Lead isotopic composition from data of high-precession MC-ICP-MS and sources of matter in the large-scale Sukhoi Log noble metal deposit,Russia

The lead isotopic composition of 33 sulfide samples from orebodies of the Sukhoi Log deposit was studied by high-precession MC-ICP-MS with a precision of ±0.02% (±2SD from 120 analyses of the SRM 981 standard sample). The deposit is located in the Bodaibo gold mining district in the northern Baikal-Patom Highland. Gold mineralization is hosted in Neoproterosoic black slates. Variations of lead isotope ratios of the Sukhoi Log sulfides are generally typical of Phanerozoic deposits and ore fields. They are significant for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.903–18.674), moderate for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (37.822–38.457), and relatively narrow for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.555–15.679). In the Pb-Pb isotope diagrams, the data points of pyrite and galena constitute a linear trend. The points corresponding to pyrite from metasomatic ore occupy the left lower part of the trend. Galena from late gold-quartz veins shows more radiogenic Pb, and corresponding data points are located in the upper part of the trend. According to the Stacey-Kramers model, the end points of the trend, which is regarded as a mixing line, have μ₂ = 9.6 and μ₂ = 13.2 and model Pb-Pb ages 455 and 130 Ma, respectively. The isotope characteristics of ore lead, their relationships in pyrite and galena, and the mixing trend of Pb isotopic compositions are clearly tied to two Paleozoic stages in the formation of the Sukhoi Log deposit (447 ± 6 and 321 ± 14Ma) and testify to the leading role of crustal sources, which are suggested as being the Neoproterozoic black-shale terrigenous-carbonate rocks.     

Pb isotopic constraints on the formation of the Dikulushi Cu–Pb–Zn–Ag mineralisation, Kundelungu Plateau (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Base metal–Ag mineralisation at Dikulushi and in other deposits on the Kundelungu Plateau (Democratic Republic of Congo) developed during two episodes. Subeconomic Cu–Pb–Zn–Fe polysulphide ores were generated during the Lufilian Orogeny (c. 520 Ma ago) in a set of E–W- and NE–SW-oriented faults. Their lead has a relatively unradiogenic and internally inhomogeneous isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.07–18.49), most likely generated by mixing of Pb from isotopically heterogeneous clastic sources. These sulphides were remobilised and enriched after the Lufilian Orogeny, along reactivated and newly formed NE–SW-oriented faults into a chalcocite-dominated Cu–Ag mineralisation of high economic interest. The chalcocite samples contain only trace amounts of lead and show mostly radiogenic Pb isotope signatures that fall along a linear trend in the ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.66–23.65; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.72–16.02). These anomalous characteristics reflect a two-stage evolution involving admixture of both radiogenic lead and uranium during a young fluid event possibly c. 100 Ma ago. The Pb isotope systematics of local host rocks to mineralisation also indicate some comparable young disturbance of their U–Th–Pb systems, related to the same event. They could have provided Pb with sufficiently radiogenic compositions that was added to less radiogenic Pb remobilised from precursor Cu–Pb–Zn–Fe polysulphides, whereas the U most likely originated from external sources. Local metal sources are also suggested by the ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb–²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb systematics of combined ore and rock lead, which indicate a pronounced and diversified lithological control of the immediate host rocks on the chalcocite-dominated Cu–Ag ores. The Pb isotope systematics of polysulphide mineralisation on the Kundelungu Plateau clearly record a diachronous evolution.     

Isotope characterization of lead in galena from ore deposits of the Aysén Region, southern Chile

Lead isotope analyses of galena from five ore deposits and six prospects in the Aysén region of southern Chile are reported. Most of the deposits are either low sulfidation epithermal gold–silver veins or skarn and manto deposits; the majority are either suspected to be, or dated as, Late Jurassic to mid-Cretaceous. Galena lead isotope data for most of the deposits from southern Chile cluster near the “orogene” within a “plumbotectonic” model framework. Average values (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.53, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.63, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.50) are near Jurassic to Cretaceous model ages on the “orogene” curve of Zartman and Doe (1981) and the second-stage curve of Stacey and Kramers (1975) on a ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb plot. These model ages are compatible with absolute ages as currently known. The elongate trends in the general cluster indicate mainly an orogenic model fit, suggesting variable mixing of lead from different sources, mainly model upper crust and lesser model mantle and lower crust reservoirs. Galena lead associated with one deposit (El Faldeo) is relatively radiogenic, and lies near a Jurassic age on the “upper crustal” curve of Zartman and Doe (1981), which is compatible with the Ar/Ar age of the deposit. Galena lead isotope clusters define three main groups of deposits. These three groups appear to be related to three mineralizing events, dated by K–Ar and Ar/Ar, in the Late Jurassic (group 3), and in the Early and mid-Cretaceous (groups 1 and 2 respectively). Averages for group 1, the northern group including El Toqui and Katerfeld, are ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.51, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.62, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.48. Averages for group 2, the southern group with Fachinal and Mina Silva, are ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.56, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.63, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.52. Averages for group 3, the southernmost group with the El Faldeo, Lago Chacabuco and Lago Cochrane prospects, are ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.83, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.65, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.63. The Cretaceous deposits (groups 1 and 2) contain orogene-type lead that becomes increasingly radiogenic southward. Lead from the Late Jurassic deposits (group 3) appears to reflect mixing of orogene lead with highly radiogenic lead. The observed linear array of lead in group 3 probably reflects mixing of orogene lead with highly radiogenic lead, which was likely extracted by selective leaching of mineralizing hydrothermal solutions from the metamorphic basement. Received: 10 July 1999 / Accepted: 15 July 2000     

