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21 pages, 18550 KB  
Article
Aeromagnetic Anomaly Characteristics and Prospecting Direction in the Jiaduoling Area, Northern Segment of the Southwest Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt
by Jianchun Xu, Yanxu Liu, Baodi Wang, Xuanjie Zhang, Yanan Zhang and Xin Wang
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6356; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136356 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
The Jiaduoling area is located in the northern segment of the Southwest Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt, a region characterized by complex geological structures and abundant mineral resources. This study systematically identifies the spatial correlation between subsurface magnetic bodies and tectonic structures by utilizing 1:50,000 [...] Read more.
The Jiaduoling area is located in the northern segment of the Southwest Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt, a region characterized by complex geological structures and abundant mineral resources. This study systematically identifies the spatial correlation between subsurface magnetic bodies and tectonic structures by utilizing 1:50,000 high-precision aeromagnetic data. Advanced processing techniques—including upward continuation, vertical derivatives, total gradient modulus, and Euler deconvolution—were integrated to refine the structural framework and clarify the mechanisms of fault-controlled mineralization. The results indicate that the aeromagnetic anomaly pattern is predominantly governed by NW-trending faults. Specifically, the deep-seated major fault F1 (with a calculated depth exceeding 3 km) served as the primary migration channel for ore-forming fluids, while secondary faults created localized ore-hosting spaces. Physical property analysis reveals a significant magnetic contrast, where Mesozoic intermediate-acid magmatic rocks act as the essential source for mineralization, providing both material and thermal energy for the formation of porphyrite-type iron deposits. Based on these findings, a three-dimensional “aeromagnetic anomaly-structural framework-mineralization” correlation model was established. Finally, two high-potential metallogenic prospective zones (P1 and P2) were delineated, providing precise geophysical evidence and strategic guidance for regional mineral exploration and the targeting of concealed ore bodies. Full article
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21 pages, 6816 KB  
Article
Metallogenic Potential and Ore-Forming Fluid Evolution of the Dadonggou Molybdenum Deposit in Northwest Hebei, China: Geochemical and Isotopic Constraints
by Guanghuo Tao, Deyou Sun, Fenghao Li, Xingkang Zhang, Zhao Feng, Guang Wang and Xiaozhuo Jia
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060635 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
The Dadonggou Mo deposit in Western Hebei, within the Yanshan–Liaoning Mo metallogenic belt, is a newly recognized medium-sized porphyry Mo system. Exploration has delineated 126 orebodies, most of which are blind, with identified resources of ~22,000 t Mo at an average grade of [...] Read more.
The Dadonggou Mo deposit in Western Hebei, within the Yanshan–Liaoning Mo metallogenic belt, is a newly recognized medium-sized porphyry Mo system. Exploration has delineated 126 orebodies, most of which are blind, with identified resources of ~22,000 t Mo at an average grade of 0.071% Mo. Integrated lithogeochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology, molybdenite Re-Os geochronology, quartz fluid-inclusion microthermometry, and H-O-S isotope analyses constrain the mineralization age, ore-fluid evolution, and sources of ore-forming materials. The zircon U-Pb dating of the ore-bearing granite porphyry and quartz porphyry from the Dadonggou molybdenum deposit yields ages ranging from 135.8 Ma to 141.5 Ma. The low Ti content in zircons indicates that they are super-wet magmatic rocks. The magmatic evolution experienced a change in oxygen fugacity from oxidizing to reducing conditions, which facilitated the initial enrichment of molybdenum. Molybdenite yields a Re-Os isochron age of 135.9 ± 4.0 Ma and a weighted mean model age of 134.2 ± 1.6 Ma, indicating Early Cretaceous mineralization. Ore fluids evolved from an early CO2-H2O-NaCl system with relatively high temperature and salinity to a later H2O-NaCl system with lower temperature and salinity. Isotopic data indicate progressive meteoric-water incorporation into dominantly magmatic fluids. Sulfur isotopes and high Re contents in molybdenite indicate a mixture of mantle magma mixed with some seawater. Lower late-stage trapping pressures record post-ore depressurization and hydrothermal-system shallowing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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18 pages, 47917 KB  
Article
Monazite and Cassiterite Dating and Pyrite S Isotopes of the Helukou Tungsten-Tin Polymetallic Deposit of the Guposhan Ore District, Nanling Range: Implications for Ore Genesis
by Ying’ai Zhou, Yiping Chen, Lujun Peng, Dezhen Zou, Jinlun Cai, Hao Lei and Jingya Cao
Geosciences 2026, 16(5), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16050191 - 10 May 2026
Viewed by 639
Abstract
The Guposh an orefield within the western segment of the Nanling Range hosts a globally significant tungsten and tin metallogenic province whose formation is tied to the intense Middle Jurassic granitic magmatism. Nonetheless, critical ambiguities remain regarding the metallogenetic ages and origin of [...] Read more.
