New geologic, fluid inclusion and stable isotope studies on the controversial Igarapé Bahia Cu–Au deposit, Carajás Province, Brazil

The Igarapé Bahia Cu–Au deposit in the Carajás Province, Brazil, is hosted by steeply dipping metavolcano-sedimentary rocks of the Igarapé Bahia Group. This group consists of a low greenschist grade unit of the Archean (∼2,750 Ma) Itacaiúnas Supergroup, in which other important Cu–Au and iron ore deposits of the Carajás region are also hosted. The orebody at Igarapé Bahia is a fragmental rock unit situated between chloritized basalt, with associated hyaloclastite, banded iron formation (BIF), and chert in the footwall and mainly coarse- to fine-grained turbidites in the hanging wall. The fragmental rock unit is a nearly concordant, 2 km long and 30–250 m thick orebody made up of heterolithic, usually matrix-supported rocks composed mainly of coarse basalt, BIF, and chert clasts derived from the footwall unit. Mineralization is confined to the fine-grained matrix and comprises disseminated to massive chalcopyrite accompanied by magnetite, gold, U- and light rare earth element (LREE)-minerals, and minor other sulfides like bornite, molybdenite, cobaltite, digenite, and pyrite. Gangue minerals include siderite, chlorite, amphibole, tourmaline, quartz, stilpnomelane, epidote, and apatite. A less important mineralization style at Igarapé Bahia is represented by late quartz–chalcopyrite–calcite veins that crosscut all rocks in the deposit area. Fluid inclusions trapped in a quartz cavity in the ore unit indicate that saline aqueous fluids (5 to 45 wt% NaCl + CaCl₂ equiv), together with carbonic (CO₂ ± CH₄) and low-salinity aqueous carbonic (6 wt% NaCl equiv) fluids, were involved in the mineralization process. Carbonates from the fragmental layer have δ¹³C values from −6.7 to −13.4 per mil that indicate their origin from organic and possibly also from magmatic carbon. The δ³⁴S values for chalcopyrite range from −1.1 to 5.6 per mil with an outlier at −10.8 per mil, implying that most sulfur is magmatic or leached from magmatic rocks, whereas a limited contribution of reduced and oxydized sulfur is also evident. Oxygen isotopic ratios in magnetite, quartz, and siderite yield calculated temperatures of ∼400°C and δ¹⁸O-enriched compositions (5 to 16.5 per mil) for the ore-forming fluids that suggest a magmatic input and/or an interaction with ¹⁸O-rich, probably sedimentary rocks. The late veins of the Igarapé Bahia deposit area were formed from saline aqueous fluids (2 to 60 wt% NaCl + CaCl₂ equiv) with δ¹⁸O_fluid compositions around 0 per mil that indicate contribution from meteoric fluids. With respect to geological features, Igarapé Bahia bears similarity with syngenetic, volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS)-type deposits, as indicated by the volcano-sedimentary geological context, stratabound character, and association with submarine volcanic flows, hyaloclastite, and exhalative beds such as BIF and chert. On the other hand, the highly saline ore fluids and the mineral assemblage, dominated by magnetite and chalcopyrite, with associated gold, U- and LREE-minerals and scarce pyrite, indicate that Igarapé Bahia belongs to the Fe oxide Cu–Au (IOCG) group of deposits. The available geochronologic data used to attest syngenetic or epigenetic origins for the mineralization are either imprecise or may not represent the main mineralization episode but a later, superimposed event. The C, S, and O isotopic results obtained in this study do not clearly discriminate between fluid sources. However, recent B isotope data obtained on tourmaline from the matrix of the fragmental rock ore unit (Xavier, Wiedenbeck, Dreher, Rhede, Monteiro, Araújo, Chemical and boron isotopic composition of tourmaline from Archean and Paleoproterozoic Cu–Au deposits in the Carajás Mineral Province, 1° Simpósio Brasileiro de Metalogenia, Gramado, Brazil, extended abstracts, CD-ROM, 2005) provide strong evidence of the involvement of a marine evaporitic source in the hydrothermal system of Igarapé Bahia. Evaporite-derived fluids may explain the high salinities and the low reduced sulfur mineral paragenesis observed in the deposit. Evaporite-derived fluids also exclude a significant participation of magmatic or mantle-derived fluids, reinforcing the role of nonmagmatic brines in the genesis of Igarapé Bahia. Considering this aspect and the geological features, the possibility that the deposit was generated by a hydrothermal submarine system whose elevated salinity was acquired by leaching of ancient evaporite beds should be evaluated.     