From basalt to dacite: origin and evolution of the calc-alkaline series of Salina, Aeolian Arc, Italy

The island of Salina comprises one of the most distinct calc-alkaline series of the Aeolian arc (Italy), in which calc-alkaline, high-K calc-alkaline, shoshonitic and leucite-shoshonitic magma series are developed. Detailed petrological, geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, O) data are reported for a stratigraphically well-established sequence of lavas and pyroclastic rocks from the Middle Pleistocene volcanic cycle (430–127 ka) of Salina, which is characterized by an early period of basaltic volcanism (Corvo; Capo; Rivi; Fossa delle Felci, group 1) and a sequence of basaltic andesites, and andesites and dacites in the final stages of activity (Fossa delle Felci, groups 2–8). Major and trace element compositional trends, rare earth element (REE) abundances and mineralogy reveal the importance of crystal fractionation of plagioclase + clinopyroxene + olivine/ orthopyroxene ± titanomagnetite ± amphibole ± apatite in generating the more evolved magma types from parental basaltic magmas, and plagioclase accumulation in producing the high Al₂O₃ contents of some of the more evolved basalts. Sr isotope ratios range from 0.70410 to 0.70463 throughout the suite and show a well-defined negative correlation with ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51275–0.51279). Pb isotope compositions are distinctly radiogenic with relatively large variations in ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (19.30–19.66), fairly constant ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.68–15.76) and minor variations in ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (39.15–39.51). Whole-rock δ¹⁸O values range from +6.4 to +8.5‰ and correlate positively with Sr isotope ratios. Overall, the isotopic variations are correlated with the degree of differentiation of the rocks, indicating that only small degrees of crustal assimilation are overprinting the dominant evolution by crystal–liquid fractionation (AFC-type processes). The radiogenic and oxygen isotope composition of the Salina basalts suggests derivation from primary magmas from a depleted mantle source contaminated by slab-derived fluids and subducted sediments with an isotopic signature of typical upper continental crust. These magmas then evolved further to andesitic and dacitic compositions through the prevailing process of low-pressure fractional crystallization in a shallow magma reservoir, accompanied by minor assimilation of crustal lithologies similar to those of the Calabrian lower crust. Received: 29 November 1999 / Accepted: 16 April 2000     

Geochemistry and genesis of the Lengenbach Pb-Zn-As-Tl-Ba-mineralisation,Binn Valley,Switzerland

 The Lengenbach Pb-Zn-As-Tl-Ba mineralisation is located in Triassic dolostones of the Penninic zone in the Swiss Alps where Alpine metamorphism reached upper greenschist to lower amphibolite grade. Geochemical data are used to constrain the origin of this unique occurrence. Two metamorphic redox environments are present: the As(III)-rich zone is controlled by barite-pyrite while the reduced zone contains graphite or pyrrhotite-pyrite and formally zerovalent As. The As(III)-rich zone is characterised by a mineral assemblage consistent with fO₂ in the stability field of barite+pyrite. An As-(Pb, Tl)-rich sulphide melt coexisted with a hydrothermal fluid at >kk300 °C in this zone. Mineralised dolostones are anomalous in As, Pb, Ag, Tl, Hg, Zn, Ba, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mo, U, V, B, Ga, Cr and possibly Sn and Au (in order of decreasing enrichment). As, Pb and Zn are present in the 0.1 to 1% range, Tl and Ag reach several hundred ppm. Uraninite is concentrated in silicate-rich bands and yields a late Alpine U-Pb age of 18.5±0.5 Ma. Pb- and S isotopic variations are interpreted by metamorphic overprinting and re-equilibration within an isochemically metamorphosed mineralisation. Hydrothermal sulphides are more strongly affected by uranogenic Pb than massive Pb-As-sulphides representing a former sulphide melt. The least overprinted mineralisation is characterised by ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb U003U=18.44−18.56, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.60−15.75, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb =38.44−38.84 and δ³⁴S (sulphide)=−25±2‰. S isotopic variations are largely a result of sulphide-sulphate re-equilibration yielding temperatures of 450± 30 °C. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of mineralised samples are lower than or equal to host dolostones, precluding major infiltration of basement-derived fluids during Alpine metamorphism. The Sr source (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr close to 0.708) probably was seawater with a radiogenic, detrital mineral component. The genesis of the unique Lengenbach mineralisation is interpreted as the result of isochemical metamorphic overprinting of a carbonate hosted stratiform sulphide mineralisation. Well-crystallised sulphide minerals in fissures and druses formed during retrograde cooling of a sulphide melt in equilibrium with a hydrothermal fluid. The primary mineralisation was probably formed at or close below the sea floor and fed by sulphide-poor hydrothermal fluids. Sulphide was largely derived from seawater by open system bacterial sulphate reduction. U, V and Mo may be seawater-derived. Received: 1 February 1995/Accepted: 10 January 1996     

