Tower Hill gold deposit,Western Australia: An atypical,multiply deformed Archaean gold‐quartz vein deposit

The Tower Hill gold deposit is distinguished from most Archaean lode deposits of the Yilgarn Craton by virtue of its formation early in the regional deformation history and its consequent deformation. The deposit is located in ultramafic schist, adjacent to the contact with a small pluton of biotite monzogranite that intrudes pervasively foliated granodiorite, the dominant component of the Raeside Batholith. Gold, accompanied by local concentrations of bismuth minerals and molybdenite, occurs in a number of quartz vein ‘packages‘. Mineralised quartz veins at Tower Hill lie within an envelope of potassic alteration (talc‐biotite‐chlorite‐pyrite schist), up to several hundred metres wide. They are spatially and temporally associated with the biotite monzogranite and felsic porphyry intrusions, and their deformed equivalents. The deposit lies in a broad zone of ductile deformation (the Sons of Gwalia Shear Zone). Within the altered ultramafic schist, thin units of felsic schist, derived from biotite monzogranite and felsic porphyry, provided sites of contrasting competency that localised quartz vein formation. The mineralised quartz veins were subsequently deformed during alternating periods of shortening and extension, probably related to the syntectonic, solid‐state emplacement of the Raeside Batholith. These deformations pre‐dated strike‐slip movement on the Cemetery Fault, which truncates the ductile fabrics of the Sons of Gwalia Shear Zone, south of Tower Hill. In terms of the regional deformation history, gold mineralisation at Tower Hill formed during early D₂ (regional upright folding); subsequent deformation of the orebody pre‐dated D₃ (strike‐slip movement on the Cemetery Fault). The nearby Sons of Gwalia and Harbour Lights deposits also probably formed at an early stage, in contrast to most lode gold deposits in the Yilgarn Craton, which formed during or after D₃.     

Processes of high-T fluid–rock interaction during gold mineralization in carbonate-bearing metasediments: the Navachab gold deposit,Namibia

The Navachab gold deposit in the Damara belt of central Namibia is hosted by a near-vertical sequence of amphibolite facies shelf-type metasediments, including marble, calc-silicate rock, and biotite schist. Petrologic and geochemical data were collected in the ore, alteration halos, and the wall rock to evaluate transport of elements and interaction between the wall rock and the mineralizing fluid. The semi-massive sulfide lenses and quartz–sulfide veins are characterized by a complex polymetallic ore assemblage, comprising pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite, native bismuth, gold, bismuthinite, and bismuth tellurides. Mass balance calculations indicate the addition of up to several orders of magnitude of Au, Bi, As, Ag, and Cu. The mineralized zones also record up to eightfold higher Mn and Fe concentrations. The semi-massive sulfide lenses are situated in the banded calc-silicate rock. Petrologic and textural data indicate that they represent hydraulic breccias that contain up to 50 vol.% ore minerals, and that are dominated by a high-temperature (T) alteration assemblage of garnet–clinopyroxene–K-feldspar–quartz. The quartz–sulfide veins crosscut all lithological units. Their thickness and mineralogy is strongly controlled by the composition and rheological behavior of the wall rocks. In the biotite schist and calc-silicate rock, they are up to several decimeters thick and quartz-rich, whereas in the marble, the same veins are only a few millimeters thick and dominated by sulfides. The associated alteration halos comprise (1) an actinolite–quartz alteration in the biotite schist, (2) a garnet–clinopyroxene–K-feldspar–quartz alteration in the marble and calc-silicate rock, and (3) a garnet–biotite alteration that is recorded in all rock types except the marble. The hydrothermal overprint was associated with large-scale carbonate dissolution and a dramatic increase in CO₂ in the ore fluid. Decarbonation of wall rocks, as well as a low REE content of the ore fluid resulted in the mobilization of the REE, and the decoupling of the LREE from the HREE. The alteration halos not only parallel the mineralized zones, but may also follow up single layers away from the mineralization. Alteration is far more pronounced facing upward, indicating that the rocks were steep when veining occurred. The petrologic and geochemical data indicate that the actinolite–quartz– and garnet–clinopyroxene–K-feldspar–quartz alterations formed in equilibrium with a fluid (super-) saturated in Si, and were mainly controlled by the composition of the wall rocks. In contrast, the garnet–biotite alteration formed by interaction with a fluid undersaturated in Si, and was mainly controlled by the fluid composition. This points to major differences in fluid–rock ratios and changes in fluid composition during alteration. The alteration systematics and geometry of the hydrothermal vein system are consistent with cyclic fluctuations in fluid pressure during fault valve action. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A test of the viability of fluid–wall rock interaction mechanisms for changes in opaque phase assemblage in metasedimentary rocks in the Kambalda-St. Ives goldfield, Western Australia

