非岩浆后生热液矿床构造—流体耦合成矿作用研究现状综述

构造—流体耦合成矿作用是矿床学研究的核心问题之一。本文聚焦非岩浆后生热液矿床成矿系统的构造—流体耦合成矿作用研究成果,从构造对流体作用、流体对构造作用两个方面,总结了构造活动与流体作用同步进行且相互影响的机制。通过典型实例分析,认为构造—流体耦合成矿作用研究要从时间、空间、物质方面的耦合关系阐明构造与流体成矿作用过程及其“矿源—输运—聚集”过程,揭示构造活动与流体成矿作用机理。在此基础上,提出了构造—流体耦合成矿作用研究的主要方向及发展趋势。该研究对丰富热液矿床成因理论研究和成矿规律的认识具有重要意义。     

Fluid inclusions in hydrothermal ore deposits

The principal aim of this paper is to consider some of the special problems involved in the study of fluid inclusions in ore deposits and review the methodologies and tools developed to address these issues. The general properties of fluid inclusions in hydrothermal ore-forming systems are considered and the interpretation of these data in terms of fluid evolution processes is discussed. A summary of fluid inclusion data from a variety of hydrothermal deposit types is presented to illustrate some of the methodologies described and to emphasise the important role which fluid inclusion investigations can play, both with respect to understanding deposit genesis and in mineral exploration. The paper concludes with a look to the future and addresses the question of where fluid inclusion studies of hydrothermal ore deposits may be heading in the new millenium.     

Genesis of basalt-hosted massive sulphide deposits from the Trondheim and Sulitjelma districts,Norway: ore lead isotopic considerations

Lead isotopic ratios of bulk sulphides from eleven stratigraphically equivalent deposits from the Köli Nappe sequence in the Trondheim district, and eleven from the Köli sequence at Sulitjelma Norway, have been determined. When plotted on ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb-²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagrams, the data define a linear trend extending from the mantle to the upper crustal model growth curves of Doe and Zartman (1979). Moreover, the data from both districts lie on the same trend. This isotopic trend is interpreted as resulting from the mixing of lead from a mantle source (probably the host basalts) with that of an upper-crustal end member (either sialic basement or the terrigenous sediments surrounding the host basalts). It is also concluded that the deposits in both camps formed more or less contemporaneously. The isotopic mixing line is comparable with that obtained from Besshi ore pyrites in Japan, for which an aulacogenic depositional environment, similar to that found today in the Gulf of California, has been proposed (Fox 1984). It is concluded that a similar depositional environment was responsible for the Trondheim and Sulitjelma ores, although an ensialic back-arc basin, or other possible environments, cannot be entirely ruled out.     

Iron isotope fractionation during hydrothermal ore deposition and alteration

Iron isotopes fractionate during hydrothermal processes. Therefore, the Fe isotope composition of ore-forming minerals characterizes either iron sources or fluid histories. The former potentially serves to distinguish between sedimentary, magmatic or metamorphic iron sources, and the latter allows the reconstruction of precipitation and redox processes. These processes take place during ore formation or alteration. The aim of this contribution is to investigate the suitability of this new isotope method as a probe of ore-related processes. For this purpose 51 samples of iron ores and iron mineral separates from the Schwarzwald region, southwest Germany, were analyzed for their iron isotope composition using multicollector ICP-MS. Further, the ore-forming and ore-altering processes were quantitatively modeled using reaction path calculations. The Schwarzwald mining district hosts mineralizations that formed discontinuously over almost 300 Ma of hydrothermal activity. Primary hematite, siderite and sulfides formed from mixing of meteoric fluids with deeper crustal brines. Later, these minerals were partly dissolved and oxidized, and secondary hematite, goethite and iron arsenates were precipitated. Two types of alteration products formed: (1) primary and high-temperature secondary Fe minerals formed between 120 and 300 °C, and (2) low-temperature secondary Fe minerals formed under supergene conditions (<100 °C). Measured iron isotope compositions are variable and cover a range in δ⁵⁶Fe between −2.3‰ and +1.3‰. Primary hematite (δ⁵⁶Fe: −0.5‰ to +0.5‰) precipitated by mixing oxidizing surface waters with a hydrothermal fluid that contained moderately light Fe (δ⁵⁶Fe: −0.5‰) leached from the crystalline basement. Occasional input of CO₂-rich waters resulted in precipitation of isotopically light siderite (δ⁵⁶Fe: −1.4 to −0.7‰). The difference between hematite and siderite is compatible with published Fe isotope fractionation factors. The observed range in isotopic compositions can be accounted for by variable fractions of Fe precipitating from the fluid. Therefore, both fluid processes and mass balance can be inferred from Fe isotopes. Supergene weathering of siderite by oxidizing surface waters led to replacement of isotopically light primary siderite by similarly light secondary hematite and goethite, respectively. Because this replacement entails quantitative transfer of iron from precursor mineral to product, no significant isotope fractionation is produced. Hence, Fe isotopes potentially serve to identify precursors in ore alteration products. Goethites from oolitic sedimentary iron ores were also analyzed. Their compositional range appears to indicate oxidative precipitation from relatively uniform Fe dissolved in coastal water. This comprehensive iron isotope study illustrates the potential of the new technique in deciphering ore formation and alteration processes. Isotope ratios are strongly dependent on and highly characteristic of fluid and precipitation histories. Therefore, they are less suitable to provide information on Fe sources. However, it will be possible to unravel the physico-chemical processes leading to the formation, dissolution and redeposition of ores in great detail.     

