Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (92)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = Sb-Au deposit

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
19 pages, 5259 KB  
Article
Epitaxial Growth Control of Crystalline Morphology and Electronic Transport in InSb Nanowires: Competition Between Axial and Radial Growth Modes
by Jiebin Zhong, Jian Lin, Miroslav Penchev, Mihrimah Ozkan and Cengiz S. Ozkan
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(18), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15181436 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 673
Abstract
This study investigates the morphological evolution of epitaxial indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires (NWs) grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We systematically explored the influence of key growth parameters—temperature (300 °C to 480 °C), source material composition, gold (Au) nanoparticle catalyst size, and growth [...] Read more.
This study investigates the morphological evolution of epitaxial indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires (NWs) grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We systematically explored the influence of key growth parameters—temperature (300 °C to 480 °C), source material composition, gold (Au) nanoparticle catalyst size, and growth duration—on the resulting NW morphology, specifically focusing on NW length and tapering. Our findings reveal that the competition between axial and radial growth modes, which are governed by different growth mechanisms, dictates the final nanowire shape. An optimal growth condition was identified that yields straight and minimally tapered InSb NWs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that these nanowires grow preferentially along the <110> direction, and electrical characterization via field-effect transistor (NW-FET) measurements showed that they are n-type semiconductors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanofabrication and Nanomanufacturing)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 4459 KB  
Article
Geochemical Constraints on Antimony Mineralization in the Gutaishan Au–Sb Deposit, China: Insights from Trace Elements in Quartz and Sulfur Isotopes in Stibnite
by Jingping Feng, Linyan Kang, Bin Li and Peixuan Kang
Minerals 2025, 15(9), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090953 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 716
Abstract
The Gutaishan Au–Sb deposit is situated in the southern segment of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, a region characterized by a concentration of Au–Sb–W deposits. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on Au mineralization, whereas studies addressing the equally important Sb mineralization are relatively scarce. [...] Read more.
The Gutaishan Au–Sb deposit is situated in the southern segment of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, a region characterized by a concentration of Au–Sb–W deposits. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on Au mineralization, whereas studies addressing the equally important Sb mineralization are relatively scarce. To investigate key scientific questions regarding the source of ore-forming materials, the physicochemical conditions, and mineralization mechanisms of Sb in the Gutaishan deposit, we conducted systematic analyses of trace elements in hydrothermal quartz and sulfur isotopes in stibnite. Li, Al, Sb, B, Na, K, Ti, Ge, and As are the dominant trace elements in hydrothermal quartz from the Gutaishan deposit. The dominant substitution mechanism is (Al3+, Sb3+) + (Li+, Na+, K+, H+) ↔ Si4+. The relatively low but variable Al concentrations indicate that quartz precipitated from fluids with fluctuating pH and weakly acidic conditions, while variations in Ti and Ge reflect significant temperature changes. These features suggest that fluid mixing was the primary mineralization mechanism in the Gutaishan deposit. Hydrothermal quartz contains anomalously high B concentrations (14.36–30.64 ppm), far exceeding typical hydrothermal levels, while stibnite displays consistent magmatic sulfur isotope signatures (−3.50‰ to −4.2‰, with an average of −3.99 ± 0.2‰), which are markedly different from the in situ δ34S values of sedimentary sulfides (+7.0‰ to +23.3‰) in the host rocks. This combination of evidence indicates a magmatic–hydrothermal origin for Sb mineralization. Integrating previous geochronological and isotopic constraints with our new observations, we interpret that the Gutaishan deposit represents an intrusion-related Au–Sb deposit formed in a post-collisional extensional setting, where Sb was precipitated after Au mineralization as a result of fluid mixing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6497 KB  
Article
Soil Geochemical Characteristics and Prospecting Potential in the Nibao Carlin-Type Gold Deposit and Peripheral Areas, Southwestern Guizhou, China
by Songtao Li, Lijin Tan, Zepeng Wang, Rong Nie, Minghua Meng, Wenxin Han, Chengfu Yang, Junhai Li, Bingqiang Zhang and Jianzhong Liu
Minerals 2025, 15(9), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090922 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Carlin-type gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou, China require systematic exploration methods to identify deep and peripheral prospecting potential beyond known deposits. We conducted a 1:50,000-scale soil geochemical survey across 928 km2 in the Nibao gold deposit and its surrounding areas, with a [...] Read more.