Transitions from pyrrhotite–magnetite- to pyrite–magnetite- and pyrite–hematite-bearing assemblages in metasedimentary rocks in the Kambalda-St. Ives goldfield have been shown to be spatially associated with economic gold grades. Fluid mixing, fluid–rock interaction and phase separation have been proposed previously as causes for this association. Textural, mineralogical and isotopic evidence is reviewed, and thermodynamic calculations are used to investigate the mineralogical consequences of progressive fluid–rock interaction in interflow metasediments. Fluid–rock interactions in response to fluid infiltration and/or bulk composition variation are plausible mechanisms for production of the observed features.     

Oxidized and reduced mineral assemblages in greenstone belt rocks of the St. Ives gold camp, Western Australia: vectors to high-grade ore bodies in Archaean gold deposits?

Hydrothermal sulfide–oxide–gold mineral assemblages in gold deposits in the Archaean St. Ives gold camp in Western Australia indicate extremely variable redox conditions during hydrothermal alteration and gold mineralization in space and time. Reduced alteration assemblages (pyrrhotite–pyrite) occur in deposits in the southwest of the camp (e.g., Argo, Junction deposits) and moderately to strongly oxidized assemblages (magnetite–pyrite, hematite–pyrite) occur in deposits in the Central Corridor in the northeast (e.g., North Orchin, Revenge deposits). Reduced mineral assemblages flank the Central Corridor of oxidized deposits and, locally, cut across it along E–W trending faults. Oxidized mineral assemblages in the Central Corridor are focused on gravity lows which are interpreted to reflect abundant felsic porphyritic intrusions at about 1,000 m below present surface. Hydrothermal magnetite predates and is synchronous with early phases of gold-associated albite–carbonate–pyrite–biotite–chlorite hydrothermal alteration. Later-stage, gold-associated pyrite is in equilibrium with hematite. The spatial distribution and temporal sequence of iron sulfides and oxides with gold indicate the presence of at least two spatially restricted but broadly synchronous hydrothermal fluids with contrasting redox states. Sulfur isotope constraints support the argument that the different mineral assemblages reflect differences in redox conditions. The δ ³⁴S values for pyrite for the St. Ives gold camp range between −8.4‰ and +5.1‰ with the negative values occurring in oxidized magnetite-rich domains and slightly negative or positive values occurring in reduced, pyrrhotitic domains. Preliminary spatial and paragenetic analysis of the distribution of iron sulfides and oxides in the St. Ives camp suggests that gold grades are highest where the redox state of the hydrothermal alteration assemblages switches from relatively reduced pyrrhotite–pyrite to relatively oxidized magnetite–pyrite and hematite–pyrite both in space and time. Gold deposition is inferred to have occurred where fluids of contrasting redox state mixed.     

Sm‐Nd and Rb‐Sr dating of Archaean gneisses,eastern Yilgarn Block,Western Australia

Sm‐Nd and Rb‐Sr isotopic data for Archaean gneisses from three localities within the eastern Yilgarn Block of Western Australia indicate that the gneisses define a precise Rb‐Sr whole rock isochron age of 2780 ± 60 Ma and an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.7007 ± 5. The Sm‐Nd isotopic data do not correspond to a single linear array, but form two coherent groups that are consistent with a c. 2800 Ma age of crust formation, with variable initial Nd. These results indicate that the gneiss protoliths existed as continental crust for a maximum period of only c. 100 Ma, and probably for a much shorter time, prior to the formation of the 2790 ±30 Ma greenstones.     

