Isotope geochemistry (O, C, S, Sr) and Rb-Sr age of carbonatites in central Tuva

The Rb-Sr isochron age of igneous ankerite-calcite and siderite carbonatites in central Tuva is estimated at 118 ± 9 Ma. The following ranges of initial values of O, C, Sr, and sulfide and S isotopic compositions were established: δ¹⁸O_carb = +(8.8?14.7)‰, δ¹³C_carb = ?(3.6?4.9)‰, δ¹⁸O_quartz = +(11.6?13.7)‰, δ³⁴S_pyrite = +(0.3?1.1)‰, and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i =0.7042?0.7048 for ankerite-calcite carbonatite and δ¹⁸O_sid = +(9.2?12.4)‰, δ¹³C_sid = ?(3.9?5.9)‰, δ¹⁸O_quartz = +(11.2?11.4)‰, δ³⁴S_pyrite = ?(4.4–1.8)‰, δ³⁴S_sulfate = +(8.6?14.5)‰, and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7042?0.7045 for siderite carbonatite. The obtained isotopic characteristics indicate that both varieties of carbonatites are cognate and their mantle source is comparable with the sources of Late Mesozoic carbonatites in the western Transbaikal region and Mongolia. The revealed heterogeneity of isotopic compositions of carbonatites is caused by their contamination with country rocks, replacement with hydrothermal celestine, and supergene alteration.     

Deducing the source and composition of rare earth mineralising fluids in carbonatites: insights from isotopic (C,O, <Superscript>87</Superscript>Sr/<Superscript>86</Superscript>Sr) data from Kangankunde,Malawi

Carbonatites host some of the largest and highest grade rare earth element (REE) deposits but the composition and source of their REE-mineralising fluids remains enigmatic. Using C, O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope data together with major and trace element compositions for the REE-rich Kangankunde carbonatite (Malawi), we show that the commonly observed, dark brown, Fe-rich carbonatite that hosts REE minerals in many carbonatites is decoupled from the REE mineral assemblage. REE-rich ferroan dolomite carbonatites, containing 8–15 wt% REE₂O₃, comprise assemblages of monazite-(Ce), strontianite and baryte forming hexagonal pseudomorphs after probable burbankite. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.70302–0.70307) affirm a carbonatitic origin for these pseudomorph-forming fluids. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of strontianite, representing the REE mineral assemblage, indicate equilibrium between these assemblages and a carbonatite-derived, deuteric fluid between 250 and 400 °C (δ¹⁸O + 3 to + 5‰_VSMOW and δ¹³C ? 3.5 to ? 3.2‰_VPDB). In contrast, dolomite in the same samples has similar δ¹³C values but much higher δ¹⁸O, corresponding to increasing degrees of exchange with low-temperature fluids (< 125 °C), causing exsolution of Fe oxides resulting in the dark colour of these rocks. REE-rich quartz rocks, which occur outside of the intrusion, have similar δ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr to those of the main complex, indicating both are carbonatite-derived and, locally, REE mineralisation can extend up to 1.5 km away from the intrusion. Early, REE-poor apatite-bearing dolomite carbonatite (beforsite: δ¹⁸O + 7.7 to + 10.3‰ and δ¹³C ?5.2 to ?6.0‰; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70296–0.70298) is not directly linked with the REE mineralisation.     

Geological and C–O–S–Pb–Sr isotopic constraints on the origin of the Qingshan carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposit,Southwest China

Located in the western Yangtze Block, the Qingshan Pb–Zn deposit, part of the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou Pb–Zn metallogenic province, contains 0.3 million tonnes of 9.86 wt.% Pb and 22.27 wt.% Zn. Ore bodies are hosted in Carboniferous and Permian carbonate rocks, structurally controlled by the Weining–Shuicheng anticline and its intraformational faults. Ores composed of sphalerite, galena, pyrite, dolomite, and calcite occur as massive, brecciated, veinlets, and disseminations in dolomitic limestones.

The C–O isotope compositions of hydrothermal calcite and S–Pb–Sr isotope compositions of Qingshan sulphide minerals were analysed in order to trace the sources of reduced sulphur and metals for the Pb–Zn deposit. δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of calcite range from –5.0‰ to –3.4‰ and +18.9‰ to +19.6‰, respectively, and fall in the field between mantle and marine carbonate rocks. They display a negative correlation, suggesting that CO₂ in the hydrothermal fluid had a mixed origin of mantle, marine carbonate rocks, and sedimentary organic matter. δ³⁴S values of sulphide minerals range from +10.7‰ to +19.6‰, similar to Devonian-to-Permian seawater sulphate (+20‰ to +35‰) and evaporite rocks (+23‰ to +28‰) in Carboniferous-to-Permian strata, suggesting that the reduced sulphur in hydrothermal fluids was derived from host-strata evaporites. Ores and sulphide minerals have homogeneous and low radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.561 to 18.768, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.701 to 15.920, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.831 to 39.641) that plot in the upper crust Pb evolution curve, and are similar to those of Devonian-to-Permian carbonate rocks. Pb isotope compositions suggest derivation of Pb metal from the host rocks. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of sphalerite range from 0.7107 to 0.7136 and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_200Ma ratios range from 0.7099 to 0.7126, higher than Sinian-to-Permian sedimentary rocks and Permian Emeishan flood basalts, but lower than Proterozoic basement rocks. This indicates that the ore strontium has a mixture source of the older basement rocks and the younger cover sequence. C–O–S–Pb–Sr isotope compositions of the Qingshan Pb–Zn deposit indicate a mixed origin of the ore-forming fluids and metals.     