The isotopic fractionation of carbon in geological processes

Stability of the isotopic composition of carbon in endogenic terrestrial substances, as well as in meteorites, consistently lower in C¹³ than the biogenic marine carbonates, suggests both presence and stability of a certain zone under the crust of the earth in which the C systems are maintained at certain equilibria, at different levels, typical of certain geological processes operative therein. Isotopic exchanges and recurrent fractionations of the C isotopes, in the course of the migrations of carbon, are indicated by the available evidence, the net result of which is an impoverishment of C¹³ in living substance and in its derivatives (oils, coals, etc.), and its enrichment in the biogenic residual carbonates. – IGR Staff.     

Boron geochemistry from some typical Tibetan hydrothermal systems: Origin and isotopic fractionation

The Tibetan plateau is characterized by intense hydrothermal activity and abnormal enrichment of trace elements in geothermal waters. Hydrochemistry and B isotope samples from geothermal waters in Tibet were systematically measured to describe the fractionation mechanisms and provide constraints on potential B reservoirs. B concentrations range from 0.35 to 171.90 mg/L, and isotopic values vary between −16.57 ‰ and +0.52 ‰. Geothermal fields along the Indus-Yarlung Zangbo suture zone and N–S rifts are observed with high B concentrations and temperatures. The similar hydrochemical compositions of high-B geothermal waters with magmatic fluid and consistent modeling of B isotopic compositions with present δ¹¹B values imply that the B in high-B geothermal waters is mainly contributed by magmatic sources, probably through magma degassing. In contrast, geothermal fields in other regions of the Lhasa block have relatively low B concentrations and temperatures. After considering the small fractionation factor and representative indicators of Na/Ca, Cl/HCO₃, Na + K and Si, the conformity between modeling results and the isotopic compositions of host rocks suggests that the B in low-temperature geothermal fields is mainly sourced from host rocks. According to simulated results, the B in some shallow geothermal waters not only originated from mixing of cold groundwater with deep thermal waters, but it was also contributed by equilibration with marine sedimentary rocks with an estimated proportion of 10%. It was anticipated that this study would provide useful insight into the sources and fractionation of B as well as further understanding of the relationships between B-rich salt lakes and geothermal activities in the Tibetan plateau.     

Fluid pressure and hydraulic fracturing in hydrothermal ore formation at gold deposits

The active role of fluids in the formation of ore-localizing structures expressed in dilatancy and hydraulic fracturing is suggested from the results of detailed comprehensive study of the Tokur gold deposit in the Upper Amur region, Russia, and the surveying of the published data on fluid pressure that characterizes formation of other hydrothermal deposits different in depth, morphology of orebodies, and their localization with respect to rocks of various permeability. Development conditions and possible implications of hydraulic fracturing for ore formation are considered. Indications of involvement of this mechanism in the orebody formation at the Pokrovsky, Berezovsky, and Nezhdaninsky gold deposits in Russia and the Bendigo deposit in Australia are discussed.     

