Genesis Of Deposits Research Articles

A Fluid Chemical Study of the World-Class, Intrusion-Related Archean Windfall Gold Deposit, Quebec, Canada

Abstract Windfall is a world-class Archean intrusion-related Au deposit (7.4+ Moz of Au) located in the underexplored Urban-Barry greenstone belt (Quebec, Canada). The deposit remains an enigmatic Au setting—its intrusion-related features contrast with the more common orogenic deposit type in the Au-endowed Abitibi greenstone belt. Mineralization consists of quartz-pyrite-carbonate ± tourmaline veins and stockworks that cut sericite-pyrite ± silica ± tourmaline ± fuchsite replacement zones, all of which overprint a swarm of 2697.6 ± 2.6 Ma quartz-feldspar porphyry dikes. That the ore zones and quartz-feldspar porphyry dikes are cut by a later set of 2697.6 ± 0.4 Ma quartz-feldspar porphyry dikes constrains mineralization temporally and spatially to intrusive activity. To further address the deposit genesis, ore petrology integrated with scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry analysis and cathodoluminescence imaging, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry mapping of pyrite, fluid inclusion studies, and in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry isotopic studies (O, S) were completed. Ore-related sulfides are dominated by pyrite with lesser arsenopyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, tennantite-tetrahedrite, galena, gold, electrum, and minor Sb-rich and telluride alloys. Four pyrite generations (Py1-Py4) occur, with elemental maps indicating primary Au is related to As-rich Py2 that is also enriched in Ag-Sb-Hg-Cu-Zn-Pb-Bi-Te. The δ34Spyrite values are similar for Py1 to Py3, with an inferred δ34Sfluid of ~5‰ consistent with a magmatic reservoir, whereas δ18Oquartz for both igneous (avg = 8.4‰, n = 28) and vein (5.7–14.6‰, n = 53) material suggests mixing of a magmatic fluid with an 18O-poor reservoir. Fluid inclusion studies from pre- to postmineralization veins indicate the predominance of a carbonic (±CH4) fluid, with rare aqueous-carbonic (CO2 = 5–98 mol %) and variably saline aqueous types. Whereas the data are considered to best reflect an intrusion-related deposit model, we note that some data, such as the carbonic-rich nature of fluid inclusions and large range in δ18Oquartz, are equivocal in regard to their meaning, and thus further studies are needed to resolve some aspects of this ore system.

Spatial distribution of rock uplift in the Bongarà district (Peruvian Andes) and implications for the genesis of supergene ore deposits

Topography and river landscape morphometry of two hydrographic basins, the Utcubamba River and the Chiriaco River basins (Bongará district, Amazonas region) allowed to determine the relationship between the irregular distribution of vertical motions (e.g., rock uplift) and the genesis of supergene Zn deposits. The latter derives from variable weathering of pre-existing carbonate-hosted Zn sulfides orebodies, in three distinct localities: Florida Canyon, Mina Grande and Cristal. The research was carried out through the evaluation of the parameters such as elevation, local relief, swath profile, river longitudinal profiles and transformed river profiles (χ-long profiles), and slope/area analysis to derive the normalized channel steepness index (ksn). The NE-ward sharp increase in mean and minimum elevation coupled with a jump in the mean ksn values, suggests that the Chiriaco River basin has experienced more recent rock uplift than the Utcubamba River basin. In fact, the Utcubamba River experienced a long-lasting uplift, resulting in a rugged local relief and lowering the mean and minimum elevations, and exhumation and weathering of the Triassic-hosted sulfide mineral deposits at Florida Canyon. In the Chiriaco River basin, the younger uplift has promoted the weathering of the more surficial Jurassic-hosted Mina Grande and Cristal mineral deposits. The morphometric approach proved to be effective in recognizing fertile areas with near-surface orebodies also in regions characterized by distinct types of ore deposits.

Genesis of volcanic-hosted Cu vein deposits in the foreland fold-thrust belt, southeastern Tibetan Plateau: Insights from ore geology, C-O-S-Pb-Cu isotopes, and fluid inclusions at Wenyu