The origin of the Maozu carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposit,southwest China: Constrained by C–O–S–Pb isotopic compositions and Sm–Nd isotopic age

The Maozu Pb–Zn deposit, located on the western margin of the Yangtze Block, southwest China, is a typical carbonate-hosted deposit in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou Pb–Zn metallogenic province with Pb + Zn reserves of about 2.0 million tonnes grading 4.15 wt.% Pb and 7.25 wt.% Zn. Its ore bodies are hosted in Sinian (635–541 Ma) Dengying Formation dolostone and show stratiform, vein and irregular textures. Ores are composed of sphalerite, galena, pyrite, calcite, dolomite, quartz and fluorite with massive, banded, disseminated and veined structures. The C–O–Sm–Nd isotopic compositions of hydrothermal calcites and S–Pb isotopic compositions of sulfides were analyzed to constrain the origin of the Maozu deposit. δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of hydrothermal calcites range from −3.7‰ to −2.0‰ and +13.8‰ to +17.5‰, respectively, and plot near the marine carbonate rocks field in a plot of δ¹³C_PDB vs. δ¹⁸O_SMOW, with a negative correlation. It suggests that CO₂ in the hydrothermal fluids was mainly originated from marine carbonate rocks, with limited influence from sedimentary organic matter. δ³⁴S_CDT values of sulfides range from +9.9‰ to +19.2‰, similar to that of Cambrian to Triassic seawater sulfate (+15‰ to +35‰) and evaporate (+15‰ to +30‰) in the Cambrian to Triassic sedimentary strata. It suggests that reduced sulfur was derived from evaporate in sedimentary strata by thermo chemical sulfate reduction. Sulfides have low radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.129–18.375, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.640–15.686 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.220–38.577) that plot in the field between upper crust and the orogenic belt evolution curve in the plot of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and similar to that of age corrected Proterozoic basement rocks (Dongchuan and Kunyang Groups). This indicates that ore-forming metals were mainly derived from basement rocks. Hydrothermal calcite yields a Sm–Nd isotopic age of 196 ± 13 Ma, possibly reflecting the timing of Pb–Zn mineralization in the SYG province, younger than the Permian Emeishan mantle plume (∼260 Ma). All data combined suggests that hydrothermal fluids circulated through basement rocks where they picked up metals and migrated to surface, mixed with reduced sulfur-bearing fluids and precipitated metals. Ore genesis of the Maozu deposit is different from known magmatic–hydrothermal, Sedimentary Exhalative or Mississippi Valley-types, which maybe represent a unique ore deposit type, named as the SYG-type.     

Magnesium isotopic behaviors between metamorphic rocks and their associated leucogranites,and implications for Himalayan orogenesis

Magnesium isotopic compositions, along with new Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data and elemental analyses, are reported for 12 Miocene tourmaline-bearing leucogranites, 15 Eocene two-mica granites and 40 metamorphic rocks to investigate magnesium isotopic behaviors during metamorphic processes and associated magmatism and constrain the tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic evolution of the Himalayan orogeny. The gneisses, granulites and amphibolites represent samples of the Indian lower crust and display large range in δ²⁶Mg from −0.44‰ to −0.09‰ in mafic granulites, −0.44‰ to −0.10‰ in amphibolites, and −0.70‰ to −0.03‰ in granitic gneisses. The average Mg isotopic compositions of the granitic gneisses (−0.19 ± 0.34‰), mafic granulites (−0.22 ± 0.17‰) and amphibolites (−0.25 ± 0.24‰) are similar, indicating the limited Mg isotope fractionation during prograde metamorphism from granitic gneisses to mafic granulites and retrograde metamorphism from mafic granulites to amphibolites. The Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites are characterized by large variations in elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions. The leucogranites and two-mica granites have their corresponding (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i varying from 0.7282 to 0.7860 and 0.7163 to 0.7191, (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i from 0.511888 to 0.512040 and 0.511953 to 0.512076, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.7215 to 15.7891 and 15.7031 to 15.7317, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 38.8521 to 39.5286 and 39.2710 to 39.4035, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 18.4748 to 19.0139 and 18.7834 to 18.9339. However, they have similar Mg isotopic compositions (−0.21‰ to +0.06‰ versus −0.24‰ to +0.09‰), which did not originate from fractional crystallization nor source heterogeneity. Based on hornblende/biotite/muscovite dehydration melting reaction and Mg isotopic variations in two-mica granites and leucogranites with the proceeding metamorphism, along with elemental discrimination diagrams, Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites could be related to hornblende dehydration melting and muscovite dehydration melting, respectively. Mg isotopic compositions of Eocene two-mica granites become heavier compared to the source because of residues of isotopically light garnet in the source; while those of Miocene leucogranites become lighter because of entrainment of isotopically light garnet from the source region. Thus, a new model for crustal anatexis and Himalayan orogenesis was proposed based on the Mg isotope fractionation in the leucogranites and metamorphic rocks. This model emphasizes a successive process from Indian continental subduction to rapid exhumation of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series (HHCS). The former underwent high-temperature (HT) and high-pressure (HP) granulite-facies prograde metamorphism, which resulted in the hornblende dehydration melting and the formation of Eocene two-mica granites; while the latter experienced amphibolite-facies retrogression and decompression, which resulted in the muscovite dehydration melting and the formation of Miocene leucogranites.     

