Carbon isotopic study on graphite and carbonate in the Kamioka mining district,Gifu Prefecture,central Japan,in relation to the role of graphite in the pyrometasomatic ore deposition

Pyrometasomatic lead-zinc ore deposits of the Kamioka mine occur in the Hida metamorphic complex of central Japan. The pyrometasomatic ore deposition was followed by small scale hydrothermal ore deposition. Flaky graphite characteristically occurs in skarn, ores and in the surrounding crystalline limestone. ¹³C values of graphite in the skarn and the ores are close to those of graphites in the crystalline limestone. Graphite in the skarn and ores is considered to be remains of graphite in the crystalline limestone which was replaced by the skarn and the ores. At the pyrometasomatic stage, the oxygen fugacity of fluid would control the carbon isotopic composition of calcite precipitated. On the assumption that graphite played a role of oxygen buffer, the oxygen fugacity of the fluid was estimated to be from 10^–31,4 to 10^–301 bars at 350 °C and total pressure of 1,000 bars. The predominant carbon species in the fluid would be carbon dioxide. The ¹³C value of total carbon in fluid was estimated to be –3.6±1.7 (PDB) for the Tochibora and Maruyama deposits of the Kamioka mine, and the oxygen fugacity in the fluid was probably constant during the pyrometasomatic stage. It is likely that an important source of carbon was the carbon remained after the decarbonation of crystalline limestone. Oxygen isotopic studies on calcite of pyrometasomatic and hydrothermal stages revealed that meteoric water was an important source for most of the oxygen in fluid of both stages.     

<Superscript>230</Superscript>Th/U Chronology and Geochemistry of Irinovskoe Hydrothermal Field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge)

The results of ²³⁰Th/U dating and mineralogical–geochemical studies of sulfide ores from the Irinovskoe hydrothermal field and the Severo-Zapadnoe ore occurrence (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) are presented. Sulfides are represented primarily by copper–sulfide ores with 12–30% Cu content; sulfur- and zinc-sulfide ores are distributed less frequently. The analysis of a change in the composition of sulfides over time has made it possible to identify three stages of formation. Each stage assumes that mineral associations are changed from high-temperature (sulfur and copper sulfide) to medium temperature (Zn–Cu and Zn-sulfide) sulfide ores. The whole age range of formation of the hydrothermal deposits falls within the time interval of about 58000–8000 for the Irinovskoe field and 69000–11000 years ago for the Severo-Zapadnoe ore occurrence.     

Geology and Geochemistry of the Yangtizishan‐Moshishan Metamorphosed Sedimentary Anatase Deposit in Zhenglan Qi,Inner Mongolia: Discovery of a New Genetic Type of Titanium Deposit

Anatase and its allomorphic mineral rutile have the most prominent economic significance among titanium mineral resources and constitute one of the badly needed mineral resources currently in China. The Yantizishan-Moshishan anatase deposit was formerly referred to as an iron deposit. Based on recent investigation and exploration the authors believe that it is actually a large metamorphosed sedimentary anatase-dominated deposit belonging to a new genetic type. Ore bodies occur in stratoid and lenticular forms in Mesoproterozoic (1751 Ma) schist, metasandstone (metasiltstone), and amphibolite. Rich ores have perthitic structure comprising chiefly interbedded quartz perthite (with disseminated anatase and rutile) and anatase perthite. Ore minerals are mainly anatase and subordinately rutile and ilmenite (±hematite), while nonmetallic minerals are chiefly quartz with a certain amount of anthophyllite and biotite (±garnet). The grain sizes of anatase, rutile and ilmenite are 0.01–0.1 mm. Rich ores contain 3.14% to 15.46% TiO2, averaging 6.91%, while the low-grade ores have TiO2 content about 1.2%to 2.97%, averaging 1.76%. The ores have relatively high TFe and V contents. Trace elements in anatase and rutile such as Nb and Cr were analyzed by the electron microprobe. According to their relatively low Nb and Cr contents, source anatase and rutile must have come from meta-mafic rocks. Trace elements of the associated ilmenite show relatively high MnO and low MgO contents, just in contrast to those of ilmenite in V-Ti-magnetite ores of magmatic origin. The protoliths of amphibolite wall rocks should be basalt and picrite-basalt. Pertochemical data suggest that the tectonic setting of these rocks belongs to an island arc or a transitional belt between the island arc and oceanic ridge. Silicon isotope study shows that δ30Si values of different anatase ores, quartzite, and schist in this deposit are 0.1‰ to –0.9‰, similar to those of marine hydrothermal exhalative sedimentary deposits. All of these geological and geochemical characteristics of the ore deposit suggest that the anatase ores and amphibolite are products of submarine basic volcanism. The ores had chemical precipitation features, but were later subjected to regional intermediate (or somewhat lower) grade metamorphism (1158 Ma). Rutile was formed mainly in the process of this metamorphism. The ore belt locally underwent hydrothermal modification during the emplacement of Late Yanshanian granite (118?Ma).     

