On the conditions of formation of Gushan iron ore deposit

On the basis of its geological characteristics, the Gushan iron deposit should be assigned to volcano-hydrothermal type with hematite-quartz as its principal mineral assemblage. Iron concentration of the ore solution has been estimated from the ratio of hematite to quartz in the ore. By using experimental and thermodynamic data, the solubility of ferro-minerals at elevated temperatures and pressures have been calculated in the system FeO?Fe₂O₃?NaCl?HCl?H₂O. The effects ofT, P, pH,f _{O 2} and total Cl concentration on the solubility of ferrominerals are discussed. Thermodynamic calculations based on presumed physico-chemical conditions for the ore solution are in good agreement with geological observations. The calculation shows that ferro-minerals were deposited at logf _{O 2}=?21～?25, log(m_HCl+m_H+)=?2.5～?3,P=1?0.75 (or 0.5) kb, andT=400°?350°C. It is believed that the original solution was an acid NaCl-bearing solution of magmatic derivation. However, iron in the solution was enriched with falling temperatures by dissolving pre-existing ferro-minerals in consolidated rocks rather than extracting directly from the magma. Either temperature (below 400°C) or pressure decrease may result in the precipitation of ferro-minerals from the solution, but the Fe/Si ratio in the ore is dependent mainly upon pH. The widespread siliceous veins of later stages are a reflection of decreasing acidity of the solution. An increase inf _{O 2} will also favor the deposition of ferro-minerals. The hypabyssal occurrence and the existence of the Huangmaqing sandy shale have contributed greatly to the formation of hematite.