Geological and geochemical constraints on the Cheshmeh-Frezi volcanogenic stratiform manganese deposit,southwest Sabzevar basin,Iran

The Cheshmeh-Frezi Mn deposit belongs to the southwest Sabzevar basin to the north of the Central Iranian microcontinent. This basin, which hosts abundant mineral deposits including Mn exhalative and Besshi-type Cu-Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, followed an evolution closely related to the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust beneath the Central Iranian microcontinent. Two major sedimentary sequences are recorded within this basin: (I) the Lower Late Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence (LLCVSS) and (II) the Upper Late Cretaceous sedimentary dominated sequence (ULCSS). The Cheshmeh-Frezi Mn deposit is hosted within red tuff with interbeds of green tuffaceous sandstone of the LLCVSS. Mineralization occurs as stratiform blanket-like and tabular orebodies. Psilomelane, pyrolusite and braunite are the main minerals of the ore, which display a variety of textures. Such as layered, laminated, disseminated, massive, replacement or open space fillings. The footwall and hanging-wall volcanic rocks are predominantly andesite and trachyandesite rocks. Footwall and hangingwall volcanic rocks at Cheshmeh-Frezi are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) compared to chondrite, have steep REE patterns, and generally show Ta and Nb depletions relative to chondrite which are characteristic of back-arc environments. The significant geochemical characteristics of ore such as high Mn content (12.41–33.14 wt%; average 19.41 wt%), low concentration of Fe (0.64–2.27 wt%; average 1.63 wt%), high Ba (49.7–9901 ppm, average 2728.67 ppm), LREE > HREE, and negative Ce and Eu anomalies reveal a primary distal hydrothermal-exhalative source for mineralization. Cheshmeh-Frezi deposit, in comparison with different types of volcanogenic manganese deposits shows broad similarities with the Cuban-type Mn deposits such as tectonic, host and associated rock types, geometry, textures, structures, mineralogy and lithogeochemistry.     

In-situ LA-ICP-MS trace elemental analyses of magnetite: The Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb deposit,North China

The Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb deposit in northern China is the world's largest light REE deposit, and also contains considerable amounts of iron and niobium metals. Although there are numerous studies on the REE mineralization, the origin of the Fe mineralization is not well known. Laser ablation (LA) ICP-MS is used to obtain trace elements of Fe oxides in order to better understand the process involved in the formation of magnetite and hematite associated with the formation of the giant REE deposit. There are banded, disseminated and massive Fe ores with variable amounts of magnetite and hematite at Bayan Obo. Magnetite and hematite from the same ores show similar REE patterns and have similar Mg, Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, Sn, and Ba contents, indicating a similar origin. Magnetite grains from the banded ores have Al + Mn and Ti + V contents similar to those of banded iron formations (BIF), whereas those from the disseminated and massive ores have Al + Mn and Ti + V contents similar to those of skarn deposits and other types of magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. Magnetite grains from the banded ores with a major gangue mineral of barite have the highest REE contents and show slight moderate REE enrichment, whereas those from other types of ores show light REE enrichment, indicating two stages of REE mineralization associated with Fe mineralization. The Bayan Obo deposit had multiple sources for Fe and REEs. It is likely that sedimentary carbonates provided original REEs and were metasomatized by REE-rich hydrothermal fluids to form the giant REE deposit.     

Geological and Geochemical Investigation of Three Ophiolite‐Hosted Manganese Prospects,Southeast of Birjand,South Khorasan,East of Iran

The studied ophiolite‐hosted manganese prospects are located in southeast of Birjand, South Khorasan, in the east of Iran. The manganese ores within the ophiolitic sequence in this region occur as small discrete patches, associated with radiolarian chert and shale. Manganese ores in the host rocks are recognizable as three distinct syngenetic, diagenetic, and epigenetic features. The syngenetic manganese ores occurred as bands associated with light‐red radiolarian chert. The diagenetic Mn ores occurred as lenses accompanied by dark‐red to brown radiolarian chert. The epigenetic Mn ores occurred as veins/veinlets within the green radiolarian shale. The major manganese ore minerals are pyrolusite, braunite, bixbyite, ramsdellite, and romanechite showing replacement, colloidal, and brecciated textures. The high mean values of Mn/Fe (15.32) and Si/Al (15.65), and the low mean concentration values of trace elements, such as Cu (85.9 ppm), Ni (249.9 ppm), and Zn (149 ppm), as well as the high concentration values of Si, Fe, Mn, Ba, Zn, Sr, and As in the studied manganese ores furnished sufficient evidence to postulate that the sea‐floor Mn‐rich hydrothermal exhalatives were chiefly responsible for the ore formation, and the hydrogenous processes had negligible role in generation of the ores. The further geological and geochemical evidence also revealed that the ores deposited on the upper parts of the ophiolitic sequence by submarine exhalatives. The intense hydrothermal activities caused leaching of elements such as Mn, Fe, Si, Ba, As and Sr from the basaltic lavas (spilites). After debouching of the sea‐floor exhalatives, these elements entered the sedimentary basin. The redox conditions were responsible for separation of Fe from Mn.     

