Mineralization Styles and Genesis of the Yinkeng Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu-Mn Polymetallic Orefield, Southern Jiangxi Province, SE China: Evidence from Geology, Fluid Inclusions, Isotopes and Chronology

The Yinkeng orefield in Yudu County, Jiangxi Province, SE China, is a zone of concentrated Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu-Mn polymetallic ores. Based on summing up basic geology and ore geology of the orefield, the polymetallic deposits in the orefield have been divided into seven major substyles according to their occurring positions and control factors. The ore-forming fluid inclusion styles in the orefield include those of two-phase fluid, liquid CO2-bearing three-phase and daughter mineral-bearing multi-phase. The homogenization temperatures range from 382o to 122oC, falling into five clusters of 370o to 390o, 300o to 360o, 230o to 300o, 210o to 290o and 120o to 200o, and the clusters of 300o to 360o, 230o to 300o and 120o to 200o are three major mineralization stages, with fluid salinity peaks from 4.14% to 7.31%, 2.07% to 7.31% and 0.53% to 3.90%, respectively. The ore-forming fluids are mainly type of NaCl-H2O with medium to high density(0.74–1.02 g/cm3), or CO2-bearing NaCl-H2O with medium to low density(0.18–0.79 g/cm3). The fluid salinity and density both show a decline tendency with decreasing temperature. According to the measurement and calculation of Hand O-isotopic compositions in the quartz of the quartz-sulfide veins, δDV-SMOW of the ore-forming fluid is from-84‰ to-54‰, and δ18OV-SMOW of that is from 6.75‰ to 9.21‰, indicating a magmatic fluid. The δ34SV-CDT of sulfides in the ores fall into two groups, one is from-4.4‰ to 2.2‰ with average of-1.42‰, and the other from 18.8‰ to 21.6‰ with average of 19.8‰. The S-isotopic data shows one peak at-4.4‰ to 2.2‰(meaning-1.42‰) suggesting a simple magmatic sulfur source. The ore Pbisotopic ratios are 206Pb/204Pb from 17.817 to 17.983, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.470 to 15.620 and 208Pb/204Pb from 38.072 to 38.481, indicating characteristics of mantle-derived lead. The data show that the major ore deposits in the orefield have a magmatic-hydrothermal genesis and that the SHRIMP zircon age of the granodiorite porphyry, closely related to the mineralization, is 151.2±4.2 Ma(MSWD = 1.3), which can represent the formation ages of the ores and intrusion rocks. The study aids understanding of the ore-forming processes of the major metallic ore deposits in the orefield.     

REE, Mn, Fe, Mg and C, O Isotopic Geochemistry of Calcites from Furong Tin Deposit, South China: Evidence for the Genesis of the Hydrothermal Ore-forming Fluids

The Furong tin deposit in the central Nanling region, South China, consists of three main types of mineralization ores, i.e. skarn-, altered granite- and greisen-type ores, hosted in Carboniferous and Permian strata and Mesozoic granitic intrusions. Calcite is the dominant gangue mineral intergrown with ore bodies in the orefield. We have carried out REE, Mn, Fe, and Mg geochemical and C, and O isotopic studies on calcites to constrain the source and evolution of the ore-forming fluids. The calcites from the Furong deposit exhibit middle negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*= 0.311–0.921), except for one which has an Eu/Eu* of 1.10, with the total REE content of 5.49–133 ppm. The results show that the calcites are characterized by two types of REE distribution patterns: a LREE-enriched pattern and a flat REE pattern. The LREE-enriched pattern of calcites accompanying greisen-type ore and skarn-type ore are similar to those of Qitianling granite. The REE, Mn, Fe, and Mg abundances of calcites exhibit a decreasing tendency from granite rock mass to wall rock, i.e. these abundances of calcites associated with altered granite-type and greisen-type ores are higher than those associated with skarn-type ores. The calcites from primary ores in the Furong deposit show large variation in carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of calcites are −0.4 to −12.7‰ and 2.8 to 16.4‰, respectively, and mainly fall within the range between mantle or magmatic carbon and marine carbonate. The calcites from greisen and altered granite ores in the Furong deposit display a negative correlation in the diagram of δ¹³C versus δ¹⁸O, probably owing to the CO₂-degassing of the ore-forming fluids. From the intrusion to wall-rock, the calcites display an increasing tendency with respect to δ¹³C values. This implies that the carbon isotopic compositions of the ore-bearing fluids have progressively changed from domination by magmatic carbon to sedimentary carbonate carbon. In combination with other geological and geochemical data, we suggest that the ore-forming fluids represent magmatic origin. We believe that the fluids exsolved from fractionation of the granitic magma, accompanying magmatism of the Qitianling granite complex, were involved in the mineralization of the Furong tin polymetallic deposit.     

