Geological Samples Research Articles

Quantitative Measurement of Multiple Elements in Micro‐Quantities of Crude Oil Using In Situ Analysis by Laser Ablation‐ICP‐MS

Multi‐element quantification in small amounts of material and in situ measurements at the micrometre scale are essential aspects of geological sample investigation. A direct and rapid simultaneous multi‐elemental determination of metals in crude oil samples was carried out by combining direct laser ablation of the oil inserted in silica capillaries with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. The accuracy of LA‐ICP‐MS determination was demonstrated by analysing CONOSTAN reference material oils, certified for multiple elements, and by comparing LA‐ICP‐MS measurement results with those obtained by ICP‐OES using microwave‐assisted sample digestion. The results obtained by both methods were in agreement with certified values. The LA‐ICP‐MS method showed an adequate precision with a mean relative standard deviation of less than 10% for multi‐element determination, and was sufficiently sensitive to determine the majority of elements. LA‐ICP‐MS was also applied to the determination of elements in crude oils of different origins. LA‐ICP‐MS is a good alternative method allowing the determination of elements in organic fluids (oil and bitumen) in shorter times, involving less material consumption, smaller test portion size and with higher throughput compared with protocols using, for instance, sample digestion. It validates the possible application of metal analysis in hydrocarbon‐containing fluid inclusions for metallogenic purposes.

Lithium isotope ratio analysis of geological samples using atomic absorption spectrometry with improved spectral resolution

This study introduces an improved spectrometric method with enhanced precision to determine isotope ratios in geological samples without chromatographic separation. Firstly, the improvement is achieved by increasing the spectral resolution of the spectrometer applied in well-known high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-AAS). The resulting resolving power and linear dispersion of the upgraded setup, which is denoted in the following as HR+CS-AAS, is well adapted to the line widths of the Li isotope components we investigated. Secondly, our proposed method combines optical absorption spectrometry with machine learning data analysis using an extreme gradient boosting algorithm (XGBoost). This method was applied to analyze certified geological reference materials with δLSVEC(7Li/6Li) (hereafter δ7Li) values ranging from −0.5 ‰ to 4.5 ‰. With a pixel related optical resolving power of λ/∆λ ≈ 780 000, we obtain precisions in δ7Li measurements from 1.0 ‰ to 2.5 ‰. The method is validated by comparing the results with multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), confirming its metrological compatibility. This work presents a fast, robust, and reliable method for δ7Li measurement in geological samples.

Формирование цифровой модели угольного месторождения в горно-геологической информационной системе МАЙНФРЭЙМ

Digitalization of enterprise management using Russian software is the main trend in the development of the country's mining sector. Sharp fluctuations in demand and prices in the mineral markets, as well as the development of technical tools for mechanization and automation of technological processes along with a systematic increase in their cost affect the financial performance of mining companies. This determines the need for a rapid adoption of technical, technological and organizational decisions, which, along with the requirements of the company's owners and regulators to obtain prompt, reliable and the most complete information about the production process explains the urgent need for the prompt introduction of digital control systems for mining operations. In the article the authors describe an algorithm to design a digital model of the mining and geological system, including a digital geological model of the deposit, digital models of mine workings and the surface topography, based on the experience of creating three-dimensional digital models of complex-structured coal deposits. The basic software suite for designing a digital management system for mining operations is the MINEFRAME mining and geological information system developed at the Mining Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. MINEFRAME allows to perform a full range of tasks aimed at creation of a digital 3D model of the mining and geological system for a coal deposit with the possibility to account for the complex bedding in the modelling. High accuracy and correctness of the input geological sampling data is achieved by means of tools to check for errors in the tables of borehole collar coordinates, inclinometry and sampling. The wireframe modelling methods implemented in MINEFRAME provide the possibility to create wireframe models of seams with high detail in the fracture zones.

