Epithermal mineralization in the Kedon Paleozoic volcano-plutonic belt, Northeast Russia: Geochemical studies of Au–Ag mineralization

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the geochemical features and conditions of generation for Paleozoic Au–Ag mineralization in the pre-accretionary Kedon (D2-3) volcano-plutonic belt (KVB), which is situated within the Omolon cratonic terrane (Northeast Russia). We present new data on the compositions and concentrations of trace elements and rare-earth elements (REEs) in the host rocks and volcanogenic ores of epithermal Au–Ag fields. The ores are found to be enriched in a wide range of trace elements. The general features of the ores under study include a low level of REE concentrations, an obvious enrichment in light REEs, and considerable variations in europium anomalies, ranging from low negative to low- and strongly positive. Fluid inclusions were studied to show that the ore-forming solutions were hydrocarbonate potassium in composition. The mineral content of the fluid increases toward later, low-temperature phases of the mineralization. We found a tendency of potassium increasing from the earlier oreless quartz to productive quartz going to great depth, as well as a slow decrease in the concentrations of Na+, Ca++, and Cl–. The productive quartz shows direct correlation in Ag–K and a reverse correlation in Ag–Na. The results indicate andesite magmas and meteoric water as the most likely sources of the fluids that have formed epithermal Au–Ag ores in the KVB deposits.