Genesis of Pb–Zn Mineralization Beneath the Xiangshan Uranium Orefield,South China: Constraints from H–O–S–Pb Isotopes and Rb–Sr Dating

The volcanic‐hosted Xiangshan uranium orefield is the largest uranium deposit in South China. Recent exploration has discovered extensive Pb–Zn mineralization beneath the uranium orebodies. Detailed geological investigation reveals that the major metallic minerals include pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite, whilst the major non‐metallic minerals include quartz, sericite, and calcite. New δ¹⁸O_fluid and δD_fluid data indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were mainly derived from magmatic, and the sulfide δ³⁴S values (2.2–6.9‰) suggest a dominantly magmatic sulfur source. The Pb isotope compositions are homogeneous (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.120–18.233, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.575–15.698, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.047–38.446). The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of sulfide minerals range from 0.7197 to 0.7204, which is much higher than volcanic rocks and fall into the range of metamorphic basement. Lead and strontium isotopic compositions indicate that the metallogenic materials probably were derived from metamorphic basement. Pyrite Rb–Sr dating of the ores yielded 131.3 ± 4.0 Ma, indicating that the Pb–Zn mineralization occurred in the Early Cretaceous.     

Zircon U-Pb ages,geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic compositions of the Pinghe pluton,Southwest China: implications for the evolution of the early Palaeozoic Proto-Tethys in Southeast Asia

The geological record of the Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic Proto-Tethyan Ocean in Southeast Asia is not clear. To better constrain the evolution of the Proto-Tethys, we present new geochronology, geochemistry, and petrology of the late Cambrian to Ordovician Pinghe pluton monzogranite from the Baoshan block, western Yunnan, southwest China. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of four zircon samples yield ages of 482–494 and 439–445 Ma for the pluton, interpreted as two episodes within one magmatic event accompanying the whole process of subduction–collision–orogeny between buoyant blocks and oceanic crust of the Proto-Tethys. The monzogranite belongs to the strong peraluminous, high-K, calc-alkaline series and shows characteristics of both I-type and S-type granitic rocks. It is characterized by extremely high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba but low TiO₂, MgO, FeOt, and CaO/Na₂O ratios. The monzogranite is also moderately enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), lacks HREE fractionation, and has strongly negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.06–0.49), Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, and Ti anomalies. Whole-rock ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values range from ?8.7 to ?11.6 and ?5.55 to ?9.58, respectively. Nd and Hf two-stage model ages range from 1.66 to 2.06 Ga and 2.14 to 3.00 Ga, respectively, with variable radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (16.547–18.705), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (15.645–15.765), and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (38.273–38.830). These signatures suggest that the monzogranite magma was derived from partial melting of heterogeneous metapelite, which was generated from Neoarchean to Palaeoproterozoic materials mixed with basaltic magma. The monzogranite magma underwent crystallization differentiation of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and ilmenite. Magmatism to form the Pinghe pluton occurred in a post-collisional setting. Based on the comparison of coeval granites throughout adjacent regions (e.g. Himalayan orogen, Lhasa Terrane, and parts of Gondwana supercontinent), we propose that the Baoshan block was derived from the northern Australian Proto-Tethyan Andean-type active continental margin of Gondwana and experienced subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust and accretion of an outboard micro-continent. The Pinghe pluton could have formed when a subducting oceanic slab broke off during collision.     

Acigöl rhyolite field,central Anatolia (part II): geochemical and isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb, δ<Superscript>18</Superscript>O) constraints on volcanism involving two high-silica rhyolite suites

