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The Paleozoic Aktogai Group in Kazakhstan ranks among the 30 largest porphyry Cu deposits globally. The Aktogai deposit is the largest one in the Aktogai Group and is characterized by intensive potassic alteration where the dominant orebody occurred. However, its mineralization processes still need to be clarified. Our investigation focused on the texture, trace elements, fluid inclusions, and in situ oxygen isotopes of the quartz from the ore-related tonalite porphyry and associated potassic alteration at Aktogai to trace the deposit's mineralization processes. Ti-in-quartz thermobarometry, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and geological characteristics indicate that the ore-related magma at Aktogai originated from a shallow magma chamber at∼1.9 ± 0.5 kbar (∼7.2 ± 1.9 km) and intruded as the tonalite porphyry stock at ∼1.7–2.4 km. The potassic alteration and associated Cu mineralization comprise five types of veins (A1, A2, B1, B2, and C) and two types of altered rocks (biotite and K-feldspar). Among them, nine types of hydrothermal quartz were identified from early to late: (1) VQA1 in A1 veins and RQbt in biotite-altered rocks; (2)VQA2 in A2 veins and RQkfs in K-feldspar altered rocks; (3) VQB1 in B1 veins and VQB2E in B2 veins; and (4) quartz associated with Cu-Fe sulfides (VQB2L, VQBC, and VQC) in B and C veins. Titanium contents of the quartz decreased, while Al/Ti ratios increased from early to late. Fluid inclusion micro-thermometry and mineral thermometers reveal that VQ A1, RQbt, and hydrothermal biotite formed under high-temperature (∼470–560 °C) and ductile conditions. VQA2, RQkfs, VQB1, and hydrothermal K-feldspar formed during the transition stage from ductile to brittle, with temperatures of ∼350–540 °C. The rapid decrease in pressure from lithostatic to hydrostatic pressure led to fluid boiling and minor involvement ofmeteoric water (∼11–14%) in the mineralizing fluid. Extensive recrystallization in VQA1 to VQB1 was associated with repeated cleavage and healing of the intrusion. With cooling, K-feldspar decomposition and hydrolysis increased. Fluid cooling and water-rock reactions resulted in the co-precipitation of Cu-Fe sulfides, white mica, chlorite, VQBC, and VQC at temperatures of ∼275–370 °C and brittle conditions. The Paleozoic Aktogai deposit exhibits formation depths and fluid evolution processes similar to Mesozoic and Cenozoic porphyry Cu deposits worldwide. The close association between Cu-Fe sulfides and later quartz formed under intermediate-temperature conditions at Aktogai implies that Cu-Fe sulfides are not precipitated under early high-temperature conditions in porphyry Cu deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Cretaceous Halasheng deposit, located in the southern Erguna Block, is an intermediate sulfidation epithermal Ag-Pb-Zn deposit in the Derbugan metallogenic belt. The Halasheng deposit comprises both proximal skarn mineralization and distal hydrothermal vein-type Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization, which can be further divided into three stages represented by Fe-As-S, Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe-S, and Ag-Pb-Zn-Sb-S element associations. The main ore minerals in the Halasheng deposit include galena, sphalerite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, bournonite, falkmanite, and argentiferous minerals. Visible silver in the form of independent argentiferous minerals, mainly including freibergite, polybasite, stromeyerite, pyrargyrite, acanthite, and native silver, is the major type of silver occurring in the Halasheng district. Fluid inclusion studies of sphalerite and quartz from different mineralization stages revealed that skarn mineralization has the relatively highest homogenization temperature (322~398 °C), while in the vein-type hydrothermal mineralization stage, the homogenization temperature has a declining trend from the early stage to late stage (from 300~350 °C to 145~236 °C). In the whole mineralization process, the salinity of ore-forming fluids is almost constant at a relatively high level (10.5~21.9 wt% NaCl). Fluid cooling, or fluid–wallrock reaction, is supposed to be the major cause of metal precipitation in the Halasheng deposit. Through an analogy with the typical Ag-Pb-Zn deposits in the Derbugan metallogenic belt, it is suggested that the discovered orebodies in the Halasheng deposit likely belong to the shallow part of the epithermal system, and there is high potential to discover Zn, Cu-Zn orebodies, and even porphyry Mo-Cu mineralization. In terms of regional ore prospecting, Early Cretaceous intermediate-acid intrusions have the potential to form related Ag-Pb-Zn deposits and should receive special attention. Furthermore, places where Lower Cambrian marbles are exposed or concealed are favorable settings for skarn mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xianghualing large tin-polymetallic skarn deposit is located in the Nanling W-Sn metallogenic belt, South China, showing distinct spatial zoning of mineralization. From the contact between granite and carbonate rocks, the mineralization transitions from proximal skarn Sn ore to cassiterite-sulfide ore and more distal Pb–Zn-sulfide ore. This study reveals the fluid evolution and genetic links among these different ore types. The physical and chemical characteristics of fluid inclusions from each ore types indicate that the skarn Sn ore, cassiterite-sulfide ore, and Pb–Zn-sulfide ore all originated from the identical magmatic fluid exsolved from the Laiziling granite. Their formation, however, is controlled by diverse fluid evolutionary processes and host rock characteristics. The Sn–Pb-Zn-rich fluids were primarily derived from cooled and diluted magmatic brine, which is generated by boiling of initial single phase magmatic fluid. Mixing of magmatic brine with meteoric water is crucial to form skarn Sn ore. Redox reactions of aqueous Sn (II) complexes with As (III) species and/or minor CO2 during short cooling period of ore-forming fluid is likely an effective mechanism to form high-grade cassiterite-sulfide ores, accompanied by favorable pH conditions maintained through interaction with carbonate host rocks. The later stage addition of meteoric water prompts the formation of Pb–Zn-sulfide ore. Comparing these findings with the characteristics of initial or pre-ore magmatic fluids in both mineralized and barren granitic systems indicates that high Sn content in the pre-ore fluids and the suitable fractional crystallization degree of the parent magma may determine high Sn mineralization potential in granitic magmatic-hydrothermal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourmaline is common in magmatic-hydrothermal deposits, and its composition and boron isotope geochemistry have been widely used to fingerprint the source and evolution of hydrothermal fluids and associated metals. However, whether these chemical or boron isotopic compositions or their combinations can be used as vectors for mineral exploration remains to be explored. In this study, we documented the major and trace element compositions and boron isotopic values of tourmaline along a vertical extension (i.e., 510, 830, 1230 m above sea level, a.s.l.) of the newly discovered porphyry Au mineralization in the Hewan feldspar quartz porphyry, Yixingzhai deposit, to shed light on the evolution of the ore-forming fluid, the mechanisms of Au deposition, and potential indicators for Au exploration. Field observations showed that tourmaline in the Hewan porphyry occurred mainly as orbicules or veins and intergrew with Au-bearing pyrite, hydrothermal quartz, and some clay minerals, indicating a magmatic-hydrothermal origin. Tourmaline sampled from 510 m a.s.l. showed δ11B values (–11.5 to –9.3‰) consistent with those of the average continental crust and tourmaline in magmatic systems, which suggests that the ore-forming fluid was most likely exsolved from the host Hewan porphyry. The δ11B values became heavier upward, reaching –9.9 to –1.5‰ at 830 m and –8.0 to +6.8‰ at 1230 m a.s.l. This boron isotopic variation, integrated with increasing Fe, Mg, Na, Ca, Li, Co, and Sr but decreasing Al, U, Th, REE, Zn, and Pb contents of the tourmaline samples from deep to shallow levels, implies that the initial magmatic fluids were gradually mixed with circulating meteoric water that contained materials leached from peripheral Archean metamorphic rocks and Mesoproterozoic marine sedimentary rocks. Considering the spatial distribution of the Au grade of the porphyry, we propose that a suitable mixing proportion of magmatic and meteoric fluids caused Au deposition and accumulation. We note that tourmaline samples collected from the economic Au zones had much lower and more concentrated δ11B (–11.5 to –3.0‰), Co/(Pb+Zn) (<0.01), and Sr/ (Pb+Zn) (0.27 to 1.07) values than those in low-grade or barren zones. Coeval plutons and breccia pipes, where tourmaline also occurs, are well developed inside and outside the Yixingzhai Au mine. We suggest that the obtained parameters can potentially be used as proxies for further Au exploration in this region. This study highlights the feasibility of using the chemical and isotopic compositions of tourmaline for mineral exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quartz is widely distributed in various magmatic-hydrothermal systems and shows variable textures and trace element contents in multiple generations, enabling quartz to serve as a robust tracer for monitoring hydrothermal fluid evolution. This study demonstrates that integrated high-resolution SEM-CL textures and trace element data of quartz can be used to constrain physicochemical fluid conditions and trace the genesis of quartz in porphyry ore-forming systems. The Bilihe deposit is a gold-only porphyry deposit located in the Central Asian orogenic belt, NE China. Four quartz generations were distinguished following a temporal sequence from early-stage dendritic quartz, unidirectional solidification textured quartz (UST quartz), gray banded vein quartz (BQ), to late-stage white calcite vein quartz (CQ), with the Au precipitation being mostly related to dendritic quartz, UST quartz, and BQ. The well-preserved dendritic quartz with sector-zoned CL intensities and euhedral oscillatory growth zones crystallized rapidly during the late magmatic stage. The relatively low Al contents of dendritic quartz were interpreted to be related to contemporaneous feldspar or mica crystallization, while the high-Ti contents indicate high-crystallization temperatures (~750 °C). The comb-layered UST quartz displays heterogeneous, patchy luminescence with weak zoning, hosts coeval melt and fluid inclusions, and retains the chemical characteristics of magmatic dendritic quartz. High-Ti and low-Al contents of UST quartz suggest a formation at relatively high temperatures (~700 °C) and high-pH