Rare earth elements in Huronian (Lower Proterozoic) sedimentary rocks: Composition and evolution of the post-Kenoran upper crust

The Huronian sequence (Lower Proterozoicl. north of Lake Huron, contains tillites and abundant fine-grained sedimentary rocks. Analyses of rare earth elements (REE) in the matrix of tillite samples from the Gowganda Formation (~ 2.3 Gal is considered to be a reasonable estimate of upper crustal REE abundances for the region north of Lake Huron at the time of Gowganda deposition. The average is characterized by a moderately steep pattern (σLREEσHREE = 9.1) and a slight negative europium anomaly ($\text{Eu}\text{Eu1}\text{= 0.89}$). This pattern is similar to estimates of the composition of the surface of the Canadian Shield and is intermediate between estimates of typical Archean and post-Archean sedimentary rocks. REE patterns for framework granitoid clasts from the tillite suggest that K-rich granites, which were apparently unimportant in the formation of Archean sedimentary rocks, were abundant in the source regions of the Gowganda Formation. This may explain the intermediate nature of the Gowganda pattern.Comparison of the tillites and associated Gowganda mudstones suggests that previous estimates of upper crustal REE abundances, which were based on the analyses of fine-grained sedimentary rocks, may be systematically high. Relative distributions, however, are the same.Analyses of mudstones from the McKim. Pecors. Serpent Gowganda Lorrain and Gordon Lake Formations suggest rapid evolution in the composition of the exposed upper crust at the close of the Kenoran orogeny. REE patterns at the base of the Huronian are similar to typical Archean sedimentary rocks. REE characteristics change up section: patterns at the top resemble typical post-Archean sedimentary rocks.It is inferred that an essentially episodic change from an early exposed upper crust dominated by a tonalite-greenstone suite to one approximating granodioritic composition is recorded in Huronian sedimentary rocks. A deviation from the evolutionary trend of the Huronian, documented in the Gowganda Formation, may be related to the glacial origin of the Gowganda.     

The geochemistry of Witwatersrand-type gold deposits and the possible influence of ancient prokaryotic communities on gold dissolution and precipitation

Compared to the prokaryote-dominated lower Proterozoic there are few environments now left on Earth where prokaryotes are dominant. By about 2.5 Ga chemical conditions affecting the solution and precipitation of minerals were much influenced by microbial communities. Results of recent experiments show that modern living prokaryotes are capable of actively precipitating or flocculating gold. This process goes far towards explaining the phenomenal extent to which gold is enriched in kerogenous marker seams on the Witwatersrand.Neutron activation analyses confirm that gold is likewise anomalously enriched in kerogenous material present in the Lower Huronian metasediments of Ontario. Long known as thucholite, it appears from pyrolysis and X-ray studies of a sample from a stratiform occurrence that it is a kerogen remarkably similar to kerogen from the Vaal Reef, South Africa. A prokaryote precursor has been postulated for the Vaal Reef kerogen, and the same may well be true of at least some of the stratiform occurrences of kerogen in the Huronian.Simplifying solutions to the metallogeny of Witwatersrand-type gold that do not take into account the diverse types of gold in the deposits, are unrealistic. Precipitated gold associated with kerogen is only one of four main types of Witwatesrand gold, but it may be the major one. Our proposed model to account for this gold involves the weathering of gold from Archean source rock under anaerobic conditions, and probably in the presence of S-cycling microbial communities. Transported as a solution or colloid the gold was stabilized by humic acids, or S-cycle intermediates, and was deposited onto braided alluvial plains. There, in the presence of extensive prokaryote microbial mats (now preserved as kerogen), gold was precipitated in forms characteristic of biologically induced biomineralization.     

Trace-element characteristics of different pyrite types in Mesoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic placer deposits

