Genesis of the Zhengguang gold deposit in the Duobaoshan ore field,Heilongjiang Province,NE China: Constraints from geology,geochronology and S-Pb isotopic compositions

The Zhengguang gold deposit in the Duobaoshan ore field, hosted in volcanic rocks of the Middle Ordovician Duobaoshan Formation, is one of the largest gold deposits in the Northeastern Great Xing’an Range of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The deposit comprises the No. I, II and III ore zones with a total resource exceeding 35 tonnes of Au, 100,000 tonnes of Zn and 100 tonnes of Ag. A genetic relationship between gold mineralization and concealed tonalite porphyry is inferred based on the characteristics of cryptoexplosive breccia and hydrothermal alteration indicative of porphyry-type and epithermal mineralization. Zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb dating reveals that the tonalite porphyry was emplaced at 462.1 ± 1.8 Ma (Middle Ordovician). The δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of sulfide minerals range from −3.0‰ to −1.7‰ with an average of −2.33‰, indicating that sulfur was mainly derived from a magmatic source. The Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranging from 17.572 to 17.629, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.424 to 15.486, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 37.206 to 37.418) suggest a major mantle component for Pb and, by inference, for other ore metals. Therefore, we suggest that the ore-forming elements in the Zhengguang gold deposit may be related to the mantle-sourced tonalite porphyry. On the basis of the geological characteristics and geochemical signatures documented in this study, we conclude that the Zhengguang gold deposit was formed in a porphyry to epithermal transitional environment associated with the concealed tonalite porphyry, as part of the Duobaoshan porphyry-epithermal ore system that is related to the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during the Ordovician.     

Genesis of Luobuzhen Pb–Zn veins: Implications for porphyry Cu systems and exploration targeting at Luobuzhen-Dongshibu in western Gangdese belt,southern Tibet

Porphyry systems are known to form in magmatic arc environment and commonly include porphyry Cu, epithermal Pb–Zn–Au–Ag, skarn polymetallic mineralization, etc. The systems are rarely reported in collisional zones, such as the Gangdese belt in southern Tibet where many postcollisional porphyry copper deposits occurred. In addition, other types of mineral systems are rarely present except porphyry copper mineralization in the Gangdese belt. In this study, we present Pb–Zn-bearing quartz veins at Luobuzhen in the western Gangdese belt. The Luobuzhen Pb–Zn veins cross-cut dacite of the Linzizong Group with zircon U–Pb age of 50.1 ± 0.2 Ma and monzogranite with zircon U–Pb age of 17.1 ± 0.1 Ma. Ore minerals include sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and pyrite; gangue minerals are quartz with minor chlorite and sericite. Primary fluid inclusions of quartz are liquid-rich, aqueous, and two-phase inclusions. The homogenization temperatures of these primary inclusions are moderate to high (267–400 °C), and salinities range from 8.9 to 18.4 wt.% NaCl equiv. Quartz has δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of 6.2–9.3‰, while sulfides have δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of −5.1‰ to 0.1‰, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 18.722–18.849, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.640–15.785, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 39.068–39.560. These data suggest that magmatic fluids with contribution from meteoric water, magmatic sulfur, and lead derived from upper crust and metasomatized mantle by Indian continental materials would be critical for the Luobuzhen base metal mineralization.The Dongshibu area, located at ∼2 km east of the Luobuzhen, is characterized by high concentrations of Cu (up to 1450 ppm) and Mo (up to 130 ppm) of stream sediments, which is quite different from high concentrations in Pb, Zn, Ag, and Au shown in the Luobuzhen area. In addition, porphyry copper mineralization-related alteration and veins/veinlets occur in the Miocene monzogranite at Dongshibu. The monzogranite is characterized by high Sr/Y ratios, which are also shown on ore-forming intrusions in the Gangdese postcollisional porphyry copper deposits, and shows similar zircon Hf isotopes to the ore-related high Sr/Y intrusions from the Zhunuo porphyry copper deposit which is located ∼20 km northeast of the Luobuzhen-Dongshibu. A comprehensive analysis allows us to infer that the base metal veins at Luobuzhen are components of a porphyry Cu system with porphyry Cu mineralization likely present at Dongshibu and epithermal Au–Ag veins possibly occurring at Luobuzhen, which are indicative of the existence of porphyry copper systems in collisional zones. The potential porphyry Cu mineralization and epithermal Au–Ag veins should be targeted in future exploration at Luobuzhen-Dongshibu.     

Geochemistry of A-type granites in the Huangshaping polymetallic deposit (South Hunan,China): Implications for granite evolution and associated mineralization

The Huangshaping granites in Hunan Province, South China were investigated for their geochemical characteristics. Three types of granites have been petrographically identified: quartz porphyry, granophyre, and granite porphyry. Whole rock geochemistry suggests that the Huangshaping granites, especially the granite porphyry, exhibit typical A-type granite characteristics with their enrichment in Si, Rb, U, Th, and Nb and significant depletion in Ba, Sr, Ti, Eu, and P. Based on the Al, Y and Zr contents as well as the REE patterns of the rocks investigated, the quartz porphyry and the granophyre are classified as A₁ type alkaline granites whereas the granite porphyry is considered as A₂ type aluminous granite. Whole rock and quartz/feldspar O isotope data yields a wide range of δ¹⁸O_SMOW values (11.09–26.32‰). The granites are characterized by high radiogenic Pb isotopic composition. The present-day whole rock Pb isotopic ratios are ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.706–19.155, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.616–15.711 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.734–39.296. Combining the O–Pb isotope compositions with major, trace and REE geochemistry and regional geology characteristics, the Huangshaping granites were determined to resemble within-plate granites that were mainly derived from a felsic infracrustal source related to continental extension. The magma source of the quartz porphyry and the granophyre may have been generated from deeper depths, and then ascended rapidly with limited water content and low oxygen fugacity, which contributed to Cu, Pb and Zn mineralization. On the other hand, the magma that generated the granite porphyry may have ascended relatively slower and experienced pronounced crystal fractionation, upper-crustal basement rock contamination (assimilation) and wall–rock interaction, producing the Sn- and W-rich granite porphyry. This study reveals the crustal extension process and associated magmatic–metallogenic activities during 180–150 Ma in South Hunan.     