conditions. Three sub-types can be defined for hydrothermal BQ (BQ1, BQ2, and BQ3) based on contrasting CL features and trace element contents. The Al contents increase from BQ1 to BQ2 followed by a drop in BQ3, corresponding to an initial decrease and subsequent increase in fluid acidity. Temperature estimates of BQ decrease from BQ1 (635 °C) to BQ3 (575 °C), which may, however, be disturbed by high growth rates and/or high-TiO2 activities. The CQ typically displays a CL-bright core and CL-dark rim with oscillating CL intensities and is characterized by the lowest Ti and highest Al, Li, and Sb contents compared to the other quartz types, which suggests a deposition from more acidic and lower temperature fluids (~250 °C). Trace element patterns indicate that a coupled Si4+ ↔ (Al3+) + (K+) element exchange vector is applicable to dendritic quartz, UST quartz, and BQ. By contrast, charge-compensated cation substitution of Si4+ ↔ (Al3+, Sb3+) + (Li+, Rb+) is favored for CQ. The comparison with compiled trace element data of quartz from other porphyry Au, Cu, and Mo deposits worldwide suggests that Ti, Al, Li, K, and Ge concentrations, as well as Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios, have the potential to discriminate the metal fertility of porphyry mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine deep Ordovician reservoirs are significantly controlled by strike-slip fault zones, which govern reservoir fluid evolution during various activity periods. Such fluid evolution elucidates the process underpinning ultra-deep oil and gas accumulation and delineates the pivotal role of strike-slip fault zones in hydrocarbon aggregation. This method can improve the understanding of the mechanism of hydrocarbon accumulation in deep to ultradeep carbonate rocks. The findings indicate that the Ordovician reservoirs in the northern thrust fault zone of the Fuman Oilfield predominantly exhibit two stages of calcite vein formation. The distribution patterns of rare earth elements and Sr isotope characteristics suggest that both stages of vein formation were sourced from Middle to Lower Ordovician marine strata, with no evidence of oxidizing fluid infiltration. This indicates that late-stage oil and gas charging in deep-ultradeep formations has good sealing properties. In these calcite veins, early-, middle-, and late-stage fluid inclusions were primarily entrapped. By examining the development of primary oil inclusions and combining the U-Pb isotope data of host minerals, this study confirms the occurrence of three stages of oil and gas charging in the deep Ordovician strata of the northern thrust fault zone in the Fuman Oilfield. These stages correspond to approximately 459 ± 7.2 Ma (mid-Caledonian), 348 ± 18 Ma (early Permian), and 268 Ma (late Permian). The key accumulation period of oil and gas reservoirs in the study area is the middle and late Caledonian, and there is a good correspondence between oil and gas charging and fault activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine deep Ordovician reservoirs are significantly controlled by strike-slip fault zones, which govern reservoir fluid evolution during various activity periods. Such fluid evolution elucidates the process underpinning ultra-deep oil and gas accumulation and delineates the pivotal role of strike-slip fault zones in hydrocarbon aggregation. This method can improve the understanding of the mechanism of hydrocarbon accumulation in deep to ultradeep carbonate rocks. The findings indicate that the Ordovician reservoirs in the northern thrust fault zone of the Fuman Oilfield predominantly exhibit two stages of calcite vein formation. The distribution patterns of rare earth elements and Sr isotope characteristics suggest that both stages of vein formation were sourced from Middle to Lower Ordovician marine strata, with no evidence of oxidizing fluid infiltration. This indicates that late-stage oil and gas charging in deep-ultradeep formations has good sealing properties. In these calcite veins, early-, middle-, and late-stage fluid inclusions were primarily entrapped. By examining the development of primary oil inclusions and combining the U‒Pb isotope data of host minerals, this study confirms the occurrence of three stages of oil and gas charging in the deep Ordovician strata of the northern thrust fault zone in the Fuman Oilfield. These stages correspond to approximately 459 ± 7.2 Ma (mid-Caledonian), 348 ± 18 Ma (early Permian), and 268 Ma (late Permian). The key accumulation period of oil and gas reservoirs in the study area is the middle and late Caledonian, and there is a good correspondence between oil and gas charging and fault activity.

The Bayan-Uul porphyry Au-Cu-(Mo) deposit occurs within the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt, which is a part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. To understand geotectonic, petrogenesis, mineralization, and ore-forming fluid evolution of the Bayan-Uul deposit, we report petrographic and geochemical analyses of host rocks, mineralogy of ores, and fluid inclusion characteristics. Based on petrographic and mineralogical analyses, Cu, Mo, and Au mineralization occurs as disseminated and sulfide-bearing quartz–tourmaline veins hosted within granodiorites, monzodiorites, and diorite porphyry and tourmaline breccia. Four main alteration assemblages are identified: potassic, phyllic, argillic, and quartz–tourmaline alteration. The ore mineralogy of quartz–tourmaline veinlets are classified into A-type veinlets (quartz + tourmaline + chalcopyrite + magnetite + pyrite ± electrum), B-type veinlets (quartz + tourmaline + molybdenum + chalcopyrite + pyrite), and C-type veinlets (quartz + tourmaline + pyrite ± chalcopyrite). Fluid inclusions are found in quartz–tourmaline veinlets consisting mainly of liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), and solid-bearing multi-phase (S-type) inclusions. The homogenization temperatures for the fluid inclusions in A-type, B-type, and C-type veinlets range from 215 to 490°C, 215 to 500 °C, and 160 to 350 °C and their salinity varies from 5.4 to 43.5 wt.%, 16 to 51.1 wt.%, and 3.4 to 24.1 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. Coexistance of (L-type), (V-type), and (S-type) inclusions support fluid boiling. The δ18O values of ore fluids from different mineralizing A-, B-, and C-type veins are 8.7‰, 10.9‰, and 8.4‰, respectively, and the δ34S values of sulfide minerals range from −1.4‰ to 5.3‰, which indicates magmatic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Luxi district presents an exceptional research area for the investigation of the significant role played by magma exsolution fluids in the mineralization process of Au–Cu deposits. A particularly noteworthy occurrence within this region is the Yi'nan Tongjing Au–Cu skarn deposit, situated in the central-southern part of the Luxi district. This deposit primarily occurs in the contact zone between the early Cretaceous Tongjing complex and the Proterozoic to Cambrian sequences. The ore formation process observed in this deposit can be categorized into three distinct stages: (I) thermal metamorphism, (II) prograde alteration, and (III) retrograde alteration. The retrograde alteration stage is further divided into four sub-stages: late skarn (III-1), oxide (III-2), sulfide (III-3), and late quartz-calcite (III-4). It is primarily during the III-3 sub-stage that gold mineralization occurs. Petrographic analysis has identified three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) within garnet, quartz, and calcite grains. These include liquid-rich two-phase aqueous FIs, vapor-rich two-phase aqueous FIs, and halite-bearing multi-phase FIs. The homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions from stages II, III-3, and III-4 range between 430–457 °C, 341–406 °C, and 166–215 °C (first to third quartiles), respectively. The garnet samples from stage II exhibit hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions (δ18OH2O = 6.8‰ and δD = −73‰) that are indicative of a typical magma source. However, the hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of sub-stages III-1, III-2, and III-3 (δ18OH2O = 7.32‰ to 9.74‰; δD = −107‰ to −81.9‰) fall below the magma water box while the hydrogen and oxygen isotope values of III-4 (δ18OH2O = −5.3‰ to −0.9‰ and δD = −103.8‰ to −67‰) tend to move towards the meteoric water line. Furthermore, the ore-forming fluid displays characteristics of a mixture between the crustal and mantle fluids. The Tongjing complex occurred along a weakened fault zone, initiating a process of thermal metamorphism upon contact with the wall rock. This thermal metamorphism resulted in the formation of diverse assemblages, including hornfels, reaction skarns, and skarnoids. Subsequently, the upward movement of ore-forming fluids triggered exsolution which led to the establishment of a high-temperature, medium-salinity NaCl–H2O system with a single phase at depths ranging from 1–3 km. This marked the formation of the prograde alteration stage. Afterward, the ore-forming fluid underwent water–rock interactions and the admixture of meteoric water at a depth of 1–2 km. These processes facilitated phase separation, commonly referred to as boiling, resulting in the transformation of the ore-forming fluid into higher salinity fluids and lower-density gases. This evolutionary transition ultimately induced the precipitation and liberation of gold and copper from the fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medium-sized Songjianghe Au deposit is located in the southeastern part of the Jiapigou-Haigou gold belt (JHGB) in central eastern Jilin Province, NE China. The gold mineralization is primarily characterized by disseminated-style ores and hosted in the low-/medium-grade metamorphic rocks of the Seluohe Group. The ore bodies are governed by NNW-striking brittle-ductile structures and spatially correlated with silicic and sericitic alterations. Four alteration/mineralization stages have been distinguished: (I) Quartz-pyrrhotite-pyrite, (II) quartz-polymetallic sulfides, (III) quartz-pyrite, and (IV) quartz-calcite. The fluid inclusion (FI) assemblage in quartz from Stage I comprises C1-type, C2-type, C3-type, and VL-type FIs, with total homogenization temperatures (Th-total) of 292.8 to 405.6 °C and salinities of 2.8 to 9.3 wt% NaCl eqv. Quartz from Stage II (main ore stage) developed C2-, C3-, and VL-type FIs, with a Th-total of 278.5 to 338.9 °C and salinities of 2.8 to 8.1 wt% NaCl eqv. Stage III is characterized by coexisting C3- and VL-type FIs in quartz, with a Th-total of 215.9 to 307.3 °C and salinities of 2.4 to 7.2 wt% NaCl eqv. Only VL-type FIs are observed in Stage IV, with a Th-total of 189.5 to 240.4 °C and salinities of 3.7 to 5.7 wt% NaCl eqv. The Laser Raman spectroscopic results demonstrated minor CH4 in the C-type FIs from Stages I and II. The results suggest that ore