Oxygen isotope zoning in garnets from Franciscan eclogite blocks: evidence for rock–buffered fluid interaction in the mantle wedge

The oxygen isotope compositions of eclogite and amphibolite garnets from Franciscan Complex high-grade blocks and actinolite rinds encasing the blocks were determined to place constraints on their fluid histories. SIMS oxygen isotope analysis of single garnets from five eclogite blocks from three localities (Ring Mountain, Mount Hamilton, and Jenner Beach) shows an abrupt decrease in the δ¹⁸O value by ~1–3 ‰ from core to rim at a distance of ~120 ± 50 μm from the rim in nine out of the 12 garnets analyzed. In contrast, amphibolite garnets from one block (Ring Mountain) analyzed show a gradual increase in δ¹⁸O value from core to rim, implying a different history from that of the eclogite blocks. Values of δ¹⁸O in eclogite garnet cores range from 5.7 to 11.6 ‰, preserving the composition of the eclogite protolith. The abrupt decrease in the δ¹⁸O values of the garnet rims to values ranging from 3.2 to 11.2 ‰ suggests interaction with a lower δ¹⁸O fluid during the final stages of growth during eclogite facies metamorphism (450–600 °C). We hypothesize that this fluid is sourced from the serpentinized mantle wedge. High Mg, Ni, and Cr contents of actinolite rinds encasing the blocks also support interaction with ultramafic rock. Oxygen isotope thermometry using chlorite and phengite versus actinolite of rinds suggests temperatures of 185–240 °C at Ring Mountain and Mount Hamilton. Rind formation temperatures together with the lower δ¹⁸O garnet rims suggest that the blocks were in contact with ultramafic rock from the end of garnet growth through low-temperature retrogression. We suggest a tectonic model in which oceanic crust is subducted at the initiation of subduction and becomes embedded in the overlying mantle wedge. As subduction continues, metasomatic exchange between high-grade blocks and surrounding ultramafic rock is recorded in low δ¹⁸O garnet rims, and later as temperatures decrease, with rind formation.     

Origins of Nd–Sr–Pb isotopic variations in single scheelite grains from Archaean gold deposits,Western Australia

Accessory gangue scheelite (CaWO₄) from the Archaean Mt. Charlotte lode Au deposit can be divided into two types with different rare earth element (REE) signatures. In some scheelite grains, specific REE signatures are reflected by different cathodoluminescence colours, which can be used to map their often complex oscillatory intergrowths. Domains with specific REE contents from two grains were sampled for Sm/Nd, Rb/Sr and Pb isotopic analyses using a micro-drilling technique.Type I scheelite is strongly enriched in middle REE (MREE) and Eu anomalies are either absent or slightly positive. Four fragments collected from Type I regions of two crystals have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ε_Nd values ranging from 0.70141 to 0.70163 and +2.5 to +3.5, respectively, and Pb isotope ratios reflecting the composition of greenstone sequence. This may indicate that Nd and Pb have their source, either locally or regionally, in the greenstones. Basic greenstone lithologies have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr<0.7015, and the radiogenic Sr signatures indicate that part of the Sr originated from felsic lithologies located either within or beneath the host greenstone pile. Alternatively, the Sr signature may have evolved from preferential leaching of a Rb-rich mineral during hydrothermal alteration of the greenstone.The REE patterns of Type II scheelite are either flat or MREE-depleted and have strong positive Eu anomalies. Three fragments collected from Type II regions of the same two crystals have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios and ε_Nd values between 0.70130 and 0.70146, and +1.1 to +2.6, respectively, and Pb isotope signatures that are once again similar to that of the greenstone. This implies that ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in Type II fluids were closer to those of the host dolerite (0.7008–0.7013), due to more extensive fluid interaction with the dolerite.A positive correlation between Na and REE suggests that REE³⁺ are accommodated by the coupled substitution REE³⁺+Na⁺=2 Ca²⁺ into both Type I and Type II scheelite. This is consistent with a fractional crystallisation model to explain the change in REE patterns from Type I to Type II, but not with a model involving different coupled substitutions and fluids from different origins. We propose that the complex REE and isotopic signatures of scheelite at Mt. Charlotte are related to small (<m) to medium (<km) scale processes involving mixing between “fresh” batches of hydrothermal fluid with fluids that had already been involved in extensive wall-rock alteration.The very high-ε_Nd values measured in some scheelites have been previously used to link gold mineralisation with komatiites containing unusually high Sm/Nd ratios. However, tiny (<20 μm) grains of secondary hydroxyl-bastnäsite were found within micro-fractures of one scheelite grain containing an extremely high-ε_Nd signature. The hydroxyl-bastnäsite probably formed during recent REE redistribution within the scheelite as a result of meteoric fluid circulation. The scale of this cryptic low-temperature alteration is sufficient to explain the anomalously high-ε_Ndi values observed in scheelite from Western Australia.     

