The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit,Kerman, Iran: A mineralogical analysis of the igneous rocks and alteration zones including halogen element systematics related to Cu mineralization processes

The giant Sarcheshmeh porphyry Copper deposit is located 65 km southwest of Kerman City, southeastern Iran. Numerous Miocene porphyry stocks and dykes intruded thick sequences of Upper Cretaceous sedimentary and Eocene volcanic rocks. Hypogene and supergene porphyry Cu mineralization occurs within the granodioritic porphyry and host rock sequence, which was extensively altered to a dominantly potassic, phyllic, and argillic assemblage with interstitial to distal propylitic types.Biotite-bearing assemblages occur as both primary phenocrysts and secondary replacements showing variable size, colour, and shape. Fluorine contents (0.22 to 1.33 wt.%) and X_Mg (0.54 to 0.71) in biotites from the potassic and phyllic zones are higher than those of non-mineralized granitoids (F = 0.09 to 0.56 wt.%, X_Mg = 0.43 to 0.54), whereas their Cl contents (Cl = 0.05 to 0.24 wt.%) are lower than those of the non-mineralized granitoids (Cl = .0.11 to 0.45). The biotites from the phyllic zone have higher log (fH₂O/fHF) and log (fH₂O/fHCl) values than those of the potassic zone, as well as the granitoid and andesitic dykes. The log (fHF/fHCl) values determined for the granitoid, potassic and phyllic zones are similar, though more negative than those of the andesitic dykes. The log (fHF/fHCl) values have a similar range for biotite from the granitoid, and potassic and phyllic zones. The halogen fugacity ratios established for fluids associated with the Sarcheshmeh deposit from their F and Cl contents in biotite show that the granitoid, potassic zone and phyllic zone are increasingly affected by meteoric waters. The fluids that circulated in the phyllic zone are predominantly of meteoric origin, possibly overprinting original phyllic zone halogen contents.The Cl intercept values of biotite in the granitoid, and phyllic and potassic are similar to other ore-forming systems and tend to be more Cl-rich than Cl-intercept values of biotites in common igneous rocks. Calculated F/Cl intercept values for biotite in the granitoid and potassic zone are also consistent with many other porphyry copper forming systems.     

Mineral chemistry of hydrothermal biotite from the Kahang porphyry copper deposit (NE Isfahan), Central Province of Iran

The Kahang porphyry Cu deposit, located northeast of Isfahan city in central of Iran, is associated with a composite Miocene stock and ranges in composition from diorite through granodiorite to quartz-monzonite. Field observations and petrographic studies show that the emplacement of the Kahang stock occurred in several pulses, each associated with its related hydrothermal activity. Early hydrothermal alteration started with a potassic style in the central part of the system and produced a secondary biotite–K-feldspar–magnetite assemblage accompanied by chalcopyrite and pyrite mineralization. Propylitic alteration that took place at the same time as the potassic alteration occurred in the peripheral portions of the stock. Subsequent phyllic alteration overprinted earlier potassic and propylitic alterations. Biotite grains from the potassic and phyllic zones show distinct chemical compositions. The FeO, TiO₂, MnO, K₂O, and Na₂O concentrations in biotite from the phyllic alteration zone are lower than those from the potassic alteration zone. The F and Cl contents of biotite from the potassic alteration zone display relatively high positive correlation with the X_Mg. The fluorine intercept values [IV(F)] from the potassic and phyllic alteration zones are strongly correlated with the fluorine/chlorine intercept values [IV(F/Cl)]. Biotite geothermometry for the potassic and phyllic alteration zones, based on the biotite geothermometer of Beane (1974), yields a temperature range of 422° to 437 °C (mean = 430 °C) and 329° to 336 °C (mean = 333 °C), respectively. The position of data in log (X_F/X_OH) ratio vs. X_Mg and X_Fe diagram suggests that biotite formed under dissimilar composition and temperature conditions in the potassic and phyllic alteration zones. Calculated log fugacity ratios of (fH₂O/fHF), (fH₂O/fHCl), and (fHF/fHCl) show that hydrothermal fluids associated with the potassic alteration were distinctively different from those fluids associated with the phyllic alteration zone at Kahang porphyry Cu deposit. The results of this research indicate that the chemistry of biotite is related to the chemical composition of the magma and the prevailing physical conditions during crystallization.     

Mineralogical evidence for crystallization conditions and petrogenesis of ilmenite-series I-type granitoids at the Baogutu reduced porphyry Cu deposit (Western Junggar,NW China): Mössbauer spectroscopy,EPM and LA-(MC)-ICPMS analyses