Fluid Inclusions of Calcite and Sources of Ore-forming Fluids in the Huize Zn-Pb-(Ag-Ge) District, Yunnan, China

The Huize Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) district is a typical representative of the well-known medium-to large-sized carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) deposits, occurring in the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn Ore-forming Zone. Generally, fluid inclusions within calcite, one of the major gangue minerals, are dominated by two kinds of small (1-10 um) inclusions including pure-liquid and liquid. The inclusions exist in concentrated groups along the crystal planes of the calcite. The ore-forming fluids containing Pb and Zn, which belong to the Na+-K+-Ca2+-Cl--F--SO42- type, are characterized by temperatures of 164-221℃, medium salinity in 5-10.8 wt% NaCl, and medium pressure at 410×105 to 661×105 Pa. The contents of Na+-K+ and C1--F-, and ratios of Na+/K+-Cl-/F- in fluid inclusions present good linearity. The ratios of Na+/K+ (4.66-6.71) and Cl-/F- (18.21-31.04) in the fluid inclusions of calcite are relatively high, while those of Na+/K+ (0.29-5.69) and Cl-/F- (5.00-26.0) in the inclusions of sphalerite and pyrite are rela     

Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Yinchanggou-Qiluogou Pb-Zn Deposit, Sichuan Province, Southwest China

The Yinchanggou-Qiluogou Pb-Zn deposit,located in the western Yangtze Block,southwest China,is hosted by the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation dolostone.Ore bodies occur in the Qiluogou anticline and the NS-and NNW-trending faults.Sulfide ores mainly consist of sphalerite,pyrite,galena and calcite,with subordinate dolomite and quartz.Seventeen ore bodies have been discovered to date and they have a combined 1.0 million tons of sulfide ores with average grades of 2.27wt%Zn and 6.89wt%Pb.The δD_(H2O-SMOW) and δ~(18)O_(H2O-SMOW) values of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite samples range from-68.9‰ to-48.7‰ and 7.3‰ to 15.9‰,respectively,suggesting that H_2O in the hydrothermal fluids sourced from metamorphic water.Calcite samples have δ~(13)C_(PDB) values ranging from-6.2‰ to-4.1‰ and δ~(18)O_(SMOW) values ranging from 15.1‰ to 17.4‰,indicating C and O in the hydrothermal fluids likely derived from a mixed source of metamorphic fluids and the host carbonates.The δ~(34)S_(CDT) values of sulfide minerals range from 5.5‰ to 20.3‰,suggesting that thermal chemical reduction of sulfate minerals in evaporates were the most probable source of S in the hydrothermal fluids.The ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of sulfide minerals fall in the range of 18.11 to 18.40,15.66 to 15.76 and 38.25 to 38.88,respectively.The Pb isotopic data of the studied deposit plot near the upper crust Pb evolution curve and overlap with the age-corrected Proterozoic basement rocks and the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation hosting dolostone.This indicates that the Pb originated from a mixed source of the basement metamorphic rocks and the ore-hosting carbonate rocks.The ore geology and C-H-O-S-Pb isotopic data suggest that the YinchanggouQiluogou deposit is an unusual carbonate-hosted,strata-bound and epigenetic deposit that derived ore-forming materials from a mixed source of the underlying Porterozoic basements and the Sinian hosting carbonates.     

