Metallogenetic and geochemical provinces: W.E. Petrascheck (editor). Springer Verlag, New York, N.Y.—Vienna, 183 pp., 48 figs., 17 tables, DM 37,—(ca. US $ 15.10). (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften Schriftenreihe der Erdwissenschaftlichen Kommission, 1. Metallogenitische und Geochemische Provinzen (Symposium Leoben, November 1972))

Abstract

A large number of fluid inclusions are observed in quartz contained in Au ores. A study of the geochemistry of inclusions from the Linglong Au deposit in Shandong Province shows that ore-forming temperature and pressure, frequency of appearance for critical inclusion, and saline halo of the main Au-bearing veins 108 and 51 increase in the direction of Linglong Fault. We concluded accordingly, that: (1) the Linglong Fault was a conduit structure for mineralization and will form a favourable place for prospecting where the fault intersects a host structure trending east-northeast; (2) distinct differences in geochemical characteristics are present in relation to the fluid inclusions contained in Au-bearing quartz veins and barren quartz veins, with the former having higher homogenization temperatures, appearing frequency for critical inclusion, content of CO2, H2 and CH4, and molar concentration ratio of (H2 + CH4) to CO2, than those of the latter; (3) decrepitation curves for the two sorts of quartz veins have obviously different characteristics; and (4) geochemical characteristics of fluid inclusions present in the quartz of quartz-vein-type Au ore deposits demonstrate that its metallogenetic pressure, salinity, and decrepitation temperature all increased progressively towards the deeper part of the quartz vein, approximating those of altered-rock-type Au ore deposits. We already know of some Au mines where quartz-vein-type Au ore deposits are turned at depth into altered-rock-type Au ore deposits. Therefore, attention should be paid to prospecting for altered-rock-type Au ore deposits below the quartz-vein-type. From this study, we believe that the geochemical study of fluid inclusions in minerals is a new and useful exploration approach, which should be further explored and used.