Biogeochemical implications of the isotopic equilibrium fractionation factor between the oxygen atoms of acetone and water

Carbonyl oxygens of organic molecules undergo isotopic exchange with water during reversible hydration reactions. The equilibrium isotopic fractionation factors between the carbonyl oxygen of acetone and water at 15°, 25°, and 35°C are 1.028, 1.028, and 1.026 respectively. The differences between the δ¹⁸O values of the carbonyl oxygen of acetone and of the water with which it is in equilibrium are similar to the differences that have been observed between the δ¹⁸O values of cellulose and the water used in its synthesis by a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, the identity of the acetone-water fractionation factors at 15° and 25°C parallels the observation that the difference between the δ¹⁸O values of cellulose and water shows no temperature dependence for individual species of plants grown over the same temperature range. These results are discussed in relation to the proposal that the oxygen isotopic relationship between cellulose and water is established by isotopic exchange occurring during the hydration of carbonyl groups of the intermediates of cellulose synthesis.     

Fluid inclusion studies of the polymetallic hydrothermal ore deposits in bolivia

Homogenization temperature and salinity were determined for fluid inclusions in mostly quartz and partly sphalerite, cassiterite, and barite from the 28 tin-polymetallic ore deposits in Bolivia. Generally, the homogenization temperatures and salinities of these fluid inclusions are comparatively high for ore deposits formed by cassiterite mineralization, such as Morococala and Avicaya in the Oruro district, frequently indicating a temperature higher than 300°C and salinity higher than 20 equiv. wt% NaCl. Particularly, it is quite possible that tin deposits associated with the W-Bi and tourmaline mineralizations such as Viloco and Caracoles have been produced by such high-temperature hypersaline fluid ranging up to 500°C and 56 equiv. wt% NaCl, similar to the porphyry copper type. This feature reveals that the hydrothermal fluid related to the Sn-W-Bi mineralization may be of magmatic origin. Homogenization temperatures for the Pb-Zn deposits with no tin minerals are low, mostly ranging 170°–300°C. At the Avicaya-Bolivar mining area in the Oruro district as well as at the Tasna and Chocaya-Animas mining areas in the Quechisla district temperature gradients consistent with the zonal distributions of ore minerals were confirmed.     

Variation of Mo isotopes from molybdenite in high-temperature hydrothermal ore deposits

Measurable molybdenum isotope fractionation in molybdenites from different ore deposits through time provides insights into ore genesis and a new technique to identify open-system behavior of Re–Os in molybdenites. Molybdenite samples from six porphyry copper deposits, one epithermal polymetallic vein deposit, four skarns, and three Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits were analyzed. The δ⁹⁷Mo‰ (where ) for all samples varied from 1.34 ± 0.09‰ to −0.26 ± 0.04‰. This is the largest molybdenum isotopic variation in molybdenite from high-temperature ore deposits recorded to date. δ⁹⁷Mo‰ of molybdenite varies as a function of the deposit type and the rhenium and osmium concentrations of the samples. Isotope values for Mo also vary within the individual deposits. In general, molybdenites from porphyry copper deposits have the lightest values averaging 0.07 ± 0.23‰ (1σ). Molybdenites from the other deposit types average 0.49 ± 0.26‰ (1σ). The variations could be related to the fractionation of Mo into different mineral phases during the ore-forming processes. A comparison of the Mo isotope ratios and the Re–Os ages obtained from the same aliquot may possess a geochronological evaluation tool. Samples that yielded robust ages have different Mo isotopic compositions in comparison to samples that yielded geologically unreasonable ages. Another observed relationship between the Re–Os and Mo isotope data reveals a weak correspondence between Re concentration and Mo isotope composition. Molybdenites with higher concentrations of Re correspond to lighter Mo isotope values.     

Origin of hydrothermal mineralization in cassiterite-sulfide ore deposits of Kavalerovo district

Four stages of mineralization in the ore deposits of the Kavalerovo ore district are described. There is a general similarity in associations from one deposit to another, but the same stage may be significantly different in different deposits. On the other hand, an early stage in one deposit may be more similar to a later stage of another. This is particularly true of stages I and II. In some cases, then, there is a reverse succession, with higher temperature association superposed on a lower temperature one. This is not in accord with the theory of hydrothermal solutions being expelled from a crystallizing and progressively cooling magma. It is suggested that solutions derived by metamorphic processes and accompanied by tectonic pulses that produced fracturing to different depths may offer a better explanation of the observed paragenetic relationships than can the classical hydrothermal theory. — E. Ingerson     

Diversity of hydrothermal processes and different types of epithermal deposits

It is shown that classical epithermal deposits with hydrothermal explosions, brecciated and framework–lamellar (including agate-like) structures, and well-developed bonanzas are usually pre-porphyry in origin. This inference seems to be important for development of the genetic model of a porphyry–epithermal ore-forming system as well as for exploration of gold–silver deposits and assessment of their potential.     

