of lattice gold in pyrites through the use of an electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)test.Au in the form of Au~+,entering pyrite as an isomorph and producing electron–hole centers,makes the centers produce spin resonance absorption and results in EPR absorption peak II.The intensity of auriferous pyrite absorption peak II has certain direct positive correlations with pyrite gold content.The#I and#III absorption peaks of pyrites possibly result from the existence of Ni^(2+)and/or Cu^(2+).γ1,γ2,andγ3 are the strongest and most typical absorption peaks of the infrared spectra of the pyrites.Generally,with the increase in gold content in the pyrite samples,γ1,γ2,andγ3 tend to shift to higher wavenumbers,and the gold content in the pyrite samples has a positive correlation with their relative absorbance.

Mineralization of the Liwu large-scale stratiform copper deposits in Sichuan Province, China: Constraints from fluid inclusions

The Liwu stratiform copper deposit is located in the northwestern Jianglang dome,western China.Current studies mainly focus on the genetic type and mineralization of this deposit.Detailed fluid inclusion characteristics of metallogenic period quartz veins were studied to reveal the ore-forming fluid features.Laser Raman analysis indicates that the ore-forming fluids is a H_(2)O-NaCl-CH_(4)(-CO_(2))system.Fluid inclusions microthermometry shows a homogenization temperature of 181-375°C and a salinity of 5.26%-16.99%for the disseminated-banded Cu-Zn mineralization;but a homogenization temperature of 142-343°C and a salinity of 5.41%-21.19%for the massive-veined Cu-Zn mineralization.These features suggest a medium-high temperature and a medium salinity for the ore-forming fluids.H-O isotopic data indicates that the ore-forming fluids were mainly from the metamorphic and magmatic water,plus minor formation water.And sulfur isotopic data indicates that sulfur was mainly derived from the formation and magmatic rocks.Metallogenesis of the disseminated-banded mineralization was mainly correlated with fluid mixing and water-rock reaction;whereas that of the massive-veined mineralization was mainly correlated with fluid boiling.The genetic type of the deposit is a medium-high temperature hydrothermal deposit related to magmatism and controlled by shear zones.This study is beneficial to understand the stratiform copper deposit.

Genesis, metallogenic model, and prospecting prediction of the Nibao gold deposit in the Guizhou Province, China

Southwestern Guizhou province is one of China’s most important distribution areas of Carlin-type gold deposits. The Nibao deposit is a typical gold deposit in southwestern Guizhou. To elucidate the genesis of the Nibao gold deposit, establish a metallogenic model, and guide prospecting prediction, we systematically collected previously reported geological, geochemical, and dating data and discussed the genesis of the Nibao gold deposit,based on which we proposed the metallogenic model.Earlier works show that the Nibao anticline, F1 fault, and its hanging wall dragged anticline(Erlongqiangbao anticline) were formed before or simultaneously with gold mineralization, while F2, F3, and F4 faults postdate gold mineralization. Regional geophysical data showed extensive low resistivity anomaly areas near the SBT(the product of tectonic slippage and hydrothermal alteration)between the P2/P3 and the strata of the Longtan Formation in the SSE direction of Nibao anticline in the lower plate of F1 and hanging wall dragged anticline(Erlongqiangbao anticline), and the anomaly areas are distributed within the influence range of anticlines. Simultaneously, soil and structural geochemistry show that F1, Nibao anticline,Erlongqiangbao anticline, and their transition areas all show good metallogenic elements(Au, As, and S) assemblage anomalies, with good metallogenic space and prospecting possibilities. There are five main hypotheses about the source of ore-forming fluids and Au in the Nibao gold deposit:(1) related to the Emeishan mantle plume activity;(2) source from the Emeishan basalt;(3) metamorphic fluid mineralization;(4) basin fluid mineralization;(5) related to deep concealed magmatic rocks;of these, the mainstream understanding is the fifth speculation. It is acknowledged that the ore-forming fluids are hydrothermal fluids with medium–low temperature, high pressure, medium–low salinity, low density, low oxygen fugacity, weak acidity, weak reduction, and rich in CO_(2)and CH_(4). The fluid pressure is 2–96.54 MPa, corresponding to depths of 0.23–3.64 km. The dating results show that the metallogenic age is ~141 Ma, the extensional tectonic environment related to the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate. Based on the above explanation, the genetic model related to deep concealed magmatic rocks of the Nibao gold deposit is established, and favorable prospecting areas are outlined;this is of great significance for regional mineral exploration and studying the genesis of gold deposits.

Characteristics and origin of ore-forming fluids of Jinchangqing gold (copper) ore deposit (s) in Xiangyun, Yunnan Province

On the basis of results of the studies of primary fluid inclusions, and the hydrogen and oxygen isotope data, the authors concluded that the early-stage ore-forming fluid from the Jinchangqing gold (copper) ore deposit is a kind of sulfate type hot brine characterized by medium temperature and salinity, genetically related to the late-stage ore-forming fluid derived from an acidic and more reductive environment. However, the late-stage ore-forming fluid is a sort of low temperature and low salinity chloride-type hot brine which originated from a lower pressure, acidic and more oxidative environment. In general, the ore fluids were derived from the late-stage, or largely from the early-stage groundwater-derived meteoric water, which has a 12‰-17‰ heavier oxygen isotopic composition than the original rain water (δ{}+{18}O={-15.3‰}), and were formed during gold mineralization as a product of oxygen isotope exchange during the reaction between ore-forming fluid and wall rocks under a lower water/rock ratio condition.