Implications of multiple fluids in the deposition of Pb-Zn-Ba deposits in the Alvand Mountain, Golpayegan, Iran: Evidence from fluid inclusions and O, C, S isotopes

Abstract

Middle Cretaceous sedimentary carbonates of Alvand Mountain host Pb-Zn-Ba veins. This mineralization occurs mainly as veins, breccia fillings, and to a lesser extent disseminated and host rock replacements. Ore mineralogy is simple and consists of sphalerite, galena, and barite, with minor pyrite, rare chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite. Host rock dolomitization and hydrothermal silicification are typically associated with ore. Two types of primary liquid–vapor fluid inclusions were distinguished in sphalerite, quartz, and barite. Type I (salinity, 17–23 wt% NaCl; Th, 130 ± 30 °C) is dominant in sphalerite, whereas type II (salinity, 4.5–10 wt% NaCl, Th, 190 ± 40 °C) is dominant in quartz and barite; these fluids have characteristics of basinal brines and show a negative mixing trend in an evolving process of sulfide and gangue saturation. The δ18O and δ13C values for host rock and altered minerals range from 22.0 to 12.9 ‰ and 3.8 to −3.2 ‰, respectively, which suggest the influence of increased temperature fluids, presence of organic carbon, and fluid mixing. The δ34S values of sulfides and barite varies from 2 to 17 ‰ and 23 to 24 ‰, respectively, suggesting that reduced sulfur could be derived by thermochemical reduction of Paleogene seawater sulfate in the presence of organic matter; however, the wide ranges of δ34S sulfide values (15 ‰) exhibits that reduction of sulfur probably originated by different sulfur reduction processes. The data present in this study suggest that during increased tectonic activity in the late Cretaceous-Paleogene, mixing of basinal brines and water–rock interaction resulted in Pb-Zn-Ba deposition in carbonate host rocks. Therefore, it may represent low-temperature mineralization, possibly analogous to MVT depositional systems.