Rare—Earth Elements and Genesis of Lamprophyres in the Laowangzhai Gold Orefield,Yunnan Province

The Laowangzhai super-large gold orefield,which is situated in northern Mt.Ailao tectonic zone,Yunnan Province,is a typical gold orefield where lamprophyres are temporally and spatially related to gold mineralization.Major element data show that lamprophyres in the orefield are of alkalic series and can be divided into potassic and K-rich calc-alkaline lamprophyres.The rocks are enriched in rare-earth elements as compared with the primary mantle and mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORB).Modelled calculations by the least squares method of Petrological Mixing show that the mantle-source for the lamprophyres in enriched in rarc earth elemeots.The geotectonic development of western Yunnan,Sr and Nd isotopic compositions,incompatible element patterns and linear programing calculations indicate that the fluids were derived from dehydration of submaine sediments which are enriched in ALK,LREE and incompatible elements and then were carried to mantle wedges as a result of plate subduction.That is the main factor leading to the formation of a metasonatic fertile mantle in the area studied.     

Ore—Fluid Systems of Fine Disseminated Gold Deposits Along the Southeastern Margin of the Yangtze Plate

Fine disseminated gold deposits occurring along the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Plate belong to the epithermal type resulting from different systems of ore-forming fluids.According to their sources, the ore-forming fluids can be divided into four systems: a)meteoric water system; b)oil-brine system; c)basin-brine system;and d)magmatic-formation water system.The four hydrothermal systems are responsible for four types of gold deposits, respectively.The meteoric water system produces hot spring gold deposits. The basin-brines,which are derived from fissure water, structural water and absorbed water sealed up in strata, are responsible for the absin-brine-type deposits.The oil-brine system, having the same source as the bain-brines ,is characterized by the involvement of organic matter and is responsible for the oil-brine-type deposits. Inclusion fluid data show that there are obvious differences in chemical composition and carbon, oxygen,hydrogen and sulfur isotopes for these hydrothermal systems.Different metallogenic provinces, in which one of the four systems is dominant, can be recognized in the region.     

A New Genetic Type of Gold Deposits-Meso-Epithermal Carbonate-Type Gold Deposits as Exemplified by the Baguamiao Suprlarge Gold Deposit

Gold deposits of the meso-epithermal carbonate type were first proposed based on the study of the Baguamiao gold deposit.This new type of gold deposits has many unique characteristics as follows:(1)Obviously strata-bound.The gold deposits are hosted in Middle Devonian turbidite formations;(2)Structrually controlled.Struc-ture is an important factor leading to metallogenesis of this type of gold deposits.The shape and distribution of orebodies are controlled by byittle-ductile shear zones;(3)Multi-stage wall-rock alteration.According to the characteristics of mineral assemblage,gold mineralization can be classified into three stages in association with various wall-rock al-terations.Wall-rock alterations closely genetically related to the gold mineralization are ankerization ,silicification,pyrrhotization and pyritization ;(4)Mineral compositions of the orebodies are mainly pyrrhotite,pyrite,marcasitolite,chalcopyrite,quartz,ankerite,and sericite.Gold mineralization is associated closely in space and time with iron sulfides;(5)Rare elements and REE in ores are low in contents relative to those of the crust.Au content varies from 1.91g/t to 11.15g/t ,averaging 5.5g/t;(6)Studies of sulfur,hydrogen,oxygen and carbon isotopes in main gangue minerals (quartz and ankerite)indicate that fluids and ore-forming materials came from deep-seated sources;(7)Three types of inclusions are recognized in terms of their composition and the vapor amounts of inclusions.The homogenization temperatures of inclusions range from 210℃to 310℃,averaging 230℃,showing that this type of gold deposits belongs to the meso-epithermal type;(8)Metallogenic age of this type of gold deposits is similar to that of the collision between the Yangtze Plate and the North China Plate,indicating that gold deposits of this type are genetically related to continental-margin plate activity.     

