Evolution of the magmatic–hydrothermal system and formation of the giant Zhuxi W–Cu deposit in South China

The Zhuxi deposit is a recently discovered W–Cu deposit located in the Jiangnan porphyry–skarn W belt in South China. The deposit has a resource of 3.44 million tonnes of WO3, making it the largest on Earth,however its origin and the evolution of its magmatic–hydrothermal system remain unclear, largely because alteration–mineralization types in this giant deposit have been less well-studied, apart from a study of the calcic skarn orebodies. The different types of mineralization can be classified into magnesian skarn, calcic skarn, and scheelite–quartz–muscovite(SQM) vein types. Field investigations and mineralogical analyses show that the magnesian skarn hosted by dolomitic limestone is characterized by garnet of the grossular–pyralspite(pyrope, almandine, and spessartine) series, diopside, serpentine,and Mg-rich chlorite. The calcic skarn hosted by limestone is characterized by garnet of the grossular–andradite series, hedenbergite, wollastonite, epidote, and Fe-rich chlorite. The SQM veins host highgrade W–Cu mineralization and have overprinted the magnesian and calcic skarn orebodies. Scheelite is intergrown with hydrous silicates in the retrograde skarn, or occurs with quartz, chalcopyrite, sulfide minerals, fluorite, and muscovite in the SQM veins.Fluid inclusion investigations of the gangue and ore minerals revealed the evolution of the ore-forming fluids, which involved:(1) melt and coexisting high–moderate-salinity, high-temperature, high-pressure(>450 ℃and >1.68 kbar), methane-bearing aqueous fluids that were trapped in prograde skarn minerals;(2) moderate–low-salinity, moderate-temperature, moderate-pressure(~210–300 ℃and ~0.64 kbar),methane-rich aqueous fluids that formed the retrograde skarn-type W orebodies;(3) low-salinity,moderate–low-temperature, moderate-pressure(~150–240 ℃and ~0.56 kbar), methane-rich aqueous fluids that formed the quartz–sulfide Cu(–W) orebodies in skarn;(4) moderate–low-salinity,moderate-temperature, low-pressure(~150–250 ℃and ~0.34 kbar) alkanes-dominated aqueous fluids in the SQM vein stage, which led to the formation of high-grade W–Cu orebodies. The S–Pb isotopic compositions of the sulfides suggest that the ore-forming materials were mainly derived from magma generated by crustal anatexis, with minor addition of a mantle component. The H–O isotopic compositions of quartz and scheelite indicate that the ore-forming fluids originated mainly from magmatic water with later addition of meteoric water. The C–O isotopic compositions of calcite indicate that the ore-forming fluid was originally derived from granitic magma, and then mixed with reduced fluid exsolved from local carbonate strata. Depressurization and resultant fluid boiling were key to precipitation of W in the retrograde skarn stage. Mixing of residual fluid with meteoric water led to a decrease in fluid salinity and Cu(–W) mineralization in the quartz–sulfide stage in skarn. The high-grade W–Cu mineralization in the SQM veins formed by multiple mechanisms, including fracturing, and fluid immiscibility, boiling, and mixing.     

Ore-forming Fluid and Metallogenic Mechanism of Wolframite–Quartz Vein-type Tungsten Deposits in South China

South China is endowed with copious wolframite–quartz vein-type W deposits that provide a significant contribution to the world’s tungsten production. Mineralization is spatially associated with highly evolved granites, which have been interpreted as products of ancient crustal anatexis. Ore veins are mainly hosted in low-grade metamorphosed quartz sandstone, slate and granitic rocks. The ore minerals mainly comprise wolframite, cassiterite, scheelite and pyrite, with minor molybdenite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. Typical steeply dipping veins can be divided into five zones from top to the bottom, namely: (I) thread, (II) veinlet, (III) moderate vein, (IV) thick vein, and (V) thin out zones. In general, three types of fluid inclusions at room temperature are commonly recognized in wolframite and/or quartz from these veins: two-phase liquid-rich (type L), two-phase CO2-bearing (type CB), and CO2-rich (type C). Comparative microthermometry performed on fluid inclusions hosted in wolframite and associated quartz indicates that most wolframite was not co-precipitated with the coexisting quartz. Detailed petrographic observation and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging on coexisting wolframite and quartz of the Yaogangxian deposit, show repeated precipitation of quartz, wolframite, and muscovite, suggesting a more complex fluid process forming these veins. Previous studies of H-O isotopes and fluid inclusions suggested that the main ore-forming fluids forming the wolframite–quartz vein-type deposits had a magmatic source, whereas an unresolved debate is centered on whether mantle material supplemented the ore-forming fluids. The variable CO2 contents in the ore-forming fluids also implies that CO2 might have had a positive effect on ore formation. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that wolframite was most likely deposited during cooling from an initial H2O + NaCl ± CO2 magmatic fluid. In addition, fluid-phase separation and/or mixing with sedimentary fluid might also have played an important role in promoting wolframite deposition. We speculate that these processes determine the precipitation of W to varying degrees whereas the leading mechanistic cause remains an open question. Comprehensive studies on spatial variation of fluid inclusions show that both the steeply and gently dipping veins are consistent with the “five floors” model that may have broader applications to exploration of wolframite–quartz vein-type deposits. Recent quantitative analysis of wolframite- and quartz-hosted fluid inclusions by laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry shows enhanced advantages in revealing fluid evolution, tracing the fluid source and dissecting the ore precipitation process. Further studies on wolframite–quartz vein-type W deposits to bring a deeper understanding on ore-forming fluids and the metallogenic mechanism involved.     