The origin of the Maozu carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposit,southwest China: Constrained by C–O–S–Pb isotopic compositions and Sm–Nd isotopic age

The Maozu Pb–Zn deposit, located on the western margin of the Yangtze Block, southwest China, is a typical carbonate-hosted deposit in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou Pb–Zn metallogenic province with Pb + Zn reserves of about 2.0 million tonnes grading 4.15 wt.% Pb and 7.25 wt.% Zn. Its ore bodies are hosted in Sinian (635–541 Ma) Dengying Formation dolostone and show stratiform, vein and irregular textures. Ores are composed of sphalerite, galena, pyrite, calcite, dolomite, quartz and fluorite with massive, banded, disseminated and veined structures. The C–O–Sm–Nd isotopic compositions of hydrothermal calcites and S–Pb isotopic compositions of sulfides were analyzed to constrain the origin of the Maozu deposit. δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of hydrothermal calcites range from −3.7‰ to −2.0‰ and +13.8‰ to +17.5‰, respectively, and plot near the marine carbonate rocks field in a plot of δ¹³C_PDB vs. δ¹⁸O_SMOW, with a negative correlation. It suggests that CO₂ in the hydrothermal fluids was mainly originated from marine carbonate rocks, with limited influence from sedimentary organic matter. δ³⁴S_CDT values of sulfides range from +9.9‰ to +19.2‰, similar to that of Cambrian to Triassic seawater sulfate (+15‰ to +35‰) and evaporate (+15‰ to +30‰) in the Cambrian to Triassic sedimentary strata. It suggests that reduced sulfur was derived from evaporate in sedimentary strata by thermo chemical sulfate reduction. Sulfides have low radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.129–18.375, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.640–15.686 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.220–38.577) that plot in the field between upper crust and the orogenic belt evolution curve in the plot of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and similar to that of age corrected Proterozoic basement rocks (Dongchuan and Kunyang Groups). This indicates that ore-forming metals were mainly derived from basement rocks. Hydrothermal calcite yields a Sm–Nd isotopic age of 196 ± 13 Ma, possibly reflecting the timing of Pb–Zn mineralization in the SYG province, younger than the Permian Emeishan mantle plume (∼260 Ma). All data combined suggests that hydrothermal fluids circulated through basement rocks where they picked up metals and migrated to surface, mixed with reduced sulfur-bearing fluids and precipitated metals. Ore genesis of the Maozu deposit is different from known magmatic–hydrothermal, Sedimentary Exhalative or Mississippi Valley-types, which maybe represent a unique ore deposit type, named as the SYG-type.     

Petrogenesis of ore-forming and pre/post-ore granitoids from the Kounrad,Borly and Sayak porphyry/skarn Cu deposits,Central Kazakhstan

Ore-forming porphyries and barren granitoids from porphyry Cu deposits differ in many ways, particularly with respect to their adakitic affinity and calc-alkaline characteristics. In this study, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating, whole rock geochemistry, whole rock Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon O–Hf isotopic analyses were carried out on the ore-forming granitoids from the Kounrad, Borly and Sayak deposits, and also on pre-ore and post-ore granitoids in adjacent regions of Central Kazakhstan. Geochronology results indicate that pre-ore magmatism occurred in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (361.3–339.4 Ma), followed by large scale Cu mineralization (325.0–327.3 Ma at Kounrad, 311.4–315.2 Ma at Borly and 309.5–311.4 Ma at Sayak), and finally, emplacement of the Late Carboniferous post-ore barren granitoids (305.0 Ma). The geochemistry of these rocks is consistent with calc-alkaline arc magmatism characterized by strong depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti and enrichments in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, suggesting a supra-subduction zone setting. However, the ore-forming rocks at Kounrad and Sayak show adakitic characteristics with high Sr (517.5–785.3 ppm), Sr/Y (50.60–79.26), (La/Yb)_N (9.37–19.62) but low Y (6.94–11.54 ppm) and Yb (0.57–1.07 ppm), whereas ore-forming rocks at Borly and barren rocks from northwest of Borly and Sayak have normal arc magma geochemical features. The Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions show three different signatures: (1) Sayak granitoids have very young juvenile lower crust-derived compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70384 to 0.70451, ɛ_Nd (t) = + 4.9 to + 6.0; T_DM2 (Nd) = 580 to 670 Ma, ɛ_Hf (t) = + 11.3 to + 15.5; T_DM^C (Hf) = 330 to 600 Ma, δ¹⁸O = 6.0 to 8.1‰), and were probably generated from depleted mantle-derived magma with 5–15% sediment melt addition in the magma source; (2) the Kt-1 granite from northwest of Sayak shows extremely enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.71050, ɛ_Nd (t) = − 7.8, T_DM2 (Nd) = 1700 Ma), likely derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust; (3) other granitoids have transitional Sr–Nd compositions between the Sayak and Kt-1 samples, indicating a juvenile lower crust source with the addition of 10–30% of ancient crustal material. The pre-ore magmatism was probably related to partial melting of juvenile lower crust due to northward subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean, whereas the ore-forming adakitic rocks at Aktogai, Kounrad and Sayak formed by partial melting of thickened lower crust which subsequently delaminated. The ore-forming rocks at Borly, and the later post-ore barren granites, formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust with normal thickness. This tectonic setting supports the existence of an Andean-type magmatic arc in the Devonian to the Late Carboniferous, resulting from the subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash oceanic plate. The link between whole rock geochemistry and scale of mineralization suggests a higher metallogenic potential for adakitic rocks than for normal arc magmatism.     