Ore Geology,Fluid Inclusion,and S‐ and Pb‐Isotopic Constraints on the Genesis of the Chitudian Zn‐Pb Deposit,Southern Margin of the North China Craton

The Chitudian Zn‐Pb ore deposit, Luanchuan, Henan province, was recently discovered in the southern margin of the North China Craton. The Zn‐Pb orebodies are hosted in the Proterozoic Guandaokou and Luanchuan Groups, occurring as veins in interbedding fracture zones mainly in a WNW‐ and partially in a NS‐direction. The Zn‐Pb ores are characterized by banded, massive, and breccia structures, coarse crystal grains, and a simple mineral composition mainly of galena, sphalerite, pyrite, quartz, dolomite, and calcite. In addition to the vein type orebodies, there are Mo‐ and Zn‐bearing skarn orebodies in the northwest of the Chitudian ore field. Four types of primary fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite were recognized in the Chitudian Zn‐Pb ores, including aqueous, aqueous‐CO₂, daughter‐mineral‐bearing aqueous, and daughter‐mineral‐bearing aqueous‐CO₂ inclusions, with aqueous inclusion being most common. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions from the main mineralization stage are from 290°C to 340°C, and the salinities mainly from 3.7 to 14.8 wt% NaCl equivalent. In addition to CO₂, CH₄ and H₂S were detected in the vapor phase and HS^‐ in the liquid phase of the fluid inclusions by Laser Raman spectroscopy. The δ³⁴S_V‐CDT values of ore sulfides from the Chitudian deposit range from ?0.32‰ to 8.30‰, and show two modal peaks in the histogram, one from 1‰ to 4‰, and the other from 5‰ to 7‰. The former peak is similar to that of porphyry‐type Mo‐W deposits in the area, whereas the latter is relatively close to the sulfur in the strata. The ore sulfur may have been derived from both the magma and the strata. The Pb‐isotopic compositions of the ore minerals from Chitudian, with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 17.005 to l7.953, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.414 to 15.587, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 37.948 to 39.036, are similar to those of Mesozoic porphyries in the Chitudian ore field, suggesting that the ore‐forming metals were mainly derived from the Mesozoic magmatic intrusions. The Chitudian Zn‐Pb deposit is interpreted to be a distal hydrothermal vein‐type deposit, which was genetically related to the proximal, skarn‐type Mo ore deposits in the region.     

Genesis of the Jurassic Carbonate‐Hosted Pb–Zn Deposits of Jebel Ressas (North‐Eastern Tunisia): Evidence from Mineralogy,Petrography and Trace Metal Contents and Isotope (O,C, S,Pb) Geochemistry

The Jebel Ressas Pb–Zn deposits in North‐Eastern Tunisia occur mainly as open‐space fillings (lodes, tectonic breccia cements) in bioclastic limestones of the Upper Jurassic Ressas Formation and along the contact of this formation with Triassic rocks. The galena–sphalerite association and their alteration products (cerussite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite) are set within a calcite gangue. The Triassic rocks exhibit enrichments in trace metals, namely Pb, Co and Cd enrichment in clays and Pb, Zn, Cd, Co and Cr enrichment in carbonates, suggesting that the Triassic rocks have interacted with the ore‐bearing fluids associated with the Jebel Ressas Pb–Zn deposits. The δ¹⁸O content of calcite associated with the Pb–Zn mineralization suggests that it is likely to have precipitated from a fluid that was in equilibrium with the Triassic dolostones. The δ³⁴S values in galenas from the Pb–Zn deposits range from ?1.5 to +11.4‰, with an average of 5.9‰ and standard deviation of 3.9‰. These data imply mixing of thermochemically‐reduced heavy sulfur carried in geothermal‐ and fault‐stress‐driven deep‐seated source fluid with bacterially‐reduced light sulfur carried in topography‐driven meteoric fluid. Lead isotope ratios in galenas from the Pb–Zn deposits are homogenous and indicate a single upper crustal source of base‐metals for these deposits. Synthesis of the geochemical data with geological data suggests that the base‐metal mineralization at Jebel Ressas was formed during the Serravallian–Tortonian (or Middle–Late Miocene) Alpine compressional tectonics.     

