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Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Deposits".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 21 November 2025 | Viewed by 7127

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Dr. Claire E. Wade

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Guest Editor

1. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
2. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Interests: magmatic evolution and petrogenesis; geochemistry and isotope geochemistry; mineral systems; mantle heterogeneity

Prof. Dr. Alexander R Cruden

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Guest Editor

School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Melborne, VIC 3156, Australia
Interests: magma transport and emplacement; physical processes in magmatic sulfide deposits; structural controls on ore deposits
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Dear Colleagues,

Igneous rocks are related to a variety of mineral deposits, hosting some of the world’s largest and most economic (e.g., porphyry Cu-Au, magmatic Ni-Cu and iron-oxide copper gold (IOCG)). As such, both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks play significant roles in the formation of mineral deposits, with direct correlation between the transport and concentration of ore minerals in magma and peripheral processes such as the production of heat and magmatic fluids.

Therefore, understanding the role of magmatism and magmatic rocks is essential in advancing our understanding of mineral deposit formation and aiding mineral exploration. The source and origin of magmatic rocks underpin the role of magmatism. Ancient metasomatised subcontinental lithospheric mantle is linked to several mineralisation styles; therefore, the influence of ancient tectonics and the interaction between mantle and crustal sources are paramount to understanding metallogenesis.

This Special Issue aims to focus on advances in the role and importance of igneous rocks in mineral deposits including, but not limited to, studies on magma sources and petrogenesis of mineralisation-related igneous rocks, new geochemical and isotopic studies of mineral deposits and the application of petrochronology. Contributions that advance the understanding of magmatic REE deposits are welcome, as well as reviews or compilation studies of the role and importance of igneous rocks in mineral deposits.

This Special Issue will include papers addressing various types of global igneous-related mineral deposits.

Dr. Claire E. Wade
Prof. Dr. Alexander R Cruden
Guest Editors

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Keywords

geochemistry
geochronology
mineralisation
petrogenesis and metallogenesis
magma fertility
magmatic ore deposits
porphyry deposits
hydrothermal ore deposits

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 47976 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Occurrence of Pyroxmangite in the NYF Granitic Pegmatite of the Gabal El-Bakriya Intrusion, Arabian–Nubian Shield

by Danial M. Fathy, Faris A. Abanumay, Shehata Ali, Esam S. Farahat, Andrey Bekker and Mokhles K. Azer

Minerals 2025, 15(10), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15101027 - 28 Sep 2025

Abstract

We report here, for the first time on the Nubian Shield, the western half of the Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS), pegmatite-hosted pockets with a unique mineralogy, including pyroxmangite. It represents the second discovery on the ANS, where the first one was at Jabal Aja on the Arabian Shield, the eastern half of the ANS. One of the most remarkable aspects of pyroxmangite is its rarity and the potential economic value of its use in jewelry and decorative applications. Pegmatites are associated with A-type granites of the Gabal El-Bakriya intrusion (GEBI), Eastern Desert, Egypt. Mineralized pegmatites occur at the margin of the alkali-feldspar granite and exhibit gradational contacts with the host rocks. The pegmatites were emplaced as plugs and dikes within the intrusion and along its periphery. Pyroxmangite appears as coarse-grained, massive black aggregates or as disseminated crystals. The pegmatites are composed of K-feldspars and quartz, with subordinate amounts of albite, micas, and mafic minerals. Accessory phases include monazite-(Ce), zircon, fergusonite, xenotime, fluorite, pyrochlore, allanite, thorite, bastnäsite, samarskite, cassiterite, beryl, and pyrochlore. Pyroxmangite-bearing assemblages consist essentially of pyroxmangite and garnet, with accessory pyrochroite, quartz, zircon, magnetite, and fluorite. Geochemically, the pegmatites are highly evolved, with elevated SiO₂ content (76.51–80.69 wt.%) and variable concentrations of trace elements. They show significant enrichment in Nb (Nb > Ta), Y, REE, Zr, Th, U, and F, consistent with NYF-type pegmatites. REE contents range from 173.94 to 518.21 ppm, reflecting diverse accessory mineral assemblages. Tectonically, the pegmatites crystallized in a post-collisional setting, representing a late-stage differentiate of the A-type GEBI magma. Mineralization is concentrated in the apical and marginal zones of the granitic cupola and is dominated by barite, fluorite, Nb-Ta oxides, REE minerals, and uranium-bearing phases. The highly evolved granites, greisens, pegmatites, and quartz-fluorite veins of the GEBI have a high economic potential, deserving further exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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27 pages, 10368 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrothermal Scheelite Associated with Upper Cretaceous Intrusions in Romania: A Mineralogical Insight to the W Metallogeny

by Ştefan Marincea, Delia-Georgeta Dumitraş, Cristina Sava Ghineț, George Dincă, Aurora-Măruța Iancu, Frédéric Hatert, Martin Depret and Gelu Costin

