Ore-microscopic and geochemical characteristics of gold-bearing sulfide minerals,El Sid Gold mine,Eastern Desert,Egypt

Gold deposits at El Sid are confined to hydrothermal quartz veins which contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite and galena. These veins occur at the contact between granite and serpentinite and extend into the serpentinite through a thick zone of graphite schist. Gold occurs in the mineralized zone either as free gold in quartz gangue or dissolved in the sulfide minerals. Ore-microscopic study revealed that Au-bearing sulfides were deposited in two successive stages with early pyrite and arsenopyrite followed by sphalerite and galena. Gold was deposited during both stages, largely intergrown with sphalerite and filling microfractures in pyrite and arsenopyrite.Spectrochemical analyses of separated pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite and galena showed that these sulfides have similar average Au contents. Pyrite is relatively depleted in Ag and Te. This suggests that native gold was deposited in the early stage of mineralization. Arsenopyrite and galena show relatively high concentrations of Te. They are also respectively rich in Au and Ag. Tellurides are, thus, expected to be deposited together with arsenopyrite and galena.     

Remobilization of gold from a chalcopyrite-pyrite mineralization Hamash gold mine,Southeastern Desert,Egypt

Pyrite, chalcopyrite, and gold occur in quartz veins in granitic rocks and as scattered and disseminated impregnations in shear zones of the highly altered metavolcanics in the Hamash area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt. The minerals are associated in part with pyrrhotite, digenite, tetrahedrite, chalcocite, bornite, and covellite. Pyrite occurs in two forms: (1) idio- to hypidiomorphic coarse crystals with inclusions of preexisting sulfides, and (2) fine-crystalline aggregates. Chalcopyrite occurs in three forms: (1) idiomorphic coarse crystals, (2) fine-crystalline microinclusions, and (3) xenomorphic relicts. Three genetic phases of sulfide mineralization were identified. They are related to the successive cooling of the crystallizing solutions. Gold was hosted in the older sulfide minerals during a high-temperature disorder phase. Native gold was formed during the latest, decreasing-temperature phase through remobilization of auriferous pyrite. Microprobe analysis confirmed that gold and copper are relatively enriched in the late pyrite. Identified surface-alteration products include goethite, limonite, gold, carbonates, and sulfates of iron and copper.     

吉尔吉斯斯坦Taldybulak Levoberezhny(左岸)金矿地质特征及金属矿物学研究

Taldybulak Levoberezhny(又称左岸)矿床位于吉尔吉斯斯坦北天山东段,是区内第三大金矿(金储量130 t,平均品位6.9 g/t)。长期以来,该矿床矿物学研究薄弱,成因类型存在争议,已有观点包括斑岩型、造山型、多阶段叠加成矿等。野外地质调查及室内岩相学鉴定发现：金矿化同时受韧性剪切带和岩体控制,局部显示一定的顺层特征;常见矿石类型包括浸染细脉浸染型、石英电气石硫化物型、块状硫化物型、稀疏浸染型、方解石硫化物脉型等;相关围岩蚀变以硅化、绢云母化、电气石化、碳酸盐化最为强烈,可见绿泥石化、绿帘石化、泥化等。电子探针分析发现,左岸金矿同时发育可见金和不可见金。前者包括银金矿(w(Au)=67.90%~80.86%,w(Ag)=14.24%~30.76%)、含银自然金(w(Au)=88.95%,w(Ag)=8.09%)等,以包体金、裂隙金或粒间金形式赋存于黄铁矿中。后者可赋存于黄铁矿和黄铜矿中(w(Au)=0.16%~0.33%)。不同类型矿石中黄铁矿的形态、结构、成分存在一定差异,显示了叠加成矿的可能性。浸染状细脉浸染型矿石中黄铁矿以中粗粒(30~1 300 μm,多数>200 μm)、半自形自形立方体为主,基本无碎裂或碎裂不明显,可含有自然金、银金矿或硅酸盐包体;成分上具有中等的As(0.03%~1.72%,平均0.66%)、Co(0.06%~0.19%,平均0.13%)、Te(0.03%~0.06%,平均0.04%)含量和As/S、Fe/S、Co/As比值,基本不含Cu、Pb、Zn、Ag。石英电气石硫化物型矿石中黄铁矿多呈中粗粒(30~2 000 μm)、半自形它形粒状,往往发生碎裂,并被黄铜矿、方铅矿等矿物交代;部分颗粒可含有银金矿或硅酸盐包体;总体具有较高的As(0.05%~2.05%,平均0.97%)、Co(0.05%~0.34%,平均0.15%)含量和As/S、Fe/S比值,Co/As比值较低。块状硫化物型矿石中黄铁矿多呈半自形它形粒状产出,但粒度变化较大(250~3 000 μm或者30~300 μm);化学成分上以较高的As(0.05%~2.20%,平均1.21%)、Te(0.04%~0.09%,平均0.06%)含量,高的As/S、Fe/S比值和低的Co/As比值为特征。稀疏浸染型矿石中黄铁矿呈中粒(集中于50~200 μm)、半自形它形粒状产出,内部可含有硫化物、硅酸盐、银金矿、自然金等包体;可发生碎裂并被黄铜矿等沿裂隙充填交代;化学成分变化较大,总体具有较高的Co(0.08%~1.04%,平均0.35%)含量和Co/As比值,几乎不含Te、Cu、Zn。方解石硫化物脉型矿石中黄铁矿呈中粗粒(40~480 μm)、半自形它形粒状产出,内部往往含硅酸盐等包体;黄铁矿以显著低的As(0.04%~0.08%,平均0.06%)、Co含量(0.04%~0.20%,平均0.10%)以及As/S、Fe/S比值为特征,Co/As比值较高,且不含Zn。从上述左岸金矿的控矿构造、矿化类型、围岩蚀变以及不同类型矿石中黄铁矿形态、结构、成分的差异等4方面特征显示,左岸金矿可能存在多期次矿化、叠加成矿。     