A Phanerozoic gridded dataset for palaeogeographic reconstructions

Global Plate Models are widely used in the Earth Sciences to reconstruct the past geographic position of geological and palaeontological samples. However, the application of Global Plate Models to retrieve ‘palaeocoordinates’ is not trivial. Different Global Plate Models exist which vary in their complexity, spatiotemporal coverage, reference frame, and intended use. Consequently, careful consideration of which models are appropriate for any given research question is required. Here, we document and provide access to reconstruction datasets for five Global Plate Models in the palaeomagnetic reference frame. These datasets provide ‘true’ palaeolatitudes for three discrete global grids reconstructed at one-million-year intervals throughout the Phanerozoic (540–0 Ma), offering three key benefits for the Earth Science community: (1) allow users to look up palaeocoordinates for their samples (e.g. fossil occurrences) through simple indexing without having to learn additional software packages; (2) provide palaeocoordinates which have been generated consistently with thorough documentation; (3) provide static files which preserve model output and which can be used to evaluate palaeogeographic differences between Global Plate Models.

Integration of beta counting system with ORION-DSP coupled to NaI(Tl) detector-a comparative study with an HPGe detector.

The integration of the ORION digital signal processing-based MCA system coupled with a 3″ × 3″ NaI(Tl) detector assembly with a GM detector for counting beta (β) has eliminated the need for a standalone β-γ method in which U3O8 is determined by gross β and gross γ counting. Uraniferous and mixed U-Th samples were taken up for study and compared with the results obtained from Canberra p-type coaxial high resolution gamma ray spectrometry detector. In uraniferous samples, U3O8 values obtained are within ±10%, whereas in the case of mixed U-Th samples, U3O8 values are within ±15%. Regression graphs drawn between the outcomes from the two analytical systems indicate R2>0.95 for Ra(eU3O8) and ThO2. In uraniferous samples, the R2 value for U3O8 was found to be > 0.99, but in mixed U-Th samples, it is 0.92. The closeness of agreement between the results obtained from two methods at various concentrations over the analytical range shows that the integrated system is suitable for the quantitative determination of eU3O8, U3O8, Ra(eU3O8), ThO2 and K in geological rock samples.

Sieci neuronowe do mapowania archeologicznych artefaktów litowych

An analytical non-destructive strategy to chemically characterize lithic artefacts has been developed. Around 100 archaeological lithic materials found in Neolithic-Chalcolithic sites in the Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula and nowadays stored in different museums of the Valencian Community (Spain), were studied. The materials belong to different typologies of rock (diabase, sillimanite, ophite and amphibolite) and were analysed employing portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) directly in the rock surface. The obtained data were processed through neural networks protocol, specifically the so-called Kohonen networks or Self Organised Maps (SOM), to map the geologic samples. This self-organized topological feature maps are suitable to deal with multidimensional representations and map them in a two-dimensional space of neurons, following an unsupervised learning protocol. SOM is used to reduce multidimensional data onto lower-dimensional spaces and clustering procedures. As a result, SOM create spatially organized representations, which enhance the discovery of correlations between data. In this case the method has enabled the evaluation of elemental markers related to each rock type behaving as a fine hidden pattern detector and so understand the possible advantages and disadvantages of the analytical method employed to define provenance issues. The attribution suggested by statistics is mainly driven by the composition of rocks essential minerals which are linked to the different petrogenetic conditions. The results showed that in most of the cases the distribution and dispersion of the chemical profile depend of the kind of rock, and clearly suggest that a good way to identify stone tools raw material procurement is to look for elemental markers, being the prior step to create an approximation to ancient exchange networks and their evolution in a diachronic axis.

VNIR–SWIR reflectance spectroscopy as a nondestructive technique for compositional determination of archaeological talc samples with a machine learning approach

The material from which an archaeological piece is made provides a great deal of information regarding the society in which it was made; thus, any misidentification can lead to erroneous conclusions. The uniqueness of many of these pieces hinders their mineralogical analysis because the pieces cannot be damaged for sampling; therefore, errors in the classification of these materials are common. In the present study, we evaluate the suitability of the spectroradiometry technique in the analysis of two archaeological talc pieces. Both came from the Iron Age archaeological site of Peña del Castro (La Ercina, León) in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. We compared the spectral curves of these 2 pieces with the spectral curves from 50 talc geological samples from different geographical sources, combining bulk and powdered samples. Our results show that spectral curves enabled the identification of the talc material in the powdered and bulk samples. Moreover, the absence of the talc characteristic features in other soft materials also used in antiquity enabled the detection of incorrect identification of the classified pieces. Even though our results cannot be used to define any absorption feature characteristic to establish the provenance of the material, in the present study, spectral analysis has been shown to be suitable as a nondestructive technique to mineralogically identify archaeological pieces.