Metal sources of the large Nezhdaninsky orogenic gold deposit, Yakutia, Russia: Results of high-precision MC-ICP-MS analysis of lead isotopic composition supplemented by data on strontium isotopes

A collection of galena from the Nezhdaninsky gold deposit (62 samples), as well as galena from the Menkeche silver-base-metal deposit and the Sentyabr occurrence and K-feldspar from intrusive rocks of the Tyry-Dyby ore cluster have been studied using the high-precision (±0.02%) MC-ICP-MS method. Particular ore zones are characterized by relatively narrow variations of isotope ratios (no wider than σ_6/4 = 0.26%). Vertical zoning of Pb isotopic composition is not detected. Variation in Pb isotope ratios mainly depends on the type of mineral assemblage. Galena of the gold-sulfide assemblage dominating at the Nezhdaninsky deposit is characterized by the following average isotope ratios: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.472, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.586, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.605. Galena from the regenerated silver-base-metal assemblage is distinguished by less radiogenic lead isotope ratios: 18.420, 15.575, and 38.518, respectively. In lead from the Nezhdaninsky deposit, the component, whose source is identified as Permian host terrigenous rocks, is predominant. The data points of isotopic composition of lode lead make up a linear trend within the range of μ₂ = 9.5-9.6. K-feldspar of granitic rocks has less radiogenic and widely varying lead isotopic composition compared to that of galena. The isotopic data on Pb and Sr constrain the contribution of Late Cretaceous granitic rocks as a source of gold mineralization at the Nezhdaninsky deposit. The matter from the Early Cretaceous fluid-generating magma chamber participated in the ore-forming system of the Nezhdaninsky deposit. The existence of such a chamber is confirmed by the occurrence of Early Cretaceous granitoid intrusions on the flanks of the Nezhdaninsky ore field. The greatest contribution of magmatic lead (～30%) is noted in galena from the silver-base-metal mineral assemblage. This component has isotopic marks characteristic of lower crustal lead: the elevated ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratio relative to the mean crustal value and the lower ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratio. Taken together, they determine a high Th/U ～ 4.0 in the source and μ₂ = 9.37–9.50. This conclusion is consistent with the contemporary tectonic model describing evolution of the South Verkhoyansk sector of the Verkhoyansk Foldbelt and the Okhotsk Terrane.     

Differences in lead isotope composition in the stratiform McArthur zinc-lead-silver deposit

Lead isotopic composition and uranium and lead concentrations have been determined for galena, sphalerite, pyrite and acetic acid soluble material from the McArthur area in order to test the hypothesis of a dual sulphur source suggested by the sulphur isotope data of Smith and Croxford (Sulphur isotope ratios in the McArthur lead-zinc-silver deposit, Nature Phys. Sci. 245, 10–12 (1973)). Galena, sphalerite and the acetic acid washes from the McArthur deposit have uniform isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.07–16.15; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.37–15.47; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 35.57–35.89) consistent with other conformable ore deposits, whereas the ratios for pyrite are variable and quite radiogenic (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.24–16.49; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.42–15.58; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 35.82–36.98). Acid washes where dolomite is a major dissolved phase are also radiogenic. The lead in the pyrite appears to have been derived from at least two sources: the less radiogenic lead coming from an exhalative source as for galena and sphalerite and the more radiogenic lead probably being leached from the country rocks. It is proposed that analysis of pyrite for isotopic composition and concentration of lead could be used as an indicator for similar types of deposits in this area.     

Ore lead and sulphur isotope pattern from the low-temperature veins of the Catalonian Coastal Ranges (NE Spain)

The lead isotopic composition of galenas from low-temperature veins of the Catalonian Coastal Ranges (NE Spain) displays a small but distinct range of values: 18.318 ≤²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ≤ 18.678; 15.678 ≤²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ≤ 15.767 and 38.534 ≤ ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ≤ 39.189. The data define a linear trend in the ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram that can be interpreted in terms of mixing of lead from different reservoirs. The lead appears to be derived from a solution that preferentially leached granites of Late-Hercynian age. Sulphur isotopic compositions of the galenas range from −8.5 to + 7.3‰ but variations in a single deposit are small (1–2‰), pointing to different sources of sulphur. In a δ³⁴S versus ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb plot no clear correlation trends appear. Lead isotope data from deposits of similar characteristics situated within the Hercynian orogenic belt as the Linares-La Carolina district (S Spain) and the Inglesiente-Sulcis area (Sardinia) show slight differences indicating a source area of similar lead isotopic composition. In the CCR and Linares-La Carolina districts, the main source of lead is related to the Hercynian granites of each area, although small contributions from metasediments cannot be ruled out. The contribution of lead from metasedimentary rocks is particularly seen in the Sardinian (Hercynian vein-type) ores. Received: 8 August 1996 / Accepted: 5 December 1996     

Pb Isotopic Composition and Metal Sources of Au and Ag Deposits of the South Verkhoyansk Region (Yakutia,Russia) According to High-Precision MC-ICP-MS Data