Isotopic Compositions of Sulfur in the Jinshachang Lead–Zinc Deposit, Yunnan, China, and its Implication on the Formation of Sulfur-Bearing Minerals

The Jinshachang lead–zinc deposit is mainly hosted in the Upper Neoproterozoic carbonate rocks of the Dengying Group and located in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou(SYG) Pb–Zn–Ag multimetal mineralization area in China.Sulfides minerals including sphalerite,galena and pyrite postdate or coprecipitate with gangue mainly consisting of fluorite,quartz,and barite,making this deposit distinct from most lead–zinc deposits in the SYG.This deposit is controlled by tectonic structures,and most mineralization is located along or near faults zones.Emeishan basalts near the ore district might have contributed to the formation of orebodies.The δ34S values of sphalerite,galena,pyrite and barite were estimated to be 3.6‰–13.4‰,3.7‰–9.0‰,6.4‰ to 29.2‰ and 32.1‰–34.7‰,respectively.In view of the similar δ34S values of barite and sulfates being from the Cambrian strata,the sulfur of barite was likely derived from the Cambrian strata.The homogenization temperatures(T ≈ 134–383°C) of fluid inclusions were not suitable for reducing bacteria,therefore,the bacterial sulfate reduction could not have been an efficient path to generate reduced sulfur in this district.Although thermochemical sulfate reduction process had contributed to the production of reduced sulfur,it was not the main mechanism.Considering other aspects,it can be suggested that sulfur of sulfides should have been derived from magmatic activities.The δ34S values of sphalerite were found to be higher than those of coexisting galena.The equilibrium temperatures calculated by using the sulfur isotopic composition of mineral pairs matched well with the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions,suggesting that the sulfur isotopic composition in ore-forming fluids had reached a partial equilibrium.     

Trace Element Geochemistry of Magnetite from the Fe(-Cu) Deposits in the Hami Region, Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt, NW China

Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry(LA–ICP–MS) was used to determine the trace element concentrations of magnetite from the Heifengshan, Shuangfengshan, and Shaquanzi Fe(–Cu) deposits in the Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt. The magnetite from these deposits typically contains detectable Mg, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn and Ga. The trace element contents in magnetite generally vary less than one order of magnitude. The subtle variations of trace element concentrations within a magnetite grain and between the magnetite grains in the same sample probably indicate local inhomogeneity of ore–forming fluids. The variations of Co in magnetite between samples are probably due to the mineral proportion of magnetite and pyrite. Factor analysis has discriminated three types of magnetite: Ni–Mn–V–Ti(Factor 1), Mg–Al–Zn(Factor 2), and Ga– Co(Factor 3) magnetite. Magnetite from the Heifengshan and Shuangfengshan Fe deposits has similar normalized trace element spider patterns and cannot be discriminated according to these factors. However, magnetite from the Shaquanzi Fe–Cu deposit has affinity to Factor 2 with lower Mg and Al but higher Zn concentrations, indicating that the ore–forming fluids responsible for the Fe–Cu deposit are different from those for Fe deposits. Chemical composition of magnetite indicates that magnetite from these Fe(–Cu) deposits was formed by hydrothermal processes rather than magmatic differentiation. The formation of these Fe(–Cu) deposits may be related to felsic magmatism.     

