Exhalites Associated with Pb-Zn Mineralization in Devonian System and Their Prospecting Implications,Qinling,China

The exhalation origin of the ankerite-siliceous rocks associated with Pb-Zn mineralizations in the Devonian system of Qinling is discussed in the light of geologic setting,sedimentary-tectonic environment,lithological and chemical characteristics.On this basis,criteria for distinguishing them and their potential role as an indicator in prospecting are described.Ankerite-siliceous rocks are developed in the strata-bound Pb-Zn polymetallic belt in the Devonian system of Qinling.They are microcrystalline,dark grey and compact in appearance and are commonly carbonaceous,As a persistent ore-bearing horizon in the region,their genetic relation to the Pb-Zn deposits in generally accepted.However,a consensus has yet to be reached among geologists concerning their origein as a product of hydrothermal metasomtism at the late stage of sedimentation or as exhalite resulting from submarine exhalation.Accumulating evidence from direct observations on modern submarine hydrothermal systems strongly indicates that seafloor exhalation is a much more common geologic process than previously thought nd its metallogenic implications have long been overlooked.Characteristics of the ankerite-siliceous rocks as a product of exhalation and their significance as a guide in prospecting are described on the basis or geological setting,lithology,lithochemistry,REE,and isotopic and trace element features.

Exhalites associated with Pb-Zn mineralization in Devonian system and their prospecting implications,Qinling, China

The exhalation origin of the ankerite siliceous rocks associated with Pb-Zn mineralizations in the Devonian system of Qinling is discussed in the light of geologic setting, sedimentary -tectonic environment, lithological and chemical characteristics. On this basis, criteria for distinguishing them and their potential role as an indicator in prospecting are described. This project was finantially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.