Gold distribution in As-deficient pyrite and telluride mineralogy of the Yangzhaiyu gold deposit,Xiaoqinling district,southern North China craton

The Mesozoic Yangzhaiyu lode gold deposit is situated in the southern edge of the North China craton. Gold mineralization is hosted in Archean amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks, and consists mainly of auriferous quartz veins. Pyrite is the predominant sulfide mineral, with minor amounts of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. Based on morphology and paragenesis, there are three generations of pyrite, termed as first generation (G1), second generation (G2), and third generation (G3). They have distinct contents, occurrences, and distribution patterns of gold. The coarse-grained, euhedral G1 pyrite contains negligible to low levels of gold, whereas both invisible and visible gold are present in the fine- to medium-grained G2 pyrite that is characterized by abundance of microfractures and porosities, forming a foam-like texture. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) depth profiles indicate that invisible gold occurs either as solid solution or as nanoparticles of gold-bearing tellurides in the G2 pyrite. Visible gold is widespread and present as irregular grains and stringers of native gold mostly along grain boundaries or filling microfractures of pyrite, likely resulting from remobilization of invisible gold once locked in the G2 pyrite. The G3 pyrite, invariably intergrown with chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena, contains the highest levels of invisible gold. There is a positive correlation between Au, Ag, and Te, indicating that gold occurs as submicroscopic Au-bearing telluride inclusions in the host minerals. Whenever gold, either invisible or visible, is present, As is always below or only marginally higher than the detection limit of LA-ICP-MS. This indicates that As played an insignificant role in gold mineralization. Tellurides are widespread in the auriferous quartz veins, consisting mainly of petzite, calaverite, hessite, altaite, and tellurobismuthite. Native gold commonly occurs as intergrowths with tellurides. Textural evidence indicates a precipitation sequence, in a temporal order, of calcaverite, petzite, altaite, tellurobismuthite, and hessite. Little amount of sulfide phases has been found in association with the tellurides, indicating that tellurides were deposited under low S fugacity (fS ₂ ) and/or high Te fugacity (fTe ₂ ) conditions. The textural relationships, when combined with fluid inclusion microthermometric data of auriferous quartz veins and tellurides thermodynamic data, permit estimation for logfTe ₂ during telluride formation, which are −6.8 to −10.8 at 300°C and −9.6 to −17.6 at 250°C. Available geochronological and geochemical data suggest that Te was most likely derived from the late Mesozoic magmatic rocks widespread in the Xiaoqinling district and other parts of the southern North China craton, which were emplaced broadly contemporaneous with gold mineralization at Yangzhaiyu. This study highlights the role of Te and tellurides as important gold scavengers in As-deficient ore fluids.     

Electron microprobe analyses of ore minerals and H–O,S isotope geochemistry of the Yuerya gold deposit,eastern Hebei,China: Implications for ore genesis and mineralization

The Yuerya gold deposit in eastern Hebei Province, China, is located on the eastern margin of the North China Craton and is hosted by Mesozoic Yanshanian granitoid rocks and adjacent Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation carbonates. The auriferous quartz veins in this deposit are dominated by pyrite, with subordinate sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and galena in a quartz-dominated gangue that also contains calcite, dolomite, barite, apatite, and fluorite. Gold is present as native gold and electrum, which are generally present as micron-size infillings in microfissures within pyrite and less commonly as tiny inclusions within pyrite, quartz, and tellurobismuthite. The pyrite in this deposit has high Co/Ni ratios and contains elevated concentrations of both of these elements, suggesting that the Yuerya gold deposit has a magmato-hydrothermal origin and that the ore-forming fluids that formed the deposit leached trace elements such as Co, Ni, As, and Au during passage through Archean metamorphic rocks, Mesoproterozoic carbonates, and the Yanshanian Yuerya granitoid. Pyrite in the study area has S/Se ratios and S isotopic compositions that suggest that the sulfur (and by inference the gold) within the deposit was sourced from magmato-hydrothermal fluids that were probably originally derived from Archean metamorphic rocks and Yanshanian granitoids. Tellurobismuthite in the study area is closely intergrown with gold and was the single telluride phase identified during this study. The fineness of gold associated with tellurobismuthite is greater than the fineness of gold associated with pyrite, although the fine particle size of the gold surrounded by tellurobismuthite means that the recovery of this gold is difficult, in turn meaning that the tellurobismuthite has little significance to the economics of the Yuerya gold deposit. Only trace amounts of sulfides are associated with the tellurobismuthite within the Yuerya gold deposit, suggesting that this mineral was deposited under conditions of low fS₂ and/or high fTe₂. In addition, the presence of tellurides within the Yuerya gold deposit reflects a genetic relationship between the deposit and magmatism. Quartz from mineralized veins in the study area has δ¹⁸O values of 11.2‰–12.9‰ and the fluids that formed these veins have δD values of − 78.3‰ to − 72.1‰. The δ³⁴S values of pyrite within the deposit are rather restricted (2.3‰–3.5‰). These data, combined with the trace element geochemistry of sulfides within the deposit, suggest that the formation of the Yuerya gold deposit was closely related to both Archean metamorphic rocks and the Yanshanian Yuerya granitoid.     