Study of Metallogenic Fluid Sources of Five Gold Deposits in Zhangjiakou,China

It is very important to define the type and composition of metallogenic fluid in terms of the hydrogen and oxygen isotope data in the study of ore-forming mechanism.In the long past,the method to discriminate metallogenic fluid sources by comparing the δD-δ^18 O diagram with the standard values in not valid when the hydrogen and oxygen isotope values are plotted between the meteoric water line and the magmatic water area.Based on their hydrogen and oxygen isotope information of five gold deposits(Shuijingtun,Xiaoyingpan,Dongping, Zhongshangou and Jinjiazhuang)in the Zhangjiakou area,this paper details the metallogenic fluid sources and presents water/rock ratios in the vie gold deposits and the principle of water/rock exchange.     

Fractal and Multifractal Modeling of Hydrothermal Mineral Deposit Spectrum： Application to Gold Deposits in Abitibi Area, Ontario, Canada

A number of fractal/multifractal methods are introduced for quantifying the mineral de-lmsit spectrum which include a number-size, grade-tonnage model, power spectrmn model,multi-fractal model and an eigeavalue spectrmn model The first two models characterize mineral deposits spec-tra based on relationships among the measures of mineral deposits.These include the number of deposits,size of deposits,concentration and volume of mineral deposits.The last three methods that deal with the spatial-temporal spectra of mineral deposit studies are all expected to be popularized in near future.A case study of hydrothermal gold deposits from the Abitibi area,a world-class mineral district is used to demonstrate the principle as well as the applications of methods proposed in this paper,It has been shown that fractal and multifractal models are generally applicable to modeling of mineral deposits and occurrences.Clusters of mineral deposits were identified by several methods including the power spectral eral deposits in the Timmins and Kirkland Lake camps.     

Analysis of the Ore-Controlling Structure of Ductile Shear Zone Type Gold Deposit in Southern Beishan Area, Gansu, Northwest China

The ductile shear zone-type gold deposit is a kind that both the ore-forming mechanism and ore-controlling factors are closely related to the ductile shear zone and its evolution. Ductile shear zone develops in Beishan area, Gansu of Northwest China, and develops especially well in the south belt. The controls of the ductile shear zone on gold deposits are as follows. (1) The regional distribution of gold deposits (and gold spots) is controlled by the ductile shear zone. (2) The ductile-brittle shear zone is formed in the evolution process of ductile shear zone and both are only ore-bearing structures and con- trol the shape, attitude, scale, and distribution of mineralization zones and ore-bodies. (3) Com- presso-shear ductile deformation results in that the main kind of gold mineralization is altered mylonite type and the main alteralization is metasomatic. (4) Ore-bearing fracture systems are mainly P-type ones, some D-type and R-type ones, but only individual R’-type and T-type ones. (5) Dynamic differen- tiation and dynamic metamorphic hydrothermal solution resulting from ductile deformation is one of the sources of ore-forming fluid of gold mineralization, and this is identical with that ore-forming ma- terials are mainly from metamorphic rocks, and ore-forming fluid is mainly composed of metamorphic water, and with the fluid inclusion and geo-chemical characteristics of the deposit. (6) There is a nega- tive correlation between the gold abundance and susceptibility anisotropy (P) of the altered mylonite samples from the deposit, which shows that the gold mineralization is slightly later than the structural deformation. All above further expound the ore-forming model of the ductile shear zone type of gold deposits.     

