The ore-forming process of the Qingshan gold deposit, Qaidam Basin: Evidence from LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis and S-Pb isotopic compositions

Abstract

The Qingshan gold deposit is located in the Tanjianshan ore collection area, which is in the northern margin of Qaidam Basin and is one of the most important gold and polymetallic metallogenic belts in China. Based on the field investigation and optical microscopic observations, mineralization at the Qingshan deposit can be divided into three stages: (1) quartz-pyrite stage, (2) quartz-sulfide-gold stage, (3) quartz-calcite stage. Pyrite from the stage 1 (Py1), stage 2 (Py2) and stage 3 (Py3) are selected for LA-ICP-MS trace element analyses. Pyrite from the stage 1 (Py1), stage 2 (Py2) are selected for in situ sulfur isotopes analysis. Pyrite from the stage 1 (Py1), stage 2 (Py2) and stage 3 (Py3), galena from the stage 1 (Gn1) and stage 2 (Gn2) are selected for in situ lead isotopes analysis. The result shows that Py1 is relatively rich in Co, Ni, Zn and Ag contents and lacking in Sb contents. Py2 is relatively rich in Cu, As, Sb, Au, Pb and Ag contents and lacking in Co, Ni and Bi contents. Py3 is relatively rich in Co, Ni and Bi contents and lacking in Zn, As, Au and Pb contents. The Au/As ratio shows that invisible gold occurs in the form of solid solution (Au+). The values of Au/Ag and Co/Ni ratio show that the pyrites in the Qingshan deposit are hydrothermal origin. The S isotope values of pyrite range from −4.33 to 4.97‰ (mean: 3.71‰, n = 31). The Pb isotope compositions with 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values ranging from 18.002 to 18.791, 15.567 to 15.584, and 38.410 to 38.485, respectively. The results of in situ S-Pb isotopic indicate that sulfur and metals of the Qingshan deposit were mainly derived from the upper crust and orogenic belts. The Qingshan gold deposit is classified as an orogenic gold deposit, and was closely related to a large-scale ductile shear zone, which formed during the process of subduction between the Qaidam block and the Qilian block in the Variscan period. The mixing of fluids destroyed the stability of Au(HS)2- and is most likely the reason for gold precipitation.