Primary ore-forming minerals retain geochemical signatures of magmatic crystallization information and can reveal the petrochemical conditions prevalent at the time of their formation. The Baogutu deposit is a typical reduced porphyry Cu deposit. Amphibole and biotite Fe³⁺/ΣFe ratios, minerals (feldspar, biotite, amphibole, zircon and apatite), in situ elemental and apatite Nd isotopic compositions were determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and laser ablation multiple-collection inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively, to investigate the magma oxidation state, petrogenesis, source features, and to constrain the carbon species at magmatic stages for the intrusive phases. The results show that the primary plagioclase and amphibole in the mineralized diorite to granodiorite porphyry and post ore hornblende diorite porphyry are distinct (An_26-55 versus An_60-69; Mg-hornblende versus tschermakite). In particular, the amphibole shows distinct major and trace element compositions with light rare earth element enrichments and negative Eu anomalies in Mg-hornblende and light rare earth element depletions and no Eu anomalies in tschermakite. All the analyzed biotites are primary igneous phases with a biotite phenocryst profile showing significant variations of Zn, Cr, Sc and Sr from core to rim. These results may indicate the occurrence of mixing between two distinct magmas during mineral formation. Titanium in zircon and Si¹ in amphibole thermometries indicate that magma crystallized at >900 °C and continued to ∼650 °C. In situ apatite Nd isotope (εNd(t) = 5.6–7.6, T_DM2 = 620–460 Ma), indicate absence of significant reduced sedimentary contamination and the source of juvenile lower crust. Slightly decreasing Fe³⁺/ΣFe ratios from biotite and amphibole to whole rock indicate decreasing oxygen fugacity during magma crystallization. Recalculated biotite compositions according to Fe³⁺/ΣFe ratios indicate fO₂ values of less than Ni-NiO buffer (NNO) which show slightly lower values than that estimated according to zircon/melt distribution coefficients Ce anomalies (∼ΔNNO + 0.6). These values are consistent with the features of reduced porphyry Cu deposits. Crystallization of other mineral phases significantly affects the reliability of oxybarometer of zircon/melt distribution coefficients Eu anomalies and Mn contents in apatite. This oxidation state suggests that only CO₂ was present at the magmatic stage, and implies that CH₄ formed during CO₂ reduction occurring later hydrothermal alteration. The alteration of primary amphibole to actinolite released Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Na and K to the fluid with later precipitation of titanite, albite and minor ilmenite and magnetite during actinolite alteration.     

Geochronology of the Xingshan molybdenum deposit,Jilin Province,NE China,and its Hf isotope significance

The Xingshan porphyry Mo deposit is located in the Lesser Xing’an Range–Zhangguangcai Range metallogenic belt, NE China. Mineralization occurred in granodioritic porphyry and monzogranite, which have zircon U–Pb ages of 171.7 ± 2.2 Ma and 170.9 ± 4.6 Ma, respectively. Molybdenite Re–Os dating indicates that Mo mineralization occurred at 167.3 ± 2.5 Ma. These geochronological data suggest that the magmatic and hydrothermal activities of the Xingshan Mo deposit happened during the Middle Jurassic in Mesozoic. Positive ε_Hf values (6.2–11.6) and young T_DM2 (473–826 Ma) of the monzogranite (XS-3) and granodioritic porphyry (XS-5) indicate that the source materials of Xingshan ore-bearing rocks are the juvenile crust, which mainly accreted on the Songnen block during the Meso-Neoproterozoic. Xingshan porphyry Mo deposits resulted from the magmatism and tectonism induced by the subduction of Paleo-Pacific Ocean.     

Geochemical characteristics of biotite from felsic intrusive rocks around the Sisson Brook W–Mo–Cu deposit,west-central New Brunswick: An indicator of halogen and oxygen fugacity of magmatic systems

The Sisson Brook W–Mo–Cu deposit was formed by hydrothermal fluids likely related to the Nashwaak Granites (muscovite–biotite granite, Group I; and biotite granite, Group II) and related dykes (biotite granitic dykes, Group III; and a feldspar–biotite–quartz porphyry dyke, Group IV). Chemical data obtained using EPMA and LA-ICP-MS data of primary magmatic biotites were used to investigate magmatic processes and associated hydrothermal fluids.Trace element features of biotite in the Group I two-mica granite suggest other magmatic processes along with a simple fractional crystallization. The K/Rb ratios and compatible elements (Cr, Ti, Co, V, and Ba) in biotite from Groups II, III, and IV decrease, whereas incompatible elements including Ta, Tl, Ga, Cs, Li, and Sn increase with magma fractionation. No correlation of Cu, W and Mo with K/Rb ratios is evident, suggesting that partitioning of Cu, W, and Mo into biotite may not be entirely controlled by magma fractionation.Halogen fugacity of the parental magma of the Nashwaak Granites and related dykes, calculated from zircon saturation temperature shows that Group I has high fHF/fCl ratios (broadly higher than 0), similar to the plutons at the Henderson porphyry Mo deposit. The fHF/fCl ratios of the other groups are generally lower than 0, comparable to the Santa Rita porphyry Cu deposit. The fH₂O/fHCl and fH₂O/fHF ratios inferred from biotite in the Nashwaak Granites and related dykes range from 3 to 5 and from 4 to 5, respectively. The inferred oxygen fugacity shows that the dyke phases (Groups III and IV) have the oxygen fugacity around the nickel–nickel oxide buffer. The plutonic phases (Groups I and II) have the oxygen fugacity around the quartz–fayalite–magnetite (QFM) buffer at high temperatures and oxidized to nickel–nickel oxide buffer at lower temperatures. This oxidation process in the plutonic phases (Groups I and II) could be caused by H₂ release at or near H₂O vapor saturation at high H₂O/Fe^2 +. The magma associated with the biotite dykes (Group III) is more likely the source of the hydrothermal fluids at the Sisson Brook deposit since it has the highest differentiation degree and seems to have formed in an oxidized setting, necessary for Mo to concentrate in the late stage fluids.     