Formation of Strata—bound Ore Deposits in China：Studies on Fluid Inclusions

Fluid inclusion studies were made on the basis of the geological data on the strata-bound ore de-posits of China including those of Pb,Zn,Au,Ag,Sb,U,Hg,W,quartz-crystal and sparry-calcite.An attempt was made to approach the model of formation for each type of ore depos-its by considering the material sources,the migration of fluids and the conditions of mineralization.It is found that ore-forming fluids (especially H2O)originate as heated underground water reacts with the wallrocks and dissolves Na^ ,Ca^2 ,K^ ,Cl^ ,HCl^- and Mg^2 .The ore fluids are mainly of NaCl-Ca-HCO3-H2O system with salinities ranging from 4to 14wt.%.NaCl equivalent and densities ranging from 0.9 to 1.0g/cm^3.It may be concluded that the deposits were formed at temperatures ranging from 150 to 250℃ under pressures from 300 to 1000 bars.Ore deposition may have been controlled by temperature and pressure or by the mixing among different fluids.     

Characteristics of Pegmatite-Related Fluids and Significance to Ore-Forming Processes in the Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Sb Polymetallic Deposit, Tibet, China

The Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Sb polymetallic deposit is one of the most important deposits in the newly recognized southern Tibet antimony-gold metallogenic belt.Compared to the porphyry deposits in the Gangdese belt,much less researches have addressed these deposits,and the genesis of the Zhaxikang deposit is still controversial.Based on field investigation,petrographic,microthermometric,Laser Raman Microprobe（LRM） and SEM/EDS analyses of fluid,melt-fluid,melt and solid inclusions in quartz and beryl from pegmatite,this paper documents the characteristics and the evolution of primary magmatic fluid which was genetically related to greisenization,pegmatitization,and silification in the area.The results show that the primary magmatic fluids were derived from unmixing between melt and fluid and underwent a phase separation process soon after the exsolution.The primary magmatic fluids are of low salinity,high temperature,and can be approximated by the H₂O-NaCl-CO₂ system.The presence of Mn-Fe carbonate in melt-fluid inclusions and a Zn-bearing mineral（gahnite） trapped in beryl and in inclusions from pegmatite indicates high Mn,Fe,and Zn concentrations in the parent magma and magmatic fluids,and implies a genetic link between pegmatite and Pb-Zn-Sb mineralization.High B and F concentrations in the parent magma largely lower the solidus of the magma and lead to late fluid exsolution,thus the primary magmatic fluids related to pegmatite have much lower temperature than those in most porphyry systems.Boiling of the primary magmatic fluids leads to high-salinity and high-temperature fluids which have high capacity to transport Pb,Zn and Sb.The decrease in temperature and mixing with fluids from other sources may have caused the precipitation of Pb-Zn-Sn（Au） minerals in the distal fault systems surrounding the causative intrusion.     

Factors Controlling Precipitation of Barite and Witherite and Genesis of the Ankang–Xunyang Barium Deposits, Shaanxi, China

The barium deposits in Ankang and Xunyang counties,Shaanxi Province,China,occur in the northernmost part of the world-class barium metallogenic belt in south Qinling.The deposits are hosted by the Lower Silurian carbonaceous siliceous rocks,with a unique combination of barite and witherite.The homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in the barite are mainly concentrated between 135 and 155 ℃,whereas those from the witherite have two peaks of 165-175 ℃,and 215-225℃,respectively.Laser Raman analysis of fluid inclusions indicates that the vapor phase of fluid inclusions in barite is dominated by H_2O,although some contains N_2,H_2S,and CH_4.The compositions of the vapor and liquid phases of fluid inclusions in witherite can be divided into two end-members,one dominated by H_2O without other volatiles,and the other containing CH_4,C_2H_6,C_3H_8,C_2H_4,and C_6H_6 in addition to H_2O.CO_2,H_2S,and some CH_4 are interpreted as products of chemical reactions during mineralization.Organic gases(CH_4,C_2H_6,C_3H_8,C_2H_4,and C_6H_6) in the fluids were critical in the formation of barium sulfate versus carbonate.The δ~(34)S values of barite range from 38.26‰ to54.23‰(CDT),the δ~(34)S values of sulfides coexisting with barium minerals vary from 22.44‰ to25.11‰(CDT),and those in the wall rock from 11.60‰ to 19.06‰(CDT).We propose that the SO_4~(2-)generally experienced bacterial sulfate reduction in seawater before mineralization,and some SO_4~(2-)also experienced thermochemical sulfate reduction in hydrothermal system during mineralization.The δ~(13)C values of witherite range from-27.30‰ to-11.80‰(PDB),suggesting that carbon was sourced from organic substances(like CH_4,C_2H_4,and C_2H_6).The formation of witherite was possibly associated with thermochemical sulfate reduction,which caused the consumption of the organic gases and SO_4~(2-) in the hydrothermal solutions,consequently inhibiting barite formation.The important conditions for forming witherite include high fluid temperatures,high Ba~(2+) concentrations,CO_2 in the fluids,low HS~- concentrations,and the subsequent rapid diffusion of H_2S during thermochemical sulfate reduction of the fluids.     