Minerals 2025, 15(8), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080854 - 13 Aug 2025

Viewed by 502

Abstract

Hydrothermal scheelite from three Romanian occurrences was analyzed in order to ascertain its structural, physical, vibrational, paragenetic, and crystal-chemical peculiarities as an important tool for characterizing the metallogenetic behavior and facilitating the ore-processing. All three occurrences, i.e., Ciclova and Oravița in Banat and Băița Bihor in the Bihor Mountains, are related to skarn deposits developed at the contact of Upper Cretaceous granodioritic bodies with Mesozoic calcareous deposits. Typical crystals show {001}, {111}, and {101} forms and are up to 15 mm across. The structure was successfully refined as tetragonal, space group I4₁/a, with R₁ = 0.0165 (Ciclova), 0.0204 (Oravița), and 0.0237 (Băița Bihor), respectively. The cell parameters refined for the same samples are a = 5.2459(10) Å and c = 11.3777(5) Å at Ciclova, a = 5.2380(2) Å and c = 11.3679(8) Å at Oravița, and a = 5.2409(2) Å and c = 11.3705(6) Å at Băița Bihor. The multiplicity of bands in both infrared absorption and Raman spectra is consistent with the S₄ punctual symmetry of the tungstate anion, agreeing with the structural data. In all cases, the analyzed scheelite is close to the CaWO₄ end-member. Cathodoluminescence peculiarities at the level of single crystals suggest that they crystallized in a slightly oxidizing to reducing environment from late hydrothermal solutions. Textural and paragenetic peculiarities suggest that scheelite from the three occurrences crystallized from epithermal, low-temperature, fluoride- and boron-bearing aqueous solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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37 pages, 17692 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geological, Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Petrogenetic Characteristics of Plutonic Rocks in Çiftehan (Ulukışla-Niğde) Area, South-Central Türkiye: Implication for Genetic Link with Fe-Zn Skarn Mineralization

by Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari and Abdurrahman Lermi

Minerals 2025, 15(6), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060578 - 29 May 2025

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Abstract

Globally, most skarn deposits show a direct relationship with magmatic activity, indicating a genetic link between the geochemical composition of causative plutons and the metal content of associated skarns. Therefore, this study investigated the Early–Middle Eocene plutonic rocks and their relationship with Fe-Zn skarn deposits in the Esendemirtepe-Koçak and Horoz areas of south-central Türkiye. Despite the regional significance, previous studies have not adequately addressed the petrogenetic evolution of these intrusions and the geochemical characteristics of the related skarns. In particular, the fluid-aided mobility of elements at the contact between the causative plutons and the volcano-sedimentary country rocks remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, field studies, petrographic and mineralogical analysis, and whole-rock geochemical analysis were conducted to investigate the genetic link between the plutonic rocks and the skarn deposits. Field studies reveal that the skarn zones are within volcano-sedimentary sequences and marble-schist units intruded by four distinct plutonic bodies: (1) Esendemirtepe diorite, (2) Koçak diorite, (3) Horoz granodiorite, and (4) Çifteköy monzogabbro. These rocks exhibit calc-alkaline, I-type, and metaluminous signatures, except for the Çifteköy monzogabbro, which shows I-type, tholeiitic, and alkaline characteristics. All the plutonic rocks associated with the skarn formation display steep LREE-enriched REE patterns with minor positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.98–1.35), suggesting a subduction-related volcanic arc setting similar to other granitoids in the Ulukışla Basin. The Horoz skarn exhibits both endoskarn and exoskarn features, while the Esendemirtepe-Koçak deposit is characterized by typical exoskarn features. Dominant ore minerals in both skarn deposits include magnetite, hematite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite, with minor arsenopyrite, galena, and cobaltite. The mineral composition of the skarn also shows the dominance of Na-rich and Mg-rich minerals in both locations. The geochemical compositions of the I-type, metaluminous Esendemirtepe-Koçak, and Horoz plutonic rocks are compatible with Fe-Zn skarn type deposits based on the moderate MgO (0.36–4.44 wt.%) and K₂O (1.38–7.99 wt.%), and Rb/Zr and Sr/Zr ratios. They also show typical volcanic arc features, and the variation in various trace element concentrations shows similarity with Fe-Zn skarn type granitoids. These findings support a strong genetic relationship between the mineralization and the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the associated plutonic rocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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20 pages, 10850 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microminerals as Complimentary Guides into Metallogeny and the Ore-Forming Potential of Igneous Rocks: Evidence from the Stanovoy Superterrane (Russian Far East)