Mineralogical and geochemical studies of brecciated ores in the Dalucao REE deposit,Sichuan Province,southwestern China

The Dalucao deposit, located in western Sichuan Province, southwestern China, in the western part of the Yangtze Craton, is one of the largest and most extensive rare earth element (REE) deposits in the Himalayan Mianning–Dechang REE belt. Moreover, the Dalucao deposit is the only deposit identified in the southern part of the belt. The Dalucao deposit contains the No. 1, 2, and 3 orebodies; the No. 1 and 3 orebodies are both hosted in two breccia pipes, located in syenite–carbonatite host rocks. Both pipes have elliptical cross-sections at the surface, with long-axis diameters of 200–400 m and short-axis diameters of 180–200 m; the pipes extend downwards for > 450 m. No. 1 and No. 3 have total thickness varying between 55 and 175 m and 14 to 58 m respectively. The REE mineralization is associated with four brecciation events, which are recorded in each of the pipes. The ore grades in the No. 1 and 3 orebodies are similar, and consist of 1.0%–4.5% rare earth oxides (REOs). The No. 1 orebody is characterized by a Type I mineral assemblage (fluorite + barite + celestite + bastnäsite), whereas the No. 3 orebody is characterized by a Type II assemblage (fluorite + celestite + pyrite + muscovite + bastnäsite + strontianite). Argon (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar) dating of hydrothermal muscovite intergrown with REE minerals in typical ores from the No. 1 and 3 orebodies yielded similar ages of 12.69 ± 0.13 and 12.23 ± 0.21 Ma, respectively, which suggest that both mineral assemblages formed coevally, rather than in paragenetic stages. Both ages are also similar to the timing of intrusion of the syenite–carbonatite complex (12.13 ± 0.19 Ma). The ore-mineral assemblages occur in breccias, veinlets, and in narrow veins. The ore veinlets, which usually show a transition to mineralized breccia or brecciated ores, are commonly enveloped by narrow veins and stringer zones with comparable mineral assemblages. The brecciated ores form 95% of the volume of the deposit, whereas brecciated ores are only a minor constituent of other deposits in the Mianning–Dechang REE belt. The carbonatite in the syenite–carbonatite complexes contains high concentrations of S (0.07–2.32 wt.%), Sr (16,500–20,700 ppm), Ba (3600–8400 ppm), and light REEs (LREE) (2848–10,768 ppm), but is depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE) (Nb, Ta, P, Zr, Hf, and Ti). The syenite is moderately enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), Sr (155–277 ppm), and Ba (440–755 ppm). The mineralized, altered, and fresh syenites and carbonatites exhibit similar trace element compositions and REE patterns. Brecciation events, and the Dalucao Fault and its secondary faults around the deposit, contributed to the REE mineralization by facilitating the circulation of ore-forming fluids and providing space for REE precipitation. Some hydrothermal veins composed of coarse-grained fluorite and quartz are distributed in the syenite–carbonatite complex. The oxygen isotope compositions of ore-forming fluids in equilibrium with quartz at 215 °C are − 4.95‰ to − 7.45‰, and the hydrogen isotope compositions of fluid inclusions in coarse-grained quartz are − 88.4‰ to − 105.1‰. The syenite–carbonatite complex and carbonatite are main contributors to the mineralization in the geological occurrence. Thus, the main components of the ore-forming fluids were magmatic water, meteoric water, and CO₂ derived from the decarbonation of carbonatite. According to the petrographic studies, bastnäsite mineralization developed during later stages of hydrothermal evolution and overprinted the formation of the brecciated fluorite–quartz hydrothermal veins. As low-temperature isotope exchange between carbonates of the carbonatite and water-rich magmatic fluids will lead to positive shifts in δ¹⁸O values of the carbonates, C–O isotopic compositions from the bulk primary carbonatite to hydrothermal calcite and bastnäsite changed (δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW from 8.0‰ to 11.6‰, and δ¹³C _V-PDB from − 6.1 to − 8.7‰). According to the chemical composition of syenite and carbonatite, REE chloride species are the primary complexes for the transport of the REEs in the hydrothermal fluids, and the presence of bastnäsite and parisite means the REE were precipitated as fluorocarbonates. High contents of Sr, Ba and S in the syenite–carbonatite complex led to the deposition of large amount of barite and celestite.     