fluids may have evolved from a medium-high temperature, low-salinity immiscible CO2-NaCl-H2O ± CH4 system to a low temperature, low-salinity homogeneous NaCl-H2O system. Fluid immiscibility caused by the rapid drop in pressure may have been the main trigger for gold-polymetallic sulfide precipitation. The Songjianghe Au deposit may have been formed under 352–448 °C and 850–1380 bar pressure, based on the isochore intersection for Stage II fluid inclusions. The H-O isotopic compositions (Stage I: δ18Ofluid = 5.6 to 5.8‰, δD = −96.2 to −95.7‰; Stage II: δ18Ofluid = 3.7 to 4.2‰, δD = −98.7 to −89.8‰; Stage III: δ18Ofluid = 1.2 to 1.4‰, δD = −103.5 to −101.2‰) indicate that the hydrothermal fluids are dominated by magmatic water in the early stages (Stages I and II) and mixed with meteoric water since Stage III. The pyrite S-Pb isotope data (δ34S: −2.91 to 3.40‰; 206Pb/204Pb: 16.3270 to 16.4874; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.2258 to 15.3489; 208Pb/204Pb: 36.6088 to 36.7174), combined with Pb isotopic compositions of the intrusive rocks and wall rocks (the Seluohe Group) in the ore district, indicate that the ore-forming materials at Songjianghe are predominantly from a magmatic source and may have been affected by the contamination of the Seluohe Group. In accordance with the features of ore geology, ore-forming fluids and metals, and geodynamic setting, the Songjianghe Au deposit belongs to a mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein gold deposit, which formed in the intermittent stage of Paleo-Pacific plate subduction during the Late Jurassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassiterite (SnO 2), the principal ore mineral of tin, is mainly formed in granite-related magmatic hydrothermal systems. The precipitation mechanism of this mineral in hydrothermal veins is still debated due to lack of direct constraints on this specific mineralization process. Here, we present a detailed reconstruction of fluid evolution history from a high-grade cassiterite-quartz vein in the Weilasituo Sn-polymetallic deposit, North China, based on combined SEM-CL imaging with fluid inclusion microthermometry, Raman and LA-ICP-MS analysis of intergrown cassiterite and gangue minerals. Formation of the cassiterite-quartz vein at Weilasituo started from early topazization and muscovite deposition along vein walls and was followed by crystallization of topaz, quartz (Q1) and cassiterite in a general sequential order. Cassiterite deposition occurred within a restricted time period before complete crystallization of topaz and quartz. Shortly after cassiterite precipitation, the vein was fractured and overprinted by later quartz generations (Q2 & Q3) and fluorite. In situ microanalysis on primary and/or pseudosecondary fluid inclusions from the different crystallization stages indicates that an acid and reduced single-phase magmatic fluid of gradually dropping temperature but very consistent salinity was responsible for vein formation. Mixing of this magmatic fluid with a biotite-plagioclase gneiss buffered, deep-cycled underground water of lower temperature and salinity occurred at the final stage, but it is not related to Sn mineralization. The physical and chemical changes of fluids bracketing cassiterite deposition demonstrate that cassiterite precipitation at Weilasituo was predominately induced by the cooling of the hydrothermal fluid by at least 50 °C, and it is accompanied by the oxidation of Sn(II)-Cl complexes with CO 2 and/or As(III) species as potential oxidants. Early stage fluid-rock interaction with feldspathic host rocks and the formation of muscovite coverage on the vein walls are perhaps important for providing a fluid-buffered environment ideal for such mechanism. However, our result argues against meteoric water mixing or fluid boiling being the triggers of cassiterite deposition, and this conclusion has been further supported by cassiterite oxygen isotope analysis on the same set of samples. Additionally, the maximum base metal endowment (Pb and Zn) calculated from initial metal contents of the premineralization fluid at the Weilasituo Sn-polymetallic deposit are far less than proven reserves found in the two adjacent base metal deposits, and therefore a genetic link between these deposits is not suggested. This finding may have important implications for the ongoing exploration in the ore district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongping gold deposit, located near the northern margin of the North China Craton, contains ore bodies spatially associated with the Devonian Shuiquangou syenite, Cretaceous Shangshuiquan granite, and Archean metamorphic rocks. Major and trace elements and S–Pb isotopes of pyrite from two stages of gold-quartz veins and wall rocks were used to constrain the composition of hydrothermal fluids and metal sources. Stage-1 (early) pyrites are euhedral to subhedral, medium- to coarse-grained, and have low gold contents. Py1a is homogeneous with few fractures, whereas Py1b, which occurs on the edges of Py1a, is porous and has higher metal contents. Stage-2 (late) pyrites are mostly anhedral to subhedral and have smaller grain sizes and higher gold contents than Stage 1. Py2a occurs with sulfide minerals such as galena and chalcopyrite, and Py2b is porous and has the highest gold content (up to 1839 ppm) and smallest grain size. All pyrite samples yield negative δ34S values (− 7.5 to − 3.5‰), reflecting oxidized conditions during mineralization. The ~ 2‰ decrease in δ34S values from Stage 1 (− 4.3‰, − 4.9‰) to Stage 2 (− 7.0‰, − 6.4‰) may reflect a change in the fluid source and/or an increase in fO2. The Pb isotope composition of Stage-1 pyrite is suggestive of a mantle source similar to that of the Shuiquangou syenite, whereas Stage-2 pyrite has more radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions suggestive of an Archean metamorphic source. Combined with previous studies, our trace element and isotopic results indicate that the two stages of pyrite had different sources, with Stage-2 pyrite being more strongly influenced by metasedimentary rocks. We propose that the early stage of low-grade gold mineralization was related to emplacement of the Devonian Shuiquangou syenite, whereas the late stage of high-grade gold mineralization was related to emplacement of the Cretaceous Shangshuiquan granite and leaching of gold from Archean metamorphic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The material source and the evolution of ore-forming hydrothermal fluids of Xiaojiashan gold deposits remain controversial. We carried out a mineralogical characteristics analysis, trace elements analysis, sulfur isotope composition analysis, and fluid inclusion microthermometry in order to explore the ore-forming sources, conditions, and process of this deposit. Gold mineralization can be divided into three stages: the quartz-pyrite stage, the quartz-polymetallic sulfide stage, and the quartz-ankerite stage. This gold deposit was probably formed under the following conditions: temperature of 122–343 °C and salinity of 0.8–11.4 wt% (NaCl). It was inferred that the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids were early metamorphic–hydrothermal (Stage I) and late magmatic–hydrothermal (Stages II and III), and were characterized by medium–low temperature and medium–low salinity based on fluid inclusion microthermometry and S isotope composition. The temperature and salinity of the ore-forming fluid decreased during mineralization, which was caused by the involvement of groundwater. The chondrite-normalized trace element patterns of the gold ores are similar to the host rocks of the Lengjiaxi Formation, indicating that the ore-forming materials were sourced from the Lengjiaxi Formation. The S isotopes indicated that the magmatic components also provided the ore-forming materials during Stages II and III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tso Morari terrane within the Himalayan orogenic belt underwent ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) coesite-eclogite metamorphism due to northward subduction of the Indian continent under the Eurasian continent during the early Eocene. The Tso Morari UHP terrane has been intensely studied petrologically, mineralogically, and geochemically over the past several decades. However, the fluid history (e.g., phases and pressure–temperature conditions, fluid compositions and sources, and processes of fluid–rock interactions) and thermal structure during exhumation remain unresolved. To address these issues, we sampled a traverse from the center of an eclogite boudin out into the host orthogneiss. Three major fluid evolution stages (FESs) were identified and characterized using petrography, mineral and bulk-rock chemistry, and thermodynamic modeling. FES 1 constrained mineral dehydration and hydration reactions during prograde metamorphism before reaching peak pressure at 29.0 ± 0.8 kbar and 591 ± 9 °C by modeling garnet growth in the eclogites. FES 2 constrained mineral reactions in the eclogite matrix due to destabilization of internal hydrous minerals. This FES caused the formation of epidote at 22.8 ± 0.6 kbar, amphibole core domains (glaucophane) at 19.0 ± 0.4 kbar, amphibole rim domains (barroisite) at 14.5 ± 1.0 kbar, and symplectite at 9.0 ± 1.0 kbar, during isothermal decompression (600–650 °C). FES 3 caused amphibolization of eclogite at the boudin rim at 625 ± 50 °C and 9.0–14.0 kbar. Metasomatism resulted in increased K2O, CO2, and bulk-rock Fe3+/ΣFe in the amphibolized eclogites. Large ion lithophile elements (LILE) (e.g., K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba) and trace element ratios of Ba/Rb and Cs/Rb are also elevated relative to the eclogite core. The fluid most likely originated from dehydrating host orthogneiss and/or metasediments. Thermodynamic modeling also predicts that the Tso Morari complex was exhumed through a low-temperature (< 650 ± 50 °C) regime in the subduction channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huayuan orefield in the SW Yangtze Block (SW China) is a world-class Pb-Zn orefield, with over 20 million tonnes (Mt) metal reserve. However, the Pb-Zn ore fluid source and evolution in Huayuan remain controversial. This study determined the major and trace element compositions of the newly-identified apatite from the Pb-Zn ores, using electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The apatite samples are of hydrothermal origin, and have high CaO (52.57–57.15 wt%), P2O5 (39.26–42.88 wt%) and F (1.82–3.90 wt%) but low Cl (< 0.42 wt%) contents. The samples have total rare Earth element content (ΣREE) of 74.07–1,255.34 ppm, and they all show negative Eu and weakly positive Ce anomalies. The result suggests that the apatite was formed in an environment with decreasing oxygen fugacity, and in relatively F-rich, Cl-poor, and REE-poor ore-forming fluid. We geochemically compared the apatite from Huayuan with those from different geneses by Fisher discriminant. The result suggests that the Huayuan apatite is distinct from typical magmatic and purely hydrothermal apatite, and that the ore-forming fluids may have had multiple sources. The mixing of fluids with different origins may have triggered significant metal ore deposition.