by Valeria Krutikova, Nikolai Berdnikov and Pavel Kepezhinskas

Minerals 2025, 15(5), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050504 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 549

Abstract

Numerous mineral microinclusions discovered in the Triassic Ildeus mafic–ultramafic intrusion are dominated by base metal sulfides, gold, silver, and their alloys, as well as rare earth element (REE) minerals. These mineral microinclusions were formed through both the magmatic differentiation of the Ildeus intrusion and the multi-stage interaction of intrusive rocks with late-magmatic, post-magmatic and post-collisional fluids. A comparison of the results of our microinclusions study with ore mineralization discovered within the Ildeus intrusion suggests that microinclusion assemblages in igneous rocks are, in some cases, precursors of potentially economic mineralization. In the case of the Ildeus rocks, sulfide microinclusions correspond to potentially economic disseminated nickel–cobalt sulfide ores, while microinclusions of gold and its alloys correlate with intrusion-hosted, erratic gold mineralization. The occurrence of silver and rare earth element minerals in Ildeus plutonic rocks indicates the possible presence of silver and REE mineralization, which is supported by sub-economic whole-rock silver and REE grades in parts of the Ildeus intrusion. The results of our investigation suggest that studies of mineral microinclusions in magmatic rocks may be useful in the evaluation of their metallogenic specialization and ore-forming potential and could possibly be utilized as an additional prospecting tool in the regional exploration for precious, base, and rare metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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16 pages, 7909 KB

Open AccessArticle

Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopes of the Granitoids from Cahanwusu Cu Deposit in Awulale Mountain, Western Tianshan: Implication for Regional Mineralization

by Wei Zhang, Mao-Xue Chen, Mei-Li Yang, Wen-Hui Yang and Xing-Chun Zhang

Minerals 2025, 15(4), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040380 - 4 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 558

Abstract

Awulale Mountain is one of the most important Fe-Cu concentration areas situated in the eastern part of Western Tianshan. The Cu deposits in the belt are genetically associated with the Permian intermediate and felsic intrusions. However, the precise age and magma source of the causative intrusions are currently not confirmed, constraining our understanding of regional mineralization. The Cahanwusu porphyry Cu deposit is located in the western part of Awulale Mountain. Field investigations have shown that the mineralization in the deposit is genetically associated with granitic porphyry and diorite porphyry. In this paper, we provide detailed zircon U-Pb ages and in-situ Hf isotopic compositions of the granitic porphyry and diorite porphyry. The granitic porphyry and diorite porphyry have zircon U-Pb ages of 328.6 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.52; n = 23) and 331 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 0.95; n = 21), respectively. This indicates that the Cahanwusu deposit was formed in the Carboniferous in a subduction setting. This is distinguishable from other porphyry Cu deposits in the belt, which were generally formed in the Permian in the post-collision extensional setting. The granitic porphyry and diorite porphyry exhibit positive ε_Hf(t) values varying from +2.8 to +5.4 (average of +4.1) and +2.0 to +5.1 (average of +4.1), respectively. The magmas of these causative intrusions were interpreted to be derived from the partial melting of the juvenile lower crust which originated from cooling of mantle-derived magmas related to the subduction process. Our new results highlight that the Cahanwusu deposit represents a new episode of Cu mineralization in the belt and the Carboniferous granitoids in Awulale Mountain are potential candidates for Cu exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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38 pages, 22170 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints on the Genesis of the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag Porphyry Deposit (Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient, Anti-Atlas, Morocco): Geodynamic and Metallogenic Implications

by Mariam Ferraq, Saïd Belkacim, Li-Zhen Cheng, Joshua H. F. L. Davies, Morgann G. Perrot, Abdelhay Ben-Tami and Mohammed Bouabdellah