Copper deposits hosted by volcanic rocks can have different genetic types. Many copper vein deposits at the margin of the Cenozoic Lanping-Simao foreland fold-thrust belt in southwest China are controlled by thrust faults and hosted by Triassic volcanic rocks formed in association with the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The genesis of these copper deposits is poorly understood. Wenyu is a typical Cu deposit hosted in the Middle−Late Triassic basaltic-andesitic rocks and experienced three major hydrothermal stages characterized by mineral assemblages of calcite, anhydrite, and barite (Stage I); early quartz, chlorite, and epidote (Stage II); and Cu sulfides, galena, pyrite, hematite, and late quartz (Stage III). Consistency of the boiling temperature from fluid inclusions in the calcite and the temperature inferred from the C-O isotopes of the calcite, and the oxygen isotopes of the anhydrite and barite indicate that the stage I fluids probably have a δ13C value of ∼−4.5‰ and δ18O values in the range of ∼−3‰ to +4‰. Oxygen isotopes of the early quartz (δ18O = 15.1‰ to 17.4‰), D-O isotopes of chlorite and epidote, and the fluid inclusion data indicate that the stage II fluids have δ18O values of ∼2.4‰ to 5.0‰ and δ18D values of −68‰ to −53‰. Thus, the stage I and II fluids were inferred to be deep-seated brines with temperatures predominantly between 180 °C and 240 °C and salinities of 16−18 wt% NaCl eq. More significant meteoric water was involved during stage III based on the oxygen isotopes of the late quartz (δ18O = 6.2‰ to 9.5‰). The large variation in δ34S values (−21.3‰ to 1.6‰) in the sulfides, the sample- and grain-scale sulfur isotope fractionation, combined with the ore textural evidence that the sulfates and chlorite were replaced by Cu sulfides accompanied by hematite, indicate that the reduced sulfur responsible for sulfide precipitation was generated by inorganic reduction of the previously formed anhydrite and barite (δ34S = 6.3‰ to 8.6‰) or sulfates in the brines by oxidation of chlorite to hematite. Lead isotopes of galena (206Pb/204Pb = 18.67−18.87; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.68−15.72) and copper isotopes of Cu sulfides (δ65Cu = −0.34‰ to 0.51‰) indicate that the ore-forming metals (e.g., Cu and Pb) were derived from the ore-hosting Triassic volcanic rocks. The Wenyu copper deposit cannot be classified as a porphyry, epithermal, or volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit. It is believed that the deep-seated brines, such as the saline formation water in the Permian marine strata, migrated upward along the thrust faults into the Triassic basaltic-andesitic volcanic rocks, and leached metals from the volcanic rocks and precipitated Cu sulfides via inorganic sulfate reduction at Wenyu during the Cenozoic. Such mineralization processes may explain the genesis of the volcanic-hosted copper vein deposits in the Lanping-Simao foreland fold-thrust belt and other similar belts in the world.

Preface

In this special issue of GEUS Bulletin, the many riddles regarding the platinum group elements and gold (PGE-Au) mineralisation of the East Greenland Skaergaard intrusion are untangled and discussed. The Skaergard PGE-Au mineralisation, as defined in this study, embodies an enigmatic and rich ore-formation that arguably could have been an economic resource, had it not been for its ice-locked position in central East Greenland. The authors of this study (Rudashevsky et al. 2023, this volume) characterise the systematic variability in the precious metal mineralogy from the contact towards the interior of the intrusion based on the analysis of more than 4000 individual PGE-Au grains. This variability is interpreted in the light of 90 years of research and over 1000 publications pertaining to magma chamber processes in the Skaergaard intrusion. With such an impressive library of knowledge, on a comparatively simple magmatic system such as the Skaergard intrusion, we should have discovered a few islands of truth in igneous petrology and ore-deposit formation. And indeed, we have. But we are also enriched with an evolving story, where answering one question only serves to raise three new questions. This study demonstrates the variability of PGE-Au phases throughout the ore-forming zone of the Skaergaard intrusion. As previously observed, PGE-Au mineralisation in the central parts is divided into several layers over 30–40 m of the cumulus stratigraphy with increasing Pd/Pt ratios upwards, an Au-rich upper part and a low sulphide content throughout all layers. Close to the contact the precious metal zonation is less pronounced, and it is significantly more sulphide rich. The PGE mineralogy deviates significantly from the centre to the margin. These complex lateral and vertical variations cannot be explained by one genetic model but require an intricate combination of igneous processes including silicate-melt liquid immiscibility, sulphide-melt immiscibility, sulphide-melt resorptions, precious metal transport by volatile-rich fluids and, finally, the solidification rate of the cumulus mushes. For other well-preserved PGE-Au deposits throughout the world, we observe a great variation of ore-forming models. Remarkably, most of these models may be applied to various parts of the Skaergaard mineralisation. The authors suggest that the Skaergaard intrusion preserves different steps in PGE-Au ore-genesis which, in many other intrusions are obliterated by later igneous events. Therefore, the legacy of the Skaergaard mineralisation is the preservation of igneous ore-forming events that may also precede the genesis of other PGE-Au deposits in the world. After the last conclusion, I guarantee that you will be confused and perhaps a bit triggered but hopefully also inspired and bursting with new questions on the genesis of PGE-Au deposits in mafic and ultramafic igneous complexes. In light of the recent study, you may even be encouraged to look at your favourite PGE-Au deposit with fresh eyes. This study beautifully demonstrates that turning the next page in the book of magma chamber processes is more important than seeing ‘The End’.