Chadormalu Kiruna-type magnetite-apatite deposit,Bafq district,Iran: Insights into hydrothermal alteration and petrogenesis from geochemical,fluid inclusion,and sulfur isotope data

The Chadormalu is one of the largest known iron deposits in the Bafq metallogenic province in the Kashmar-Kerman belt, Central Iran. The deposit is hosted in Precambrian-Cambrian igneous rocks, represented by rhyolite, rhyodacite, granite, diorite, and diabasic dikes, as well as metamorphic rocks consisting of various schists. The host rocks experienced Na (albite), calcic (actinolite), and potassic (K-feldspar and biotite) hydrothermal alteration associated with the formation of magnetite–(apatite) bodies, which are characteristic of iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) and iron oxide-apatite (IOA) systems. Iron ores, occurring as massive-type and vein-type bodies, consist of three main generations of magnetite, including primary, secondary, and recrystallized, which are chemically different. Apatite occurs as scattered irregular veinlets in various parts of the main massive ore-body, as well as apatite-magnetite veins and disseminated apatite grains in marginal parts of the deposit and in the immediate wall rocks. Minor pyrite occurs as a late phase in the iron ores. Chemical composition of magnetite is representative of an IOA or Kiruna-type deposit, which is consistent with other evidence.Whole rock geochemical data from various host rocks confirm the occurrence of Na, Ca, and K alteration consistent with the formation of albite, actinolite, and K-feldspar, respectively. The geochemical investigation also includes the nature of calc-alkaline igneous rocks, and helps elaborating on the spatial and temporal association, and possible contribution of mafic to felsic magmas to the evolution of ore-bearing hydrothermal fluids.Fluid inclusion studies on apatites from massive- and vein-type ores show a range of homogenization temperatures from 266 to 580 °C and 208–406 °C, and salinities from 0.5 to 10.7 wt.% and 0.3–24.4 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. The fluid inclusion data suggest the involvement of evolving fluids, from low salinity-high temperature, to high salinity-low temperature, in the formation of the massive- and vein-type ores, respectively. The δ³⁴S values obtained for pyrite from various parts of the deposit range between +8.9 and +14.4‰ for massive ore and +18.7 to +21.5‰ for vein-type ore. A possible source of sulfur for the ³⁴S-enriched pyrite would be originated from late Precambrian-early Cambrian marine sulfate, or fluids equilibrated with evaporitic sulfates.Field observations, ore mineral and alteration assemblages, coupled with lithogeochemical, fluid inclusion, and sulfur isotopic data suggest that an evolving fluid from magmatic dominated to surficial brine-rich fluid has contributed to the formation of the Chadormalu deposit. In the first stages of mineralization, magmatic derived fluids had a dominant role in the formation of the massive-type ores, whereas a later brine with higher δ³⁴S contributed to the formation of the vein-type ores.     

Hydrothermal processes associated with meteorite impact structures: evidence from three Australian examples and implications for economic resources

Meteorite impacts cause conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. Part of this thermal energy is used to form a melt sheet, part is dissipated to heat the target rocks and these together with the hot rocks that elastically rebound from the depth of several kilometres (central uplift) activate hydrothermal circulation. Impact-generated hydrothermal systems have been documented from several impact structures world-wide. Three Australian examples—Shoemaker, Woodleigh and Yarrabubba—provide evidence of hydrothermal fluid flow both within and around the structures. Field observations, and petrographic and geochemical data suggest a common evolutionary trend of post-impact hydrothermal activity from early high-temperature alkali metasomatism to a later lower temperature H⁺ metasomatism, resulting in the overprinting by hydrous mineral assemblages. Hydrothermal systems activated by meteorite-impact events are important because they may also form economic mineral deposits, as is documented for several impact structures in the world. A working model of hydrothermal circulation in terrestrial impact structures posits two main stages: (i) initial high-temperature fluids percolate downward causing widespread alkali metasomatism of the shattered target rocks below the melt sheet, resulting in their modification to rocks of syenitic affinity; and (ii) inflow of meteoric water and progressive cooling of the melt sheet leads to a lower temperature stage, in which hydrothermal fluid flow tends to move upward, resulting in mineral assemblages and alteration patterns that resemble those of epithermal systems. In addition, these fluids can discharge at the surface as hot springs.     