Late Cretaceous magmatism and related metallogeny in the Tengchong area: Evidence from geochronological,isotopic and geochemical data from the Xiaolonghe Sn deposit,western Yunnan,China

Xiaolonghe is a poorly studied greisen-type tin deposit that is hosted by biotite granite in the western Yunnan tin belt. The mineralisation-related metaluminous and weak peraluminous granite is characterised by high Si, Al and K and low Mg, Fe and Ca, with an average A/CNK of 1.02. The granite is enriched in LILEs (K and Rb), LREEs and HFSEs (Zr, Hf, Th, U and Ce) and depleted in Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti, with zircon εHf(t) = − 10.8 to − 7.5 (T_DM2 = 1.61–1.82 Ga). These characteristics indicate that the magma was generated by the partial melting of a thickened ancient crust. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating of igneous zircon and hydrothermal cassiterite yield ages of 71.4 ± 0.4 Ma and 71.6 ± 4.8 Ma, respectively. The igneous biotite and hydrothermal muscovite samples show Ar–Ar plateau ages of 72.3 ± 0.4 Ma and 70.6 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively. The close temporal relationship between the igneous emplacement and hydrothermal activity suggests that the tin mineralisation was closely linked to the igneous emplacement. The δ¹⁸O and δD values for the deposit range from + 3.11‰ to − 4.5‰ and from − 127.3‰ to − 94.7‰, respectively. The hydrothermal calcite C and O isotopic data show a wide range of δ¹³C_PDB values from − 5.7‰ to − 4.4‰, and the δ¹⁸O_SMOW values range from + 1.4‰ to + 11.2‰. The δ³⁴S_V-CDT data range from + 4.8‰ to + 8.9‰ for pyrite, and the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios range from 18.708 to 18.760, from 15.728 to 15.754 and from 39.237 to 39.341, respectively. The stable isotopic (C–H–O–S–Pb) compositions are all similar to those of magmatic and mantle-derived fluids, which indicate that the ore-forming fluids and materials were mainly derived from magmatic sources that were accompanied by meteoric water. The tin mineralisation in the Xiaolonghe district was closely associated with the Late Cretaceous crustal-melting S-type granites that formed during the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere. Combined with the tin deposits in the Southeast Asian tin belt, Tengchong block and Central Lhasa, we interpreted that a giant intermittent tin mineralisation belt should be present along the Asian Neo-Tethys margin.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic settings of the Late Carboniferous Jiamantieliek and Baogutu ore-bearing porphyry intrusions in the southern West Junggar,NW China

Porphyry Cu deposits occurred in the southern West Junggar of Xinjiang, NW China and are represented by the Baogutu and newly-discovered Jiamantieliek porphyry Cu deposits. Petrographical and geochemical studies show that both Jiamantieliek and Baogutu ore-bearing intrusions comprise main-stage diorite stock and minor late-stage diorite porphyry dikes and are the calc-alkaline intermediate intrusions. Based on U–Pb zircon SHRIMP analyses, the Jiamantieliek intrusion formed in 313 ± 4 Ma and 310 ± 5 Ma, while, based on U–Pb zircon SIMS analyses, the Baogutu intrusion formed in 313 ± 2 Ma and 312 ± 2 Ma. Rocks in the Jiamantieliek intrusion are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE) with negative Nb anomaly. Their isotopic compositions (ε_Nd(t) = +1.6 to +3.4, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70369–0.70401, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.31–5.41) suggest a mixing origin from depleted to enriched mantle sources. In the Baogutu intrusion, the rocks are similar to those of the Jiamantieliek intrusion. Their Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition (ε_Nd(t) = +4.4 to +6.0, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70368–0.70385, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.34–5.42) shows a more depleted mantle source. These features suggest generation in an island arc. The Jiamantieliek and Baogutu intrusions have similar characteristics, indicating that a relatively uniform and integrated source region has existed in the southern West Junggar since the Palaeozoic. A larger contribution of calc-alkaline magma would be required to generate the Jiamantieliek intrusion, which may reflect the development of magma arc maturation towards the western section of the southern West Junggar.     

Multi-stage granitic magmatism during exhumation of subducted continental lithosphere: Evidence from the Wulong pluton,South Qinling