Whole Rock, Mineral Chemistry during Skarn Mineralization-Case Study from Tongshan Cu-Mo Skarn Profile

Studying the activation, migration and precipitation processes of ore-forming elements is essential for understanding the genesis and mechanisms of skarn deposits. A typical skarn profile formed by the intrusion of Yanshanian granodiorite into the Carboniferous carbonate strata was studied. The profile is highly consistent with the classic skarn profile, ranging from the intrusion, weak alteration belt, skarn belt (inner and outer skarn belt) and mineralization belt (mainly characterized by Cu mineralization) to the surrounding marble without being affected by late-stage low-temperature or supergene weathering alteration. Whole-rock data show that the major and trace elements exhibit relatively small changes in the granodiorite and inner skarn, but huge variation in the boundary between the inner and outer skarn; Na, Al, Ti and Sr show significant decreases, while Fe, Mg, Zn, V and Ni show significant increases. The elemental content in the outer skarn is 10–100 times or more higher than that in the marble, but the elements such as Ca, Sr and Cs diluted from the marble. During the migration process from the inner skarn to the outer skarn, some elements (such as K, Rb and Ba) were depleted in the inner, but not enriched in the outer, indicating that they may migrate to farther locations. Grossularite developed in the inner skarn, with light rare earth element (LREE) depletion and heavy REE enrichment, as well as positive and negative anomalies of Eu (δEu = 0.42–3.95). Andradite developed in the outer skarn, with zonation development, light REE enrichment, and heavy REE depletion and a positive Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.36–46.83). Some negative Eu anomalies appear at the edges of garnets in the outer skarn, indicating fluctuations in fO2 during the late skarn process. A positive correlation between Fe3+ and REE3+ in the garnets from the inner skarn, as well as between Al3+ and REE3+ from the outer skarn indicated that there are different YAG substitution mechanisms of REE between the inner and outer skarn. Low garnet REE contents and highly variable Y/Ho ratios in outer skarn suggest that the significant fluctuations in REEs may be primarily controlled by water-rock interactions. Considering the whole-rock major and trace element contents, as well as the trace element features of garnet, we found that whole-rock Na, Al, Ti and Sr elements, garnet Ti, Zr and Nb elements exhibit significant differences between the inner and outer skarn. These characteristics can be used to distinguish the boundary between the rock body and carbonate during the skarnification process.

The composition of mackinawite

Abstract The composition of a mineral is a defining characteristic. The various compositions listed for mackinawite in current mineralogical databases and reference books, such as Fe(Ni)S and Fe1+xS, are both wrong and misleading. Statistical analyses of over 100 mackinawite compositions reported over the last 50 years show a mean composition of Me1.0S where Me = Fe + Co + Ni + Cu. Mackinawite is stoichiometric FeS. As with many sulfide minerals, Ni-, Co-, and, possibly, Cu-rich varieties occur in addition to the simple iron monosulfide. These varieties are best referred to as nickelian mackinawite, cobaltian mackinawite, and cupriferous mackinawite. The results confirm that these metals substitute for Fe in the mackinawite structure rather than being contained in the interstices between the Fe-S layers. Most compositional data on mackinawites derive from electron probe microanalyses of small grains in magmatic/hydrothermal associations. The result means that there is no dichotomy between the composition of ambient temperature synthetic mackinawite (which is supposed to be equivalent to sedimentary mackinawite) and mackinawites from higher temperature associations. The correct representation of the composition of mackinawite has implications for a wide swathe of fundamental science, including the origin of life, the genesis of magmatic ore deposits, the provenance of meteorites as well as industrial applications such as water treatment and steel corrosion. The stoichiometric formulation permits the mackinawite formula to be balanced electronically using conventional Fe and S ionic species. It also enables simple, balanced chemical equations involving mackinawite.

Vapor-phases as Cu transport agents for the shear-zone-hosted mineralization system: A perspective from H-O-S-Cu isotopes

Abstract Elucidating metal transport agents is the key to understanding the genesis of deposits and tracking the locations of concealed orebodies. Here, we integrate H-O-S-Cu isotopic data from the shear-zone-hosted Lingyun Cu deposit, China, as a means to fingerprint metal transport agents. Sulfide mineralization can be divided into early and late stages, which consist of chalcopyrite + bornite + quartz veins and chalcopyrite + bornite + ankerite veinlets, respectively. Both δ18Ofluid and δD values of fluid inclusions hosted by quartz (δ18Ofluid: 0.5‰ to 9.9‰, δD: –103.9‰ to –60.1‰) and δ65Cu values of sulfides (–1.85‰ to +0.39‰) from the early stage progressively decrease from the southeastern to northwestern portions of the Lingyun deposit, whereas sulfide δ34S simultaneously shifts toward heavier values (–14.4‰ to 5.0‰). The δ34S and δ65Cu values of sulfides from the late stage have restricted ranges from –11.2‰ to –9.3‰ and –0.30‰ to 0.05‰, respectively. The possibilities of meteoric water addition, water-rock interaction, inter-mineral Cu partitioning, diffusion, and oxidation could be ruled out as reasons for having caused systematic H-O-S-Cu isotope variations. Vapor-liquid separation resulted in preferential incorporation of light Cu, H, and O isotopes into the vapor phase. The decrease in oxygen fugacity in the fluids resulted in a shift toward heavier δ34S values as fluid flowed outward. Vapor-phases are the dominant transport agents for Cu in the Lingyun deposit, which may be widely applicable to shear-zone-hosted deposits. The direction of progressively increasing δ65Cu, δD, and δ18O values and decreasing δ34S values allows identification of potential locations of concealed orebodies.