The paper considers the results of high-precision Pb–Pb isotopic analysis of 120 galena samples from 27 Au and Ag deposits of the South Verkhoyansk Synclinorium (SVS) including large Nezhdaninsky deposit (628.8 t Au). The Pb isotopic composition is analyzed on a MC-ICP-MS NEPTUNE mass-spectrometer from solutions with an error of no more than ±0.02% (2σ). Four types of deposits are studied: (i) stratified vein gold–quartz deposits (type 1) hosted in metamorphosed Upper Carboniferous–Lower Permian terrigenous rocks and formed during accretion of the Okhotsk Block to the North Asian Craton synchronously with dislocation metamorphism and related granitic magmatism; (ii) vein gold–quartz (Nezhdaninsky type) deposits also hosted in Lower Permian metasedimentary rocks; (iii) Au–Bi deposits localized at the contact zones of the Late Cretaceous granitic plutons; and (iv) Sn–Ag polymetallic deposits related to granitic and subvolcanic rocks of the Okhotsk Zone of the SVS. The deposits of types 2, 3, and 4 are postaccretionary. The general range of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios is 18.1516–18.5903 (2.4%), 15.5175–15.6155 (0.63%), and 38.3010–39.0481 (2.0%), respectively. In ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb–²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb–²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagrams, the data points of Pb isotopic compositions of all deposits occupy restricted, partly overlapping areas along a general elongated trend. The various SVS Au–Ag deposits can be classified according to the Pb isotopic composition in accordance with all three Pb ratios. Deposits of the same type show distinct Pb isotopic compositions that strongly exceed the scale of analytical error (±0.02%). The differences in Pb isotopic composition within specific deposits are low and subordinate and have little effect on variations in the Pb isotopic composition of the SVS deposits. The μ₂ values (Stacey–Kramers model), which characterize the ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of ore lead sources of the SVS deposits, widely vary from 9.7 to 9.38. The ω₂ values (²³²Th/²⁰⁴Pb) are 39.82–36.61, whereas the Th/U ratios are 4.04–3.86. The content of all three radiogenic Pb isotopes and μ₂ values of feldspars from SVS intrusive rocks are strongly distinct from those of galena of stratified gold–quartz and vein gold–quartz deposits and are identical to Pb of galena from Au–Bi and Sn–Ag polymetallic deposits, indicating a mostly magmatic origin for the Pb of these deposits. Detailed isotopic study of the Nezhdaninsky deposit shows different Pb isotopic composition of two consecutive mineral assemblages (gold–sulfide and Ag polymetallic): ~0.30, ~0.07, and ~0.22% for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios, respectively. These differences are interpreted as a result of involvement of at least two metal sources during the evolution of an ore-forming system: (i) host Lower Permian terrigenous rocks and (ii) a magmatic source similar in Pb isotopic composition to that of Sn–Ag polymetallic deposits. The Pb isotopic composition and μ₂ and Th/U values show that lead of stratified gold–quartz deposits combines isotopic tracers of lower and upper crustal sources (Upper Carboniferous–Lower Permian terrigenous rocks), lead of which was mobilized by ore-bearing fluids. The high ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios and Th/U evolutionary parameter are common to all Pb isotopic composition of all studied Au–Ag deposits and SVS Cretaceous intrusive rocks and indicate that Pb sources were depleted in U relative to Th. Taking into account the structure of the region and conceptions on its evolution, we can suggest that the magma source was related to lower crustal subducted rocks of the Archean (~2.6 Ga) North Asian Craton and the Okhotsk terrane.     

Late Cretaceous porphyry Cu and epithermal Cu–Au association in the Southern Panagyurishte District,Bulgaria: the paired Vlaykov Vruh and Elshitsa deposits

Vlaykov Vruh–Elshitsa represents the best example of paired porphyry Cu and epithermal Cu–Au deposits within the Late Cretaceous Apuseni–Banat–Timok–Srednogorie magmatic and metallogenic belt of Eastern Europe. The two deposits are part of the NW trending Panagyurishte magmato-tectonic corridor of central Bulgaria. The deposits were formed along the SW flank of the Elshitsa volcano-intrusive complex and are spatially associated with N110-120-trending hypabyssal and subvolcanic bodies of granodioritic composition. At Elshitsa, more than ten lenticular to columnar massive ore bodies are discordant with respect to the host rock and are structurally controlled. A particular feature of the mineralization is the overprinting of an early stage high-sulfidation mineral assemblage (pyrite ± enargite ± covellite ± goldfieldite) by an intermediate-sulfidation paragenesis with a characteristic Cu–Bi–Te–Pb–Zn signature forming the main economic parts of the ore bodies. The two stages of mineralization produced two compositionally different types of ores—massive pyrite and copper–pyrite bodies. Vlaykov Vruh shares features with typical porphyry Cu systems. Their common geological and structural setting, ore-forming processes, and paragenesis, as well as the observed alteration and geochemical lateral and vertical zonation, allow us to interpret the Elshitsa and Vlaykov Vruh deposits as the deep part of a high-sulfidation epithermal system and its spatially and genetically related porphyry Cu counterpart, respectively. The magmatic–hydrothermal system at Vlaykov Vruh–Elshitsa produced much smaller deposits than similar complexes in the northern part of the Panagyurishte district (Chelopech, Elatsite, Assarel). Magma chemistry and isotopic signature are some of the main differences between the northern and southern parts of the district. Major and trace element geochemistry of the Elshitsa magmatic complex are indicative for the medium- to high-K calc-alkaline character of the magmas. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios of igneous rocks in the range of 0.70464 to 0.70612 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) ratios in the range of 0.51241 to 0.51255 indicate mixed crustal–mantle components of the magmas dominated by mantellic signatures. The epsilon Hf composition of magmatic zircons (+6.2 to +9.6) also suggests mixed mantellic–crustal sources of the magmas. However, Pb isotopic signatures of whole rocks (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.13–18.64, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.58–15.64, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.69–38.56) along with common inheritance component detected in magmatic zircons also imply assimilation processes of pre-Variscan and Variscan basement at various scales. U–Pb zircon and rutile dating allowed determination of the timing of porphyry ore formation at Vlaykov Vruh (85.6 ± 0.9 Ma), which immediately followed the crystallization of the subvolcanic dacitic bodies at Elshitsa (86.11 ± 0.23 Ma) and the Elshitsa granite (86.62 ± 0.02 Ma). Strontium isotope analyses of hydrothermal sulfates and carbonates (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70581–0.70729) suggest large-scale interaction between mineralizing fluids and basement lithologies at Elshitsa–Vlaykov Vruh. Lead isotope compositions of hydrothermal sulfides (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.432–18.534, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.608–15.647, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.497–38.630) allow attribution of ore-formation in the porphyry and epithermal deposits in the Southern Panagyurishte district to a single metallogenic event with a common source of metals.     

