Genesis of the Bangbu Orogenic Gold Deposit,Tibet: Evidence from Fluid Inclusion,Stable Isotopes,and Ar-Ar Geochronology

The Bangbu gold deposit is a large orogenic gold deposit in Tibet formed during the AlpineHimalayan collision. Ore bodies(auriferous quartz veins) are controlled by the E-W-trending Qusong-Cuogu-Zhemulang brittle-ductile shear zone. Quartz veins at the deposit can be divided into three types: pre-metallogenic hook-like quartz veins, metallogenic auriferous quartz veins, and postmetallogenic N-S quartz veins. Four stages of mineralization in the auriferous quartz veins have been identified:(1) Stage S1 quartz+coarse-grained sulfides,(2) Stage S2 gold+fine-grained sulfides,(3) Stage S3 quartz+carbonates, and(4) Stage S4 quartz+ greigite. Fluid inclusions indicate the oreforming fluid was CO_2-N_2-CH_4 rich with homogenization temperatures of 170–261°C, salinities 4.34–7.45 wt% Na Cl equivalent. δ~(18)Ofluid(3.98‰–7.18‰) and low δDV-SMOW(-90‰ to-44‰) for auriferous quartz veins suggest ore-forming fluids were mainly metamorphic in origin, with some addition of organic matter. Quartz vein pyrite has δ~(34)SV-CDT values of 1.2‰–3.6‰(an average of 2.2‰), whereas pyrite from phyllite has δ~(34)SV-CDT 5.7‰–9.9‰(an average of 7.4‰). Quartz vein pyrites yield 206Pb/204 Pb ratios of 18.662–18.764, 207Pb/204 Pb 15.650–15.683, and ~(208)Pb/204 Pb 38.901–39.079. These isotopic data indicate Bangbu ore-forming materials were probably derived from the Langjiexue accretionary wedge. 40Ar/39 Ar ages for sericite from auriferous sulfide-quartz veins yield a plateau age of 49.52 ± 0.52 Ma, an isochron age of 50.3 ± 0.31 Ma, suggesting that auriferous veins were formed during the main collisional period of the Tibet-Himalayan orogen(~65–41 Ma).     

Geology and Geochemistry of the Buerkesidai and Kuoerzhenkuola Gold Deposits in the Sawuershan Region, Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region, Northwest China

The Sawuershan region, one of the important gold metallogenic belts of Xinjiang, is located in the western part of the Kalatongke island arc zone of north Xinjiang, NW China. There are two gold deposits in mining, namely the Kuoerzhenkuola and the Buerkesidai deposits. Gold ores at the Kuoerzhenkuola deposit occur within Carboniferous andesite and volcanic breccias in the form of gold‐bearing quartz–pyrite veins and veinlet groups containing native gold, electrum, pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Gold ores at the Buerkesidai deposit occur within Carboniferous tuffaceous siltstones in the form of gold‐bearing quartz veinlet groups and altered rocks, with electrum, pyrite and arsenopyrite as major metallic minerals. Both gold deposits are hosted by structurally controlled faults associated with intense hydrothermal alteration. The typical alteration assemblage is sericite + chlorite + calcite + quartz, with an inner pyrite–sericite zone and an outer chlorite–calcite–epidote zone between orebodies and wall rocks. δ³⁴S values (0.3–1.3‰) of pyrite of ores from Kuoerzhenkuola deposit are similar to those (0.4–2.9‰) of pyrite of ores from Buerkesidai deposit. δ³⁴S values (1.1–2.8‰) of pyrite from altered rocks are similar to δ³⁴S values of magmatic or igneous sulfide sulfur, but higher than those from ores. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb data of sulfide from ores range within 17.72–18.56, 15.34–15.61, and 37.21–38.28, respectively. These sulfur and lead isotope compositions imply that ore‐forming materials might originate from multiple, mainly deep sources. He and Ar isotope study on fluid inclusions of pyrites from ores of Kuoerzhenkuola and Buerkesidai gold deposits produces ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar and ³He/⁴He ratios in the range of 282–525 and 0.6–9.4 R/Ra, respectively, indicating a mixed source of deep‐seated magmatic water (mantle fluid) and shallower meteoric water. In terms of tectonic setting, the gold deposits in the Sawuershan region can be interpreted as epithermal. These formations resulted from a combination of protracted volcanic activity, hydrothermal fluid mixing, and a structural setting favoring gold deposition. Fluid mixing was possibly the key factor resulting in Au deposition in the gold deposits in Sawuershan region.     