Ta Nang gold deposit in the black shales of Central Vietnam

The Ta Nang gold deposit is localized in Middle Jurassic black shales. The ore zone is a series of layer-by-layer crush zones and zones of hydrothermal rock alteration, < 10 m in thickness and > 2 km in length. It consists of quartz-sulfide veins, sulfidized black shales, and their hydrothermally altered varieties. Sulfide mineralization occurs as two assemblages: early pyrite-arsenopyrite and late chalcopyrite-sphalerite- galena. The pyrite-arsenopyrite assemblage is composed of different morphogenetic varieties. Coarse-crystalline arsenopyrite and pyrite aggregates and metacrystals of different orientations, 0.1 to 10 mm in size, are the most widespread. The chalcopyrite-sphalerite-galena assemblage is scarce. Along with the main ore minerals, it includes more rare minerals: pyrrhotite, lead sulfosalts (tsugaruite), and gold, which form a spatial assemblage with the main minerals or small inclusions in them. Gold occurs mainly as fine dissemination in cracks in pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, and quartz. Gold content in sulfidized carbonaceous shales is no more than tenths of ppm, averaging 0.38 ppm. This content in the quartz veins is considerably higher, averaging 3.92 ppm. Silver contents in the shales and quartz veins are similar and equal to 2.68 and 5.30 ppm, respectively. Also, the sulfidized rocks and veins have elevated contents of Fe, As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Co; most of these elements (Fe, As, Pb, Zn, and Cu) make up their own sulfide minerals, and the others are trace elements. According to ³⁹Ar/⁴⁰Ar dating of sericite from the quartz-sulfide veins, their age is 129.3 ± 5.6 Ma, which is close to the age of the Cretaceous granite intrusions of the Deo Ca complex. These veins formed from moderately strong solutions (11.7-6.4 wt.% NaCl equiv) with the CH₄ + N₂ + CO₂ gas phase at 340–130 °C. Judging from the S isotope composition (5³⁴S = 1.6-4.3%c), predominantly deep-seated endogenic sulfur participated in the formation of ore sulfide associations. Analysis of the distribution of gold shows that it was deposited together with sulfide minerals (galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite) at a later stage.     

胶东三山岛金矿床黄铁矿显微结构和微量元素特征:对金富集机制的指示

三山岛金矿床是位于胶东金矿集区西北部的超大型破碎带蚀变岩型金矿床.该矿床细致的矿相学及元素地球化学研究尚有不足,限制了对其金富集机制及过程的理解.基于野外地质调查和室内矿相学研究将该矿床划分为4个成矿阶段:石英?绢云母?黄铁矿阶段(I)、石英?金?黄铁矿阶段(I I)、石英?金?多金属硫化物阶段(I I I)和碳酸盐?...     

Geology and Mineral Chemistry of Gold Mineralization in Mirge‐Naqshineh Occurrence (Saqez,NW Iran): Implications for Transportation and Precipitation of Gold

The Mirge-Naqshineh gold district is situated at northwest of Iran with a NW-trending brittleductile shear zone. It is hosted by Precambrian meta-sedimentary and meta-volcanic units traversed by mineralized quartz veins. In terms of cross-cutting relationships and sulfide content three types of quartz veins are identified in the region. Among those, parallel to bedding quartz vein(type Ⅰ) is the main host for gold mineralization. Gold is found in three different forms: 1) submicrometer-size inclusions of gold in arsenian pyrite, 2) as electrum and 3) in the crystal lattice of sulfides(pyrite, galena and chalcopyrite). Six types of pyrite(Py1-Py6) were identified in this ore reserve. Py3 coexists with arsenopyrite and contains the greatest As-Au concentrations. There is a negative correlation between the As and S contents in Py2 and Py3, implying the substitution of sulfur by arsenic. Pyrites and mineralized quartz veins were formed via metamorphic-hydrothermal fluid and reflect the gold-transportation as Au(HS)_2~- under reducing and acidic conditions. The gold precipitation mainly controlled by crystallization of arsenian pyrite during fluid/rock interactions and variation of fO_2. The volcanic host rock has played an important role in gold concentration, as Py3 in this rock contains inclusion of gold particles, but gold is within the lattice of pyrite in phyllite or other units.     