Analysis of Ore-controlling Structure in the Qifengcha-Detiangou Gold Deposit, Huairou County, Beijing

The Qifengcha-Detiangou gold deposit is a medium-sized deposit recently found in Huairou County, Beijing. It belongs to the altered mylonite type with superimposed quartz vein type and is related to the early Yanshanian magmatic activity. Characterized by multiperiodic activity, the NE-trending Qifengcha fault is a regional ore-controlling structure in the area, and gold mineralization develops only in its southeastern part. Meanwhile, gold mineralization is controlled by the Yunmengshan metamorphic core complex. The nearly N-S- and E-W-trending low-angle detachment faults, reformed by the Qifengcha fault in the northwestern part of the core complex, are the main ore-bearing faults. All discovered gold deposits are located within an area 1.5-4.0 km away from the boundary of the upwelling centre. The N-S- (NNE-) and E-W-trending ore-bearing faults are ductile-brittle structural zones developing in shallow positions and subjected mainly to compressive deformation. The structural ore-controlling effects ar     

Types and Ore-forming Conditions of Gold Deposits in the Jinsha River-Lancang River-Nujiang River Area

The Jinsha River-Lancang River-Nujiang River area is one of the important prospect areas for noble metal and nonferous metal deposits of China. Of a great variety of gold deposits present in this area, the following types seem to be economically most valuable and promising: tectonic alteration type in ophiolitic melange; polymetallic quartz vein type related to intermediate-acid intrusions; finely disseminated type in fracture zones; mixed hydrothermal type in tectonic fractures of carbonate rocks; hydrothermal type related to subvolcanic rocks; volcanic-hot spring type; submarine volcano exhalation-sedimentary-hydrothermal reformation type. Metallogenic epochs are exclusively Mesozoic and Cenozoic, and ore deposits and orebodies are controlled by linear structures. Magmatic activity has affected gold mineralization in varying degrees, and gold deposits are basically of mesothermal-epithermal type with ubiquitous and intense alterations. Ore-forming materials and hydrothermal solutions show multi-source character.     

A Three—Stage Metallogenic Model for Gold Deposits in Metamorphosed Microclastic Rocks

Gld deposits occurring in metamorphosed microcelastic rocks are distributed extensively at home and abroad.Some deposits of this type are of superlarge tonnage.The formation of gold deposits in metamorphosed microclastic rocks involves three stages:the sedimentary stage,the regionally metamorphic stage,and the ore-forming stage.At the first stage,microclastic sedimentary source rocks were developed in a relatively semi-enclosed reducing sea basin and were enriched in carbon,sulfur and gold.At the second stage,the gold adsorbed on organic matter and clay minerals was relesed and poorly concentrated during the destruction of organic matter and the depletion of clay minerals by regional metamorphism with increase temperature and pressure.At the third stage,a tectono-hydrothermal event took place.As a result,gold was leached from metamorphosed microclastic rocks,transported to ore depositional locus and/or mixed with gold of other sources in the course of migration,and finally precipitared as ores.Gold deposits of this type were eventually formed at the third stage,and they also can be classified as the orogenic belt type and the activation zone type.The gold deposits occurring in metamorphosed microcalastic rocks are the products of reworking processes and the influence of magmatism should be taken into consideration in some cases.     

Laumontitization as an Exploration Indicator of Epithermal Gold Deposits： A Case Study of the Axi and Other Epithermal Systems in West Tianshan, China

In the light of field investigation, microscopic study, X-ray phase analysis and mineral infrared spectral analysis, it is considered that laumontitization is of extensive occurrence in the Axi gold orefield. The development of laumontitization and its relationship to mineralization show that the laumontitization appeared mainly at the top of and in the periphery of orebodies, and occurred at the edge of the epithermal system or at the late stage of epithermal system evolution. Therefore, laumontitization can be used as an exploration indicator of epithermal gold deposits. The fluids responsible for laumontitization in the Axi gold orefield are similar to those producing hot spring-type gold deposits or those from modem geothermal fields. Epithermal mineralization of the Axi gold deposit was dated at Carboniferous, indicating that the West Tianshan of China is a region favorable to epithermal-type gold mineralization and preservation. Hence the West Tianshan of China is a target area for exploring epithermal gold deposits.     