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

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

Genesis of the Xiuwenghala Gold Deposit in the Beishan Orogen,Northwest China: Evidence from Geology,Fluid Inclusion,and H–O–S–Pb Isotopes

The Xiuwenghala gold deposit is located in the Beishan Orogen of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The vein/lenticular gold orebodies are controlled by Northeast‐trending faults and are hosted mainly in the brecciated/altered tuff and rhyolite porphyry of the Lower Carboniferous Baishan Formation. Metallic minerals include mainly pyrite and minor chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite, whilst nonmetallic minerals include quartz, chalcedony, sericite, chlorite, and calcite. Hydrothermal alterations consist of silicic, sericite, chlorite, and carbonate. Alteration/mineralization processes comprise three stages: pre‐ore silicic alteration (Stage I), syn‐ore quartz‐chalcedony‐polymetallic sulfide mineralization (Stage II), and post‐ore quartz‐calcite veining (Stage III). Fluid inclusions (FIs) in quartz and calcite are dominated by L‐type with minor V‐type and lack any daughter mineral‐bearing or CO₂‐rich/‐bearing inclusions. From Stages I to III, the FIs homogenized at 240–260°C, 220–250°C, and 150–190°C, with corresponding salinities of 2.9–10.9, 3.2–11.1, and 2.9–11.9 wt.% NaCl eqv., respectively. The mineralization depth at Xiuwenghala is estimated to be relatively shallow (<1 km). FI results indicate that the ore‐forming fluids belong to a low to medium‐temperature, low‐salinity, and low‐density NaCl‐H₂O system. The values decrease from Stage I to III (3.7‰, 1.7–2.4‰, and ?1.7 to 0.9‰, respectively), and a similar trend is found for their values (?104 to ?90‰, ?126 to ?86‰, and ?130 to ?106‰, respectively). This indicates that the fluid source gradually evolved from magmatic to meteoric. δ³⁴S values of the hydrothermal pyrites (?3.0 to 0.0‰; avg. ?1.1‰) resemble those of typical magmatic/mantle‐derived sulfides. Pyrite Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.409–18.767, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.600–15.715, ²⁰⁸Pb^/204Pb = 38.173–38.654) are similar to those of the (sub)volcanic ore host, indicating that the origin of ore‐forming material was mainly the upper crustal (sub)volcanic rocks. Integrating evidence from geology, FIs, and H–O–S–Pb isotopes, we suggest that Xiuwenghala is best classified as a low‐sulfidation epithermal gold deposit.     

Genesis of the Weiquan Ag–Polymetallic Deposit in East Tianshan, China: Evidence from Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and C–H–O–S–Pb Isotope Systematics

The Weiquan Ag-polymetallic deposit is located on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and in the western segment of the Aqishan-Yamansu arc belt in East Tianshan,northwestern China. Its orebodies, controlled by faults, occur in the lower Carboniferous volcanosedimentary rocks of the Yamansu Formation as irregular veins and lenses. Four stages of mineralization have been recognized on the basis of mineral assemblages, ore fabrics, and crosscutting relationships among the ore veins. Stage I is the skarn stage(garnet + pyroxene), Stage Ⅱ is the retrograde alteration stage(epidote + chlorite + magnetite ± hematite 士 actinolite ± quartz),Stage Ⅲ is the sulfide stage(Ag and Bi minerals + pyrite + chalcopyrite + galena + sphalerite + quartz ± calcite ± tetrahedrite),and Stage IV is the carbonate stage(quartz + calcite ± pyrite). Skarnization,silicification, carbonatization,epidotization,chloritization, sericitization, and actinolitization are the principal types of hydrothermal alteration. LAICP-MS U-Pb dating yielded ages of 326.5±4.5 and 298.5±1.5 Ma for zircons from the tuff and diorite porphyry, respectively. Given that the tuff is wall rock and that the orebodies are cut by a late diorite porphyry dike, the ages of the tuff and the diorite porphyry provide lower and upper time limits on the age of ore formation. The δ~(13)C values of the calcite samples range from-2.5‰ to 2.3‰, the δ~(18)O_(H2 O) and δD_(VSMOW) values of the sulfide stage(Stage Ⅲ) vary from 1.1‰ to 5.2‰ and-111.7‰ to-66.1‰, respectively,and the δ~(13)C, δ~(18)O_(H2 O) and δD_(V-SMOW) values of calcite in one Stage IV sample are 1.5‰,-0.3‰, and-115.6‰, respectively. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopic compositions indicate that the ore-forming fluids evolved gradually from magmatic to meteoric sources. The δ~(34)S_(V-CDT) values of the sulfides have a large range from-6.9‰ to 1.4‰, with an average of-2.2‰, indicating a magmatic source, possibly with sedimentary contributions. The ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb, ~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb, and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of the sulfides are 17.9848-18.2785,15.5188-15.6536, and 37.8125-38.4650, respectively, and one whole-rock sample at Weiquan yields~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb, and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 18.2060, 15.5674, and 38.0511,respectively. Lead isotopic systems suggest that the ore-forming materials of the Weiquan deposit were derived from a mixed source involving mantle and crustal components. Based on geological features, zircon U-Pb dating, and C-H-OS-Pb isotopic data, it can be concluded that the Weiquan polymetallic deposit is a skarn type that formed in a tectonic setting spanning a period from subduction to post-collision. The ore materials were sourced from magmatic ore-forming fluids that mixed with components derived from host rocks during their ascent, and a gradual mixing with meteoric water took place in the later stages.     