Multi-stage pyrite and hydrothermal mineral assemblage of the Hatu gold district (west Junggar,Xinjiang, NW China): Implications for metallogenic evolution

The Hatu, Qi-III, and Qi-V gold deposits in the Hatu–Baobei volcanic–sedimentary basin (west Junggar, Xinjiang) represent the proximal, middle, and distal parts of the Hatu gold district, respectively. Orebodies of these deposits mainly consist of Au-bearing quartz veins and altered host rocks with disseminated sulfide minerals. Six types of pyrite in these mines are studied here to illustrate ore-formation processes. Sedimentary pyrite, including framboidal and fine-grained pyrite, occurs in mudstone-bearing sedimentary rocks or altered volcanic–sedimentary rocks. Framboidal pyrite formed during redox changes in sedimentary layers. Hydrothermal pyrite contains five subgroups, from Py1 to Py5. Porous Py1 formed prior to gold mineralization, and is overgrown by Py2 that contains inclusions of sulfide minerals and native gold. Coarser Py3 coexists with arsenopyrite and native gold, and contains the greatest As concentrations. Gold and antimony are also preferentially concentrated in arsenian Py2 and Py3. The Au–As-deficient Py4 and Py5 formed during the post-ore process. There is a negative correlation between the As and S contents in Py1, Py2, and Py3, implying the substitution of sulfur by arsenic. Gold precipitated under relatively reducing condition in framboid- and graphite-bearing tuffaceous rocks. Cesium, Rb, Sr, La, Ce, Au, As, Sb, Cu, and Pb are concentrated in altered host rocks. The Au-bearing quartz veins and disseminated sulfide mineral orebodies were formed via a co-genetic hydrothermal fluid and formed during different stages. The variation of fO₂ during fluid/rock interactions, and crystallization of arsenian pyrite were major factors that controlled gold precipitation.     

Paragenesis and geochemistry of ore minerals in the epizonal gold deposits of the Yangshan gold belt,West Qinling,China

Six epizonal gold deposits in the 30-km-long Yangshan gold belt, Gansu Province are estimated to contain more than 300 t of gold at an average grade of 4.76 g/t and thus define one of China's largest gold resources. Detailed paragenetic studies have recognized five stages of sulfide mineral precipitation in the deposits of the belt. Syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite (Py₀) has a framboidal or colloform texture and is disseminated in the metasedimentary host rocks. Early hydrothermal pyrite (Py₁) in quartz veins is disseminated in metasedimentary rocks and dikes and also occurs as semi-massive pyrite aggregates or bedding-parallel pyrite bands in phyllite. The main ore stage pyrite (Py₂) commonly overgrows Py₁ and is typically associated with main ore stage arsenopyrite (Apy₂). Late ore stage pyrite (Py₃), arsenopyrite (Apy₃), and stibnite occur in quartz ± calcite veins or are disseminated in country rocks. Post-ore stage pyrite (Py₄) occurs in quartz ± calcite veins that cut all earlier formed mineralization. Electron probe microanalyses and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses reveal that different generations of sulfides have characteristic of major and trace element patterns, which can be used as a proxy for the distinct hydrothermal events. Syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite has high concentrations of As, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn. The Py₀ also retains a sedimentary Co/Ni ratio, which is distinct from hydrothermal ore-related pyrite. Early hydrothermal Py₁ has high contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cu, Fe, Sb, and V, and it reflects elevated levels of these elements in the earliest mineralizing metamorphic fluids. The main ore stage Py₂ has a very high content of As (median value of 2.96 wt%) and Au (median value of 47.5 ppm) and slightly elevated Cu, but relatively low values for other trace elements. Arsenic in the main ore stage Py₂ occurs in solid solution. Late ore stage Py₃, formed coevally with stibnite, contains relatively high As (median value of 1.44 wt%), Au, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sb, and Zn and low Bi, Co, Ni, and Pb. The main ore stage Apy₂, compared to late ore stage arsenopyrite, is relatively enriched in As, whereas the later Apy₃ has high concentrations of S, Fe, and Sb, which is consistent with element patterns in associated main and late ore stage pyrite generations. Compared with pyrite from other stages, the post-ore stage Py₄ has relatively low concentrations of Fe and S, whereas As remains elevated (2.05～3.20 wt%), which could be interpreted by the substitution of As^? for S in the pyrite structure. These results suggest that syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite is the main metal source for the Yangshan gold deposits where such pyrite was metamorphosed at depth below presently exposed levels. The ore-forming elements were concentrated into the hydrothermal fluids during metamorphic devolatilization, and subsequently, during extensive fluid–rock interaction at shallower levels, these elements were precipitated via widespread sulfidation during the main ore stage.     

胶东金翅岭金矿床黄铁矿原位微量元素和硫同位素特征及对矿床成因的指示

位于招远-莱州金成矿带中西部的金翅岭金矿床是胶东地区典型的石英脉型高品位金矿,但其成矿流体来源和矿床成因一直存在争议.在详细的矿相学和黄铁矿显微结构研究基础上,利用LA-ICP-MS技术原位分析与成矿有关黄铁矿的微量元素特征,结合原位硫同位素分析成矿流体来源,为进一步认识矿床成因提供制约.成矿阶段的黄铁矿划分为2种类型（PyI和PyII）,PyI产在石英-黄铁矿阶段,PyII产在石英-多金属硫化物阶段,伴随大量可见金的出现.根据背散射的核-边结构,PyII可细分为含有较多硫化物的核部PyIIa和表面较为干净的边部PyIIb,但二者有明显溶蚀结构.LA-ICP-MS分析结果显示PyI含有一定量的Au（< 0.015×10-6~2.18×10-6,均值0.62×10-6）和As（78.98×10-6~857×10-6,均值542×10-6）,但Pb、Zn等其他元素含量较低.核部PyIIa和PyI微量元素分布特征较为相似,但Au（< 0.015×10-6~0.59×10-6,均值0.11×10-6）和As（0.62×10-6~198×10-6,均值35.81×10-6）的含量相对下降.边部PyIIb较核部PyIIa明显富集Au（< 0.015×10-6~19.71×10-6,均值5.91×10-6）和As（399×10-6~18 153×10-6,均值6 412×10-6）,且Au与As表现出良好的正相关性.PyI和核部PyIIa原位δ34S的分布范围较为一致,集中在3.0‰~4.9‰;而边部PyIIb的原位δ34S值较高（5.2‰~6.6‰）.根据黄铁矿结构、微量元素和硫同位素特征,推断在主成矿期富34S和富Au-As的热液流体加入形成了边部PyIIb且与核部的PyIIa发生了交代作用,同时大量可见金直接从热液中沉淀形成.该研究表明多期次富Au-As成矿流体的注入可能是高品位石英脉矿床形成的主要机制.      