Carlin-type gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou, China require systematic exploration methods to identify deep and peripheral prospecting potential beyond known deposits. We conducted a 1:50,000-scale soil geochemical survey across 928 km2 in the Nibao gold deposit and its surrounding areas, with a total of 8842 samples collected. Fifteen elements were systematically analyzed, with particular focus on pathfinder elements associated with Carlin-type gold mineralization. Building on previous comparative analyses of soil geochemical and tectono-geochemical characteristics, this research systematically examines the enrichment patterns of soil geochemistry and their significance for ore prospecting. The results demonstrate that (1) elements such as Au, As, Sb, Hg, W, and Mo show significant positive correlation and strong enrichment patterns, indicating excellent metallogenic potential; (2) 176 and 12 single- and composite-element anomalies were delineated, respectively, with HS-2, HS-3, and HS-7 anomalies exhibiting high intensity and distinct concentration zonation, similar to those of the high factor score distribution of Au-As-Sb-Hg-W-Mo; (3) three prospecting targets were identified based on anomaly characteristics and geological conditions, including Nibao, Baogudi, and Sandaogou; (4) multiple mineralized bodies were revealed through engineering verification, indicating good prospecting potential in the deep and surrounding areas of the targets. These findings provide a scientific basis for further exploration of Carlin-type gold deposits in the study area and southwestern Guizhou. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 28833 KB  
Article
Mineralization Styles in the Orogenic (Quartz Vein) Gold Deposits of the Eastern Kazakhstan Gold Belt: Implications for Regional Prospecting
by Dmitry L. Konopelko, Valeriia S. Zhdanova, Sergei Y. Stepanov, Ekaterina S. Sidorova, Sergei V. Petrov, Aleksandr K. Kozin, Emil S. Aliyev, Vasiliy A. Saltanov, Mikhail A. Kalinin, Andrey V. Korneev and Reimar Seltmann
Minerals 2025, 15(8), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080885 - 21 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 938
Abstract
The Eastern Kazakhstan Gold Belt is a major black-shale-hosted gold province in Central Asia where the main types of deposits comprise mineralized zones with auriferous sulfides (micro- and nano-inclusions of gold and refractory gold) and quartz veins with visible gold. The quartz vein [...] Read more.
The Eastern Kazakhstan Gold Belt is a major black-shale-hosted gold province in Central Asia where the main types of deposits comprise mineralized zones with auriferous sulfides (micro- and nano-inclusions of gold and refractory gold) and quartz veins with visible gold. The quartz vein deposits are economically less important but may potentially represent the upper parts of bigger ore systems concealed at depth. In this work, the mineralogy of the quartz vein deposits and related wall rock alteration zones was studied using microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis, and the geochemical dispersion of the ore elements in primary alteration haloes was documented utilizing spatial distribution maps and statistical treatment methods. The studied auriferous quartz veins are classified as epizonal black-shale-hosted orogenic gold deposits. The veins generally have linear shapes with an average width of ca. 1 m and length up to 150 m and contain high-grade native gold with minor amounts of sulfides. In supergene oxidation zones, the native gold is closely associated with Fe-hydroxide minerals cementing brecciated zones within the veins. The auriferous quartz veins are usually enclosed by the wall rock alteration envelopes, where two types of alteration are distinguished. Proximal phyllic alteration (sericite-albite-pyrite ± chlorite, Fe-Mg-Ca carbonates, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite) develops as localized alteration envelopes, and pervasive carbonation accompanied by chlorite ± sericite and albite is the dominant process in the distal alteration zones. The rocks within the alteration zones are enriched in Au and chalcophile elements, and three groups of chemical elements showing significant positive mutual correlation have been identified: (1) an early geochemical assemblage includes V, P, and Co (±Ni), which are the chemical elements characteristic for black shale formations, (2) association of Au, As, and other chalcophile elements is distinctly overprinting, and manifests the main stage of sulfide-hosted Au mineralization, and (3) association of Bi and Hg (±Sb and U) includes the chemical elements that are mobile at low temperatures, and can be explained by activity of the late-stage hydrothermal or supergene fluids. The chalcophile elements show negative slopes from proximal to distal alteration zones and form overlapping positive anomalies on spatial distribution mono-elemental maps. Thus, the geochemical methods can provide useful tools to delineate the ore elemental associations and to outline reproducible anomalies for subsequent regional gold prospecting. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 15718 KB  
Article
Trace and Rare-Earth-Element Chemistry of Quartz from the Tuztaşı Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Au-Ag Deposit, Western Türkiye: Implications for Gold Exploration from Quartz Mineral Chemistry
by Fatih Özbaş, Essaid Bilal and Ahmed Touil
Minerals 2025, 15(7), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070758 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1274
Abstract
The Tuztaşı low-sulfidation epithermal Au–Ag deposit (Biga Peninsula, Türkiye) records a multi-stage hydrothermal history that can be interpreted through the trace and rare-earth-element (REE) chemistry of quartz. High-precision LA-ICP-MS analyses of five representative quartz samples (23 ablation spots; 10 analytically robust) reveal two [...] Read more.