The Sin Quyen Cu–Fe–Au–REE deposit (northern Vietnam): composition and formation conditions

The Sin Quyen Cu–Fe–Au–REE deposit is localized in the Proterozoic deposits of the Phan Xi Pang zone, northern Vietnam. The mineralization is formed by lenticular and sheet-like bodies occurring concordantly with the host rocks. Seventeen orebodies have been recognized in the deposit, which form an ore horizon up to 140 m in total thickness, about 2 km in strike, and up to 350 m in dip. The ores are of simple mineral composition: Au-rich copper and iron sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite) and iron oxides (magnetite, hematite). Gold and silver are distributed unevenly in the ores: Their contents vary from hundredths and tenths of ppm to 1.8 ppm. Copper sulfide ores are the main concentrator of gold and silver. All ores are characterized by high REE contents, tens and hundreds of times exceeding the element clarkes. The highest contents have been revealed for Ce and La. Orthite is the main carrier of REE. No correlation between REE and ore elements of sulfide-oxide ores has been revealed, which points to the independent formation of the mineralization. Orebodies together with the host rocks underwent metamorphism at 500–600 to 630–685 °C and 3–7 kbar. The spatial association of the mineralization with amphibolites (metamorphosed basites) and the mineral composition of ores suggest that the Sin Quyen deposit is of Cyprian volcanogenic type.     

Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of weathered ore in the Dalucao REE deposit,Mianning–Dechang REE Belt,western Sichuan Province,southwestern China

The Dalucao deposit in western Sichuan Province, southwest China, is one of the largest and most extensive rare earth element (REE) deposits in the Himalayan Mianning–Dechang REE Belt. Moreover, this is the only deposit identified in the southern part of the belt. The deposit contains the No. 1, 2, and 3 orebodies. The No. 1 and 3 orebodies are hosted in two breccia pipes within syenite–carbonatite rocks that intrude a Proterozoic quartz–diorite pluton. Both breccia pipes have elliptical horizontal cross-sections at the surface, being 200–400 m long, 180–200 m wide, and extending to > 450 m depth. The No. 1 and No. 3 orebodies have total thicknesses of 55–175 m and 14–58 m, respectively. REE mineralization is associated with four brecciation events that are recorded in both pipes. The ore grades in the No. 1 and 3 orebodies are similar, with the rocks containing 1.0–4.5% rare earth oxides (REOs). The No. 1 orebody is characterized by a mineral assemblage comprising fluorite + barite + celestite + bastnäsite (i.e., Type I), whereas the No. 3 orebody is characterized by an assemblage comprising fluorite + celestite + pyrite + muscovite + bastnäsite + strontianite (i.e., Type II). Significant amounts of weathered high-grade REE ore (up to 60 wt.% of the rock mass) is mainly present in the No. 1 orebody. This is the main ore-type targeted for exploration within the Dalucao deposit, but is rarely present in other deposits in the Mianning–Dechang REE Belt.Faulting and cryptoexplosive breccia events, possibly linked to movement on the Panxi Fault, were more common in the No. 1 orebody than in the No. 3 orebody. This facilitated the introduction of ore-forming hydrothermal fluids and provided space for the precipitation of REE minerals. Based on the present results, we infer that the Dalucao deposit was the product of multiple stages of ore formation. REE minerals formed in envelopes around, or fractures within, quartz, fluorite, calcite, barite, and celestite in the brecciated ores. The main REE minerals were deposited from hydrothermal fluids within cryptoexplosive breccia, followed by weathering that increased the ore grade. Petrographic studies and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that the weathered ore contains 5–60% REE minerals (including bastnäsite, parisite, and monazite), together with gangue (quartz, barite, celestite, and fluorite), large amount of clay minerals (smectite, illite, kaolinite, and sepiolite), and relict igneous minerals (quartz, albite, and K-feldspar). The weathered samples are strongly enriched in La (up to 92,390 ppm), Ce (up to 103,500 ppm), Pr (up to 8006 ppm), and Nd (up to 16,690 ppm) compared with the unweathered brecciated ores. Conversely, Sr concentrations are significantly more enriched in the brecciated ores (up to 256,500 ppm) than in the weathered ores (generally less than 2671 ppm with one exception of 37,850 ppm) due to less celestite. Calcite is largely absent from the weathered ores (except one sample with up to 30% mode), which contrasts with the brecciated ores that contain up to 75% calcite. The effects of weathering, oxidation, loss of ions, and hydration on the brecciated ores led to the refertilization of the REEs and an increase in the grade of the ore deposit.     