The Guposh an orefield within the western segment of the Nanling Range hosts a globally significant tungsten and tin metallogenic province whose formation is tied to the intense Middle Jurassic granitic magmatism. Nonetheless, critical ambiguities remain regarding the metallogenetic ages and origin of ore-related hydrothermal fluids for W-Sn polymetallic deposits in this orefield. Here, we integrate in situ U-Pb geochronology of monazite and cassiterite and sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite from the Helukou W-Sn polymetallic deposit to resolve this outstanding question. In situ monazite U-Pb geochronology yielded lower intercept ages of 164.4 ± 1.1 Ma and 162.0 ± 2.0 Ma for the fine-grained and medium- to coarse-grained biotite monzogranite phases of the Guposhan pluton, respectively, bracketing its formation during the Middle Jurassic era. The initial 207Pb/206Pb ratio of 0.85 for the monazite grains is within the range of crustal and mantle materials, likely indicating a mantle–crust mixing source for the magma. Cassiterite from skarn-type ores yields a lower intercept U-Pb age of 165.9 ± 3.2 Ma, confirming a genetic relationship between the Guposhan magmatism and Helukou W-Sn mineralization. In situ pyrite δ34SV-CDT values show a uniform range from −0.66‰ to +0.79‰, indicating a uniform magmatic-derived sulfur source for the ore-forming fluids. We further demonstrate that fluid-rock interaction, rather than fluid mixing, acts as a crucial factor in the ore precipitation of W-Sn metals of the Helukou deposit. Full article
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23 pages, 41162 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Fluid Inclusions in the Super-Large Wollastonite Deposit in Shizhushan, Western Jiangxi Province
by Yan Huo, Feng Ding, Yuzhu Luo, Yuhang Fan and Junyi Yao
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050488 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
The Shizhushan super-large wollastonite deposit, situated in the western segment of the Pingle Depression within the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt, represents the largest known wollastonite deposit in the world. The deposit formed mainly through contact metamorphism, followed by contact metasomatism. The ore bodies are [...] Read more.
The Shizhushan super-large wollastonite deposit, situated in the western segment of the Pingle Depression within the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt, represents the largest known wollastonite deposit in the world. The deposit formed mainly through contact metamorphism, followed by contact metasomatism. The ore bodies are hosted in the carbonate rocks of the Middle Permian Maokou Formation. The deposit consists of 12 ore bodies, which are controlled by the strata and occur as layered and lenticular bodies. The mineralization process is divided into an early contact metamorphism period (wollastonite–calcite and wollastonite–calcite–quartz stages) and later hydrothermal metasomatism period (wollastonite–garnet stage). This study examined the fluid inclusions in the contact metamorphic wollastonite ore bodies in this deposit. The results show that the types of inclusions are mainly liquid-rich two-phase inclusions, pure liquid-phase inclusions, and pure vapor-phase inclusions, with a small number of CO2-H2O three-phase inclusions. The homogenization temperature ranges of the different stages are 409.50~260.10 °C for the wollastonite–calcite stage and 283.60~132.40 °C for the wollastonite–calcite–quartz stage. The temperature and salinity of ore-forming fluids show an evolution from medium–high temperature and medium–low salinity to low temperature and low salinity. The minimum ore-forming depth of the deposit is 0.79~4.74 km, indicating a shallow, low-pressure environment. Based on the macrogeological characteristics, the tectonic fractures formed during the contact metamorphic period triggered decompression boiling of the ore-forming fluids, which led to the precipitation of mineralization materials and the subsequent mineralization. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the metallogenic geological setting, material sources, metallogenic process, and structural control factors, a trinity metallogenic model of the “carbonate rock + pluton + semi-open structural system” is established for the Shizhushan wollastonite deposit. Full article
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27 pages, 35282 KB  
Article
Relative Cu/Ni Enrichment of the Baixintan Magmatic Ni–Cu Deposit in the Eastern Tianshan Orogen (NW China): Insights from S, Pb, Cu, and Lu–Hf Isotopes
by Mei Zang, Qianru Xiao, Xin Li, Yujun Shi, Ling Xing, Pengbing Li, Peisong Fang, Pingping Zhu, Tedi Fu, Jingnan Ye, Yongming Guo and Zulihar Balatibak
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050481 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Baixintan is a magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposit discovered in the central Tuwu–Yandong porphyry Cu belt of the Eastern Tianshan Orogen (ETO) of NW China in 2016. It is in close proximity (~5 km) to the Tuwu Cu deposit, the largest Carboniferous porphyry Cu [...] Read more.