Fluid inclusion evidence for hydrothermal fluid evolution in the Darreh-Zar porphyry copper deposit,Iran

The Darreh-Zar porphyry copper deposit is associated with a quartz monzonitic–granodioritic–porphyritic stock hosted by an Eocene volcanic sedimentary complex in which magmatic hydrothermal fluids were introduced and formed veins and alteration. Within the deepest quartz-rich and chalcopyrite-poor group A veins, LVHS2 inclusions trapped high salinity, high temperature aqueous fluids exsolved directly from a relatively shallow magma (0.5 kbar). These late fluids were enriched in NaCl and reached halite saturation as a result of the low pressure of magma crystallization and fluid exsolution. These fluids extracted Cu from the crystallizing melt and transported it to the hydrothermal system. As a result of ascent, the temperature and pressure of these fluids decreased from 600 to 415 °C, and approximately 500–315 bars. At these conditions, K-feldspar and biotite were stabilized. Type A veins were formed at a depth of ∼1.2 km under conditions of lithostatic pressure and abrupt cooling. Upon cooling and decompressing, the fluid intersected with the liquid–vapor field resulting in separation of immiscible liquid and vapor. This stage was recorded by formation of LVHS1, LVHS3 and VL inclusions. These immiscible fluids formed chalcopyrite–pyrite–quartz veins with sericitic alteration envelopes (B veins) under the lithostatic–hydrostatic pressure regime at temperatures between 415 and 355 °C at 1.3 km below the paleowater table. As the fluids ascended, copper contents decreased and these fluids were diluted by mixing with the low salinity-external fluid. Therefore, pyrite-dominated quartz veins were formed in purely hydrostatic conditions in which pressure decreased from 125 bars to 54 bars and temperature decreased from 355 to 298 °C. During the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution, the composition and P–T regime changed drastically and caused various types of veins and alterations. The abundance of chalcopyrite precipitation in group B veins suggests that boiling and cooling were important factors in copper mineralization in Darreh-Zar.     

The sources of ore-forming material in the low-sulfidation epithermal Wulaga gold deposit,NE China: Constraints from S,Pb isotopes and REE pattern

The Wulaga gold deposit, located in Heilongjiang province, NE China, is a subvolcanic rock-hosted, low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit, and has an Au reserve of about 84 tons. The gold mineralization occurs in a crypto-explosive breccia, and is spatially and temporally associated with an Early Cretaceous granodioritic porphyry. Three individual stages of mineralization have been identified in the Wulaga gold deposit: an early white quartz-euhedral vein stage, a fine-grained pyrite–marcasite–stibnite–chalcedony stage, and a late calcite–pyrite stage. The sulfur isotopic values of sulfide minerals vary in a wide range from − 4 to 4.9‰, but are concentrated in the range of − 3 to 0‰, implying that sulfur in the hydrothermal fluids was derived from magmatic volatiles. Lead isotopic results of the granodioritic porphyry (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.341–18.395, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.507–15.523, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.174–38.251) and sulfide minerals (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.172–18.378, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.536–15.600, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.172–38.339) are comparatively consistent and clustered together between the orogenic and upper mantle lines, indicating the lead in the ores is closely related to the parent magma of the granodioritic porphyry. The REE patterns of fluid inclusions trapped in sulfides are similar to those of the granodioritic porphyry, which confirms the magmatic origin of the REE in the hydrothermal fluids. The characteristics of S and Pb isotopes and REE suggest that the ore-forming materials of the Wulaga gold deposit are partly magmatic in origin, and related to a high-level hydrous granodioritic magma.     

The Jiguanshan porphyry Mo deposit in the Xilamulun metallogenic belt,northern margin of the North China Craton,U–Pb geochronology,isotope systematics,geochemistry and fluid inclusion studies: Implications for a genetic model

The Jiguanshan porphyry Mo deposit is located in the southern part of Xilamulun metallogenic belt at the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). In the Jiguanshan mining district, two stages of granitoids intrusions have been recognized: a pre-ore granite porphyry with stockworks and veins of Mo mineralization, and a granite porphyry with disseminated Mo mineralization. Zircon U–Pb data and Hf isotope analyses show that the dissemination-mineralized granite porphyry yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 156.0 ± 1.3 Ma, with a crustal ε_Hf(t) values from − 5.6 to + 0.2, and that the main group of magmatic zircons from the pre-ore granite porphyry have a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 167.7 ± 1.7 Ma with ε_Hf(t) values from − 3.2 to + 1.0. Combined with groundmass Ar–Ar age data of the granite porphyry and molybdenite Re–Os age, it is suggested that the Mo mineralization of Jiguanshan deposit was formed in the late Jurassic (153 ~ 155 Ma) during tectonic and magmatic events that affected northeast China. The Mo mineralization was a little bit later than the host granite porphyry. Besides disseminated in the host granite porphyry, Mo mineralization also presents in middle Jurassic pre-ore granite porphyry, Jurassic fine-grained diabase, Triassic quartz porphyry, and in rhyolitic volcanic rocks as well as syenite of Devonian age.The Jiguanshan mining district was affected by the tectonic events associated with the Paleo-Asian Ocean closure, and later by far-field tectonism, related to subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate (Izanagi) in the Jurassic-Cretaceous. The tectonic and thermal events linked with the latter are commonly referred to as Yanshanian tectono-thermal event, and consists of a series of geodynamic, magmatic and ore-forming processes, which in the mining district area included the intrusion of the pre-ore granite porphyry, the host granite porphyry, Mo mineralization, and fine-grained diabase. Major and trace element analyses show that the host granite porphyry is characterized by high silica abundances (SiO₂ = 77.16 to 77.51%), high Rb/Sr ratios (13.57 to 14.83), high oxidation (Fe₂O₃/FeO = 34.25 to 62.00) and high alkalies (Na₂O + K₂O = 8.21 to 8.38%). Petrographic and microthermometry studies of the fluid inclusions from Mo mineralized veins, characterized by plenty of daughter mineral-bearing inclusions, showed that the predominant homogenization temperatures range from 250 to 440 °C. Combined with Laser Raman analysis of the fluid inclusions, it is indicated that Mo mineralization is related to a high-temperature, hypersaline and high-oxygen fugacity H₂O–NaCl fluid system, with high F contents.Based on geology, geochronology, isotope systematics, geochemistry and fluid inclusion studies as well as regional geology, we propose, for the first time, a genetic model for the Jiguanshan porphyry Mo deposit. During the Jurassic geodynamic evolution of northeast China, high silicic, high oxidized and alkaline-rich granitic magma probably derived from partial melting of the lower crust, episodically intruded along faults into the country rocks. This fluid system, fractionating from the highly differentiated granitic magma and bearing Mo with minor Cu metals, migrated upwards and interacted with the older wall rocks and associated fractures, in which the ore minerals precipitated, resulting in the development of what we refer to as the “Jiguanshan-type” porphyry Mo deposit.     