Bio-mineralization and potential biogeochemical processes in bauxite deposits: genetic and ore quality significance

The Parnassos-Ghiona bauxite deposit in Greece of karst type is the 11th largest bauxite producer in the world. The mineralogical, major and trace-element contents and δ¹⁸O, δ¹²C, δ³⁴S isotopic compositions of bauxite ores from this deposit and associated limestone provide valuable evidence for their origin and biogeochemical processes resulting in the beneficiation of low grade bauxite ores. The organic matter as thin coal layers, overlying the bauxite deposits, within limestone itself (negative δ¹²C isotopic values) and the negative δ³⁴S values in sulfides within bauxite ores point to the existence of the appropriate circumstances for Fe bio-leaching and bio-mineralization. Furthermore, a consortium of microorganisms of varying morphological forms (filament-like and spherical to lenticular at an average size of 2 μm), either as fossils or presently living and producing enzymes, is a powerful factor to catalyze the redox reactions, expedite the rates of metal extraction and provide alternative pathways for metal leaching processes resulting in the beneficiation of bauxite ore.     

中国某些金属矿床矿石铅来源的铅同位素诠释

在矿质来源研究中,铅同位素组成作为一种有效手段,已应用于几乎所有的金属甚至非金属矿床,起到了重要的作用。随着矿床地球化学研究所的不断深入,一个矿床的矿质来源已不能简单地说来自地球的某个圈层,需要把矿质来源定位到矿区某个具体的岩体或层位,这样才具有实际意义,这样才具有实际意义。本文采取矿石、岩浆岩、地层及基底铅同位素对比的方法研究了４种矿床类型中９个金属矿床铅的来源。结果表明,与岩浆活动有关的夕卡岩     

Structural control over equilibrium silicon and oxygen isotopic fractionation: A first-principles density-functional theory study

Isotopic fractionation factors for oxygen and silicon in selected silicates (quartz, enstatite, forsterite, lizardite, kaolinite) are calculated using first-principles methods based on density-functional theory. Good agreement between theory and experiment is found in the case of oxygen. In the case of silicon, agreement and differences with existing estimates of equilibrium fractionation factors are discussed. The relationship between silicon and oxygen fractionation factors, silicate polymerization degree and chemical composition is studied and compared with previous semi-empirical models.     

热液矿床中不透明矿物的流体包裹体研究进展

脉石矿物中流体包裹体所提供的有关流体与成矿的物理化学条件不一定代表成矿时的实际流体和成矿条件,最好的办法是直接测定矿石矿物捕获的包裹体。红外显微镜的运用开拓了不透明矿物中流体包裹体研究的新领域。文章对红外显微镜工作的基本原理及设备做了简要的综述,重点介绍了不透明矿物中流体包裹体岩相学、显微测温以及成分分析研究,并举例说明了不透明矿物流体包裹体在W-Sn矿床以及其他矿床研究中的应用,最后指出了不透明矿物中流体包裹体研究尚且存在的问题、部分解决方法,并简单展望了其在中国的发展前景。     

浙西北热液型铅锌银多金属矿成矿特征与定量预测

基于GIS空间分析技术,以MORPAS为平台,建立浙西北热液型铅锌银多金属矿多元空间数据库,在对本地区铅锌银多金属成矿规律研究的基础上,运用数理化的手段对与本地区成矿有关的地层、构造、岩浆岩、地球物理、地球化学等多元数据进行量化、分析建立本地区的找矿概念模型,利用证据权的方法进行成矿定量预测。通过分析,发现浙西北热液型铅锌银多金属矿与本地区的地层、岩浆、褶皱、断裂、重力、地球化学数据及其衍生变量具有密切关系。根据计算出的成矿有利度及其等值线图将研究区划分为18个靶区、2个成矿远景区。     