Sulfur isotope and fluid inclusion geochemistry of metamorphic Cu–Au vein deposits,central Cobar area,NSW, Australia

Vein-type, structurally controlled Cu–Au mineralisation hosted by turbidites of late Silurian to earliest Devonian age, forms an important resource close to the eastern margin of the Cobar Basin. Here we report 103 new sulfur isotope analyses, together with homogenisation temperatures and salinity data for 545 primary two-phase fluid inclusions for the mineralised zones from the central area of the Cobar mining district. A range in δ³⁴S values from 3.8 to 11.2‰ (average 7.9‰) is present. Sulfur is likely to have been derived from rock sulfur/sulfide in basin and basement rocks, but there may be an additional connate-derived component. Homogenisation temperatures (T_h) for inclusion fluids trapped in quartz and minor calcite veins range from near 150°C to 397°C. Fluid inclusions are characterised by a low CO₂ content and low, but variable salinities (2.1–9.1 wt% NaCl equivalent). Generations of inclusion fluids correspond to six paragenetic stages of vein quartz deposition and recrystallisation at the Chesney mine. Primary fluid inclusions in the first two stages were subjected to re-equilibration resulting from increased confining pressure. Their T_h range (151–317°C) is considered a minimum for the temperature of these fluids. Sulfide and gold deposition at Chesney appears to be related to fluids of moderately high T_h (range 270–397°C) associated with the final paragenetic stage. T_h for the ore-related fluids may be close to the solvus of the H₂O–NaCl–CO₂ system and hence near trapping temperatures. Late-stage entry of a hot, moderately saline ore-forming fluid is implicated as the origin of the Cu–Au mineralisation. However, comparison with geochemical data for the vein-style Zn–Pb–Ag deposits at Cobar demonstrates that differences in metal content for individual zones cannot be attributed to major differences in fluid temperature or salinity. Rather, these differences are probably due to variations in source-rock reservoirs and structural pathways along which the ore-forming fluids moved.     

Mineralogy,mineral chemistry,fluid inclusion,and stable isotope investigations of the Kabadüz ore veins,Ordu, NE-Turkey

Hydrothermal vein-type deposits of the Kabadüz region (Ordu, NE-Turkey) are located in Upper Cretaceous andesitic–basaltic rocks and were formed in fault zones along NW–SE direction lines, with thicknesses varying between a few centimetres up to 2 m. The primary mineral paragenesis of the many different ore veins consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite–tennantite, with quartz and lesser amounts of calcite and barite as gangue minerals. Electron microprobe analyses indicate that the sphalerite and tetrahedrite–tennantite have low Fe contents, with values less than 3.37 wt.% and 1.56 wt.%, respectively. The very low Ni and Co contents of the pyrites (< 0.04 wt.%) and the Zn/Cd ratio of the sphalerite (~ avg. 100) indicate that the hydrothermal solutions were related to felsic magmatic activity. The homogenisation temperatures and calculated salinity data vary between 180–436 °C and 0.4–14.7 NaCl % eq., respectively. A well-defined negative correlation between the T_h and the salinity data suggests that meteoric water was involved in the hydrothermal solutions. Based on the measured first melting temperatures, CaCl₂, MgCl₂, NaCl and KCl were dominant in the fluid inclusions. The δ³⁴S compositions of the pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena mineral separates of the investigated ore veins were measured at between 2.14 and − 1.47‰, and the oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions varied between 7.8–8.5‰ and − 40 − 57‰, respectively. Based on the sulphur, oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions, magmatic sources were confirmed for the hydrothermal solutions. Taking into account all of the above data and the granitic intrusions around the area, we concluded that younger granitic intrusions were responsible for the ore mineralisation around the Kabadüz region.     

Geology, mineralization, stable isotope geochemistry, and fluid inclusion characteristics of the Novogodnee–Monto oxidized Au–(Cu) skarn and porphyry deposit, Polar Ural, Russia

The Novogodnee–Monto oxidized Au–(Cu) skarn and porphyry deposit is situated in the large metallogenic belt of magnetite skarn and Cu–Au porphyry deposits formed along the Devonian–Carboniferous Urals orogen. The deposit area incorporates nearly contemporaneous Middle–Late Devonian to Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous calc-alkaline (gabbro to diorite) and potassic (monzogabbro, monzodiorite- to monzonite-porphyry, also lamprophyres) intrusive suites. The deposit is represented by magnetite skarn overprinted by amphibole–chlorite–epidote–quartz–albite and then sericite–quartz–carbonate assemblages bearing Au-sulfide mineralization. This mineralization includes early high-fineness (900–990?‰) native Au associated mostly with cobaltite as well as with chalcopyrite and Co-pyrite, intermediate-stage native Au (fineness 830–860?‰) associated mostly with galena, and late native Au (760–830?‰) associated with Te minerals. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope data indicate an involvement of magmatic–hydrothermal high-salinity (>20 wt.% NaCl-equiv.) chloride fluids. The potassic igneous suite may have directly sourced fluids, metals, and/or sulfur. The abundance of Au mineralization is consistent with the oxidized character of the system, and its association with Co-sulfides suggests elevated sulfur fugacity.     