Detailed petrology and zircon U–Pb dating data indicate that the Wulong pluton is a zoned granitic intrusive, formed from successive increments of magmas. An age range of at least 30 Ma is recorded from the 225–235 Ma quartz diorite on the pluton margin, the ca. 218 Ma granodiorite in the intermediate zone, and the ca. 207 Ma monzogranite at the pluton center. All the granitoids display evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) of 0.7044–0.7062, unradiogenic Nd (ε_Nd(t) values of − 6.1 to − 3.0, Nd model ages of 1.1–1.3 Ga, and moderately radiogenic Pb compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 17.500–17.872, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 15.513–15.549, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 37.743–38.001), in combination with variations in zircon Hf isotopic compositions (with ε_Hf(t) values in each stage span 12 units) and the Hf isotopic model ages of 800–1600 Ma. These features suggest that the granitoids might have been derived from the reworking of an old lower crust, mixed with Paleozoic and Proterozoic materials. The rocks also display an adakitic affinity with Sr (479–973 ppm), high Sr/Y ratios (mostly > 60) and negligible Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.78–0.97) but low Rb/Sr ratios, low Y (4.6–17 ppm), HREE (Yb = 0.95–1.7 ppm), Yb/Lu (6–7) and Dy/Yb (1.9–2.4) ratios, suggesting the absence of plagioclase and presence of garnet + amphibole in their residue. Considering a large gap among their crystallization ages, we propose that the geochemical evolution from pluton margin to center was controlled mainly by melting conditions and source compositions rather than fractional crystallization. Mafic enclaves that were hosted in the quartz diorite and granodiorite are mainly syenogabbroic to syenodioritic in composition, and are metaluminous and enriched in LREE and LILEs, but are depleted in HFSE, and display an evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition, suggesting that they may have been derived from the partial melting of an enriched mantle lithosphere, which was metasomatized by adakitic melts and fluids from a subducted continental crust.In combination with the results of the Triassic ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie orogenic belt, we apply a model involving the exhumation of subducted continental crust to explain the formation of the Wulong pluton. At the first stage, a dense and refractory mafic lower crust that was trapped at mantle depth by continental subduction witnessed melting under high temperature conditions to produce the quartz diorite magma, characterized by low SiO₂ (60.65–63.98 wt.%) and high TiO₂ (0.39–0.86 wt.%). The magma subsequently interacted with mantle peridotite, leading to high Mg# (57–67) and the metasomatism of the overriding mantle wedge. At the second stage, an asthenosphere upwelling that was probably caused by slab break-off at ca. 220 Ma melted the enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) to produce mafic magmas, represented by the mafic enclaves that are hosted in the quartz and granodiorite, resulting in the partial melting of the shallower subducted crust, and generating the granodiorite that is distinguished by high SiO₂ (69.16–70.82 wt.%), high Al₂O₃ (15.33–16.22 wt.%) and A/CNK values (mostly > 1.05). At the third stage, the final collapse of the Triassic Qinling–Dabie Orogenic Belt at ca. 215–205 Ma caused extensive partial melting of the thickened orogenic lower crust to produce the monzogranite, which is characterized by high SiO₂ (67.68–70.29 wt.%), low TiO₂ (mostly < 0.35 wt.%) and high Sr/Y ratios of 86–151.     

Geology,geochronology and geochemistry of granitic intrusions and the related ores at the Hongshan Cu-polymetallic deposit: Insights into the Late Cretaceous post-collisional porphyry-related mineralization systems in the southern Yidun arc,SW China

The Hongshan Cu-polymetallic deposit is located in the southern Yidun arc in southwestern China, where both subduction-related (Late Triassic) and post-collisional (Late Cretaceous) porphyry–skarn–epithermal mineralization systems have been previously recognized. In this study, two distinct magmatic events, represented by diorite porphyry and quartz monzonite porphyry, have been revealed in the Hongshan deposit, with zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages of 214 ± 2 Ma and 73.4 ± 0.7 Ma, respectively. The 73 Ma age is comparable to the Re–Os ages of 77 to 80 Ma of ore minerals from the Hongshan deposit, indicating that the mineralization is related to the Late Cretaceous quartz monzonite porphyries rather than Late Triassic diorite porphyries. The Late Triassic diorite porphyries belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and show arc magmatic geochemical characteristics such as enrichment in Rb, Ba, Th and U and depletion in HFSEs, indicating that they were formed during the westward subduction of the Garzê–Litang Ocean. In contrast, the Late Cretaceous quartz monzonite porphyries show shoshonitic I-type geochemical characteristics, with high SiO₂, K₂O, LILE, low HREE, Y and Yb contents, and high LREE/HREE and La/Yb ratios. These geochemical characteristics, together with the Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions (average (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7085; ε_Nd(t) = − 6.0; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.064, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.738, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.733) suggest that the quartz monzonite porphyries originated from the partial melting of the ancient lower crust in response to underplating of mafic magma from subduction metasomatized mantle lithosphere, possibly triggered by regional extension in the post-collisional tectonic stage. The S isotopic compositions (δ³⁴S_V-CDT = 3.81‰ to 5.80‰) and Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.014 to 18.809, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.550 to 15.785, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.057 to 39.468) of ore sulfides indicate that the sulfur and metals were derived from mixed mantle and crustal sources. It is proposed that although the Late Triassic magmatic event is not directly related to mineralization, it contributed to the Late Cretaceous mineralization system through the storage of large amounts of sulfur and metals as well as water in the cumulate zone in the mantle lithosphere through subduction metasomatism. Re-melting of the mantle lithosphere including the hydrous cumulate zone and ancient lower crust during the post-collisional stage produced fertile magmas, which ascended to shallow depths to form quartz monzonite porphyries. Hydrothermal fluids released from the intrusions resulted in porphyry-type Mo–Cu ores in and near the intrusions, skarn-type Cu–Mo ores in the country rocks above the intrusions, and hydrothermal Pb–Zn ores in the periphery.     

Geochronology,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf–S–Pb isotopes of the Early Cretaceous Taoxihu Sn deposit and related granitoids,SE China

The Taoxihu deposit (eastern Guangdong, SE China) is a newly discovered Sn polymetallic deposit. Zircon U-Pb dating yielded 141.8 ± 1.0 Ma for the Sn-bearing granite porphyry and 145.5 ± 1.6 Ma for the biotite granite batholith it intruded. The age of the granite porphyry is consistent (within error) with the molybdenite Re–Os isochron age (139.0 ± 1.1 Ma) of the Sn mineralization, indicating a temporal link between the two. Geochemical data show that the granite porphyry is weakly peraluminous, contain high Si, Na and K, low Fe, Mg, Ca and P, and relatively high Rb/Sr and low K/Rb values. The rocks are enriched in Rb, Th, U, K, and Pb and depleted in Ba, Sr, Ti and Eu, resembling highly fractionated I-type granites. They contain bulk rock initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁷Sr of 0.707371–0.707730 and εNd(t) of −5.17 to −4.67, and zircon εHf(t) values from −6.67 to −2.32, with late Mesoproterozoic T_DM2 ages for both Nd and Hf isotopes. This suggests that the granite porphyry was likely formed by the partial melting of the crustal basement of Mesoproterozoic overall residence age with minor mantle input.δ³⁴S_CDT values of the Taoxihu chalcopyrite and pyrite range from 0.1 to 2.1‰ (average: 0.9‰), implying a dominantly magmatic sulfur source. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of the Taoxihu sulfide ores are 18.497–18.669, 15.642–15.673 and 38.764–38.934, respectively, indicating a mainly upper continental crustal lead source with minor mantle contribution. The highly fractionated and reduced (low calculated zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ and Eu_N/Eu_N¹ values) nature of the ore-forming granitic magma may have facilitated the Sn enrichment and played a key role in the Sn mineralization. We propose that the ore-forming fluids at Taoxihu were of magmatic-hydrothermal origin derived from the granite porphyry, and that both the granite porphyry and the Sn mineralization were likely formed in an extensional setting, possibly related to the subduction slab rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