Investigation on mineralogy,geochemistry and fluid inclusions of the Goushti hydrothermal magnetite deposit,Fars Province,SW Iran: A comparison with IOCGs

The Goushti iron deposit from Dehbid area located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic Belt (SSB), SW Iran is hosted by the Early Mesozoic silicified dolomite. Mineralized zones are lithostructurally controlled and oriented NW-SE parallel to the Zagros Orogenic Belt (ZOB). Magnetite, the major ore mineral, occurs as open space fillings and is accompanied by the secondary mineral phases hematite, goethite and martite. Gangue minerals mainly include quartz, dolomite and K-feldspar are associated with minor hydrosilicates. Calc-silicates such as wollastonite and diopside, minerals typical of skarns, are virtually absent from the ore zones. Fe₂O₃ content in the mineralized zones varies in the range of 38–75 wt%. The concentrations of Au, Cu, P, Ti, Cr and V as well as Co/Ni, Cr/V, (LREE)/(HREE), Eu/Sm and La/Lu values and Eu-Ce anomalies of the studied ores indicate that the Goushti deposit is a hydrothermal magnetite type. The subvolcanic rhyolite and basalt in this area are regarded as the source of iron and heat in the mineralizing system. The fluid inclusion data showed that magnetite deposited from the ore-bearing fluid with salinities 1–7 wt% NaCl equivalent at temperatures of 130–200 °C. A decrease in temperature and pressure, supplemented by fluid mixing, is the major controlling factor in iron oxide precipitation. The field relationships and mineralogical–geochemical characteristics of iron ores indicate that the Goushti hydrothermal deposit could not be classified as a member of the IOCG (Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold) deposits.     

Geology and Geochemistry of the Bianbianshan Au‐Ag‐Cu‐Pb‐Zn Deposit,Southern Da Hinggan Mountains,Northeastern China

The Bianbianshan deposit, the unique gold-polymetal (Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn) veined deposit of the polymetal metallogenic belt of the southern segment of Da Hinggan Mountains mineral province, is located at the southern part of the Hercynian fold belt of the south segment of Da Hinggan Mountains mineral province, NE China. Ores at the Bianbianshan deposit occur within Cretaceous andesite and rhyolite in the form of gold-bearing quartz veins and veinlet groups containing native gold, electrum, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite. The deposit is hosted by structurally controlled faults associated with intense hydrothermal alteration. The typical alteration assemblage is sericite + chlorite + calcite + quartz, with an inner pyrite - sericite - quartz zone and an outer seicite - chlorite - calcite - epidote zone between orebodies and wall rocks. δ34 S values of 17 sulfides from ores changing from –1.67 to +0.49‰ with average of –0.49‰, are similar to δ34 S values of magmatic or igneous sulfide sulfur. 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/ 204Pb data of sulfide from ores range within 17.66–17.75, 15.50–15.60, and 37.64–38.00, respectively. These sulfur and lead isotope compositions imply that ore-forming materials might mainly originate from deep sources. H and O isotope study of quartz from ore-bearing veins indicate a mixed source of deep-seated magmatic water and shallower meteoric water. The ore formations resulted from a combination of hydrothermal fluid mixing and a structural setting favoring gold-polymetal deposition. Fluid mixing was possibly the key factor resulting in Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn deposition in the deposit. The metallogenesis of the Bianbianshan deposit may have a relationship with the Cretaceous volcanic-subvolcanic magmatic activity, and formed during the late stage of the crust thinning of North China.     