Geochronology and fluid source constraints of the Songligou gold‐telluride deposit,western Henan Province,China: Analysis of genetic implications

The Songligou gold‐telluride deposit, located in Songxian County, western Henan Province, China, is one of many gold‐telluride deposits in the Xiaoqinling‐Xiong'ershan district. Gold orebodies occur within the Taihua Supergroup and are controlled by the WNW F101 Fault, and the fault was cut across by a granite porphyry dike. Common minerals in gold orebodies include quartz, chlorite, epidote, K‐feldspar, calcite, fluorite, sericite, phlogopite, bastnasite, pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tellurides, gold, bismuthinite, magnetite, and hematite, and pyrite is the dominant sulfide. Four mineralization stages are recognized, including pyrite‐quartz stage (I), quartz‐pyrite stage (II), gold‐telluride stage (III), and quartz‐calcite stage (IV). This work reports the Rb–Sr age of gold‐telluride‐bearing pyrite and zircon U–Pb age of granite porphyry, as well as S isotope data of pyrite and galena. The pyrite Rb–Sr isochron age is 126.6 ± 2.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.8), and the average zircon U–Pb age of granite porphyry is 166.8 ± 4.1 Ma (MSWD = 4.9). (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) _i values of pyrite and δ³⁴S values of sulfides vary from 0.7104 to 0.7105 and ?11.84 to 0.28‰, respectively. The obtained Rb–Sr isochron age represents the ore formation age of the Songligou gold‐telluride deposit, which is much younger than the zircon U–Pb age of the granite porphyry. Strontium and S isotopes, together with the presence of bastnaesite, suggest that the ore‐forming fluid was derived from felsic magmas with input of a mantle component and subsequently interacted with the Taihua Supergroup. Tellurium was derived from metasomatized mantle and was related to the subduction of the Shangdan oceanic crust and Izanagi plate beneath the North China Craton (NCC). This deposit is a part of the Early Cretaceous large‐scale gold mineralization in east NCC and formed in an extensional tectonic setting.     

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.     

The Crater Mountain Deposit,Papua New Guinea: Porphyry‐related Au–Te System

Ore mineralization and wall rock alteration of Crater Mountain gold deposit, Papua New Guinea, were investigated using ore and host rock samples from drill holes for ore and alteration mineralogical study. The host rocks of the deposit are quartz‐feldspar porphyry, feldspar‐hornblende porphyry, andesitic volcanics and pyroclastics, and basaltic‐andesitic tuff. The main ore minerals are pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and moderate amounts of tetrahedrite, tennantite, pyrrhotite, bornite and enargite. Small amounts of enargite, tetradymite, altaite, heyrovskyite, bismuthinite, bornite, idaite, cubanite, native gold, CuPbS₂, an unidentified Bi‐Te‐S mineral and argentopyrite occur as inclusions mainly in pyrite veins and grains. Native gold occurs significantly in the As‐rich pyrite veins in volcanic units, and coexists with Bi‐Te‐S mineral species and rarely with chalcopyrite and cubanite relics. Four mineralization stages were recognized based on the observations of ore textures. Stage I is characterized by quartz‐sericite‐calcite alteration with trace pyrite and chalcopyrite in the monomict diatreme breccias; Stage II is defined by the crystallization of pyrite and by weak quartz‐chlorite‐sericite‐calcite alteration; Stage III is a major ore formation episode where sulfides deposited as disseminated grains and veins that host native gold, and is divided into three sub‐stages; Stage IV is characterized by predominant carbonitization. Gold mineralization occurred in the sub‐stages 2 and 3 in Stage III. The fS₂ is considered to have decreased from ～10^?2 to 10^?14 atm with decreasing temperature of fluid.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987113000790