Sn and Cu are proposed to have their mineralization potential predetermined by their contents in initial fluids of granite-related magmatic-hydrothermal systems. However, it remains ambiguous whether the giant Sn-mineralized skarn system is applicable, and whether the Sn-Cu association in some deposits is predominantly determined by their initial metal contents. The Gejiu orefield is one of the most essential Sn-polymetallic districts worldwide, with proven resources of 3.27 million tons of tin, 3.25 million tons of copper, 4.29 million tons of lead and zinc, and >20 other metals with economic significance. Sn-polymetallic mineralization at Gejiu constitutes a composite skarn ore system that includes proximal skarn and related cassiterite-sulfide, greisen, and tourmaline-vein types. The Laochang Sn-polymetallic deposit hosts several largest skarn and cassiterite-sulfide orebodies in the eastern part of Gejiu. Recent exploitation at Laochang discovered Sn-mineralized quartz veins hosted in the concealed granite, providing a valuable opportunity to characterize the proximal magmatic-hydrothermal process of the mineralizing granitic system. Here, fluid inclusion analysis is carried out on these veins to discuss the fluid evolution, cassiterite precipitation mechanism and whether metal content in early proximal magmatic fluids determines the metal association and endowment in the deposit. Based on the paragenesis of ore and gangue minerals, three hydrothermal stages are distinguished, including quartz-tourmaline stage (Stage I), cassiterite-arsenopyrite-quartz stage (Stage II) and late sulfide stage (Stage III). Fluid evolution controlling vein formation is constrained by microthermometry and LA-ICP-MS analysis of four fluid inclusions generations successively entrapped in quartz and cassiterite. The fluids involved during vein formation show an interplay between single-sourced magmatic fluids and meteoric water. The intermediate-density single phase fluid recorded at stage I quartz is derived from initial fluids directly exsolving from granitic magma. At stage II, fluid immiscibility occurred and the separated brines were entrapped in quartz and early-formed cassiterite. Along with cassiterite precipitation, brines were mixed with low-salinity and cooler meteoric water, leading to entrapment of low-salinity aqueous fluid in outer growth zones of cassiterite at stage II. The constructed fluid evolution history suggests that fluid immiscibility may have facilitated the nucleation of cassiterite crystals at the onset of deposition while mixing of magmatic fluid with meteoric water likely dominate later cassiterite mineralization. Compared with the fluid dataset of barren and mineralized granitic systems worldwide, pre-ore fluids of the studied quartz veins are enriched in Sn, confirming that high Sn content in the initial magmatic fluid can serve as indicator to distinguish mineralized system. In contrast, although Cu mineralization is economically important in the Laochang deposit, predicted Cu contents in pre-ore proximal magmatic fluids are as low as those obtained from Cu-barren system. This implies introduction of Cu into the hydrothermal system from other sources. • Sn mineralization veins in Laochang are controlled by proximal magmatic fluids • Fluid immiscibility and fluid mixing in the vein probably facilitate cassiterite precipitation • Enrichment of Sn in pre-mineralization fluids is necessary for formation of Sn deposit • Significant Cu mineralization in Sn ores is attributed to introduction of Cu from other sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This research resolves a historical debate, revealing that silver in the Litija mine is hosted in tetrahedrite-(Hg) inclusions, not galena. • Sulfide precipitation caused pH shifts, reducing Sb3+ mobility, promoting As3+ incorporation, and raising Zn levels in As-rich tetrahedrite. • The Hg2+ ↔ Zn2+ substitution mechanism in the investigated tetrahedrite is linked to pH fluctuations and fluid mixing processes. For over a century, the main carrier of Silver in the Litija mineralisation has been debated, with fine-grained galena often identified as the primary host. The in-situ quantitative microanalysis of a silver-bearing ore from the Alma orebody reveals that silver is not hosted within the galena but occurs instead as inclusions within tetrahedrite-(Hg). The mechanism of silver incorporation in tetrahedrite is complex and may occur through atom-to-atom substitution, where monovalent silver replaces monovalent copper (Ag+ ↔ Cu+). Additionally, silver can be present as a separate phase, either as nanoscale inclusions of acanthite or through the replacement of pre-existing silver-rich chalcopyrite. Elemental correlations and minor variations in the element distribution within the studied tetrahedrite provide insights into the chemistry of the mineralizing fluid. These findings suggest an initial reducing, near-neutral, low-chlorinity fluid promoting incorporation of Sb3+ and Hg2+ into tetrahedrite. This fluid subsequently mixed with high-salinity, Cl-rich, near-neutral fluid transporting Zn2+. Sulfide precipitation introduced additional acidity in the mixed fluids, altering the pH and promoting As3+ and Zn2+ incorporation into tetrahedrite. We suggest that Hg2+ ↔ Zn2+ substitution in tetrahedrite is influenced by pH fluctuations and fluid mixing. These findings provide new insights into the geochemical processes governing trace element incorporation in sulfosalt minerals and offer valuable framework for understanding mineralization in similar hydrothermal systems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two different types of garnets (Grt-1 and Grt-2) at Pusangguo were formed in the same magmatic-hydrothermal event at ∼14 Ma. • Changes in external factors (f O 2 , pH and W/R ratios) cause compositional variation from Grt-1 to Grt-2 at Pusangguo deposit. • Grt-1 and Grt-2 were formed in a hydrothermal environment under different skarn fluid conditions. The Pusangguo skarn deposit is located in the western part of the Gangdese metallogenic belt. Over the past few decades, the geology, petrogenesis, fluid inclusion and skarn mineralogy of this deposit have been studied in detail. However, there is still a lack of direct timing of the formation of the skarn at the Pusangguo deposit, which is critical to insight into the mineralization process. Two types of garnets were identified at the Pusangguo in this study, i.e., dark brown and coarse-grained garnet (Grt-1), and green to brown fine-grained garnet (Grt-2). At Pusangguo, the garnets mainly belong to andradite-grossular solid solution series. Grt-1 displays a more restricted composition range of Adr 87.85–98.55 Grs 0–8.96 , while the Grt-2 contains a broader range (Adr 54.09–87.87 Grs 11.53–44.73). LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of Grt-1 and Grt-2 yielded lower intercept 206Pb/238U ages of 14.7 ± 2.2 Ma (n = 30, MSWD = 2.1) and 13.9 ± 1.3 Ma (n = 30, MSWD = 0.6), respectively, coeval with the ore formation and ore-related granodiorite. Grt-1 shows a slight enrichment in LREE and a depletion in HREE without apparent Eu anomalies, while Grt-2 exhibits an enrichment in LREE and a depletion in HREE with clear positive Eu anomalies. Correlations between ΣREE and Al, Fe3+, Fe2+, Mn2+, and Ca2+ together suggest that REE3+ incorporation into the Pusangguo garnet is most likely controlled by a coupled substitution mechanism related to Ca-site vacancies, and may also be influenced by external factors such as pH and oxygen fugacity (f O 2). The positive correlation between ΣREE and Y implies that Y3+ and REE3+ have similar geochemical behavior. Grt-1 has higher ΣREE, HFSE, U and Y contents than Grt-2. We propose that Grt-1 is probably formed by self-organizing at a relatively low growth rate, resulting in fluid Al/Fe fluctuations associated with changing external factors such as fluid mixing. The distinct geochemical properties of Grt-1 and Grt-2 indicate that Grt-1 likely originated in a nearly neutral to slightly acidic and oxidized environment with a lower W/R ratio, while Grt-2 could have formed in a more acidic and relatively reducing condition with a higher W/R ratio. Changes in redox, pH and W/R ratios led to a shift in composition from Grt-1 to Grt-2 as the hydrothermal fluid ascended. As the fluid underwent crystallization, there was a decrease in f O 2 , resulting in a transition from a weakly acidic to a strongly acidic state. This change in fluid chemistry ultimately led to the precipitation of metal sulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyry Cu-Mo deposits are magmatic-hydrothermal deposits in which sulfide and oxide minerals precipitate from aqueous solutions. However, many questions remain about the composition and evolution of the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids responsible for mineralization. In response to this knowledge gap at the Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, Tibet, we present a comprehensive major and trace element dataset for biotite (including halogens) from Qulong to elucidate magmatic-hydrothermal fluid compositions and fluid evolution. Based on genesis and occurrence, biotite is divided into primary (igneous), re-equilibrated (igneous modified by hydrothermal fluids), and secondary (hydrothermal) types. All studied biotite grains are Mg-rich, and XMg values (0.59–0.90) increased during fluid evolution, perhaps controlled by high oxygen fugacity (fO2) and sulfur fugacity (fS2) in the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The IV(F) and IV(Cl) values and halogen fugacity of biotite indicate that Cl-rich fluids were dominant during early magmatic-hydrothermal evolution, while later fluids were enriched in F. This is consistent with early Cu and late Mo enrichment in the Qulong deposit. We propose a fluid evolution model based on in situ major and trace element data and cross-cutting relationships between the intrusions and the veins. Iron, Ti, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cl contents decreased, while Mg, Si, Al, Sn, Ge, and F contents increased during the evolution of the magmatic-hydrothermal fluid. Importantly, the increase in Fe, Ti, Co, Zn, and Cl and decrease in Mg, Ge, and F contents in hydrothermal biotite as the core of the deposit is approached (extending to ~ 2.5 km depth) may prove to be an important indicator of high-grade mineralized zones. Finally, this study shows that systematic spatial variations in hydrothermal biotite chemistry can potentially be used as a prospecting tool for porphyry deposits worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fractures caused by tectonic stress in shale can not only improve the seepage capacity of shale, but also become the migration and loss channel of free gas. Calcite, quartz and other minerals in shale fracture veins record the fluid evolution information of the shale. Through the analysis of different types of fracture cements in the shale of the Silurian–Ordovician Wufeng–Longmaxi Formations in the southern Sichuan Basin, the effect of different fractures on shale gas construction or destruction was clarified. Geochemical investigations included the diagenetic mineral sequences in the hole–cavity veins, paleo-pressure recovery by Raman quantitative analysis, and the environments of diagenetic fluids traced by rare earth elements (REE) signatures. The density, composition, pressure, and temperature properties of CH4-bearing fluid inclusions were determined by Raman quantitative measurement and thermodynamic simulations to establish the trapping condition of the geo-fluids, and so constrain the periods of gas accumulation. The diagenetic sequences in the fracture veins can be summarized as follows: Cal-I→Qz-II→Cal-III. The Cal-I in the bedding fracture veins crystallized in the late Jurassic (~180 Ma), and originated from hydrothermal origin and diagenetic fluid; the Qz-II veins crystallized in the middle Jurassic (~190 Ma); the Cal-III veins in the high-angle fractures precipitated during the early Eocene (~12 Ma), and derived from atmospheric freshwater leaching. Pore fluid pressure gradually increased. The pressure coefficient of the shale gas reservoir gradually increased to strong overpressure from 160 Ma to 86 Ma. Between 75 Ma and the present day, the pore fluid pressure and the pressure coefficient in the shale reservoirs, having been affected by tectonic activities and strata uplift-erosion, have significantly reduced. Bedding slippage fractures play a constructive role in the enrichment of shale gas, and fracture slip can significantly improve fracture permeability. High-angle shear fractures usually cut through different strata in areas with strong tectonic activity, and destroy the sealing of the shale. The entrapment of primary methane gas inclusions recorded the process of excess reservoir pressure reduction, and indicated the partial loss of shale free gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure (HP) veins in eclogites are the products of fluid-rock interaction and provide insight into the composition and evolution of fluids in subduction zones. We here present the Cu and Zn isotope data for different types of HP veins and their host eclogites from Ganghe and Hualiangting in the Dabie Orogen to reveal the behavior of Cu and Zn isotopes during fluid-rock interaction and fluid evolution. The HP veins include omphacite-epidote (Omp-Ep), epidote-quartz (Ep-Qtz), and kyanite-epidote-quartz (Ky-Ep-Qtz) veins. The Omp-Ep veins first crystallized from eclogite-derived, solute-rich fluids with the Ep-Qtz and Ky-Ep-Qtz veins successively crystallizing from the residual fluids after the Omp-Ep vein formation. The early Omp-Ep veins have variably lower δ65Cu (−1.32 to −1.12‰ at Ganghe, −0.70 to −0.66‰ at Hualiangting) but higher δ66Zn (0.36 to 0.38‰ at Ganghe, 0.40 to 0.41‰ at Hualiangting) relative to the host eclogites (δ65Cu: −0.71 vs. 1.84‰, δ66Zn: 0.22 vs. 0.33‰), indicating Cu Zn isotope fractionation during slab dehydration in subduction zones with the lighter Cu and heavier Zn isotopes preferentially entering the vein-forming fluids from the eclogites. Systematic increase of δ65Cu from the Omp-Ep (−0.70 to −0.66‰) through Ep-Qtz (0.01‰) to Ky-Ep-Qtz veins (0.46 to 0.95‰) can be attributed to isotope fractionation induced by redox changes during the evolution of metamorphic fluids, as revealed by the negative correlations of δ65Cu with redox-sensitive ratios of Fe3+/ΣFe and (Eu/Eu*) N in those veins. Additionally, the higher δ66Zn of the Omp-Ep veins relative to the Ky-Ep-Qtz veins can be explained by equilibrium isotope fractionation between crystallized minerals and evolved metamorphic fluids. Our results thus demonstrate that Cu Zn isotope fractionation occurred during the evolution of slab-derived metamorphic fluids in subduction zones. Binary mixing calculations show that fluids derived from dehydration of mafic rocks in subducted slabs, represented by the multistage HP veins in the present study, cannot account for the heavier Cu and lighter Zn isotope compositions in most arc magmas than in mid-ocean ridge basalts. This offset can be resolved by addition of forearc serpentinite-derived fluids enriched in heavy Cu and light Zn isotopes into the mantle source of arc magmas. • Cu and Zn isotope compositions of the eclogite-vein systems in subduction zones. • Slab dehydration and fluid evolution can cause Cu and Zn isotope fractionation. • Fluids from forearc serpentinites rather than subducted mafic rocks account for the Cu Zn isotope systems of arc magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinopyroxene is a common phase in a variety of hydrothermal ore deposits, notably in skarn deposits where it typically occurs as a major constituent. It commonly displays variations in texture and composition due to changing physicochemical conditions and contains relatively high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), making it an important petrogenetic indicator. In this study, we integrate textural and geochemical investigations of clinopyroxene from the Baijian Fe skarn deposit (eastern China) to constrain the evolution of ore-forming fluids and provide significant new insights into partitioning of REEs between the clinopyroxene and hydrothermal fluids. In the Baijian Fe skarn, endoskarn clinopyroxene is typically zoned with homogeneous Fe-poor cores and oscillatory zoned Fe-rich rims. The rims are also enriched in Na, Co, Ni, and V and contain primary fluid inclusions with high salinities of 57.7–61.2 wt.% NaCl equiv. The compositional differences between the cores and rims reflect a transition from dilute, Fe-poor fluids to saline, Fe-rich components, likely a result of fluid boiling. In the exoskarn, early formed Fe-poor clinopyroxene is commonly replaced with Fe-rich clinopyroxene through fluid-assisted, coupled dissolution-reprecipitation processes. Overall, the textural features and compositional variations of clinopyroxene reflect a transition from early diffusive metasomatism by low-salinity fluids under low water/rock ratios to later advective metasomatism by high-salinity fluids under high water/rock ratios. When normalized to the modeled composition of the melt-equilibrated fluid, the log light REE and middle REE abundances in the clinopyroxene fit a linear function of the radius parameter (expressed as r 0 /2 × (r i − r 0)2 + 1/3×(r i − r 0)3) of the lattice strain model, indicating that crystal lattice strain has exerted a major control on REE clinopyroxene-fluid partitioning. Cores of zoned endoskarn clinopyroxenes show an upward increase in heavy REE (HREE) from Ho to Lu, likely caused by incorporation of those elements both into the eightfold M2 site and the sixfold M1 site of clinopyroxene. The increasing HREE compatibility coincides with elevated Mn contents in the cores of the clinopyroxene grains, implying that Mn has a significant effect on the accommodation of HREE into the sixfold M1 site of clinopyroxene, presumably due to the similar ionic radius between Mn2+ in sixfold coordination (Mn2+ = 0.83 Å) and the HREE (e.g., Lu3+ = 0.861 Å). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike classic skarn-type scheelite deposits directly acquiring sufficient Ca2+ from surrounding limestones, all of the scheelite orebodies of the Shangfang tungsten (W) deposit occur mainly in amphibolite, and this provides a new perspective on the mineralization mechanism of W deposits. The ability of hydrothermal scheelite (CaWO4) to bind REE3+ in their Ca2+ crystal lattices makes it a useful mineral for tracing fluid-rock interactions in hydrothermal mineralization systems. In this study, the REE compositions of scheelite and some silicate minerals were measured systematically in-situ by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to assess the extent of fluid-rock interactions for the Late Mesozoic quartz-vein-type Shangfang W deposits. According to the variations in CaO and REE among scheelite and silicate minerals, the amphibole and actinolite in amphibolite may be able to release large amounts of Ca2+ and REE3+ into the ore-forming fluids during chlorite alteration, which is critical for scheelite precipitation. Furthermore, an improved batch crystallization model was adopted for simulating the process of scheelite precipitation and fluid evolution. The results of both the in-situ measurements and model calculations demonstrate that the precipitation of early-stage scheelite with medium rare-earth elements (MREE)-rich and [Eu/Eu*]N<1. The early-stage scheelite would consume more MREE than LREE and HREE of fluid, which will gradually produce residual fluids with strong MREE-depletion and [Eu/Eu*]N>1. Even though the partition coefficient of REE is constant, the later-stage scheelite will also inherit a certain degree of MREE-depletion and [Eu/Eu*]N future from the residual fluids. As a common mineral, sheelite forms in various types of hydrothermal ore deposits (e.g., tungsten and gold deposits). Hence, the improved batch crystallization model is also possible for obtaining detailed information regarding fluid evolution for other types of hydrothermal deposits. The results from model calculations also illustrate that the Eu anomalies of scheelite are not an effective index correlated to oxygen fugacity of fluids but rather are dominantly controlled by the continuous precipitation of scheelite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure (HP) metamorphic veins in eclogites provide insights into the composition and evolution of fluids in subduction zones. We here present the first Fe-Mg isotope data for three types of HP veins, eclogites and their mineral separates from the Dabie Orogen to constrain the Fe-Mg isotopic compositions of subduction-zone fluids and the Fe-Mg isotope behaviors during fluid-rock interaction and fluid evolution. The HP veins include omphacite-epidote (Omp-Ep), epidote-quartz (Ep-Qtz), and kyanite-epidote-quartz (Ky-Ep-Qtz) veins. The Omp-Ep veins first crystallized from eclogite-derived, solute-rich vein-forming fluids with the Ep-Qtz and Ky-Ep-Qtz veins successively crystallizing from the residual fluids after the formation of the Omp-Ep veins. The early Omp-Ep veins have much heavier Fe-Mg isotopic compositions compared to the host eclogites, indicating Fe-Mg isotope fractionation during fluid-rock interaction due to preferential dissolution of isotopically heavy Omp and Ep from the eclogites into the vein-forming fluids. The δ56Fe and δ26Mg values