The Acigöl rhyolite field erupted the most recent high-silica rhyolites within the Cappadocian Volcanic Province of central Anatolia, Turkey. It comprises two sequences of domes and pyroclastic rocks with eruption ages of ~150–200 ka (eastern group) and ~20–25 ka (western group). Compositionally, the eastern rhyolite group lavas are less evolved (SiO₂ = 74–76 wt%), whereas the western group has higher silica abundance (SiO₂ = ~77 wt%) with extremely depleted feldspar-compatible trace elements. Within each group, compositional variability is small and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51257–0.51265) and Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.87–18.88, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.65–15.67 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.94–38.98) are homogeneous. The western group rhyolites have δ¹⁸O(zircon) overlapping mantle values (5.7 ± 0.2‰), whereas eastern group rhyolites are enriched in δ¹⁸O by ~0.5‰, consistent with a tendency to lower εNd values. By contrast, western group rhyolites have markedly more radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7065–0.7091) compared to those of the eastern group (0.7059–0.7065). The presence of angular granitic xenoliths and a correlation between hydration (based on loss on ignition data) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the western lavas, however, indicates that Sr was added during the eruption or post-eruption alteration. Isotope constraints preclude the possibility that the rhyolite magmas formed by partial melting of any known regional crystalline basement rocks. Basalts and andesites erupted in the periphery of the Acigöl field are characterised by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios between 0.7040 and 0.7053, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51259–0.51300, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.85–18.87, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.646–15.655, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.90–38.97. The isotopic and trace element data favour an origin of the rhyolites by mixing of basaltic/andesitic magmas with minor amounts of crustal melts and followed by extensive fractional crystallization.     

Evolution of rare-earth mineralization in the Bear Lodge carbonatite,Wyoming: Mineralogical and isotopic evidence

The Bear Lodge alkaline complex in northeastern Wyoming (USA) is host to potentially economic rare-earth mineralization in carbonatite and carbonatite-related veins and dikes that intrude heterolithic diatreme breccias in the Bull Hill area of the Bear Lodge Mountains. The deposit is zoned and consists of pervasively oxidized material at and near the surface, which passes through a thin transitional zone at a depth of ~ 120–183 m, and grades into unaltered carbonatites at depths greater than ~ 183–190 m. Carbonatites in the unoxidized zone consist of coarse and fine-grained calcite that is Sr-, Mn- and inclusion-rich and are characterized by the presence of primary burbankite, early-stage parisite and synchysite with minor bastnäsite that have high (La/Nd)cn and (La/Ce)_cn values. The early minerals are replaced with polycrystalline pseudomorphs consisting of secondary rare-earth fluorocarbonates and ancylite with minor monazite. Different secondary parageneses can be distinguished on the basis of the relative abundances and composition of individual minerals. Variations in key element ratios, such as (La/Nd)_cn, and chondrite-normalized profiles of the rare-earth minerals and calcite record multiple stages of hydrothermal deposition involving fluids of different chemistry. A single sample of primary calcite shows mantle-like δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW and δ¹³C_V-PDB values, whereas most other samples are somewhat depleted in ¹³C (δ¹³C_V-PDB ≈ − 8 to − 10‰) and show a small positive shift in δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW due to degassing and wall-rock interaction. Isotopic re-equilibration is more pronounced in the transitional and oxidized zones; large shifts in δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW (to ~ 18‰) reflect the input of meteoric water during pervasive hydrothermal reworking and supergene oxidation. The textural relations, mineral chemistry and C and O stable-isotopic variations record a polygenetic sequence of rare-earth mineralization in the deposit. With the exception of one Pb-poor sample showing an appreciable positive shift in ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb value (~ 39.2), the Bear Lodge carbonatites are remarkably uniform in their Nd, Sr and Pb isotopic composition: ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_t = 0.512591–0.512608; εNd_t = 0.2–0.6; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_t = 0.704555–0.704639; εSr_t = − 1.5–2.7; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_t = 18.071–18.320; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_t = 15.543–15.593; and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_t = 38.045–39.165. These isotopic characteristics indicate that the source of the carbonatitic magma was in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, and modified by subduction-related metasomatism. Carbonatites are interpreted to be generated from small degrees of partial melt that may have been produced via interaction of upwelling asthenosphere giving a small depleted MORB component, with an EM1 component likely derived from subducted Farallon crust.     

Genesis of the stratiform Zhenzigou PbZn deposit in the North China Craton: RbSr and COSPb isotope constraints

Isotopes (RbSr, C, O, S, and Pb) were investigated from the Zhenzigou PbZn deposit in the Qingchengzi mineral field (QMF) of the North China Craton as an aid to determine the genesis of stratiform PbZn deposits in the Liao-Ji Rift. A step-dissolution RbSr age of 1798 ± 8 Ma with 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 17.7477–17.8527 were obtained from sphalerite. Sulfur isotopic ratios for pyrite (5–14.4‰), sphalerite (2.4–8.6‰), and galena (− 0.3–8.6‰) from Zhenzigou have a narrower range than those from the host Paleoproterozoic Dashiqiao Formation, and granite in the area. Calcite and limestone from ore and wallrocks at the deposit have similar C and O isotope compositions, with δ¹³C_PDB ranging from − 6.0 to − 2.3‰ and δ¹⁸O_SMOW from 9.8 to 13.7‰, which are similar to those of carbonatite and the mantle.Comprehensive analysis of the Pb isotopic composition of the sulfide from the Zhenzigou deposit and PbZn deposits in adjacent area show that the Pb originated from the upper crust and mixed with Pb from the mantle. Sulfur isotopes from Zhenzigou deposit indicate that the mineralization has a volcanic eruption source. The δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values indicate that the CO₂ originated from a mixed mantle, marine carbonate and organic source.Combined with the study of regional metallogenic background, this paper proposes that deposition of stratiform PbZn mineralization in the QMF began ca. 2052 Ma during development of the Liaoji Rift. The mineralization extended to ca. 1798 Ma prior to deformation associated with the Lvliang Movement, which dismembered the stratiform PbZn mineralization. The veined mineralization in the region cross-cuts the stratiform deposits and represents remobilized and redeposited deposits associated with the emplacement of Triassic plutons such as the Xinling and Shuangdinggou granites.     