Episodes of Cenozoic Gold Mineralization on the Eastern Margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau:~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar Dating and Implication for Geodynamic Events

A lot of new gold deposits have been found on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the past two decades. Among them, three main types of gold deposits have been recognized, including quartz-vein-type, shearzone-type and porphyry-type. The former two types of gold deposits are mainly hosted within metamorphic rocks, while the latter is related to Cenozoic magmatism. Although all of these gold deposits are believed to have been formed during the uplift process of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the Cenozoic era (Wang et al., 2002b), precise isotopic age constraints have still been lacking until quite recently. This paper presents new ^40Ar/^39Ar data of some gold deposits on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which indicate that gold mineralization in the region occurred in response to the episodic stages of the orogenies. Recently obtained ^40Ar/^39Ar data on quartz and feldspars from several gold deposits, such as the Sandiao deposit, the Baijintaizi deposit, the Pusagang deposits, provide new constraints on gold mineralization on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Geochronological studies of gold deposits along the Daduhe River indicate that there are three stages of gold mineralization. The early two stages occurred as early as 65.1 Ma in the Shuibaiyang deposit and 58.95 Ma in the Ruoji deposit, while the latter stage occurred as late as 25.35 Ma in Baijintaizi and 24.70 Ma in Sandiao. Isotopic dating of three plagioclases from the Beiya deposit, Zhifanggou deposit and Luobodi deposit and a K-feldspar from the Jinchangqing deposit in Yunnan Province indicates that these deposits were formed at two stages. The Zhifanggou and Jinchangqing deposits have early stage records as old as 58.82 Ma in Zhifanggou and 55.49 Ma in Jinchangqing, but all of the above four deposits in Yunnan have late stage records of 23.18 Ma in Jinchangqing, 24.54 Ma in Zhifanggou, 24.60 Ma in Luobodi and 24.56 Ma in Hongnitang. The above results suggest that the gold deposits on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were formed concentratedly at two main episodes, i.e. the end of the Paleocene (about 58 Ma) and the boundary between the Paleogene and the Neogene (about 25 Ma). The later episode appears to be looks like more important and was coupled with the Sichuan movement, which was extensively activated at that period. The beginning of the Cenozoic Era (about 65 Ma) might be another episode of gold mineralization, but only one deposit (Shuibaiyang) in this study has been proved to have been be formed at this stage and might be earlier than the initial collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasia Plate. In view of geology, the above three episodes of gold mineralization are associated with three events of tectonicmagmatism and/or fluid events. Even though the gold deposits (for example, the Shuibaiyang deposit, Ruoji deposit and Pusagang deposit) were formed at different episodes, all of them are genetically related to tectonic movements in largescale shear zones. It looks like theat tectonic events (including large-scale strike-slip) between Paleogene and Neogene had a wide influence upon gold mineralization, with new deposits formed and old deposits enriched or superimposed to be a higher grade by new stage of mineralization. The above data suggest that gold deposits were not only concentrated in some areas, but also formed mainly at different boundaries of geological times, indicating that there existed some peak stages of gold mineralization (metallogenic episodes), and that the gold deposits were formed mainly by episodic mineralization.     

Reworking Intensity—A Key Factor Leading to the Formation of Superlarge Gold Deposits in Greenstone Belts and Metamorphosed Microclastic Rocks in China

The greenstone belt and metamorphosed microclastic rock-type superlarge gold deposits in China are hosted in metamorphic rocks and later intrusive bodies.Sedimentation.regional metamorphism and mineralization contributed a lot to the formation of the deposits,so did remelting magmatic process to some deposits,but the deposits were finally formed by reworking processes.The key factor leading to the formation of superlarge gold deposits is the reworking intensity,which for superlarge gold deposits is reflected by the large-scale reworked source rocks and even ore materials of various sources,strongly oxidized ore-forming fluids with a long and repeated active history and stable geothermal heat current.The factor which decides the reworking intensity is the network consisting of structures of different classes.     