of the Omp-Ep, Ep-Qtz, and Ky-Ep-Qtz veins gradually decrease and positively correlate with the Eu/Eu* values of whole rock and epidote. This indicates that Fe-Mg isotope fractionation during fluid evolution results from continuous crystallization of isotopically heavy Omp and Ep from the vein-forming fluids. Our results thus demonstrate that Fe-Mg isotopes can significantly fractionate during the dissolution-precipitation processes of minerals in subduction zones. The high δ56Fe (0.04–0.21‰) and δ26Mg (−0.08 to 0.15‰) values of fluid-related HP veins within mafic eclogites indicate that fluids derived from subducted altered oceanic crust (AOC) probably have Fe-Mg isotopic compositions similar to or higher than those of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs). Thus, contribution from AOC-derived fluids is unlikely to explain the light Fe and heavy Mg isotopic compositions of arc lavas. We propose that the light Fe and heavy Mg isotopic compositions of arc lavas may result from a combination of prior melt depletion and addition of serpentinite-derived 54Fe-26Mg-rich fluids into the overlying mantle wedge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representative CL images showing the texture of the Yangla scheelite and corresponding variations in the REE patterns throughout the evolution of the oreforming fluids. [Display omitted] • Three types of scheelite are identified based on their microstructure. • Tungsten mineralization age is significantly later than the Triassic Cu mineralization in the Yangla district. • Source and evolution ore-forming fluids were constrained by scheelite texture and geochemistry. The Yangla Cu-polymetallic deposit is the largest skarn Cu deposit in the Jinshajiang suture zone. Recently, an new W orebody was identified in the depths of the Cu orebodies. However, the genetic relationship between W and Cu orebodies, along with the tungsten ore-forming processes, remains unclear. This study delves into the careful investigation of three types of scheelites focusing on microstructure, trace element compositions and Sr isotope geochemistry. The aim is to elucidate the source and evolution of ore-forming fluids and ore genesis in the multi-episodic metallogenic systems. Primary scheelite (Sch-I) generally displays oscillatory zoning in CL images with the lowest REE (3.8–142 ppm) and highest Sr (604–1480 ppm) contents. Secondary scheelite (Sch-III), commonly precipitated as overprinting rims on primary crystal, has the highest REE (145–1071 ppm) and lowest Sr (376–793 ppm) contents. In contrast, Sch-II represents a transitional stage from primary to secondary, with REE and Sr contents at intermediate levels. Sch-I is characterized by LREE enrichment and a positive Eu anomaly in the chondrite-normalized REE patterns, whereas Sch-III shows MREE-rich patterns with a weak positive Eu anomaly. Scheelite U-Pb dating (30.3 ± 1.5 Ma) indicates that the W mineralization is not genetically related to Triassic granitoids in the Yangla district. Instead, it is likely associated with magmatic activities and tectono-thermal events in the Jinshajiang fault zone during the Cenozoic. The high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71771–0.72229) in the scheelite, significantly higher than those of Triassic granites and ore-hosting marble, suggest that the geochemical features of Sch-I are inherited from the parental ore-forming fluids. These fluids are likely derived from the mixed hydrothermal fluids involved by the Neoproterozoic strata and/or concealed magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The CUO has systemic vertical variations in mineral assemblages and pitchblende geochemistry. • The vertical variations were caused by the ascent of deep oxidizing fluid and decreased upwardly during U mineralization. • REE of pitchblende could be used to guide deep uranium exploration. The Changjiang uranium (U) orefield in northern Guangdong (South China) contains several important granite-related uranium deposits, including the Mianhuakeng deposit. The hydrothermal evolution and mineralization mechanism of the deposit remain unclear, and hence in this study we analyzed the mineral compositional variations of pitchblende from different elevation (−300 to −50 m) in the orebody at Mianhuakeng deposit. The results indicate that with decreasing depth, the hydrothermal mineral assemblage changes from a reducing one (pitchblende, pyrite, and chlorite) to a moderately oxidizing one (pitchblende, coffinite, hematite, and goethite). The contents of U, Sr, ∑REE, U/Th, and LREE/HREE ratios in the pitchblende decrease (whereas the Cu-Pb-Zn-Ni-Co-Sc-Rb contents increase) progressively with decreasing depth. Also, Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce*) changes from positive to negative, and Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*) becomes more negative with decreasing depth. We interpreted such vertical variations to be caused by the ascent of deep, mid-to-high temperature, highly-oxidizing ore-forming fluid, which was reduced by early-stage reducing minerals in the wallrock, a process that also formed the mineralization at Changjiang. In addition, the pitchblende REE distribution patterns and Eu/Eu* at depth (−300 m) resemble those of the Zhuguang pluton, indicating that the ore-forming materials were originated from the U-bearing granite wallrocks. Therefore, the Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* variations of pitchblende can be used to guide deep uranium ore exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive geochronological and geochemical analysis of garnets from the Kendekeke Fe-polymetallic deposit. Extensive lithological investigations have confirmed the presence of four distinct garnet generations, exhibiting a compositional variation from grossularite to andradite and ultimately to Grossular-Andradite. The trace element characteristics of the first three generations clearly indicate an inheritance pattern, while the fourth-generation garnets display a unique reversed inheritance pattern. Through a detailed analysis of the partitioning patterns of rare earth elements, it has been conclusively established that the infiltration of aluminum-rich fluids influenced the fourth generation's garnets. This fluid infiltration has had a profound positive effect on the further enrichment and mobilization of ore-forming materials, thereby playing a crucial role in the mineralization process. The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of garnet indicate an evolution of hydrothermal fluid pH from near-neutral to acidic and a variation in fO 2 with an initial increase followed by a decrease. [Display omitted] • The mineralization age of the Kendekeke Fe-polymetallic deposit in the Qimantagh ore cluster was determined to be 225 ± 2.9 Ma. • In a closed environment, skarn mineralization system may be dynamic, with potential fluid replenishment from the same source. • Multi-stage influx of fluids in the skarn mineralization system can enrich ore-forming materials and impact on the scale of mineralization. The skarn deposit formation process entails intricate fluid evolution processes, wherein the mineralization process is significantly influenced by the periodic pulsation and replenishment of hydrothermal fluids. However, there is a dearth of evident evidence supporting the periodic fluid replenishment viewpoint. One common mineral in skarn deposits is garnet. The objective of this study is to provide insights and evidence on fluid replenishment and to clarify the fluid evolution process by analyzing the crystal structures of the oscillatory zoning and epitaxial hyperplasia edges of garnet. The Kendekeke deposit is a skarn-iron polymetallic deposit located in the Qimantage metallogenic belt of the East Kunlun orogenic belt. The thick magnetite ore body developed in the deposit is located in the skarn belt, and garnet skarn is well developed throughout. Based on the major elements and trace elements of garnet, this paper clarifies the metallogenic age and evolution of ore-forming fluid in skarn iron polymetallic deposits. Through analysis of mineral zoning and cross-cutting relationships, four generations of garnets have been identified in the Kendekeke deposit. We conducted LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronological analysis on the nearest Grt-II to the ore body and obtained the ore-forming age. The major elements of garnet in four stages show the obvious changing trend. The first three stages change from Al-rich to Fe-rich, and the fourth stage shows the characteristics of grossularite-andradite. Through the correlation analysis of rare earth elements (REE) and Y elements, we determined that the whole evolution process did not have significant external fluid influence, and the REE patterns in the first three stages showed obvious inheritance characteristics, among which Grt-II showed some euhedral oscillatory zoned characteristics. The REE patterns from the core to the edge of the zone showed obvious fluid evolution process from Grt-I to Grt-III, while the Grt-IV REE patterns exhibit the characteristics of anti-inheritance, which is different from the first three stages. Among them, we observed that Grt-IV and Grt-II (epitaxy hyperplasia edge of Grt-I) have similar major element characteristics, but compared to Grt-II (epitaxy hyperplasia edge of Grt-I), Grt-IV has similar LREE and lower HREE patterns that we believe is the result of early fluid replenishment. At the same time, combining with trace elements such as U and Eu, we determined that the pH of the hydrothermal solution evolved from near-neutral to acidic, and the fO 2 increased first and then decreased. In addition, through the analysis of the replacement elements (Sc, V, Co, and Ti) Grt-IV, the replenishment of fluid at this stage reduced fO 2 again, promoted the further enrichment of ore-forming materials, prolonged the mineralization process, and thus formed a thick and iron-rich ore body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly discovered Zhuanghuhe Au–Sb occurrence is located 20 km north of the famous Duobaoshan Cu–Mo deposit, it is the first gold–antimony deposit discovered in the Duobaoshan orefield. The hydrothermal quartz vein-type orebodies occur in the Middle Ordovician Duobaoshan Formation and are controlled by NNW and ENE compressional faults. Four mineralization stages are identified: stage I quartz + pyrite + arsenopyrite, stage II quartz + polymetallic sulfides, stage III quartz + stibnite, and stage IV quartz + calcite. Fluid inclusions (FIs) in quartz and calcite veins include six types: types I (two-phase aqueous), IIa (aqueous–carbonic; the volume of the carbon phase <50 %), IIb (aqueous–carbonic; the volume of the carbon phase >50 %, with more CO 2 than CH 4), IIc (aqueous–carbonic; the volume of the carbon phase >50 %, with more CH 4 than CO 2), IIIa (carbonic, with more CO 2 than CH 4) and