Rare earth element geochemistry of the Woxi W–Sb–Au deposit, Hunan Province, South China

The Woxi W–Sb–Au deposit in Hunan, South China, is hosted by Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks, a turbiditic sequence of slightly metamorphosed (greenschist facies), gray-green and purplish red graywacke, siltstone, sandy slate, and slate. The mineralization occurs predominantly (> 70%) as stratabound/stratiform ore layers and subordinately as stringer stockworks. The former consists of rhythmically interbedded, banded to finely laminated stibnite, scheelite, quartz, pyrite and silty clays, whereas the latter occurs immediately beneath the stratabound ore layers and is characterized by numerous quartz + pyrite + gold + scheelite stringer veins or veinlets that are typically either subparallel or subvertical to the overlying stratabound ore layers. The deposit has been the subject of continued debate in regard to its genesis. Rare earth element geochemistry is used here to support a sedimentary exhalative (sedex) origin for the Woxi deposit. The REE signatures of the metasedimentary rocks and associated ores from the Woxi W–Sb–Au deposit remained unchanged during post-depositional processes and were mainly controlled by their provenance. The original ore-forming hydrothermal fluids, as demonstrated by fluid inclusions in quartz from the banded ores, are characterized by variable total REE concentrations (3.5 to 136 ppm), marked LREE enrichment (La_N/Yb_N = 28–248, ∑LREE/∑HREE = 16 to 34) and no significant Eu-anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.83 to 1.18). They were most probably derived from evolved seawater that circulated in the clastic sediment pile and subsequently erupted on the seafloor. The bulk banded ores are enriched in HREE (La_N/Yb_N = 4.6–11.4, ∑LREE/∑HREE = 3 to 14) and slightly depleted in Eu (Eu/Eu = 0.63 to 1.14) relative to their parent fluids. This is interpreted as indicating the influence of seawater rather than a crystallographic control on REE content of the ores. Within a single ore layer, the degree of HREE enrichment tends to increase upward while the total REE concentrations decrease, reflecting greater influence and dilution of seawater. There is a broad similarity in chondrite-normalized REE patterns and the amount of REE fractionation of the banded ores in this study and exhalites from other sedex-type polymetallic ore deposits, suggesting a similar genesis for these deposits. This conclusion is in agreement with geologic evidence supporting a syngenetic (sedex) model for the Woxi deposit.     

Chemical and Sr isotopic characterization of North America uranium ores: Nuclear forensic applications

This study reports major, minor, and trace element data and Sr isotope ratios for 11 uranium ore (uraninite, UO_2+x) samples and one processed uranium ore concentrate (UOC) from various U.S. deposits. The uraninite investigated represent ores formed via different modes of mineralization (e.g., high- and low-temperature) and within various geological contexts, which include magmatic pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, sandstone-hosted, and roll front deposits. In situ trace element data obtained by laser ablation-ICP-MS and bulk sample Sr isotopic ratios for uraninite samples investigated here indicate distinct signatures that are highly dependent on the mode of mineralization and host rock geology. Relative to their high-temperature counterparts, low-temperature uranium ores record high U/Th ratios (>1000), low total rare earth element (REE) abundances (<1 wt%), high contents (>300 ppm) of first row transition metals (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni), and radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (>0.7200). Comparison of chondrite normalized REE patterns between uraninite and corresponding processed UOC from the same locality indicates identical patterns at different absolute concentrations. This result ultimately confirms the importance of establishing geochemical signatures of raw, uranium ore materials for attribution purposes in the forensic analysis of intercepted nuclear materials.     