Minerals 2024, 14(8), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080832 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

The Imourkhssen porphyry Cu±Mo±Au±Ag deposit is located at the Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient (OSS) straddling the boundary between the central Anti-Atlas and the central High Atlas. It is characterized by a typical porphyry-style mineralization. The volcanic rocks are intruded by numerous magmatic rocks of the Ouarzazate Group (580–539 Ma), referred to as the Late Ediacaran magmatic suites (LEMS). Of these, the Askaoun, Imourkhssen, and Imourgane granites are the most significant as they are related to the porphyry mineralization. The entire set is intruded by the Zaghar mafic dyke swarms. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Imourkhssen granite and the ore-bearing granite porphyry shows that these intrusive rocks were emplaced at 558 ± 1 and 550 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Moreover, the whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry reveal a high-K calc-alkaline I-type composition, consistent with an emplacement in a post-collisional setting under a trans-tensional tectonic regime. Ore bodies are hosted by the Askaoun granodiorite as well as the Imourgane granite. The mineralization occurs as fine-grained dissemination and infills of hydrothermally altered NNE–SSW to N–S trending veins and veinlets. Ore-related hydrothermal alteration consists of potassic, chlorite-sericite, serecitic, and propylitic mineral assemblages along with pervasive silicification and pyritization, providing a porphyry-style alteration pattern. The ore periods comprise supergene and magmatic-hydrothermal periods. The latter includes primary dissemination and secondary NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system stages. The occurrence of molybdenite is either restricted to the potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration zones of the ore-bearing granite as fine disseminations or alternatively as veinlet infills within the propylitic halos. The molybdenite occurrences along with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and tennantite dissemination are assigned to the primary ore stage, while the NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system is related to the secondary ore stage. It consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite, diagenite, sphalerite, hematite, galena, gold, and chenguodaite. The predominance of cockade and crack-and-seal textures suggest multiple episodes of ore-forming fluid circulations under epithermal conditions. The supergene stage is achieved by subordinate malachite, azurite, barite, hematite, epsomite, and chrysocolla. From the descriptions above, we argue that the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag mineralization shares many mineralogical and paragenetic attributes of porphyry-copper deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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Review

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30 pages, 3509 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Associated Cobalt Resources in Skarn-Type Deposits, China

by Rongfang Zhang, Chong Cao, Yanbo Zhang, Shuzhi Wang, Yang Zhang, Zhaokang Yuan, Boxiao Dong, Qing Cao, Wenzhe Zuo and Zhihua Guo

Minerals 2025, 15(9), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090913 - 28 Aug 2025

Viewed by 632

Abstract

Although skarn-type deposits represent significant hosts for Co resources, the distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms of associated Co resources within these deposits have not been systematically investigated. This study summarizes relevant data on Co resources from representative skarn-type deposits in China to comparatively reveal the grade and reserve characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, and coupled enrichment mechanisms of Co across three principal skarn mineralization subtypes: iron-, copper-, and lead–zinc polymetallic-dominated deposits. Studies demonstrate that Fe-dominated skarn-type cobalt deposits exhibit widespread distribution, high Co grades (100–2000 ppm), and abundant Co reserves (4000–32,000 t), demonstrating significantly superior Co resource potential compared to Cu-dominated (Co grades: 20–200 ppm, Co reserves: 3000–10,000 t) and Pb-Zn polymetallic-dominated (Co grades: 140–853 ppm, Co reserves: approximately 3000 t) subtypes. In these skarn-type cobalt deposits, cobalt is mainly hosted in sulfide minerals. Influenced by tectonic settings, magmatic activity, and hydrothermal fluid evolution, associated Co resources in these skarn-type deposits exhibit both regional zonation and stage-specific differential enrichment patterns. In the formation of skarn-type cobalt deposits, mantle-derived magmas play a critical role in the pre-enrichment of Co. The injection of mafic magmas, assimilation of evaporite sequences, and the dissolution–reprecipitation mechanism of hydrothermal fluids collectively promote the re-enrichment of Co during magmatic evolution. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for targeted exploration, sustainable development, and comprehensive utilization of associated Co resources in skarn-type deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)

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