Study of the deformation characteristics of soils with a change in humidity

This paper discusses the anisotropic properties of soils and the issue of the influence of soil wetness on the stress-strain state of an anisotropic foundation. The study of material properties and the nature of these properties is directly related to the origin and structure of the object under study. The most important of them from the point of view of calculations of foundations, design of buildings, and structures are deformation, strength, and filtration anisotropy, which introduce changes to a greater or lesser extent in the stress-strain state of soil massifs. The entire set of physical and mathematical properties of soils is determined by their structure and texture, which, in turn, are formed depending on the composition and genesis of soil deposits, as well as under the influence of external factors leading to the transformation of the stress state of the soil mass. Practically in all experiments in which the deformation, filtration, strength, and other properties of soils were studied in various directions, a difference in their indicators was noted. Such results testify to the anisotropic manifestation of these properties. An elastic (linearly deformable) soil model is considered a design model of soils that make up an anisotropic base.

Experimental Modeling of Transport of Ore-Forming Components by Water-Salt Fluids at Elevated P–T Parameters

Abstract —The modeling experiments were conducted to study transport of ore-forming components in the lithosphere, taking into account the possibility of ore matter remobilization under endogenous conditions. The experiments, which included temperature gradient-based ones, were conducted at T = 500–680 °C and P = 1.5–5.0 kbar on high gas pressure devices (HGPD) in highly concentrated water-salt solutions of alkaline specifics. The experiments consisted of two stages. During the first stage, we tested the possibility of recrystallization of the ore matter of “black smokers” in the presence of basalt at 500 ℃ and 5 kbar and water-salt fluids at a concentration of up to 5 wt.%. At the second stage, mechanisms of ore-forming components transport (P–T parameters: 450–650 ℃ and up to 5 kbar) were studied under conditions of a temperature gradient (0.3–0.4 °C/mm). The duration of the experiments was 14 days. The test products were: oceanic basalts, granite model mixtures (Fsp + Qz), as well as various sulfide minerals, oxides and noble metals (Au, Pt). It has been shown that at T 680–650 °C, intensive recrystallization and deposition of sulfide minerals (sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite, cooperite, etc.) along with feldspars, micas and quartz, takes place. Intensive transport of both the main petrogenic (Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K) and ore-forming elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Cd, Pt, Au, Hg, Bi), and a joint transport of silicate and ore matter is established. Some ore elements are either included into compositions of solid solutions or present as impurities in ore-forming minerals: Fe, Ni, Cu → pyrite, pyrrhotite; Pb, Au, As, Bi, Zn → galena; Zn, Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu → sphalerite; As → galena, orpiment, realgar, gold; Hg → gold. The obtained data attest to the possibility of modeling ore mineralization mechanisms. The experimental results apply to explain the genesis of the Zun-Kholba gold–quartz–sulfide deposit and describe the processes of epigenetic transformations of primary ores in polymetallic deposits, on the example of the Ozernoe Pb–Zn deposit. The discussed mechanisms can be extended to explain the genesis of other ore deposits occurring in the zones of tectonic-magmatic activation.

Problems of the genesis of ore deposits of the Ozerninsky polymetallic ore cluster (western Transbaikalian region, Russia)

The Ozerninsky ore cluster is a unique geological megastructure in terms of the concentration of rich and diverse mineralization. More than 20 deposits of lead, zinc, iron, copper, barite, and gold are concentrated here, including the Ozernoye polymetallic deposit, the largest in Russia in terms of the zinc reserve. Our studies have shown that many morphological features of the ores of this deposit, which most researchers assign to the hydrothermal-sedimentary type, are ambiguous; some signs of a metasomatic origin of the sulfide mineralization are observed. Along with lead-zinc deposits, complex gold-polymetallic, iron-oxide (hematite-magnetite), and copper-barite deposits are known within the Ozerninsky ore cluster, the origin of which remains debatable. Due to the wide distribution of exogenous gold deposits, there exists a need to assess the gold content of various types of the endogenous ore mineralization as potential sources of the precious metals. Despite the rather long period of studies of the Ozerninsky ore cluster (more than half a century), many questions related to ratios of the different mineralization types, the age, genesis of the ores, and geodynamic settings of formation of the deposits are still the subject of discussion. Solution of these issues requires more detailed geochronological and lithological-stratigraphic investigations conducted in combination with studying the mineral composition of the ores, their isotope-geochemical characteristics, and the physico-chemical formation conditions.

A metamorphic devolatilization model for the granitoid-hosted Wulong lode gold deposit, Liaodong Peninsula, Eastern North China Craton: Evidence from geology, fluid inclusions, and O-Sr-Li isotopes