The Heilangou gold deposit is located in the northern QixiaePenglai gold belt, which is one amongst the three large gold belts in the eastern Shandong Province （Jiaodong Peninsula）. The ore body has formed within the Guojialing granite. In this study, we report the mineral chemistry of pyrite, as well as the S, Pb, and HeO isotope data of the Heilangou gold deposit. The chemical composition of pyrite in the Heilangou gold deposit indicates that the associated gold deposit is a typical magmatic hydrothermal one. The geochemical signatures and crystal structure of pyrite show that the ore-forming materials have been derived from the crust. The S isotope data of the pyrites from Heilangou show an overall range from 5.5 to 7.8＆amp;and an average of 6.7＆amp;. The S isotope data in this deposit are similar to those from the deposits in the Jiaodong gold belt. The Pb and S isotope variations are small in the Heilangou gold deposit. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios are 17.4653e17.5958, 15.5105e15.5746 and 38.0749e38.4361, respec-tively. These data plot between the lower crust and the orogenic belt. The Pb isotope data in the Heilangou gold deposit are similar to those in the Linglong gold deposit. From the Qixia gold area （the Liukou and Majiayao gold deposits） to the MupingeRushan gold belt （Rushan gold deposit） to the ZhaoeYe gold belt （the Linglong, Sanshandao and Jiaojia gold deposits）, the 206Pb/204Pb ratios progressively increase. The DeO isotope data obtained from quartz separates suggest that the ore-forming fluid was similar to a mixture of magmatic and meteoric waters. These results suggest that the ore-forming elements were primarily from source fluids derived from the lower crust.     

Ore‐Forming Fluids as Sampled by Sulfide‐ and Quartz‐Hosted Fluid Inclusions in the Jinwozi Lode Gold Deposit,Eastern Tianshan Mountains of China

The Jinwozi lode gold deposit in the eastern Tianshan Mountains of China includes auriferous quartz veins and network quartz veins that are exemplified by the Veins 3 and 210, respectively. This paper presents H‐, O‐isotope compositions and gas compositions of fluid inclusions hosted in sulfides and quartz, and S‐, Pb‐isotope compositions of sulfide separates collected from the principal Stage 2 ores in Veins 3 and 210. Fluid inclusions trapped in quartz and sphalerite are pseudo‐secondary and primary. They were trapped from the fluids during the successive or alternate precipitation of quartz with sulfides. H‐ and O‐isotope compositions of fluid inclusion of three pyrite and one quartz separates from Vein 210 plot within the field of degassed melt, which is evidence for the incorporation of magmatic fluid as well with some possibility of contribution of metamorphic water to the hydrothermal system since the two datasets show a higher oxygen isotopic ratio than those of degassed melt. However, δD and δ¹⁸O values of fluid inclusions hosted in sulfides and quartz from Vein 3 are distinctly lower than those from Vein 210. In addition, salinities of fluid inclusion from Vein 3, approximately 3 to 6 wt% NaCl equivalent, are considerably lower than those from Vein 210, which are approximately 8 to 14 wt% NaCl equivalent. Ore‐forming fluids of Veins 3 and 210 have migrated through the relatively high and low levels in the imbricate‐thrust column where rock deformation is characterized by dilatancy or ductile–brittle transition, respectively. Therefore, the ore‐forming fluid of Vein 3 is interpreted to have mixed with greater amounts of meteoric‐derived groundwater than that of Vein 210. Fluid inclusions hosted in sulfides contain considerably higher abundances of gaseous species of CO₂, N₂, H₂S, and so on, than those hosted in quartz. Many of these gaseous species exhibit linear correlations with H₂O. These linear trends are interpreted in terms of mixing between magmatic fluid and groundwater. The relative enrichment of gaseous species in fluid inclusions hosted in sulfides, coupled with the banded ore structure, suggests that the magmatic fluid was involved with the ore‐forming fluid in pulsation. Lead isotope compositions of 21 pyrite and galena separates form a linear trend, suggesting mixing of metallic materials from diverse reservoirs. The δ³⁴S values of pyrite and galena range from +5.6‰ to +7.9‰ and from +3.1‰ to +6.3‰, respectively, indicating sulfur of the Jinwozi deposit has been leached mainly from the granodiorite and partly from the Jinwozi Formation by the circulating ore‐forming fluid.     