Mineralogical,petrographic and fluid inclusion evidence for the link between boiling and epithermal Ag-Au mineralization in the La Luz area,Guanajuato Mining District,México

Theoretical, experimental and observation data provide strong evidence that boiling is the dominant depositional mechanism in many low to intermediate sulfidation epithermal precious metals deposits. Textural and petrographic features that are evidence for boiling in the epithermal environment include the presence of coexisting liquid-rich and vapor-rich fluid inclusions, assemblages consisting of only vapor-rich fluid inclusions, colloform quartz, adularia and bladed calcite. We have examined 213 samples collected from surface outcrops, underground workings and drill cores from the central part of the La Luz vein system in the Guanajuato mining district, Mexico. In each sample, the various features that are evidence of boiling have been recorded. These observations have been quantified using a Boiling Confidence Factor that provides a means of scoring and rating each sample or area relative to the likelihood that boiling occurred.Homogenization temperatures of liquid-rich fluid inclusions within assemblages of coexisting liquid-rich and vapor-rich fluid inclusions have been measured to estimate the depth of trapping of the inclusions, and these data have been used to estimate the depth to the 300 °C isotherm along the La Luz vein system.Fluid inclusions and mineral textural features show strong evidence of boiling in the deepest levels sampled in the La Luz system. This observation suggests that the bottom of the boiling zone is at some depth beneath the deepest levels explored and opens the potential for additional resources at depth.     

Geochronological,stable isotopes and fluid inclusion constraints for a premetamorphic development of the intrusive-hosted Björkdal Au deposit,northern Sweden

The Björkdal gold deposit, bound to a quartz vein system which is mainly hosted by a quartz-monzodioritic intrusion, is situated at the easternmost part of the 1.9 Ga Skellefte base metal district in the Fennoscandian shield. Three fluid stages may be distinguished, referred to as a “barren” stage, a main gold stage, and a remobilization stage, respectively. From oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence, it is argued that fluids of different origins (magmatic and surface waters) penetrated the ore zone at the inferred stages, but regional metamorphic fluids appear essentially only to have redistributed elements. Early quartz veining took place during a pre-metamorphic stage at ca. 1.88 Ga, as evidenced by unradiogenic galena data and an Sm–Nd scheelite errorchron of 1,915 ± 32 Ma (MSWD = 0.25). Temporarily, the main ore-forming stage was closely related to the first barren stage and took place during a major uplift event close to 1.88 Ga. Although other source rocks cannot be totally ruled out, available isotope data (O, S, Sr and Pb) are seemingly consistent with the view that these elements, and by inference other ore elements, were derived from the host intrusion.     

Geology,mineralization, and fluid inclusion characteristics of the Lermontovskoe reduced-type tungsten (±Cu,Au, Bi) skarn deposit,Sikhote-Alin,Russia

The Lermontovskoe deposit (∼48 Kt WO₃; average 2.6% WO₃, 0.24% Cu, 0.23 g/t Au) is situated in a W-Sn-Au metallogenic belt that formed in a collisional tectonic environment. This tungsten skarn deposit has a W-Au-As-Bi-Te-Sb signature that suggests an affinity with reduced intrusion-related Au deposits. The deposit is associated with an intrusion that is part of the ilmenite-series, high-K peraluminous granitoid (granodiorite to granite) suite. These rocks formed via mantle magma-induced melting of crustal sources.The deposit comprises reduced-type, pyroxene-dominated prograde and retrograde skarns followed by hydrosilicate (amphibole-chlorite-pyrrhotite-scheelite-quartz) and phyllic (muscovite/sericite-carbonate-albite-quartz-scheelite-sulfide, with abundant apatite) alteration assemblages. Fluid inclusions from the skarn assemblages indicate high-temperature (>500 °C), high-pressure (1400–1500 bars) and high-salinity (53–60 wt% NaCl-equiv.) magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. They were post-dated by high-carbonic, methane-dominate, low-salinity fluid at the hydrosilicate alteration stage. These fluids boiled at 360–380 °C and 1300–1400 bars. The subsequent phyllic alteration started again with a high-temperature (>450 °C), high-pressure (1000–1100 bars) and high-salinity (42–47 wt% NaCl-equiv.) fluid, with further incursion of high-carbonic, methane-dominated, low-salinity fluid that boiled at 390–420 °C and 1150–1200 bars. The latest phyllic alteration included the lower-temperature (340–360 °C), lower pressure (370–400 bars) high-carbonic, methane-dominated (but with higher CO₂ fraction), low-salinity fluid, and then the low-temperature (250–300 °C) H₂O-CO₂-CH₄-NaCl fluid, with both fluids boiled at the deposit level. The high-salinity aqueous fluids are interpreted to have come from crystallizing granitoid magma, whereas the reduced high-carbonic fluids probably came from a deeper mafic magma source. Both of these fluids potentially contributed to the W-Au-As-Bi-Te-Sb metal budget. Decreasing temperatures coupled with high aCa²⁺ and fluid boiling promoted scheelite deposition at all post-skarn hydrothermal stages.The deposit is characterized by limited downdip extent of mineralized zones and abundant coarse-grained muscovite-quartz (+apatite, scheelite) aggregates that formed at the phyllic alteration stage. Together with presence of high-temperature, high-pressure and high-salinity fluids directly exsolving from crystallizing magma, this suggests a root level of the mineralized magmatic-hydrothermal system of reduced W skarn deposits.     