Fluid Activity and Tectonic Evolution in the Northern Qilian High-pressure Metamorphic Belt

The Northern Qilian high-pressure metamorphic belt has experienced multiple deformation-metamorphism, which consists of at least four stages.In 550.8-526 Ma, eclogites were formed. High temperature and pressure caused the escape of a large quantity of gas-liquid fluids from rocks while silicate melt was generated. In the late stage, small amounts of CO2 and H2O infiltrating along fractures were introduced.In the formation of glaucophane schist (447-362 Ma), devolatilization reactions were dominated during the subduction-uplift stage of the paleoplate.In the uplift-exhumation stage (400-380 Ma) the increase of internal space of fractures in the rocks favoured fluid infiltration and concentration. These fluids participated in hydration reactions in the retro-metamorphism. The fluids participating in the mineral reactions have the compositions of CaCl2-NaCl-H2O.In subsequent thrusting (<380 Ma), the metamorphic terrain was uplifted to the shallower crust and ductile-shearing deformation took place, which c     

Ore-forming Fluid Characteristics of the Saishitang Cu-polymetallic Deposit in Qinghai Province, China

Saishitang Cu-polymetallic deposit is located in the southeast section of Late Paleozoic arcfold in the southeastern margin of Qaidam platform. Accoring to the geological process of the deposit,four mineralization episodes were identified: melt/fluid coexisting period(O),skarn period(A),first sulfide period(B) and second sulfide period(C),and 10 stages were finally subdivided. Three types of inclusions were classified in seven stages,namely crystal bearing inclusions(type I),aqueous inclusions(type II) and pure liquid inclusions(type III). Type I and II inclusions were observed in stage O1,having homogenization temperature from 252 to 431°C,and salinities ranging from 24.3% to 48.0%. Type I inclusion was present in stage A1,having homogenization temperature from 506 to 548°C,and salinities ranging from 39.4% to 44.6%. In stage B1,type II and III inclusions were observed,with homogenization temperature concentrating between 300–400°C,and salinities from 0.4% to 4.3%. Type II inclusions were present in stage B2,with homogenization temperature varying from 403 to 550°C. In stage C1,type I and II inclusion commonly coexisted,and constituted a boiling inclusion group,having homogenization temperatures at 187–463°C,and salinities in a range of 29.4%–46.8% and 2.2%–11.0%. Type II and III inclusions were developed in stage C2,having homogenization temperature at 124–350°C,and salinities ranging between 1.6% and 15.4%. In stage C3,type II and III inclusions were presented,with a homogenization temperature range of 164–360°C,and salinities varying from 4.0% to 11.0%. The results of micro-thermal analysis show that fluids are characterized by high temperature and high salinity in stage O1 and A1,and experienced slight decrease in temperature and dramatic decrease in salinity in stage B1 and B2. In stage C1,the salinity of fluid increased greatly and a further decrease of temperature and salinity occurred in stage C2 and C3. Fluids boiled in stage C1. With calculated pressure of 22 MPa from the trapping temperature of 284–289°C,a mineralization depth of 2.2 km was inferred. Results of Laser Raman Spectroscopy show high density of H2 O,CH4 and CO2 were found as gas composition. H-O isotope study indicates the oreforming fluids were the mixture of magmatic water and meteoric water. Physicochemical parameters of fluids show oxygen and sulfur fugacity experienced a decrease,and redox state is weakly reducing. Along with fluid evolution,oxidation has increased slightly. Comprehensive analysis shows that melt exsolution occurred during the formation of quartz diorite and that metal elements existed and migrated in the form of chlorine complex. Immiscible fluid separation and boiling widely occurred after addition of new fluids,bringing about dissociation of chlorine-complex,resulting in a great deal of copper precipitation. In conclusion,Saishitang deposit,controlled by regional tectonics,is formed by metasomatism between highly fractionated mineralization rock body and wall rock,and belongs to banded skarn Cu-polymetallic deposit.     