Hydrothermal Sedimentary Mineralization of the Super‐large Bamianshan Fluorite Deposit in Zhejiang Province,China

The Bamianshan fluorite deposit is a super-large one recently discovered in Zhejiang Province of China. This paper presents an analysis of its geological background, orebody and ore characteristics, petrochemical characteristics of host rocks, rare earth elements (REE) of rocks and ores, fluid inclusions in fluorite and Sm-Nd isotopic features in an effort to study its sedimentary mineralization. The result shows that the super-large Bamianshan fluorite deposit is of hydrothermal sedimentation genesis, deformed by the later hydrothermal fluid. Integrated with host rocks and orebody characteristics, it is inferred that the deposit originates from the Cambrian sedimentary rocks. And the later magmatic activities deformed some orebodies in different degrees, forming steeply dipping vein orebodies in the tectonic belts regionally.     

Geochemistry and U-series dating of Holocene and fossil marine hydrothermal manganese deposits from the Izu-Ogasawara arc

This study investigated Holocene and fossil hydrothermal manganese deposits in the Izu-Ogasawara arc. Mineralogically, these deposits comprise 10 Å and 7 Å manganate minerals, and the fossil samples showed higher 10 Å stabilities. Chemical compositions of the Holocene samples are typical of other hydrothermal manganese deposits, including low Fe/Mn ratios, low trace metals, and low rare earth elements. Although the fossil samples generally have similar chemical characteristics, they exhibit significant enrichment in Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, REE, Tl, and Pb contents. Furthermore, the chondrite-normalized REE patterns showed more light REE enrichment trends. These chemical characteristics suggest post-depositional uptake of these metals from seawater. U-Th dating of a Holocene hydrothermal manganese deposit from the Kaikata Seamount indicated 8.8 ± 0.94 ka for the uppermost layer and downward growth beneath the seafloor with a growth rate of ca. 2 mm/kyr. This is approximately three orders of magnitude faster than that of hydrogenetic ferromanganese crusts. U-Pb age of a fossil hydrothermal manganese deposit from the Nishi-Jokyo Seamount showed 4.4 ± 1.6 Ma, which was contemporary with basaltic volcanism (5.8 ± 0.3 Ma). Hydrothermal manganese deposits contain high concentrations of high value Mn, but only small amounts of valuable minor metals; their ages constrain the periods of past hydrothermal activity and provide a vector to explore for polymetallic sulfide deposits.     

豫西嵩县上庄坪铅锌银矿床地球化学特征及地质意义

上庄坪铅锌银矿床是新一轮国土资源大调查中在北秦岭二郎坪群发现的硫化物矿床。笔者通过对矿床矿石、容矿同岩、重晶石岩的微量、稀土元素地球化学特征分析和地质特征研究,探讨成矿构造环境、成矿物质来源及矿床成因问题。研究表明.矿石和容矿围岩稀土元素球粒陨石标准化组成模式均为右倾型.矿石与围岩在Cu-Pb-Zn判别图解中投点区域一致.矿石Zn/(Zn Pb)与冲绳海槽和上向黑矿矿石特征相似、与TAG和EPR13°N区硫化物存在差异.矿石具较高As、Sb和Pb与低Cu、Cd和Se元素特征.认为该矿床成矿元素来源于壳幔混合、但以壳源为主的围岩变(石英)角斑岩和变细碧岩。矿石稀土元素、微量元素地球化学特征、矿床地质特征及与热水沉积重晶石岩和硅质岩的紧密共生关系说明,上庄坪矿床是弧后盆地构造环境海底热液喷流成岩成矿作用的产物。重晶石岩、硅质岩、矿床纵向和横向分带是寻找和勘探该类矿床的重要标志和依据。     

Are South China granites special in forming ion-adsorption REE deposits?

Ion-adsorption REE deposits associated with clay minerals are the main global HREE producer. The majority of these deposits are formed by the weathering of granites in South China, but whether there is any fundamental difference between the granites in and outside South China is still unclear. Besides, an effective evaluation system of granite mineralization potential is urgently needed for HREE exploration.To answer this question, we compiled a global granite geochemical dataset from within (n = 1932) and outside (n = 6109) South China, together with a dataset of representative REE deposits in South China (n = 128). The geochemical comparation shows that the South China granites share similar REE contents with those of many granites from places outside South China. Such similarity has also been found between REE ore-related and ore-barren granites in South China. This shows that granites from outside South China could also have ore-forming potential. Warm humid climate and quasi-equalized crustal state promote chemical weathering to continuously leach REEs and store them in the weathering crust. The enrichment ratio (Rx) can be used to quantify the climatic effect between orebodies and parent rocks. The calculated average Enrichment Ratios (Rx) of LREE- and HREE-rich deposits are 2.41 and 2.68, respectively. Sufficient REE content in granite is the prerequisite for mineralization, and we propose that the combination of the minimum REE + Y (172 and 108 ppm in LREE- and HREE-rich parent rocks, respectively) and REE oxide ratio (1.32) can reveal the granite metallogenic potential. Together with the suitable tropical and temperate climate area with ion-adsorption REE deposits, we further identified certain regions with high REE mineralization potential outside South China to assist future exploration.     