Exploring Rare Earth Elements in complex microscopic mineral phases: Inputs from μLIBS imaging

Understanding the distribution and concentration of Rare Earth Elements (REE) within various minerals and ores is crucial in mineralogy and geology for comprehending the micro-scale processes that contribute to the formation of REE-bearing minerals. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy elemental imaging emerges as a valuable tool due to its spatial resolution (15 μm) and ability for blind and rapid identification of elements within thin rock sections. Geological samples from the metamorphic core of the Zagros orogen (Iran) prepared as thin rock sections have been analyzed by LIBS imaging. Mineralogical phases have been determined from LIBS images of major elements. We first found that the distribution of Yttrium and REEs varies depending on the metamorphic stage. Then, while garnets may exhibit zoning in Mn, we observed that not all of them incorporate Yttrium. Finally, we demonstrated that REEs carriers include bastnaesite (Y Ce La F) and xenotime-like minerals primarily composed of Y with varying amounts of Yb, Gd, and Nd. We also demonstrated that the REEs minerals can exhibit either millimetric size when embedded within andalusite phases, or micrometric size when randomly scattered throughout the matrix. And we have also observed that some samples feature abundant Y-enriched Zircon phases. This study demonstrates that μLIBS imaging enables drawing a comprehensive picture of geological samples down to the micrometric scale. It has become a key technique in this field, providing access to the mineralogy of REE minerals, which is paramount for optimizing the final exploitation process compared to other analytical techniques.

Calibration of buried NaI(Tl) scintillator detectors for natural radionuclide measurement based on Monte Carlo modelling

Measurements of naturally occurring concentrations of 40K, and of the decay series of 238U and 232Th, are of interest in the earth sciences in general, and in particular, scintillator-based gamma spectrometers can be used for the low cost determination of burial dose rates in natural geological samples. We are currently developing a robust, portable, wireless detector specifically intended for field measurement of natural radionuclide concentrations and hence, the calculation of dose rates. One of the challenges in developing and applying such an instrument is reliable calibration. Most calibrations of field instruments depend on access to non-finite matrices of known K, U, Th activity concentrations, in either a 4π or 2π geometry; these are only available at a few facilities around the world. Here we investigate an alternative approach, based on the measurement of small samples containing well-known activity concentrations of only K or U or Th, and Monte-Carlo radiation transport modelling to convert the observed spectra into those expected from specific activity concentrations in a non-finite 4π geometry. We first validate our modelling procedure by simulating these observed spectra. The non-finite matrix calibration spectra are then predicted, and least-squares fitted to the spectrum observed at the centre of a 1 m3 of granite chips; the resulting predicted U, Th and K activity concentrations are compared with independently known values.

Rapid and Complete Digestion of Refractory Geological Samples Using Ultrafine Powder for Accurate Analyses of Trace Elements.

Complete sample digestion is a prerequisite for acquiring high-quality analytical results for geological samples. Closed-vessel acid digestion (bomb) has typically been used for the total digestion of refractory geological samples. However, the long digestion time (4-5 days) and insoluble fluoride complexes still pose challenges for digesting refractory geological samples using this approach. In this study, an efficient and simplified digestion technique combining ultrafine powders from planetary ball milling with bomb digestion was developed for trace element analysis of refractory geological samples: peridotite and granitoid. The method shows two significant improvements compared with previous approaches. (1) By performing dry planetary ultrafine milling, the initial 200 mesh peridotite (<74 μm) could be reduced to 800 mesh (<20 μm) in 6 min at a ball-to-powder mass ratio of approximately 15 using 3 mm tungsten carbide milling balls. (2) Complete peridotite and granitoid dissolution were achieved in approximately 2 h, 60 times faster than what is achievable using previous methods (2 h vs 120 h). Moreover, ultrafine powders effectively suppressed insoluble fluoride formation during bomb digestion. A suite of peridotite and granitoid reference materials were measured to evaluate the stability of this method. This efficient, simple, and reliable sample digestion method could benefit geological, food, environmental, and other fields requiring solid sample decomposition via wet acid, fusion, combustion, or dry ashing.