Mixed messages in iron oxide–copper–gold systems of the Cloncurry district,Australia: insights from PIXE analysis of halogens and copper in fluid inclusions

Proterozoic rocks of the Cloncurry district in NW Queensland, Australia, are host to giant (tens to hundreds of square kilometers) hydrothermal systems that include (1) barren regional sodic–calcic alteration, (2) granite-hosted hydrothermal complexes with magmatic–hydrothermal transition features, and (3) iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposits. Fluid inclusion microthermometry and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) show that IOCG deposits and the granite-hosted hydrothermal complexes contain abundant high temperature, ultrasaline, complex multisolid (type 1) inclusions that are less common in the regional sodic–calcic alteration. The latter is characterized by lower salinity three-phase halite-bearing (type 2) and two-phase (type 3) aqueous inclusions. Copper contents of the type 1 inclusions (>300 ppm) is higher than in type 2 and 3 inclusions (<300 ppm), and the highest copper concentrations (>1,000 ppm) are found both in the granite-hosted systems and in inclusions with Br/Cl ratios that are consistent with a magmatic source. The Br/Cl ratios of the inclusions with lower Cu contents are consistent with an evaporite-related origin. Wide ranges in salinity and homogenization temperatures for fluid inclusions in IOCG deposits and evidence for multiple fluid sources, as suggested by halogen ratios, indicate fluid mixing as an important process in IOCG genesis. The data support both leaching of Cu by voluminous nonmagmatic fluids from crustal rocks, as well as the direct exsolution of Cu-rich fluids from magmas. However, larger IOCG deposits may form from magmatic-derived fluids based on their higher Cu content.     

Fluid evolution of the late Archaean Rämepuro gold deposit in the Ilomantsi greenstone belt in eastern Finland

The late Archaean (ca. 2.7 Ga) Ilomantsi greenstone belt hosts a large number of small mesozonal gold occurrences. The Rämepuro deposit is spatially related to a feldspar porphyry dyke which has intruded the contact between metagreywackes and intermediate metavolcanic rocks. It consists of gold-bearing quartz-tourmaline-sulphide veins located mainly within an intensively altered and sheared zone about 20-30 m in width. Two types of fluid inclusions were distinguished in the quartz veins: (1) H₂O-CH₄ (Й equiv. wt% NaCl), and (2) H₂O-CO₂ (⢬ equiv. wt% NaCl). The two compositionally different fluid-inclusion types occur in separate veins. The compositions of decrepitate residues indicate that the type 1 fluid inclusions consist predominantly of Na, S, Ca, Cl, and in lesser proportions of K and Fe. The residues of the type 2 fluid inclusions are dominated by Na, Ca, Cl and minor K. For the type 1 and type 2 fluid inclusions, microthermometric experiments indicate average homogenisation temperatures of 310-350 and 220-250 °C respectively. Both types of fluid inclusions contain 1-3 anisotropic solids (Ca/Mg carbonate?, nahcolite?, tourmaline?). Sulphide daughter minerals occur only in the type 1 fluid inclusions. This fluid type is also often associated with short trails of sulphide inclusions which suggest mobilisation and redistribution of ore constituents. Some type 1 fluid inclusions display distinct morphological features ("implosion textures") related to post-trapping re-equilibration. The presence of the fluid-inclusion re-equilibration textures in some auriferous quartz veins and their absence in other gold-bearing quartz veins suggest an age difference between them. This conclusion is also supported by the compositionally different fluid regimes associated with the different quartz veins, indicating a change from reducing (CH₄) to a more oxidising (CO₂) fluid environment. The fluid-inclusion evidence suggests two separate gold mineralisation events, one related to late Archaean regional metamorphism, the other to Palaeoproterozoic thrusting and metamorphism.     

P–T conditions of mineralization in the Jonnagiri granitoid-hosted gold deposit,eastern Dharwar Craton,southern India: Constraints from fluid inclusions and chlorite thermometry