Evidence of fluid inclusions for two stages of fluid boiling in the formation of the giant Shapinggou porphyry Mo deposit,Dabie Orogen,Central China

The Shapinggou porphyry Mo deposit, one of the largest Mo deposits in Asia, is located in the Dabie Orogen, Central China. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization at Shapinggou can be divided into four stages, i.e., stage 1 ore-barren quartz veins with intense silicification, followed by stage 2 quartz-molybdenite veins associated with potassic alteration, stage 3 quartz-polymetallic sulfide veins related to phyllic alteration, and stage 4 ore-barren quartz ± calcite ± pyrite veins with weak propylitization. Hydrothermal quartz mainly contains three types of fluid inclusions, namely, two-phase liquid-rich (type I), two- or three-phase gas-rich CO₂-bearing (type II) and halite-bearing (type III) inclusions. The last two types of fluid inclusions are absent in stages 1 and 4. Type I inclusions in the silicic zone (stage 1) display homogenization temperatures of 340 to 550 °C, with salinities of 7.9–16.9 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Type II and coexisting type III inclusions in the potassic zone (stage 2), which hosts the main Mo orebodies, have homogenization temperatures of 240–440 °C and 240–450 °C, with salinities of 34.1–50.9 and 0.1–7.4 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. Type II and coexisting type III inclusions in the phyllic zone (stage 3) display homogenization temperatures of 250–345 °C and 220–315 °C, with salinities of 0.2–6.5 and 32.9–39.3 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. Type I inclusions in the propylitization zone (stage 4) display homogenization temperatures of 170 to 330 °C, with salinities lower than 6.5 wt.% NaCl equivalent. The abundant CO₂-rich and coexisting halite-bearing fluid inclusion assemblages in the potassic and phyllic zones highlight the significance of intensive fluid boiling of a NaCl–CO₂–H₂O system in deep environments (up to 2.3 kbar) for giant porphyry Mo mineralization. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions indicate that ore-fluids were gradually evolved from magmatic to meteoric in origin. Sulfur and lead isotopes suggest that the ore-forming materials at Shapinggou are magmatic in origin. Re–Os dating of molybdenite gives a well-defined ¹⁸⁷Re/¹⁸⁷Os isochron with an age of 112.7 ± 1.8 Ma, suggesting a post-collisional setting.     

Long-lived,stationary magmatism and pulsed porphyry systems during Tethyan subduction to post-collision evolution in the southernmost Lesser Caucasus,Armenia and Nakhitchevan

The composite Meghri–Ordubad and Bargushat plutons of the Zangezur–Ordubad region in the southernmost Lesser Caucasus consist of successive Eocene to Pliocene magmatic pulses, and host two stages of porphyry Cu–Mo deposits. New high-precision TIMS U–Pb zircon ages confirm the magmatic sequence recognized by previous Rb–Sr isochron and whole-rock K–Ar dating. A 44.03 ± 0.02 Ma-old granite and a 48.99 ± 0.07 Ma-old granodiorite belong to an initial Eocene magmatic pulse, which is coeval with the first stage of porphyry Cu–Mo formation at Agarak, Hanqasar, Aygedzor and Dastakert. A subsequent Oligocene magmatic pulse was constrained by U–Pb zircon ages at 31.82 ± 0.02 Ma and 33.49 ± 0.02 Ma for a monzonite and a gabbro, and a late Miocene porphyritic granodioritic and granitic pulse yielded ages between 22.46 ± 0.02 Ma and 22.22 ± 0.01 Ma, respectively. The Oligo-Miocene magmatic evolution broadly coincides with the second porphyry-Cu–Mo ore deposit stage, including the major Kadjaran deposit at 26–27 Ma.Primitive mantle-normalized spider diagrams with negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies support a subduction-like nature for all Cenozoic magmatic rocks. Eocene magmatic rocks have a normal arc, calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline composition, early Oligocene magmatic rocks a high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic composition, and late Oligocene to Mio-Pliocene rocks are adakitic and have a calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline composition. Radiogenic isotopes reveal a mantle-dominated magmatic source, with the mantle component becoming more predominant during the Neogene. Trace element ratio and concentration patterns (Dy/Yb, Sr/Y, La/Yb, Eu/Eu*, Y contents) correlate with the age of the magmatic rocks. They reveal combined amphibole and plagioclase fractionation during the Eocene and the early Oligocene, and amphibole fractionation in the absence of plagioclase during the late Oligocene and the Mio-Pliocene, consistent with Eocene to Pliocene progressive thickening of the crust or increasing pressure of magma differentiation. Characteristic trace element and isotope systematics (Ba vs. Nb/Y, Th/Yb vs. Ba/La, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. Th/Nb, Th/Nb vs. δ¹⁸O, REE) indicate that Eocene magmatism was dominated by fluid-mobile components, whereas Oligocene and Mio-Pliocene magmatism was dominated by a depleted mantle, compositionally modified by subducted sediments.A two-stage magmatic and metallogenic evolution is proposed for the Zangezur–Ordubad region. Eocene normal arc, calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline magmatism was coeval with extensive Eocene magmatism in Iran attributed to Neotethys subduction. Eocene subduction resulted in the emplacement of small tonnage porphyry Cu–Mo deposits. Subsequent Oligocene and Miocene high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic to adakitic magmatism, and the second porphyry Cu–Mo deposit stage coincided with Arabia–Eurasia collision to post-collision tectonics. Magmatism and ore formation are linked to asthenospheric upwelling along translithospheric, transpressional regional faults between the Gondwana-derived South Armenian block and the Eurasian margin, resulting in decompression melting of lithospheric mantle, metasomatised by sediment components added to the mantle during the previous Eocene subduction event.     