Geochemical Characteristics and Sources of Ore-forming Fluids of the Mayuan Pb-Zn Deposit, Nanzheng, Shaanxi, China

The Mayuan stratabound Pb-Zn deposit in Nanzheng,Shaanxi Province,is located in the northern margin of the Yangtze Plate,in the southern margin of the Beiba Arch.The orebodies are stratiform and hosted in breciated dolostone of the Sinian Dengying Formation.The ore minerals are primarily sphalerite and galena,and the gangue minerals comprise of dolomite,quartz,barite,calcite and solid bitumen.Fluid inclusions from ore-stage quartz and calcite have homogenization tempreatures from 98 to 337℃ and salinities from 7.7 wt%to 22.2 wt%(NaCl equiv.).The vapor phase of the inclusions is mainly composed of CH_4 with minor CO_2 and H_2S.The δD_(fluid) values of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite display a range from-68‰ to-113‰(SMOW),and the δ~(18)O_(fluid)values calculated from δ~(18)O_(quartz) and δ~(18)O_(calcite) values range from 4.5‰ to 16.7‰(SMOW).These data suggest that the ore-forming fluids may have been derived from evaporitic sea water that had reacted with organic matter.The δ~(13)C_(CH4) values of CH_4 in fluid inclusions range from-37.2‰ to-21.0‰(PDB),suggesting that the CH_4 in the ore-forming fluids was mainly derived from organic matter.This,together with the abundance of solid bitumen in the ores,suggest that organic matter played an important role in mineralization,and that the thermochemical sulfate reduction(TSR) was the main mechanism of sulfide precipitation.The Mayuan Pb-Zn deposit is a carbonate-hosted epigenetic deposit that may be classified as a Mississippi Valley type(MVT) deposit.     

S, C, O, H Isotope Data and Noble Gas Studies of the Maoniuping LREE Deposit, Sichuan Province, China： A Mantle Connection for Mineralization

The Maoniuping REE deposit, located about 22 km to the southwest of Mianning, Sichuan Province, is the second largest light REE deposit in China, subsequent to the Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE deposit in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Tectonically, it is located in the transitional zone between the Panxi rift and the Longmenshan-Jinpingshan orogenic zone. It is a carbonatite vein-type deposit hosted in alkaline complex rocks. The bastnaesite-barite, bastnaesite-calcite, and bastnaesite-microcline lodes are the main three types of REE ore lodes. Among these, the first lode is distributed most extensively and its REE mineralization is the strongest. Theδ34Sv-CDT values of the barites in the ore of the deposit vary in a narrow range of +5.0 to +5.1‰in the bastnaesite-calcite lode and +3.3 to +5.9‰in the bastnaesite-barite lode, showing the isotopic characteristics of magma-derived sulfur. Theδ13Cv-PDB values and theδ518OV-SMOW values in the bastnaesite-calcite lode range from -3.9 to -6.9‰and from +7.3 to +9.7‰, respectively, which fall into the range of "primary carbonatites", showing that carbon and oxygen in the ores of the Maoniuping deposit were derived mainly from a deep source. Theδ13Cv-PDB values of fluid inclusions vary from -3.0 to -5.6‰, with -3.0 to -4.0‰in the bastnaesite-calcite lode and -3.0 to -5.6‰in the bastnaesite-barite lode, which show characteristics of mantle-derived carbon. TheδDv-SMOW values of fluid inclusions range from -57 to -88‰, with -63 to -86‰in the bastnaesite-calcite lode and -57 to -88‰in the bastnaesite-barite lode, which show characteristics of mantle-derived hydrogen. Theδ18OH2OV-SMOW values vary from +7.4 to +8.6‰in the bastnaesite calcite lode, and +6.7 to +7.8‰in the bastnaesite-barite lode, almost overlapping the range of +5.5 to +9.5‰for magmatic water. The 4He content, R/Ra ratios are (13.95 to 119.58×10-6 (cm3/g)STP and 0.02 to 0.11, respectively, and 40Ar/36Ar is 313±1 to 437±2. Considering the 4He increase caused by high contents of radioactive elements, a mantle-derived fluid probably exists in the inclusions in the fluorite, calcite and bastnaesite samples. The Maoniuping deposit and its associated carbonatite-alkaline complex were formed in 40.3 to 12.2 Ma according to K-Ar and U-Pb data. All these data suggest that large quantities of mantle fluids were involved in the metallogenic process of the Maoniuping REE deposit through a fault system.     

Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Dongzhongla Pb–Zn Deposit in Tibet: Implications for the Origin of the Ore‐Forming Fluids and Storage Condition of Certain Metals

As a newly discovered medium‐sized deposit (proven Pb + Zn resources of 0.23 Mt, 9.43% Pb and 8.73% Zn), the Dongzhongla skarn Pb–Zn deposit is located in the northern margin of the eastern Gangdese, central Lhasa block. Based on the geological conditions in this deposit of ore‐forming fluids, H, O, C, S, Pb, Sr, and noble gas isotopic compositions were analyzed. Results show that δ¹⁸O_SMOW of quartz and calcite ranged from −9.85 to 4.17‰, and δD_SMOW ranged from −124.7 to −99.6‰ (where SMOW is the standard mean ocean water), indicating magma fluids mixed with meteoric water in ore‐forming fluids. The δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of calcite range from −1.4 to −1.1‰ and from 5.3 to 15.90‰, respectively, show compositions consistent with the carbonate limestone in the surrounding rocks, implying that the carbon was primarily sourced from the dissolution of carbonate strata in the Luobadui Formation. The ore δ³⁴S composition varied in a narrow range of 2.8 to 5.7‰, mostly between 4‰ and 5‰. The total sulfur isotopic value δ³⁴S was 4.7‰ with characteristics of magmatic sulfur. The ³He/⁴He values of pyrite and galena ranged from 0.101 to 5.7 Ra, lower than those of mantle‐derived fluids (6 ± 1 Ra), but higher than those of the crust (0.01–0.05 Ra), and therefore classified as a crust–mantle mixed source. The Pb isotopic composition for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of the ores were in the ranges of 18.628–18.746, 15.698–15.802, and 39.077–39.430, respectively, consistent with the Pb isotopic composition of magmatic rocks in the deposit, classified as upper‐crust lead. The ore lead was likely sourced partially from the crustal basement of the Lhasa Terrane. The initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i value from five sulfide samples ranged from 0.71732 to 0.72767, and associated ore‐forming fluids were mainly sourced from the partial melting of the upper‐crust materials. Pb isotopic compositions of ore sulfides from the Dongzhongla deposit are similar to that of the Yuiguila and Mengya'a deposit, indicating that they have similar sources of metal‐rich ore‐forming solution. According to basic skarn mineralogy, the economic metals, and the origin of the ore‐forming fluids, the Dongzhongla deposit was classified as a skarn‐type Pb–Zn deposit.     

Oxygen,carbon and sulphur isotope studies in the Keban Pb–Zn deposits,eastern Turkey: An approach on the origin of hydrothermal fluids

Pb–Zn deposits are widespread and common in various parts of the Taurus Belt. Most of the deposits are of pyrometasomatic and hydrothermal origin. The Keban Pb–Zn deposits are located along the intrusive contact between the Paleozoic – Lower Triassic Keban Metamorphic Formation and the syenite porphyry of the Upper Cretaceous Keban igneous rocks. Various studies have already been carried out; using fluid inclusion studies on fluorite, calcite and quartz on the pyrite–chalcopyrite bearing Keban ore deposits. This study focuses on the interpretation of stable isotope compositions in connexion with fluid inclusion data. Sulphur isotope values (δ³⁴S) of pyrite are within the range of ?0.59 to +0.17‰_V-CDT (n = 10). Thus, the source of sulphur is considered to be magmatic, as evidenced by associated igneous rocks and δ³⁴S values around zero“0”. Oxygen isotope values δ¹⁸O of quartz vary between +10.5 and +19.9‰_(SMOW). However, δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values of calcite related to re-crystallized limestone (Keban Metamorphic Formation) reach up to +27.3‰_(SMOW) and +1.6‰_(PDB), respectively. The δ³⁴S, δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values demonstrate that skarn-type Pb–Zn deposits formed within syeno-monzonitic rocks and calc-schist contacts could have developed at low temperatures, by mixing metamorphic and meteoric waters in the final stages of magmatism.     