The Effect of Diagenetic Minerals on the Petrophysical Properties of Sandstone Reservoir: A Case Study of the Upper Shallow Marine Sandstones in the Central Bredasdorp Basin, Offshore South Africa

The upper shallow marine sandstone reservoirs of the Barremian-to-Valanginian formation are the most porous and permeable sandstone reservoirs in the Bredasdorp Basin and an important target for oil and gas exploration. There is a paucity of information on the reservoir characterization and effect of diagenetic mineral studies focusing on the upper shallow marine sandstone reservoirs in the central Bredasdorp Basin; thus, there is a need to investigate the effect of diagenetic minerals and to characterize these reservoirs due to their high porosity and permeability. Datasets, including a suite of geophysical wireline logs, routine core analysis, geological well completion reports, description reports, and core samples, were utilized. A total of 642 core porosity measures, core water saturation, and core permeability data were used for calibration with the log-derived parameters, ranging in depth from 3615 m to 4259 m. Rock samples were prepared for diagenetic mineral analyses, such as thin sections and Scanning electron microscopy, for each well to investigate the presence of diagenetic minerals in the selected reservoir units. The petrophysical analyses showed the results of porosity, volume of clay, water saturation, and permeability, ranging from 9% to 27%, 8.6% to 19.8%, 18.9% to 30.4%, and 0.096 mD to 151.8 mD, respectively, indicating a poor-to-good reservoir quality. Mineralogical analyses revealed that micrite calcite, quartz cement, quartz overgrowth, and authigenic pore-filling and grain-coating clay minerals (illite–smectite and illite) negatively affected intergranular porosity. Porosity-versus-permeability cross plot showed good correlation of 0.86 for ZN1 and 0.83 for ZN3 reservoirs, suggesting that although porosity is the main drive of permeability, there were other geological factors at play, such as diagenetic minerals and compaction.

High-Precision Measurements of 44Ca/40Ca Using Multiple-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry without Collision-Cell Technology.

Herein, we present a new method for determining the Ca isotopic composition of geological samples. To eliminate matrix elements from Ca, a column chromatography method was developed using a N,N,N'N' tetraoctyl-1,5-diglycolamide (TODGA) resin. The Ca isotopic compositions were measured by a multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) without collision cell equipment, especially that direct measurement to 44Ca/40Ca can be achieved. To mitigate the interference from 40Ar during 40Ca measurement, the cold plasma technique was used to suppress the Ar+ generation, resulting in a background Ar+ intensity of <300 mV, in contrast to the conventional hot plasma conditions, which typically yield thousands of volts for Ar+ intensities. Given the potential for a concentration mismatch between the sample and bracketed standard solutions to cause an intensive shift in measured Ca isotopic compositions, a correction for the [Ca] match is needed. To avoid matrix effects arising from residue matrix elements, it is crucial to limit the concentrations below 1% of Ca for most matrix elements (including Al, Mg, K, Na, and Sr) and below 1‰ for Fe. Notably, the tolerance of residue Sr is effectively improved compared to measurements with CC-MC-ICP-MS and traditional Hot-plasma-SSB-MC-ICP-MS methods with the conventional hot plasma technique, thereby lowering the complexity of column chemistry. The measured δ44/40Ca, δ44/42Ca, and ε40Ca values for eight reference materials agree well with previously reported values within analytical uncertainties. This method demonstrates long-term precision is better than 0.10‰ (two standard deviations) for both δ values (i.e., δ44/40Ca and δ44/42Ca). We anticipate that the proposed method will benefit the growth of the Ca isotope data set and foster an increase in the application of Ca isotope in Earth science studies.