Gold mineralization at Jonnagiri, Dharwar Craton, southern India, is hosted in laminated quartz veins within sheared granodiorite that occur with other rock units, typical of Archean greenstone–granite ensembles. The proximal alteration assemblage comprises of muscovite, plagioclase, and chlorite with minor biotite (and carbonate), which is distinctive of low- to mid-greenschist facies. The laminated quartz veins that constitute the inner alteration zone, contain muscovite, chlorite, albite and calcite. Using various calibrations, chlorite compositions in the inner and proximal zones yielded comparable temperature ranges of 263 to 323 °C and 268 to 324 °C, respectively. Gold occurs in the laminated quartz veins both as free-milling native metal and enclosed within sulfides. Fluid inclusion microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy in quartz veins within the sheared granodiorite in the proximal zone and laminated auriferous quartz veins in inner zone reveal the existence of a metamorphogenic aqueous–gaseous (H₂O–CO₂–CH₄ + salt) fluid that underwent phase separation and gave rise to gaseous (CO₂–CH₄), low saline (~ 5 wt.% NaCl equiv.) aqueous fluids. Quartz veins within the mylonitized granodiorites and the laminated veins show broad similarity in fluid compositions and P–T regime. Although the estimated P–T range (1.39 to 2.57 kbar at 263 to 323 °C) compare well with the published P–T values of other orogenic gold deposits in general, considerable pressure fluctuation characterize gold mineralization at Jonnagiri. Factors such as fluid phase separation and fluid–rock interaction, along with a decrease in f(O₂), were collectively responsible for gold precipitation, from an initial low-saline metamorphogenic fluid. Comparison of the Jonnagiri ore fluid with other lode gold deposits in the Dharwar Craton and major granitoid-hosted gold deposits in Australia and Canada confirms that fluids of low saline aqueous–carbonic composition with metamorphic parentage played the most dominant role in the formation of the Archean lode gold systems.     

Different mineralization styles in a volcanic-hosted ore deposit: the fluid and isotopic signatures of the Mt Morgan Au–Cu deposit,Australia

Quantitative laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS analyses of fluid inclusions, trace element chemistry of sulfides, stable isotope (S), and Pb isotopes have been used to discriminate the formation of two contrasting mineralization styles and to evaluate the origin of the Cu and Au at Mt Morgan.The Mt Morgan Au–Cu deposit is hosted by Devonian felsic volcanic rocks that have been intruded by multiple phases of the Mt Morgan Tonalite, a low-K, low-Al₂O₃ tonalite–trondhjemite–dacite (TTD) complex. An early, barren massive sulfide mineralization with stringer veins is conforming to VHMS sub-seafloor replacement processes, whereas the high-grade Au–Cu ore is associated with a later quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite stockwork mineralization that is related to intrusive phases of the Tonalite complex. LA-ICP-MS fluid inclusion analyses reveal high As (avg. 8850 ppm) and Sb (avg. 140 ppm) for the Au–Cu mineralization and 5 to 10 times higher Cu concentration than in the fluids associated with the massive pyrite mineralization. Overall, the hydrothermal system of Mt Morgan is characterized by low average fluid salinities in both mineralization styles (45–80% seawater salinity) and temperatures of 210 to 270 °C estimated from fluid inclusions. Laser Raman Spectroscopic analysis indicates a consistent and uniform array of CO₂-bearing fluids. Comparison with active submarine hydrothermal vents shows an enrichment of the Mt Morgan fluids in base metals. Therefore, a seawater-dominated fluid is assumed for the barren massive sulfide mineralization, whereas magmatic volatile contributions are implied for the intrusive related mineralization. Condensation of magmatic vapor into a seawater-dominated environment explains the CO₂ occurrence, the low salinities, and the enriched base and precious metal fluid composition that is associated with the Au–Cu mineralization. The sulfur isotope signature of pyrite and chalcopyrite is composed of fractionated Devonian seawater and oxidized magmatic fluids or remobilized sulfur from existing sulfides. Pb isotopes indicate that Au and Cu originated from the Mt Morgan intrusions and a particular volcanic strata that shows elevated Cu background.     

Hydrothermal evolution of the Sar-Cheshmeh porphyry Cu–Mo deposit,Iran: Evidence from fluid inclusions