The source of lead in Archaean lode gold deposits of the Menzies-Kalgoorlie-Kambalda region,Yilgarn Block,Western Australia

The Archaean greenstone terrane between Menzies and Kambalda exhibits a coherent, although deformed, stratigraphic sequence intruded by granitoids and bounded by major NNW-trending shear and/or fault zones. The greenstone terrane hosts a large number of lode gold prospects and deposits, including the giant Kalgoorlie deposits. The initial Pb isotope compositions of lode gold deposits, as determined from ore related galena and pyrite, vary systematically in a linear trend on a²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram which reflects crustal heterogeneity at the time of mineralisation. Deposits hosted within a 90 km section of the Menzies-Boorara Shear Zone have a uniform, radiogenic initial Pb isotope composition irrespective of temperature of mineralisation and proximity to granitoid-gneiss in plan view. The Pb in these deposits is considered to be derived largely from older felsic crust underlying the greenstone belt and was accessed via this major shear-zone system. Deposits in a transect unrelated to a major shear zone show a systematic correlation between initial Pb isotope compositions and proximity to granitoid-gneiss and/or to mineralisation temperature. These compositions are less radiogenic than those within the Menzies-Boorara Shear Zone, but trend on a²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus⁶⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram between this isotope signature and the uniform Pb isotope signature which characterises the >100 km greenstone transect from the Mt Pleasant area through Kalgoorlie to Kambalda. These data are interpreted to reflect Pb derivation from discrete crustal segments within and below the greenstones, and require that mineralisation was related to crustal-scale hydrothermal systems that accessed both sialic mid- to lower-crust and the greenstone succession.     

Lead isotope geochemical characteristics of Pb-Zn-Cu deposits on the southwestern margin of Tarim, and their significance

The polymetallic(Pb,Zn,Cu,etc) ore belt on the southwestern margin of Tarim is one of the major regions with the greatest prospecting potential in Xinjiang.Reported in this paper are the lead isotope data for 66 sulfide samples(including 50 galena samples,15 chalcopyrite samples and 1 pyrite sample) collected from such representative deposits as Tamu,Tiekelike,Kalangu,Abalieke,etc.in this ore belt.The Pb isotopic ratios of 206 Pb/204 Pb,207 Pb/204 Pb and 208 Pb/204 Pb in the galena samples range from 17.931 to 18.176,15.609 to 15.818 and 38.197 to 38.944,with the average values of 18.017,15.684 and 38.462,respectively.Those in the chalcopyrite samples range from 17.926 to 18.144,15.598 to 15.628 and 38.171 to 38.583,with the average values of 18.020,15.606 and 38.262,respectively.The pyrite sample has the Pb isotopic ratios of 206 Pb/204 Pb,207 Pb/204 Pb and 208 Pb/204 Pb to be 17.980,15.604 and 38.145,respectively.In combination with the previous Pb isotope data for sulfides,it is found that there is only a slight variation in the Pb isotopic composition of galena,chalcopyrite,sphalerite and pyrite in the ore belt.However,there is some difference in Pb isotopic characteristics between galena and chalcopyrite,especially the Pb isotopic composition of galena shows an obvious linear correlation with some other relevant parameters(e.g.β and γ).The comprehensive analysis suggested that lead in galena(maybe including sphalerite and pyrite) was derived principally from wall rocks and underlying basement,and that in chalcopyrite only originated from the basement.The single-stage model ages of these sulfides couldn’t indicate the time limit of metallogenesis(Pb,Zn,Cu,etc.),and the positive linear correlations for the Pb isotopic composition of galena are of no single-stage and two-stage Pb-Pb isochron significance.Furthermore,there are significant differences in Pb isotopic composition characteristics between the genetic type of deposits in this polymetallic ore belt and the Mississippi Valley type(MVT).In addition,the authors also pointed out that there is a phenomenon of differentiation(not paragenesis) for lead and copper elements during the process of metallogenesis in this ore belt.     