China’s First Independent Cobalt Deposit and its Metallogenic Mechanism: Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and Isotopic Geochemistry

The Tuolugou cobalt deposit is the first independent large-scale Co- and Au-bearing deposit discovered in northwestern China. It is located in the eastern Kunlun orogenic belt in Qinghai Province, and occurs conformably in low-grade metamorphic volcano-sedimentary rock series with well-developed Na-rich hydrothermal sedimentary rocks and typical hydrothermal sedimentary ore fabrics. Fluid inclusions and isotopic geochemistry studies suggest that cobalt mineralizing fluid is dominated by NaCl-H2O system, accompanied by NaCl-CO2-H2O-N2 system responsible for gold mineralization. Massive, banded and disseminated pyrite ores have similar compositions of He and Ar isotopes from the mineralizing fluid, with 3He/4He range between 0.10 to 0.31Ra (averaging 0.21Ra), and 40Ar/36Ar between 302 and 569 (averaging 373), which reflects that Co mineralizing fluids derived dominantly from meteoric water deeply circulating. δ34S values of pyrite approaches to zero (δ34S ranging from ?4.5‰ to +1.5‰, centering around ?1.8‰ to ?0.2‰), reflecting its deep source. Ore lead is characterized by distinctly high radiogenesis, with 206Pb/204Pb>19.279, 207Pb/204Pb>15.691 and 208Pb/204Pb>39.627, and its values show an increase trend from country rocks, regional Paleozoic volcanic rocks to ores. This may have suggested that high radiogentic ore Pb derived mainly from country rocks by leaching meteoric water-dominated hydrothermal fluid during its circulation at depth. Cobalt occurs mainly in sulfide phase (such as pyrite), but cobalt enrichment, and presence and increasing contents of Co-bearing minerals have a positive correlation with metamorphic degree. The Tuolugou deposit and other typical strata-bound Co-Cu-Au deposits have striking similarities in the geological features and metallogenic pattern of primary cobalt. All of them are syngenetic hydrothermal exhalative sedimentation in origin.     

The Talgan massive sulfide deposit, the southern Urals, Russia, as an example of subseafloor ore deposition from magmatic fluid

The sequence of orebody formation at the Talgan massive sulfide deposit; morphology of sulfide orebodies; mineralogy, texture, and structure of ore; chemical composition of minerals; and fluid inclusions and relationships between stable isotopes (S, C, O) in sulfides from ores and carbonate rocks are discussed. The deposit is localized in the Uzel’ga ore field of the northern Magnitogorsk Megazone. The sulfide ore is hosted in the upper felsic sequence of the Middle Devonian Karamalytash Formation, composed of basalt, basaltic andesite, and rhyodacite. Orebodies are irregular lenses lying conformably with host rocks. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and fahlore are the major ore minerals; galena, bornite, and hematite are of subordinate abundance. Sulfide mineralization bears attributes of deposition under subseafloor conditions. The carbonate and rhyolite interlayers at the roofs of orebodies and the supraore limestone sequence served as screens. Zoning typical of massive sulfide deposits was not established. The study of fluid inclusions has shown that the temperature of the hydrothermal solution varied from 375 to 110°C. δ³⁴S‰ ranges from ?2.4 to +3.2‰ in pyrite, from ?1.2 to +2.8‰ in chalcopyrite, and from ?3.5 to +3.0‰ in sphalerite (CDT). These parameters correspond to an isotopic composition of magmatic sulfur without a notable percentage of sulfate sulfur. δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of carbonates vary from ?18.1 to +5.9‰ (PDB) and from +13.7 to +27.8‰ (SMOW), respectively. The carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of carbonates from ores and host rocks markedly deviate from the field of marine carbonates; a deep source of carbon is suggested. The results obtained show that the main mass of polysulfide ore at the Talgan deposit was formed beneath the floor of a paleoocean. The ore-forming system was short-lived and its functioning did not give rise to the formation of zonal orebodies. Magmatic fluid played the leading role in mineral formation.     