Geochemical and geochronological characteristics of the Um Rus granite intrusion and associated gold deposit,Eastern Desert,Egypt

The Um Rus tonalite-granodiorite intrusion(~6 km2)occurs at the eastern end of the Neoproterozoic,ENE-trending Wadi Muba rak shear belt in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt.Gold-bearing quartz veins hosted by the Um Rus intrusion were mined intermittently,and initially by the ancient Egyptians and until the early 1900 s.The relationship between the gold mineralization,host intrusion,and regional structures has always been unclear.We present new geochemical and geochronological data that help to define the tectonic environment and age of the Um Rus intrusion.In addition,field studies are integrated with EPMA and LA-ICP-MS data for gold-associated sulfides to better understand the formation and distribution of gold mineralization.The bulk-rock geochemical data of fresh host rocks indicate a calc-alkaline,metaluminous to mildly peraluminous,I-type granite signature.Their trace element composition reflects a tectonic setting intermediate between subduction-related and within-plate environments,presumably transitional between syn-and post-collisional stages.The crystallization age of the Um Rus intrusion was determined by in situ SHRIMP 206 Pb/238 U and 207Pb/235U measurements on accessory monazite grains.The resultant monazite U-Pb weighted mean age(643±9 Ma;MSWD 1.8)roughly overlaps existing geochronological data for similar granitic intrusions that are confined to major shear systems and are locally associated with gold mineralization in the Central Eastrn Desert(e.g.,Fawakhir and Hangaliya).This age is also consistent with magmatism recognized as concomitant to transpressional tectonics(D2:~650 Ma)during the evolution of the Wadi Mubark belt.Formation of the gold-bearing quartz veins in NNE-SSW and N-S striking fault segments was likely linked to the change from transpressional to transtensional tectonics and terrane exhumation(D3:620-580 Ma).The development of N-S throughgoing fault arrays and dike swarms(~595 Ma)led to heterogeneous deformation and recrystallization of the mineralized quartz veins.Ore minerals in the auriferous quartz veins include ubiquitous pyrite and arsenopyrite,with less abundant pyrrhotite,chalcopyrite,sphalerite,and galena.Uncommon pentlandite,gersdorffite,and cobaltite inclusions hosted in quartz veins with meladiorite slivers are interpreted as pre-ore sulfide phases.The gold-sulfide paragenesis encompasses an early pyrite-arsenopyrite±loellingite assemblage,a transitional pyrite-arsenopyrite assemblage,and a late pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-sphalerite±galena assemblage.Free-milling gold/electrum grains(10 sμm-long)are scattered in extensively deformed vein quartz and in and adjacent to sulfide grains.Marcasite,malachite,and nodular goethite are authigenic alteration phases after pyrrhotite,chalcopyrite,and pyrite and arsenopyrite,respectively.A combined ore petrography,EPMA,and LA-ICP-MS study distinguishes morphological and compositional differences in the early and transitional pyrites(PyⅠ,PyⅡ)and arsenopyrite(ApyⅠ,ApyⅡ).Py I forms uncommon small euhedral inclusions in later PyⅡand Apy II.PyⅡforms large subhedral crystals with porous inner zones and massive outer zones,separated by narrow As-rich irregular mantles.The Fe and As contents in PyⅡare variable,and the LA-ICP-MS analysis shows erratic concentrations of Au(<1 to 177 ppm)and other trace elements(e.g.,Ag,Te,and Sb)in the porous inner zones,most likely related to discrete sub-microscopic sulfide inclusions.The outer massive zones have a rather homogenous composition,with consistently lower abundances of base metals and Au(mean 1.28 ppm).The early arsenopyrite(Apy I)forms fine-grained euhedral crystals enriched in Au(mean 17.7 ppm)and many other trace elements(i.e.,Ni,Co,Se,Ag,Sb,Te,Hg,and Bi).On the other hand,ApyⅡoccurs as coarsegrained subhedral crystals with lower and less variable concentrations of Au(mean 4 ppm).Elevated concentrations of Au(max.327 ppm)and other trace elements are measured in fragmented and aggregated pyrite and arsenopyrite grains,whereas the undeformed intact zones of the same grains are poor in all trace elements.The occurrence of gold/electrum as secondary inclusions in deformed pyrite and arsenopyrite crystals indicates that gold introduction was relatively late in the paragenesis.The LAICP-MS results are consistent with gold redistribution by the N-S though-going faults/dikes overprinted the earlier NNW-SSE quartz veins in the southeastern part of the intrusion,where the underground mining is concentrated.Formation of the Um Rus intrusion and gold-bearing quartz veins can be related to the evolution of the Wadi Mubarak shear belt,where the granitic intrusion formed during or just subsequent to D2 and provided dilatation spaces for gold-quartz vein deposition when deformed by D3 structures.     