Sulfur, lead and helium isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals from the Dachang Sn-polymetallic ore district in South China: implication for ore genesis

Summary The Dachang Sn-polymetallic ore district is one of the largest tin producing districts in China. Its origin has long been in dispute between magmatic-hydrothermal replacement and submarine exhalative-hydrothermal origin. The Dachang ore district comprises several types of ore deposits, including the Lamo magmatogenic skarn deposit near a granite intrusion, the Changpo-Tongkeng bedded and vein-type sulfide deposit, and the Gaofeng massive sulfide deposit. Sulfide minerals from the Lamo skarn ores show δ³⁴S values in the range between −3 and +4‰ with a mean close to zero, suggesting a major magmatic sulfur source that likely was the intrusive Longxianggai granite. Sulfide minerals from the Gaofeng massive ores show higher δ³⁴S values between +5 and +12‰, whereas sulfide minerals from the Changpo-Tongkeng bedded ores display lighter δ³⁴S values between −7 and −0.2‰. The difference in the sulfur isotope ranges in the two deposits can be interpreted by different degrees of inorganic thermochemcial reduction of marine sulfate using a one-step batch separation fractionation model. Sulfur isotopic compositions from the vein-type ores at Changpo-Tongkeng vary widely from −8 to +4‰, but most of the data cluster around −2.9‰, which is close to that of bedded ores (−3.6‰). The sulfur in vein-type ores might be derived from bedded ores or it represents a mixture of magmatic- and sedimentary-derived sulfur. Pb isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals in the Dachang ore district reveal a difference between massive and bedded ores, with the massive ores displaying more radiogenic Pb isotope ratios. Correlations of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb or ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb for the massive and bedded ores are interpreted as two-component mixing of Pb leached from sedimentary host rocks and from deep-seated Precambrian basement rocks composed of metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary rocks. Pb isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals from vein-type ores overlap with those of bedded sulfides. Similar to the sulfur, the lead in vein-type ores might be derived from bedded ores. Skarn ores at Lamo show very limited variations in Pb isotopic compositions, which may reflect a major magmatic-hydrothermal lead source. Helium isotope data of fluid inclusions trapped in sulfides indicate that He in the massive and bedded ores has a different origin than He in fluorite of granite-related veins. The ³He/⁴He ratios of 1.2–2.9 Ra of fluid inclusions from sulfides at Gaofeng and Changpo-Tongkeng imply a contribution of mantle-derived fluids. Overall our data support a submarine exhalative-hydrothermal origin for the massive and bedded ore types at Dachang. Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at Appendix available as electronic supplementary material     

Metamorphism, isotopic ages and composition of lower crustal granulite xenoliths from the Cretaceous Salta Rift, Argentina

Crustal xenoliths from basanitic dikes and necks that intruded into continental sediments of the Cretaceous Salta Rift at Quebrada de Las Conchas, Provincia Salta, Argentina were investigated to get information about the age and the chemical composition of the lower crust. Most of the xenoliths have a granitoid composition with quartz-plagioclase-garnet-rutile ± K-feldspar as major minerals. The exceedingly rare mafic xenoliths consist of plagioclase-clinopyroxene-garnet ± hornblende. All xenoliths show a well equilibrated granoblastic fabric and the minerals are compositionally unzoned. Thermobarometric calculations indicate equilibration of the mafic xenoliths in the granulite facies at temperatures of ca. 900 °C and pressures of ca. 10 kbar. The Sm-Nd mineral isochron ages are 95.1 ± 10.4 Ma, 91.5 ± 13.0 Ma, 89.0 ± 4.2 Ma (granitoid xenoliths), and 110.7 ± 23.6 Ma (mafic xenolith). These ages are in agreement with the age of basanitic volcanism (ca. 130–100 and 80–75 Ma) and are interpreted as minimum ages of metamorphism. Lower crustal temperature at the time given by the isochrons was above the closure temperature of the Sm-Nd system (>600–700 °C). The Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic signatures (¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.1225–0.1608; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_{t 0} = 0.512000–0.512324; ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr = 0.099–0.172; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_{t 0} = 0.708188–0.7143161) and common lead isotopic signatures (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.43–18.48; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.62–15.70; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.22 –38.97) of the granitoid xenoliths are indistinguishable from the isotopic composition of the Early Paleozoic metamorphic basement from NW Argentina, apart from the lower ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratio of the basement. The Sm-Nd depleted mantle model ages of ca. 1.8 Ga from granitoid xenoliths and Early Paleozoic basement point to a similar Proterozoic protolith. Time constraints, the well equilibrated granulite fabric, P-T conditions and lack of chemical zoning of minerals point to a high temperature in a crust of nearly normal thickness at ca. 90 Ma and to a prominent thermal anomaly in the lithosphere. The composition of the xenoliths is similar to the composition of the Early Paleozoic basement in the Andes of NW Argentina and northern Chile. A thick mafic lower crust seems unlikely considering low abundance of mafic xenoliths and the predominance of granitoid xenoliths. Received: 21 July 1998 / Accepted: 27 October 1998     