Petrogenesis of ore-bearing porphyry from the Tangjiaping porphyry Mo deposit,Dabie orogen: Zircon U-Pb geochronology,geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic constraints

Extensive Early Cretaceous post-collisional igneous rocks, especially the large volume of granitoids developed in the Dabie orogen. Some of these granitic rocks are spatially, temporally, and genetically associated with economically important molybdenum deposits. The Tangjiaping large-scale (> 0.1 million ton) porphyry Mo deposit is located in the northwest of the Northern Dabie Complex unit. The Mo mineralization is mainly hosted in molybdenite-bearing quartz veinlets and stockworks in the Tangjiaping granite porphyry, which intruded into Proterozoic biotite-plagioclase gneiss and amphibole-plagioclase gneiss. Two alteration zones from the porphyry centre outwards and downwards can be recognized: (1) K-silicate alteration-silicification zone; (2) silicification-phyllic alteration zone. The Tangjiaping ore-bearing granite porphyry occurs as an individual stock with an outcrop of 0.4 km². LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of the Tangjiaping granite porphyry yields crystallization age of 115 ± 1 Ma, which is consistent with the molybdenite Re-Os age of the deposit given by previous studies. The Tangjiaping granitic rocks are metaluminous and belong to high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic series. They are relatively enriched in light rare earth elements and have moderately negative Eu anomalies. Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics indicate that the Tangjiaping granite is an A-type granite and was generated by partial melting of intermediate-felsic rocks at pressures of ca. 0.4–0.8 GPa. There are high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.707367 to 0.709410 and negative ε_Nd(t) values varying from − 15.0 to − 14.2 for the Tangjiaping granite. In situ zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that the ε_Hf(t) values of zircons from the Tangjiaping granite porphyry vary from − 17.0 to − 6.0. The geochemical data and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes, coupled with the Neoproterozoic inherited zircon age (652 ± 21 Ma), indicate that the Tangjiaping granite porphyry was most likely derived from partial melting of the Northern Dabie gneiss with some relatively enriched mantle materials involved. The Tangjiaping Mo ore-forming granite porphyry was formed in an extensional setting. The Early Cretaceous asthenospheric upwelling might have played an important role in the formation of the approximately coeval Mo-bearing magmas in the Dabie orogen.     

U–Pb dating,geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopic composition of a granodiorite porphyry from the Jiadanggen Cu–(Mo) deposit in the Eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt,Qinghai Province,China

The Jiadanggen porphyry Cu–(Mo) deposit is newly discovered and located in the Eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt of Qinghai Province, China. Here, we present a detailed study of the petrogenesis, magma source, and tectonic setting of the mineralization causative granodiorite porphyry. The new data indicate that the granodiorite porphyry is characterized by high SiO₂ (68.21–70.41 wt.%) and Al₂O₃, relatively high K₂O, low Na₂O, and low MgO and CaO concentrations, and is high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous. The granodiorite porphyry has low Mg^# (38–46) values that are indicative of no interaction between the magmas and the mantle. The samples that we have examined have low Nb/Ta (9.17–10.3) and Rb/Sr (0.28–0.39) ratios, which are indicative of crustal-derived magmas. Source region discrimination diagrams indicate that the magmas that formed the granodiorite porphyry were derived from melting of a mixed amphibolite source in the lower crust. The samples have I_Sr values of 0.70954–0.70979, ε_Nd(t) values of − 8.3 to − 7.9, and t_2DM ages ranging from 1644 to 1677 Ma. These indicate that the magmas that formed this intrusion were generated by melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crustal material. Higher K(Rb) contents of the samples indicate that the magma source is high potassium basaltic material in the lower crust, which could be derived from an enriched mantle source. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the granodiorite porphyry yields a late Indosinian age (concordia age of 227 ± 1 Ma; MSWD = 0.31), which is close to the molybdenite Re–Os isochron age (227.2 ± 1.9 Ma), indicating further the close relationship between the granodiorite porphyry and the Cu–(Mo) mineralization. These samples are LREE and LILE (e.g., Rb, K, Ba, and Sr) enriched, and HFSE (e.g., Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) depleted, especially in P and Ti, similar to the characteristics of volcanic arc magmas. This intrusion most likely formed during the later stage of Indosinian deep subduction of oceanic slab. This was associated with underplating of mantle-derived magmas, which provided heat for crustal melting. Similar to the Jiadanggen granodiorite porphyry, Indosinian hypabyssal intermediate-felsic intrusive rocks, formed under subduction tectonism or a transitional regime from subduction to syn-collision, make up the most important targets for porphyry Cu(Mo) deposits in the Eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt.     