Geology and Geochemistry of K-feldspar Veins in Lamprophyre at the Zhenyuan Gold Deposit, Yunnan, Southwest China: Implications for Gold Mineralization

Lamprophyres typically appear in hydrothermal gold deposits. The relationship between lamprophyres and gold deposits is investigated widely. Some researchers suggest that the emplacement of lamprophyres triggers gold mineralization, whereas others hypothesize that the formation of lamprophyres increases the fertility of mantle sources and ore-forming fluids. K-feldspar veins, with ages between those of lamprophyres and gold deposits, appear in lamprophyres in Zhenyuan. Therefore, K-feldspar veins are ideal for investigating the relationship between lamprophyres and gold deposits. Phlogopite in K-feldspar veins has lower Mg#, Ni, and Cr contents and higher TiO2, Li, Ba, Sr, Sc, Zr, Nb, and Cs contents than phlogopite in lamprophyres. The in-situ Sr isotopic values of apatites (0.7063–0.7066) in K-feldspar veins are within the range for apatites (0.7064–0.7078) from lamprophyres. High large-ion lithophile element concentrations and low Nb and Ta concentrations in phlogopite from lamprophyres, in addition to high (87Sr/86Sr)i values of apatite (0.7064–0.7078), indicate that the magma parental to these phlogopite and apatite crystals is derived from an enriched mantle. K-feldspar veins are genetically correlated with lamprophyres, whereas sulfide mineral assemblage and trace element compositions of pyrite in K-feldspar veins suggest that K-feldspar veins in lamprophyres are not directly related to gold mineralization of the Zhenyuan deposit.     

Ground-Space Correlation of TM Data and Its Application to the Prediction of Gold Deposits

It has been inferred and proved by the remote sensing equations under rational hypotheses in atmospheric physics that there is a linear correlation between the ground reflective brightness Wij and the total reflective brightness Rij received in different bands with a remote sensor. Nine models delineating the ground-space correlation between the ground spectra and the optimal bands of images of the typical gold deposits have been established based on the ground-space correlativity and field measurements of the ground spectra of the typical gold deposits in the Ailaoshan area. According to the 9 correlation models, TM images were inverted into ground-space correlation images that are related to the typical gold deposits within the area and then recognized by a computer. Research on the ground . spectra and TM data in the Ailaoshan area shows that the correlation analysis of the ground spectra and TM data of gold deposits can be effectively applied to the prediction of gold deposits, location of prospecti     

Bio-organic Geochemical Characteristics of Gold Deposits in Northwestern Guangxi and Their Metallogenetic Significance

The gold deposits of Triassic period in the northwestern Guangxi are all located in the marine, fine-grained ,fragmental rock series containing organic matter , i.e. the distribution districts of black rock series . The fine-grained gold deposits occur in organic matter-bearing C, D, E, or D, E divisions of the classical Bouma sequences. The evolution degree of organic matters through oil window stage reached the over-mature degree. Both the bio-sources of the organic matters and the distribution of gold in the organic matters disclose the close association between gold, living beings and organic matters. The thermal evolution of organic matters led to the gold to be activized , migrated and enriched , and finally formed gold deposits in the fault belt and crushed zone of black rock series.     

Geology and Geochemistry of Reworking Gold Deposits in Intrusive Rocks of China—Ⅱ Gold Deposits and Their Genesis

Gold deposits in intrusive masses include the veinlet dissemination,quartz vein and veinlet dissemination vein types,They are distributed in fracture zones along the endocontact zone of a batholith or in the centre and edge of a stock.The metallogenic epochs are Yenshanian,Hercynian,Archean,Proterozoic and Himalayan,The gold deposits are characterized by a big difference in time span between gold mineralization and the formation of host masses Ore-forming materials were derived from the masses and auriferous strata and ore-forming fluids came from meteoric and formation waters.When circulating water was heated by ascending heat flow,gold would be extracted,concentrated and transported from auriferous rocks and then precipitated in the masses during the late tectonic movement,Finally gold deposits were formed in the intrusive masses.     