The genesis of the gold deposits in the eastern North China Craton (NCC) has long been disputed. Many would relate the gold mineralization to magmatism. The Wulong in the Liaodong Peninsula is a classic example in the eastern NCC and was considered to be of magmatic hydrothermal origin previously. Nevertheless, we propose a metamorphic devolatilization model to explain its genesis based on geological, fluid inclusion and O-Sr-Li isotopic study. The geological profiles, temperatures, salinities, and O isotopes of the ore-forming fluids at Wulong show no spatial variations over a 600 m vertical depth interval. These evidence convincingly prove its vertically extensive feature, which is similar to orogenic gold deposits, but different from magmatic hydrothermal systems. The initial Sr isotopes of the ore-forming fluids (0.71435 to 0.71578) fall into the range of metabasalts from the Liaohe Group (the Paleoproterozoic basement), indicating that metabasalts are the probable sources. Lithium and its isotopic modelling further suggest that metamorphic devolatilization of metabasalts (with chain silicates Ch, phyllosilicates Ph, and quartz Qtz as endmembers; Ch, Li ≈ 5 ppm, δ7Li ≈ 8‰; Ph, Li ≈ 63 ppm, δ7Li ≈ −1‰; Qtz, Li ≈ 10 ppm, δ7Li ≈ 30‰) could account for the Li concentrations (5–41 ppm) and δ7Li value of the fluid (21.4‰) of the Wulong gold deposit. Rayleigh fractionation in a closed system led to large Li isotopic variation of the ore-forming fluids (21.4 to 11.0‰). The metamorphic devolatilization model based on the vertically extensive feature, Sr isotopic constraint and Li isotopic modelling is in striking contrast with previous qualitative isotopic studies that support a magmatic hydrothermal origin for the Wulong and other granitoid-hosted gold deposits in the eastern NCC. Integrated with geological characteristics and radiogenic isotopes, this study here shows that Li isotopes can provide new constraints on the genesis of orogenic gold deposits.

A timeline of the Cenozoic tectonic–magmatic–metamorphic evolution and development of ore resources in the Himalayas

A large concentration of ore deposits (i.e., tungsten, tin, lithium, beryllium, lead, zinc, silver, antimony and gold) related to metamorphism and hydrothermal activity of granite developed in the Himalayas and are located in the southern part of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. As one of the newest and largest examples in the world of continental–continental collisional orogenic belts, the Himalayas are optimal for studying the coupling of continental collisions with metamorphic, tectonic, magmatic events and ore resources. Although considerable research has been conducted in the Himalayas, the timing of various geological processes remains debated, which limits the understanding of the genesis of ore deposits. To better understand the influence of orogeny on the metallogenic process, this study comprehensively presents the time of activity of the above‐mentioned four Cenozoic geological processes in the Himalayas. This contribution focuses on the context of the timeline to determine the internal connections and discusses the interrelationships of the geological processes. This study argues that Cenozoic lower crust–mantle interactions deep within the Indian continental plate below the Himalayas controlled the tectonics, metamorphism, magmatism and mineralization in the middle–upper crust. Cenozoic magmatic rocks in the upper crust are the direct results of the main‐collisional and post‐collisional stages of the Indian and Eurasian continental blocks. Intense collisional shearing and metamorphism during the Eocene formed the Himalayan fault–fold Belt and orogenic gold deposits. The break‐off, detachment and slab tearing of the Indian lithosphere during the Miocene led to the extensional structure of the middle–upper crust. There is a close coupling relationship between the exhumation of the middle–lower crust and the formation of large‐scale leucogranites during the Miocene in the upper crust, which provides the geological context for the main metallogenic period during which tungsten, tin, lithium, beryllium, lead, zinc, silver, antimony and gold ore widely developed. With technological advancements, the analytical accuracy of geological ages has gradually improved. In the future, research on the temporal constraints of important geological activities should be strengthened, and then a comprehensive evolutionary model of multiple spheres of geological processes in the Himalayas should be established.

Nickel isotope ratios trace the process of sulfide-silicate liquid immiscibility during magmatic differentiation

Sulfide-silicate liquid immiscibility (i.e., the coexistence of two liquid phases in equilibrium) plays a significant role in the processes of planetary-scale differentiation, the formation of Earth’s crust, and the genesis of magmatic sulfide ore deposits. The stable isotope geochemistry of nickel can potentially take advantage of fractionation signals produced in magmatic systems where immiscible sulfide and silicate liquid have equilibrated. Variations in Ni isotope ratio beyond those found in sulfide-undersaturated basaltic rocks can provide a hallmark of fractionation processes that control chalcophile and siderophile element abundances. We report high-precision Ni isotope ratio data for a stratigraphically-controlled sequence of Siberian Trap basalts in a volcanic edifice centered over the world’s largest concentration of magmatic sulfide ore deposits at Noril’sk-Talnakh, Russia. Nickel isotope ratios (δ60Ni (‰) = [(60Ni/58Ni)sample/(60Ni/58Ni)SRM986-1] × 1000) in the basaltic rocks range from +0.07 ± 0.02‰ to +1.00 ± 0.04‰ and correlate negatively with Ni and precious metal abundance levels, indicating extensive Ni isotope fractionation due to sulfide saturation of the silicate magma. A Rayleigh fractionation model fits the observed results and enables a precise estimate of the fractionation factor (α) between sulfide liquid and silicate melt to be 0.99965 (i.e., 103*lnα = −0.35). Our study illustrates the application of Ni isotope ratio data in understanding sulfide-silicate liquid immiscibility and the broader implications with respect to the formation of the largest known magmatic sulfide ore deposits in association with the Siberian Trap.