Baixintan is a magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposit discovered in the central Tuwu–Yandong porphyry Cu belt of the Eastern Tianshan Orogen (ETO) of NW China in 2016. It is in close proximity (~5 km) to the Tuwu Cu deposit, the largest Carboniferous porphyry Cu deposit (~336 Ma) in Xinjiang. The Baixintan Ni–Cu ore is characterized by a high Cu/Ni ratio, but the reason for it remains unclear. To resolve this question, we present petrographic, geochronological, whole-rock geochemical, and S, Pb, Cu, and Lu–Hf isotopic data. Ore-related hornblende olivine websterite (HOW) and hornblende olivine gabbro (HOG) were emplaced at 296.6 ± 1.1 Ma and 289.7 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively, which were formed in an Early Permian post-collisional extensional setting. Whole-rock Pb and zircon Lu–Hf isotopes suggest that the parental magmas were predominantly mantle-derived. The Baixintan HOW and HOG contain abundant hornblende and are enriched in LILEs and LREEs but depleted in HFSEs, suggesting subduction-related metasomatism in their magma source. The sulfide (chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, and pentlandite) δ34S values cluster around 0‰ (–0.13 to 0.11, n = 11), and the chalcopyrite has uniformly negative but variable δ65Cu values (–0.96 to –0.13, n = 6), which suggest that the ore-forming materials were mainly derived from the subduction-metasomatized mantle. Olivine Ni contents are significantly lower than those crystallized under sulfide-unsaturated conditions, implying that olivine fractional crystallization was an important trigger for sulfide melt segregation at Baixintan. Baixintan is the only known magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposit in the ETO that shares a Cu-preconcentrated, metasomatized mantle source with a giant porphyry Cu system. Copper pre-enrichment in the magma source may be the main factor for the relatively high Cu/Ni ratio observed in the Baixintan deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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24 pages, 45229 KB  
Article
Genesis and Tectono-Metallogenetic Setting of the Dongwujiiazi Gold Deposit, NE China: Insights from Whole-Rock Geochemistry and H–O–S–Pb Isotopes
by Lichun Fu, Guihu Chen, He Yuan, Yingzheng Pei, Qiang Wei, Fangyue Wang and Ahmed S. Moftah
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050435 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 455
Abstract
The Dongwujiiazi deposit is a structurally controlled orogenic gold deposit situated in the eastern part of the Chifeng–Chaoyang gold belt along the northern boundary of the North China Craton. This study establishes a comprehensive metallogenic model for the Dongwujiiazi gold deposit by integrating [...] Read more.
The Dongwujiiazi deposit is a structurally controlled orogenic gold deposit situated in the eastern part of the Chifeng–Chaoyang gold belt along the northern boundary of the North China Craton. This study establishes a comprehensive metallogenic model for the Dongwujiiazi gold deposit by integrating whole-rock geochemistry (major and trace elements), in situ trace elements and REEs in zircon, multi-isotope systems (H, O, S, Pb), and precise zircon U–Pb geochronology. Five types of intrusive and associated rocks are identified within the main biotite-pyroxene gneiss host of the Dongwujiiazi gold deposit: mylonitized granitic pegmatite, mylonitized porphyritic monzogranite, propylitized fine-grained quartz monzodiorite, quartz monzonite, and porphyritic dolerite. The gold-bearing polymetallic sulfide ores are composed of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, digenite, and native gold. Zircon grains in the Dongwujiiazi gold ore (2502 ± 15 to 2539 ± 18 Ma) are inherited from surrounding Neoarchean gneiss, recording older crustal sources rather than forming contemporaneously with the gold mineralization. H–O isotopes indicate that the ore-forming fluids were mixed in origin, involving both magmatic and metamorphic components. S and Pb isotopes suggest that the mineralizing sulfur was mainly derived from a magmatic source, while lead originated predominantly from lower crustal materials associated with the surrounding high-grade metamorphic rocks. In this study, we present a new metallogenic model for the Dongwujiiazi gold deposit, in which slab-derived and lower-crustal metamorphic fluids interacted with ascending magmas, resulting in fluid mixing and gold precipitation within structurally controlled zones of gneissic host rocks. Combined geochemical and isotopic evidence (H–O, S, Pb) indicates contributions from both magmatic and metamorphic sources, supporting formation as an intracontinental orogenic gold system in an active continental margin. Full article
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19 pages, 7398 KB  
Article
Origins of Au Deposits in Mesozoic Clastic-Hosted Ore Formations in the Great Xing’an Range, China: Constraints from the Baoxinggou Au Deposit
by Sheng Lu, Tao Liu, Tiesheng Li, Hongpeng Chen, Qingyuan Song, Zhengbo Zang and Wenlong Li
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040423 - 19 Apr 2026
Viewed by 438
Abstract
The northern part of the Great Xing’an Range in China hosts a prominent Au mineralization belt, where Mesozoic clastic rock-hosted Au deposits represent the mineralization type. A study of the Baoxinggou Au deposit in this region might provide new perspectives on the mineralization [...] Read more.