Fluid Inclusions of Orogenic Gold Deposits in the Zhongchuan Area,Western Qinling and Their Geological Significance

Orogenically-derived gold deposits of the Zhongchuan area in the western Qinling are distributed in the exo-contact thermal metamorphic zone. The country rocks hosting the deposits are predominantly of Devonian age with low-grade metamorphism and strong deformation with the ore deposits directly controlled by multi-level tectonic systems. Three types of inclusions from these deposits have been recognized: CO2-H2O, CO2-rich, and aqueous. The ore-forming fluids were mainly CO2-NaCl-H2O type characterized by rich CO2, low salinity, high temperature and immiscibility. Incorporated with earlier isotopic data, the regional geological setting and features of diagenesis and metallogeny, it can be concluded that the ore-forming fluids were derived from deep magma and mixed with meteoric and metamorphic water. The deposits formed during an intra-continent collisional orogeny, and some of the materials derived from the deep might have been involved in the ore-forming process.     

Fluid Inclusion Geochemistry of Metallic Ore Deposits in the South- Central Sector of theDa Hinggan Mountains in China

Physicochemical parameters of mineralization such as temperature, pressure, salinity, density, composition and boiling of ore fluids as well as pH, Eh, fo2 and reducing parameter in theprocess of mineralization of major ore deposits in the study district have been obtained by the authors through systematic observation and determination of characteristics and phase changes of fluid inclusions at different temperatures and analysis of gaseous and liquid phase compositions of the inclusions, thus providing a scientific basis for the division of mineralization-alteration stages, types of mineral deposits and minerogenetic series and the deepening of the knowledge about the ore-forming processes and mechanisms of mineral deposits. It is indicated that the deposits of the same type have similar fluid inclusion geochemical features and physicochemical parameters though they belong to different minerogenetic series, while the compositions of inclusions are not conditioned by deposit types but closely related to     

澳大利亚造山型金矿和侵入岩有关金矿系统流体包裹体资料和矿化过程的比较

We have examined the fluid inclusion data and fluid chemistry of Australian orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits to determine if similar mineralization processes apply to both styles of deposits.The fluid inclusion data from the Yilgarn craton,the western subprovince of the Lachlan orogen,the Tanami,Tennant Creek and Pine Creek regions,and the Telfer gold mine show that mineralization involved fluids with broadly similar major chemical components(i.e.H_2O NaCl CO_2±CH_4±N_2).These deposits formed over a wide range of temperature-pressure conditions(<200 to>500℃,<100～400MPa).Low salinity, CO_2-bearing inclusions and low salinity aqueous inclusions occur in both systems but the main difference between these two types of deposits is that most intrusion-related gold deposits also contain at least one population of high-salinity aqueous brine.Oxygen and hydrogen isotope data for both styles of deposit usually cannot distinguish between a magmatic or metamorphic source for the ore-bearing fluids.However,sulfur and lead isotope data for the intrusion-related gold deposits generally indicate either a magmatic source or mixing between magmatic and sedimentary sources of fluid.The metamorphic geothermal gradients associated with intrusion-related gold deposits are characterized by low pressure,high temperature metamorphism and high crustal geothermal gradients of>30/km.Where amphibole breakdown occurs in a granite source region,the spatially related deposits are more commonly associated with Cu-Au deposits rather than Au-only deposits that are associated with lower temperature granites.The dominant processes thought to cause gold precipitation in both types of deposits are fluid-rock interaction(e.g.desulfidation)or phase separation.Consideration of the physical and chemical properties of the H_2O-NaCl-CO_2 system on the nature of gold precipitation mechanisms at different crustal levels infers different roles of chemical(fluid-rock interaction)versus rheological(phase separation and/or fluid mixing)host-rock controls on gold deposition.This also implies that at the site of deposition,similar precipitation mechanisms operate at similar crustal levels for both orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits.     

The Ore-forming Mechanism of the Jiajika Pegmatite-Type Rare Metal Deposit in Western Sichuan Province:Evidence from Isotope Dating

Granitic pegmatites are commonly thought to form by fractional crystallization or by liquid immiscibility of granitic magma;however,these proposals are based mainly on analyses of fluid and melt inclusions.Here,we use the Jiajika pegmatite deposit,the largest spodumene deposit in Asia,as a case study to investigate ore forming processes using isotope dating.Dating of a single granite sample from the Jiajika deposit using multiple methods gave a zircon U-Pb SHRIMP age of 208.4±3.9 Ma, an ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age for muscovite of 182.9±1.7 Ma,and an ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age for biotite of 169.9±1.6 Ma. Based on these dating results and the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of muscovite from the Jiajika pegmatite,a temperature-time cooling track for the Jiajika granite was constructed using closure temperatures of the different isotope systems.This track indicates that the granite cooled over～40 m.y.,with segregation of the pegmatite fluid from the granitic magma at a temperature of～700℃.This result suggests that the Jiajika pegmatite formed not by fractional crystallization,but by segregation of an immiscible liquid from the granitic magma.When compared with fractional crystallization,the relatively early timing of segregation of an immiscible liquid from a granitic magma can prevent the precipitation of ore-forming elements during crystallization,and suggests that liquid immiscibility could be an important ore-forming process for rare metal pegmatities.We also conclude that isotope dating is a method that can potentially be used to determine the dominant ore-forming processes that occurred during the formation of granite-related ore deposits,and suggest that this method can be employed to determine the formation history of the W-Sn ore deposits found elsewhere within the Nanling Metallogenic Belt.     