A Study on the Relations Between Ultrabasic Dikes and Fine Disseminated Gold Deposits in Southwestern Guizhou Province as Exemplified by Zimudang Large—Sized Gold Deposit

The relations between ultrabasic rocks and gold deposits in time,space and genesis are discussed in this paper,the research results show that the ore-forming materials of the gold deposits is characteristic of crust-mantle mixing,The formation of the gold deposits is related with the activity of juvenile fluids along with the intrusion of ultrabasic dikes.The ascending juvenile fluids not only offered part of the gold.water and mineralizers for gold mineralization but also promoted the remobilization,deposition and enrichment of gold in crustal sediments.     

Element—Assemblage Zoning Features of Gold Deposis in the Cambrian Silicalite Formation,Western Qinling

The gold deposits,occurring in the south subzone of western Qinling,are the only typical and important strata-bound gold deposits,which are associated with submarine exhalative sedimentation.The gold deposits include the La‘erma ore deposit,the Qiongmo ore deposit and the Yaxiang ore occurrence.They are hosted i the Cambrian silicalite formation composed of black chert and slate.The presence of typical chert offers important evidence to evaluate the possible submarine exhalative system and its role in the formation of the gold deposits,which are closely associated with peroclation and diffusion in the horizontal,vertical and axial directions,Element-assemblage zonation is clearly seen due to differences in element concentrations in different directions,Such a zonation makes gold.selenium,uranium,copper,stibium,molybdenum,mercury,etc,precipitate in the form of simple or composite orebodies.The establishent of the element-assemblage zonation is highly helpful for evaluating directly the metallogenesis of gold deposits.     

Genetic Analogy Between Sediment—Hosted Gold Deposits and Sediment—Hosted Copper Deposits in Southwest China

The sediment-hosted copper deposits according to the authors‘ study were formed from connate formation water during the post-sedimentary or diagenetic stage while the sediment-hosted disseminated gold deposits are unanimously considered to be of post-sedimentary hydrothermal origin.Therefore,apart from their own individulities.These two types of deposits must share some characters in common.Comparisons are attempted,in this paper,between the sediment-hosted copper deposits in southwest China and the Triassic sediment-hosted disseminated gold deposits in the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Triangle in terms of geological and geochemical features.     

Genetic Types and Metallogenic Model for the Polymetallic Copper–Gold Deposits in the Tongling Ore District,Anhui Province,Eastern China

The Tongling ore district is one of the most economically important ore areas in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, eastern China. It contains hundreds of polymetallic copper–gold deposits and occurrences. Those deposits are mainly clustered(from west to east) within the Tongguanshan, Shizishan, Xinqiao, Fenghuangshan, and Shatanjiao orefields. Until recently, the majority of these deposits were thought to be skarn-or porphyry–skarn-type deposits; however there have been recent discoveries of numerous vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb-Zn deposits that do not fall into either of these categories. This indicates that there is some uncertainty over this classification. Here, we present the results of several systematic geological studies of representative deposits in the Tongling ore district. From investigation of the ore-controlling structures, lithology of the host rock, mineral assemblages, and the characteristics of the mineralization and alteration within these deposits, three genetic types of deposits(skarn-, porphyry-, and vein-type deposits) have been identified. The spatial and temporal relationships between the orebodies and Yanshanian intrusions combined with the sources of the ore-forming fluids and metals, as well as the geodynamic setting of this ore district, indicate that all three deposit types are genetically related each other and constitute a magmatic–hydrothermal system. This study outlines a model that relates the polymetallic copper–gold porphyry-, skarn-, and vein-type deposits within the Tongling ore district. This model provides a theoretical basis to guide exploration for deep-seated and concealed porphyry-type Cu(–Mo, –Au) deposits as well as shallow vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb–Zn deposits in this area and elsewhere.