云南墨江金厂矿床金镍赋存状态及成因关系探讨

墨江金厂金镍矿床位于哀牢山造山带中段,九甲—安定大断裂上盘,是西南三江成矿带内一个独特的金镍矿床。本文在详细野外地质调查基础上,通过显微镜下观察、扫描电镜和能谱分析,结合矿石微量元素分析,对矿石中金、镍赋存状态及成因关系进行了研究。结果显示,金赋存形式主要有可见金和不可见金。可见金又可分为粒间金和包体金;不可见金是以Au~+赋存于硫锑铜银矿、黄铁矿中。镍赋存状态有两种:一是以独立矿物,如辉砷镍矿、锑硫镍矿等存在;二是以离子态赋存于黄铁矿、硫锑铜银矿中。矿石结构构造、矿物共生组合及微量元素含量等显示,金和镍为同期热液成矿,金来自岩浆热液系统远端的低温热液,镍是含金低温热液流经超基性岩体时萃取而来。成矿过程可分为早期富硅质热液和晚期富钙质热液两个阶段,成矿是在幕式构造活动下多期流体运移和沉淀的结果。     

Genesis of the Zhaokalong Fe-Cu Polymetallic Deposit at Yushu, China:Evidence from Ore Geochemistry and Fluid Inclusions

The ore types of the Zhaokalong Fe-Cu deposit are divided into two categories: sulfide-type and oxide-type. The sulfide-type ore include siderite ore, galena-sphalerite ore and chalcopyrite ore, whereas the oxide-type ore include magnetite ore and hematite ore. The ore textures and structures indicate that the Zhaokalong deposit is of the sedimentary-exhalative mineralization type. Geochemical analyses show that the two ore types have a high As, Sb, Mn, Co and Ni content. The REE patterns reveal an enrichment of the LREE compared to the HREE. Isotopic analysis of siderite ore reveal that the δ13CPDB ranges from 2.01 to 3.34 (‰) whereas the δ18O SMOW ranges from 6.96 to 18.95 (‰). The fluid inclusion microthermometry results indicate that homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in quartz range from 131 to 181℃, with salinity values of 1.06 to 8.04 wt% NaCl eq. The mineralizing fluid therefore belongs to the low temperature - low salinity system, with a mineralizing solution of a CO2-Ca2+(Na+, K+)-SO42-(F-, Cl-)-H2O system. The geochemical results and fluid inclusion data provide additional evidence that the Zhaokalong deposit is a sedex-type deposit that experienced two stages of mineralization. The sulfide mineralization probably occurred first, during the sedimentary exhalative process, as exhibited by the abundance of marine materials associated with the sulfide ores, indicating a higher temperature and relatively deoxidized oceanic depositional environment. After the main exhalative stage, hydrothermal activity was superimposed to the sulfide mineralization. The later stage oxide mineralization occurred in a low temperature and relatively oxidized environment, in which magmatic fluid circulation was dominant.     

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.     

"Brown Ore" from the Fukasawa Kuroko Deposits, Northeast Japan: Its Characteristics and Formation Process

Abstract: Brown–colored sulfide ore (brown ore) occurs in the easternmost part of the Tsunokakezawa No. 1 orebody of the Fukasawa kuroko-type deposits, northern Honshu, Japan. As this type of ores also occur in the marginal or uppermost part of several other kuroko deposits in Japan, the formation of brown ore appears to be repeated in the process of kuroko formation. The brown ore is characterized by its higher Ag concentration (up to around 2000 g/t) than ordinary black ore (Zn–Pb ore) of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. The brown ore from the Fukasawa deposits can be divided into following three ore types based on its texture and mineral composition: pyritic brown ore, principal brown ore and “diseased” brown ore. Primary precipitation textures such as framboidal– and colloform-textures and compositional zoning within sulfide grains are significant in the brown ores. This seems to be due to lack of overprinting high temperature mineralization resulting in preservation of primary features. The Ag-Au mineralization is widely observed within the brown ores. Silver and gold are especially concentrated in the barite veinlets in the principal brown ore, which are supposed to be fillings of conduit of hydrothermal solution precipitated in the latest stage of hydrothermal activity. This mineralization seems to occur at waning stage of brown ore formation by ore solution at a lower temperature (around 250°C) than that of main part of brown ore (around 270°C). Relatively low fluid temperature and contribution of oxic ambient seawater may be responsible for the development of the Ag-Au mineralization in the brown ore. The occurrence of framboidal-rich pyritic brown ore having negative δ³⁴S values (less than –10%) and filamentous texture of sphalerite, seeming remnant of bacteria, indicate the presence of intensive microbial activity in the hydrothermal area for brown ore formation. Formation environment of each ore type of the brown ore is supposed to be as follows: Pyritic brown ore is likely to have formed on the sea-floor around redox boundary at temperature (around 240°C) lower than ordinary black ore. Principal brown ore seems to have been formed beneath the shell of the pyritic brown ore at temperature around 270°C. Footwall of the brown ore is disseminated tuff breccia corresponding to feeder zone of hydrothermal fluid. Overprinting chalcopyrite mineralization is not observed in the brown ore except in limited part of “diseased” ore, which occurs just above the disseminated tuff breccia. Based on the features distinct from the ordinary black ore, the brown ore can be regarded as a product in the marginal part of submarine hydrothermal system, where temperature and flow rate of hydrothermal solution was relatively low and microbial activity was intensive. The brown ore seems to well preserve its primary features after its deposition and might show the initial feature of some part of the ordinary stratiform black ore.     

