Abstract
A well reasoned lead (Pb) isotope-driven provenance study lies in concert with a comprehensively evaluated database of geological ore sources and accompanying archaeological and contextual information. In this paper we have compiled and evaluated all currently available Pb isotope data for galena and K-feldspars in China, and provided geological interpretations for how their ore-forming substances evolved across relevant tectonic terrains. We pay particular attention to the geological settings of host ore deposits that were likely exploited in ancient and historic China, detailing the heterogeneity and homogeneity of their ore formation across different metallogenic provinces and belts. Using the isotope database, and supportive geological and archaeological background information, three case studies are presented that detail the provenancing of Chinese cultural materials. The isotope data themselves are presented in ternary diagrams that allow for their concise and accurate comparison.
Highlights
Lead (Pb) isotope geochemistry has played a vital role in tracing the fluid pathways and sources of metal in ore deposits [1,2,3,4], revealing chronological information of ore body formation [5], evaluating the economic potential of ore exploration [6,7], and in the provenancing of archaeological materials
In China, these deposits can be broadly separated into several metallogenic provinces by their tecontic ages or the metamorphism of basement rocks
The older continental plates, such as the North China Craton (NCC), contain the least radiogenic Pb as opposed to the relatively high radiogenesis that occurred in the younger South China Block (SCB)
Summary
Lead (Pb) isotope geochemistry has played a vital role in tracing the fluid pathways and sources of metal in ore deposits [1,2,3,4], revealing chronological information of ore body formation [5], evaluating the economic potential of ore exploration [6,7], and in the provenancing of archaeological materials. The main body of the metallogenic belt is located in Northeast Yunnan and comprises several deposits, such as the large Pb-Zn one at Huize, with Pb isotopic signatures that have a restricted range (Fig 12B) [103] These MVT ores host highly radiogenic Pb-Zn deposits similar to those found in Jinshachang, giving a high U/Pb ratio and futurist modeled age [104]. A broad comparison of these data with the compiled ore database indicate that the Pb, except for two coins that contain high 206Pb, likely originated from sources in the NCC and the Middle-Lower Yangtze belt (Fig 13A). Each kiln corresponds well with a single source region affirming the broad conclusions made by previous studies but with additional supportive scientific evidence
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