The northern part of the Great Xing’an Range in China hosts a prominent Au mineralization belt, where Mesozoic clastic rock-hosted Au deposits represent the mineralization type. A study of the Baoxinggou Au deposit in this region might provide new perspectives on the mineralization mechanisms of these Mesozoic clastic-rock-hosted Au deposits. This study investigated the age of mineralization, origins and evolution of the ore-forming fluids, and sources of the ore-forming materials in this deposit. Rubidium–Sr dating of sulfides yielded a mineralization age of 119 ± 2 Ma. Fluid inclusion analyses revealed that the ore precipitated from fluids with temperatures of 105–415 °C and salinities of 4.3–8.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Hydrogen and O isotopic data show that the ore-forming fluids were of magmatic origin and, during mineralization, the proportion of meteoric waters increased gradually and eventually dominated the late mineralization stage. Fluid mixing was the primary ore-forming mechanism. Sulfur isotopic data for pyrite and chalcopyrite (δ34SV–CDT = −4.35‰ to −0.91‰) and Pb isotopic ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 18.429–18.477; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.581–15.591) indicate the ore-forming materials were magmatic in origin, with a similar source as an Early Cretaceous diorite and mixed crust–mantle materials. The results indicate the Baoxinggou Au deposit is a magmatic–hydrothermal deposit. Full article
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24 pages, 11821 KB  
Article
Geochronology and Genesis of the Carboniferous Shikebutai Iron Deposit in Western Tianshan, Northwestern China
by Xin Zhang, Zidong Peng, Zhiguo Dong, Shangjun Xie, Fusheng Su, Lianchang Zhang and Changle Wang
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040398 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 551
Abstract
Submarine volcanic-hosted iron oxide deposits are critical archives for reconstructing the interplay between hydrothermal activities and marine redox conditions, yet the genesis of these deposits remains controversial. Here, we present a comprehensive geochronological and geochemical study on the Shikebutai iron deposit in the [...] Read more.
Submarine volcanic-hosted iron oxide deposits are critical archives for reconstructing the interplay between hydrothermal activities and marine redox conditions, yet the genesis of these deposits remains controversial. Here, we present a comprehensive geochronological and geochemical study on the Shikebutai iron deposit in the Western Tianshan, northwestern China, to constrain the mineralization age, the source of iron, and deposit genesis. The stratiform-to-lenticular orebodies are hosted within the Late Carboniferous marine volcanic–sedimentary sequence of the Yishijilike Formation. The iron ores consist primarily of hematite and quartz, with minor siderite and barite, exhibiting massive to locally banded textures. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of the overlying andesite yields an age of 315.8 ± 1.5 Ma, consistent with the Sm–Nd isochron age of the iron ore samples (319 ± 26 Ma), precisely constraining the mineralization age to the Late Carboniferous (ca. 315–320 Ma). The geochemical compositions of the iron ore samples indicate negligible syn-depositional detrital contamination, as evidenced by low Al2O3 (<1.00 wt%) and TiO2 (<0.20 wt%) contents. Low abundances of trace elements, including Sr (0.33–31.18 ppm), Hf (0.05–1.77 ppm) and Rb (1.49–39.02 ppm), further support the minimal detrital influence. Geochemical signatures, such as pronounced positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 1.62–7.12, mean 4.14), LREE enrichment ((La/Yb) (PAAS) = 0.58–4.78), and near-chondritic Y/Ho ratios (mean 28.5), suggest a significant high-temperature (>250 °C) hydrothermal contribution. Moreover, the εNd(t) values of iron ore samples (+1.99 to +2.93) are comparable to those of coeval andesites (+2.75 to +3.44) but exceed those of associated metasiltstones (+0.41 to +0.95), suggesting that ore-forming materials were derived from hydrothermal fluids leaching juvenile crust. The Shikebutai iron deposit exhibits geochemical and mineralogical similarities to modern Red Sea and East Pacific Rise metalliferous sediments, establishing the deposit as a product of active vent-proximal hydrothermal systems rather than marine chemical sediments such as banded iron formations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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20 pages, 3840 KB  
Article
Metallogenesis of Hydrothermal-Filling-Type Tremolite Jade in Sanchakou, Qinghai Province: Constraints from Elemental Geochemistry and Sr Isotopes
by Yuye Zhang, Haiyan Yu, Zizhou Dai, Hongyin Chen and Ling Liu
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040373 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 574
Abstract
The hydrothermal-filling-type tremolite jade (nephrite) deposit in sanchakou, Qinghai Province is hosted in marine dolomite, and its ore-forming fluid sources and metallogenic mechanisms remain poorly constrained. Here, we conducted an integrated study involving field geological mapping, petrographic observations, and geochemical analyses (major and [...] Read more.