Geology, geochemistry and genesis of the world-class Shizhushan wollastonite deposit, Mengshan area, South China

The recently discovered Shizhushan wollastonite deposit in the Mengshan district contains about 54 Mt of wollastonite, making it the world’s largest wollastonite deposit. Zircon U–Pb geochronological results indicate that the Mengshan composite pluton evolved during a prolonged magmatic history (ca. 230–218 Ma). The pluton and the surrounding carbonate units of the Maokou Formation have distinct initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios, with values of 0.7107–0.7162 and 0.7070–0.7075, respectively. Pure wollastonite crystals in the Maokou Formation are characterized by uniform 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7070 that are indistinguishable from the carbonates, suggesting that the wollastonite was formed during contact metamorphism. Limestones of the Maokou Formation are characterized by variable δ13CV-PDB (−5.2 to 4.0‰) and δ18OSMOW (10.3 to 22.6‰) values. Carbonates with the lowest δ13CV-PDB and δ18OSMOW values (and elevated 87Sr/86Sr ratios) occur in the vicinity of a regional structure, suggesting that magmatic–hydrothermal fluids and CO2 were channeled along this fault.Based on new geological, geochronological and geochemical data, we propose that the world‐class wollastonite deposit formed as a result of several factors related to a relatively stable depositional environment during the Late Paleozoic as well as structural deformation and magmatic events during the Early Mesozoic. These features include: 1) juxtaposition of abundant sediment-hosted chert (SiO2) and limestone (CaCO3) units, 2) a prolonged heat source provided by multiple magmatic events, 3) CO2 degassing along the regional structure promoted wollastonite-forming reactions, and 4) the proximity of the Si- and Ca-rich sedimentary layers subparallel to the intrusion contact. Our study documents the important roles of Early Mesozoic deformation and magmatism in the genesis of non-metallic mineral deposits in south China.

Nanoscale Distribution of Elements in Gold: Examples from Contrasting Deposit Types

Abstract Quantifying the distribution and nature of trace elements in native gold is a novel approach to understanding the genesis of gold deposits and has implications for metallogenic processes, mineral exploration, and metallurgical processing. Most previous research on the formation of gold deposits has utilized proxies for gold, rather than gold itself, to infer its source, transport, and depositional mechanisms, despite the difficulty in establishing unequivocal relationships among the proxies and gold. This approach has left many questions regarding the formation of high-grade coarse gold. This contribution presents results on the composition and distribution of trace elements in native gold using electron probe microanalysis and, for the first time, atom probe tomography. Gold grains selected are from a deformed and metamorphosed Archean orogenic gold deposit (Preston Mine) and a young, undisturbed epithermal gold deposit (McLaughlin mine) which are endmembers in terms of deposit type and geologic time. Results show that Cu, Ag, and Hg are homogenously distributed in gold while Sb is not, which raises questions regarding the substitution mechanisms of large radii metallic elements in gold. These data provide new insights into the incorporation of trace elements in gold, as well as primary and secondary processes related to the formation of high-grade gold deposits through time.

Classification of Polymetallic Ore-Forming Processes and Transitional VMS–SEDEX–MV-type: the Example of the Giant Ozernoe Deposit in Transbaikalia, Russia

This article discusses the general classification approaches and key features of different families of polymetallic deposits, with particular attention to the largest in Eurasia Ozernoe polymetallic deposit located in Western Transbaikalia and thoroughly explored 50 years ago. The main groups (or families) of polymetallic deposits in the English-language literature are identified by brief names: volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS), sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX), and Mississippi Valley type (MVT). Within these three families of deposits, there are many additional types/subtypes, a large number of which are mostly due to the incompleteness and inconsistency of accumulated knowledge on the genesis of polymetallic deposits. Overall, all Pb–Zn(Ag,Cu) deposits—both those that are considered syngenetic, forming on and near the seafloor (VMS and SEDEX), and epigenetic low-temperature ones (MVT)—demonstrate a wide range of features that distinguish and bring together these families. This also applies to the types and subtypes of mineral deposits identified within them. One of the most complex objects for geological–genetic classification is the Ozernoe deposit studied by the authors, which, in terms of the nature of the host rocks, is intermediate between the end members of all three families: SEDEX, VMS and MVT. The deposit is localized in volcanic–carbonate–terrigenous rocks of the Cambrian Oldynda formation, but the age and stratigraphic affiliation of the ore-bearing series remain a matter of debate. The Ozernoe deposit is a combination of massive sulfide and siderite ore beds, ore breccia horizons, low-carbonate aleuropelite members, limestones, fine detrital tuffites, lavas, and tuffs. The sulfide bodies are confined to several stratigraphic levels, and the main productive unit thickness reaches 230 m. The thickness is comprised of 12 mineral lodes, a series of stratified ore bodies separated by gangue layers of sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks. The primary ore minerals are pyrite, sphalerite, and galena, while the minor minerals include magnetite, chalcopyrite, marcasite, tetrahedrite, and arsenopyrite. There are two main theories regarding the origin of the ore: volcanogenic–sedimentary and hydrothermal–metasomatic. The hydrothermal–sedimentary theory remains the prevailing hypothesis, but there are many indications that epigenetic hydrothermal–metasomatic and dynamic metamorphic processes have contributed to the formation of the deposit. These include the appearance of sulfide–quartz and quartz–carbonate–sulfide veins and vein zones in fine-grained “layered” ores, with large crystalline sphalerite and galena; multiple signs of ore recrystallization, including the formation of pyrite porphyroblasts and arsenopyrite metacrystals; and the formation of solid pyrrhotite and pyrrhotite–magnetite ores with a lenticular-striped, gneissic structure. These observations suggest that different processes, both hydrothermal–sedimentary and metamorphogenetic–metasomatic, were involved in the formation of the Ozernoe deposit. In other words, primary hydrothermal–sedimentary ores were redeposited by late hydrothermal solutions. Nevertheless, many issues concerning the genesis of the Ozernoe deposit remain unresolved.