In situ LA-(MC)-ICP-MS trace element and Nd isotopic compositions and genesis of polygenetic titanite from the Baogutu reduced porphyry Cu deposit,Western Junggar,NW China

Titanite (sphene, CaTiSiO₅) is sensitive to changes in temperature, oxygen and water fugacity, and fluid composition. In order to understand formation processes and the nature of hydrothermal fluids, various types of titanite from Cu ores at the Baogutu reduced porphyry Cu deposit were chosen for detailed study. Magmatic titanite is associated with biotite, plagioclase and K-feldspar, whereas hydrothermal titanite occurs with K-feldspar, chlorite, actinolite and calcite. The formation of hydrothermal titanite was related to hydration of igneous minerals under high fH₂O, whereas the widespread replacement of ilmenite by titanite (without magnetite) indicates a relatively low oxygen fugacity. Magmatic titanite has low Al, high Fe, Y, Sn, Zr, Nb and REE contents, relative to hydrothermal titanite. On the basis of the Zr-in-titanite and Al-in-chlorite geothermometers, formation temperatures for magmatic and hydrothermal titanite are estimated to be 687–739 °C and 250–670 °C, respectively. The gradual decrease in REE, Y and Sn contents from magmatic to late hydrothermal titanite was probably caused by precipitation of REE-bearing minerals. Magmatic and hydrothermal titanites have similar chondrite-normalized REE patterns with negative Eu anomalies and relatively flat HREE. Randomly selected titanites have Nd isotopic compositions similar to the host rocks. Thus, both magmatic and hydrothermal titanite are believed to have been predominantly derived from a mantle source.     

Geochronology,geochemistry, and mineralization of the granodiorite porphyry hosting the Matou Cu–Mo (±W) deposit,Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt,eastern China

Porphyry and skarn Cu–Fe–Au–Mo deposits are widespread in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt (MLYMB), eastern China. The Matou deposit has long been regarded as a typical Cu–Mo porphyry deposit within Lower Yangtze part of the belt. Recently, we identified scheelite and wolframite in quartz veins in the Matou deposit, which is uncommon in other porphyry and skarn deposits in the MLYMB. We carried out detailed zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic studies of the granodiorite porphyry at Matou to define any differences from other ore-related granitoids. The porphyry shows a SiO₂ content ranging from 61.85 wt.% to 65.74 wt.%, K₂O from 1.99 wt.% to 3.74 wt.%, and MgO from 1.74 wt.% to 2.19 wt.% (Mg^# value ranging from 45 to 55). It is enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, but relatively depleted in Nb, Ta, Y, Yb and compatible trace elements (such as Cr, Ni, and V), with slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.88–0.98) and almost no negative Sr anomalies. Results of electron microprobe analysis of rock-forming silicate minerals indicate that the Matou porphyry has been altered by an oxidized fluid that is rich in Mg, Cl, and K. The samples show relatively low ε_Nd(t) values from −7.4 to −7.1, slightly high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values from 0.708223 to 0.709088, and low ε_Hf(t) values of zircon from −9.0 to −6.5, when compared with the other Cu–Mo porphyry deposits in the MLYMB. Zircon U–Pb dating suggests the Matou granodiorite porphyry was emplaced at 139.5 ± 1.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.8, n = 15), which is within the age range of the other porphyries in the MLYMB. Although geochemical characteristics of the Matou and other porphyries in the MLYMB are similar and all adakitic, the detrital zircons in the samples from Matou suggest that Archean lower crust (2543 ± 29 Ma, MSWD = 0.25, n = 5) was involved with the generation of Matou magma, which is different from the other porphyries in the belt. Our study suggests that the Matou granodiorite porphyry originated from partial melting of thickened lower crust that was delaminated into the mantle, similar to the other porphyries in the MLYMB, but it has a higher proportion of lower crustal material, including Archean rocks, which contributed to the formation of the porphyry and related W-rich magmatic-hydrothermal system.     

Magmatic petrogenesis and the evolution of (F:Cl:OH) fluid composition in barren and tungsten skarn-associated plutons using apatite and biotite compositions: Case studies from the northern Canadian Cordillera

A detailed study of apatite and biotite compositions in multiple intrusive phases from five composite plutons in the northern Canadian Cordillera was undertaken with the aim of determining the composition of magmatic fluids relative to F:Cl:OH for several plutons―both barren and mineralizing―and for specific intrusive phases from each pluton that may be related to nearby tungsten skarns. Magmatic apatite and biotite compositions are consistent with a crustal source of magma, either derived from predominantly supracrustal rocks, and (or) derived from predominantly infracrustal rocks and fractionated to felsic compositions. Increasing MnO (± FeO and XF:XCl) with decreasing CaO in apatite broadly correlates with an increasing degree of magmatic differentiation, although Fe# vs. total aluminum in biotite is a better indicator of inter- and intra-plutonic differentiation. Anomalously iron-rich biotites occur in highly fractionated and (or) wallrock-contaminated phases of plutons associated with tungsten skarns.Estimates of magmatic fluid composition―calculated as the activity ratios log[aHCl / a_HF] and log[a_HOH / a_HF] from apatite and biotite compositions―show several trends with respect to magmatic differentiation. Two barren plutons demonstrate that fluids in silicic magmas become HF enriched relative to HCl with increasing differentiation, although re-equilibration with late-stage sub-solidus or hydrothermal fluids may obscure this trend. The three intrusions with associated tungsten skarn mineralization, including the world-class Cantung deposit, also become HF-enriched with magmatic evolution. However, magmatic apatite and biotite in individual intrusive phases that are the most closely associated with mineralization have equilibrated with compositionally distinct fluids. In these particular intrusive phases, apatite appears to have equilibrated with an earlier HCl- and H₂O-rich magmatic fluid, and biotite appears to have equilibrated with a later HCl- and (a particularly) H₂O-rich magmatic fluid. The fluid in these magmas apparently evolved to a H₂O-rich (or less saline) composition as the temperature of the magma decreased. None of the other intrusive phases, from either the barren or tungsten-associated plutons, have apatite and biotite activity ratios that are suggestive of equilibration with such an HCl/HF- and H₂O/HF-rich fluid. Instead, the activity ratios calculated from apatite and biotite in intrusive phases that are not as closely associated with mineralization are well-coupled and unremarkable (although small variations are common), which would suggest that both minerals equilibrated with similar fluids. These intrusive phases do not appear to have produced a large quantity of saline hydrous fluid capable of seggregating and transporting tungsten. The identification of intrusive phases that did produce magmatic fluids that were anomalously enriched in HCl and H₂O could, therefore, be a predictor of nearby tungsten skarn mineralization.     

