Rhyolite Porphyry Research Articles

Geochemistry and geochronology of the Dongyang gold deposit in southeast China: Constraints on ore genesis

Mesozoic magmatism and lithospheric destruction in East China exerted significant control on gold metallogeny. Here, we investigate the mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology, and isotopic systematics of the Dongyang gold deposit in southeast China to constrain its origin and geodynamics. This is a newly discovered epithermal gold deposit along the Circum–Pacific metallogenic belt and is characterized by intense silicification and sericitization. The C–H–O isotope data suggest deep magmatic sources of the ores and indicate that the ore‐forming fluids comprised a mixture of magmatic water and meteoric water. The S–Pb values of the pyrite indicate magmatic origin for the sulfur, and deposit was derived mostly from crustal sources, mixed with mantle materials. The Rb–Sr dating of the pyrite from the ore deposit shows an age of 164.2 ± 9.9 Ma, whereas the zircon U–Pb SHRIMP ages of the rhyolite porphyry is 160.9 ± 0.5 Ma, suggesting that the timing of mineralization is close to that of the crystallization of the dykes. In conjunction with previous studies on similar deposits, we suggest that the gold mineralization was the response of continental lithospheric thinning in southeast China triggered by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Ocean Plate.

Genesis of the Xiuwenghala Gold Deposit in the Beishan Orogen, Northwest China: Evidence from Geology, Fluid Inclusion, and H–O–S–Pb Isotopes

AbstractThe Xiuwenghala gold deposit is located in the Beishan Orogen of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The vein/lenticular gold orebodies are controlled by Northeast‐trending faults and are hosted mainly in the brecciated/altered tuff and rhyolite porphyry of the Lower Carboniferous Baishan Formation. Metallic minerals include mainly pyrite and minor chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite, whilst nonmetallic minerals include quartz, chalcedony, sericite, chlorite, and calcite. Hydrothermal alterations consist of silicic, sericite, chlorite, and carbonate. Alteration/mineralization processes comprise three stages: pre‐ore silicic alteration (Stage I), syn‐ore quartz‐chalcedony‐polymetallic sulfide mineralization (Stage II), and post‐ore quartz‐calcite veining (Stage III). Fluid inclusions (FIs) in quartz and calcite are dominated by L‐type with minor V‐type and lack any daughter mineral‐bearing or CO2‐rich/‐bearing inclusions. From Stages I to III, the FIs homogenized at 240–260°C, 220–250°C, and 150–190°C, with corresponding salinities of 2.9–10.9, 3.2–11.1, and 2.9–11.9 wt.% NaCl eqv., respectively. The mineralization depth at Xiuwenghala is estimated to be relatively shallow (<1 km). FI results indicate that the ore‐forming fluids belong to a low to medium‐temperature, low‐salinity, and low‐density NaCl‐H2O system. The values decrease from Stage I to III (3.7‰, 1.7–2.4‰, and −1.7 to 0.9‰, respectively), and a similar trend is found for their values (−104 to −90‰, −126 to −86‰, and −130 to −106‰, respectively). This indicates that the fluid source gradually evolved from magmatic to meteoric. δ34S values of the hydrothermal pyrites (−3.0 to 0.0‰; avg. −1.1‰) resemble those of typical magmatic/mantle‐derived sulfides. Pyrite Pb isotopic compositions (206Pb/204Pb = 18.409–18.767, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.600–15.715, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.173–38.654) are similar to those of the (sub)volcanic ore host, indicating that the origin of ore‐forming material was mainly the upper crustal (sub)volcanic rocks. Integrating evidence from geology, FIs, and H–O–S–Pb isotopes, we suggest that Xiuwenghala is best classified as a low‐sulfidation epithermal gold deposit.

Borehole LLE1 – an intra-caldera succession of the Goedgenoeg and Makwassie Formations, Ventersdorp Supergroup

Abstract During the late 1980s a deep exploration borehole (LLE1) was collared on the Makwassie Formation outcrop at Makwassie Hills, near Leeudoringstad. The borehole intersected a 2420 m thick succession of rhyolitic quartz porphyries and interbedded andesitic mafic lavas of the Makwassie Formation, with a further 1301 m of dacitic feldspar porphyries and andesitic mafic lavas of the Goedgenoeg Formation, before it was stopped at 3721 m, still in the Goedgenoeg Formation. The mafic lavas in the Goedgenoeg Formation are low viscosity basaltic flows, as are the mafic lavas interbedded in the Makwassie Formation. The Goedgenoeg Formation feldspar porphyries and the Makwassie Formation quartz porphyries are of extrusive origin, emplaced as ignimbrites and ash-flow tuffs, ascertained by macroscopic and petrographic characteristics. Individual ignimbrite or ash-flow units are several tens of metres to hundreds of metres thick, regularly separated by volcanoclastic sandstone and calcareous shales. Geochemically the lower part of the Goedgenoeg Formation feldspar porphyries in borehole LLE1 correlates with the low-Zr dacite group of the Bothaville area, and the upper part with the high-Zr dacites. The lower part of the Makwassie Formation quartz porphyries correlates with the high-Zr/Cr rhyolite group of the Bothaville area, and the upper part with the low-Zr/Cr rhyolite group. The Bothaville area’s Makwassie Formation dacite unit is absent from the LLE1 profile. The interbedded andesitic mafic lavas are similar in composition to those in the Bothaville area. There is no structural or stratigraphic indication (through lithological or geochemical means) of duplication in this borehole’s stratigraphic profile. The borehole drilled into a caldera succession, part of a cluster of calderas associated with half-graben structures aligned from west-northwest to east-southeast, from the Makwassie Hills towards Bothaville. These and other Platberg caldera clusters are developed outside the Central Rand Basin, mainly to the west of it.