A comparative in situ LA-ICP MS trace-element study on pyrite from three different, variably auriferous, Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic palaeoplacer deposits in the Ouro Fino Syncline (Quadrilátero Ferrífero; Brazil), the Elliot Lake area north of Lake Huron (SE Canada) and several deposits within the Witwatersrand Basin (South Africa) revealed systematic differences between morphologically different pyrite types and between the various palaeoplacer deposits. Especially the Ni and Au concentrations as well as Co/Ni and Mo/Ni ratios were found to be systematically different in detrital compact, detrital porous and post-sedimentary/hydrothermal pyrite grains from different source areas. High Co/Ni ratios and low Au concentrations are typical of post-sedimentary pyrite, which is hydrothermal in origin. In contrast, relatively low Co/Ni ratios and high Au contents characterise detrital porous banded and concentric pyrite grains (Au > 1 ppm), which are syn-sedimentary in origin. In the Elliot Lake area and the Witwatersrand Basin, detrital compact rounded pyrite is characterised by high Co/Ni ratios, which is in agreement with derivation from a hydrothermal source. Low Au concentrations in this pyrite type support the contention of the gold and the pyrite in these deposits coming from different source rocks. In contrast, derivation from an originally diagenetic pyrite is suggested for the detrital compact pyrite in the Ouro Fino Syncline because of low to intermediate Co/Ni ratios. High Au contents may indicate a genetic relationship between pyrite and gold there. Systematic differences exist between the three areas with respect to Au, Ni, Co, Mo and Cu distributions in detrital pyrite, which reflects differences in the provenance. A predominantly mafic/ultramafic source is indicated for the Ouro Fino, a felsic source for the Elliot Lake, and a mixed felsic–mafic provenance for the Witwatersrand pyrite populations. Independently of pyrite type, the higher Au endowment of the studied Witwatersrand and Ouro Fino conglomerates are also reflected by an overall higher Au concentration in the respective pyrite grains compared to the relatively Au-poor samples from Elliot Lake. In general, a strong positive correlation between Au and Pb levels in the various pyrite grains is noted. Analogous to Pb, which is well known for not being easily accommodated in the pyrite crystal lattice but occurring as discrete PbS phases, Au is considered to be present mainly in the form of discrete Au phases in minute pores and interstices of the pyrite grains rather than within the pyrite lattice.     

Diagenetic alteration of a Mesozoic fluvial gold placer deposit,southern New Zealand

Gold paleoplacers become progressively more affected by diagenetic processes with age and burial. Mesozoic paleoplacer deposits in southern New Zealand display intermediate stages of diagenetic transformation compared to little-affected Late Cenozoic paleoplacers and strongly-affected Paleozoic and Precambrian paleoplacers. The Mesozoic (Cretaceous) diagenesis resulted in near-pervasive alteration, cementation and lithification of the paleoplacer. Lithic clasts and matrix have been extensively altered to illite, ferrous iron-bearing smectite-vermiculite, and kaolinite, and the cement consists mainly of clays and calcite. Diagenetic pyrite, marcasite, vivianite, and Mn oxide also contributed to cementation. Alteration occurred under near-surface (<500 m depth) conditions with groundwater that had circumneutral pH, high alkalinity, and elevated dissolved K, Mg and Ca. Detrital albite remained unaffected by alteration. Detrital gold has been variably dissolved and redeposited, with widespread formation of gold overgrowths on the 1–10 μm scales, with 1–3 wt% Ag. Gold mobility was driven by reduced sulphur complexes in the low redox, high pH diagenetic environment. The overgrowth gold locally contributed to cementation of fine clastic grains, and has intergrown with diagenetic clays and Mn oxide. Post-diagenetic oxidation of the paleoplacer deposit has transformed much of the pyrite to ferric oxyhydroxide and deposited some ferric oxyhydroxide coatings on gold. These oxidation processes have had only minor effects on gold mobility and textures. Hence, the low redox conditions of diagenetic gold mobility were distinctly different from those typically associated with oxidation-related supergene gold mobility. Diagenesis can affect economics of paleoplacer mining by hindering rock disaggregation during processing, coating gold particles with secondary minerals, and increasing the clay content of the deposit, all of which can lower the efficiency of gold recovery.     

Did prolonged two-stage fragmentation of the supercontinent Kenorland lead to arrested orogenesis on the southern margin of the Superior province?

Recent geochronological investigations reinforce the early suggestion that the upper part of the Paleoproterozoic Huronian Supergroup of Ontario,Canada is present in the Animikie Basin on the south shore of Lake Superior.These rocks,beginning with the glaciogenic Gowganda Formation,are interpreted as passive margin deposits.The absence of the lower Huronian(rift succession) from the Animikie Basin may be explained by attributing the oldest Paleoroterozoic rocks in the Animikie Basin(Chocolay Group)to deposition on the upper plate of a north-dipping detachment fault,which lacks sediments of the rift phase.Following thermal uplift that led to opening of the Huronian Ocean on the south side of what is now the Superior province,renewed uplift(plume activity) caused large-scale gravitational folding of the Huronian Supergroup accompanied by intrusion of the Nipissing diabase suite and Senneterre dikes at about 2.2 Ga.Termination of passive margin sedimentation is normally followed by ocean closure but in the Huronian and Animikie basins there was a long hiatus- the Great Stratigraphic Gap- which lasted for about 350 Ma.This hiatus is attributed to a second prolonged thermal uplift of part of Kenorland that culminated in complete dismemberment of the supercontinent shortly before 2.0 Ga by opening of the Circum-Superior Ocean.These events caused regional uplift(the Great Stratigraphic Gap) and delayed completion of the Huronian Wilson Cycle until a regional compressional tectonic episode,including the Penokean orogeny,belatedly flooded the southern margin of the Superior province with foreland basin deposits,established the limits of the Superior structural province and played an important role in constructing Laurentia.     

Detrital pyrite in Witwatersrand gold reefs: X-ray diffraction evidence and implications for atmospheric evolution

Pyrite is easily oxidized, and therefore unambiguous evidence of detrital pyrite grains in metasediments is a significant constraint on when an oxygenated atmosphere developed. Compact rounded pyrite in the Witwatersrand gold reefs of South Africa has a detrital habit and is texturally equivalent to and spatially associated with detrital zircon and chromite. X-ray precession photography reveals that petrographically featureless As-poor grains are untwinned single crystals of high diffraction quality. This new evidence from crystallography is consistent with mechanically abraded pyrite from primary lode gold deposits, and excludes an origin by replacement of a pre-existing detrital phase. Further evidence of a detrital origin for the compact rounded pyrite is afforded by isolated grains of arsenian pyrite displaying truncated As-rich growth bands. The geographically extensive Witwatersrand fluvial conglomerates evidently had a matrix of quartz and pyrite sand and pyritic mud in their unconsolidated state and, thus, the late Archean atmosphere of Earth was likely essentially anoxic.     

Causes of variation in crystal morphology in metamorphogenic pyrite deposits of the Cameros Basin (N Spain)

The low‐grade metasediments of the Cameros Basin, northern Spain, host a number of deposits of spectacular quality pyrite mineralization. These formed during regional metamorphism and the pyrite crystals exhibit a wide range of morphologies. On the basis of pyrite crystal habit, the deposits can be classified into two groups: Group I comprises deposits with cubic, elongated or platy crystals; Group II comprises deposits characterized by pyritohedra and cubo‐pyritohedra with striated faces, along with blocky crystals and fine‐grained aggregates. Group I deposits are formed in sequences dominated by meandriform fluviatile sediments, while Group II is hosted by deltaic plain and lacustrine metasediments. Temperature differences between deposits and As content are possible causes of the different pyrite morphologies in the deposits, but no significant variation exists between the two groups for either factor. Comparison with experimentally grown pyrite crystals suggests that Group I deposits have morphologies indicative of lower degrees of pyrite supersaturation than pyrite crystals in Group II deposits. The sedimentary facies hosting Group II deposits provides a greater availability of sedimentary sulphur (pyrite and sulphates). Moreover, reactions involving sulphate during metamorphism may have modified fluid chemistry, which would also act to produce higher degrees of pyrite saturation in fluids derived from the sulphate‐rich deltaic plain and lacustrine metasediments hosting the Group II deposits. This hypothesis is confirmed by sulphur isotope data on the pyrites, which show a larger component of³⁴S‐enriched sulphate‐derived sulphur in these deposits. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Composition and genesis of Precambrian metalliferous conglomerates

Precambrian metalliferous conglomerates are the most important source of gold, uranium, and other metals. They concentrate no less than 30% of world gold reserves and provide 30–50% of world gold production. The metalliferous conglomerates are known at various chronological levels of the Early Precambrian: the Neoarchean (Witwatersrand Supergroup, South Africa), the Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic (Huronian Supergroup, Canada), and the Paleoproterozoic (Tarkwaian Group, West Africa; Roraima Group, the Guiana Shield; Jacobina and Sierra de Carrego groups, the Brazil Shield; Mount Bruce Group, West Australian Shield). They are related to different stages of the tectonic evolution: preorogenic stage (Huronian Supergroup), orogenic stage (Tarkwaian Group), and postorogenic or protoplatformal stage (Witwatersrand). Long-term stabilization of the Earth’s crust and deposition of thick sedimentary sequences were the most favorable conditions for the formation of metalliferous conglomerates.     

Trace element chemistry of pyrite: A useful guide to the occurrence of sulfide base metal mineralization

Trace element contents for pyrite from a range of sulfide mineral occurrences in the Kangiara region, eastern Australia, illustrate two main groups of pyrite. The first group, with higher Ag, Cu, Pb and Mo contents, corresponds to samples from sulfide base metal deposits and the second group, with higher Mn, Ti and Ni contents, contains samples from skarn mineralization, volcanic rocks and quartz veins. The model proposed for the development of pyrite in the Kangiara region is that the first group was formed from base metal-bearing solutions, while the second group reflects diagenetic pyrite and metamorphic pyrite. Thus, the pyrite trace element chemistry may provide a means of distinguishing types of mineral occurrences, in particular, those containing significant base metal mineralization.     

Stratigraphic and tectonic settings of Proterozoic glaciogenic rocks and banded iron-formations: relevance to the snowball Earth debate

Among Palaeoproterozoic glacial deposits on four continents, the best preserved and documented are in the Huronian on the north shore of Lake Huron, Ontario, where three glaciogenic formations have been recognized. The youngest is the Gowganda Formation. The glacial deposits of the Gowganda Formation were deposited on a newly formed passive margin. To the west, on the south side of Lake Superior, the oldest Palaeoproterozoic succession (Chocolay Group) begins with glaciogenic diamictites that have been correlated with the Gowganda Formation. The >2.2 Ga passive margin succession (Chocolay Group=upper Huronian) is overlain, with profound unconformity, by a >1.88 Ga succession that includes the superior-type banded iron-formations (BIFs). The iron-formations are therefore not genetically associated with Palaeoproterozoic glaciation but were deposited 300 Ma later in a basin that formed as a result of closure of the “Huronian” ocean. In Western Australia, Palaeoproterozoic glaciogenic deposits of the Meteorite Bore Member appear to have formed part of a similar basin fill. The glaciogenic rocks are, however, separated from underlying BIF by a thick siliciclastic succession. In both North America and Western Australia, BIF-deposition took place in compressional (possibly foreland basin) settings but the iron-formations are of greatly different age, suggesting that the most significant control on their formation was not oxygenation of the Earth’s atmosphere but rather, emplacement of Fe-rich waters (uplifted as a result of ocean floor destruction?) in a siliciclastic-starved environment where oxidation (biogenic?) could take place. Some of the Australian BIFs appear to predate the appearance of red beds in North American Palaeoproterozoic successions and are therefore unlikely to be related to oxygenation of the atmosphere.Neoproterozoic glaciogenic deposits are widespread on the world’s continents. Some are associated with iron-formations. Two theories have emerged to explain these enigmatic BIFs. According to the snowball Earth hypothesis (SEH), ice-covered oceans would have permitted buildup of dissolved Fe. Precipitation of Fe-rich sediments would have taken place following reoxygenation of the hydrosphere as the ice cover disappeared. A second theory involves glaciation of Red Sea rift-type basins. Fe-charged brines in such basins would have precipitated on being mixed with “normal” seawater as a result of glacially driven thermal overturn. Both theories provide an explanation of the hydrothermal imprint on the geochemistry of Neoproterozoic BIF but the restricted development of BIF (relative to glacial deposits), evidence of rift activity such as significant facies and thickness changes, and association with volcanic rocks, all favour deposition in a rift environment.Cap carbonates are one of the cornerstones of the SEH. Escape from the snowball condition is said to have resulted from buildup of atmospheric CO₂ while the weathering cycle was stopped. Under such conditions, the first siliciclastic deposits following glaciation, should be extremely weathered, and should be overlain by sedimentary rocks that show a gradual return to more “normal” compositions. Using a chemical index of alteration (CIA) it can be shown that, in the case of the Gowganda Formation, the CIA shows a gradual upward increase, opposite to that predicted by the SEH. The Earth underwent severe climatic perturbations both near the beginning and end of the Proterozoic Eon but whether it attained a totally frozen surface condition (as postulated under the SEH) remains speculative.     

Multiphase origin of the Cu–Co ore deposits in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt, Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo)

A multiphase origin of the Cu–Co ores in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt in Central Africa is proposed based on literature, satellite image interpretations and petrographic and fluid inclusion analyses on samples from the stratiform mineralization of Kamoto and Musonoi (DR Congo). The various mineral occurrences in the Katanga Copperbelt can be classified in distinct categories: stratiform, supergene enrichment and vein-type. The stratiform mineralization form the largest group and can be found mainly in Lower Roan (R-2) rocks, which can be identified as ridges on satellite imagery. Ore deposits outside the R-2 occur along lineaments and result often from supergene enrichment.The main phase of the stratiform mineralization in the Katanga Copperbelt occurred during diagenesis preceding the Lufilian orogeny. Petrographic observation identified various mineralizing phases, which played a role in the formation of these stratiform mineralization. Mineralization started during early diagenesis, but mainly occurred during further burial. After the formation of early diagenetic pyrite, the circulation of diagenetic Cu–Co-rich fluids resulted in the formation of the main mineralization. Preliminary microthermometric investigation of primary inclusions in authigenic quartz, associated with the main stage of stratiform mineralization, indicates that an H₂O–NaCl fluid with a minimum temperature between 80 and 195 °C and a salinity between 8.4 and 18.4 eq. wt% NaCl circulated during the main phase of mineralization.Numerous faults and fractures formed during the Lufilian orogeny cut the stratiform mineralization. They are, however, at Kamoto and Musonoi only associated with minor sulphides. Supergene alteration along faults and fractures resulted in an enrichment of the mineralization, with the formation of secondary Cu-oxides, -carbonates and -silicates.The importance of the interaction of various processes for the formation of economic Cu–Co ore deposits is confirmed by the straightforward relationship on satellite imagery between the location of economic mineral occurrences and faults, which acted as pathway for descending waters that caused the supergene enrichment and upgrading of the primary mineralization.     

辽宁青城子铅锌银金矿田控矿构造与找矿方向

辽宁青城子铅锌银金矿田为一集铅锌银金多个大型矿床于一区的重要成矿集中区。青城子中深构造层次的片麻岩穹隆（或变质核杂岩）构成了该区构造的主体。矿区中由片麻岩穹隆所构成的构造组合控制了矿体的定位、形态以及矿床的规模。青城子片麻岩隆起西南侧的卷曲褶皱翼内北东、北西走向的陡倾斜断裂发育，矿床主要为沿断裂交代充填的脉状铅矿，矿床规模较小；片麻岩隆起滑脱伸展翼多层顺层滑脱断裂带，为后期成矿提供了较大的容矿空间，有利于形成规模较大的矿床。     

Palaeoenvironmental significance of rounded pyrite in siliciclastic sequences of the Late Archaean Witwatersrand Basin: oxygen‐deficient atmosphere or hydrothermal alteration?

Petrographic and sulphur isotope studies support the long‐held contention that rounded grains of pyrite in siliciclastic sequences of the Late Archaean Witwatersrand Supergroup originated as placer grains. The grains are concentrated at sites where detrital heavy minerals are abundant within quartz‐pebble conglomerates and quartzose sandstones. Depositional sites with abundant pyrite are: (1) within the matrix of bar‐type, clast‐supported conglomerates; (2) on scoured or winnowed surfaces; and (3) on stratification planes. The grains are internally compact or porous, with truncation of internal structure at outer margins indicating fragmentation and rounding of pyritic source‐rocks during erosion and sediment transport. A large range in textures reflects source‐rock lithologies, with known varieties linked to sedimentary‐hosted diagenetic pyrite, volcanic‐hosted massive sulphide deposits and hydrothermal pyrite. Laser ablation sulphur isotope analysis of pyrite reveals a broader range in δ³⁴S values (? 5·3 to + 6·7‰) than that of previously reported conventional bulk‐grain analyses (? 1 to + 4‰). Rounded pyrite from the Steyn Reef has significant variation in δ³⁴S values (? 4·7 to + 6·7‰) that establishes heterogeneous sulphur compositions, with even adjacent grains having diverse isotopic signatures. The heterogeneity supports a placer origin for rounded pyrite. Euhedral pyrite and pyrite overgrowths which are undoubtedly authigenic have restricted δ³⁴S values (? 0·5 to + 2·5‰), are chemically distinct from rounded pyrite and are probably the products of metamorphism or hydrothermal alteration. The placer origin of rounded pyrite indicates that pyrite was a stable heavy mineral during erosion and transport in the early atmosphere. Its distribution in three sequences (Witwatersrand Supergroup, Ventersdorp Contact Reef and Black Reef), and in other sequences not linked to Witwatersrand‐type Au‐U ore deposits, implies deposition of redox‐sensitive detrital heavy minerals during the Late Archaean. Consequently, rounded grains of detrital pyrite are strong indicators of an oxygen‐poor atmosphere. While not confirming a placer origin for gold in Witwatersrand Au‐U ore deposits, the palaeoenvironmental significance of rounded pyrite negates its link to hydrothermal mineralization.     

Some evidence for the base-metal potential of the Pretoria Group: stratigraphic targets,tectonic setting and REE patterns

The Timeball Hill and Silverton Formations of the 2.1–2.3 Ga Pretoria Group have regional lithological associations which are thought to have been favourable for the genesis of stratiform sulphide deposits. The observed association of carboniferous and pyritic black shales, tuffaceous material, stromatolitic carbonates and inferred turbidity current deposits is common in stratiform sulphide deposits of the sedimentary exhalative group. Massive sulphides in the Silverton Formation are compatible with a syngenetic brine discharge, probably related to deep fracture systems. The basal shales of the Timeball Hill Formation are significantly enriched in base-metals and Ba. Interlayered tuff beds at this stratigraphic level have PGE-contents of up to 1 g/t. The REE-geochemistry of Pretoria Group sedimentary rocks supports hydrothermal activity as an important factor in both stratigraphic units.     

云南北衙表生金矿形成与保存探讨

通过对云南北衙地区表生金矿形成的地质背景、矿床特征等的研究,重点探讨了其特殊的形成与保存条件。认为北衙地区的表生金矿是“古砂矿”,它的巨大蕴藏量主要得益于其特殊的形成与保存条件：丰富的原生金矿为其提供充足的成矿物质,特别发育的古喀斯特洞穴为“古砂矿”提供了特殊的储存空间,强烈的气液爆破作用形成的热水角砾盖层为其提供了良好的保存条件。     

Syngenetic gold in western Victoria: occurrence,age and dimensions

In western Victoria, a widespread stratiform style of gold enrichment in Palaeozoic black mudstone and chert—clearly different from the classic mesothermal quartz vein deposits of the Victorian goldfields—has been confirmed by whole-rock geochemistry and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). This enrichment pre-dates compaction, deformation and low-grade metamorphism of the sedimentary host-rocks, and therefore possibly developed diagenetically during slow deposition of the thin carbonaceous black mudstone beds and the thinner layers of chert. These paired strata have been documented at many locations in three regional outcrop areas of chevron-folded Cambrian and Lower Ordovician metasediments in the Stawell and Bendigo Zones, where they are interbedded with quartz-rich turbidites. The layers were named ‘indicators’ by the early miners, who found locally rich nuggety gold deposits at intersections between these layers and mesothermal quartz veins. Gold is present in euhedral pyrite crystals in both black shale and chert. LA-ICPMS analysis of individual pyrite crystals in the indicator beds shows that pyrite is enriched in Au, As, Sb, Se, Te and Bi. The Au content of pyrite varies from 0.03 to 2.69 ppm with a mean of 0.58 ppm and shows a positive correlation with As, which varies from 1000 to 6000 ppm. Many pyrite crystals show enrichment of gold in their cores and depletion in their rims, confirming the likely syngenetic or syndiagenetic accumulation of gold during pyrite formation in the sediments. Prior to regional metamorphism, folding and faulting, the many indicator strata in the outcrop areas were parts of an extensive marine sequence of Late Cambrian and Early Ordovician age. The former primary source of this mineralisation is considered to have been one or more contemporaneously exhalative submarine hydrothermal systems. Thus, the older Palaeozoic sediments of the western Lachlan Fold Belt were significantly enriched in syngenetic gold in the Early Palaeozoic, at least 40 million years before emplacement of the quartz – gold vein deposits of the goldfields.     

湘黔地区“卡林型”金矿中金的赋存形式

对矿石的化学物相分析结果表明，湖南─贵州─带“卡林型”金矿原生矿石中的金主要呈微粒状单质金被包裹于硫化物及以绢云母为主的粘土矿物中，反映了金的矿化作用与黄铁矿化和绢云母化等是同时发生的。不同的“卡林型”金矿床之间，由于形成的物理化学条件的差异，其主要载金矿物的种类也不相同。表生氧化带中，载金矿物硫化物和绢云母发生了氧化和分解作用，使矿石中的大部分金转化为游离态形式存在，提高了矿石的可选性。     

胶莱盆地砾岩型金矿的发现及经济地质意义

１砾岩型金矿的发现及特征近期作者在山东省牟平宋家沟—发云夼地段,发现了砾岩型金矿。金矿位于胶莱盆地东北端。赋矿围岩为灰色、深灰色及灰黑色砾岩及砂质砾岩,地层属下白垩统莱阳群一段,是一套不整合在胶东地块前寒武系基底变质杂岩之上以巨砾、砾石为主的粗碎屑岩...     

黔东地区金矿床类型及其基本特征

本文对黔东地区金矿进行了矿床类型划分,并综述了各类型的基本特征。该区中-低温热液作用形成的金矿均属产于沉积岩建造中的金矿床,与岩浆岩在成因上没有直接联系。其中,天柱-锦屏-黎平地区、梵净山地区及从江地区金矿为变碎屑岩中脉型及蚀变岩型金矿床。三都-丹寨地区金矿为细碎屑岩-碳酸盐岩中微细浸染型金矿床,天柱-锦屏-黎平地区及梵净山地区的变碎屑岩中脉型金矿床（点）暴露表生环境后可形成冲积型砂金矿床。     

Paragenesis and geochemistry of ore minerals in the epizonal gold deposits of the Yangshan gold belt,West Qinling,China

Six epizonal gold deposits in the 30-km-long Yangshan gold belt, Gansu Province are estimated to contain more than 300 t of gold at an average grade of 4.76 g/t and thus define one of China's largest gold resources. Detailed paragenetic studies have recognized five stages of sulfide mineral precipitation in the deposits of the belt. Syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite (Py₀) has a framboidal or colloform texture and is disseminated in the metasedimentary host rocks. Early hydrothermal pyrite (Py₁) in quartz veins is disseminated in metasedimentary rocks and dikes and also occurs as semi-massive pyrite aggregates or bedding-parallel pyrite bands in phyllite. The main ore stage pyrite (Py₂) commonly overgrows Py₁ and is typically associated with main ore stage arsenopyrite (Apy₂). Late ore stage pyrite (Py₃), arsenopyrite (Apy₃), and stibnite occur in quartz ± calcite veins or are disseminated in country rocks. Post-ore stage pyrite (Py₄) occurs in quartz ± calcite veins that cut all earlier formed mineralization. Electron probe microanalyses and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses reveal that different generations of sulfides have characteristic of major and trace element patterns, which can be used as a proxy for the distinct hydrothermal events. Syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite has high concentrations of As, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn. The Py₀ also retains a sedimentary Co/Ni ratio, which is distinct from hydrothermal ore-related pyrite. Early hydrothermal Py₁ has high contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cu, Fe, Sb, and V, and it reflects elevated levels of these elements in the earliest mineralizing metamorphic fluids. The main ore stage Py₂ has a very high content of As (median value of 2.96 wt%) and Au (median value of 47.5 ppm) and slightly elevated Cu, but relatively low values for other trace elements. Arsenic in the main ore stage Py₂ occurs in solid solution. Late ore stage Py₃, formed coevally with stibnite, contains relatively high As (median value of 1.44 wt%), Au, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sb, and Zn and low Bi, Co, Ni, and Pb. The main ore stage Apy₂, compared to late ore stage arsenopyrite, is relatively enriched in As, whereas the later Apy₃ has high concentrations of S, Fe, and Sb, which is consistent with element patterns in associated main and late ore stage pyrite generations. Compared with pyrite from other stages, the post-ore stage Py₄ has relatively low concentrations of Fe and S, whereas As remains elevated (2.05～3.20 wt%), which could be interpreted by the substitution of As^? for S in the pyrite structure. These results suggest that syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite is the main metal source for the Yangshan gold deposits where such pyrite was metamorphosed at depth below presently exposed levels. The ore-forming elements were concentrated into the hydrothermal fluids during metamorphic devolatilization, and subsequently, during extensive fluid–rock interaction at shallower levels, these elements were precipitated via widespread sulfidation during the main ore stage.