40Ar/39Ar dating,fluid inclusions and S–Pb isotope systematics of the Shabaosi gold deposit,Heilongjiang Province,China

The Shabaosi deposit is the only large lode gold deposit in the northern Great Xing'an Range. The gold ore bodies are hosted by sandstone and siltstone of the Middle Jurassic Ershi'erzhan Formation, and are controlled by three N–S‐trending altered fracture zones. The gold ore bodies are composed of auriferous quartz veinlets and altered rocks. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that the ore‐forming fluids belong to a H₂O–NaCl–CO₂–CH₄ system, with salinities between 0.83 and 8.28 wt% NaCl eq., and homogenization temperatures ranging from 180 to 320 °C. The δ³⁴S values of sulphides show a large variation from −16.9‰ to 8.5‰. The Pb isotope compositions of sulphides are characterized by a narrow range of ratios: 18.289 to 18.517 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.548 to 15.625 for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and 38.149 to 38.509 for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. The μ values range from 9.36 to 9.51. These results suggest that the ore‐forming fluids/materials were mainly of magmatic hydrothermal origin, derived from magmas produced by partial melting of the lower crust. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of auriferous quartz veinlets from the Shabaosi gold deposit is about 130 Ma. The Shabaosi gold deposit has counterparts in similar orogenic gold deposits, and was formed during the post‐collisional setting of the Mongolia–Okhotsk Orogen. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

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.     

Gold Mineralization in Banded Iron Formation in the Amalia Greenstone Belt,South Africa: A Mineralogical and Sulfur Isotope Study

The Blue Dot gold deposit, located in the Archean Amalia greenstone belt of South Africa, is hosted in an oxide (± carbonate) facies banded iron formation (BIF). It consists of three stratabound orebodies; Goudplaats, Abelskop, and Bothmasrust. The orebodies are flanked by quartz‐chlorite‐ferroan dolomite‐albite schist in the hanging wall and mafic (volcanic) schists in the footwall. Alteration minerals associated with the main hydrothermal stage in the BIF are dominated by quartz, ankerite‐dolomite series, siderite, chlorite, muscovite, sericite, hematite, pyrite, and minor amounts of chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite. This study investigates the characteristics of gold mineralization in the Amalia BIF based on ore textures, mineral‐chemical data and sulfur isotope analysis. Gold mineralization of the Blue Dot deposit is associated with quartz‐carbonate veins that crosscut the BIF layering. In contrast to previous works, petrographic evidence suggests that the gold mineralization is not solely attributed to replacement reactions between ore fluid and the magnetite or hematite in the host BIF because coarse hydrothermal pyrite grains do not show mutual replacement textures of the oxide minerals. Rather, the parallel‐bedded and generally chert‐hosted pyrites are in sharp contact with re‐crystallized euhedral to subhedral magnetite ± hematite grains, and the nature of their coexistence suggests that pyrite (and gold) precipitation was contemporaneous with magnetite–hematite re‐crystallization. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio of the dolomite–ankerite series and chlorite decreased from veins through mineralized BIF and non‐mineralized BIF, in contrast to most Archean BIF‐hosted gold deposits. This is interpreted to be due to the effect of a high sulfur activity and increase in fO₂ in a H₂S‐dominant fluid during progressive fluid‐rock interaction. High sulfur activity of the hydrothermal fluid fixed pyrite in the BIF by consuming Fe²⁺ released into the chert layers and leaving the co‐precipitating carbonates and chlorites with less available ferrous iron content. Alternatively, the occurrence of hematite in the alteration assemblage of the host BIF caused a structural limitation in the assignment of Fe³⁺ in chlorite which favored the incorporation of magnesium (rather than ferric iron) in chlorite under increasing fO₂ conditions, and is consistent with deposits hosted in hematite‐bearing rocks. The combined effects of reduction in sulfur contents due to sulfide precipitation and increasing fO₂ during progressive fluid‐rock interactions are likely to be the principal factors to have caused gold deposition. Arsenopyrite–pyrite geothermometry indicated a temperature range of 300–350°C for the associated gold mineralization. The estimated δ³⁴S_ΣS (= +1.8 to +2.5‰) and low base metal contents of the sulfide ore mineralogy are consistent with sulfides that have been sourced from magma or derived by the dissolution of magmatic sulfides from volcanic rocks during fluid migration.     