Geology,mineralogy, and geochemistry of fault-controlled hydrothermal Cu–Au mineralization in the Shanmen Volcanic Basin,SE China

The Yukeng–Banling deposit is a typical fault-controlled hydrothermal Cu–Au deposit in the Shanmen Volcanic Basin (SVB), SE China. Ore bodies commonly occur as lodes, lenses and disconnected pods dipping SW with vertical zonation of ore minerals. Ore-related hydrothermal alteration is well developed on both sides of the veins, dominated by silicification, sericitization, chloritization and argillation with a banded alteration zonation. The mineralization can be divided into three stages (stages I, II and III). Native gold is present as veinlets in fractures of fine-grained pyrite from stage II.Zircon U–Pb and Rb–Sr isochron ages indicate that the Cu–Au mineralization is coeval with the Caomen alkaline granite and Xiaokeng quartz-diorite, both emplaced at ca. 102 Ma. Microthermometric measurements of fluid inclusions in quartz and sphalerite from stage II veins indicate that the Yukeng–Banling deposit is an epithermal deposit. Six ore-related quartz grains have δD_H2O values of − 69 to − 43‰, and δ¹⁸O_H2O values calculated using total homogenization temperatures that range from − 2.0 to 0.7‰. All samples plot in an area between the magmatic field and the meteoric line, suggesting that the ore-forming fluids are derived from a mixed source of magmatic and meteoric waters. δ³⁴S values for eight pyrite separates range from − 2.1 to + 4.1‰ with an average of + 1.7‰, and δ³⁴S values for galena and sphalerite are 2.3‰ and 2.2‰, similar to magmatic sulfur. Four alkaline granite samples have Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t = 18.175–18.411, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t = 15.652–15.672 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t = 38.343–38.800. Three quartz-diorite samples have ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t of 18.277–18.451, 15.654–15.693 and 38.673–38.846, respectively. These age-calculated lead isotopic data for alkaline granite are similar to those for the analyzed sulfides. Co/Ni ratios for stage II pyrites range from 1.42 to 5.10, indicating that the Yukeng–Banling deposit records the past involvement of magmatic hydrothermal fluids. The isotope data, together with geological, mineralogical and geochronological evidence, favor a primary magmatic source for sulfur and metals in the ore fluids. Mixing of the Cu- and Au-rich fluids with meteoric water led to precipitation of the Cu–Au veins along NW-trending faults.The Yukeng–Banling deposit, the contemporaneous Caomen alkaline granite and Xiaokeng quartz-diorite in the SVB formed under an extensional setting, due to high-angle subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. The extensional setting facilitated the formation of Cu- and Au-rich magmas which was derived from enriched mantle and lower crust.     

S,Pb, and Sr isotope geochemistry and genesis of Pb–Zn mineralization in the Huangshaping polymetallic ore deposit of southern Hunan Province,China

The Huangshaping Pb–Zn–W–Mo polymetallic deposit, located in southern Hunan Province, China, is one of the largest deposits in the region and is unique for its metals combination of Pb–Zn–W–Mo and the occurrence of significant reserves of all these metals. The deposit contains disseminated scheelite and molybdenite within a skarn zone located between Jurassic granitoids and Carboniferous sedimentary carbonate, and sulfide ores located within distal carbonate-hosted stratiform orebodies. The metals and fluids that formed the W–Mo mineralization were derived from granitoids, as indicated by their close spatial and temporal relationships. However, the source of the Pb–Zn mineralization in this deposit remains controversial.Here, we present new sulfur, lead, and strontium isotope data of sulfide minerals (pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, and pyrite) from the Pb–Zn mineralization within the deposit, and these data are compared with those of granitoids and sedimentary carbonate in the Huangshaping deposit, thereby providing insights into the genesis of the Pb–Zn mineralization. These data indicate that the sulfide ores from deep levels in the Huangshaping deposit have lower and more consistent δ³⁴S values (− 96 m level: + 4.4‰ to + 6.6‰, n = 13) than sulfides within the shallow part of the deposit (20 m level: + 8.3‰ to + 16.3‰, n = 19). The δ³⁴S values of deep sulfides are compositionally similar to those of magmatic sulfur within southern Hunan Province, whereas the shallower sulfides most likely contain reduced sulfur derived from evaporite sediments. The sulfide ores in the Huangshaping deposit have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707662–0.709846) that lie between the values of granitoids (0.709654–0.718271) and sedimentary carbonate (0.707484–0.708034) in the Huangshaping deposit, but the ratios decreased with time, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were a combination of magmatic and formation-derived fluids, with the influence of the latter increasing over time. The lead isotopic compositions of sulfide ores do not correlate with sulfide type and define a linear trend in a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram that is distinct from the composition of the disseminated pyrite within sedimentary carbonates and granitoids in the Huangshaping deposit, but is similar to the lead isotopic composition of sulfides within coeval skarn Pb–Zn deposits in southern Hunan Province. In addition, the sulfide ores have old signatures with relative high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios, suggesting that the underlying Paleoproterozoic basement within southern Hunan Province may be the source of metals within the Huangshaping deposit.The isotope geochemistry of sulfide ores in the Huangshaping deposit shows a remarkable mixed source of sulfur and ore-forming fluids, and the metals were derived from the basement. These features are not found in representative skarn-type Pb–Zn mineralization located elsewhere. The ore-forming elements (S, Pb, and Zn) from the granitoids made an insignificant contribution to sulfide precipitation in this deposit. However, the emplacement of granitoids did provide large amounts of heat and fluids to the hydrothermal system in this area and extracted metals from the basement rocks, indicating that the Jurassic magmatism associated with the Huangshaping deposit was crucial to the Pb–Zn mineralization.     