The Tuztaşı low-sulfidation epithermal Au–Ag deposit (Biga Peninsula, Türkiye) records a multi-stage hydrothermal history that can be interpreted through the trace and rare-earth-element (REE) chemistry of quartz. High-precision LA-ICP-MS analyses of five representative quartz samples (23 ablation spots; 10 analytically robust) reveal two fluid stages. Early fluids were cold, dilute meteoric waters (δ18O₍H2O₎ ≈ −6.8 to +0.7‰), whereas later fluids circulated deeper, interacted with felsic basement rocks, and evolved in composition. Mineralized quartz displays marked enrichment in As (raw mean = 2854 ± 6821 ppm; filtered mean = 70 ± 93 ppm; one spot 16,775 ppm), K (498 ± 179 ppm), and Sb (57.8 ± 113 ppm), coupled with low Ti/Al (<0.005) and elevated Ge/Si (0.14–0.65 µmol mol−1). Chondrite-normalized REE patterns show pronounced but variable LREE enrichment ((La/Yb)n ≤ 45.3; ΣLREE/ΣHREE up to 10.8) and strongly positive Eu anomalies (δEu ≤ 9.3) with slightly negative Ce anomalies (δCe ≈ 0.29); negligible Ce–Eu covariance (r2 ≈ 0.05) indicates discrete redox pulses. These signatures indicate chemically evolved, reducing fluids conducive to Au–Ag deposition. By contrast, barren quartz is characterized by lower pathfinder-element contents, less fractionated REE profiles, higher Ti/Al, and weaker Eu anomalies. A composite exploration toolkit emerges: As > 700 ppm, As/Sb > 25, Ti/Al < 0.005, Ge/Si > 0.15 µmol mol−1, and δEu ≫ 1 reliably identify ore-bearing zones when integrated with δ18O data and fluid-inclusion microthermometry from earlier studies on the same vein system. This study provides one of the first systematic applications of integrated trace-element and REE analysis of quartz to a Turkish low-sulfidation epithermal system, offering an applicable model for vectoring mineralization in analogous settings worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 7766 KB  
Article
Mineral Exploration in the Central Xicheng Ore Field, China, Using the Tectono-Geochemistry, Staged Factor Analysis, and Fractal Model
by Qiang Wang, Zhizhong Cheng, Hongrui Li, Tao Yang, Tingjie Yan, Mingming Bing, Huixiang Yuan and Chenggui Lin
Minerals 2025, 15(7), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070691 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 760
Abstract
As China’s third-largest lead–zinc ore field, the Xicheng Ore Field has significant potential for discovering concealed deposits. In this study, a tectono-geochemical survey was conducted, and 1329 composite samples (comprising 5614 subsamples) were collected from the central part of the field. The dataset [...] Read more.
As China’s third-largest lead–zinc ore field, the Xicheng Ore Field has significant potential for discovering concealed deposits. In this study, a tectono-geochemical survey was conducted, and 1329 composite samples (comprising 5614 subsamples) were collected from the central part of the field. The dataset was analyzed using staged factor analysis (SFA) and concentration–area (C–A) fractal model. Four geochemical factors were extracted from centered log-ratio (CLR)-transformed data: F2-1 (Ag–Pb–Sb–Hg), F2-2 (Mo–Sb–(Zn)), F2-3 (Au–Bi), and F2-4 (W–Sn). Known Pb–Zn deposits coincide with positive F2-1 and negative F2-2 anomalies, as identified by the C–A fractal model, suggesting these factors are reliable indicators of Pb–Zn mineralization. Five Pb–Zn exploration targets were delineated. Statistical analysis and anomaly maps for F2-3 and F2-4 also indicate the potential for Au and W mineralization. Notably, some anomalies from different factors spatially overlap, indicating the possibility of epithermal Pb–Zn mineralization at shallow depths and mesothermal to hyperthermal Au and W mineralization at great depths. Overall, the integration of tectono-geochemistry, targeted and composite sampling, SFA, and C–A fractal modeling proves to be an effective and economical approach for identifying and enhancing ore-related geochemical anomalies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 5916 KB  
Article
Metal Fingerprints of Eocene Rhyolite Magmas Coincident with Carlin-Type Gold Deposition in Nevada USA
by Celestine N. Mercer, Hannah R. Babel, Cameron M. Mercer and Albert H. Hofstra
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050479 - 4 May 2025
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
Eocene magmatic systems contemporaneous with world-class Carlin-type Au deposits in Nevada (USA) have been proposed by some researchers as a key ingredient for Au mineralization, though evidence conclusively demonstrating their genetic relationship remains tenuous. This study provides the first direct evidence of the [...] Read more.