The Pampe gold deposit (Ghana): Constraints on sulfide evolution during gold mineralization

The Ashanti belt, a world-renowned gold producing region in southwest Ghana, has received renewed attention in recent years. Most studies, however, focused on the major deposits situated along the Ashanti shear zone and in the adjacent Tarkwa Basin to the east, neglecting smaller yet important occurrences, such as the Pampe deposit which occurs few kilometers to the west of this shear zone, on the Akropong Trend. Nevertheless, investigating such simpler smaller-scale mineralizing systems is attractive, in that this can help shedding light on the processes that control gold deposition at the regional scale.At Pampe, gold endowment has been estimated at approximately half a million ounces with an average gold grade of 2.8 g/t. The mineralization is related to two sets of quartz veins; a first set (V₁), which has a NE trend and is sub-parallel to the main foliation (S₁), and a second set (V₂), which crosscuts this foliation. The V₂ veins have a NNW–SSE trend with local conjugate geometries indicating that they formed during NNW–SSE shortening, which, regionally, is linked to major orogenic gold deposition. Gold mineralization is systematically associated with sulfides, which occur disseminated in the vein walls and in the surrounding host rocks. The ore sulfide paragenesis consists of 1) a first generation of pyrite, which is associated with V₁ veins; 2) a second generation of sulfides, consisting of an intergrowth of arsenopyrite and pyrite that crystallized contemporaneously with the formation of the second vein set; 3) a late phase of pyrite growth which occurs as overgrowths on phase-2 sulfides and formed during the waning stages of V₂ emplacement. Invisible (sub-microscopic) gold was detected in all sulfide generations by LA-ICP-MS. The analytical profiles for the Au signal are mimicked by those for Pb, Cu, As, Ag, Te, and Bi. Invisible gold is thus interpreted to have precipitated within sulfides in the form of nanoparticles (colloidal gold alloys). Conversely, visible native gold grains were recognized exclusively in association with arsenopyrite from late V₂ veins, either as inclusions or, more commonly, at the boundary with other sulfides, as well as in micro-fractures that crosscut the sulfides. Gold precipitation was likely induced by sulfidation of the wall rock during fluid–rock interaction. The Pampe deposit exemplifies the mineralization processes that took place at larger scale in neighboring world-class deposits such as Obuasi, Bogoso and Prestea.     

小秦岭东桐峪金矿床黄铁矿LA-ICP-MS微量元素特征及其成矿意义

位于华北克拉通南缘的小秦岭地区是我国仅次于胶东的大型金矿床集中区,但金矿床的成矿物质来源及成因问题一直存在较大争议.以华北南缘小秦岭矿集区东桐峪金矿床中的黄铁矿作为研究对象,在黄铁矿显微结构研究的基础上利用LA-ICP-MS对黄铁矿的微量元素进行原位分析,为进一步认识东桐峪金矿床及区内其他同类型矿床的成因提供新的资料和制约.东桐峪金矿床的黄铁矿从早到晚依次划分为3个世代(PyⅠ、PyⅡ和PyⅢ).PyⅠ主要形成于粗粒黄铁矿-石英阶段,颗粒粗大且自形程度高,呈星点状或斑点状赋存于乳白色石英脉中.PyⅡ主要形成于石英-中细粒黄铁矿阶段,呈半自形-他形结构且裂隙发育,常被晚期石英、多金属硫化物、自然金等矿物充填.PyⅢ主要形成于多金属硫化物阶段,常呈他形粒状结构与黄铜矿、方铅矿及闪锌矿等硫化物密切共生.LA-ICP-MS分析结果显示,PyⅠ中As平均含量为16.63×10-6,Au、Ag和Te含量较低且常位于检测限以下;相较而言,PyⅡ中As含量稍低,而Au、Ag和Te含量略高(其中Au含量为0.10×10-6~0.59×10-6);PyⅢ中Au、Ag和Te含量差异较大且显著升高,其中Au、Te含量最高可达35.58×10-6和79.79×10-6,而As含量较低且大部分数值低于检测限;不同世代黄铁矿的Co/Ni比值基本上都大于1,且PyⅢ的Co、Ni含量和Co/Ni比值明显低于PyⅡ和PyⅠ.以上结果表明,东桐峪金矿床的载金矿物黄铁矿中As的含量很低,金的富集与As无关;不同世代的黄铁矿中Au、Ag和Te之间存在显著且稳定的线性正相关关系,暗示金矿化与Te关系密切.另外,第3世代黄铁矿(PyⅢ)中Au、Ag及Te存在显著富集,指示Te(而不是As)在金和银的迁移、搬运、富集、沉淀等过程中具有重要作用.华北克拉通南缘小秦岭地区晚中生代大规模的金成矿作用及金矿床中普遍存在Te-Au-Ag矿物,且黄铁矿中As含量低、Te含量高等特征,暗示该区金矿床的成矿物质/成矿流体可能来自深部岩浆的脱挥发分或地幔脱气作用,而与区域变质作用的关系不大.      