The hydrothermal-filling-type tremolite jade (nephrite) deposit in sanchakou, Qinghai Province is hosted in marine dolomite, and its ore-forming fluid sources and metallogenic mechanisms remain poorly constrained. Here, we conducted an integrated study involving field geological mapping, petrographic observations, and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, REEs, Sr isotopes) to constrain material sources, fluid physicochemical features and mineralization processes of the deposit. Results show that the ore-forming fluids were derived from deep crust, with homogeneous initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.70949 to 0.70959, distinctly higher than the host dolomite (~0.707683), indicating intensive water–rock interaction with Sr-radiogenic lithologies during fluid upwelling. The host dolomite provided the main Ca and Mg, while Si and partial Mg were sourced from deep Si-Mg rich hydrothermal fluids, with negligible contribution from coeval gabbro. The ore-forming fluids were rich in Si, Mg, large-ion lithophile elements and volatiles (e.g., F), characterized by medium-high to medium-low temperature evolution and fluctuating oxidation states. Mineralization can be divided into four stages: deep fluid generation and migration, infiltration metasomatism and silicification, tremolite crystallization at peak oxidation, and open-space filling and jade precipitation. High-quality tremolite jade mainly formed via pulsed hydrothermal injection and direct crystallization in tectonic fractures. This study establishes a genetic model for hydrothermal-filling-type nephrite, enriching relevant metallogenic theories and supporting subsequent exploration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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21 pages, 9466 KB  
Article
Mineralogy and In Situ Sulfur Isotope Geochemistry of Pyrite: Implications for Ore-Forming Processes of the Moshan Gold Deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, North China
by Faqiang Zhao, Zhimin Li, Tongliang Tian, Peng Guo, Bin Li, Huaidong Luo, Yongliang Qi, Jiepeng Tian and Pengpeng Zhang
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040344 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 474
Abstract
The Jiaodong gold-mineralized area is one of the most significant gold districts in China. The newly discovered Moshan gold deposit is hosted in the Late Jurassic Queshan granite, previously considered a prospecting blind zone. In this study, pyrite from the Moshan gold deposit [...] Read more.