Mineral Components, Texture, and Forming Conditions of Hydrothermal Chimney on the East Pacific Rise at 9°-10°N

To characterize the hydrothermal processes of East Pacific rise at 9o-10oN, sulfide mineral compositions, textural, and geochemical features of chimney ores were studied using ore microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron microprobe techniques. Results show that there are three mineral assemblages for the hydrothermal chimney ores, namely: (i) anhydrite marcasite pyrite, (ii) pyrite sphalerite chalcopyrite, and (iii) chalcopyrite bornite digenite covellite. Mineral assemblages, zonational features, and geochemical characteristics of the ore minerals indicate that ore fluid temperature changed from low to high then to low with a maximum temperature up to 400 ℃. The chimney is a typical black smoker. The initial structure of the chimney was formed by the precipitation of anhydrites, and later the sulfides began to precipitate in the inner wall.     

Iron isotope fractionation during hydrothermal ore deposition and alteration

Iron isotopes fractionate during hydrothermal processes. Therefore, the Fe isotope composition of ore-forming minerals characterizes either iron sources or fluid histories. The former potentially serves to distinguish between sedimentary, magmatic or metamorphic iron sources, and the latter allows the reconstruction of precipitation and redox processes. These processes take place during ore formation or alteration. The aim of this contribution is to investigate the suitability of this new isotope method as a probe of ore-related processes. For this purpose 51 samples of iron ores and iron mineral separates from the Schwarzwald region, southwest Germany, were analyzed for their iron isotope composition using multicollector ICP-MS. Further, the ore-forming and ore-altering processes were quantitatively modeled using reaction path calculations. The Schwarzwald mining district hosts mineralizations that formed discontinuously over almost 300 Ma of hydrothermal activity. Primary hematite, siderite and sulfides formed from mixing of meteoric fluids with deeper crustal brines. Later, these minerals were partly dissolved and oxidized, and secondary hematite, goethite and iron arsenates were precipitated. Two types of alteration products formed: (1) primary and high-temperature secondary Fe minerals formed between 120 and 300 °C, and (2) low-temperature secondary Fe minerals formed under supergene conditions (<100 °C). Measured iron isotope compositions are variable and cover a range in δ⁵⁶Fe between −2.3‰ and +1.3‰. Primary hematite (δ⁵⁶Fe: −0.5‰ to +0.5‰) precipitated by mixing oxidizing surface waters with a hydrothermal fluid that contained moderately light Fe (δ⁵⁶Fe: −0.5‰) leached from the crystalline basement. Occasional input of CO₂-rich waters resulted in precipitation of isotopically light siderite (δ⁵⁶Fe: −1.4 to −0.7‰). The difference between hematite and siderite is compatible with published Fe isotope fractionation factors. The observed range in isotopic compositions can be accounted for by variable fractions of Fe precipitating from the fluid. Therefore, both fluid processes and mass balance can be inferred from Fe isotopes. Supergene weathering of siderite by oxidizing surface waters led to replacement of isotopically light primary siderite by similarly light secondary hematite and goethite, respectively. Because this replacement entails quantitative transfer of iron from precursor mineral to product, no significant isotope fractionation is produced. Hence, Fe isotopes potentially serve to identify precursors in ore alteration products. Goethites from oolitic sedimentary iron ores were also analyzed. Their compositional range appears to indicate oxidative precipitation from relatively uniform Fe dissolved in coastal water. This comprehensive iron isotope study illustrates the potential of the new technique in deciphering ore formation and alteration processes. Isotope ratios are strongly dependent on and highly characteristic of fluid and precipitation histories. Therefore, they are less suitable to provide information on Fe sources. However, it will be possible to unravel the physico-chemical processes leading to the formation, dissolution and redeposition of ores in great detail.     

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.     

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.     