Geology, geochemistry and sulfur isotope composition of the Late Proterozoic Jingtieshan (Superior-type) hematite-jasper-barite iron ore deposits associated with stratabound Cu mineralization in the Gansu Province, China

The Jingtieshan deposit occurs in a Precambrian tectonic-stratigraphic terrane within the Northern Qilian Caledonian Orogen, and is generally considered as a Superior-type iron formation. The deposit is characterized by Fe-Si-Ba and Cu mineralization and consists of two types of orebodies, an upper jasper-barite-iron deposit and a lower copper sulfide deposit. The iron orebodies occur as independent stratigraphic layers concordant within a thick argillaceous succession, and exhibit fine-grained textures and well-developed sedimentary layering. The ores are predominantly composed of specularite and jasper with lesser amounts of magnetite, hematite, siderite, and barite. The presence of barite, hematite and jasper as major components shows that the iron ores were precipitated in a relatively oxidized ocean floor environment. The Cu orebody directly underlies the iron ore and is hosted by chlorite-sericite-quartz phyllite. The Cu mineralization is composed of pyrite and chalcopyrite and is characterized by stockwork. The disseminated and stockwork Cu mineralization is metamorphosed and concordant with respect to foliation, indicating pre-fabric development, i.e. pre-metamorphism, and was probably originally formed by reduced fluids reacting at the base of and within the oxide iron formation. Geochemical data show that the jasper-barite-iron ores, which resemble Superior-type iron formations, have a high input of hydrothermal-hydrogeneous elements (SiO₂, av.=56%; Fe₂O_3t, av.=30%; Mn, av.=0.45%; BaO, av.=16.7%) with minimal terrigeneous input (<15% combined Al₂O₃, TiO₂, K₂O, MgO, etc.). The δ³⁴S of exhalative barite varies from 28 to 34‰, which is very heavy with respect to other Late Proterozoic sulfate-bearing deposits, except those of circa 600 Ma in which the sulfides range from 8 to 20‰. The sulfur isotope data indicate that the barite was formed by the mixing of a Ba-rich hydrothermal fluid with sulfate-rich ambient seawater and that the sulfides ores were most probably derived from the reduction of seawater sulfate during subsurface reaction with ferrous iron-bearing minerals. These data are consistent with the jasper-barite-iron deposit forming by hydrothermal exhalative and chemical sedimentary processes on the floor of an ocean basin, and with the Cu mineralization forming by hydrothermal filling and replacement in base of and within the iron formation. Received: 19 March 1997 / Accepted: 14 May 1998     

Indium Mineralization in Copper–Tin Stratiform Skarn Ores at the Saishitang–Rilonggou Ore Field,Qinghai, Northwest China

The Saishitang–Rilonggou Ore Field (SROF), which includes the Saishitang, Tongyugou, and Rilonggou ore deposits as well as other scattered occurrences, is located in the Elashan region in Qinghai Province, and is a significant Cu–Sn ore field in NW China. These ores are hosted in stratiform skarn deposits with the main metals being Cu and Sn, as well as Zn, Pb, Au, Ag, and trace elements (e.g. Ga, Ge, Se, and In). Bulk‐rock geochemical analyses of 50 ore samples from the three deposits show that In contents in the Saishitang deposit range from 0.03 to 39 ppm (average 12.7 ppm, n = 19), with 1000 In/Zn values that vary from >0.01 to 29.83 (average 4.29). Indium contents in the Tongyugou deposit vary from 7.51 to 131 ppm (average 28.37 ppm, n = 13), with 1000 In/Zn values from 0.74 to 48 (average 17.55). Finally, indium contents in the Rilonggou deposit vary from 0.73 to 120 ppm (average 36.15 ppm, n = 18), with 1000 In/Zn values from 0.33 to 47 (average 8.52). Indium is hosted mainly in sphalerite, while some other In‐bearing minerals (e.g., roquesite, stannoidite, and stannite) are present locally within the ore field. Roquesite, which replace or fill bornite, occurs in bornite‐rich ores in the Saishitang deposit. This is the first reported Chinese locality of roquesite. Based on previously reported Zn resources, a total of 136 tons of In is calculated to be hosted in the SROF, with 30, 66, and 40 tons of In attributed to the Saishitang, Tongyugou, and Rilonggou deposits, respectively. The differences in indium contents among the deposits and their respective geological histories and characteristics suggest that the origin of indium relates to volcanogenic metallogenesis in an early Permian volcano‐sedimentary basin. Based on the evaluation of In resources, future mining operations should include the recovery of indium in the Tongyugou and Rilonggou deposits.     