Sulfur Isotope Variations of Metallic Ore Deposits in the Gyeongsang Basin,South Korea

Many metallic ore deposits of the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary periods are distributed in the Gyeongsang Basin. Previous and newly analyzed sulfur isotope data of 309 sulfide samples from 56 ore deposits were reviewed to discuss the genetic characteristics in relation to granitoid rocks. The metallogenic provinces of the Gyeongsang Basin are divided into the Au–Ag(–Cu–Pb–Zn) province in the western basin where the sedimentary rocks of the Shindong and Hayang groups are distributed, Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag–Cu), Cu–Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag), and Fe–W(–Mo) province in the central basin where the volcanic rocks of the Yucheon Group are dominant, and Cu(–Mo–W–Fe) province in the southeastern basin where both sedimentary rocks of the Hayang Group and Tertiary volcanic rocks are present. Average sulfur isotope compositions of the ore deposits show high tendencies ranging from 2.2 to 11.7‰ (average 5.4‰) in the Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag–Cu) province, ?0.7 to 11.5‰ (average 4.6‰) in the Cu–Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag) province, and 3.7 to 11.4‰ (average 7.5‰) in the Fe–W(–Mo) province in relation to magnetite‐series granitoids, whereas they are low in the Au–Ag(–Cu–Pb–Zn) province in relation to ilmenite‐series granitoids, ranging from ?2.9 to 5.7‰ (average 1.7‰). In the Cu(–Mo–W–Fe) province δ³⁴S values are intermediate ranging from 0.3 to 7.7‰ (average 3.6‰) and locally high δ³⁴S values are likely attributable to sulfur derived from the Tertiary volcanic rocks during hydrothermal alteration through faults commonly developed in this region. Magma originated by the partial melting of the ³⁴S‐enriched oceanic plate intruded into the volcanic rocks and formed magnetite‐series granitoids in the central basin, which contributed to high δ³⁴S values of the metallic deposits. Conversely, ilmenite‐series granitoids were formed by assimilation of sedimentary rocks rich in organic sulfur that influenced the low δ³⁴S values of the deposits in the western and southeastern provinces.     

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.     

Unique Origin of Skarn at the Ohori Base Metal Deposit,Yamagata Prefecture,NE Japan: C,O and S Isotopic Study

The Ohori ore deposit is one of the Cu–Pb–Zn deposits in the Green Tuff region, NE Japan, and consists of skarn‐type (Kaninomata) and vein‐type (Nakanomata) orebodies. The former has a unique origin because its original calcareous rocks were made by hydrothermal precipitation during Miocene submarine volcanism. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of skarn calcite and sulfur isotope ratios of sulfides were measured in and around the deposit. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of the skarn calcite are δ¹³C = ?15.51 to ?5.1‰, δ¹⁸O = +3.6 to +22.5‰. δ¹³C values are slightly lower than those of the Cretaceous skarn deposits in Japan. These isotope ratios of the Kaninomata skarn show that the original calcareous rocks resemble the present submarine hydrothermal carbonates at the CLAM Site, Okinawa Trough, than Cenozoic limestones, even though some isotopic shifts had occurred during later skarnization. δ³⁴S ratios of the sulfide minerals from the Kaninomata and Nakanomata orebodies are mostly in a narrow range of +4.0 to +7.0‰ and they resemble each other, suggesting the same sulfur origin for the both deposits. The magnetite‐series Tertiary Kaninomatasawa granite is distributed just beneath the skarn layer and has δ³⁴S ratios of +7.5 to 8.1‰. The heavy sulfur isotope ratio of the skarn sulfides may have been affected by the Kaninomatasawa granite.     

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.     

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.     