The Paleozoic Ozbak-Kuh carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposit of East Central Iran: Isotope (C,O, S,Pb) geochemistry and ore genesis

Lead and zinc mineralization occurs in dolostones of the Middle Devonian Sibzar Formation at Ozbak-Kuh, which is located 150 km north of Tabas city in East Central Iran. The ore is composed of galena, sphalerite and calcite, with subordinate dolomite and bitumen. Wall-rock alterations include carbonate recrystallization and dolomitization. Microscopic studies reveal that the host rock is replaced by galena and sphalerite. The Pb–Zn mineralization is epigenetic and stratabound. The δ¹³C values of hydrothermal calcite samples fall in the narrow range between ?0.3‰ and 0.8‰. The δ¹⁸O values in calcite display a wider range, between ?14.5‰ and ?11.9‰. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values overlap with the oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of Paleozoic seawater, indicating the possible important participation of Paleozoic seawater in the ore-forming fluid. The δ¹⁸O signature corresponds to a spread in temperature of about 70 °C in the ore-bearing fluid. The δ¹³C values indicate that the organic materials within the host rocks did not contribute significantly in the hydrothermal fluid. The δ³⁴S values of galena and sphalerite samples occupy the ranges of 12.2‰–16.0‰ and 12.1–16.8‰, respectively. These values reveal that the seawater sulfate is the most probable source of sulfur. The reduced sulfur was most likely supplied through thermochemical sulfate reduction. The sulfur isotope ratios of co-precipitated sphalerite–galena pairs suggest that deposition of the sulfide minerals took place under chemical disequilibrium conditions. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of the galena samples represent average values of 18.08, 15.66, and 38.50, respectively. These ratios indicate that galena Pb likely originated from an orogenic source in which supracrustal rocks with high ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb and ²³²Th/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are dominant. The average lead isotope model age portrays Cambrian age. This model age is not coeval with the host rocks, which are of middle Devonian age. It is probable that the pre-Middle Devonian model age shows the derivation of Pb from older sources either from host rocks of Cambrian age or from deposits previously formed in these rock units. The Pb isotopic composition of galena accords with the occurrence of an orogenic activity from Late Neoproterozoic to Lower Cambrian in Central Iran. The proposed genetic model considers the fact that mineralization formed in fractured and brecciated host rocks along shear zones and faults from metal-bearing connate waters that were discharged due to deformational dewatering of sediments.     

Sulfur and lead isotope geochemistry of hypogene mineralization at the Barite Hill Gold Deposit, Carolina Slate Belt, southeastern United States: a window into and through regional metamorphism

The Barite Hill gold deposit, at the southwestern end of the Carolina slate belt in the southeastern United States, is one of four gold deposits in the region that have a combined yield of 110 metric tons of gold over the past 10 years. At Barite Hill, production has dominantly come from oxidized ores. Sulfur isotope data from hypogene portions of the Barite Hill gold deposit vary systematically with pyrite–barite associations and provide insights into both the pre-metamorphic Late Proterozoic hydrothermal and the Paleozoic regional metamorphic histories of the deposit. The δ³⁴S values of massive barite cluster tightly between 25.0 and 28.0‰, which closely match the published values for Late Proterozoic seawater and thus support a seafloor hydrothermal origin. The δ³⁴S values of massive sulfide range from 1.0 to 5.3‰ and fall within the range of values observed for modern and ancient seafloor hydrothermal sulfide deposits. In contrast, δ³⁴S values for finer-grained, intergrown pyrite (5.1–6.8‰) and barite (21.0–23.9‰) are higher and lower than their massive counterparts, respectively. Calculated sulfur isotope temperatures for the latter barite–pyrite pairs (Δ=15.9–17.1‰) range from 332–355 °C and probably reflect post-depositional equilibration at greenschist-facies regional metamorphic conditions. Thus, pyrite and barite occurring separately from one another provide pre-metamorphic information about the hydrothermal origin of the deposit, whereas pyrite and barite occurring together equilibrated to record the metamorphic conditions. Preliminary fluid inclusion data from sphalerite are consistent with a modified seawater source for the mineralizing fluids, but data from quartz and barite may reflect later metamorphic and (or) more recent meteoric water input. Lead isotope values from pyrites range for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 18.005–18.294, for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.567–15.645, and for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 37.555–38.015. The data indicate derivation of the ore leads from the country rocks, which themselves show evidence for contributions from relatively unradiogenic, mantle-like lead, and more evolved or crustal lead. Geological relationships, and stable and radiogenic isotopic data, suggest that the Barite Hill gold deposit formed on the Late Proterozoic seafloor through exhalative hydrothermal processes similar to those that were responsible for the massive sulfide deposits of the Kuroko district, Japan. On the basis of similarities with other gold-rich massive sulfide deposits and modern seafloor hydrothermal systems, the gold at Barite Hill was probably introduced as an integral part of the formation of the massive sulfide deposit. Received: 17 August 1998 / Accepted: 12 October 2000     