The Jiaodong gold-mineralized area is one of the most significant gold districts in China. The newly discovered Moshan gold deposit is hosted in the Late Jurassic Queshan granite, previously considered a prospecting blind zone. In this study, pyrite from the Moshan gold deposit is examined as the primary research subject. To elucidate the ore-forming processes and genetic mechanisms of this deposit, we conducted a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical study on pyrite, the principal gold-bearing mineral. EPMA and LA-MC-ICP-MS analyses reveal that the pyrite is slightly sulfur-deficient (average S/Fe ratio of 1.976) and exhibits trace element variations (As, Co, and Ni) strongly correlated with distinct metallogenic stages. Gold occurs in various forms, including visible inclusion gold, fracture gold, and invisible nano-particulate gold (Au0). The in situ sulfur isotope δ34S values range from 7.11‰ to 9.40‰ (average 8.00‰), displaying high homogeneity and a positive deviation from the troilite in the Canyon Diablo iron meteorite. By integrating pyrite S-Fe relationships, Co-Ni-As systematics, and sulfur isotope characteristics, the study indicates that the Moshan gold deposit originates from a magmatic-hydrothermal source. The ore-forming materials predominantly derive from Mesozoic granite-derived magmatic-hydrothermal fluids, with a minor contribution from crustal basement materials. The depth of mineralization is interpreted as mid-shallow. These findings not only highlight the metallogenic potential of the Queshan granite and clarify the genetic relationship between the Moshan gold deposit and other regional gold deposits but also provide a novel theoretical foundation and technical support for deep gold exploration in the Jiaodong region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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19 pages, 4742 KB  
Article
Monazite U-Pb Chronology, Pyrite Rb-Sr Chronology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Xidouya Gold Deposit in the Jiaodong Peninsula, Eastern China: Constraints on the Timing and Process of Mineralization
by Faqiang Zhao, Zhimin Li, Peng Guo, Tongliang Tian, Bin Li, Jiabin Yu, Dongyue Li, Pengpeng Zhang and Jiepeng Tian
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030338 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 429
Abstract
The Jiaodong gold concentration area, one of the most important gold metallogenic belts in China, has long been the focus of contentious debates regarding the genetic mechanisms and timing of gold mineralization. This study presents the new monazite U-Pb and pyrite Rb-Sr isotopic [...] Read more.
The Jiaodong gold concentration area, one of the most important gold metallogenic belts in China, has long been the focus of contentious debates regarding the genetic mechanisms and timing of gold mineralization. This study presents the new monazite U-Pb and pyrite Rb-Sr isotopic chronology data for the No. I ore zone of the Xidouya gold deposit, integrated with H-O-S isotopic geochemical analyses, to systematically investigate the mineralization age, ore-forming fluid sources and material provenance of the deposit. The main mineralization age of the deposit is constrained to 117 Ma, which is highly consistent with the regional mineralization peak of 120 ± 5 Ma in the Jiaodong gold concentration area. The δD values of the fluids range from −88.0‰ to −75.0‰ (mean = −82.6‰), while the δ18OH2O values are calculated to be between 4.6‰ and 6.1‰. H-O isotopic data indicate that the ore-forming fluids of the Xidouya gold deposit originated from a mixed magmatic and meteoric source. As mineralization progressed from Stage I through Stage III, there was a detectable trend of increasing meteoric water involvement and a general decrease in δD and δ18OH2O values. This signature indicates that the initial mineralizing system was dominated by primary magmatic water which subsequently underwent significant water–rock interaction with Early Cretaceous granitic bodies and progressive dilution by meteoric fluids in an open tectonic environment. Furthermore, sulfur isotopes (average δ34S = +7.43‰) and the initial strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr = 0.71012) support a mixed-source model for the ore-forming materials, likely dominated by the anatexis of ancient crust with potential minor mantle-derived contributions. During the Early Cretaceous, lithospheric thinning and extension in the North China Craton (NCC) triggered large-scale magmatism and mineralization. The Xidouya gold deposit is a direct product of these regional tectono-magmatic-mineralizing events. This study provides new high-precision isotopic dating data for the Xidouya gold deposit, clarifies the evolutionary history of ore-forming fluids and the supply mechanism of ore-forming materials, and provides important theoretical insights and practical references for gold prospecting and exploration in the eastern part of the Jiaodong gold concentration area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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24 pages, 8000 KB  
Article
Petrogenesis of Epimetamorphic Rock from an Ion-Adsorption-Type REE Deposit in Ningdu County, Southern Jiangxi, China: Contraints from U–Pb Geochronology and the Geochemistry of Zircon and Apatite
by Wei Wan, Huihu Fan, Dehai Wu, Fuyong Qi, Zhenghui Chen, Shuilong Wang, Guangming Xu and Bimin Zhang
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030283 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 511
Abstract
In recent years, an ion-adsorption type REE deposit has been discovered for the first time in the weathering crust of epimetamorphic rocks in Ningdu County, Jiangxi Province, which provides a new idea for the exploration of ion-adsorption-type REE deposits. However, most previous studies [...] Read more.