H-O-S-Cu-Pb Isotopic Constraints on the Origin of the Nage Cu-Pb Deposit, Southeast Guizhou Province, SW China

The Nage Cu-Pb deposit,a new found ore deposit in the southeast Guizhou province,southwest China,is located on the southwestern margin of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt.Ore bodies are hosted in slate and phyllite of Neoproterozoic Jialu and Wuye Formations,and are structurally controlled by EW-trending fault.It contains Cu and Pb metals about 0.12 million tonnes with grades of 0.2 wt% to 3.4 wt% Cu and 1.1 wt% to 9.27 wt% Pb.Massive and disseminated Cu-Pb ores from the Nage deposit occur as either veinlets or disseminations in silicified rocks.The ore minerals include chalcopyrite,galena and pyrite,and gangue minerals are quartz,sericite and chlorite.The H-O isotopic compositions of quartz,S-Cu-Pb isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals,Pb isotopic compositions of whole rocks and ores have been analyzed to trace the sources of ore-forming fluids and metals for the Nage Cu-Pb deposit.The δ65CuNBS values of chalcopyrite range from-0.09% to +0.33‰,similar to basic igneous rocks and chalcopyrite from magmatic deposits.δ65CuNBS values of chalcopyrite from the early,middle and final mineralization stages show an increasing trend due to63Cu prior migrated in gas phase when fluids exsolution from magma.δ34SCDT values of sulfide minerals range from 2.7‰ to +2.8‰,similar to mantle-derived sulfur(0±3‰).The positive correlation between δ65CuNBS and δ34SCDT values of chalcopyrite indicates that a common source of copper metal and sulfur from magma.δDH2OSMOW and δ18OH2O-SMOW values of water in fluid inclusions of quartz range from 60.7‰ to 44.4‰ and +7.9‰ to +9.0‰(T=260°C),respectively and fall in the field for magmatic and metamorphic waters,implicating that mixed sources for H2O in hydrothermal fluids.Ores and sulfide minerals have a small range of Pb isotopic compositions(208Pb/204Pb=38.152 to 38.384,207Pb/204Pb=15.656 to 17.708 and 206Pb/204Pb=17.991 to 18.049) that are close to orogenic belt and upper crust Pb evolution curve,and similar to Neoproterozoic host rocks(208Pb/204Pb=38.201 to 38.6373,207Pb/204Pb=15.648 to 15.673 and 206Pb/204Pb=17.820 to 18.258),but higher than diabase(208Pb/204Pb=37.830 to 38.012,207Pb/204Pb=15.620 to 15.635 and206Pb/204Pb=17.808 to 17.902).These results imply that the Pb metal originated mainly from host rocks.The H-O-S-Cu-Pb isotopes tegather with geology,indicating that the ore genesis of the Nage Cu-Pb deposit is post-magmatic hydrothermal type.     

The Laqiong Sb-Au deposit: Implications for polymetallic mineral systems in the Tethys-Himalayan zone of southern Tibet,China

The Himalayan mineral field includes over 50 quartz-vein type Sb-Au deposits, and placer Au deposits. The poorly documented Laqiong deposit is a typical example of quartz-vein type Sb-Au mineralisation in Tethys Himalayan sequence. The orebody are controlled by shallow north-dipping normal faults and north–south trending faults. Magmatic zircons extracted from muscovitic leucocratic granite from the southern part of the Laqiong mine area yield a Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry U-Pb age of 14 ± 1 Ma (n = 12, MSWD = 0.9) that is similar to the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of ca. 14 Ma from hydrothermal sericite in auriferous sulphide-quartz veins. The ε_Hf(t) values for the magmatic zircon rims range from −5.4 to −1.9, corresponding to two-stage Hf model ages of 1403–1214 Ma. Quartz from the mineralised veins has δ¹⁸O_H2O-SMOW values varying from +4.97 to +9.59‰ and δD_H2O-SMOW values ranging from −119.7 to −108.1‰. The δ¹³C_V-PDB values for calcite from the ore Stage III range from −6.9 to −5.3‰, and calcite from Stage IV are −3.5 to −1.7‰. The δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW values for calcite from Stage III are +20.3 to +20.6‰ and for Stage IV are −6.3 to −4.9‰. The stibnite and pyrite samples have ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.158 to 39.02, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.554 to 15.698, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 17.819 to 18.681, and bulk and in-situ δ³⁴S_V-CDT values for stibnite, arsenopyrite and pyrite range from −1.1 to +2.3‰. The calcite from the orebodies are enriched in MREE and depleted in LREE and HREE. Fieldwork, petrological, and geochemical data collected during our study leads to the following salient findings: the mineralising fluid is a mix of magmatic and meteoric fluids; and the deposit is closely related to the emplacement of Miocene granites originating from a thickened continental crust.     