Eocene magmatic systems contemporaneous with world-class Carlin-type Au deposits in Nevada (USA) have been proposed by some researchers as a key ingredient for Au mineralization, though evidence conclusively demonstrating their genetic relationship remains tenuous. This study provides the first direct evidence of the pre-eruptive metal budget of volatile- and metal-charged silicic magmas coincident in time (~41 to 34 Ma) and space (within 5 km) with Carlin-type Au deposits. We characterize the pre-eruptive metal fingerprints of these diverse magmatic systems to assess their potential as sources of metals for Carlin-type Au mineralization. Metal abundances from quartz-hosted melt inclusions (Au, Te, Ag, Sb, Tl, Mo, W, Sn, As, Pb, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn) characterized in situ by SHRIMP-RG and LA-ICP-MS represent our best (and only) estimates for the pre-eruptive metal budget in these systems. Median metal concentrations are generally within one order of magnitude of average upper crust and average continental rhyolite values. But there are two notable exceptions, with median Au contents extending >1 order of magnitude higher than average upper crust and median Cu contents ranging >1 order of magnitude lower than upper crust. Despite this, melts contain lower Au/Cu (<0.1), Au/Ag (<5), and Au/Tl (<0.3) than most ore-grade Carlin-type rock samples and quartz-hosted fluid inclusions, regardless of their age and timing relative to nearby Carlin-type Au mineralization. The metal fingerprints of these magmatic systems, defined both by traditional and multivariate compositional data analysis techniques, are distinct from one another. Yet none are particularly specialized, e.g., high Au/Cu, in terms of being ideal ingredients as postulated by magmatic models for Carlin-type Au mineralization. Magmatic Au contents do not appear to be correlated with rhyolite “flavors” in the way that Cu, Sn, and Nb contents are. Fluid/melt partitioning modeling and magma volume estimates support the idea that a diverse array of non-specialized silicic magmas could feasibly contribute some or potentially all of the Au, Ag, and Cu in Carlin-type systems. The compositional diversity among contemporaneous magmatic systems could possibly contribute to some of the diversity observed across Carlin-type Au districts in Nevada. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 18399 KB  
Article
Structural Evolution of the Yuntai Mountain Area in Hunan Province: Implications for Sb-Au Exploration
by Shumin Chen, Huan Li, Junfeng Zhang, Jinhong Wu, Junjie Xu, Zhiming Zhang and Mohamed Faisal
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050452 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 610
Abstract
The Yuntai Mountain area in Hunan Province represents a region of significant geological interest due to its position on the Western Hunan Sb-Au metallogenic belt. This area is characterized by distinctive geological structures formed through diverse tectonic activities spanning millions of years, and [...] Read more.
The Yuntai Mountain area in Hunan Province represents a region of significant geological interest due to its position on the Western Hunan Sb-Au metallogenic belt. This area is characterized by distinctive geological structures formed through diverse tectonic activities spanning millions of years, and hosts important antimony and gold deposits. While hydrothermal fluids likely contributed to the formation of these mineral occurrences, the structural evolutionary pattern and its influence on mineralization remain inadequately understood. This study aims to reconstruct the structural evolutionary history of the Yuntai Mountain area. The research objectives are achieved through (a) conducting field geological surveys to identify the structural alignments (faults, fold patterns, shear zones, fractures, displacement markers, and lineations) formed during different deformation episodes within the Yuntai Mountain area’s strata and ore veins, (b) performing classical inversion analysis to categorize the episodes of structural deformation, and (c) correlating these deformation episodes with corresponding structural movements to clarify the region’s tectonic evolutionary pattern. Our findings reveal that the Yuntai Mountain area experienced four major tectonic events: (a) Early Paleozoic NW-SE compression, (b) Triassic NE-SW compression, (c) Jurassic NW-SE compression, and (d) Cretaceous NW-SE extension. Understanding this structural evolutionary pattern of the Yuntai Mountain area holds critical significance for guiding the future exploration of Sb-Au deposits throughout the region. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 42821 KB  
Article
Compositional Evolution of Fahlores in the Zijinshan Porphyry–Epithermal Cu-Au-Mo-Ag Ore Field, China, and Implications for Prospecting
by Hua Long, Wenyuan Liu, Jingwen Chen, Jianhuan Qiu, Jieyi Li, Hui Chen and Xiaodan Lai
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040362 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 750
Abstract
There are a large number of fahlores recognized in the Zijinshan ore field, including tetrahedrite, tennantite, Zn-rich tetrahedrite, goldfieldite, Bi-rich tetrahedrite, etc. The changes in their mineral composition have significance for the evolution of the ore-forming environment. This article presents a detailed study [...] Read more.
