Геохимические особенности Тулалларского золоторудного поля

Abstract

The article discusses the geochemical features of the Tulallar gold field in the Lesser Caucasus. Distributions of gold and accompanying elements (Ag, As, Hg, Bi, Cu, Zn) in metasomatically altered rocks taken from mine workings (ditches, adits, etc.) and wells are considered. The results of analyzes of furrow samples showed that the content of Au ranges from 0.4 ppm to 37.5 ppm, Ag - from 0.5 ppm to 48.4 ppm. In strongly kaolinized, weakly limonitized quartzites, the Au content ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 ppm, Ag - from 4.0 to 8.8 ppm. In the well drilled in the Central Block, closer to the surface, the siliceous breccias contain Au 309-363 ppm, Ag 132-250 ppm, and high As, Bi and Hg contents are also noted. A similar picture is observed in the silicified rocks of the wells of the Western block. Correlations between Au, Ag and other impurity elements were determined using the STAT program. A direct positive correlation has been established between Au and Ag, Au and Bi, Au and Hg. A positive relationship was also found between Ag and Bi, Ag and Hg. Cluster analysis revealed two different mineral associations: 1) native elements and their compounds - minerals and 2) polysulfide. The closest connection is observed between Ag, Hg and Au. Mineralogically, the Ag-Hg-Au-Bi cluster apparently corresponds to an early ore association - electrum, bismuth tellurides, possibly with inclusions of finely dispersed gold. The second, polymetallic cluster is characterized by a weak correlation bond Аs-Сu-Zn, which indicates that polysulfides were deposited later. The largest amount of Au was deposited in the early mineral association.