Geology,Fluid Inclusion,and Sulfur Isotope Studies of the Chehugou Porphyry Molybdenum–Copper Deposit,Xilamulun Metallogenic Belt,NE China

The Chehugou Mo–Cu deposit, located 56 km west of Chifeng, NE China, is hosted by Triassic granite porphyry. Molybdenite–chalcopyrite mineralization of the deposit mainly occurs as veinlets in stockwork ore and dissemination in breccia ore, and two ore‐bearing quartz veins crop out to the south of the granite porphyry stock. Based on crosscutting relationships and mineral paragenesis, three hydrothermal stages are identified: (i) quartz–pyrite–molybdenite ± chalcopyrite stage; (ii) pyrite–quartz ± sphalerite stage; and (iii) quartz–calcite ± pyrite ± fluorite stage. Three types of fluid inclusions in the stockwork and breccia ore are recognized: LV, two‐phase aqueous inclusions (liquid‐rich); LVS, three‐phase liquid, vapor, and salt daughter crystal inclusions; and VL, two‐phase aqueous inclusions (gas‐rich). LV and LVS fluid inclusions are recognized in vein ore. Microthermometric investigation of the three types of fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz from the stockwork, breccia, and vein ores shows salinities from 1.57 to 66.75 wt% NaCl equivalents, with homogenization temperatures varying from 114°C to 550°C. The temperature changed from 282–550°C, 220–318°C to 114–243°C from the first stage to the third stage. The homogenization temperatures and salinity of the LV, LVS and VL inclusions are 114–442°C and 1.57–14.25 wt% NaCl equivalent, 301–550°C and 31.01–66.75 wt% NaCl equivalent, 286–420°C and 4.65–11.1 wt% NaCl equivalent, respectively. The VL inclusions coexist with the LV and LVS, which homogenize at the similar temperature. The above evidence shows that fluid‐boiling occurred in the ore‐forming stage. δ³⁴S values of sulfide from three type ores change from ?0.61‰ to 0.86‰. These δ³⁴S values of sulfide are similar to δ³⁴S values of typical magmatic sulfide sulfur (c. 0‰), suggesting that ore‐forming materials are magmatic in origin.     

Genesis and Metallogenic Process of the Lujing Uranium Deposit,Southwest Jiangxi Province,China: Constraints of Micropetrography and S–C–O Isotopes

The Lujing uranium deposit, located in the southeastern part of the Nanling metallogenic province, is one of the representative granite‐related hydrothermal uranium deposits in South China. Basic geology, geochemistry, and geochronology of the deposit have been extensively studied. However, there is still a chronic lack of systematic research on the genesis and metallogenic process of the deposit. Thus, we recently carried out an electron microprobe and stable isotopic analysis. The main research results and progresses are as follows: Uranium minerals in this deposit include coffinite, pitchblende, and uranothorite, and small amounts of uranium exist in accessory minerals in the form of isomorphism. Coffinite, which occurs predominantly as the pseudomorphs after pitchblende, also occurs as a primary mineral and is locally formed from the remobilization of uranium from adjacent uranium‐bearing minerals. The mineralizing fluid was originally composed of a magmatic fluid generated by late Yanshanian magmatism. The high As content of pyrite in ores may reflect the addition of meteoric water, or the formation water (or both), to the magmatic hydrothermal system. The δ³⁴S values vary from −14.4‰ to 13.9‰ (mean δ³⁴S = −3.9‰), showing a range that is similar to nearby Cambrian metamorphic strata and Indosinian granites, indicating that these host rocks represent the source of sulfur; however, the possibility of a mantle source cannot be completely ruled out. According to our new isotopic data and recent Pb isotopic data, we conclude that the uranium in ores was derived by leaching dominantly from the uranium‐rich host rocks, especially the Cambrian metamorphic strata. The δ¹³C_PDB values (−8.75‰ to 1.40‰; mean δ¹³C_PDB = −5.41‰) and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values (5.45–18.62‰; mean δ¹⁸O = 13.02‰) of reddish calcite from the ore‐forming stage suggest that the CO₂ in the mineralizing fluids was derived predominantly from the mantle, with a small component contributed by marine carbonates. Based on these new data and previous research results, this paper proposes that uranium metallogenesis in the Lujing deposit is closely associated with mafic magmatism resulting from crustal extension during the Cretaceous to Paleogene in South China.