Fluid Inclusions and Metallization of the Kendekeke Polymetallic Deposit in Qinghai Province,China

The Kendekeke polymetallic deposit, located in the middle part of the magmatic arc belt of Qimantag on the southwestern margin of the Qaidam Basin, is a polygenetic compound deposit in the Qimantag metallogenic belt of Qinghai Province. Multi-periodic ore-forming processes occurred in this deposit, including early-stage iron mineralization and lead-zinc-gold-polymetallic mineralization which was controlled by later hydrothermal process. The characteristics of the ore-forming fluids and mineralization were discussed by using the fluid inclusion petrography, Laser Raman Spectrum and micro-thermometry methods. Three stages, namely, S1-stage(copper-iron-sulfide stage), S2-stage(lead-zinc-sulfide stage) and C-stage(carbonate stage) were included in the hydrothermal process as indicated by the results of this study. The fluid inclusions are in three types: aqueous inclusion(type I), CO2-aqueous inclusion(type II) and pure CO2 inclusion(type III). Type I inclusions were observed in the S1-stage, having homogenization temperature at 240–320oC, and salinities ranging from 19.8% to 25.0%(wt % NaCl equiv.). All three types of inclusions, existing as immiscible inclusion assemblages, were presented in the S2-stage, with the lowest homogenization temperature ranging from 175 oC to 295oC, which represents the metallogenic temperature of the S2-stage. The salinities of these inclusions are in the range of 1.5% to 16%. The fluid inclusions in the C-stage belong to types I, II and III, having homogenization temperatures at 120–210oC, and salinities ranging from 0.9% to 14.5%. These observations indicate that the ore-forming fluids evolved from high-temperature to lowtemperature, from high-salinity to low-salinity, from homogenization to immiscible separation. Results of Laser Raman Spectroscopy show that high density of CO2 and CH4 were found as gas compositions in the inclusions. CO2, worked as the pH buffer of ore-forming fluids, together with reduction of organic gases(i.e. CH4, etc), affected the transport and sediment of the minerals. The fluid system alternated between open and close systems, namely, between lithostatic pressure and hydrostatic pressure systems. The calculated metallogenic pressures are in the range of 30 to 87 Mpa corresponding to 3 km mineralization depth. Under the influence of tectonic movements, immiscible separation occurred in the original ore-forming fluids, which were derived from the previous highsalinity, high-temperature magmatic fluids. The separation of CO2 changed the physicochemical properties and composition of the original fluids, and then diluted by mixing with extraneous fluids such as meteoric water and groundwater, and metallogenic materials in the fluids such as lead, zinc and gold were precipitated.     

Characteristics and Applications of Fluid Inclusions in the Eogene System of the Biyang Depression—I.A Fluid Inclusion Study

Presented in this paper are the rypes,salinities,homogenization temperatures and organic components of fluid inclusions formed at the four stages of diagenetic authigenesis in the Eogene of the Biyang Depression.The results of cooling experiments on fluid inclusions were used to determine the fluid system and composition of saline aqueous solution in each of the stages .The homogenization temperatures of saline aqueous solution inclusions and hydrocarbon organic inclu-sions have been corrected by two approaches ,and the trapping temperatures and pressures of fluid inclusions at each of the stages have been obtained.This strdy has shed light on the physicochemistry and evolution of diagenetic fluids.The diagentic fluid system is a system which was transformed from a chloride-bearing to a carbonate-bearing system along with the diagenic evolu-tion.The decrease of diagenetic temperature at Stage III of diagenetic authigenesis suggests that the depression would have experiences uplifting at that time.The fluorescent characteristics of fluid inclusions indicate the varieties of organic components in fluid inclusions both in time and in space.     