IIIb (carbonic, with more CH 4 than CO 2). FIs of stage I are types I, IIa, IIb and IIIa, with homogenization temperatures of 279–311 °C and salinities of 4.87–11.84 wt%, indicating a medium-temperature low-salinity immiscible NaCl–H 2 O–CO 2 fluid system. Stage II contains all FI types with final homogenization temperatures of 233–288 °C and salinities of 4.94–8.67 wt%, indicating a medium- to low-temperature low-salinity NaCl–H 2 O–CO 2 –CH 4 system. FIs of stage III contain types I and IIa with homogenization temperatures of 193–240 °C and salinities of 3.85–6.63 wt%, belong to a low-temperature low-salinity NaCl–H 2 O–CO 2 ± CH 4 system. FIs of stage IV contain only type I with homogenization temperatures of 158–212 °C and salinities of 2.56–4.01 wt%, indicating a NaCl–H 2 O system. The H–O–C isotope data show that the NaCl–H 2 O–CO 2 fluids of stage I (δD = −98 to −105.7 ‰, δO H 2 O = 5.7 to 6.9 ‰, δ13C CO 2 = −11.9 to −11.1 ‰) were derived from a magmatic system, the fluids of stage II (δD = −85.7 ‰, δO H 2 O = 2.8 ‰, δ13C CO 2 = −14.2 ‰, δ13C CH 4 = −32.5 to −31.9 ‰) were characterized by the addition of CH 4, which might have come from the reaction between the original ore-forming fluids and carbonaceous slate of the Duobaoshan Formation. The fluids in stage III (δD = −90.2 to −89.6 ‰, δO H 2 O = −9.1 to −6.1 ‰) and stage IV (δD = −110.6 to −96.3 ‰, δO H 2 O = −13.0 to −12.6 ‰) were characterized by mixing of meteoric water. According to the geology, fluid inclusion and H-O-C stable isotope evidences, the initial magma-derived NaCl-H 2 O-CO 2 fluids were immiscible in stage I and then the process of mixing with CH 4 -bearing fluids in stage II, resulting in the gold precipitation; the precipitation of antimony was mainly related to the temperature drop and the mixing of meteoric water in stage III. [Display omitted] • The Zhuanghuhe Au–Sb mineralization belongs to hydrothermal quartz vein-type. • The initial NaCl-H 2 O-CO 2 ore fluids were primarily derived from a magmatic system. • The organic CH 4 was from the reaction between initial fluids and carbonaceous slate. • Ore-forming fluid immiscibility and mixing controlled the ore precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous rhythmic–zonal aggregates of tennantite-IV partly or completely replacing early homogeneous Zn-tetrahedrite-I grains and euhedral (Fe–Zn)-tennantite-I crystal were found in ores of the Darasun gold deposit. The different stages of fahlore replacement were observed. This initiates at grain boundaries and is terminated by a complete transformation into pseudomorphic, newly formed (Zn–Fe)-tennantite-IV aggregates surrounded by Zn-tetrahedrite-IV. These aggregates closely associate with bournonite and galena, and their precipitation initiated the formation of pseudomorphs. As is evident from the results of EMPA, (Fe–Zn)-tetrahedrite enriched in As in relation to Zn-tetrahedrite-I was precipitated at the initial stage. Tennantite with wide variations in the Sb/(Sb + As) and Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratios predominates in zonal heterogenous aggregates. There is a negative correlation between Sb/(Sb + As) and Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratios in (Fe–Zn)-tetrahedrite–tennantite-IV. In all sites, there is a miscibility gap between As and Sb and a sharp decrease in Sb/(Sb + As) ratio and increase in Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratio at the contact between Zn-tetrahedrite-I and newly formed (Fe–Zn)-tetrahedrite–tennantite-IV. The sharp zigzag boundaries between Zn-tetrahedrite-I and tennantite-IV and pores in newly formed aggregates provide evidence for coupled dissolution–precipitation reactions. The dissolution was initiated by disequilibrium between Zn-tetrahedrite-I and undersaturated fluid due to the precipitation of galena and bournonite. The precipitation of tetrahedrite–tennantite-IV occurred under the conditions of oscillation in Sb/(Sb + As) and Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratios due to the gradient of concentrations in the fluid. The temperature of crystallization of zonal heterogenous tennantite-IV aggregates ((134–161) ± 20°С) was calculated by the sphalerite–fahlore geothermometer. Instability of early Zn-tetrahedrite-I results from hydrothermal fluid cooling, decrease in fluid salinity, and change in the tetrahedrite and tennantite solubility due to the evolution of the conditions of semimetal migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Torud–Chah Shirin (TCS) in northern Iran is defined by an NE alignment of Tertiary Ag/Au and base metal-rich epithermal systems. • Intermediate- to high-sulfidation epithermal deposits are present as vein-type mineralization and hosted by the Eocene-Oligocene igneous rocks. • The magmatism mainly occurred sporadically from Eocene to Oligocene with two major episodes between early to middle Eocene (EME) and early to late Oligocene (ELO). The Torud–Chah Shirin (TCS) ore district in northern Iran is defined by an NE alignment of Tertiary Ag-Au and base metal-rich epithermal systems, and it is part of the eastern Alborz orogenic belt of Iran. Intermediate- to high-sulfidation mineralization occurs as veins hosted by the Eocene−Oligocene volcanic, subvolcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. The TCS district is characterized by three fault system populations including ∼70°, ∼270°, and ∼340°−trending faults, and detailed structural mapping show that overall strike of the TCS vein system is 320°–340° but varies from ∼290° to ∼350°. The ∼N70°−trending faults are parallel to the Anjilow and Torud regional faults in the TCS ore district. Green- to grey-schist and metamorphosed dolomite and limestone are the oldest units (Ordovician–Silurian) in the TCS. Sedimentary rocks were initiated by limestone, dolomite and green shale in the Cretaceous and continued with conglomerate into the Paleocene (Fajan Formation). Magmatism mainly occurred sporadically from the Eocene to Oligocene (ca. 55–24 Ma), with two major episodes between early to middle Eocene (ca. 55 and 37 Ma, EME) and early to late Oligocene (ca. 34 and 24 Ma, ELO). Whole rock geochemical data of EME and ELO rocks of the TCS district shows a range from basalts to rhyolites with low-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic affinity. Their rare earth elements (REEs) and high field strength elements (HFSE) signatures indicate the occurrence of a supra-subduction zone magmatism and all rocks have been sourced from the same parent melt. Samples from ELO display higher alkali contents compare with EME but have a similar trace element characteristics. Hydrothermal alteration is pervasive in volcanic and subvolcanic rocks but is mainly localized near the veins and ore zones. Alteration assemblages include quartz-sericite (±pyrite ± adularia), quartz-illite (kaolinite ± pyrite), carbonate-quartz and chlorite + calcite + epidote (propylitic). Homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in the epithermal prospects is in range of 125–375 °C, and ore-forming fluids were mainly of magmatic-hydrothermal origin (e.g., Gandy and Abolhassani prospects), with some contributions from meteoric water. The epithermal prospects have more or less similar salinities, ranging from 2 to 18 wt% NaCl equiv., with a distinct cluster between 6 and 15 wt% NaCl equiv. Our shreds of evidence suggest that the EME and ELO calc-alkaline volcanic activity in TCS occurs occurred in tension fractures related to orthogonal plate convergence that postdates the NE-trending strike-slip regional faults, and plays an important role in the development of the epithermal prospects. Simultaneous with, or soon after crustal heating related to the magmatism, strike-slip faults movement may also have been critical in the ore-forming process, leading to trans-tension of local compressive forces, enhancement of crust-scale permeability, and promotion of mixing of ore-forming fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral assemblages, the peculiarities of intergrowths, chemical composition, and Sb and As distribution in coexisting fahlore and bournonite-seligmannite solid solutions of the Darasun gold deposit are studied. The almost complete solid solution between bournonite and seligmannite with continuous Sb–As isomorphism for Sb/(Sb + As) ratios from 0.21 to 1.00 is identified for the first time for the Darasun deposit using a microprobe. The composition of fahlore coexisting with bournonite widely varies: Sb/(Sb + As) ratio 0.03–0.96 and Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratio 0.36–0.87. The mutual compositional evolution from early Sb to late As coexisting solid solutions is identified. Based on the Sb and As distribution between coexisting fahlore and bournonite-seligmannite, the temperatures of their joint crystallization are estimated, as well as those of the productive stage, where they are associated with native gold and tellurides (90–335°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both Au and Sb ± Au mineralization have a common Au–Sb-rich fluid. • The disseminated Au mineralization caused by fluid–rock interaction. • The vein-type Sb ± Au mineralization caused by cooling and phase separation. • The difference of deposition mechanism caused the separation of Au and Sb ± Au mineralization. Separation of Au and Sb mineralization from different hydrothermal stages is a common phenomenon in many Au–Sb deposits, but its cause remains enigmatic. The Qukulekedong intrusion-related Au–Sb deposit in the East Kunlun Orogen has undergone four hydrothermal stages: (1) barren quartz vein, (2) quartz vein with disseminated arsenopyrite–pyrite alteration halo, (3) stibnite–quartz ± native gold vein, and (4) calcite–quartz vein. Stages 2 and 3 formed disseminated Au and vein-type Sb ± Au ore, respectively. Here, internal texture and trace elements in quartz, fluid inclusions (Fls) microthermometry, and H–O isotopes were analyzed to unravel the separation mechanism of the Au and Sb ± Au mineralization at Qukulekedong. Stage 2 quartz has euhedral growth zones with elevated Ti-Al-Li-K-Sb and varying As contents. Stage 2 FIs have medium homogenization temperature (203–307 °C) and salinity (12.2–17.8 wt% NaCl equiv.), and are CH 4 -rich. They have δ18O H2O = 9.5–10.8 ‰ and δD H2O = −93.4 to −80.8 ‰. In contrast, stage 3 quartz has lower Ti-Al-Li-K and varying Sb contents. Stage 3 FIs show phase separation (coexistence of V-, L- and V-L-type FIs), and are of lower temperature (141–164 °C) and salinity (2.1–10.7 wt% NaCl equiv.), and CO 2 – and CH 4 -bearing. They have δ18O H2O = 3.3–5.2 ‰ and δD H2O = − 95.4 to − 89.6 ‰. Considering that the disseminated Au ore is Sb-rich and its pyrite has fine stibnite inclusions, we suggest that the disseminated Au and vein-type Sb ± Au mineralization shared a common Au- and Sb-rich initial magmatic fluids. The disseminated Au mineralization may have formed by