热液矿床矿物微形貌与晶体生长环境研究

应用高分辨率扫描隧道显微镜(STM)和场效应扫描电镜(FEG SEM),对取自山西义兴寨金矿等4处热液矿床的黄铁矿、方铅矿、赤铁矿等矿物的表面生长微形貌进行了观察研究,并与实验合成的黄铁矿、方铅矿等矿物的微形貌特征进行对比。发现了自然矿物结晶三维成核成因的黄铁矿微球状晶,在合成和自然矿物的晶面观察到漏斗状晶和胞状结构等生长形貌。合成黄铁矿表面发育平整光滑的生长台阶,反映静态无扰动、接近平衡的晶体生长环境;而大量产于热液矿床的黄铁矿、方铅矿等晶体普遍发育胞状或拉长的胞状结构表面,并总体呈台阶状排列的表面结构,证明自然成矿热液体系的高过饱和度和流动生长环境。研究表明,热液成矿过程中矿物结晶作用有从成核、台阶状晶体生长、到形成“平衡”多面体生长的一个演化过程;形成于复杂条件的矿物晶体表面微观结构,包含丰富的成矿环境信息。     

西藏多龙矿集区典型矿床(点)矿化特征与成矿作用对比研究

西藏多龙矿集区是近年来中国新发现的具有世界级潜力的铜金矿集区。该矿集区现已查明多不杂、波龙、拿若和铁格隆南4个大型-超大型矿床,并新发现地堡那木岗和拿顿矿点。文章对上述矿床(点)脉体、蚀变、矿化和流体特征开展了系统研究和对比。结果表明,多不杂、波龙和拿若矿床矿化类型以斑岩型为主,同时钾硅酸盐化、绢英岩化、青磐岩化等蚀变广泛发育,而铁格隆南矿床除上述蚀变类型外,还叠加有高级泥化蚀变,并发育与之相关的浅成低温热液型矿化。根据脉体特征对比和流体包裹体温压计算推测,上述4个矿床矿化类型的差异可能由剥蚀深度的差异所引起(前三者剥蚀深度约为2～3 km,后者约为1～1.5 km)。此外,地堡那木岗矿点蚀变类型以绢英岩化、泥化为主,该矿点发育与斑岩型金矿中类似的深色条带状石英脉,指示该地区可能存在斑岩型金矿。拿顿矿点为典型的高硫型浅成低温热液型矿化,铜金矿体赋存于角砾岩筒中。野外地质调查表明,上述矿点地表蚀变岩盖(Lithocaps)发育,并且蚀变岩盖空间分布位置与下伏铜金矿体表现出良好的匹配关系,可有效地指导找矿勘查工作。流体包裹体实验进一步表明,铜金元素在斑岩型矿化中的沉淀可能与温度降低和氧逸度的变化有关,而在浅成低温热液型矿化中的沉淀则受控于温度的降低和流体的不混溶作用。最后,在前人年代学研究基础上,结合本次实验结果构建了该地区与成矿作用有关的时空演化模型。     

Nickel tenor variations between Archaean komatiite-associated nickel sulphide deposits, Kambalda ore field, Western Australia: the metamorphic modification model revisited

Summary Geochemical data for 870 ore samples of 14 nickel sulphide (NiS) deposits from throughout the major Archaean Kambalda ore field, Western Australia, reveal highly heterogeneous Ni tenor (wt% Ni in 100wt% sulphide) variation that is difficult to explain solely by magmatic processes. The Ni tenor values for the deposits range from 6.2wt% Ni (Helmut deposit) to 19.7wt% Ni (Carnilya Hill deposit), close to the range for within single deposits (9.7–19.3wt% Ni). Contents of Ni and platinum-group elements (PGE) broadly increase with decreasing Fe and with increasing abundance of metamorphic pyrite+magnetite±silicates. In turn, the abundance of the metamorphic phases appears to be complexly related to structural setting, metamorphic grade, alteration type, and proximity to felsic intrusion. Chondrite-normalised multi-element plots of deposit compositions reveal relative depletions in Au, As, Bi, and Te.The relationship of increasing Ni content with secondary phase abundance indicates a strong role for metamorphic modification in the tenor variation. Replacement of pyrrhotite by pyrite+magnetite±chlorite during oxidation reduced the abundance of Fe sulphide relative to Ni sulphide and increased the Ni tenor of the residual sulphide. The extent of the oxidation reflects the extent of alteration fluid ingress along deformation structures and fabrics during talc-carbonate alteration, regional metamorphism, and felsic intrusion related to D3. The relative depletions of Au, As, Bi and Te combined with relative enrichments of these metals in nearby orogenic gold deposits mean that NiS deposits could represent metal reservoirs for Archaean gold hydrothermal systems.