Genesis of the Changba–Lijiagou Giant Pb-Zn Deposit, West Qinling, Central China: Constraints from S-Pb-C-O isotopes

The extensive Changba-Lijiagou Pb-Zn deposit is located in the north of the Xihe–Chengxian ore cluster in West Qinling. The ore bodies are mainly hosted in the marble, dolomitic marble and biotite-calcite-quartz schist of the Middle Devonian Anjiacha Formation, and are structurally controlled by the fault and anticline. The ore-forming process can be divided into three main stages, based on field geological features and mineral assemblages. The mineral assemblages of hydrothermal stage I are pale-yellow coarse grain, low Fe sphalerite, pyrite with pits, barite and biotite. The mineral assemblages of hydrothermal stage II are black-brown cryptocrystalline, high Fe shalerite, pyrite without pits, marcasite or arsenopyrite replace the pyrite with pits, K-feldspar. The features of hydrothermal stage III are calcite-quartz-sulfide vein cutting the laminated, banded ore body. Forty-two sulfur isotope analyses, twenty-five lead isotope analyses and nineteen carbon and oxygen isotope analyses were determined on sphalerite, pyrite, galena and calcite. The δ34 S values of stage I(20.3 to 29.0‰) are consistent with the δ34 S of sulfate(barite) in the stratum. Combined with geological feature, inclusion characteristics and EPMA data, we propose that TSR has played a key role in the formation of the sulfides in stage I. The δ34 S values of stage II sphalerite and pyrite(15.1 to 23.0‰) are between sulfides in the host rock, magmatic sulfur and the sulfate(barite) in the stratum. This result suggests that multiple S reservoirs were the sources for S2-in stage II. The δ34 S values of stage III(13.1 to 22‰) combined with the structure of the geological and mineral features suggest a magmatic hydrothermal origin of the mineralization. The lead isotope compositions of the sulfides have 206 Pb/204 Pb ranging from 17.9480 to 17.9782, 207 Pb/204 Pb ranging from 15.611 to 15.622, and 208 Pb/204 Pb ranging from 38.1368 to 38.1691 in the three ore-forming stages. The narrow and symmetric distributions of the lead isotope values reflect homogenization of granite and mantle sources before the Pb-Zn mineralization. The δ13 CPDB and δ18 OSMOW values of stage I range from-0.1 to 2.4‰ and from 18.8 to 21.7‰. The values and inclusion data indicate that the source of fluids in stage I was the dissolution of marine carbonate. The δ13 CPDB and δ18 OSMOW values of stage II range from-4 to 1‰ and from 12.3 to 20.3‰, suggesting multiple C-O reservoirs in the Changba deposit and the addition of mantle-source fluid to the system. The values in stage III are-3.1‰ and 19.7‰, respectively. We infer that the process of mineralization involved evaporitic salt and sedimentary organic-bearing units interacting through thermochemical sulfate reduction through the isotopic, mineralogy and inclusion evidences. Subsequently, the geology feature, mineral assemblages, EPMA data and isotopic values support the conclusion that the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids were mixed with magmatic hydrothermal fluids and forming the massive dark sphalerite, then yielding the calcite-quartz-sulfide vein ore type at the last stage. The genesis of this ore deposit was epigenetic rather than the previously-proposed sedimentary-exhalative(SEDEX) type.     

Origin of the Dachang gold deposit,NW China: constraints from H,O, S,and Pb isotope data

The Dachang gold deposit is located in the Late Triassic Songpan-Ganzi Fold Belt, NE Tibetan Plateau. Gold ore is concentrated as veins along secondary faults and fracture zones in the Bayan Har Group metaturbidites. No exposed felsic plutons are present in the vicinity of the deposit. The auriferous veins contain <15% sulphide minerals, mainly arsenopyrite, pyrite, and stibnite. Gold is commonly enclosed within arsenopyrite and pyrite. Typical alteration around the ore bodies includes silicification, sericitization, and weak carbonatization.

Gold-bearing quartz samples have δ¹⁸O values of 16.9–21.2‰ (V-SMOW) from which δ¹⁸O_H2O values of 6.2–9.6‰ can be calculated from the fluid inclusion temperatures (or 10.0 to 12.7‰ if we used the average arsenopyrite geothermometer temperature of 301°C). The δD values of fluid inclusions in quartz range from –90‰ to –72‰. δ³⁴S values of gold-bearing sulphides mainly range from –5.9‰ to –2.8‰ (V-CDT). Pyrite and arsenopyrite in ores have ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.2888 to 18.4702, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.5763 to 15.6712, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.2298 to 38.8212. These isotopic compositions indicate that the ore-forming fluids were of metamorphic origin, and the S and Pb may have been derived from the host metaturbidites of the Bayan Har Group. The Dachang Au deposit has geological and geochemical features similar to orogenic gold deposits. We propose that the ores formed when the Songpan-Ganzi Fold Belt was intensely deformed by Late Triassic folding and thrusting. Large-scale thrusting resulted in regional allochthons of different scales, followed by secondary faults or fracture zones that controlled the ore bodies.     

