The Minerogenetic Series of Nonmetallic Mineral Deposits of China

Abstract

Abstract Owing to the internal relationship between material sources or mineralization ways and the difference of mineralization micro‐environments or the change of constraints, certain types of nonmetallic mineral deposits are regularly formed either simultaneously or in successive order under the control of certain association of mineralization processes in a certain geotectonic environment, thus forming a minerogenetic series of nonmetallic mineral deposits. The geological setting that controls the formation of minerogenetic series is most truly recorded in ore‐bearing formations, while the mineralization processes which are associated or surely successive are the indispensable prerequisite for the formation of the various mineral deposits of a minerogenetic series. Therefore, the minerogenetic series of nonmetallic mineral deposits can be classified according to mineral‐bearing formations and mineralization processes. Based on available data, 13 minerogenetic series are distinguished in China. The study of minerogenetic series may not only result in the enrichment of the theory of mineral deposits but also help direct mineral prospecting and give guidance in the integrated development and utillization of mineral resources.