Phanerozoic amalgamation of the Alxa Block and North China Craton: Evidence from Paleozoic granitoids,U–Pb geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotope geochemistry

The North China Craton (NCC) has been considered to be part of the supercontinent Columbia. The nature of the NCC western boundary, however, remains strongly disputed. A key question in this regard is whether or not the Alxa Block is a part of the NCC. It is located in the vicinity of the inferred boundary, and therefore could potentially resolve the issue of the NCC's relationship to the Columbia supercontinent. Some previous studies based on the Alxa Block's geological evolution and detrital zircon ages suggested that it is likely not a part of the NCC. The lack of evidence from key igneous rock units, however, requires further constraints on the tectonic affinity of the western NCC and Alxa Block and on the timing of their amalgamation.In this study, new zircon U–Pb age and Hf–O isotopes and whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for the Paleozoic granitoids in or near the eastern Alxa Block were used to constrain the petrogenesis of these rocks and the relationship between the Alxa Block and NCC. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U–Pb zircon dating indicates that the Bayanbulage, Hetun, Diebusige and South Diebusige granitoids were formed at ca. 423 Ma, 345 Ma, 345 Ma and 337 Ma, respectively. The Late Silurian (Bayanbulage) quartz diorites have variable SiO₂ (58.0–67.9 wt.%), and low Sr/Y (20–24) values, while the Early Carboniferous (Hetun, Diebusige and South Diebusige) monzogranites have high SiO₂ (71.5–76.7 wt.%) and Sr/Y (40–94) values. The Late Silurian quartz diorites display relatively homogeneous and high zircon δ¹⁸O (8.5–9.1‰) and ε_Hf(t) (− 8.6 to − 5.3) values, high whole-rock ε_Nd(t) values (− 9.2 to − 7.6) and highly radiogenic Pb isotopes (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.13–18.25), whereas the Early Carboniferous monzogranites exhibit relatively low and variable zircon δ¹⁸O (5.7–7.2‰) and ε_Hf(t) (− 23.1 to − 7.4) values, low whole-rock initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7043–0.7070) and ε_Nd(t) (− 19.1 to − 13.5) values and variable Pb isotopes (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 16.06–18.22). The differences in whole rock Nd model ages and Pb isotope compositions of the Paleoproterozoic–Permian rocks in either side of the west fault of the Bayanwulashan–Diebusige complexes suggest that the Alxa Block is not a part of the NCC, and that the western boundary of the NCC is probably located on this fault. Furthermore, the linear distribution of the Early Paleozoic–Early Carboniferous granitoids, the high zircon δ¹⁸O values of the Late Silurian quartz diorites, the Early Devonian metamorphism and the foreland basin system formed during the collision between the Alxa Block and the NCC indicate that a Paleozoic cryptic suture zone likely existed in this area and records the amalgamation of the Alxa Block and North China Craton. Together with detrital zircon data, the initial collision was considered to have possibly occurred in Late Ordovician.     

Makran ophiolitic basalts (SE Iran) record Late Cretaceous Neotethys plume-ridge interaction

ABSTRACT

The Makran complex in southeast Iran provides a spectacular subduction-related accretionary complex to understand the mechanism of oceanic accretion and the evolution of subduction zones. In this paper, we present new major and trace element data as well as isotopic compositions of mafic volcanic blocks from the Makran ophiolitic mélange complex (OMC). Our aim is to assess the genesis of these rocks and discuss their implications on the evolution of Neotethys Ocean. These volcanic blocks are composed mainly of basalts with minor trachytes. The Makran lavas are occasionally interlayered with tuff layers. Zircons from these tuffs give U-Pb ages of 95 Ma, which is well in accordance with the reposted microfossil data for the interlayered pelagic limestones with pillow lavas. Makran basalts can be geochemically subdivided into four groups; normal to transitional MORB, enriched-MORB, Plume-type MORB and alkaline (-OIB-like) basalts. The OIB-like pillow lavas are represented by high values of Th/Tb (6.3–7.4) which are higher than other basalts (group 1 = 0.3–0.8; groups 2 = 0.7–1.6; group 3 = 1.58–1.36).¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(t) ratios for basalts ranges from 0.51247 to 0.51292, whereas ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(t) isotopic composition of the OMC lavas varies from 0.704433 to 0.709466. The Pb isotopic composition of the lavas are quite high, ranging from 15.49–15.66 for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t), 18.09–19.12 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) and 37.80–39.23 for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t). The chemistry of these rocks suggests that they were formed most likely in an oceanic setting with clear plume-ridge interaction. These rocks can form from partial melting of a highly heterogeneous mantle source, which is extensively metasomatized with deep mantle OIB-type components. We suggest these rocks have been generated in an oceanic ridge with plume-ridge interaction, similar to the Iceland-Reykjanes Ridge, before being fragmented and accreted into the Makran accretionary complex.     