Dating of the Giant Huize Zn-Pb Ore Field of Yunnan Province, Southwest China: Constraints from the Sm-Nd System in Hydrothermal Calcite

The Huize ore field, which is the most famous high‐grade Mississippi Valley‐type Zn‐Pb ore field in China, consists of the Kuangshanchang and Qilinchang deposits. The Sm‐Nd isotopic compositions of gangue calcite were analyzed to constrain the timing of mineralization. Eight calcite samples from the No. 6 orebody in the Qilinchang deposit have Sm and Nd concentrations of 1.82–25.93 and 15.25–79.02 ppm, respectively, and yielded an age of 225 ± 9.9 Ma with epsilon Nd =?10.6 and MSWD = 0.13. Five calcites from the No. 1 orebody in the Kuangshanchang deposit contain 2.37–2.90 ppm Sm and 8.18–16.85 ppm Nd, and yielded an age of 228 ± 16 Ma, with epsilon Nd =?10.6 and MSWD = 0.28. These two ages are close to the age of the Emeishan flood basalt, which is ca 255 Ma, and agree with the reported ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau and isochron ages of the native copper mineralization related to the Emeishan flood basalt in this region, which are 226–228 Ma. Moreover, previous study shows that the magnitude of uplift resulting from the Emeishan flood basalts is >1000 m. It indicates that the Kuangshanchang and the Qilinchang deposit formed during the same geological event and originated by fluid migration during uplift resulting from the Emeishan flood basalt.     

Isotopes and Geochronology of the Meixian-type Pb-Zn-(Ag)Deposits,Central Fujian Rift,South China:Implications for Geological Events

Central Fujian Rift is another new and important volcanogenic massive sulfide Pb-Zn polymetallic metallogenetic belt. In order to find out the material genesis and mineralization period of Meixian-type Pb-Zn-Ag deposits, S and Pb isotope analysis and isotope geochronology of ores and wall rocks for five major deposits are discussed. It is concluded that the composition of sulfur isotope from sulfide ore vary slightly in different deposits and the mean value is close to zero with the 834S ranging from -3.5‰ to ＋5.6‰ averaging at ＋2.0‰, which indicates that the sulfur might originate from magma or possibly erupted directly from volcano or was leached from ore-hosted volcanic rock. The lead from ores in most deposits displays radioactive genesis character （206pb/204pb〉18.140, 207Pb/204pb〉15.584, 208pb/204pb〉38.569） and lead isotope values of ores are higher than those of wall rocks, which indicates that the lead was likely leached from the ore-hosted volcanic rocks. Based on isotope data, two significant Pb-Zn metallogenesis are delineated, which are Mid- and Late-Proterozoic sedimentary exhalative metailogenesis （The single zircon U-Pb, Sm-Nd isochronal and Ar-Ar dating ages of ore- hosted wall rocks are calculated to be among 933-1788 Ma.） and Yanshanian magmatic hydrothermal superimposed and alternated metallogenesis （intrusive SHRIMP zircon U-Pb and Rb-Sr isochronal ages between 127-154 Ma）.     

REE and isotope (Sr,S, and Pb) geochemistry to constrain the genesis and timing of the F–(Ba–Pb–Zn) ores of the Zaghouan District (NE Tunisia)