Origin of the Okrouhlá Radouň episyenite-hosted uranium deposit,Bohemian Massif,Czech Republic: fluid inclusion and stable isotope constraints

The Okrouhlá Radouň shear zone hosted uranium deposit is developed along the contact of Variscan granites and high-grade metasedimentary rocks of the Moldanubian Zone of the Bohemian Massif. The pre-ore pervasive alteration of wall rocks is characterized by chloritization of mafic minerals, followed by albitization of feldspars and dissolution of quartz giving rise to episyenites. The subsequent fluid circulation led to precipitation of disseminated uraninite and coffinite, and later on, post-ore quartz and carbonate mineralization containing base metal sulfides. The fluid inclusion and stable isotope data suggest low homogenization temperatures (～50–140 °C during pre-ore albitization and post-ore carbonatization, up to 230 °C during pre-ore chloritization), variable fluid salinities (0–25 wt.% NaCl eq.), low fluid δ¹⁸O values (?10 to +2 ‰ V-SMOW), low fluid δ¹³C values (?9 to ?15 ‰ V-PDB), and highly variable ionic composition of the aqueous fluids (especially Na/Ca, Br/Cl, I/Cl, SO₄/Cl, NO₃/Cl ratios). The available data suggest participation of three fluid endmembers of primarily surficial origin during alteration and mineralization at the deposit: (1) local meteoric water, (2) Na–Ca–Cl basinal brines or shield brines, (3) SO₄–NO₃–Cl–(H)CO₃ playa-like fluids. Pre-ore albitization was caused by circulation of alkaline, oxidized, and Na-rich playa fluids, whereas basinal/shield brines and meteoric water were more important during the post-ore stage of alteration.     

Genesis of the Proterozoic Mangabeira tin–indium mineralization,Central Brazil: Evidence from geology,petrology, fluid inclusion and stable isotope data

The Mangabeira deposit is the only known Brazilian tin mineralization with indium. It is hosted in the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic Mangabeira within-plate granitic massif, which has geochemical characteristics of NYF fertile granites. The granitic massif is hosted in Archean to Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks (Ticunzal formation), Paleoproterozoic peraluminous granites (Aurumina suite) and a granite–gneiss complex. The mineralized area comprises evolved Li-siderophyllite granite, topaz–albite granite, Li–F-rich mica greisens and a quartz–topaz rock, similar to topazite. Two types of greisens are recognized in the mineralized area: zinnwaldite greisen and Li-rich muscovite greisen, formed by metasomatism of topaz–albite granite and Li-siderophyllite granite, respectively. Cassiterite occurs in the quartz–topaz rock and in the greisens. Indium minerals, such as roquesite (CuInS₂), yanomamite (InAsO₄·2H₂O) and dzhalindite (In(OH₃)), and In-rich cassiterite, sphalerite, stannite group minerals and scorodite are more abundant in the quartz–topaz rock, and are also recognized in albitized biotite granite and in Li-rich muscovite greisen. The host rocks and mineralized zones were subsequently overprinted by the Brasiliano orogenic event.Primary widespread two-phase aqueous and rare coeval aqueous-carbonic fluid inclusions are preserved in quartz from the topaz–albite granite, in quartz and topaz from the quartz–topaz rock and in cassiterite from the Li-rich muscovite greisen. Eutectic temperatures are − 25 °C to − 23 °C, allowing modeling of the aqueous fluids in the system H₂O–NaCl(–KCl). Rare three-phase H₂O–NaCl fluid inclusions (45–50 wt.% NaCl equiv.) are restricted to the topaz–albite granite. Salinities and homogenization temperatures of the aqueous and aqueous-carbonic fluid inclusions decrease from the topaz–albite granite (15–20 wt.% NaCl equiv.; 400 °C–450 °C), to the quartz–topaz rock (10–15 wt.% NaCl equiv.; 250 °C–350 °C) and to the greisen (0–5 wt.% NaCl equiv.; 200 °C–250 °C). Secondary fluid inclusions have the same range of salinities as the primary fluid inclusions, and homogenize between 150 and 210 °C.The estimated equilibrium temperatures based on δ¹⁸O of quartz–mica pairs are 610–680 °C for the topaz–albite granite and 285–370 °C for the Li-rich muscovite greisens. These data are coherent with measured fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures. Temperatures estimated using arsenopyrite geothermometry yield crystallization temperatures of 490–530 °C for the quartz–topaz rock and 415–505 °C for the zinnwaldite greisens. The fluids in equilibrium with the topaz–albite granite have calculated δ¹⁸O and δD values of 5.6–7.5‰ and − 67 to − 58‰, respectively. Estimated δ¹⁸O and δD values are mainly 4.8–7.9‰ and − 60 to − 30‰, respectively, for the fluids in equilibrium with the quartz–topaz rock and zinnwaldite greisen; and 3.4–3.9‰ and − 25 to − 17‰, respectively, for the Li-rich muscovite greisen fluid. δ³⁴S data on arsenopyrite from the quartz–topaz rock vary from − 1.74 to − 0.74‰, consistent with a magmatic origin for the sulfur. The integration of fluid inclusion with oxygen isotopic data allows for estimation of the minimum crystallization pressure at ca. 770 bar for the host topaz–albite granite, which is consistent with its evolved signature.Based on petrological, fluid inclusion and isotope data it is proposed that the greisens and related Mangabeira Sn–In mineralization had a similar hydrothermal genesis, which involved exsolution of F-rich, Sn–In-bearing magmatic fluids from the topaz–albite granite, early formation of the quartz–topaz rock and zinnwaldite greisen, progressive cooling and Li-rich muscovite greisen formation due to interaction with meteoric water. The quartz–topaz rock is considered to have formed in the magmatic-hydrothermal transition. The mineralizing saline and CO₂-bearing fluids are interpreted to be of magmatic origin, based on the isotopic data and paragenesis, which has been documented as characteristic of the tin mineralization genetically related to Proterozoic within-plate granitic magmatism in the Goias Tin Province, Central Brazil.     