Platinum mineralization of the Svetly Bor and Nizhny Tagil intrusions,Ural Platinum Belt

This paper presents the results of a detailed mineralogical and micro analytical study of two Ural-Alaskan type intrusions in the Ural Platinum Belt: (1) the dunite-hosted mineralization of the Svetly Bor intrusion, and (2) the chromitite mineralization of the Nizhny Tagil intrusion. Two generations of platinum minerals are typical of both intrusions: magmatic Pt–Fe(Ni) alloys, and post-magmatic Pt(Fe,Ni,Cu) alloys. A trend from ferroan platinum to isoferroplatinum (Pt,Fe → Pt₃Fe) is shown for magmatic alloys of the Svetly Bor intrusion. Magmatic alloys of the Nizhny Tagil intrusion are represented by ferroan platinum (with Ni) only, varying in Fe. The magmatic Pt–Fe alloys of both intrusions were depleted in Fe during the evolution of ore-forming systems and crystallized during the entire magmatic process, generally as fine cubic crystals and anhedral grains hosted by dunite at the magmatic stage during and after the crystallization of dunite (platinum–dunite type of the Svetly Bor intrusion). The evolution of mineral paragenesis was accompanied by a temperature drop, as well as increases in fO₂ and fS₂.Most of the platinum was concentrated in the residual melts together with chromium, and crystallized in the final stage of the magmatic process (platinum–chromite ore of the Nizhny Tagil intrusion). Post-magmatic Pt(Fe,Cu,Ni) alloys formed during the serpentinization of dunite evolved according to a general compositional trend from tetraferroplatinum and ferronickelplatinum to tulameenite and later to Pt–Cu alloy and Pt-oxide (PtFe) → Pt(Fe,Cu,Ni) → Cu₃Pt → Pt–O. Platinum-rich mineralization of both intrusions was formed in the late magmatic stage from a melt rich in volatiles, regardless of their location in dunite or chromitites. Most probably, the rock structure (fracture systems) was the determining factor in the migration of PGE-rich residual melts and ore accumulation.     

Fluid inclusions and H–O–S–Pb isotope systematics of the Baishan porphyry Mo deposit in Eastern Tianshan,China

The Baishan porphyry Mo deposit formed in the Middle Triassic in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, northwestern China. Mo mineralization is associated with the Baishan monzogranite and granite porphyry stocks, mainly presenting as various types of hydrothermal veinlets in alerted wall rocks, with potassic, phyllic, propylitic, and fluorite alteration. The ore-forming process can be divided into four stages: stage I K-feldspar–quartz–pyrite veinlets, stage II quartz–molybdenite ± pyrite veinlets, stage III quartz–polymetallic sulfide veinlets and stage IV barren quartz–calcite veins. Four types of fluid inclusions (FIs) can be distinguished in the Baishan deposit, namely, liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), solid-bearing multi-phase (S-type) and mono-phase vapor (M-type) inclusions, but only the stage I quartz contains all types of FIs. The stages II and III quartz have three types of FIs, with exception of M-type. In stage IV quartz minerals, only the L-type inclusions can be observed. The FIs in quartz of stages I, II, III and IV are mainly homogenized at temperatures of 271–468 °C, 239–349 °C, 201–331 °C and 134–201 °C, with salinities of 2.2–11.6 wt.% NaCl equiv., 1.1–10.2 wt.% NaCl equiv., 0.5–8.9 wt.% NaCl equiv. and 0.2–5.7 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore-forming fluids of the Baishan deposit are characterized by high temperature, moderate salinity and relatively reduced condition, belonging to a H₂O–NaCl ± CH₄ ± CO₂ system. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of quartz indicate that the ore-forming fluids were gradually evolved from magmatic to meteoric in origin. Sulfur and lead isotopes suggest that the ore-forming materials came predominantly from a deep-seated magma source from the lower continental crust. The Mo mineralization in the Baishan deposit is estimated to have occurred at a depth of no less than 4.7 km, and the decrease in temperature and remarkable transition of the redox condition (from alkalinity to acidity) of ore-forming fluids were critical for the formation of the Baishan Mo deposit.     