胶东焦家金成矿带2420~3206 m垂深金矿物和黄铁矿微量元素特征

在胶东莱州吴一村地区完成的3266.06 m深钻,是目前焦家金成矿带最深见矿钻孔,研究钻孔揭露的深部矿石中金矿物及黄铁矿微量元素特征,对探讨深部成矿作用演化具有重要意义。笔者采取深钻中2420~3206 m垂深的岩（矿）芯样品进行了详细的岩相学和矿相学研究,结合扫描电镜和电子探针微区分析,研究了矿石中金矿物的赋存状态和成分。对不同成矿阶段形成的黄铁矿进行了LA-ICPMS微量元素分析。研究结果表明,深部矿石中载金矿物主要为黄铁矿,其次为石英、黄铜矿、方铅矿,可见金主要以自然金和银金矿的形式存在,以晶隙金和裂隙金为主,其次为包体金。与浅部金矿床比较,深部金的成色较高。黄铁矿分为6种类型,第Ⅰ成矿阶段形成富Co型黄铁矿Py1,第Ⅱ成矿阶段形成富Ni型黄铁矿Py2a和Py2b,第Ⅲ成矿阶段形成富Au、As型黄铁矿Py3a和富Au、Ag、Pb、Bi型黄铁矿Py3b,第Ⅳ成矿阶段形成贫微量元素黄铁矿Py4。其中,Py1和Py2a发生强烈破碎,裂隙表面对热液中的Au络合物产生吸附作用,对金沉淀富集起重要作用。黄铁矿中Co、Ni、As等微量元素主要以类质同象形式赋存,而Au、Ag、Cu、Pb、Zn、Bi等主要以纳米级、微米级矿物包体形式赋存。Pb+Bi、Cu+Pb+Zn、Te+Bi与Au+Ag呈明显正相关,而Au与As相关性较差。黄铁矿中Co、Ni含量较低,而Au+Ag+As或Au+Ag+Pb+Bi+Cu含量较高指示成矿有利。另外,黄铁矿中Co、Ni含量较高,并且破碎强烈,成矿相关元素含量较高也指示成矿有利。     

邦布造山型金矿床黄铁矿原位微量元素特征及其成矿意义数

邦布金矿床是目前在雅江缝合带研究程度最高且唯一正在开采的大型造山型金矿床.为理解邦布金矿床中金的来源及迁移沉淀机制,运用原位微区分析技术对邦布矿床中不同世代含金黄铁矿的微量元素组成进行测定.结果显示,亲铁元素Co、Ni主要以类质同象的形式进入到黄铁矿的晶格中替代Fe,As和Se呈类质同象形式替换S,Au是以纳米颗粒的形式均匀或不均匀的分布于不同产状的黄铁矿之中.邦布金矿床中的含金石英脉中三个不同世代的黄铁矿的Co/Ni比值均小于1,保存了围岩中黄铁矿的信息,显示出一种沉积或沉积改造成因.Au与As和Se具有明显的正相关关系,As和Se对Au的迁移及富集具有重要的作用.      

安徽铜陵新桥Cu-Au-S矿床黄铁矿微量元素LA-ICP-MS原位测定及其对矿床成因的制约

激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)是一种固体微区分析新技术。用该技术来分析矿床中硫化物的微量元素组成可以为研究成矿流体特征、矿床成因及找矿勘探提供有关的科学信息。文中以安徽铜陵矿集区内新桥Cu-Au-S矿床中的黄铁矿为研究对象,在详细的野外观察和室内鉴定的基础上,将矿床中的黄铁矿分为具有沉积特征的胶状黄铁矿(PyⅠ)、具有变形重结晶和热液叠加作用特征的细粒他形黄铁矿(PyⅡ)和具热液成因特征的中—粗粒自形黄铁矿(PyⅢ)3种类型。LA-ICP-MS原位微量元素测定结果显示,PyⅠ中相对富含Ti、Co、Ni、As、Se、Te;PyⅡ继承了PyⅠ中富含Ti、Co、Ni、As、Se、Te、Bi的特征,同时还含有不均匀分布的少量成矿元素(Cu、Pb、Zn、Au、Ag);PyⅢ中成矿元素Cu、Pb、Zn、Ag、Au以及Bi元素的含量较高,Co、Ni、As的含量较低。在元素赋存状态方面,Co、Ni、As、Se和Te均以类质同象的形式进入到了黄铁矿的晶格中;Bi在PyⅡ中主要以含Bi矿物的微细包裹体形式存在,而在PyⅢ中的Bi还部分取代了Fe而占据了晶格;Cu、Pb、Zn、Au、Ag这些成矿元素中,Cu和Zn分别以黄铜矿和闪锌矿的矿物包裹体存在于黄铁矿中;PyⅡ中所含的少量Au、Ag,可能分别以自然金和自然银的形式存在,而在PyⅢ中Au可能主要以银金矿的形式存在,Ag除了以银金矿的形式存在以外还可能赋存于黄铁矿中含铋的矿物包裹体内;Pb主要赋存于黄铁矿中的方铅矿或含铋矿物的包裹体中。在综合分析黄铁矿的结构形态和微量元素组成特征的基础上认为,PyⅠ型黄铁矿可能形成于前人提出的晚古生代海底沉积或喷流沉积环境,PyⅡ和PyⅢ型黄铁矿分别形成于中生代区域构造变形-热液叠加改造的过渡环境和热液环境,PyⅡ和PyⅢ的形成时间相近。新桥矿床的形成可能经历了晚古生代海底沉积或喷流沉积期和燕山期热液期,胶黄铁矿主要形成于沉积成矿期,而矿床中成矿物质Cu、Pb、Zn、Au、Ag等主要来自燕山期岩浆侵入作用形成的热液成矿系统。     