The Sar-Cheshmeh porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in Southwestern Iran (∼65 km southwest of Kerman City) and is associated with a composite Miocene stock, ranging in composition from diorite through granodiorite to quartz-monzonite. Field observations and petrographic studies demonstrate that the emplacement of the Sar-Cheshmeh stock took place in several pulses, each with associated hydrothermal activity. Molybdenum was concentrated at a very early stage in the evolution of the hydrothermal system and copper was concentrated later. Four main vein Groups have been identified: (I) quartz+molybdenite+anhydrite±K-feldspar with minor pyrite, chalcopyrite and bornite; (II) quartz+chalcopyrite+pyrite±molybdenite±calcite; (III) quartz+pyrite+calcite±chalcopyrite±anhydrite (gypsum)±molybdenite; (IV) quartz±calcite±gypsum±pyrite±dolomite. Early hydrothermal alteration produced a potassic assemblage (orthoclase-biotite) in the central part of the stock, propylitic alteration occurred in the peripheral parts of the stock, contemporaneously with potassic alteration, and phyllic alteration occurred later, overprinting earlier alteration. The early hydrothermal fluids are represented by high temperature (350–520 °C), high salinity (up to 61 wt% NaCl equivalent) liquid-rich fluid inclusions, and high temperature (340–570 °C), low-salinity, vapor-rich inclusions. These fluids are interpreted to represent an orthomagmatic fluid, which cooled episodically; the brines are interpreted to have caused potassic alteration and deposition of Group I and II quartz veins containing molybdenite and chalcopyrite. Propylitic alteration is attributed to a liquid-rich, lower temperature (220–310 °C), Ca-rich, evolved meteoric fluid. Influx of meteoric water into the central part of the system and mixing with magmatic fluid produced albitization at depth and shallow phyllic alteration. This influx also caused the dissolution of early-formed copper sulphides and the remobilization of Cu into the sericitic zone, the main zone of the copper deposition in Sar-Cheshmeh, where it was redeposited in response to a decrease in temperature.     

The world-class Wallaby gold deposit,Laverton, Western Australia: An orogenic-style overprint on a magmatic-hydrothermal magnetite-calcite alteration pipe?

Gold mineralisation at the Wallaby gold deposit is hosted by a 1,200 m thick mafic conglomerate. The conglomerate is intruded by an apparently comagmatic alkaline dyke suite displaying increasing fractionation through mafic-monzonite, monzonite, syenite, syenite porphyry to late-stage carbonatite. In the mine area, a pipe-shaped zone of actinolite-magnetite-epidote-calcite (AMEC) alteration overprints the conglomerate. Gold mineralisation, associated with dolomite-albite-quartz-pyrite alteration, is hosted in a series of sub-horizontal, structurally controlled zones that are largely confined within the magnetite-rich pipe. The deposit has a current ore reserve of 2.0 Moz Au, and a total resource of 7.1 Moz Au.TIMS U–Pb analysis of magmatic titanite and SHRIMP U–Pb analysis of gold-related phosphate minerals are used to constrain the timing of magmatism and gold mineralisation at Wallaby. Monzogranite and carbonatite dykes of the Wallaby syenite intruded at 2,664±3 Ma, at least 5 m.y. and probably 14 m.y. before gold mineralisation at 2,650±6 Ma. The significant hiatus between proximal magmatism and gold mineralisation suggests that gold-bearing fluids were not derived from magmas associated with the Wallaby syenite, particularly since intrusive events are unlikely to drive hydrothermal systems for more than 1 m.y.Analysis of the C and O isotopic compositions of carbonates from regional pre-syenite alteration and AMEC alteration at the Wallaby gold deposit suggests that AMEC alteration formed via interaction between magmatic fluids and the pre-syenite wallrock carbonate. The C and O isotopic composition of gold-bearing fluids, as inferred from ore-carbonate, are isotopically distinct from proximal magmatic fluids, as inferred from magmatic carbonate in carbonatite dykes.Thus, detailed isotopic and geochronological studies negate any direct genetic link between proximal magmatic activity related to the Wallaby syenite and gold mineralisation at Wallaby. The gold endowment of the Wallaby gold deposit, combined with the relatively low solubility of gold as thiosulfide complexes in low-salinity ore fluids at temperatures of about 300°C, implicates the influx of very large volumes of auriferous hydrothermal fluids. No large-scale shear-zones nor faults through which such large fluid-volumes could pass have been identified within the immediate ore environment, so fluid influx most probably occurred largely in a unit-confined, brittle-ductile fracture system. This was the ~500-m diameter AMEC alteration pipe, which was a brittle, iron-enriched zone in an otherwise massive conglomerate. During compressional deformation, the competency contrast between unaltered and AMEC-altered conglomerate created a zone of increased fracture permeability, and geochemically favourable conditions (high Fe/Fe+Mg ratio), for gold mineralisation from a distal source.Editorial Handling: C. Brauhart     

Age relationships in supracrustal sequences of the northern part of the Murchison Terrane,Archaean Yilgarn Craton,Western Australia: A combined field and zircon U–Pb study