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.     

Genesis of the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu-Au and Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in the Zijinshan ore district,Fujian Province,SE China: A multi-isotope and trace element investigation

The Zijinshan ore district occurs as one of the largest porphyry-epithermal Cu–Au–Mo ore systems in South China, including the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu–Au deposit and the large Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposit. The mineralization is intimately related to Late Mesozoic large-scale tectono-magmatic and hydrothermal events. The Cu–Au–Mo mineralization occurs around intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks and hypabyssal porphyry intrusions. In this study, we summarize previously available Re–Os isotopes, zircon U–Pb age and trace elements, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data, and present new Pb–S and Re–Os isotope data and zircon trace elements data for ore-related granitoids from the Zijinshan high-sulfidation epithermal Cu–Au deposit and the Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposit, in an attempt to explore the relationship between the two ore systems for a better understanding of their geneses. The ore-bearing porphyritic dacite from the Zijinshan deposit shows a zircon U-Pb age of 108–106 Ma and has higher zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ ratios (92–1568, average 609) but lower Ti-in-zircon temperatures (588–753 °C, average 666 °C) when compared with the barren intrusions in the Zijinshan ore district. Relative to the Zijinshan porphyritic dacite, the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry from the Luoboling deposit show a slightly younger zircon U–Pb age of 103 Ma, but has similar or even higher zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ ratios (213–2621, average 786) and similar Ti-in-zircon temperatures (595–752 °C, average 675 °C). These data suggest that the ore-bearing magmatic rocks crystallized from relatively oxidized and hydrous magmas. Combined with the high rhenium contents (78.6–451 ppm) of molybdenites, the Pb and S isotopic compositions of magmatic feldspars and sulfides suggest that the porphyry and ore-forming materials in the Luoboling Cu–Mo deposit mainly originated from an enriched mantle source. In contrast, the ore-bearing porphyritic dacite in the Zijinshan Cu–Au deposit might be derived from crustal materials mixing with the Cathaysia enriched mantle. The fact that the Zijinshan Cu–Au deposit and the Luoboling Cu–Mo deposit show different origin of ore-forming materials and slightly different metallogenic timing indicates that these two deposits may have been formed from two separate magmatic-hydrothermal systems. Crustal materials might provide the dominant Cu and Au in the Zijinshan epithermal deposit. Cu and Au show vertical zoning and different fertility because the gold transports at low oxygen fugacity and precipitates during the decreasing of temperature, pressure and changing of pH conditions. It is suggested that there is a large Cu–Mo potential for the deeper part of the Zijinshan epithermal Cu–Au deposit, where further deep drilling and exploration are encouraged.     

Chemostratigraphy and detrital zircon geochronology of the Neoproterozoic Khorbusuonka Group,Olenek Uplift,Northeastern Siberian platform

This study provides ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O data from the best-preserved limestone and dolomite of the Ediacaran carbonate-dominated Khorbusuonka Group of the Olenek Uplift, NE Siberian Craton, as well as detrital zircon geochronological data from both underlying and overlying sandstones. The Maastakh Formation is characterized by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of ca. 0.70822 and δ¹³C values between + 4.8 and + 6.0‰. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in limestones of the Khatyspyt Formation are fairly uniform, ranging from 0.70783 to 0.70806. The carbon isotopic composition slowly decreases from bottom (+ 3.7‰) to top (− 0.2‰) of section. The Sr isotopic composition of the Turkut Formation varies from 0.70824 to 0.70914, value of δ¹³C is about zero: − 0.7…+0.7 ‰. The youngest population of detrital zircons from Maastakh Formation indicates that these rocks were formed not later than 630 Ma. U–Pb detrital zircons data of Kessyusa Group has a single peak at about 543 Ma, which is almost identical to the earlier dating. Based on biostratigraphy and isotopic data, the Sr isotopic compositions from the Khatyspyt Formation (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70783–0.70806) represent the composition of seawater at 560–550 Ma. Such low values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio in Ediacaran water were probably caused by the quick opening of Iapetus Ocean.     

Genesis of the stratiform Zhenzigou PbZn deposit in the North China Craton: RbSr and COSPb isotope constraints

Isotopes (RbSr, C, O, S, and Pb) were investigated from the Zhenzigou PbZn deposit in the Qingchengzi mineral field (QMF) of the North China Craton as an aid to determine the genesis of stratiform PbZn deposits in the Liao-Ji Rift. A step-dissolution RbSr age of 1798 ± 8 Ma with 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 17.7477–17.8527 were obtained from sphalerite. Sulfur isotopic ratios for pyrite (5–14.4‰), sphalerite (2.4–8.6‰), and galena (− 0.3–8.6‰) from Zhenzigou have a narrower range than those from the host Paleoproterozoic Dashiqiao Formation, and granite in the area. Calcite and limestone from ore and wallrocks at the deposit have similar C and O isotope compositions, with δ¹³C_PDB ranging from − 6.0 to − 2.3‰ and δ¹⁸O_SMOW from 9.8 to 13.7‰, which are similar to those of carbonatite and the mantle.Comprehensive analysis of the Pb isotopic composition of the sulfide from the Zhenzigou deposit and PbZn deposits in adjacent area show that the Pb originated from the upper crust and mixed with Pb from the mantle. Sulfur isotopes from Zhenzigou deposit indicate that the mineralization has a volcanic eruption source. The δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values indicate that the CO₂ originated from a mixed mantle, marine carbonate and organic source.Combined with the study of regional metallogenic background, this paper proposes that deposition of stratiform PbZn mineralization in the QMF began ca. 2052 Ma during development of the Liaoji Rift. The mineralization extended to ca. 1798 Ma prior to deformation associated with the Lvliang Movement, which dismembered the stratiform PbZn mineralization. The veined mineralization in the region cross-cuts the stratiform deposits and represents remobilized and redeposited deposits associated with the emplacement of Triassic plutons such as the Xinling and Shuangdinggou granites.     