Geology,C–H–O–S–Pb isotope systematics and geochronology of the Yindongpo gold deposit,Tongbai Mountains,central China: Implication for ore genesis

The Yindongpo gold deposit is located in the Weishancheng Au–Ag-dominated polymetallic ore belt in Tongbai Mountains, central China. The ore bodies are stratabound within carbonaceous quartz–sericite schists of the Neoproterozoic Waitoushan Group. The ore-forming process can be divided into three stages, represented by early barren quartz veins, middle polymetallic sulfide veinlets and late quartz–carbonate stockworks, with most ore minerals, such as pyrite, galena, native gold and electrum being formed in the middle stage. The average δ¹⁸O_water values changed from 9.7‰ in the early stage, through 4.9‰ in the middle stage, to − 5.9‰ in the late stage, with the δD values ranging between − 65‰ and − 84‰. The δ¹³C_CO2 values of ore fluids are between − 3.7‰ and + 6.7‰, with an average of 1.1‰. The H–O–C isotope systematics indicate that the ore fluids forming the Yindongpo gold deposit were probably initially sourced from a process of metamorphic devolatilization, and with time gradually mixed with meteoric water. The δ³⁴S values range from − 0.3‰ to + 5.2‰, with peaks ranging from + 1‰ to + 4‰. Fourteen sulfide samples yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of 16.990–17.216, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.419–15.612 and²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 38.251–38.861. Both S and Pb isotope ratios are similar to those of the main lithologies of the Waitoushan Group, but differ from other lithologic units and granitic batholiths in the Tongbai area, which suggest that the ore metals and fluids originated from the Waitoushan Group. The available K–Ar and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages indicate that the ore-forming process mainly took place in the period of 176–140 Ma, during the transition from collisional compression to extension and after the closure of the oceanic seaway in the Qinling Orogen. The Yindongpo gold deposit is interpreted as a stratabound orogenic-style gold system formed during the transition phase from collisional compression to extension.The ore metals in the Waitoushan Group were extracted, transported and then accumulated in the carbonaceous sericite schist layer. The carbonaceous sericite schist layer, especially at the junction of collapsed anticline axis and fault structures, became the most favorable locus for the ore bodies.     

Characteristic Features of REE and Pb–Zn–Ag Mineralizations in the Na Son Deposit,Northeastern Vietnam

The Na Son deposit is a small‐scale Pb–ZnPb–Zn–Ag deposit in northeast Vietnam and consists of biotite–chlorite schist, reddish altered rocks, quartz veins and syenite. The biotite–chlorite schist is intruded by syenite. Reddish altered rocks occur as an alteration halo between the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and the biotite–chlorite schist. Allanite occurs in the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and in the proximal reddish altered rocks. Rare earth element (REE) fluorocarbonate minerals occur along fractures or at rim of allanite crystals. The later horizontal aggregates of sulfide veins and veinlets cut the earlier reddish altered rocks. The earlier Pb–Zn veins consist of a large amount of galena and lesser amounts of sphalerite, pyrite and molybdenite. The later Cu veins cutting the Pb–Zn veins include chalcopyrite and lesser amounts of tetrahedrite and pyrite. The occurrences of two‐phase H₂O–CO₂ fluid inclusions in quartz from biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and REE‐bearing fluorocarbonate minerals in allanite suggest the presence of CO₂ and F in the hydrothermal fluid. The oxygen isotopic ratios of the reddish altered rocks, biotite–chlorite schist, and syenite range from +13.9 to +14.9 ‰, +11.5 to +13.3 ‰, and +10.1 to +11.6 ‰, respectively. Assuming an isotopic equilibrium between quartz (+14.6 to +15.8 ‰) and biotite (+8.6 ‰) in the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz vein, formation temperature was estimated to be 400°C. At 400°C, δ¹⁸O values of the hydrothermal fluid in equilibrium with quartz and biotite range from +10.5 to +11.7 ‰. These δ¹⁸O values are consistent with fluid that is derived from metamorphism. Assuming an isotopic equilibrium between galena (+1.5 to +1.7 ‰) and chalcopyrite (+3.4 ‰), the formation temperature was estimated to be approximately 300°C. The formation temperature of the Na Son deposit decreased with the progress of mineralization. Based on the geological data, occurrence of REE‐bearing minerals and oxygen isotopic ratios, the REE mineralization is thought to result from interaction between biotite–chlorite schist and REE‐, CO₂‐ and F‐bearing metamorphic fluid at 400°C under a rock‐dominant condition.     