Lead isotope constraints on the genesis of Pb–Zn deposits in the Neoproterozoic Vazante Group, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Neoproterozoic Vazante Group at the western border of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, hosts the largest Zn–Pb district in South America. Several authors have classified this mineral district as Mississippi Valley-type (MVT), based on the intimate association with carbonates and the epigenetic character of most ore bodies. In this paper, we present 47 new lead isotope data from four deposits located along the 300 km N–S Vazante–Paracatu–Unai linear trend. Pb isotope ratios indicate sources with relatively high U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Considering the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios as indicative parameters for the source, we suggest an upper crustal source for the metals. The small variation on the Pb isotope ratios compared to those observed in the classical MVT deposits, and other geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotopic data indicates a metallogenic event of long duration. It was characterized by focused circulation of hydrothermal fluids carrying metals from the basement rocks and from the sedimentary pile. The data obtained are more compatible with an evolution model similar to that of IRISH-type deposits. The existence of three Pb isotopic populations could be the result of regional differences in composition of the source rocks and in the fluid–rock interaction since the mineralization is a long-term process.     

Emarat carbonate-hosted Zn–Pb deposit, Markazi Province, Iran: A geological, mineralogical and isotopic (S, Pb) study

The Emarat deposit, with a total proved reserve of 10 Mt ore grading 6% Zn and 2.26% Pb, is one of the largest Zn–Pb deposits in the Malayer–Esfahan belt. The mineralization is stratabound and restricted to Early Cretaceous limestones and dolomites. The ore consists mainly of sphalerite and galena with small amounts of pyrite, chalcopyrite, calcite, quartz, and dolomite. Textural evidence shows that the ore has replaced the host rocks and thus is epigenetic.Sulfur isotopes indicate that the sulfur in sphalerite and galena has been derived from Cretaceous seawater through thermochemical sulfate reduction. Sulfur isotope compositions of four apparently coprecipitated sphalerite–galena pairs suggest their precipitation was under equilibrium conditions. The sulfur isotopic fractionation observed for the sphalerite–galena pairs corresponds to formation temperatures between 77 °C and 168 °C, which agree with homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions.Lead-isotope studies indicate that the lead in galena has been derived from heterogeneous sources including orogenic and crustal reservoirs with high ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb and ²³²Th/²⁰⁴Pb ratios. Ages derived from the Pb-isotope model give meaningless ages, ranging from Early Carboniferous to future. It is probable that the Pb-isotope model ages that point to an earlier origin than the Early Cretaceous host rocks are derived from older reservoirs in the underlying Carboniferous or Jurassic units, either from the host rocks or from earlier-formed ore deposits within these units.This research and other available data show that the Emarat Zn–Pb deposit has many important features of Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) lead–zinc deposits and thus we argue that it is an MVT-type ore deposit.     

Isotope composition of Medieval lead glasses reflecting early silver production in Central Europe

The lead isotope composition of 32 lead glasses excavated from strata of the twelfth to early fifteenth century in six countries of NW Europe made the predominance of the Harz Mountains in this period of the Medieval European lead and silver production highly probable. Post-Variscan vein type galena, Devonian syngenetic hydrothermal ore (Rammelsberg) and blended ore from both deposits in the Harz were used. Our evaluation of 200 mining sites in Germany, Britain and Ireland also demonstrated that minor lead sources for lead glass were located in Bavaria/Bohemia and England. Lead ores from the Rhenohercynian orogenic belt in Germany are derived from rock sources close to the upper continental crust composition in ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb of about 10 and Th/U of about 4. The ores in Central England originated from rocks with ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb of about 11. Received: 24 September 1996 / Accepted: 17 January 1997     

Isotopic and fluid-inclusion constraints on the formation of polymetallic vein deposits in the central Argentinian Patagonia

The lead isotope compositions of galena and the fluid-inclusion systematics of nine barite-bearing polymetallic (Au, Ag, Pb, Zn) deposits of the central Argentinian Patagonia (Chubut and Rio Negro provinces) have been investigated to constrain the compositions and sources of the mineralizing fluids. Most of the deposits occur as veins, with less common wall-rock disseminations and/or stockworks, and are low-sulfidation epithermal deposits hosted in Jurassic volcanic rocks. Fluid-inclusion homogenization temperatures (Th) from quartz and sphalerite from the deposits fall within the range of 100-300 °C, with the highest measured average temperatures for the most eastern deposits (Mina Angela - 298 °C; Cañadón Bagual - 343 °C). The salinities of the hydrothermal fluids at all deposits were low to moderate (⢪.4 equiv. wt% NaCl). Three groups of ore deposits can be defined on the basis of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios for galena and these show a general decrease from west to east (from 18.506 to 18.000). The central Argentinian Patagonia deposits have distinctly less radiogenic lead isotope compositions than similar deposits from Peru and Chile, except for the porphyry copper deposits of central and southern Peru. Galena from the Mina Angela deposit is characterized by very low radiogenic lead isotope compositions (18.000<²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb<18.037 and 38.03<²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb<38.09) and reflects interaction with Precambrian basement. The geographic trend in lead isotope compositions of both galena and whole rocks indicates a crustal contribution which increases eastwards, also reflected in the strontium-neodymium isotope systematics of the host lavas. Finally, due to the lack of precise age determinations for the central Patagonian polymetallic deposits, a potential link with Andean porphyry copper systems remains an open question.