The alkaline porphyry associated Yao’an gold deposit,Yunnan, China: rare earth element and stable isotope evidence for magmatic-hydrothermal ore formation

The Yaoan vein-type gold deposit is located in the Ailaoshan-Jinshajiang alkaline intrusive belt, Yunnan Province, China, and is associated both in time and space with 33.5±1.0-Ma-old alkaline intrusions. The gold mineralization is associated with potassic wall-rock alteration. The REE distribution patterns of secondary K-feldspar are generally similar to those of the igneous perthite but with about seven times higher total REE abundances. The alteration is ascribed to a high-REE magmatic fluid derived from the Yaoan alkaline intrusive suite. The hydrothermal Yaoan gold deposit formed during two gold-bearing stages, i.e. a sulfide (pyrite) stage and a sulfide-oxide stage (pyrite-specularite). The REE abundance of early stage I pyrite is relatively high with strong enrichment in LREE, (La/Yb)_n of 40–290, generally positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.86–1.55), and REE patterns very similar to those of secondary feldspar. In contrast, the later stage II pyrite has much lower REE concentrations and lower (La/Yb)_n of 5.5–11.8, Eu/Eu* of 0.49–0.76, and flat chondrite-normalized spidergram patterns. The stage I pyrite has ³⁴S in the range of –2.2 to +3.2, and overlaps with regionally distributed pyrite in least-altered syenite porphyry. In contrast, stage II pyrite has much higher ³⁴S values between +7.8 and +16.5. Carbon isotope data for four samples from stage II revealed ¹³C (PDB) values between –6 and –8. These stable isotope and REE data suggest that magmatic fluids of the alkaline intrusions caused both potassic alteration and stage I sulfide mineralization. The system evolved from stage I to stage II mineralization by influx of meteoric fluids with relatively heavier sulfur, although calcite carbon isotope data suggest that the CO₂ remained dominantly of magmatic origin.Editorial handling: B. Lehmann     

Geology,fluid inclusion,and stable isotope study of the skarn-related Pb–Zn (Cu–Fe–Sn) polymetallic deposits in the southern Great Xing’an Range,China: implications for deposit type and metallogenesis