四川丹巴县独狼沟金矿床成因：来自同位素证据

四川丹巴县独狼沟金矿床是扬子陆块西缘金成矿带上的一个大型金矿床。矿体呈较高品位、较厚单体石英脉充填于构造破碎带之间,呈透镜状、似层状和层状产出,受断层构造影响极为明显,具热液矿床特征。矿物学、锆石U-Pb测年成果和稀土元素及微量元素等方面研究显示矿床主要受两期热液成矿作用影响,早期热液成矿作用形成以磁黄铁矿、黄铁矿等高温热液矿物为主的金矿体,时限限定于184.2±1.1 Ma;晚期热液成矿作用则形成以黄铜矿、叶碲铋矿等中温热液矿物为主的金矿体,时限限定于156.5±4.3 Ma。成矿流体氢氧同位素组成表明其与该时期区域岩浆作用存在一定关联而与区域变质作用关系不密切。S同位素组成反映出其来源为深部来源的属性,在Pb同位素组成的研究中也对这一观点进行了验证。成矿流体被认为是来自交代岩石圈地幔,在早侏罗世软流圈上涌事件影响下交代岩石圈地幔中挥发分上涌并活化上覆地层中的金,从而形成富金成矿流体并沿区域性深大断裂上移就位于地壳岩石地层中成矿。成矿动力学机制与区域碰撞造山后由挤压向伸展转换的大地构造背景密切关联,认为独狼沟金矿床为典型造山型金矿床。     

浙西北银山银多金属矿床地质特征及成因

浙西北银山银多金属矿赋存于震旦纪蓝田组之中;矿体呈层状、似层状产出,受褶皱和断层控制明显,在褶皱的转折段和倒转翼矿明显加厚。Fe/Ti-Al/(Al+Fe+Mn)、Co/Ni比值都显示银山银多金属矿具有热水沉积特征,结合野外矿脉穿插关系和矿石的结构构造特征,可将成矿期划分为:热水沉积期和后期低温热液改造期两个成矿期;成矿流体整体属于低盐度流体,显示出从低盐度往高盐度演化的趋势。本文研究初步认为,银山银多金属矿属于浅成低温热液矿床,前寒武纪热水沉积阶段是金属元素的富集沉积阶段,但并未形成有经济价值的矿体,后来的构造运动和岩体侵入使其富集成矿。     

新疆西天山尼新塔格铁矿床地质特征与矿床成因

尼新塔格铁矿床所属的西天山阿吾拉勒成矿带赋存有多个中-大型铁矿,近年来这些铁矿床的成因类型以及它们之间的联系已成为该地区的一个研究热点。为了探讨尼新塔格铁矿床的矿床成因并进一步揭示其成矿过程,本文对该矿床进行了系统的矿物学、岩石学、岩相学及地球化学研究。工程勘探资料显示该矿床赋矿围岩主要为下石炭统大哈拉军山组玄武粗面安山岩、粗面安山岩及安山质火山碎屑岩。根据对围岩蚀变、矿石组构、矿物共生组合的观察,将矿床的形成过程划分为矿浆期和热液期两个主要成矿期。稀土、微量元素地球化学特征显示尼新塔格铁矿区内的矿石与熔岩围岩具有同源性。岩相学及地球化学研究表明,成矿物质主要来源于岛弧环境下形成的玄武质岩浆。综合以上特征,认为尼新塔格铁矿床是由石炭纪岛弧环境下形成的玄武质岩浆分异演化的产物,在成因类型上应属火山岩型岩浆-热液复合成因磁铁矿矿床。     