Origin of LateTriassic high-Mg adakitic granitoid rocks from the Dongjiangkou area,Qinling orogen,central China: Implications for subduction of continental crust

The origin of high-Mg adakitic granitoids in collisional orogens can provide important information about the nature of the lower crust and upper mantle during the orogenic process. Late-Triassic high-Mg adakitic granite and its mafic enclaves from the Dongjiangkou area, the Qinling orogenic belt, central China, were derived by partial melting of subducted continental crust and underwent interaction with the overlying mantle wedge peridotite. Adakitic affinity of the different facies of the Dongjiangkou granite body are: high Sr, Ba, high La/Yb and Sr/Y, low Y,Yb, Yb/Lu and Dy/Yb, and no significant Eu anomalies, suggesting amphibole + garnet and plagioclase-free restite in their source region. Evolved Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7050 to 0.7055,ε_Nd(t) = –6.6 to –3.3; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 17.599 to 17.799, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.507 to 15.526, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 37.775 to 37.795] and high K₂O, Rb, together with a large variation in zircon Hf isotopic composition (ε_Hf(t) = ?9.8 to + 5.0), suggest that the granite was derived from reworking of the ancient lower continental crust. CaO, P₂O₅, K₂O/Na₂O, Cr, Ni, Nb/Ta, Rb/Sr and Y increase, and SiO₂, Sr/Y and Eu/Eu* decrease with increasing MgO, consistent with interaction of primitive adakitic melt and overlying mantle peridotite. Zircons separated from the host granites have U-Pb concordia ages of 214 ± 2 Ma to 222 ± 2 Ma, compatible with exhumation ages of Triassic UHP metamorphic rocks in the Dabie orogenic belt. Mafic microgranular enclaves and mafic dykes associated with the granite have identical zircon U-Pb ages of 220 Ma, and are characterized by lower SiO₂, high TiO₂, Mg# and similar evolved Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition. Zircons from mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and mafic dykes also show a large variation in Hf isotopic composition with ε_Hf(t) between ?11.3 and + 11.3. It is inferred that they were formed by partial melting of enriched mantle lithosphere and contaminated by the host adakitic granite magma.In combination with the regional geology, high-Mg# adakitic granitoid rocks in the Dongjiangkou area are considered to have resulted from interaction between subducted Yangtze continental crust and the overlying mantle wedge. Triassic continental collision caused detachment of the Yangtze continental lithosphere subducted beneath the North China Craton, at ca. 220 Ma causing asthenosphere upwelling and exhumation of the continental crust. Triassic clockwise rotation of the Yangtze Craton caused extension in the Dabie area which led to rapid exhumation of the subducted continental lithosphere, while compression in the Qinling area and high-P partial melting (amphibole ± garnet stability field) of the subducted continental crust produced adakitic granitic magma that reacted with peridotite to form Mg-rich hybrid magma.     

The volcanic succession of Baoligaomiao,central Inner Mongolia: Evidence for Carboniferous continental arc in the central Asian orogenic belt

The Baoligaomiao Formation, within the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex is an important segment to understand the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), world's largest Phanerozoic orogenic belt. In this study, we present an integrated study of zircon U-Pb isotopic ages, whole rock major-trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data from the volcanic succession in the Baoligaomiao Formation. The volcanic succession can be divided into the lower sequence with zircon U-Pb ages in the range of 326.3 Ma–307.4 Ma and the upper sequence of 305.3 Ma. The succession belongs to two suites: calc-alkaline volcanics and high-Si rhyolites. The calc-alkaline volcanic rocks include basaltic andesite through andesite and dacite to rhyolite and their pyroclastic equivalents. These rocks exhibit a well-defined compositional trend from basaltic to rhyolitic magma, reflecting continuous fractional crystallization. These rocks show obvious enrichment in LILEs and LREEs and relative depletion of HFSEs, typical of subduction-related magma. The calc-alkaline rocks have low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7023–0.7052), positive ɛNd(t) values (2.75–4.80), and their initial Pb isotopic compositions are 17.875–18.485 of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.481–15.520 of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and 37.467–37.764 of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, respectively. Geochemical and isotopic results suggest that the volcanic succession represents Carboniferous subduction-related, mature, continental arc volcanism. The outcrops of high-Si rhyolites are restricted to the northern edge of the continental arc, marking a transition zone between volcanic arc and back-arc basin, where they are interbedded with the calc-alkaline rocks in the lower sequence, and the upper sequence is composed only of high-Si rhyolites. The high-Si rhyolites have high SiO₂ (71.12–81.76 wt%) and varied total alkali contents (K₂O + Na₂O = 5.46–10.58 wt%), low TiO₂ (0.06–0.27 wt%), MgO (0.09–0.89 wt%) and CaO (0.08–0.72 wt%). Based on the presence of mafic alkali phenocrysts, such as arfvedsonite and siderophyllite, high Zr/Nb ratios (> 10) and peralkalinity index (PI) near unity, the high-Si rhyolites can be classified as peralkaline comendites. The high-Si rhyolites are characterized by unusually low Sr and Ba, and high abundance of Zr, Th, Nb, HREEs and Y. They show geochemical characteristics similar to those of typical A₂-type granites including their high K₂O + Na₂O, Nb, Zr and Y, and high ratios of FeO^T/MgO, Ga/Al and Y/Nb. Our study suggests that the high-Si rhyolites were derived from discrete trachytic parent magma with fractional crystallization within shallow magma reservoirs. Their Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics are similar to those of the calc-alkaline arc rocks and are compatible with partial melting of pre-existing juvenile continental arc crust. We observe that the widespread eruptions of A₂-rhyolitic magmas (305.3 Ma–303.4 Ma) following a short period of magmatic quiescence was temporally and spatially associated with voluminous intrusion of the bimodal magmas (304.3 Ma–299.3 Ma) in the pre-existing arc volcanic-plutonic belt (329 Ma–307 Ma). We envisage northward subduction and slab breakoff process resulting in an obvious change of the regional stress field to extensional setting within the Carboniferous continental arc running E-W for thousands of kilometers. Therefore, we propose the existence of an east-west-trending Carboniferous continental arc in the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex, with the slab breakoff event suggesting that the age of the upper sequence (305.3 ± 5.5 Ma) likely indicates the maximum age for the cessation of the northward subduction of the Hegenshan oceanic lithosphere.     