In recent decades, several skarn-related deposits have been found and explored in the southern Great Xing’an Range of China. To get a clear understanding of the characteristics and genetics of this type of deposit in this area, three of the largest, most typical, and most famous skarn-related deposits (Haobugao Pb–Zn deposit, Huanggang Sn–Fe polymetallic deposit, and Baiyinnuoer Pb–Zn deposit) are selected for systematically metallogenic study in this paper. The results of ore geology, fluid inclusion, and stable isotopes indicate that (1) most of the ore bodies of each deposit, occurred in the outer contact zone of the magma intrusion and Permian strata, fine vein disseminated mineralization within the intrusions were also found in this study. Mineralization of these deposits all show closely temporal, spatial, and genetic relationships with skarns. (2) Fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometry results show that the fluid inclusion assemblages developed in the different mineralization stages of each deposit changed from Type-S (daughter mineral-bearing three-phase fluid inclusions) + Type-V (vapor-rich fluid inclusions) + Type-L (liquid-rich fluid inclusions) to Type-V + Type-L and eventually evolved into L-Type. Correspondingly, the ore-forming fluids changed from medium to a high-temperature, high-salinity, and boiling fluid system and then to a low-temperature, low-salinity, and uniform fluid system. The types of fluid inclusions in garnets are consistent with those in quartz phenocrysts of Mesozoic granites, indicating that the formation of skarns is directly related to Mesozoic magmatic activity. (3) The δ³⁴S values of ores from the above three deposits all exhibit a narrow variation range (changes are mainly around 0‰) and greatly differ from the SEDEX-type deposits in China. The lead isotope compositions of the sulfide minerals are also consistent with those of Mesozoic granites. These previous characteristics suggest that both of the ore-forming fluids and the ore-forming materials were of magmatic origin. Consequently, the Haobugao, Baiyinnuoer, and Huanggang deposits are all skarn-type deposits, which are related to Mesozoic magmatic activities in terms of ore geology features, ore-forming fluids, and ore-forming material.     

Geological,fluid inclusion and isotopic studies of the Yinshan Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,South China: Implications for ore genesis and exploration

The Yinshan Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit is located in Dexing, South China. Ore bodies are primarily hosted in low-grade phyllite of the Neoproterozoic Shuangqiaoshan Group along EW- and NNW-striking fault zones. Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization is dictated by Jurassic rhyolitic quartz porphyries (ca. 172 Ma), whereas Cu–Au mineralization is associated with Jurassic dacite porphyries (ca. 170 Ma). The main ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite–tennatite, gold, silver, and silver sulphosalt, and the principal gangue minerals are quartz, sericite, calcite, and chlorite. Two-phase liquid-rich (type I), two-phase vapor-rich (type II), and halite-bearing (type III) fluid inclusions can be observed in the hydrothermal quartz-sulfides veins. Type I inclusions are widespread and have homogenization temperatures of 187–303 °C and salinities of 4.2–9.5 wt.% NaCl equivalent in the Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization, and homogenization temperatures of 196–362 °C and salinities of 3.5–9.9 wt.% NaCl equivalent in the Cu–Au mineralization. The pervasive occurrence of type I fluid inclusions with low-moderate temperatures and salinities implies that the mineralizing fluids formed in epithermal environments. The type II and coexisting type III inclusions, from deeper levels below the Cu–Au ore bodies, share similar homogenization temperatures of 317–448 °C and contrasting salinities of 0.2–4.2 and 30.9–36.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively, which indicates that boiling processes occurred. The sulfur isotopic compositions of sulfides (δ³⁴S = −1.7‰ to +3.2‰) suggest a homogeneous magmatic sulfur source. The lead isotopes of sulfides (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.01–18.07; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.55–15.57; and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.03–38.12) are consistent with those of volcanic–subvolcanic rocks (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.03–18.10; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.56–15.57; and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.02–38.21), indicating a magmatic origin for lead in the ore. The oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O = +7.8‰ to +10.5‰, δD = −66‰ to −42‰) of inclusion water in quartz imply that ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from magmatic sources. The local boiling process beneath the epithermal Cu–Au ore-forming system indicates the possibility that porphyry-style ore bodies may exist at even deeper zones.     

Fluid inclusion and H–O isotope study of the Jiguanshan porphyry Mo deposit,Xilamulun Metallogenic Belt: implications for characteristics and evolution of ore-forming fluids

Acta Geochimica - We studied the fluid inclusions of the Jiguanshan Mo deposit in China, which is a large porphyry deposit located in the southern Xilamulun Metallogenic Belt. The irregular Mo ore...     

Metamorphic fluid origins in the Osborne Fe oxide–Cu–Au deposit,Australia: evidence from noble gases and halogens