Mapping carried out in the northern Murchison Terrane of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, shows that correlation of units between isolated greenstone belts is very difficult and an informal stratigraphic subdivision is proposed where the greenstone sequences have been divided into a number of assemblages. The assemblages may not necessarily be time equivalent throughout the region. The lower units (Assemblages 1–3) consist of ultramafic, mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks deposited without significant breaks in volcanism. Felsic volcanic packages (Assemblage 4) are conformable with underlying units, but are spatially restricted. Discordant units of graphitic sedimentary rocks are developed along major crustal structures (Assemblage 5). SHRIMP and conventional U–Pb study of zircons reveal that felsic volcanic rocks of Assemblage 4 in the Dalgaranga Greenstone Belt were emplaced at 2747 ± 5 Ma, whereas those in the adjacent Meekatharra — Mt Magnet Greenstone Belt range in age from 2762 ± 6 to 2716 ± 4 Ma. The age of emplacement of a differentiated gabbro sill in the Dalgaranga Greenstone Belt at 2719 ± 6 Ma places a maximum age on major folding in the belt. The presence of 2.9–3.0 Ga inherited zircons in some of the felsic volcanic rocks indicates contamination with, or reworking of, underlying 3 Ga sialic crust. This distinguishes the Murchison Terrane from the central parts of the Eastern Goldfields terranes to the south, where there is no evidence for a 3 Ga imprint in zircons from volcanic or granitic rocks, and also from the Narryer Gneiss Terrane to the north and west, which is composed of older gneisses and granitoids. The ca 2.76–2.71 Ga felsic volcanism in the Murchison Terrane is significantly older than 2.71–2.67 Ga felsic volcanism in the Eastern Goldfields lending support to models advocating assemblage of the craton by terrane accretion.     

Correlation between mineralization intensity and fluid–rock reaction in the Xinli gold deposit,Jiaodong Peninsula,China: Constraints from petrographic and statistical approaches

The Jiaodong Peninsula, the most productive gold province in China, is dominated by Jiaojia-type gold deposits that formed at ca. 120 Ma. The deposits are characterized by widespread alteration and mineralization resulted from fluid–rock reactions in the footwall of regional faults. It is known that the interrupted appearance of continuous mineralization zones and barren zones along regional faults is controlled by changes in the dip direction and dip angle of these faults, which can cause local dilational sense. In the continuous mineralization zone, intensive fluid–rock reactions occurred. Yet whether and how the fluid–rock reaction impacted on the mineralization intensity are not well constrained. In this study, we selected the Xinli Jiaojia-type gold deposit associated Sanshandao–Cangshang fault, located on the northwest margin of the Jiaodong Peninsula, to examine in detail the distribution of orebody parameters and to observe the mineralization occurrences. We applied the number–size fractal model and the lacunarity method to quantify the distribution of gold concentration along drifts, with the goal of clarifying the ambiguities noted above. The drifts in continuous mineralization zones can be divided into stable and unstable types, according to lateral changes in the dip direction and dip angle of the Sanshandao–Cangshang fault. Stable and unstable drifts share several common features. (1) Statistical results show that changes in the dip direction and dip angle of this fault bear almost no relationship to the thickness or grade–thickness of the orebody. (2) Mineralization along drifts is most intense at some distance from the fault plane rather than at locations immediately adjacent to the fault plane where fracturing is most extensive and, according to fluid infiltration theory, would be the most likely regions of intense mineralization. (3) Gold-bearing sulfide pods and veinlets in the alteration zone commonly possess irregular and corroded boundaries that are considered to be an indicator of fluid–rock reactions. (4) The threshold (the gold concentration that divides a segment with a lower fractal dimension in a lower concentration range from one with a higher fractal dimension in a higher concentration range) and the lacunarity (the parameter that evaluates the evenness of high gold concentration distribution) show positive and negative relationships, respectively, to the thickness and grade–thickness of a drift. We thereby argue on the basis of these features that fluid–rock reactions were an important factor responsible for the mineralization upgrade in continuous mineralization zones. An increase in the threshold and a decrease in the lacunarity indicate that fluid–rock reactions causing gold precipitation are more intensive and more evenly distributed throughout the footwall for better mineralization. These phenomena suggest that fluid–rock reactions responsible for the gold precipitation possibly own the characteristics of spatial self-organization mechanism, which is widely developed in various geological fluid–rock reaction processes.     

Petrography and origin of granulite‐facies rocks in the Western Musgrave Block,Central Australia

The granulite‐facies rocks in the Tomkinson Ranges of central Australia are dominated by layered felsic (quartzofeldspathic) gneisses with minor interbanded mafic, calcareous, ferruginous, and quartzitic granulites. They are regarded as representing a middle Proterozoic metasedimentary and/or metavolcanic sequence which has undergone anhydrous granulite‐facies metamorphism approximately 1200 m.y. ago. Conditions of metamorphism have been derived from a petrogenetic grid based on several experimentally determined reactions and give estimates of 10–11 kb pressure and 950–1000°C. Such metamorphism could take place close to the base of the crust with a moderate geothermal gradient of 25–30°C/km.     