Study on the behavior of radionuclides in geologic samples from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt

The present study concerned with the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U) in ten sedimentary rock samples collected from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt. These samples were investigated to study their behavior during a part of geologic time. The activity concentrations were measured using γ-ray spectrometry (HPGe detector). The investigated samples were analyzed for major oxides using the XRF technique. The results demonstrated high average activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U than the worldwide average values as reported by UNSCEAR 2008. Theil diagram showed that there are accumulation and leaching of uranium in some samples in the two sides of the fault zone. It is noticed that the ages of uranium depositions for the samples collected from the downthrown of the fault zone vary from 121.5 to 440.1 ky, while for the sample collected from the upthrown of the fault is 210.9 ky. The 230Th/232Th activity ratios range between 4.55 and 91.04 for downthrown samples and between 4.75 and 6.05 for upthrown samples which are smaller than 20 except for two samples, indicating a contamination of the samples by detrital 230Th. After subtraction of the detrital 230Th, the corrected ages for downthrown samples vary from 119.1 to 231.7 ky while for upthrown samples vary from 164.4 to 390 ky.

The First Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A Fast-Analytical Technique in Targeted Search for Elements in Geological Samples from Deep Boreholes in Latvia

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) provides a rapid, cost-effective, and extra-sensitive analysis of geological samples to make preliminary conclusions about the presence of valuable elements up to the trace levels in the ore. We present the first results of a highly sensitive qualitative analysis of the core samples of geological ore from two boreholes in Latvia (Staicele 1, from a depth range of 794–802 m, and Garsene (Subate) 2A, from a depth range of 1102–1103 m) using LIBS. Our measurements using this technique confirmed the high iron content and indicated traces of rare and high in-demand metals (such as Ti, V, Co, Sm, etc.) in the sample from Staicele, renewing interest in studying boreholes across Latvia. The presented pilot studies demonstrated effectiveness and unique possibility in performing a very sensitive and time-saving qualitative analysis of the composition of samples of ores from the old but still valuable borehole cores by using the LIBS method. We compare these measurements with other methods of sample analysis.

GEO-ECONOMIC EXPLORATION OF GOLD DEPOSITS IN UZBEKISTAN'S AKBA SITE

This article presents a comprehensive study of the Akba site in Uzbekistan, focusing on its geological structure, ore-containing rocks, and the economic feasibility of gold mining operations. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining geological surveys, sample analysis, and economic evaluations, we have identified significant gold reserves accessible for extraction. Our findings reveal the potential for profitable mining, supported by detailed geological mapping and financial projections under current market conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating geological data with economic analyses to optimize mining strategies, considering both profitability and environmental sustainability. Recommendations for future research include advancing exploration techniques and expanding economic evaluations to ensure the sustainable development of Uzbekistan's gold mining industry.

A Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Instrument for In-Situ Exploration with the DLR Lightweight Rover Unit (LRU)

In the framework of the Helmholtz ARCHES project, a multitude of robots, including rovers and drones, were prepared for the autonomous exploration of a test site at the foothills of Mt. Etna, Sicily—a terrain resembling extraterrestrial locations such as the Moon. To expand the suite of tools and sensors available for the exploration and investigation of the test site, we developed a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument for the geochemical analysis of local geological samples. In alignment with the mission scenario, this instrument is housed in a modular payload box that can be attached to the robotic arm of the Lightweight Rover Unit 2 (LRU2), allowing the rover to use the instrument autonomously in the field. A compact Nd:YAG laser is utilized for material ablation, generating a micro-plasma that is subsequently analyzed with a small fiber-coupled spectrometer. A single-board computer controls the LIBS hardware components for data acquisition. In this study, we provide details of the ARCHES LIBS instrument implementation, report on preceding laboratory tests where the LRU2 operated the LIBS module for the first time, and showcase the results obtained during the successful ARCHES space analogue demonstration mission campaign in summer 2022 in Sicily.

Rapid dissolution without elemental fractionation by laser driven hydrothermal processing

Traditional dissolution of geologic samples often requires a significant time investment. Here, we present an alternative method for the dissolution of geologic materials using laser-driven hydrothermal processing (LDHP). LDHP uses laser energy directed onto a submerged sample, which increases the temperature and pressure at the liquid–sample interface and drives the hydrothermal dissolution coupled with photomechanical spallation, an ablative process. This uses focused 527 nm laser energy at 40 W average power, 1 kHz pulse repetition rate, and 115 ns pulse duration. When LDHP is performed on basalt geostandards (BCR-2 and BHVO-2) using the conditions outlined, we show that LDHP does not produce significant elemental fractionation and, thus, can be considered an alternative processing method to traditional mechanical crushing and acid digestion. Additionally, it is possible using LDHP to utilize the spatially confined beam to target and selectively isolate individual phases in a rock, potentially alleviating the need for mechanical separation of inclusions that are difficult to physically isolate. Furthermore, using this outlined method of LDHP, we demonstrate full dissolution of 120 mg of obsidian in 85 minu, meaning that LDHP is a potentially very useful method when sample processing is time sensitive.