Trace element zoning of sulfides and quartz at Sheba and Fairview gold mines: Clues to Mesoarchean mineralisation in the Barberton Greenstone Belt,South Africa

The Fairview and Sheba mines are two of the major gold mines in the Paleoarchean Barberton Greenstone Belt of Southern Africa. At these mines, gold is associated with quartz–carbonate ± rutile veins and occurs both as “invisible” gold finely dispersed in sulfides (primarily pyrite and arsenopyrite), and as visible electrum grains hosted in pyrite. Up to approximately 1000 ppm Au are contained in pyrite, and up to approximately 1700 ppm in arsenopyrite. Mapping of trace element distribution in sulfide minerals using electron microprobe and proton probe techniques revealed multiple events of ore formation and Au mineralisation. At Fairview mine, three stages of pyrite formation were identified, the last of which is associated with arsenopyrite, electrum and other sulfide minerals (sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, gersdorffite, and Sb-sulfides). At Sheba mine, pyrite was deposited in two stages, and electrum is associated with the second stage. At both mines, the last stage of sulfide formation is the main stage of Au deposition, and is associated with mobilisation of Au, As, Sb, Cu, Zn, and Ni. The host rock composition seems to have affected the composition of pyrite, since higher Ni and Co concentrations (up to 1.4 and 1.6 wt.%, respectively) have been measured in meta-(ultra)mafic host rocks in comparison with chert and metagreywacke. Arsenopyrite is chemically zoned, and has Sb- and S-rich cores and As- and Ni-rich rims. This zoning indicates variations in fluid compositions (decreasing Sb and increasing Ni), and crystallisation conditions (increasing As content for increasing temperature). Geothermometric estimates based on the As content of arsenopyrite (As ≤ 32 at.%) indicate temperatures up to ~ 420 °C for the crystal rims. Petrographic and cathodoluminescence observations of quartz associated with gold mineralisation show only local brittle deformation, and no plastic deformation. This supports the notion that the ore-transporting veins were emplaced late in the deformation history. Variations of cathodoluminescence of quartz are correlated with changing Al contents (Al ≤ 0.16 wt.%), and can be related to fluctuations in the pH of the mineralising fluids.     

山东莱州曲家金矿黄铁矿微量元素对成矿过程的指示

曲家金矿位于我国重要的蚀变岩型金矿矿集区之焦家金矿带的中段，矿床赋存标高为-726～-1 334 m。为研究黄铁矿的演化及其对金成矿过程的指示，运用LA-ICP-MS分析黄铁矿原位微量元素含量，结合岩相学观察和点群分析对黄铁矿进行了分类。发现黄铁矿中Co、Ni、As等微量元素主要以类质同像形式赋存，而Au、Ag、Cu、Zn、Pb、Bi等元素主要以纳米级、微米级矿物包裹体形式赋存。黄铁矿主要分为5种类型：富Co型Py1,富Ni型Py2,富Au、As型Py3,富Au、Ag、Pb、Bi型Py4及“干净”型Py5。黄铁矿微量元素特征指示成矿物质可能主要来源于前寒武纪变质基底岩石和中生代岩浆岩，少量来源于地幔，成矿热液可能属变质热液、岩浆热液和浅部大气降水的混合成因。不同类型黄铁矿反映成矿热液由富Co、Ni经富As、Au向富Pb、Bi、Au、Ag演化。Py1和Py2形成后受构造活动影响发生强烈破碎，裂隙表面对热液中金络合物增强的吸附作用促使金在裂隙中沉淀，对金的富集成矿可能起重要作用。Co、Ni含量较低，同时Au、Ag、As、Pb、Bi等元素含量较高的黄铁矿与成矿作用有密切关系。另外，黄铁矿中C...     

Trace elements in pyrite from the Petropavlovsk gold–porphyry deposit (Polar Urals): Results of LA-ICP-MS analysis

The first study of the pyrite composition from gold deposit in the Urals by the LA-ICP-MS method has been carried out. In the pyrite high contents of Au (up to 49 ppm), Ag (105 ppm), and other micronutrients (As (417 ppm), Ag (105 ppm), Co (2825 ppm), Ni (75 ppm), Cu (1442 ppm), and Zn (19 ppm)) were detected. Furthermore, an increase in the concentrations of trace elements from early to later generations of pyrite (from Py-1 to Py-3) Au, Ag, Te, Sn, Te, and Bi and depletion of Co, As, and Ni have been revealed. Gold is mainly concentrated in the pyrite of the second generation (Py-2) and occurs mostly as an “invisible” form with prevalence of nano-sized particles of native Au, similar in composition to electrum AuAg, as well as Au- and Au–Ag tellurides. The presence in the pyrite of admixtures of Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, As, and Te, possibly favors the entrance of Au into it (up to 5–50 ppm), while in common pyrite, poor in the mentioned impurities, the gold content is <1 ppm.