There are a large number of fahlores recognized in the Zijinshan ore field, including tetrahedrite, tennantite, Zn-rich tetrahedrite, goldfieldite, Bi-rich tetrahedrite, etc. The changes in their mineral composition have significance for the evolution of the ore-forming environment. This article presents a detailed study of the fahlores using electron probe analysis. The results indicate that in the Zijinshan Au-Cu deposit, fahlores are Te-rich in shallow zones and Zn-rich in deep zones. The Zijinshan Xi’nan deposit is generally Zn-rich, with a Bi-rich in middle levels. The Longjiangting deposit is Sb- and Zn-rich in shallow zones and As- and Bi-rich in deep zones, whereas the Yueyang deposit is Sb- and Zn-rich in shallow zones and Bi-rich in deep zones. The fahlores in the Zijinshan ore field often show zoning in backscattered images due to As and Sb variations. From the porphyry to high-sulfidation stages, fahlores evolve from Fe-rich to Zn-, Bi-, and Sb-rich, and finally to Te-rich. From the porphyry to low-sulfidation stages, fahlores transition from Bi-rich to Zn-rich and eventually to Ag-rich compositions. The discovered mineral assemblages of the fahlores are of great significance for understanding the framework of complex porphyry shallow hydrothermal environments and prospecting for underlying porphyry ore bodies in the Zijinshan ore field. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6165 KB  
Article
Extraction and Interpretation of Gold Exploration Indexes in Jinya-Mingshan Area Based on Association Rule Algorithm and Statistical Analysis
by Xinzhu Dong, Guangfei Guo, Yang Huang, Weihe Chen, Zhiyuan Ni, Jiandong Meng and Pingru Li
Minerals 2025, 15(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020165 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 882
Abstract
Geochemical data serve as crucial references for prospecting, and the effective extraction of prospecting information from such data determines the success rate of exploration. In the era of big data, novel prospecting methods based on geochemical data offer new ideas for exploring various [...] Read more.
Geochemical data serve as crucial references for prospecting, and the effective extraction of prospecting information from such data determines the success rate of exploration. In the era of big data, novel prospecting methods based on geochemical data offer new ideas for exploring various ore deposits. By employing advanced data analysis techniques like machine learning and artificial intelligence, it becomes possible to identify elusive patterns and trends that are challenging to detect using traditional approaches, thereby significantly enhancing the success rate of prospecting endeavors. In this study, we selected drainage sediment geochemical data (Au, Ba, Mo, Sb, V, W, Zn) in the Jinya-Mingshan area to explore potential Carlin-type gold deposits. Traditional geochemical processing methods along with an association rule algorithm were employed for conducting comprehensive data mining analysis. The results demonstrate that the element combinations within the study area can be categorized into strong positive associations and enrichments (Mo, Sb, Zn) associated with vulcanization, strong negative associations, and decarbonation-related migration elements (Ba), as well as strong positive associations and weakly enriched elements (W) and weak positive associations and weakly enriched elements (V) not significantly related to mineralization. In comparison to Mo and Sb, which are closely linked to Au as revealed by cluster analysis and factor analysis, the association rule algorithm also reveals a relatively close correlation between Ba, Zn, and Au. Based on the element correlations obtained through the association rule algorithm, a new prospecting index was constructed for the study area. This new index is more reasonable than traditional indices. In conclusion, the association rule algorithm possesses unique advantages in information mining of geochemical data and holds promising applications in geological exploration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 9430 KB  
Article
Pyrite Textures, Trace Element Geochemistry and Galena Pb Isotopes of the Yanzhupo Gold Deposit in the Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Implications for Gold Mineralization Genesis
by Jia Liao, Xu Wang, Biao Chen, Buqing Wang, Zhenhua Zhu, Wentao Wang, Ding Peng, Qian Zhang, Zhuang Liu and Qiangqiang Xu
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010094 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2123
Abstract
The northeastern Hunan district in the Jiangnan Orogen (South China) holds significant gold resources, whose genesis remains perplexing, especially in terms of the gold source and mineralization process. Yanzhupo (2.50 t @ 2.52 g/t) is a newly discovered gold deposit in the northeastern [...] Read more.