Geochemical and isotopic evidence for a magmatic-hydrothermal origin of the polymetallic vein-type Zn-Pb deposits in the northwest margin of Jiangnan Orogen,South China

Polymetallic vein-type Zn-Pb deposits are located in the Xiangxi–Qiandong zinc-lead metallogenic belt (XQMB) of the northwestern margin of the Jiangnan Orogen, South China. Ores are mainly found in fault-bounded quartz veins hosted in the upper part of the Banxi Group that consists of low-grade metamorphic sandstone, siltstone with minor tuff interbeds. The Zn-Pb deposits primarily contain sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and pyrite, accompanied by quartz and minor calcite. Zinc, lead, copper, indium and gallium are enriched in these ores. Investigation of the ore fluid reveals low temperature (87–262 °C) with scattered salinity (range from 2.73 to 26.64 wt% NaCl_eqv.). Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of fluid inclusions in quartz indicate mixing of magmatic hydrothermal fluid and meteoric water (δ¹⁸O_{H2O SMOW} = 0.2‰ to 4.2‰; δD_{H2O SMOW} = −126‰ to −80‰). Carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of carbonate samples indicate the magmatic hydrothermal origin of CO₃²⁻ or CO₂ in ore-forming fluid (δ¹³C_PDB = −6.9‰ to −5.7‰, δ¹⁸O_SMOW = 11.3‰ to 12.7‰). Sulfur and lead isotopic compositions (δ³⁴S_VCDT = 8.8–14.2‰ and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.156–17.209, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.532–15.508, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.282–37.546) demonstrate that sulfur sources were relatively uniform, and low radiogenic lead isotopic compositions indicate that ore metals were derived from a relatively unradiogenic source, probably by mixing of mantle with crust. Therefore, polymetallic vein-type Zn-Pb mineralization in this area probably arose from a magmatic-related hydrothermal system, and the deposition of sulfides occurred in response to cooling and boiling of magmatic hydrothermal fluids (high salinity, high δ¹⁸O_H2O and δD_H2O and metal-bearing), and is mainly the result of emplacement into open space and mixing with meteoric water (low salinity, low δ¹⁸O_H2O and δD_H2O). This study provides direct evidence that magmatism was involved in the ore-forming processes of the low temperature metallogenic district, South China, and it raises awareness about the presence of polymetallic vein-type Zn-Pb deposits in the northwest margin of Jiangnan Orogen and their potential as a source of zinc, copper, indium and gallium.     

Jurassic magmatism related Pb-Zn-W-Mo polymetallic mineralization in the central Nanling Range,South China: Geochronologic,geochemical, and isotopic evidence from the Huangshaping deposit

The Nanling Range in South China is characterized by extensive Mesozoic magmatism and coeval nonferrous and rare metal mineralization. Huangshaping is a world-class Pb-Zn-W-Mo polymetallic skarn deposit in the central Nanling Range. Magmatic rocks occurring in this ore district include quartz porphyry, granite porphyry, granophyre, dacite porphyry, and aplite, with only the first three granitoids genetically associated with polymetallic mineralization. Most of the orebodies are constrained within the contact zones as skarn and veins between these granitic stocks and the carbonate wall rocks.Since the age of the quartz porphyry is still controversial, and studies of the dacite porphyry and aplite are absent, we focus on these magmatic rocks first. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests that the crystallization ages of the quartz porphyry, dacite porphyry, and aplite are 154.3 ± 1.9 Ma, 158.1 ± 0.8 Ma, and 148.4 ± 3.4 Ma, respectively. Combined with previously published age data, we infer the evolutionary sequence of magmatic rocks should be dacite porphyry → quartz porphyry → granite porphyry (granophyre) → aplite. The quartz porphyry, dacite porphyry, and aplite yield high contents of high field strength elements (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 255–440 ppm), high ratios of 10,000 × Ga/Al (2.6–3.2), and prominent depletions in Ba, Sr, Eu, P, and Ti, indicating their crustal affinities to A-type granites. They have negative ε_Nd(t) values (−9.4 to −7.0) and high initial Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i = 18.307–18.644, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i = 15.689–15.742, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i = 38.589–38.986), suggesting that they were probably derived by partial melting of ancient granulitic crustal materials.The sulfide minerals exhibit a wide range of δ³⁴S_V-CDT values from −22.6 to 24.2‰, with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 17.669–19.708, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.492–15.714, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 37.880–39.789, indicating that sulfur, lead, and other associated metals were derived from a mixture of magmatic components and the Carboniferous wall rocks. Fluid inclusions in pyrrhotite, sphalerite, and marmatite samples have ³He/⁴He ratios of 0.12 to 1.53 Ra, with calculated mantle helium proportions of 1.3 to 18.9%, indicating a predominantly crustal origin for the ore fluids, with minor inputs from the mantle. The Huangshaping deposit is a typical example of the genetic relationship both spatially and temporally between Jurassic magmatism and polymetallic metallogeny in the Nanling Range.