Study on the Sr,Nd,Pb and O Isotopes of Basic Dyke Swarms in the Wudang Block and Basic Volcanics of the Yaolinghe Group

The Sr,Nd and Pb isotopic characteristics of the Wudang basic dyke swarms and basic volcanics of the Yaolinghe Group show that they were derived from the same multi-component mixing source in the mantle.The Wudang basic dyke swarms have(^87Sr/^86Sr)i=0.6905-0.7061,εNd(t)=-1.9-5.0,△^208Pb/^204Pb=35.49-190.26,△^207Pb/^204Pb=Th/Ta and a wide range of La/Yb ratios;and the basic volcanics of the Yaolinghe Group have(^87Sr/^86Sr)i=0.6487-0.7075,εNd(t)=0.11-3.94，△^208Pb/^204Pb=-81.58-219.95,△^207Pb/^204Pb=4.44-16.68and higher Th/Ta and La/Yb ratios,indicating that their source is a mixture of DM and EMⅡ,and the basic volcanics of the Yaolinghe Group were contaminated by crust materials en rout to the surface.Based on the geochemical features of continental tholeiitic basalts and being products of differen tacies derived from the same source,it can be concluded that an important rifting event in the South Qinling basement block occurred during Neoproterozoic,followed by a setting of oceanic basic in the Early Paleozoic.     

Fluid Inclusions and Hydrogen,Oxygen, and Lead Isotopes of the Antuoling Molybdenum Deposit,Northern Taihang Mountains,China

The Antuoling Mo deposit is a major porphyry‐type deposit in the polymetallic metallogenic belt of the northern Taihang Mountains, China. The processes of mineralization in this deposit can be divided into three stages: an early quartz–pyrite stage, a middle quartz–polymetallic sulfide stage, and a late quartz–carbonate stage. Four types of primary fluid inclusions are found in the deposit: two‐phase aqueous inclusions, daughter‐mineral‐bearing multiphase inclusions, CO₂–H₂O inclusions, and pure CO₂ inclusions. From the early to the late ore‐forming stages, the homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions are 300 to >500°C, 270–425°C, and 195–330°C, respectively, with salinities of up to 50.2 wt%, 5.3–47.3 wt%, and 2.2–10.4 wt% NaCl equivalent, revealing that the ore‐forming fluids changed from high temperature and high salinity to lower temperature and lower salinity. Moreover, based on the laser Raman spectra, the compositions of the fluid inclusions evolved from the NaCl–CO₂–H₂O to the NaCl–H₂O system. The δ¹⁸O_H2O and δD values of quartz in the deposit range from +3.9‰ to +7.0‰ and ?117.5‰ to ?134.2‰, respectively, reflecting the δD of local meteoric water after oxygen isotopic exchange with host rocks. The Pb isotope values of the sulfides (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 36.320–37.428; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.210–15.495; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.366–17.822) indicate that the ore‐forming materials originated from a mixed upper mantle–lower crust source.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Silurian high-K calc-alkaline granites and their potassic microgranular enclaves,western Kunlun orogen,NW Tibetan Plateau

The western Kunlun orogen occupies a key position along the tectonic junction between the Pan-Asian and Tethyan domains, reflecting Proto- and Palaeo-Tethys subduction and terrane collision during early Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic time. We present the first detailed zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–O–Hf isotope geochemistry of the Qiukesu pluton and its microgranular enclaves from this multiple orogenic belt. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Qiukesu pluton was emplaced in the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma). It consists of weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and syenogranite, with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7131–0.7229, ?_Nd(T) of –4.1 to –5.7, δ¹⁸O of 8.0–10.8‰, and ?_Hf(T) (in situ zircon) of –4.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites formed by partial melting of lower-crustal granulitized metasedimentary-igneous Precambrian basement triggered by underplating of coeval mantle-derived enclave-forming intermediate magmas. Fractional crystallization of these purely crustal melts may explain the more felsic end-member granitic rocks, whereas such crustal melts plus additional input from coeval enclave-forming intermediate magma could account for the less felsic granites. The enclaves are intermediate (SiO₂ 57.6–62.2 wt.%) with high K₂O (1.8–3.6 wt.%). They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7132–0.7226, ?_Nd(T) of –5.0 to –6.0, δ¹⁸O of 6.9–9.9‰, and ?_Hf(T) (in situ zircon) of –8.1. We interpret the enclave magmas as having been derived by partial melting of subduction-modified mantle in the P–T transition zone between the spinel and spinel-garnet stability fields. Our new data suggest that subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was continuous to the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma); the final closure of the Proto-Tethys occurred in the middle Silurian.     