In recent years, an ion-adsorption type REE deposit has been discovered for the first time in the weathering crust of epimetamorphic rocks in Ningdu County, Jiangxi Province, which provides a new idea for the exploration of ion-adsorption-type REE deposits. However, most previous studies on the ore-forming parent rocks of ion-adsorption-type REE deposits have focused on granites and volcanic rocks, while studies on epimetamorphic rocks remain extremely scarce. In this paper, petrographic analysis of epimetamorphic rocks, LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating and trace element analysis of zircon and apatite were conducted on the metamorphic tuff from the Kuli Formation in Ningdu County, Jiangxi Province, so as to constrain the formation age and tectonic dynamic setting of the rock mass, investigate the petrogenesis and material source of the rock mass, and reveal the metallogenic potential of the rock mass. The results of zircon and apatite U–Pb dating show that the protolith of the metamorphic tuff from the Kuli Formation formed at ca. 770 Ma, representing a product of mid-Neoproterozoic magmatic activity. The protolith restoration of metamorphic rocks suggests that the protolith of the metamorphic tuff from the Kuli Formation is magmatic rock. The estimated results of zircon Ti thermometry indicate that the magmatic crystallization temperature ranges from 623 to 723 °C, with an average value of approximately 696 °C, and the calculated zircon oxygen fugacity values vary from −18.7 to −9.4, with an average of −13.8, implying that the rock formed under conditions of relatively low temperature and high oxygen fugacity. The correlation diagrams of trace elements and element ratios in zircon and apatite reveal that the magmatic evolution involved extensive fractional crystallization of minerals such as zircon, monazite, apatite, titanite, rutile, and plagioclase during the formation of the rock mass. The discrimination diagrams of trace elements in zircon and apatite demonstrate that the metamorphic tuff from the Kuli Formation was formed in a continental margin arc or arc-related orogenic belt, and the magmatic source is characterized by crust–mantle mixing. Combined with previous research findings on regional tectonic-magmatic activities, it can be concluded that the metamorphic tuff from the Kuli Formation was formed in a tectonic setting of back-arc extension and intra-arc rifting caused by the rollback of the subducting oceanic slab. The upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle induced the partial melting of arc-derived sediments in the continental crust, which was subsequently mixed with mantle-derived magma, ultimately generating the parent magma of the metamorphic tuff. The metamorphic tuff from the Kuli Formation in Ningdu County, Jiangxi Province, has high REE abundance and relatively easily weathered REE mineral assemblages, which can provide sufficient material sources for ion-adsorption REE mineralization and have a great metallogenic potential for ion-adsorption REE deposits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Granite Geochronology and Geochemistry)
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34 pages, 10465 KB  
Article
Metallogenic Mechanism of Decratonic Gold Deposit: Geochemical Evidence from Dongbaligou Gold Deposit and Its Ore-Forming Intrusions in Southern Jilin
by Jiuda Sun, Zhongyuan Xu, Xiaofei Yu, Kai Chen and Zhuoyi Wang
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030235 - 26 Feb 2026
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Abstract
This text systematically investigates the Laotudingzi monzogranite (a gold-hosting intrusion) and the Dongbaligou gold ore deposit in the Laoling gold ore belt through comprehensive geochronological, whole-rock geochemical (macroelement and microelement), strontium-neodymium-lead-hafnium isotopic and in situ sulfur-lead isotopic analysis of pyrite, combined with hydrogen-oxygen [...] Read more.
This text systematically investigates the Laotudingzi monzogranite (a gold-hosting intrusion) and the Dongbaligou gold ore deposit in the Laoling gold ore belt through comprehensive geochronological, whole-rock geochemical (macroelement and microelement), strontium-neodymium-lead-hafnium isotopic and in situ sulfur-lead isotopic analysis of pyrite, combined with hydrogen-oxygen isotopic studies of hydrothermal quartz. The results demonstrate a significant Early–Middle Jurassic magmatic-mineralization event in southern Jilin Province (Ji’nan). The gold mine is structurally controlled by detachment fractures within the Laoling metamorphic core complex, which developed in an extended environment. The metallogenic materials are primarily derived from adakitic magma, supporting a “decratonic-type” genetic model. By integrating geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic datasets from the ore-related intrusions and gold deposits, as well as fluid inclusion characteristics, we elucidate the metallogenic mechanism linking Jurassic gold mineralization to subduction-related cratonic destruction. The process involved lower crustal thickening induced by Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction, lithospheric destabilization via gravitational foundering and delamination, and syn-extensional magmatism that sourced ore-forming fluids during cratonic lithosphere thinning. This work establishes a genetic framework connecting plate subduction, lithospheric removal, and gold endowment in convergent margin settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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20 pages, 7162 KB  
Article
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Xiaotunxiang Fluorite Deposit in Guizhou Province, SW China, and Their Geological Significance
by Yangdong Xu, Dai Zhang, Jia-Xi Zhou, Liansu Qi and Tinglong Yin
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030227 - 24 Feb 2026
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Abstract
The Xiaotunxiang deposit, a newly discovered large-scale fluorite resource (1.28 Mt ore reserves) in southwestern Guizhou Province, China, provides a critical case study for understanding fluorite mineralization in the region. To constrain its genesis, this study integrates detailed ore deposit geology with mineralogy, [...] Read more.