Characteristic Features of Tin–iron–copper Mineralization in the Anle-Huanggangliang Mining Area, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract: The Anle Sn‐Cu and Huanggangliang Fe‐Sn deposits have been exploited in the Linxi district, which is located 165 km northwest of Chifeng City in northern China. In this study the formation mechanisms of the tin deposits in the Anle and Huanggangliang mining area were investigated to understand the mechanisms of tin mineralization in northern China. The veins of the Anle deposit are divided into cassiterite–quartz–chlorite veins, chalcopyrite‐bearing quartz veins, cassi–terite–chalcopyrite–bearing quartz veins and sphalerite‐quartz veins. The sequence of mineralization is tin mineralization (stage I), copper mineralization (stage II), and lead‐zinc mineralization (stage III). The Huanggangliang tin deposit consists of magnetite skarn orebodies and many cassiterite‐bearing feldspar–fluorite veins and veinlets cutting the magnetite orebodies. The fluid inclusions in quartz and fluorite in ores from the Anle and Huanggangliang tin deposits are divided into two‐phase fluid inclusions, vapor‐rich fluid inclusions and poly‐phase fluid inclusions. The final homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions of quartz in the ores of the Anle deposit and fluorite of tin‐bearing feldspar veins in the Huanggangliang tin deposit range from 195 to 425C and from 215 to 450C, respectively. The fluids responsible for the Anle and Huanggangliang tin deposits were of very high temperature and NaCl‐rich ones containing K, Ca, Al, Si, Ti, Fe and Cl in addition to ore metals such as Sn and Cu. The temperature and chemical composition of fluid in fluid inclusions of igneous rocks in the mining area are very similar to those of fluid in fluid inclusions in the ores of these deposits. The fluid for these ore deposits had a close relation with the fluid coexisting with melt of Late Jurassic granitic rocks in this mining area. Salinities of fluid inclusions from these ore deposits and granitic rocks in the mining area were estimated to range from 35 to 50 wt % NaCl equivalent. Based on arsenopy‐rite geothermometry and fluid inclusion studies, a fluid containing 40 wt% NaCl (eq.) could be formed by phase separation of fluid having 6 wt% NaCl (eq.) at a temperature of 420 to 500C and a pressure of 0.3 to 0.4 kb. The temperatures and pressures presented above indicate an NaCl‐rich magmatic fluid derived from granitic melt that had intruded into a shallow level of crust caused the Sn–Fe–Cu mineralization of the mining area. The geological relationship between these ore deposits and granitic bodies around the ore deposits, and the similarity of fluids forming these ore deposits and coexisting with granitic melt, suggest that these ore deposits were formed by the activity of fluid derived from granitic melt in Late Jurassic age.     

Ag-Cu-Pb-Bi-S Minerals Newly Discovered from the Ohori Base Metal Deposit, Yamagata Prefecture, NE Japan: Implications for Bi-metallogenesis in the Green-Tuff Region

The Ohori deposit, one of the base metal deposits in the Green-Tuff region, NE Japan, is composed of two types of mineralization; a skarn-type (Kaninomata orebody) made by the replacement of the Miocene calcareous layer, and a vein-type (Nakanomata orebody). While the ore mineral assemblage of the deposit (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite and galena) has been known for being rather simple, some Pb-Bi-S minerals have been discovered for the first time in the present study. The minerals mainly occur in the chalcopyrite-rich ores of both orebodies. They essentially belong to the Pb-Bi-S system and contain Cu and Ag in minor amounts, which correspond to the lillianite–gustavite solid solution series (phases Z and X), cosalite, neyite, felbertalite, krupkaite and Bi-bearing galena. The chalcopyrite-rich (Bi-bearing) ores from both orebodies are richer in chalcopyrite, pyrite and chlorite, and have higher homogenization temperatures (>300°C) of fluid inclusions, and higher FeS contents in sphalerite compared to the Bi-free ores. In the Green-Tuff region, Bi-minerals have been reported from many base metal deposits. Most of these Bi-bearing ore deposits are referred to as xenothermal-type deposits, and are characterized by the following common features; composite mineralization of high- and low-temperatures in the shallower environments, and close relationships with the Tertiary granitic rocks. The whole mineralization at the Ohori deposit also has a similar xenothermal character because of the coexistence of high-temperature chalcopyrite-rich ores with Pb-Bi-S minerals, which were formed by the influence of the Tertiary granitic rocks at a shallow depth.