Constraints of C–O–S–Pb isotope compositions and Rb–Sr isotopic age on the origin of the Tianqiao carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposit,SW China

The Tianqiao Pb–Zn deposit in the western Yangtze Block, southwest China, is part of the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) Pb–Zn metallogenic province. Ore bodies are hosted in Devonian and Carboniferous carbonate rocks, structurally controlled by a thrust fault and anticline, and carried about 0.38 million tons Pb and Zn metals grading > 15% Pb + Zn. Both massive and disseminated Pb–Zn ores occur either as veinlets or disseminations in dolomitic rocks. They are composed of ore minerals, pyrite, sphalerite and galena, and gangue minerals, calcite and dolomite. δ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals range from + 8.4 to + 14.4‰ and display a decreasing trend from pyrite, sphalerite to galena (δ³⁴S_pyrite > δ³⁴S_sphalerite > δ³⁴S_galena). We interpret that reduced sulfur derived from sedimentary sulfate (gypsum and barite) of the host Devonian to Carboniferous carbonate rocks by thermal–chemical sulfate reduction (TSR). δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of hydrothermal calcite range from –5.3 to –3.4‰ and + 14.9 to + 19.6‰, respectively, and fall in the field between mantle and marine carbonate rocks. They display a negative correlation, suggesting that CO₂ in the hydrothermal fluid was a mixture origin of mantle, marine carbonate rocks and sedimentary organic matter. Sulfide minerals have homogeneous and low radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.378 to 18.601, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.519 to 15.811 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.666 to 39.571) that are plotted in the upper crust Pb evolution curve and overlap with that of Devonian to Carboniferous carbonate rocks and Proterozoic basement rocks in the SYG province. Pb isotope compositions suggest derivation of Pb metal from mixed sources. Sulfide minerals have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.7125 to 0.7167, higher than Sinian to Permian sedimentary rocks and Permian Emeishan flood basalts, but lower than basement rocks. Again, Sr isotope compositions are supportive of a mixture origin of Sr. They have an Rb–Sr isotopic age of 191.9 ± 6.9Ma, possibly reflecting the timing of Pb–Zn mineralization. C–O–S–Pb–Sr isotope compositions of the Tianqiao Pb–Zn deposit indicate a mixed origin of ore-forming fluids, which have Pb–Sr isotope homogenized before the mineralization. The Permian flood basalts acted as an impermeable layer for the Pb–Zn mineralization hosted in the Devonian–Carboniferous carbonate rocks.     

Late Mesozoic magmatism and metallogeny in NE China: The Sandaowanzi–Beidagou example

The Sandaowanzi (>22t Au) and Beidagou (>5t Au) tellurium–gold deposits are located in the northeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (Heilongjiang Province, NE China). The ore-hosting volcanic rocks unconformably overly monzogranite and were intruded by adakitic granodiorite. In this study, we report new-age, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data to elucidate the genetic link between the igneous rocks and the Te–Au mineralization. New-age data indicate that local magmatism occurred in the Early Jurassic (ca. 177.2 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (ca. 118.7 ? 122.0 Ma). Geochemically, the igneous rocks are enriched in LREEs, Pb, K, and U, and depleted in Nb, P, and Ti, showing calc-alkaline affinity. The Early Jurassic monzogranite rocks are featured by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7111?0.7118; ε_Nd(t) = ?4.6 to ?4.7; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.098?18.102, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.558?15.580, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.781?37.928, whereas the Early Cretaceous adakitic granodiorite contains: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7071?0.7073; ε_Nd(t) = ? 3.4 to ?3.2; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.991?18.080, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.483?15.508, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.938?37.985. Initial isotopic ratios for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7061?0.7087; ε_Nd(t) = ? 3.6 to ?2.9; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.136?18.199, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.512?15.628, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.064?38.155. The pyrite, chalcopyrite, and telluride grains yielded δ³⁴S of ?6.52 ‰ to 2.13 ‰ (mean = ? 0.82 ‰) and δ¹³C_PDB of the calcite samples are in the range of ?6.64 ‰ to ?5.24 ‰, implying the ore materials were derived from mantle. The geochemical and isotopic results indicate that primary melts of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks have features by partial melting of the continental crust. The adakitic rocks may have been the products of the thickened lower crustal delamination and the subsequent asthenospheric upwelling during the intra-continental extension in NE China. Regionally, intrusive activity and molybdenum mineralization during the Jurassic was affected by subduction setting, whereas gold mineralization was controlled by the Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with a superposition extension.     

陕西省华阳川铀铌铅矿床碳酸岩岩石学及地球化学特征

陕西省华阳川铀铌铅矿床是小秦岭成矿带中成矿特征最为独特的矿床,碳酸岩脉的破碎带是重要的成矿空间。未矿化的碳酸岩中矿物以方解石为主,其他矿物很少;发育铀矿化的碳酸岩脉中矿物种类繁多,大部分为方解石,其次为角闪石、金云母、榍石、褐帘石、铌钛铀矿、重晶石、磷灰石、石英、磁铁矿、碱性长石等矿物。碳酸岩的LREE含量异常高,δ13CV-PDB和δ18OV-SMOW值显示典型的火成碳酸岩特征。基于碳酸岩脉的Sr、Nd、Pb同位素比值(87Sr/86Sr-206Pb/204Pb、207Pb/204Pb-206Pb/204Pb-143Nd/144Nd-87Sr/86Sr)的关系图,初步判断华阳川铀铌铅碳酸岩脉是源于EMI的碱性硅酸盐-碳酸盐熔体-溶液结晶分异的产物。