The Xiaotunxiang deposit, a newly discovered large-scale fluorite resource (1.28 Mt ore reserves) in southwestern Guizhou Province, China, provides a critical case study for understanding fluorite mineralization in the region. To constrain its genesis, this study integrates detailed ore deposit geology with mineralogy, trace element geochemistry, and strontium isotope analysis of fluorite. The ore mineral assemblage is dominated by fluorite, quartz, and calcite, with minor amounts of barite and pyrite. Trace element data reveal significant enrichment in Ti, Cr, Mo, and Sb relative to the upper continental crust. Fluorite exhibits moderate total REE contents (26.8–138 ppm), slight heavy REE enrichment (ΣLREE/ΣHREE = 0.17–1.88), pronounced negative Ce anomalies (δCe = 0.59–0.72), and negligible Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.95–1.14). These geochemical signatures are closely comparable to those of nearby fluorite deposits (Qinglong, Gaoling, and Getang), indicating a shared source of ore-forming materials. Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr = 0.707468–0.707682) are consistent with local carbonate wall rocks, confirming their role as the primary source of calcium. We conclude that the Xiaotunxiang deposit formed from a low-temperature hydrothermal system where fluorine and associated metals were likely sourced from the Emeishan basalts, while calcium was derived from the interaction of acidic fluids with carbonate host rocks. Precipitation was ultimately triggered by fluid–rock (water/rock) interaction, classifying Xiaotunxiang as a carbonate-hosted hydrothermal deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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39 pages, 13928 KB  
Article
Genesis of the Hadamengou Gold Deposit, Northern North China Craton: Constraints from Ore Geology, Fluid Inclusion, and Isotope Geochemistry
by Liang Wang, Liqiong Jia, Genhou Wang, Liangsheng Ge, Jiankun Kang and Bin Wang
Minerals 2026, 16(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010099 - 20 Jan 2026
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Abstract
The Hadamengou gold deposit, hosted in the Precambrian metamorphic basement, is a super-large gold deposit occurring along the northern margin of the North China Craton. Despite extensive investigation, the genesis of the gold mineralization is poorly understood and remains highly debated. This study [...] Read more.
The Hadamengou gold deposit, hosted in the Precambrian metamorphic basement, is a super-large gold deposit occurring along the northern margin of the North China Craton. Despite extensive investigation, the genesis of the gold mineralization is poorly understood and remains highly debated. This study integrates a comprehensive dataset, including fluid inclusion microthermometry and C-H-O-S-Pb isotopes, to better constrain the genesis and ore-forming mechanism of the deposit. Hydrothermal mineralization can be divided into pyrite–potassium feldspar–quartz (Stage I), quartz–gold–pyrite–molybdenite (Stage II), quartz–gold–polymetallic sulfide (Stage III), and quartz–carbonate stages (Stage IV). Four types of primary fluid inclusions are identified, including pure CO2-type, composite CO2-H2O-type, aqueous-type, and solid-daughter mineral-bearing-type inclusions. Microthermometric and compositional data reveal that the fluids were mesothermal to hypothermal, H2O-dominated, and CO2-rich fluids containing significant N2 and low-to-moderate salinity, indicative of a magmatic–hydrothermal origin. Fluid inclusion assemblages further imply that the ore-forming fluids underwent fluid immiscibility, causing CO2 effusion and significant changes in physicochemical conditions that destabilized gold bisulfide complexes. The hydrogen–oxygen isotopic compositions, moreover, support a dominant magmatic water source, with increasing meteoric water input during later stages. The carbon–oxygen isotopes are also consistent with a magmatic carbon source. Sulfur and lead isotopes collectively imply that ore-forming materials were derived from a hybrid crust–mantle magmatic reservoir, with minor contribution from the country rocks. By synthesizing temporal–spatial relationships between magmatic activity and ore formation, and the regional tectonic evolution, we suggest that the Hadamengou is an intrusion-related magmatic–hydrothermal lode gold deposit. It is genetically associated with multi-stage magmatism induced by crust–mantle interaction, which developed within the extensional tectonic regimes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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