The F–(Ba–Pb–Zn) ore deposits of the Zaghouan District, located in NE Tunisia, occur as open space fillings or stratabound orebodies, hosted in Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary layers. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns may be split into three groups: (i) “Normal marine” patterns characterizing the wallrock carbonates; (ii) light REE (LREE) enriched (slide-shaped) patterns with respect to heavy REE (HREE), with small negative Ce and Eu anomalies, characteristic of the early ore stages; (iii) Bell-shaped REE patterns displaying LREE depletion, as well as weak negative Ce and Eu anomalies, characterizing residual fluids of subsequent stages. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707654–0.708127 ± 8), show that the Sr of the epigenetic carbonates (dolomite, calcite) and ore minerals (fluorite, celestite) are more radiogenic than those of the country (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, lower Miocene) sedimentary rocks. The uniformity of this ratio, throughout the District, provides evidence for the isotopic homogeneity and, consequently, the identity of the source of the mineralizing fluids. This signature strongly suggests that the radiogenic Sr is carried by Upper Paleozoic basinal fluids.The δ³⁴S values of barite, associated to mineralizations, are close to those of the Triassic sea water (17‰). The δ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals range from − 13.6‰ to + 11.4‰, suggesting two sulfur-reduced end members (BSR/TSR) with a dominant BSR process.Taking account of the homogeneity in the Pb-isotope composition of galenas (18.833–18.954 ± 0.001, 15.679–15.700 ± 0.001 and 38.690–38.880 ± 0.004, for the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios respectively), a single upper crustal source for base-metals is accepted. The Late Paleozoic basement seems to be the more plausible source for F–Pb–Zn concentrated in the deposits. The genesis of the Zaghouan District ore deposits is considered as the result of the Zaghouan Fault reactivation during the Late Miocene period.     

黔西南灰家堡金矿田热液方解石稀土元素与C-O-Sr同位素地球化学特征

为探讨灰家堡金矿田矿化剂和成矿物质来源,系统开展了热液方解石的稀土元素和C-O-Sr同位素研究。结果表明,热液方解石的稀土元素具有"上凸型"配分模式,低的(La/Sm)N值(0.003~0.580),较高的(Gd/Yb)_N值(1.21~15.73),Eu正异常,显示成矿流体的壳源特征;产于龙潭组(P3l)的矿体中的方解石δ13CPDB为-9.3‰~1.7‰(均值为-3.93‰);产于构造蚀变体(SBT)的矿体中的方解石δ¹³CPDB为-7.8‰~3.3‰(均值为1.04‰),C-O同位素组成介于地幔碳酸岩与海相碳酸盐岩之间,在δ¹³CPDB-δ¹⁸OSMOW图解上呈近水平分布,与矿体全岩及围岩碳同位素组成相似,表明成矿流体的C可能具有多来源特征。成矿流体与围岩之间的水-岩反应并未改变矿石的碳、氧同位素组成,流体-岩石相互作用不是导致热液方解石沉淀的主要机制,而更可能与CO₂的脱气作用有关;方解石的⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值接近碳酸盐岩围岩、明显高于幔源物质的平均值,表明成矿热液中的Sr可能主要来自碳酸盐岩围岩。     

Geochemistry of Triassic Carbonates: Exploration Guide to Pb–Zn Mineralization in North Tunisia

The Triassic carbonate rocks in Northern Tunisia (Nappes, Domes, Jurassic Mountains zones), consist of massive carbonates, clays and gypsum with authigenic minerals. These are associated with several Pb–Zn deposits and occurrences. At Jebel Ichkeul, Bechateur and Oum Edeboua, these Triassic carbonates exhibit enrichment in Pb (0.32 to 228 ppm), Zn (17 to 261 ppm), Cd (5 to 6 ppm) and Co (0.3 to 89.5 ppm), with respect to their average contents in crustal carbonates. The enrichment is more pronounced at Oum Edeboua (near the ore zone). Permeability is one of the most effective factors of dispersion of metallic trace elements, causing the development of geochemical halos. The genetic relationship of the Triassic carbonate rocks with the ore deposits was controlled by diapirism and tectonic movements, which favored mineralization along the Triassic‐cover contact as well as the remobilization of metals from the mineralized rocks. Analysis of metallic trace elements in Triassic rocks provides clues to the presence of possible mineral deposits. These could be effectively used for both geochemical interpretation and mineral exploration. Carbon and O‐isotope data (– 9.3‰ < δ¹³C < +3‰; +21.9 < δ¹⁸O < +31‰) suggest that the Triassic carbonates of all study areas have marine carbonates as their origin; some of them show significantly lower δ¹⁸O values indicating some exchange with hydrothermal fluids. Calcites associated with mineralization at Oum Edeboua have δ¹³C of –6.2‰ to –8.22‰ and δ¹⁸O of +24.88‰ to +25‰. The C‐isotope compositions of these calcites are ¹³C depleted, indicating an organic origin.