The northeastern Hunan district in the Jiangnan Orogen (South China) holds significant gold resources, whose genesis remains perplexing, especially in terms of the gold source and mineralization process. Yanzhupo (2.50 t @ 2.52 g/t) is a newly discovered gold deposit in the northeastern Hunan district and is characterized by multiple generations of pyrite. Its alteration/mineralization can be divided into three stages: (I) quartz-ankerite-pyrite; (II) quartz-ankerite-chlorite-pyrite-gold; (III) quartz-ankerite-calcite-pyrite. Petrographic observations and back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging revealed six generations of pyrite: Cu-Au rich bright rims (Py1a) and porous cores (Py1b) in Stage I, Py2a with homogenous textures, Py2b with oscillatory zoning and Py2c with homogenous textures in Stage II and Py3 with homogenous textures in Stage III. Galena Pb isotopes, similar to the Wangu deposit, and pyrite chemical compositions show that the ore-forming materials of Yanzhupo came from deep magma, and some metal elements may be extracted from deep basement by fluid-mineral interactions during the upward migration of hydrothermal-magmatic fluid. The positive correlation between Cu and Au in pyrite reflects the oxidized ore-forming fluids. The enrichment of Cu and Au in Py1a reflects the precipitation of pyrite under high temperature fluid, forming the primary enrichment of Au. Porous Py1b is characterized by lower trace elements than Py1a, sharp reaction front and rich chalcopyrite and galena inclusions, indicating Py1b formed via coupled dissolution-reprecipitation (CDR) reactions of Py1a. The CDR reactions promoted by the oxidizing fluid itself re-release Au into the fluid. From Py2a to Py2c, the contents of As, Sb and Pb first increased and then decreased, which may reflect the increase of fluid pH caused by sulfidation of the wall rocks and the impoverishment of ore-forming fluids caused by the precipitation of a large number of elements. The sulfidation of the wall rocks in Stage II destroyed the stability of the Au(HS)2 and Au (HS)S3 complexes and led to the deposition of native gold. The barren ore-forming fluids precipitated homogenous Py3 in a stable environment. Therefore, we think that the Yanzhupo gold deposit may have been associated with magmatic-hydrothermal activity, and the mineralization mechanism may be CDR reactions and sulfidation of the wall rocks. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 40492 KB  
Article
Sulfosalts and Sulfates in the Epithermal Au-Ag-Te Emmy Deposit (Khabarovsk Territory, Far East of Russia): Implications for the Mineralization Process
by Tamara Yu. Yakich, Panagiotis Voudouris, Darya V. Levochskaia, Alexey K. Mazurov, Mikhail V. Shaldybin, Yuriy M. Lopushnyak, Alexey S. Ruban, Evan Dasi, Prokopiy N. Maximov, Ekaterina A. Sinkina, Ksenia V. Bestemianova and Maxim A. Rudmin
Geosciences 2025, 15(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15010026 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1712
Abstract
This study considers the features of the chemical composition, internal structure, and oscillatory zoning of sulfosalts and sulfates in the epithermal high–intermediate-sulfidation-type Au-Ag-Te Emmy deposit (Khabarovsk Territory, Russia). In Emmy deposit, sulfosalts primarily represent goldfieldite, probably corresponding to a high-sulfidation (HS) mineral association [...] Read more.