Evolution of the early Paleozoic Hongguleleng–Balkybey Ocean: Evidence from the Hebukesaier ophiolitic mélange in the northern West Junggar, NW China

The Hebukesaier ophiolitic mélange is located in West Junggar, northwest China. Based on detailed field mapping, we identified three rock assemblages in the mélange: ophiolite, seamount, and rhyolite porphyry. The ophiolite comprises mainly metaperidotites, pyroxenites, gabbros, dolerites, diabase dike, plagiogranites, basalts and cherts. Two gabbro and one plagiogranite samples have ages of 512 ± 9 Ma, 505 ± 5 Ma and 502 ± 5 Ma, respectively, which constrain the formation time of the oceanic crust. The geochemical characteristics of the basaltic rocks (gabbros and basalts) suggest that the ophiolite formed by intrusion of mid-ocean ridge melts. The ocean island basalts occur as tectonic blocks within the mélanges that coexist closely with marble, siliceous mudstone and chert, with formation characteristics of a seamount. The Early Silurian rhyolite porphyry samples (435 ± 2 Ma) are characterized by high Al2O3 (14.30–15.31 wt%), Sr/Y (22.26–78.42) and (La/Yb)N (20.27–24.24), similar to those of Late Silurian–Early Devonian adakitic rocks (420–411 Ma) from the Xiemisitai Mountains. Furthermore, the rhyolite porphyry samples display high positive εHf(t) values and low Mg values as well as low concentrations of compatible elements (Cr, Co and Ni), suggesting that the rhyolite porphyry originated from partial melting of lower juvenile crust. The rhyolite porphyry displays spatio-temporal characteristics similar to those of the post-collision plutons (434–405 Ma) of the Xiemisitai Mountains. The rhyolite porphyry intruded the ophiolite in the mélange, implying that the Hongguleleng–Balkybey Ocean closed prior to the Early Silurian. Our results, combined with other geological evidence, indicate that the northern West Junggar underwent ocean basin spreading, intra-oceanic subduction, arc–arc collision, the closure of the ocean and post-collisional extension during the Middle Cambrian–Early Devonian.

Chemical and boron isotopic compositions of tourmaline in the Longtoushan hydrothermal gold deposit, Guangxi, China: implications for gold mineralization

The Longtoushan hydrothermal gold deposit is located in the southwestern region of the Dayaoshan Uplift. Tourmaline is widespread in the Longtoushan gold deposit and is mainly distributed in the rhyolite porphyry and associated cryptoexplosive breccia. The spatial distribution of tourmaline enrichment is similar to that of the gold orebody. Feldspar has been largely replaced by tourmaline in the rhyolite porphyry and cryptoexplosive breccia. Electron microprobe analysis revealed that tourmalines in the Longtoushan deposit belong mainly to the alkali group and partly to the X-vacant group; they mostly fell in the schorl-dravite series field. Two distinct sets of dominant substitutions were observed: MgFe−1 and Al□(NaR2+)−1, where R = Fe, Mg. In addition, minor substitutions include (CaMg)(NaAl)−1 and FeAl−1. The calculated δ11B value for the mineralizing fluids ranged from − 12.8 to − 9.7‰, which is typical of S-type granites, and boron-enriched fluids predominantly derived from rhyolitic melt. Part of the tourmaline from the rhyolite porphyry crystallized during the magmatic-hydrothermal stage, whereas most tourmalines from the deposit formed in the post-magmatic hydrothermal stage. The tourmalines were deposited from a relatively reduced and acidic fluid system, and the gold predominantly precipitated during the post-magmatic hydrothermal stage in the Longtoushan deposit.

Zircon U–Pb dating, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes of the subvolcanic intrusion from Beina Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit in the southern Lhasa terrane, Tibet: Implications for petrogenesis and mineralization

The Beina Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit is a newly discovered deposit situated in the southern Lhasa terrane, Tibet. LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating for the ore‐bearing rhyolite porphyry indicates that it was emplaced at 64.6 Ma. The Beina rhyolite porphyry displays high SiO2 (74.31–76.52 wt%), K2O + Na2O (6.99–8.05 wt%), and A/CNK (0.97–1.33), similar to the peraluminous S‐type granites related to Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization in the central Lhasa terrane. The Beina rhyolite porphyry is strongly depleted in Nb, Ta, Ti, P, Sr, and Ba, enriched in Rb, K, Th, U, and Pb, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), slightly depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) (LaN/YbN = 6.52–9.28), and has moderate negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.38–0.48), showing an arc affinity. It also shows high CaO/Na2O ratios (0.21–0.73), low Rb/Ba (0.30–0.46), and Rb/Sr ratios (1.17–4.01), indicating that it was mainly derived from partial melting of a clay‐poor, plagioclase‐rich metapsammitic source. The samples have relatively high 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.7084–0.7092) and Pb isotopes (206Pb/204Pb = 18.61–18.74, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.65–15.68, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.99–39.14) and low εNd(t) (−8.6 to −7.2) and εHf(t) (−8.6 to −4.8) values, yielding ancient two‐stage Nd model ages (1,459–1,569 Ma) and two‐stage Hf model ages (1,433–1,684 Ma), respectively. The Beina rhyolite porphyry was formed at relatively high temperatures (average 817°C) according to zircon saturation thermometer. These results reveal that Beina rhyolite porphyry was generated by partial melting of ancient crustal materials (dominated by metapsammite) heated by mantle‐derived magma during rollback of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic slab. In addition, our research suggests that both I‐ and S‐type granites related to Pb–Zn mineralization are believed to exist in the Lhasa terrane. Similar to the central Lhasa terrane, the middle segment of the southern Lhasa terrane (83°E–87°E) is also an ancient block, large‐scaled silicic volcanic rocks of the Linzizong Group, and coeval plutons are widely exposed and several Pb–Zn deposits have recently been discovered in the Nuocang–Chazi area. All these facts indicate that there is a great potential for prospecting of intrusions‐related Pb–Zn deposits in the middle segment of the southern Lhasa terrane.

Geology, fluid inclusion, and stable isotope systematics of the Dongyang epithermal gold deposit, Fujian Province, southeast China: Implications for ore genesis and mineral exploration

The Dongyang gold deposit is a recently discovered large gold deposit located within the Dehua–Youxi–Yongtai mining camp in central–east Fujian Province, southeast China. The deposit contains two individual ore sections: the northwestern Jitou section and the southeastern Dadongkeng section. Most of the mineralization is hosted by rhyolite porphyry and volcanic rocks of the Nanyuan Formation. The locations of subvolcanic intrusions in this area are controlled by NE–SW and NW–SE trending faults that are also closely related to mineralization. Detailed drillhole logging and adit mapping indicates that the deposit contains massive, polymetallic quartz–sulfide veins, and cryptoexplosive breccia type ores. Ore minerals consist of gold, electrum, silver minerals, pyrite, marcasite, and arsenopyrite with lesser amounts of sphalerite and chalcopyrite. The mineralization is hosted by quartz, sericite, illite, chalcedony, and calcite gangue and is associated with sericite and argillic alteration as well as silicification. Fluid inclusion microthermometry indicates that the inclusions within quartz from auriferous quartz–sulfide veins formed during the main stage of mineralization and homogenize at temperatures (Th) of 172 °C–217 °C (average of 192 °C) and have salinities of 0.4–2.6 wt% NaCl equivalent. These low to moderate temperatures and low salinities suggest that the mineralization occurred in an epithermal environment. The precipitation of gold mineralization at Dongyang was most likely caused by the mixing of a large amount of meteoric fluid with a smaller amount of magmatic fluid. Quartz-hosted fluid inclusions have H and O isotope compositions (δDH2O = −63.1 to −54.2‰; δ18OH2O = −5.7‰ to −3.8‰) that are indicative of derivation from a predominantly meteoric source. The S isotope values of pyrite vary from a narrow range of −3.4‰ to 0.9‰, suggesting that the S within the deposit was derived from a homogeneous magmatic source. The mineralization and alteration, gangue and ore mineral assemblages, fluid inclusion and H–O–S isotope compositions indicate that the Dongyang gold deposit is a low-sulfidation epithermal-type deposit. The estimated ore formation depth of Donyang is nearly identical to its actual depth, indicating minor denudation in the region. These results imply a great prospecting potential for other epithermal mineralization at the Dehua–Youxi–Yongtai mining camp.

Swedish Lapidary Works in St Petersburg Museums: Attribution Problem

This article focuses on the problem of lapidary works attribution, as it is a key issue connected with the study of decorative and applied art of the 18 th –20 th centuries. For many years, nearly all lapidary works in the collections of Russian museums were primarily associated with the handcraft of Russian stonecutters. This paper presents an attribution of two items from the Mining Museum collection. Over the years, these items were attributed to the Russian lapidary factories and were not considered Western European artworks. The author carries out a comparative analysis of the stone material which was used to produce lapidary works. The study examines items from the collections of the State Hermitage, the State Museum Pavlovsk, and the Mining Museum of the St Petersburg Mining University. Information on these items is supplemented by archival documents from the State Hermitage Department of Manuscripts and publications by Swedish researchers on the national lapidary manufactories. The study allows the author to attribute urns made of rhyolite porphyry and ophicalcite tazzas from the Mining Museum collection, to the works of the Swedish lapidary manufactories of the 19 th century. Thus, the article introduces two cultural heritage items, made by Swedish stone-cutters in the Royal Porphyry Manufactory of Älvdalen and in the Marble Manufactory of Kolmården. The author provides a detailed description of the development of lapidary production in Sweden between the 18 th and early 20 th centuries. The article also discusses important issues of the cross-cultural exchange between the two northern countries, expanding the borders of cultural cooperation. This study makes it possible to identify Swedish lapidary works in modern museum collections and enrich knowledge about the Western European industrial lapidary production.

Geology, geochronology and geochemistry of the Dabate Cu–Mo deposit, northern Chinese Tien Shan: Implications for spatial separation of copper and molybdenum mineralization

The Dabate deposit is a porphyry Cu–Mo deposit located in the Sailimu Block, northern Chinese Tien Shan. The deposit shows a clear separation of Cu and Mo mineralization, with Cu mineralization occurring along the edge of the rhyolitic porphyry, and Mo mineralization in the inner part of the rhyolitic porphyry. Sm-Nd isotopic analyses of six fluorite samples from the Cu sulfides–fluorite veins yield an isochron age of 298.1 ± 5.0 Ma, and Re-Os isotopic analyses of four molybdenite samples from the molybdenite–quartz veins yield an isochron age of 299.6 ± 3.2 Ma. These geochronological data and accompanying geologic evidence indicate that the Cu and Mo mineralization belongs to the same hydrothermal system and are closely related to the rhyolitic porphyry, which has a youngest zircon 206Pb/238U age of 297.3 ± 8.0 Ma.Rare earth element (REE) and fluid inclusion studies were carried out for fluorite in the Cu ores. The fluorite related to Cu mineralization have high ΣREE (63.4–216.9 ppm) and show generally similar REE patterns with the rhyolitic porphyry, suggesting that the fluid of Cu mineralization is closely related to the rhyolitic porphyry. The slight LREE-depletion and Ce-depletion of fluorite relative to the rhyolitic porphyry may be due to preferential partitioning of HREE into the fluid in neutral to weak alkaline conditions and to mixing with meteoric water which is characterized by Ce-depletion. Three types of fluid inclusions were recognized in the fluorite from the Cu sulfides–fluorite veins: liquid–vapor (LV-type), CO2-bearing (C-type) and solid mineral-bearing (S-type). The LV-type inclusions have homogenization (vapor to liquid) temperatures from 175 to 328 °C and salinities of 0.4∼14.9 wt% NaCl eqv. (mode at 0∼8 wt% NaCl eqv.), and is of H2O + NaCl composition. The C-type inclusions have homogenization (vapor to liquid) temperatures from 206 to 279 °C and salinities of 1.6∼8.5 wt% NaCl eqv., and is of H2O + CO2 + NaCl + CH4 composition. The S-type inclusions have partial homogenization (vapor to liquid) temperatures of 173–233 °C and salinities of 1.2–7.9 wt% NaCl eqv., and is of H2O + NaCl composition. The solid particle in S-type inclusions did not change during heating up to 550 °C, indicating that the solid is not daughter mineral and the S-type inclusions are actually the same as the LV-type inclusions. The LV-type inclusions have microthermometric attributes similar to those typically found in the late stages of porphyry deposits, whereas the C-type inclusions have similar compositions as the inclusions in the Mo ores as documented in previous studies at Dabate. The presence of both LV-type and C-type inclusions suggests that the Cu mineralization may be related to mixing between meteoric water and magmatic fluids, as is also indicated by the REE of fluorite.Comparing with data from Mo ores reported in previous studies, it is suggested that the Mo-stage fluids were more reduced and acidic and Mo mineralization may be mainly related to fluid pressure decrease and immiscibility, whereas the Cu-stage fluids were more oxidized, neutral to weakly alkaline and Cu mineralization may be mainly controlled by mixing and cooling. The vapor phase produced by fluid immiscibility in the deep area may have carried Cu, As, Ag, HF, CO2 and migrated to the outer part of the porphyry, precipitated Cu sulfides, arsenopyrite and fluorite by mixing with meteoric water from the country rocks. Whereas the liquid phase produced by fluid immiscibility at depth may have carried Mo, NaCl and migrated to the middle-west part of the rhyolitic porphyry, become immiscible and precipitated molybdenite.

Zircons, age, and geological setting of rhyodacite–porphyry from the Bagrusha Complex (South Urals)

Before our studies, it was considered that the Bagrusha rhyolite–porphyry complex (BC) including veins and thin dykes occurring in the Kusa region among deposits presumably of the Satka and Avzyan Formations of the Lower and Middle Riphean, respectively. Based on the U–Pb SHRIMP and IDTIMS studies of zircons from rhyodacite—porphyry, we established the age of the BC formation of T0 = 1348.6 ± 3.2 Ma for the first time. The age obtained is inconsistent with the idea on the Paleozoic age of the BC and the geological situation shown on geological maps of the region. The age (T0 = 1348.6 ± 3.2 Ma) of rhyodacite–porphyry from the BC provides evidence for acid volcanism controlled by the Mashak (Middle Riphean) magmatic event in the region, and deposits hosting volcanic rocks of the BC cannot be younger than the base of the Middle Riphean, i.e., the Mashak Formation, which was not previously distinguished by researchers in the western part of the Kusa and Bakal–Satka regions. At the same time, it is possible that deposits hosting dykes and veins of the granite–rhyolite formation may have a Bakal (Lower Riphean) age.

Compositional characteristics and geodynamic significance of late Miocene volcanic rocks associated with the Chah Zard epithermal gold–silver deposit, southwest Yazd, Iran

AbstractWhole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data are presented for late Miocene volcanic rocks associated with the Chah Zard epithermal Au–Ag deposit in the Urumieh‐Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA), Iran, to investigate the magma source, petrogenesis and the geodynamic evolution of the study area. The Chah Zard andesitic to rhyolitic volcanic rocks are characterized by significant Large Ion Lithophile Element (LILE) and Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) enrichment coupled with High Field Strength Element (HFSE) depletion. Our geochemical data indicate an adakitic‐like signature for the volcanic rocks (e.g. SiO2 > 62 wt%, Al2O3 > 15 wt%, MgO < 1.5 wt%, Sr/Y > 70, La/Yb > 35, Yb < 1 ppm, and Y < 18 ppm, and no significant Eu anomalies), distinguishing them from the other volcanic rocks of the UDMA. The Chah Zard volcanic rocks have similar Sr and Nd isotopic compositions; the 87Sr/86Sr(i) ratios range from 0.704 902 to 0.705 093 and the εNd(i) values are from +2.33 to +2.70. However, the rhyolite porphyry represents the final stage of magmatism in the area and has a relatively high 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.705 811). Our data suggest that the andesitic magmas are from a heterogeneous source and likely to result from partial melting of a metasomatized mantle wedge associated with a mixture of subducted oceanic crust and sediment. These melts subsequently underwent fractional crystallization along with minor amounts of crustal assimilation. Our study is consistent with the model that the volcanic host rocks to epithermal gold mineralization in the UDMA are genetically related to late Miocene Neo‐Tethyan slab break‐off beneath Central Iran.

Middle Ordovician effusive rocks of the Khamsara terrane (Tyva) as an indicator complex

Felsic rocks of the Khamsara terrane in Tyva (southern Siberia) have been studied in terms of major- and trace-element compositions and U-Pb isotope geochronology. The Khamsara Formation rocks have compositions of A2-subtype within-plate anorogenic volcanics derived from molten continental crust and SIMS U-Pb zircon ages of 463.9 ± 2.8 and 461.7 ± 3.1 Ma of two rhyolite porphyry samples. The Khamsaravolcanics are compared with subvolcanic granitoids of the Ognit complex in the Biryusa terrane (Sharyzhalgai basement inlier of the Siberian craton) adjacent to the Khamsara terrane. The volcanics and the granites are coeval and share compositional similarity. The Khamsara Formation is interpreted as a cap complex that marks the upper age bound of the accretionary-collisional events when amalgamated terranes in this part of the Central Asian orogen accreted to the Siberian craton.

Geochronology, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of the late Mesozoic Luoyang volcanics: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Zhejiang–Fujian region, SE China

The Zhejiang–Fujian region, situated along the southeastern coast of China and in the eastern part of the Cathaysia Block, is characterized by large volumes of late Mesozoic granitoid volcanics. We present new zircon U–Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Sr─Nd─Hf‐isotope data for 3 rhyolite porphyries from the Luoyang region (LY‐1, LY‐2, and LY‐3). We identify 2 magmatic events. In Stage 1 (146 Ma), rhyolite porphyry LY‐1 was produced by the partial melting of Proterozoic Mayuan Group amphibolites and metasediments. In Stage 2 (130–126 Ma), rhyolite porphyries LY‐2 and LY‐3 were generated by the continued melting of amphibolites but with only a minor contribution from metasedimentary rocks. The fractionation of plagioclase, biotite, titanite, and allanite (degree of fractionation 0.7–0.5) from an LY‐2 parent magma produced LY‐3. Our new data, together with other published data, indicate that minor volcanism, related to the initial northwestward subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate beneath SE China, occurred in a continental arc setting in the Zhejiang–Fujian coastal region from 160 to 140 Ma but that the major period of volcanism took place from 140 to 120 Ma in a back‐arc setting and occurred because of rollback of the subducting slab.

U–Pb zircon, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic constraints on age and origin of the intrusions from Wunugetushan porphyry deposit, Northeast China: implication for Triassic–Jurassic Cu–Mo mineralization in Mongolia–Erguna metallogenic belt

ABSTRACTThe Wunugetushan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in northeastern China. The deposit lies within the Mongolia–Erguna metallogenic belt, which is associated with the evolution of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. The multiple episodes of magmatism in the ore district, occurred from 206 to 173 Ma, can be divided into pre-mineralization stage (biotite granite), mineralization stage (monzogranitic porphyry and rhyolitic porphyry), and post-mineralization stage (andesitic porphyry). The biotite granite has (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704105–0.704706, εNd(t) values of −0.67 to −0.07, and εHf(t) values of −0.4 to 2.8, yielding Hf two-stage model ages (TDM2) 1250–1067 Ma, and Nd model ages of 1.04–0.96 Ga, indicating that the pre-mineralization magmas were generated by the remelting of Neoproterozoic juvenile crustal material. The monzogranitic porphyry has (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704707–0.706134, εNd(t) values of 0.29–1.33, and εHf(t) values of 1.0–2.9, yielding TDM2 model ages of 1173–1047 Ma. The rhyolitic porphyry has (87Sr/86Sr)i ratio of 0.702129, εNd(t) value of −0.21, and εHf(t) values of −0.5 to 7.1, TDM2 model ages from 1269 to 782 Ma. These results show that the magmas of mineralization stage were generated by the partial melting of juvenile crust mixed with mantle-derived components. The andesitic porphyry has (87Sr/86Sr)i ratio of 0.705284, εNd(t) value of 0.82, and εHf(t) values from 4.1 to 7.4, indicating that the post-mineralization magma source contained more mantle-derived material. The Mesozoic Cu–Mo deposits which genetically related to Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean were temporally distributed in Middle to Late Triassic (240–230 Ma), Early Jurassic (200–180 Ma), and Later Jurassic (160–150 Ma) period. The Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic Cu–Mo mineralization was dominated by Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate southeast-directed subducted beneath the Erguna massif. The Later Jurassic Cu–Mo mineralization was controlled by the continent–continent collision between Siberia plate and Erguna massif.

The Chalukou deposit in the North Great Xing’an Range of China: A protracted porphyry Mo ore-forming system in a long-lived magmatic evolution cycle

The Chalukou deposit is located in the North Great Xing’an Range of the Xing’an-Mongolia Orogen bordering and to the northeast of the North China Craton. The deposit is a high-F-type porphyry Mo deposit hosted by the Chalukou composite igneous body containing small intrusive bodies genetically related to Mo mineralization. The composite igneous body includes pre-mineralization dolerite, monzogranite and syenogranite, syn-mineralization rhyolitic porphyry, granitic porphyry and fine-grained monzogranite, and post-mineralization rhyolitic porphyry, quartz porphyry, dioritic porphyry and andesitic porphyry. Detailed laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon dating of the igneous components of the composite igneous body was carried out to determine the temporal framework for magmatism in the Chalukou region. The new LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages constraint documented here, together with the published ages, indicate that there was a protracted porphyry Mo ore-forming event of approximately 7 million years between ca. 152 when the ore related rhyolitic porphyry was emplaced and ca.145Ma when molybdenite ceased being deposited. The dating reveals that the mineralization is a part of relatively long-lived magmatic cycle involving the emplacement of small doleritic stocks at ca. 165Ma that progressively evolved into extensive granitic intrusions at ca. 164Ma, and then diminished with the emplacement of mineralization-related porphyries to ca. 152Ma. The emplacement of barren Early Cretaceous magmatism, represented by volcanic units in the ca. 136Ma Guanghua Formation and porphyries, followed the mineralized magmatism.The syn-mineralization porphyry units associated with Mo contain zircons assaying ∼15 times higher in U and Th than the pre-mineralization magmatic phases. This indicates that there was a significant enrichment of Mo, U and Th in the magma, and directly associated with ore fluid exsolution. The return to their normal levels in the three elements in the post-mineralization magmatic phases indicates that they were exhausted from the magma chamber in the later phases. A genetic model is proposed for the enormous introduction of ore metals and enrichment at the Chalukou deposit. The protracted and multiphase igneous activity during the long-lived magmatism reflects a multistage enrichment of metal, and may play a crucial role in the formation of a volatile-enriched, fertile and large-volume magma chamber beneath the Chalukou deposit. Such a chamber is envisaged to be required for the formation of porphyry Mo deposits in general.

Explosion breccias of the Vysokogorskoe tin–porphyry deposit: Genesis and role in ore formation (Kavalerovo ore district, Primorye)

Detailed geological observations and analytical studies make it possible to distinguish two groups of fluid-explosion breccias (FEB) in the Vysokogorskoe tin deposit of the Kavalerovo ore district. These breccias are assumed to be related to different stages of geological (geodynamic) evolution and played different roles in ore formation. The earlier breccias (79–69 Ma), which were altered by boron metasomatism and subsequent main tin mineralization, were most probably formed at the Cretaceous subduction stage. The later breccias (55–51 Ma) are syngenetic to the dacite (rhyolite) porphyry dikes of the Paleocene–Eocene transform stage. They were formed after precipitation of the majority of the cassiterite, but prior to the latest quartz–fluorite–carbonate stage of ore formation. According to the Sillitoe classification, the explosion breccias of the Vysokogorskoe deposit correspond to a magmatic–hydrothermal genetic type. They are characterized by multiple brecciation and intersection by small bodies of porphyritic rhyolites.

Fluid Inclusions, C–H–O–S Isotope and Geochronology of the Bujinhei Pb–Zn Deposit in the Southern Great Xing'an Range of Northeast China: Implication for Ore Genesis

AbstractThe Bujinhei Pb–Zn deposit is located in the southern Great Xing'an Range metallogenic belt. It is a representative medium‐ to high‐temperature hydrothermal vein type deposit controlled by fractures, and orebodies hosted in the Permian Shoushangou Formation. The hydrothermal mineralization is classified into three stages: pyrite ± arsenopyrite–quartz (Stage 1), polymetallic sulfide–quartz (Stage 2), and polymetallic sulfide–calcite (Stage 3). Fluid inclusion petrography, laser Raman analyses and microthermometry indicate that the liquid‐rich aqueous inclusions (L) and vapor‐rich CO2 ± CH4–H2O inclusions (C) occur in the Stage 1 and as medium‐ to high‐ temperature and low‐ to medium‐salinity NaCl–H2O–CO2–CH4 hydrothermal fluids. The liquid‐rich (L) and rare vapor‐rich CO2 ± CH4–H2O inclusions (C) occur in the Stage 2 with medium‐temperature and low‐salinity NaCl–H2O ± CO2 ± CH4 hydrothermal fluids. The exclusively liquid‐rich (L) fluid inclusions are observed in the Stage 3, and the hydrothermal fluid belongs to medium‐temperature and low‐salinity NaCl–H2O hydrothermal fluids. The results of hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses indicate that ore‐forming fluids were initially derived from the magmatic water and mixed with local meteoric water in the late stage (δ18OH2O‐SMOW = 6.0 to 2.2‰, δDSMOW = −103 to −134‰). The carbon isotope compositions (−18.4‰ to −26.5‰) indicate that the carbon in the fluid was derived from the surrounding strata. The sulfur isotope compositions (5.7 to 15.2‰) indicate that the ore sulfur was also primarily derived from the strata. The ore vein No. 1 occurs in fractures and approximately parallel to the rhyolite porphyry; orebodies have a close spatial and temporal relationship with the rhyolite porphyry. The rhyolite porphyry yielded a crystallization age of 122.9 ± 2.4 Ma, indicating that the Bujinhei deposit may be related to the Early Cretaceous magmatic event. Geochemical analyses reveal that the Bujinhei rhyolite porphyry is high in K2O and peraluminous, and derived from an acidic liquid as a result of strong interaction with hydrothermal fluid during the late magmatic stage; it is similar to A2‐type granites, and formed in a backarc extensional environment. These results indicate that the Bujinhei Pb–Zn deposit was a vein type system that formed in Early Cretaceous and influenced by the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic system.Bujinhei deposit is a representative hydrothermal vein type deposit on the genetic types, and occurs on the western slope of the southern Great Xing'an Range. The ore‐forming fluids were medium‐ to high‐temperature and low‐to medium‐salinity NaCl–H2O–CO2–CH4 hydrothermal fluids, which became medium‐temperature and low‐salinity NaCl–H2O hydrothermal fluids in later stages, and came from magmatic water and mixed with meteoric water, whereas the ore‐forming materials were mainly derived from the surrounding strata. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the Bujinhei deposit formed at the period of late Early Cretaceous, potentially in a backarc extensional environment influenced by the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic system.

Metallogeny of the Sarsuk polymetallic Au deposit in the Ashele Basin, Altay Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, NW China: Constraints from mineralogy, fluid inclusions, and He–Ar isotopes

The Sarsuk polymetallic Au deposit is located in the Devonian volcano-sedimentary Ashele Basin of the Altay Orogenic Belt (AOB), Xinjiang. Mineralization in the deposit is confined to an area of 400m long and 50–120m wide, and occurs as dense massive, banded, disseminated, stockwork, and veinlet ore structures. Exhalative sedimentary, subvolcanic hydrothermal, and supergene periods have been distinguished. Although syn-depositional ores can be found, the main orebodies from this period have been eroded. Thus, the orebodies being mined are hosted mainly in a rhyolite porphyry subvolcanic intrusion within the volcanic conduit of a hydrothermal system. Electron microprobe analysis of the main ore minerals indicates that pyrite is the main Au-bearing mineral. The Au occurs mainly as either inclusions or in fissures in the form of tellurides, and is closely associated with Ag. Zn/Fe ratios of sphalerite vary from 11.37 to 251.36, with an average of 96.65, and the formation temperatures of chlorites are 155–206°C, with an average of 175°C. The compositions of sphalerite and chlorite indicate that the main mineralization occurred in a low- to moderate-temperature environment. Homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions from ores of the main mineralization stage vary generally from 130°C to 390°C, with peaks at 140°C, 190°C, and 310°C. Their corresponding salinities range from 3.0 to 10.0wt.% NaCl equivalent, with densities from 0.56 to 1.03g/cm3. The main mineralizing fluid of the deposit is characterized by high–low temperatures, moderate–low salinities, and moderate–low densities. The 3He/4He ratios of fluid inclusions in pyrite are 0.02 to 0.44 Ra, and the percentage of mantle-derived He ranges from 0.06% to 7.45%. 40Ar/36Ar ratios range from 319.6 to 458.5, and the percentage of 40Ar* varies from 7.53% to 35.55%. Both fluid characteristics and He and Ar isotope compositions suggest that the ore-forming fluids were a mixture of magmatic fluid and seawater. The CO2-rich fluids in the ores suggest that boiling occurred. The mixing of a high-temperature and high-pressure magmatic fluid with deeply circulating seawater caused a decrease in temperature, and phase separation in the ore-forming fluids. Thus, the precipitation of the most economically important ore materials was the result of this mixing process.

Geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of Middle Devonian igneous rocks of the Sarsuk polymetallic Au deposit: implications for understanding the tectonic evolution of the south Altay Orogenic Belt, Northwest China

ABSTRACTThe medium-tonnage Sarsuk polymetallic Au deposit is located in the Devonian volcanic–sedimentary Ashele Basin of the south Altay Orogenic Belt (AOB), Northwest China. Within the deposit, the rhyolite porphyries and diabases are widespread, emplaced into strata. The orebodies are hosted by the rhyolite porphyries. We studied the petrography, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the rhyolite porphyries and diabases, in order to understand the petrogenesis of these rocks and their tectonic significance. They display typical bimodality in geochemistry compositions. The diabases are characterized by SiO2 contents of 44.84–59.77 wt.%, high Mg# values (43–69), enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE), depletion in Nb and Ta, low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.706687–0.707613) values, positive εNd(t) (4.8–6.8) values, and positive and high εHf(t) (7.15–15.19) values, suggesting a depleted lithosphere mantle source that might have been metasomatized by subduction-related components. The rhyolite porphyries show affinity to sanukitoid magmas contents [high SiO2 (78.6–81.82 wt.%) and MgO (3.38–5.94 wt.%, one sample at 0.61 wt.%), and enrichments in LILE and LREE], they were derived from the equilibrium reactions between a mantle source and subducted oceanic crust materials. Those characteristics together with the positive εNd(t) (4.1–8.4) and εHf(t) (2.88–15.17) values indicate that the diabases and rhyolite porphyries were generated from the same mantle peridotite source. But the rhyolite porphyries underwent fractional crystallization of Fe–Ti oxides, plagioclase, and apatite due to their negative Eu (δEu = 0.21–0.28) and P anomalies. According to the geochemical and isotopic data, the Sarsuk Middle Devonian igneous rocks are considered to be the products of the juvenile crustal growth in an island arc setting. The Sarsuk polymetallic Au deposit formed slightly later than the Ashele Cu–Zn deposit in the Ashele Basin, but they have the same tectonic setting, belonging to the trench–arc–basin system during extensional process in the south AOB.

Geochemical Characteristics and Tectonic Significance of the Acidic Volcanic Rocks from the Shetang-Boyang Area, Western Qinling Orogenic Belt, China

Acidic volcanic rocks of Shetang-Boyang area are located in the western Qinling orogenic belt, consist of rhyolite and granite porphyry. They are comparable in the chemical composition, enriched in Si, alkali, Al and a little bit of Mg, Ca and Ti. The contents of HFSE (Zr, Hf) and LILE (Rb, Th, U) are high, however, the content of Ba, Sr, Ti, P have obviously depleted and there are obvious negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.06-0.13). These geochemical characteristics are revealed that these volcanic rocks have an A1 type affinity. Geochemical data combined with regional studies, show that these volcanic rocks were formed in a continental extension setting and the western Qinling orogenic belt in 211Ma has been in the tectonic setting of post-collisional extension.