Evaporation-free tandem-column separation for Sr from geological samples with high Rb/Sr ratios

A novel tandem column method was devised for effective purification of Sr from geological samples characterized by relatively high Rb/Sr ratios, employing a strategic sequence of columns of AG50-X12 cation resin, Chelex-100 chelating resin and AG50-X8 cation resin. The process initiates with the AG50-X12 column to remove most of the matrix elements, followed by the Chelex-100 column to remove the residual Rb under alkaline conditions despite its inability to adsorb alkali metals such as Na, K, and Rb. The Sr fraction was eluted directly into the Chelex-100 column from the AG50-X12 column by a NH3-NH4Cl solution. The final purification through the AG50-X8 column to eliminate residual NH4Cl ensures the effective removal of matrix elements (such as K, Na, Li, Ti, Al, Fe, Mg, Mn and Ca) and Rb. The Chelex-100 resin acts comparatively to a similar Sr-specific resin for Rb and Sr. This method proved its efficacy and precision by aligning the Sr isotopic ratios from a range of reference materials, (JR-1, JR-2, JB-2, BCR-2, BHVO-2, W-2, GSP-2, CRPG Mica-Mg, CRPG Mica-Fe and NIST SRM 987) with their published values, demonstrating its reliability for Sr isotope analysis in complex geological matrices.

WD‐XRF technique for speciation of iron and quantification of its oxidation states in geological samples using L‐series of iron X‐ray spectrum

AbstractWavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometry is a fast and widely used technique for elemental analysis of geological samples from Na to U. However, it has seldom been applied for quantitative determination of oxidation states of elements in complex matrices. In this study, we present a method to determine the oxidation states of iron in geological samples by WD‐XRF. We used the FeLα1,2 fluorescence line as a tool for iron speciation and Fe(II)/Fetotal ratio determination. We found that the normalized intensity (peak height) of FeLα1,2 fluorescence line was linearly correlated with the spin multiplicity (2S + 1) of ferrous and ferric content in the samples. To account for the matrix effects of chemical environment (matrix and chemical bonding) on FeLα1,2 fluorescence line, we introduced a chemical index factor (μ) that enabled accurate determination of Fe(II)/Fetotal ratio in different types of geological samples. The method was validated using international certified reference materials and their mixtures and obtained promising results, with only 6 out of 55 determinations showing relative error more than 5% of the certified values.

Geogas prospecting for igneous ore deposits covered by regolith: the Zijinshan high-sulfidation epithermal Cu–Au deposit in the Cathaysia Block

The mining industry faces a challenge due to the scarcity of outcrop or near-surface mineral deposits, necessitating the development of low-cost and efficient prospecting methods to explore through cover. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been applied to geological sample analysis, and scientists have gradually improved the method of geogas prospecting. As a result, geogas prospecting has shown promising results in detecting underlying concealed Au, U and Cu–Ni deposits covered by Gobi sand and Quaternary sediments. To verify the effectiveness of this method for exploring underlying concealed mineral deposits developed in igneous covered areas, the Zijinshan high-sulfidation epithermal Cu–Au deposit, a concealed mineral deposit in southeastern China, was selected as the experimental field. Our experiments revealed nanoscale particles composed of Au, Cu–Fe and Cu–other elements in the geogas captured above the ore bodies of the deposit. Furthermore, Cu–nanoscale particles retain the isotopic composition of copper found in both the oxidation zone and deep copper ores. The geogas samples exhibited similar C1-chondrite normalized REE distributions, with REE patterns indicating significant enrichment of LREE relative to HREE and similar (La)N/(Sm)N and (Gd)N/(Yb)N ratios. These characteristics are similar to those of the gold ores, copper ores, altered rock and bedrock near the ore bodies. These findings suggest that deep-penetration geochemical methods using geogas can be a valuable tool for uncovering underlying concealed mineral deposits in igneous covered areas.