Geological,mineralogical, and oxygen isotope studies of the Chandmani Uul iron oxide–copper–gold deposit in Dornogobi Province,Southeastern Mongolia

The Chandmani Uul deposit is located in Dornogovi province, Southeastern Mongolia. Iron oxide ores are hosted in the andesitic rocks of the Shar Zeeg Formation of Neoproterozoic to Lower‐Cambrian age. Middle‐ to Upper‐Cambrian bodies of granitic rocks have intruded into the host rocks in the western and southern regions of the deposit. The wall rocks around the iron oxide ore bodies were hydrothermally altered to form potassic, epidote, and sericite–chlorite alteration zones, and calcite and quartz veinlets are ubiquitous in the late stage. Since granitic rocks also underwent potassic alteration, the activity of the granitic rocks must have a genetic relation to the ore deposit. The ore mineral assemblage is dominated by iron oxides such as mushketovite, euhedral magnetite with concentric and/or oscillatory zoning textures, and cauliflower magnetite. Lesser amounts of chalcopyrite and pyrite accompany the iron oxides. Among all these products, mushketovite is dominant and is distributed throughout the deposit. Meanwhile, euhedral magnetite appears in limited amounts at relatively shallow levels in the deposit. By contrast, cauliflower magnetite appears locally in the deeper parts of the deposit, and is associated with green‐colored garnet and calcite. Sulfide minerals are ubiquitously associated with these iron oxides. The oxygen isotope (δ¹⁸O) values of all types of magnetite, quartz, and epidote were found to be ?5.9 to ?2.8‰, 10.5 to 14.9‰, and 3.6 to 6.6‰, respectively. The δ¹⁸O values of quartz–magnetite pairs suggest an equilibrium isotopic temperature near 300°C. The calculated values of δ¹⁸O for the water responsible for magnetite ranged from 2 to 10‰. All the data obtained in this study suggest that the iron oxide deposit at the Chandmani Uul is a typical iron oxide–copper–gold deposit, and that this deposit was formed at an intermediate depth with potassic and sericite–chlorite alteration zones under the oxidized conditions of a hematite‐stable environment. The δ¹⁸O range estimated implies that the ore‐forming fluid was supplied by a crystallizing granodioritic magma exsolving fluids at depth with a significant contribution of meteoric water.     

Isotopic Geochronology of the Late Paleozoic Kanggur Gold Deposit of East Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, NW China

Abstract: The Kanggur gold deposit lies in East Tianshan mountains, eastern section of Central Asia orogenic belt. The gold mineralization occurs on the northern margin of the Aqishan‐Yamansu Paleozoic island arc in the Tarim Plate. It was hosted mainly in Middle‐Lower Carboniferous calc‐alkaline volcanic rocks, and controlled by the distributions of syn‐tectonic intrusions and ductile shear zones. In order to determine ore‐forming age of the Kanggur deposit, samples were collected from ores, wall rocks, altered rocks and intrusions. The dating methods include Rb‐Sr isochron and Sm‐Nd isochron, and secondly ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age spectrum, U‐Pb and Pb‐Pb methods. Based on the mineral assemblage and crosscutting relationship of ore veins, five mineralization stages are identified. This result is confirmed by isotope geochronologic data. The first stage featuring formation of pyrite‐bearing phyllic rock, is mineralogically represented by pyrite, sericite and quartz with poor native gold. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of this stage is 2905 Ma. The second stage represents the main ore‐forming stage and is characterized by native gold–quartz–pyrite–magnetite–chlorite assemblage. Magnetite and pyrite of this stage are dated by Sm‐Nd isochron at 290.47.2 Ma and fluid inclusion in quartz is dated by Rb‐Sr isochron at 282.35 Ma. The third mineralization stage features native gold–quartz–pyrite vein. In the fourth stage, Au‐bearing polymetallic sulfide‐quartz veins formed. Fluid inclusions in quartz are dated by Rb‐Sr isochron method at 25821 Ma. The fifth stage is composed of sulfide‐free quartz–carbonate veins with Rb‐Sr age of 2547 Ma. The first and second stages are related to ductile‐brittle deformation of shear zones, and are named dynamo‐metamorphic hydrothermal period. The third to fifth stages related to intrusive processes of tonalite and brittle fracturing of the shear zones, are called magmato‐hydrothermal mineralization period. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of 2905 Ma of the altered andesite in the Kanggur mine area may reflect timing of regional ductile shear zone. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of 28216 Ma of the quartz‐syenite porphyry and the zircon U‐Pb age of 2757 Ma of tonalite in the north of Kanggur gold mine area are consistent with the age of gold mineralization (290‐254 Ma). This correspondence indicates that the tonalite and subvolcanic rocks may have been related to gold mineralization. The Rb–Sr, Sm‐Nd and U‐Pb ages and regional geology support the hypothesis that the Kanggur gold deposit was formed during collisional orogenesis process in Late Variscan.