This study considers the features of the chemical composition, internal structure, and oscillatory zoning of sulfosalts and sulfates in the epithermal high–intermediate-sulfidation-type Au-Ag-Te Emmy deposit (Khabarovsk Territory, Russia). In Emmy deposit, sulfosalts primarily represent goldfieldite, probably corresponding to a high-sulfidation (HS) mineral association replaced bytennantite–tetrahedrite group minerals. The latter is associated with tellurides and native tellurium, corresponding to an intermediate-sulfidation (IS)-type ore assemblage and suggesting an increasing influx of Te, Sb, and As in the system. Goldfieldite is replaced by native tellurium and tellurides along its growth zones, and is characterized by oscillatory zoning. The replacement of goldfieldite by mercury, nickel, lead, and copper tellurides indicate a new influx of native gold, native tellurium, and gold–silver tellurides into the open mineral-forming system. At deeper levels of the Emmy deposit, an advanced argillic alteration assemblage includes aluminum phosphate–sulfate (APS) minerals, represented by members of the svanbergite–woodhouseite series. Element mapping of the studied APS mineral grains indicated three distinct areas recording the evolution of the hydrothermal system in the Emmy: an oscillatory-zoned margin enriched in sulfur, lead, and barium, corresponding to the late influx of IS state fluids related to gold and tellurides; an intermediate part, which is leached and corresponds to the HS mineralization stage; and the central part of the grains, which is enriched in cerium, calcium, and strontium, resulting from a replacement of magmatic apatite in the pre-ore alteration stage. The leached zone between the core and rim of the APS grains is related to a change in crystallization conditions, possibly due to the mixing processes of the fluids with meteoric water. Barite, found in the upper level of the advanced argillic hypogene alteration assemblage, is also characterized by oscillatory zoning, associated with the enrichment of individual zones in lead. Micron gold particles associated with barite are confined to their lead-enriched zones. The study of fluid inclusions in quartz within the Emmy deposit showed the hydrothermal ore process at a temperature of 236–337 °C. Homogenization temperatures for quartz–pyrite–goldfieldite mineral association vary within 337–310 °C and salinity varies within 0–0.18 wt.%NaCl equivalent, and for gold–silver–telluride–polymetallic mineral association, they decrease and vary within 275–236 °C and salinity slightly increases from 0.18 to 0.35 wt.%NaCl equivalent. This study demonstrates that the nature of oscillatory zoning in sulfosalts and sulfates in the Emmy deposit results from an external process. Such a process is of fundamental importance from a genetic point of view. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 20145 KB  
Article
In Situ Compositional and Sulfur Isotopic Analysis of Sphalerite from the Erdaodianzi Gold Deposit in Southern Jilin Province, Northeast China
by Qingqing Shang, Fengdi Ren, Qun Yang and Bin Wang
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010057 - 7 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1278
Abstract
The newly discovered Erdaodianzi gold deposit in southern Jilin Province, Northeast China, is located in the eastern segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). It is a large-scale gold deposit with reserves of 38.4 tons of gold. Gold mineralization [...] Read more.
The newly discovered Erdaodianzi gold deposit in southern Jilin Province, Northeast China, is located in the eastern segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). It is a large-scale gold deposit with reserves of 38.4 tons of gold. Gold mineralization in the ore district primarily occurs in gold-bearing quartz–sulfide veins. The gold ore occurs mainly as vein, veinlet, crumby, and disseminated structures. The hydrothermal process can be divided into three stages: stage I, characterized by quartz, arsenopyrite, and pyrite; stage II, featuring quartz, arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and native gold; and stage III, consisting of quartz, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, electrum (a naturally occurring Au–Ag alloy), and calcite. Electrum and native gold primarily occur within the fissures of the polymetallic sulfides. To determine the enrichment mechanism of the Au element and the genetic types of ore deposits in the Erdaodianzi deposit, sourcing in situ trace element data, element mapping and sulfur isotope analysis were carried out on sphalerites from different stages using LA-ICP-MS. Minor invisible gold, in the form of Au–Ag alloy inclusions, is present within sphalerites, as revealed by time-resolved depth profiles. The LA-ICP-MS trace element data and mapping results indicate that trivalent or quadrivalent cations, such as Sb3+ and Te4+, exhibit a strong correlation with Au. This correlation can be explained by a coupled substitution mechanism, where these cations (Sb3+ and Te4+) replace zinc ions within the mineral structure, resulting in a strong association with Au. Similarly, the element Pb exhibits a close relationship with Au, which can be attributed to the incorporation of tetravalent cations like Te4+ into the mineral structure. The positive correlation between Hg and Au can be attributed to the formation of vacancies and defects within sphalerite, caused by the aforementioned coupled substitution mechanism. A slight positive relationship between Au and other divalent cations, including Fe2+, Mn2+, and Cd2+, may result from these cations simply replacing Zn within the sphalerite lattice. The crystallization temperatures of the sphalerite, calculated via the Fe/Zn ratio, range from 238 °C to 320 °C. The δ34S values are divided into two intervals: one ranging from −1.99 to −1.12‰ and the other varying from 10.96 to 11.48‰. The sulfur isotopic analysis revealed that the ore-forming materials originated from magmatic rock, with some incorporation of metamorphic rock. Comparative studies of the Erdaodianzi gold deposit and other gold deposits in the Jiapigou–Haigou gold belt have confirmed that they are all mesothermal magmatic–hydrothermal lode gold deposits formed at the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate during the Middle Jurassic. The Jiapigou–Haigou gold belt extends northwest to the Huadian area of Jilin province. This suggests potential for research on gold mineralization in the northwest of the belt and indicates a new direction for further gold prospecting in the region. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4121 KB  
Article
Geochemistry and Fluid Inclusion of Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposits in Kamchatka, Russia
by Maria Shapovalova, Elena Shaparenko and Nadezhda Tolstykh
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2603
Abstract
The work focuses on five epithermal Au-Ag deposits of the Kamchatka volcanogenic belts: Rodnikovoe, Baranyevskoe, Kumroch, Lazurnoe (adularia-sericite type–Ad-Ser) and Maletoyvayam (acid-sulfate type–Ac-Sul). The geochemical characteristics of the deposits were presented based on the results of ICP-OES and fire-assay analysis. The compositions and [...] Read more.