Review of rare earth element (REE) adsorption on and desorption from clay minerals: Application to formation and mining of ion-adsorption REE deposits

Ion-adsorption rare earth elements (iREE) deposits are the globally predominant source of heavy rare earth elements (HREE), which are mainly discovered and mined in southern China. This paper reviews the genesis and mining mechanisms of iREE deposits. These deposits are mainly formed in the weathering crust of rare earth elements (REE)-rich granites, volcanic rocks and metamorphic rocks. During the weathering and eluviation, REE are released by the dissolution of REE-bearing minerals, depending on the weathering resistance of such minerals. Then, aqueous REE cations migrate downwards and are adsorbed by clay minerals. The adsorption and fractionation of REE are affected by variations in oxygen, pH and ionic species and strength. REE are mainly adsorbed on clay minerals through ion exchange and surface complexation. The former reaction cannot cause evident REE fractionation, whereas the latter induces an enrichment of HREE over LREE. The enrichment and fractionation characteristics of REE are also constrained by their occurrence states. REE with different occurrence states can be distinguished via sequential extraction, and the micro-occurrence states of REE can be probed using high-sensitivity, high-resolution characterisation. Furthermore, the leaching mechanism of iREE deposits is summarized, where REE are exchanged by foreign cations. Ammonium sulphate is the main leaching agent, but its excessive use can cause serious environmental pollution. Thus, leaching agents with little or no ammonium, such as MgSO4 and CaCl2, have been recommended. The controlling factors of REE leaching are the concentration of leaching agents, pH, temperature and solid/liquid ratio. The above summary deepens the understanding of the formation mechanism of iREE deposits and provides beneficial information for the efficient but green mining of iREE deposits.

Genesis of Makeng-type Fe-polymetallic deposits in SE China: New constraints by geochronological and isotopic data from the Dapai–Makeng metallogenic system

The southwestern Fujian depression belt (SFDB) is an economically important Mesozoic Fe metallogenic belt in South China and is renowned for its Makeng-type Fe deposits, in which stratified skarn Fe orebodies generally occur in or near the contact zone between late Paleozoic carbonate sequences and Mesozoic granites. However, the genesis and geodynamic setting of these deposits remain unclear because the characteristics of the widely distributed Pb–Zn–Cu and Mo orebodies in these deposits and the temporal, spatial, and genetic relationships between magmatism and mineralization are poorly defined. The Dapai Fe polymetallic deposit in the SFDB is a typical example of Makeng-type Fe deposits but also has regional significance, whereby the stratified skarn Fe orebodies have overprinted the stratabound Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization followed by final fissure-filling by vein-disseminated Mo mineralization. A detailed geological investigation suggests that episodic magmatic–hydrothermal events were involved in the formation process of the Dapai Fe polymetallic deposit.Pyrite and sphalerite from the Pb–Zn–Cu orebodies yield an Rb–Sr isochron age of 175.5 ± 3.3 Ma, which is regarded as the timing of Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization. Zircon grains from Fe-mineralized granodiorite porphyry and Mo-mineralized monzogranite yield weighted-mean 206Pb/238U ages of 146.3 ± 0.9 Ma and 131.7 ± 0.4 Ma, interpreted as the timings of Fe and Mo mineralization, respectively. Six zircons from granodiorite also yield a 206Pb/238U model age cluster of ∼184 Ma, which coincides reasonably with the timing of Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization and implies the existence of an unidentified ore-related intrusion in the Dapai deposit. Five further zircons from the porphyritic granodiorite yield an age cluster of ∼150 Ma, consistent with the timing of Fe mineralization. Galena, pyrite, and sphalerite from the Dapai and Makeng deposits have similar S–Pb isotopic compositions and suggest a magmatic source. Combining our results with published isotopic data for the SFDB, we suggest that the Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization in this area was derived from crustal magmas that mixed with mantle-derived magma prior to emplacement. The δ56Fe and δ57Fe values of magnetite from Dapai and Makeng are both slightly lower than those of the ore-related granites, suggesting that Fe in the initial fluid in both deposits was derived mainly from coeval granitic rocks. The Fe isotopic variation between intrusions and skarn Fe orebodies is interpreted as resulting from mass fractionation that occurred during fluid exsolution from melt. Contents of Re in molybdenite from published data for the SFDB indicate crust–mantle mixed sources of Mo and Re. The Makeng-type Fe polymetallic deposits formed as a result of three magmatic–hydrothermal episodes, generating Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization at 185–160 Ma, Fe–Mo mineralization at 150–140 Ma, and Mo–Fe mineralization at 135–130 Ma. The different metal associations formed during multiple stages of magmatism caused by ongoing subduction and rollback and/or retreat of the paleo-Pacific Plate.