The Osborne iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposit is hosted by amphibolite facies metasedimentary rocks and associated with pegmatite sheets formed by anatexis during peak metamorphism. Eleven samples of ore-related hydrothermal quartz and two pegmatitic quartz–feldspar samples contain similarly complex fluid inclusion assemblages that include variably saline (<12–65 wt% salts) aqueous and liquid carbon dioxide varieties that are typical of IOCG mineralisation. The diverse fluid inclusion types present in each of these different samples have been investigated by neutron-activated noble gas analysis using a combination of semi-selective thermal and mechanical decrepitation techniques. Ore-related quartz contains aqueous and carbonic fluid inclusions that have similar ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar values of between 300 and 2,200. The highest-salinity fluid inclusions (47–65 wt% salts) have calculated ³⁶Ar concentrations of approximately 1–5 ppb, which are more variable than air-saturated water (ASW = 1.3–2.7 ppb). These fluid inclusions have extremely variable Br/Cl values of between 3.8 × 10⁻³ and 0.3 × 10⁻³, and I/Cl values of between 27 × 10⁻⁶ and 2.4 × 10⁻⁶ (all ratios are molar). Fluid inclusions in the two pegmatite samples have similar ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar values of ≤1,700 and an overlapping range of Br/Cl and I/Cl values. High-salinity fluid inclusions in the pegmatite samples have 2.5–21 ppb ³⁶Ar, that overlap the range determined for ore-related samples in only one case. The fluid inclusions in both sample groups have ⁸⁴Kr/³⁶Ar and ¹²⁹Xe/³⁶Ar ratios that are mainly in the range of air and air-saturated water and are similar to mid-crustal rocks and fluids from other settings. The uniformly low ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar values (<2,200) and extremely variable Br/Cl and I/Cl values do not favour a singular or dominant fluid origin from basement- or mantle-derived magmatic fluids related to A-type magmatism. Instead, the data are compatible with the involvement of metamorphic fluids that have interacted with anatectic melts to variable extents. The ‘metamorphic’ fluids probably represent a mixture of (1) inherited sedimentary pore fluids and (2) locally derived metamorphic volatilisation products. The lowest Br/Cl and I/Cl values and the ultra-high salinities are most easily explained by the dissolution of evaporites. The data demonstrate that externally derived magmatic fluids are not a ubiquitous component of IOCG ore-forming systems, but are compatible with models in which IOCG mineralisation is localised at sites of mixing between fluids of different origin. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.     

The Mazarrón basin,SE Spain: a study of mineralization processes,evolving magmatic series,and geothermal activity

The Miocene to Present Mazarrón basin provides a window on the metallogenic role of an evolving magmatic series. High-K calc–alkaline magmas gave rise to an important cluster of Pb–Zn–Ag–Cu vein and stockwork deposits emplaced in dacitic to rhyodacitic domes, part of a complex volcanic–metallogenic province (Au, Hg, Pb–Zn–Cu–Ag, Sn) stretching for ～150 km along the Mediterranean coast of SE Spain. By Pliocene time the former magmatic series had been replaced by intraplate alkaline basaltic volcanism, thus becoming the southern branch of the Western/Central Europe alkaline province. In terms of base metal sulphide deposits, this European province is barren, although it triggered widespread, CO₂-rich geothermal activity. Modern geothermal activity at El Saladillo (Mazarrón) resulted in the deposition of carbonate sinter deposits and formation of microbial mats. Proximal facies consist of millimetric to centimetric multicoloured layers of microbial mats, including yellow-orange thin bands of calcified bacteria and mineral growths of aragonite and calcite; green layers of live thermophilic Lyngbya-type cyanobacteria; black, degraded organic matter; and pyrite as the sole sulphide phase. Except for arsenic (37–63 μg g^?1), all of the studied trace elements (Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Se, and Sn) appear in remarkably low concentrations in the geothermal sinters. This is consistent with compositional data for the El Saladillo waters, with no significant metal concentrations. We present the first conceptual model (Miocene to Present) for the ore-forming processes, magmatism, CO₂ degasification, and geothermal activity for this realm. We argue that the time- and space-limited character of this volcanism (small, scattered outcrops), the deep magma emplacement level, the metal sulphide behaviour in alkaline basaltic magmatic chambers, and the dry character of these magmas prevented any metallogenic interaction between the chambers and the much shallower meteoric waters that drove the El Saladillo geothermal system and others of the same kind in Spain and elsewhere in Europe.     

Zircon and molybdenite geochronology and geochemistry of the Kalmakyr porphyry Cu–Au deposit,Almalyk district,Uzbekistan: Implications for mineralization processes

Copper, gold and molybdenum mineralization of the Kalmakyr porphyry deposit in Uzbek Tien Shan occurs as stockworks, veinlets and disseminations in the phyllic and K-silicate alteration zones developed predominantly in a middle to late Carboniferous intrusive complex composed of monzonite and granodiorite porphyry. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded an age of 327.2 ± 5.6 Ma for the ore-hosting monzonite and an age of 313.6 ± 2.8 Ma for the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry. Re–Os dating of seven molybdenite samples from stockwork and veinlet ores yielded model ages from 313.2 to 306.3 Ma, with two well-constrained isochron ages of 307.6 ± 2.5 Ma (five stockwork ores) and 309.1 ± 2.2 Ma (five stockwork ores and two veinlet ores), respectively. These results indicate that Cu–Au mineralization post-dated the emplacement of the monzonite, started right after the emplacement of the granodiorite porphyry, and lasted for ca. 7 Ma afterward. The geochronological and geochemical data suggest that the Kalmakyr deposit was formed in a late Carboniferous mature magmatic arc setting, probably related to the latest subduction process of the Turkestan Ocean beneath the Middle Tien Shan. The ε_Hf(t) values of zircon grains from the monzonite vary from +11 to +1.7, with an average of +5.1, and those of zircon grains from the granodiorite porphyry range from +5.7 to −1.8, with an average of +2.4. These data indicate that the magma of both monzonite and granodiorite porphyry was derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust with input of mantle components and variable crustal contamination, and that there was more mantle contribution to the formation of the monzonite than the granodiorite porphyry. The high rhenium concentrations of molybdenite (98–899 ppm) also indicate major mantle contribution of rhenium and by inference ore metals. The relatively high Eu_N/Eu_N¹ values (average 0.68), Ce⁴⁺/Ce³ values (average 890) and Ce/Nd values (average 36.8) for zircon grains from the granodiorite porphyry than those from the monzonite (average Eu_N/Eu_N¹ = 0.33, average Ce⁴⁺/Ce³ = 624, average Ce/Nd = 3.9) suggest that the magma for the syn-mineralization granodiorite porphyry has higher oxygen fugacity than that for the pre-mineralization monzonite. Based on these data, it is proposed that while the monzonite was emplaced, the oxygen fugacity and volatile contents in the magma were relatively low, and ore metals might disperse in the intrusive rock, whereas when the granodiorite porphyry was emplaced, the oxygen fugacity and volatile contents in the magma were increased, favoring copper and gold enrichment in the magmatic fluids. The Kalmakyr deposit formed from a long-lived magmatic-hydrothermal system connected with fertile magmatic sources in relation to the subduction of the Turkestan Ocean beneath the Middle Tien Shan.     

Genesis of the Au–Bi–Cu–As, Cu–Mo ± W, and base–metal Au–Ag mineralization at the Mountain Freegold (Yukon, Canada): constraints from Ar–Ar and Re–Os geochronology and Pb and stable isotope compositions

The genesis of mineralized systems across the Mountain Freegold area, in the Dawson Range Cu–Au?±?Mo Belt of the Tintina Au province was constrained using Pb and stable isotope compositions and Ar–Ar and Re–Os geochronology. Pb isotope compositions of sulfides span a wide compositional range (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 18.669–19.861; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 38.400–39.238) that overlaps the compositions of the spatially associated igneous rocks, thus indicating a magmatic origin for Pb and probably the other metals. Sulfur isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals are broadly similar and their δ³⁴S (Vienna-Canyon Diablo Troilite (V-CDT)) values range from ?1.4 to 3.6 ‰ consistent with the magmatic range, with the exception of stibnite from a Au–Sb–quartz vein, which has δ³⁴S values between ?8.1 and ?3.1 ‰. The δ³⁴S values of sulfates coexisting with sulfide are between 11.2 and 14.2 ‰; whereas, those from the weathering zone range from 3.7 to 4.3 ‰, indicating supergene sulfates derived from oxidation of hypogene sulfides. The δ¹³C (Vienna Peedee Belemnite (VPDB)) values of carbonate range from ?4.9 to 1.1 ‰ and are higher than magmatic values. The δ¹⁸O (V-SMOW) values of magmatic quartz phenocrysts and magmatic least-altered rocks vary between 6.2 and 10.1 ‰ and between 5.0 and 10.1 ‰, respectively, whereas altered magmatic rocks and hydrothermal minerals (quartz and magnetite) are relatively ¹⁸O-depleted (4.2 to 7.9 ‰ and ?6.3 to 1.5 ‰, respectively). Hydrogen isotope compositions of both least-altered and altered igneous rock samples are D-depleted (from ?133 to ?161 ‰ Vienna-Standard Mean Ocean Water (V-SMOW)), consistent with differential magma degassing and/or post-crystallization exchange between the rocks and meteoric ground water. Zircon from a chlorite-altered dike has a U–Pb crystallization age of 108.7?±?0.4 Ma; whereas, the same sample yielded a whole-rock Ar–Ar plateau age of 76.25?±?0.53 Ma. Likewise, molybdenite Re–Os model ages range from 75.8 to 78.2 Ma, indicating the mineralizing events are genetically related to Late Cretaceous volcano-plutonic intrusions in the area. The molybdenite Re–Os ages difference between the nearby Nucleus (75.9?±?0.3 to 76.2?±?0.3 Ma) and Revenue (77.9?±?0.3 to 78.2?±?0.3 Ma) mineral occurrences suggests an episodic mineralized system with two pulses of hydrothermal fluids separated by at least 2 Ma. This, in combination with geological features suggest the Nucleus deposit represents the apical and younger portion of the Revenue–Nucleus magmatic-hydrothermal system and may suggest an evolution from the porphyry to the epithermal environments.