The work focuses on five epithermal Au-Ag deposits of the Kamchatka volcanogenic belts: Rodnikovoe, Baranyevskoe, Kumroch, Lazurnoe (adularia-sericite type–Ad-Ser) and Maletoyvayam (acid-sulfate type–Ac-Sul). The geochemical characteristics of the deposits were presented based on the results of ICP-OES and fire-assay analysis. The compositions and physicochemical parameters of ore-forming fluids were based on microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was shown that all deposits were comparable in terms of temperatures, salinity and the predominance of H2O and CO2 in ore-forming fluids. The deposits were formed at temperatures of 160–308 °C by aqueous fluids with salinities of 0.5–6.8 wt. % (NaCl-eq.). The Maletoyvayam deposit differed from the other ones in significant enrichment in Se, Te, Sb, Bi and As, as well as much higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, nitrogenated and sulfonated compounds (31.4 rel.% in total) in the composition of fluid inclusions. This gave us a reason to assume that organic compounds favourably affected the concentrations of these elements in the mineralising fluid. Kumroch and Lazurnoe were distinguished from Rodnikovoe and Baranyevskoe by high Zn, Pb and Cu contents, where each of them represented a single system combining both Ad-Ser type epithermal gold-silver and copper porphyry mineralisations. The presence of alkanes, esters, ketones, carboxylic acids and aldehydes in different quantities at all deposits were indicators of the combination of biogenic and thermogenic origins of organic compounds. The contents of ore-forming elements in ores were consistent with the specificity of mineral assemblages in the Kamchatka deposits. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4829 KB  
Article
Structural and Kinematic Analysis of the Xipu Dome in the Tingri Area, Southern Tibet, and New Exploration Discoveries
by Songtao Yan, Ailing Ding, Jie Wang, Hao Huang, Hu Li, Song Chen, Tao Liu and Lidong Zhu
Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121188 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The newly delineated Xipu Dome, located in the central North Himalayan Gneiss Dome (NHGD), exhibits a significant spatiotemporal relationship with Himalayan polymetallic mineralization. Based on field geological surveys and geochronological analyses, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the lithological assemblage, tectonic deformation, [...] Read more.
The newly delineated Xipu Dome, located in the central North Himalayan Gneiss Dome (NHGD), exhibits a significant spatiotemporal relationship with Himalayan polymetallic mineralization. Based on field geological surveys and geochronological analyses, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the lithological assemblage, tectonic deformation, and metallogenic processes of the Xipu Dome. The findings reveal a three-tiered structure: the core consists of early Paleozoic granitic gneiss (523 Ma) and Miocene leucogranite (13.5 Ma), overlain by a cover of low-grade metamorphic or unmetamorphosed sedimentary rocks, and a detachment zone composed of heavily deformed schists and phyllites. The Xipu Dome underwent three phases of tectonic deformation: a southward thrust caused by continental collision, northward extensional activity driven by the South Tibet Detachment System (STDS), and gravitational collapse and downslope sliding following the emplacement of the dome. Two types of mineralization were identified: structural hydrothermal Au-Cu polymetallic deposits related to detachment and skarn-type Cu-Ag polymetallic deposits associated with leucogranite intrusion. This study enhances the understanding of the spatial distribution and metallogenic potential within the Himalayan Be-Sn rare metal-Pb-Zn-Sb-Au belt, offering a valuable direction for strategic mineral exploration in the Tethyan Himalaya (TH). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop