The genesis of Lincang germanium deposit — A preliminary investigation

Abstract

The mechanism of formation of the Lincang germanium deposit is discussed in the light of the spatial distribution of Ge-rich coal and siliceous rocks, the sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite in the Ge-rich coal, the variation of Ge abundance in the coal seams and the geochemical characteristics of the siliceous rocks. The results show that the siliceous rocks intercalated with the coal seams were deposited from a hydrothermal medium through which germanium was enriched in the coal beds. The primary source of germanium is thought to be the Ge-rich granite in the basement of the sedimentary basin.