Genesis of the Yuanlingzhai porphyry molybdenum deposit,Jiangxi province,South China: Constraints from petrochemistry and geochronology

The newly discovered Yuanlingzhai porphyry molybdenum (Mo) deposit in southern Jiangxi province belongs to the group of Mo-only deposits in the Nanling region. The mineralization developed at contact zones between the Yuanlingzhai granite porphyry and Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks of the Xunwu Formation. Precise LA–MC–ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating of the Yuanlingzhai porphyry, as well as the adjacent western Keshubei and eastern Keshubei granites, yielded ages of 165.49 ± 0.59 Ma, 159.68 ± 0.43 Ma, and 185.13 ± 0.52–195.14 ± 0.63 Ma, respectively. Molybdenite Re–Os isochron ages of the ores are 160 ± 1–162.7 ± 1.1 Ma, which is consistent with the age of large-scale W–Sn deposits in South China. The Yuanlingzhai porphyry is characterized by high K₂O, P₂O₅, and A/CNK (1.33–1.59), and low CaO and Na₂O. The rock shows relatively enriched LREE without significant Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.80–0.90). Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics indicate that the ore-hosting porphyry is a typical S-type granite generated from the partial melting of crustal material with only minor mantle contribution. Both Harker and evolutionary discrimination diagrams indicate that the Yuanlangzhai and western Keshubei granites are not products of co-magmatic evolution. The Keshubei granites and Xunwu Formation were not significant sources for the components in the porphyry mineralization, but the Yuanlangzhai granite may have supplied some ore-forming material. However, the main ore-forming material was carried by fluids from deep sources, as demonstrated by fluid inclusion and stable isotope data from the molybdenum deposit. The Mo porphyry deposit formed in an extensional setting, and was possibly associated with Jurassic subduction of the Izanagi Plate.     

Melting phase relations of the Udachnaya-East Group-I kimberlite at 3.0–6.5 GPa: Experimental evidence for alkali-carbonatite composition of primary kimberlite melts and implications for mantle plumes

Experiments on the origin of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite (UEK) have been performed using a Kawai-type multianvil apparatus at 3–6.5 GPa and 900–1500 °C. The studied composition represents exceptionally fresh Group-I kimberlite containing (wt.%): SiO₂ = 25.9, TiO₂ = 1.8, Al₂O₃ = 2.8, FeO = 9.0, MgO = 30.1, CaO = 12.7, Na₂O = 3.4, K₂O = 1.3, P₂O₅ = 1.0, Cl = 0.9, CO₂ = 9.9, and H₂O = 0.5. The super-solidus assemblage consists of melt, olivine (Ol), Ca-rich (26.0–30.2 wt.% CaO) garnet (Gt), Al-spinel (Sp), perovskite (Pv), a CaCO₃ phase (calcite or aragonite), and apatite. The low pressure assemblage (3–4 GPa) also includes clinopyroxene. The apparent solidus was established between 900 and 1000 °C at 6.5 GPa. At 6.5 GPa and 900 °C Na–Ca carbonate with molar ratio of (Na + K)/Ca ≈ 0.44 was observed. The UEK did not achieve complete melting even at 1500 °C and 6.5 GPa, due to excess xenogenic Ol in the starting material. In the studied P–T range, the melt has a Ca-carbonatite composition (Ca# = molar Ca/(Ca + Mg) ratio = 0.62–0.84) with high alkali and Cl contents (7.3–11.4 wt.% Na₂O, 2.8–6.7 wt.% K₂O, 1.6–3.4 wt.% Cl). The K, Na and Cl contents and Ca# decrease with temperature. It is argued that the primary kimberlite melt at depths > 200 km was an essentially carbonatitic (< 5 wt.% SiO₂), but evolved toward a carbonate–silicate composition (up to 15–20 wt.% SiO₂) during ascent. The absence of orthopyroxene among the run products indicates that xenogenic orthopyroxene was preferentially dissolved into the kimberlite melt. The obtained subliquidus phase assemblage (Ol + Sp + Pv + Ca-rich Gt) at P–T conditions of the UEK source region, i.e. where melt was in the last equilibrium with source rock before magma ascent, differs from the Opx-bearing peridotitic mineral assemblage of the UEK source region. This difference can be ascribed to the loss of substantial amounts of CO₂ from the kimberlite magma at shallow depths, as indicated by both petrological and experimental data. Our study implies that alkali-carbonatite melt would be a liquid phase within mantle plumes generated at the core–mantle boundary or shallower levels of the mantle, enhancing the ascent velocity of the plumes. We conclude that the long-term activity of a rising hot mantle plume and associated carbonatite melt (i.e. kimberlite melt) causes thermo-mechanical erosion of the subcontinental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) roots and creates hot and deformed metasomatic regions in the lower parts of the SCLM, which corresponds to depths constrained by P–T estimates of sheared Gt-peridotite xenoliths. The sheared Gt-peridotites undoubtedly represent samples of these regions.     

Adakite-like signature of porphyry granitoid stocks in the Meiduk and Parkam porphyry copper deposits,NE of Shahr-e-Babak,Kerman, Iran: Constrains on geochemistry

The Middle Miocene porphyry granitoid stocks of Meiduk and Parkam porphyry copper deposits are intruded in the north-western part of the Dehaj-Sarduiyeh volcano-sedimentary belt in the south-eastern extension of the Urumieh-Dukhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) in Iran. The porphyritic to microgranular granitoids are mainly consist of quartz diorite, granodiorite and diorite. The whole rock geochemical analyses of these rocks reveals sub-alkaline, calc-alkaline, meta-peraluminous and I-type characteristics. Their geochemical characteristics such as Al₂O₃ content of 13.51–17.05 wt%, high Sr concentration (mostly >400 ppm), low Yb (an average of 0.74 ppm) and Y (an average of 9.02 ppm) contents, strongly differentiated REE patterns (La/Yb ≥ 20), lack of Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu¹ ≥ 1) are indicative of adakitic signature. Their enrichment in low field strength elements (LFSE) and conspicuous negative anomalies for Nb, Ta and Ti are typical of subduction related magmas. Detailed petrological studies and geochemical data indicated that Meiduk and Parkam porphyry granitoids were derived from amphibole fractionation of hydrous melts at a depth of >40 km in a post-collisional tectonic setting.