Geology, Mineralization, Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope of the Early Cretaceous Sn and Associated Metal Deposits in the Southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China: A Review

The Southern Great Xing'an Range(SGXR) hosts a number of Early Cretaceous Sn and associated metal deposits, which can be divided into three principal types according to their geological characteristics: skarn type deposits, porphyry type deposits and hydrothermal vein type deposits. Fluid inclusion assemblages of different types of deposits are quite different, which represent the complexities of metallogenic process and formation mechanism. CH_4 and CO_2 have been detected in fluid inclusions from some of deposits, indicating that the ore-forming fluids are affected by materials of Permian strata. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data from ore minerals and associated gangue minerals indicate that the initial ore fluids were dominated by magmatic waters, some of which had clearly exchanged oxygen with wall rocks during their passage through the strata. The narrow range for the δ~(34)S values presumably reflects the corresponding uniformity of the ore forming fluids, and these δ~(34)S values have been interpreted to reflect magmatic sources for the sulfur. The comparation between lead isotope ratios of ore minerals and different geological units' also reveals that deeply seated magma has been a significant source of lead in the ores.     

The Formation of the Jiaodong Gold Province

Gold deposits in Jiaodong, termed Jiaodong-type, are tectonically located in the southeastern margin of the North China Craton. Their major features are reviewed in this paper to highlight the differences between Jiaodong deposits and other genetic types of gold deposits. The mineralization was synchronized with asthenosphere upwelling indicated by syn-ore OIB-like mafic dike and large-scale crustal thinning suggested by decrease of Sr/Y from pre-ore to syn-ore granites. Asthenosphere upwelling induced by the roll-back of Paleo-Pacific Plate drove partial melting of lithospheric mantle and devolatilization, which induced the release of the ore-forming fluids. In concomitant with magmatic records, mineralization migrated from the western Jiaobei terrane (133–127 Ma) to the eastern Sulu orogenic belt (114–108 Ma), corresponding to the eastward roll-back of Paleo-Pacific Plate. Gold mineralization in Jiaodong formed in the transitions of ductile to brittle deformation, rapid to slow crustal uplift, and regional compression to extension. In the regional-scale, the gold deposits in the Jiaobei terrane are mostly situated at intersections between NE-trending faults and EW-trending basement faults, and gold orebodies dominantly controlled by the lithologic contacts between Precambrian metamorphic rocks and Mesozoic granites. The mineralization was dominated by the disseminated-veinlet ores related to quartz–sericite alteration in strong cataclasite-breccia zone, with subsidiary thick quartz-sulfide veins developed in secondary fault zones. The ore-forming fluids belong to a H2O–CO2–NaCl±CH4 system and show minor variations in salinity among different types of ore. Structure-fluid feedback involving fluid-rock reaction and hydrofracturing triggered the fluid phase separation and resultant gold deposition. The Jiaodong gold deposits are distinct from orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits in terms of tectonic setting, origin of ore-forming fluids, and mechanism of gold deposition.     

Study on the evolution of ore-formation fluids for Au-Sb ore deposits and the mechanism of Au-Sb paragenesis and differentiation in the southwestern part of Guizhou Province, China

Ore deposits (occurrences) of Au, As, Sb, Hg, etc. distributed in Southwest Guizhou constitute the important portion of the low-temperature metallogenic domain covering a large area in Southwest China, with the Carlin-type Au and Sb deposits being the most typical ones. In this paper the Au and Sb ore deposits are taken as the objects of study. Through the petrographic analysis, microthermomitric measurement and Raman spectrophic analysis of fluid inclusions in gangue minerals and research on the S and C isotopic compositions in the gold ore deposits we can reveal the sources of ore-forming materials and ore-forming fluids and the rules of ore fluid evolution. Ore deposits of Au, Sb, etc. are regionally classified as the products of ore fluid evolution, and their ore-forming materials and ore fluids were probably derived mainly from the deep interior of the Earth. Fluid inclusion studies have shown that the temperatures of Au mineralization are within the range of 170-361℃,the salinities are 0.35 wt%-8 wt% NaCl eq.; the temperatures of Sb mineralization are 129.4-214℃ and the salinities are 0.18 wt%- 3.23 wt% NaCl eq.; the ore-forming fluid temperatures and salinities tend to decrease progressively. In the early stage (Au metallogenic stage) the ore-forming fluids contained large amounts of volatile components such as CO2, CH4, N2 and H2S, belonging to the H2O-CO2-NaCl fluid system; in the late stage (Sb metallogenic stage) the ore-forming fluids belong to the Sb-bearing H2O-NaCl system. The primitive ore-forming fluids may have experienced at least two processes of immiscibility: (1) when early ore-bearing hydrothermal solutions passed through rock strata of larger porosity or fault broken zones, CO2, CH4, N2 would escape from them, followed by the release of pressure, resulting in pressure release and boiling of primitive homogenous fluids, thereafter giving rise to their phase separation, thus leading to Au unloading and mineralization; and (2) in the late stage (Sb metallogenic stage ) a large volume of meteoric water was involved in the ore-forming fluids, leading to fluid boiling as a result of their encounter, followed by the drop of fluid temperature. As a result, the dissolubility of Sb decreased so greatly that Sb was enriched and precipitated as ores. Due to differences in physic-chemical conditions between Au and Sb precipitates, Au and Sb were respectively precipitated in different structural positions, thus creating such a phenomenon of Au/Sb paragenesis and differentiation in space.     