Origin of lithium-rich salt lakes on the western Kunlun Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from hydrogeochemistry and lithium isotopes

Lithium-rich salt lakes have attracted much attention as important lithium resources. The source and enrichment mechanisms of lithium in salt lakes are fundamental to uncovering the genesis of brine-type lithium deposits. However, the origin of lithium in salt lakes has been controversial, especially for lithium-rich brines associated with hard rock lithium ore has not been concerned by scholars. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the lithium isotope and hydrochemical composition characteristics of a lithium-rich salt lake (Kushui Lake) and a series of surrounding water samples in the lithium pegmatites district of West Kunlun, Xinjiang, China. Hydrochemical composition shows that different samples in the basin are rich in Li, Na, and K and poor in Mg and Ca. The water chemistry of the Kushui River, the largest river within the catchment, changes from carbonate type to sulfate subtype through evaporation. The precipitate of sulfate and chloride minerals is also gradually increasing. In addition, Li, B, Sr, Rb, Cs, U, Ti, V, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, and REE are abnormally enriched in the rivers and lakes of the basin, especially in the spring water, which is several times higher than in the rivers. Likewise, dissolved Li and δ7Li showed ranges of 0.01–287.86 mg/L and 3.28–16.44 ‰, respectively. These data were used to determine the origin of lithium and its enrichment process in salt lakes. The results show that the source of Li in Kushui Lake is closely related to the surrounding felsic volcanic rocks, pegmatite-type lithium ore and deep fluids, whereas the water–rock interaction in the deep crust and the chemical weathering in the supergene environment play an influential role during the formation of Li-rich fluids. In addition, the spring samples in the northwestern of Kushui Lake have inherited the lithium isotopic signature of lithium-bearing source rocks from the water–rock reaction process in the deep crust, allowing us further to isolate the source of Li in the target waters. With the movement of water, lithium exhibits a trend of continuous enrichment under the influence of evaporation and mixing. At different stages of evaporation, the Li/Na ratio in water in this catchment shows a trend of increasing, decreasing, and increasing due to the adsorption of 6Li by secondary minerals and the crystallization of Na. It suggests that strong evaporation under arid conditions is the main mechanism responsible for the rapid enrichment of Li in salt lakes. Moreover, the positive relationship between Li content and the δ7Li value of rivers along the discharge path indicated that the adsorption of 6Li by secondary minerals still existed even at a minor watershed scale, resulting in the fractionation of lithium isotopes in river waters. This study may contribute to a deeper understanding of lithium sources and their enrichment processes in Li-rich salt lakes. In addition, it is also beneficial to search for new lithium resources based on the source relationships among the various lithium reservoirs.

Characterizing a new type of nelsonite recognized in the Damiao anorthosite complex, North China Craton, with implications for the genesis of giant magmatic Fe-Ti oxide deposits

Abstract Nelsonite (Fe-Ti oxide-apatite rock) devoid of silicates offers a rare opportunity to investigate the magma processes for the formation of magmatic Fe-Ti oxide deposits. Both fractional crystallization and silicate liquid immiscibility have been put forward, but the lack of robust evidence has hindered unambiguously distinguishing the role of these two processes in Fe-Ti mineralization. The nelsonite and associated Fe-Ti-P-rich rocks hosted in the Proterozoic Damiao anorthosite complex represent a typical example for studying Fe-Ti ore-forming processes. We recognized a new type of nelsonite (type-I) in the Damiao complex, which is distinct from the two known types of nelsonite (type-II and type-III) from the same complex. The type-I nelsonite is characterized by its coexistence with oxide-apatite gabbronorite and granite in the same dike, and all these rocks have identical emplacement ages (1740 ± 7 Ma), subparallel REE patterns, and major-element compositions lacking intermediate compositions, suggesting derivation from conjugate Fe- and Si-rich melts generated by silicate liquid immiscibility. The large type-II nelsonite bodies form irregular dikes along fractures in anorthosite and constitute the major ore type. The type-III nelsonite occurs as conformable layers or pods within oxide-apatite gabbronorite and pyroxenite, and occupies the end part of the type-II dike. The latter two types of nelsonites formed by extensive fractional crystallization of residual magma with crystal accumulation and subsequent hydrothermal replacement. During residual magma evolution, silicate liquid immiscibility was crucial for Fe-Ti-P enrichment, fractional crystallization was responsible for enhancing oxide-apatite concentrations, and hydrothermal replacement was effective for mobilizing oxide-apatite concentrations. Our newly recognized nelsonite provides an unambiguous, outcrop-scale, field evidence for the operation of silicate liquid immiscibility process. We show that giant magmatic Fe-Ti oxide orebodies can form by a combination of processes involving silicate liquid immiscibility, fractional crystallization and hydrothermal mobilization.