Geology,fluid inclusions,and geochemistry of the Zhazixi Sb–W deposit,Hunan, South China

The Zhazixi Sb–W deposit in the Xuefeng uplift, South China, exhibits a unique metal association of W and Sb, where the W orebodies are hosted by interlayer fractures and the Sb orebodies are contained within NW-trending faults. This study proposes that the W and Sb mineralization took place in two separate periods. The mineral paragenesis of the W mineralization reveals a mass of quartz, scheelite and minor calcite. The mineral assemblage of the Sb mineralization developed after W mineralization and consists of predominantly quartz and stibnite, and small amounts of native Sb, berthierite, chalcostibnite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. Fluid inclusions in quartz and coexisting scheelite are dominated by two-phase, liquid-rich, aqueous inclusions at room temperature. Microthermometric studies suggest that ore-forming fluids for W mineralization are characterized by moderate temperatures (170–270 °C), low salinity (3–7 wt% NaCl equiv.), low density (0.75–0.95 g/cm³), and moderate to high pressure (57.2–99.7 MPa) and these fluids experienced a cooling and dilution evolution during W mineralization. Ore-forming fluids for Sb mineralization are epithermal types with low temperatures (150–230 °C), low salinity (4–6 wt% NaCl equiv.), moderate density (0.82–0.94 g/cm³), and high pressure (42.2–122.5 MPa) and these fluids display an evident decline in homogenization temperature during Sb mineralization. Laser Raman analyses of the vapor phase indicate that the ore-forming fluids for both W and Sb mineralization contain a small amount of CO₂.The ore-forming fluids for Sb mineralization are identified as predominantly originating from the continental crust, as suggested by the low ³He values (0.009 × 10⁻¹² cc.STP/g) and ³He/⁴He ratios (0.002–0.056 Ra) as well as high ³⁶Ar values (1.93 × 10⁻⁹ cc.STP/g) and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar ratios (909.5–2279.7). The source of S is identified to be the Neoproterozoic Wuqiangxi Formation, as traced by the δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of stibnite (3.1–9.4‰). The ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (37.643–40.222), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.456–15.681), and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.093–20.042) ratios suggest a mixture of lower crustal and supracrustal Pb sources.It is thus concluded that the ore genesis of the Zhazixi Sb–W deposit is related to the intracontinental orogeny during the early Mesozoic. Fluid mixing is considered to be the critical mechanism involved in W mineralization, whereas a fluid cooling process is responsible for Sb mineralization. Furthermore, the absence of Au is attributed to the low Σa_s content in Sb-mineralizing fluids.     

Superposition of gold mineralisation on pre‐existing carbonate alteration: Structural evidence from the Mulgarrie gold deposit,Yilgarn Craton

Carbonate alteration at the Mulgarrie gold mine in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia, is represented by porphyroblasts, veins and pervasive, texturally destructive, carbonatisation. Two foliations, S_1M and S_2M, were produced by two separate deformation events at the mine‐scale, D_1M and D_2M. D_1M and D_2M both occurred in response to regional D₂ tectonism. Carbonate alteration was the product of two separate episodes of fluid ingress: the earlier produced magnesite and the latter Fe‐dolomite. Both periods of carbonate alteration occurred pre‐ to early syn‐D_2M, when mafic to ultramafic komatiitic rocks reacted with fluids that moved along regional faults and pre‐date the alteration associated with regional peak metamorphism. Gold at Mulgarrie overprints pre‐ and late syn‐D₂ quartz veins in zones of massive carbonate alteration, suggesting it has a late‐ to post‐D₂ timing. This late timing agrees with the generally accepted syn‐D₃ (and younger) age for gold mineralisation in the Eastern Goldfields. We suggest that carbonate alteration at Mulgarrie is not a product of the hydrothermal event responsible for the gold mineralisation. Rather, the different relative timing of magnesite, Fe‐dolomite and gold indicates there were two carbonate‐producing fluid systems and a fluid transporting the gold overprinted these. Similarly, early carbonate alteration may play a role in localising auriferous vein deposits throughout the Yilgarn and other Archaean cratons.