A Study of Ore-forming Fluids in the Shimensi Tungsten Deposit, Dahutang Tungsten Polymetallic Ore Field, Jiangxi Province, China

The Dahutang tungsten polymetallic ore field is located north of the Nanling W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belt and south of the Middle—Lower Yangtze River Valley Cu-Mo-Au-Fe porphyry-skarn belt.It is a newly discovered ore field,and probably represents the largest tungsten mineralization district in the world.The Shimensi deposit is one of the mineral deposits in the Dahutang ore field,and is associated with Yanshanian granites intruding into a Neoproterozoic granodiorite batholith.On the basis of geologic studies,this paper presents new petrographic,microthermometric,laser Raman spectroscopic and hydrogen and oxygen isotopic studies of fluid inclusions from the Shimensi deposit.The results show that there are three types of fluid inclusions in quartz from various mineralization stages:liquid-rich two-phase fluid inclusions,vapor-rich two-phase fluid inclusions,and three-phase fluid inclusions containing a solid crystal,with the vast majority being liquid-rich two-phase fluid inclusions.In addition,melt and melt-fluid inclusions were also found in quartz from pegmatoid bodies in the margin of the Yanshanian intrusion.The homogenization temperatures of liquid-rich two-phase fluid inclusions in quartz range from 162 to 363℃ and salinities are 0.5wt%-9.5wt%NaCI equivalent.From the early to late mineralization stages,with the decreasing of the homogenization temperature,the salinity also shows a decreasing trend.The ore-forming fluids can be approximated by a NaCl-H_2O fluid system,with small amounts of volatile components including CO_2,CH_4 and N_2,as suggested by Laser Raman spectroscopic analyses.The hydrogen and oxygen isotope data show that δ5D_(V-smow) values of bulk fluid inclusions in quartz from various mineralization stages vary from-63.8‰ to-108.4‰,and the δ~(18)O_(H2O) values calculated from the δ~(18)O_(V-)smow values of quartz vary from-2.28‰ to 7.21‰.These H-O isotopic data are interpreted to indicate that the ore-forming fluids are mainly composed of magmatic water in the early stage,and meteoric water was added and participated in mineralization in the late stage.Integrating the geological characteristics and analytical data,we propose that the ore-forming fluids of the Shimensi deposit were mainly derived from Yanshanian granitic magma,the evolution of which resulted in highly differentiated melt,as recorded by melt and melt-fluid inclusions in pegmatoid quartz,and high concentrations of metals in the fluids.Cooling of the ore-forming fluids and mixing with meteoric water may be the key factors that led to mineralization in the Dahutang tungsten polymetallic ore field.     

A Preliminary Study on the Aghbolaq(Fe,Cu) Skarn Deposit,Oshnavieh, NW Iran: Constraints on Metasomatic Fluid Evolution

The Aghbolaq skarn deposit is located in the Urumieh-Golpayegan plutonic belt,NW Iran.The garnetite skarn(stage I) has been intensely cross-cut by the magnetite-garnet skarn (stage II) which were,in turn,cut and offset by the orehosting quartz veins/veinlets (stage III).The predominance of andradite (Adr_(82.5–89.1)) and its high Fe~(3+)/Al ratio (up to 1685)apparently supports the high f O_2,salinity and prevalence of magmatic/hydrothermal fluids involved,rather than meteoric waters,during the magnetite-garnet skarn formation.Two major groups of fluid inclusions,namely aqueous (LV,LVS) and aqueous–carbonic (LV_C,LL_CV_C),were recognized in garnet and quartz veins that,especially in growth zones and along intra-granular trails,better display fluid inclusion assemblages (FIAs) than those in clusters.The prograde magnetite-garnet skarn was formed by the metasomatic fluid at relatively high T_h (209–374℃),under a lithostatic pressure of～200 bars.The retrograde mineralized quartz veins were formed at temperatures ranging from 124℃to 256℃,by dilute and less saline(2.57–11.93 wt%Na Cl eq.) hydrothermal fluids under a hydrostatic pressure of～80 bars.The fluid evolution of the Aghbolaq skarn began with an earlier simple cooling of metasomatic fluid during the prograde stage,followed by the later influx of low salinity meteoric fluids during the retrograde stage.