fluid–rock interactions. Meanwhile, the vein-type Sb ± Au mineralization was likely caused by the phase separation and cooling led by dilational activities and meteoric water injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the relationship between sulfide chimney maturity and fluid evolution in submarine hydrothermal systems is essential for deciphering mineralogical changes, sulfur dynamics, and fluid flux over time. We investigate this link through sulfur isotopic analysis of sulfides from three maturity stages of sulfide chimneys at the Niaochao hydrothermal field (East Pacific Rise, 1–2°S), integrated with δ34S values from diverse global hydrothermal fields. Based on mineral associations and sulfur isotopes, the sulfide chimneys are classified into Zn-Fe-rich, Fe-Cu-rich, and Fe-Cu-Zn-rich chimneys, representing the increasing maturity. A systematic increase in δ34S values (from 1.54‰ to 7.22‰) from chimney cores to rims indicates the progressive reduction of seawater sulfate during fluid-seawater mixing in open systems. Fluctuations in δ34S values within chimney zones are attributed to the interaction between hydrothermal fluids and pre-existing minerals. As chimneys grow, rapid sulfur isotopic exchanges occur between seawater sulfate and fluid H 2 S in localized semi-closed systems, leading to a significant drop in δ34S values of pyrites, decreasing by up to 4.82‰. A new chimney evolutionary model has been developed utilizing mineralogical and sulfur isotopic data of sulfide chimneys from global hydrothermal vents. This model encompasses birth, growth, and waning stages, accompanied by an elevation of mean δ34S values from 2.1‰ (n = 66) to 3.2‰ (n = 435) and 3.8‰ (n = 61) due to ongoing seawater sulfate reduction. Conversely, the infusion of magmatic sulfur during chimney growth contributes to a decrease in δ34S values of sulfides. This study underscores the significance of sulfur isotopes as indicators of sulfide chimney maturity, which enhances our understanding of the evolution and formation processes of hydrothermal systems. • Three maturity stages of sulfide chimneys at the Niaochao vent field have been classified. • The evolutionary degree of sulfate reduction in fluids from open to semi-closed systems within the chimney has been deciphered. • A new chimney evolutionary model by variations in δ34S values is established. • The study reveals the link between mineralogy, δ34S values, and maturity of zoned chimneys in submarine hydrothermal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Qiman Tagh W–Sn belt lies in the westernmost section of the East Kunlun Orogen, NW China, and is associated with early Paleozoic monzogranites, tourmaline is present throughout this belt. In this paper we report chemical and boron isotopic compositions of tourmaline from wall rocks, monzogranites, and quartz veins within the belt, for studying the evolution of ore-forming fluids. Tourmaline crystals hosted in the monzogranite and wall rocks belong to the alkali group, while those hosted in quartz veins belong to both the alkali and X-site vacancy groups. Tourmaline in the walk rocks lies within the schorl–dravite series and becomes increasingly schorlitic in the monzogranite and quartz veins. Detrital tourmaline in the wall rocks is commonly both optically and chemically zoned, with cores being enriched in Mg compared with the rims. In the Al–Fe–Mg and Ca–Fe–Mg diagrams, tourmaline from the wall rocks plots in the fields of Al-saturated and Ca-poor metapelite, and extends into the field of Li-poor granites, while those from the monzogranite and quartz veins lie within the field of Li-poor granites. Compositional substitution is best represented by the MgFe −1 , Al(NaR) −1 , and AlO(Fe(OH)) −1 exchange vectors. A wider range of δ 11B values from −11.1‰ to −7.1‰ is observed in the wall-rock tourmaline crystals, the B isotopic values combining with elemental diagrams indicate a source of metasediments without marine evaporates for the wall rocks in the Qiman Tagh belt. The δ 11B values of monzogranite-hosted tourmaline range from −10.7‰ and −9.2‰, corresponding to the continental crust sediments, and indicate a possible connection between the wall rocks and the monzogranite. The overlap in δ 11B values between wall rocks and monzogranite implies that a transfer of δ 11B values by anataxis with little isotopic fractionation between tourmaline and melts. Tourmaline crystals from quartz veins have δ 11B values between −11.0‰ and −9.6‰, combining with the elemental diagrams and geological features, thus indicating a common granite-derived source for the quartz veins and little B isotopic fractionation occurred. Tourmalinite in the wall rocks was formed by metasomatism by a granite-derived hydrothermal fluid, as confirmed by the compositional and geological features. Therefore, we propose a single B-rich sedimentary source in the Qiman Tagh belt, and little boron isotopic fractionation occurred during systematic fluid evolution from the wall rocks, through monzogranite, to quartz veins and tourmalinite. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Tourmaline crystals are sourced from B- and Al-saturated metasediments. • δ 11B ratios of tourmaline crystals could represent those of hosted lithologies. • B-isotope reflects a single granite-derived magmatic-hydrothermal origin. • The composition and δ 11B values variations suggest the fluid-rock interaction. • Tourmaline crystals in monzogranite and quartz veins are more schorlitic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Large peralkaline complexes are 'factories' that have produced a variety of 'exotic' minerals including high field strength element minerals. In most cases, these minerals are secondary and crystallise in a hydrothermal paragenesis that is extremely difficult to decipher due to the complexity of the textural relationships. The Strange Lake pluton is one of these complexes, and contains 37 exotic minerals, most of which are secondary. Adding to the difficulty in establishing a comprehensive paragenesis for these minerals and an alteration/precipitation path for the pluton is the fact that there were several stages of crystallisation of the same exotic and common secondary minerals, e.g., bastnäsite, fluocerite, gadolinite, aegirine, fluorite, and zircon. In this paper, we present a model, which describes a detailed path for the alteration and precipitation of minerals in the closed hydrothermal system of a peralkaline granitic pegmatite, based on direct measurements of the evolving composition of the aqueous fluid that exsolved from the late-stage magma crystallising rare-metal pegmatites in the Strange Lake pluton. The driving force for this evolution was cooling-induced oxidation that ultimately transformed the CH 4 -H 2 gas in this fluid to CO 2. This led to a large drop in the pH, which was a major control on the composition of the fluid and the crystallisation of secondary minerals. Although large numbers of minerals formed and were replaced during the different stages of fluid evolution, the changing chemistry of the fluid was largely a response to the alteration of four minerals, namely arfvedsonite, elpidite, narsarsukite and fluorite. The earliest stage of alteration, which took place at ~360 °C, was marked by the replacement of arfvedsonite by aegirine. This alteration decreased salinity and released K, Li, and Rb to the fluid, causing K-metasomatism. At ~300 °C, CH 4 and higher hydrocarbons reacted to produce CO 2. This caused a massive drop in pH from a value > 10 to a value of ~3 and intense alteration, which included the dissolution of fluorite, the breakdown of elpidite to zircon and quartz and the replacement of narsarsukite by titanite. With ongoing dissolution of fluorite, Ca activity reached a level sufficient to promote the alteration of elpidite to armstrongite or gittinsite. This was accompanied by alteration of arfvedsonite to ferroceladonite and microcline to Al-phyllosilicates, enriching the fluid in Na, Fe and F. Soon after, there was a near total loss of CO 2 (at ~230 °C). This loss was catastrophic and was focused along conical fractures (these developed as a result of the collapse of the roof of the pluton), with resultant fragmentation of the rocks along the fluid path. Alteration to phyllosilicates continued after the loss of CO 2 , as the system cooled to ~190 °C. This marked the beginning of the final stage of alteration, which involved the replacement of arfvedsonite by aegirine and hematite. It also coincided with large scale hematisation within the pluton. Finally, it led to the cementation of the fragments along the fluid path to form the fluorite-hematite ring breccia that is now evident at the margins of the pluton. The model of fluid evolution presented here is potentially applicable to many other peralkaline complexes. The only requirements are that the system was closed until a relatively late stage and that the exsolved fluid was saline and contained a reduced carbonic component. This is a feature of many peralkaline complexes, most notably, the Khibiny and Lovozero complexes in Russia, and Ilímaussaq in Greenland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Dongyang gold deposit is located in Fujian Province in southeastern China, mainly hosted by a NW–SE trending Late Jurassic porphyritic rhyolite, and classified as a low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit. The units associated with the gold mineralization in this area are highly altered and have undergone sericitic and argillic alteration as well as silicification, with the latter two types of alteration especially associated with gold enrichment. The deposit contains pyrite, marcasite, and arsenopyrite, with lesser amounts of chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and silver minerals. The sulfides and silver minerals within the deposit provide insight into the evolution of the ore-forming fluid and the processes that caused the gold enrichments to form in the study area. In addition, the geochemical similarity of gold and silver means these elements tend to migrate and precipitate simultaneously, in turn indicating that sulfides and silver minerals can provide insights into the processes that concentrate gold. Here, we present chemical compositional, and crystal structural data for sulfides and silver minerals within the Dongyang gold deposit by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analyser (EMPA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman microprobe, and use these data to gain insights into the characteristics and evolution of the fluids that formed the deposit. We also outline key concepts for future gold deposit exploration in this region. Four types of pyrite in the deposit are recognized based on arsenic content and crystal morphology, evolving from early As-poor pyrite (Py1) to As-rich pyrite (Py2) and/or arsenopyrite, to non-cubic As-poor pyrite (Py3), and finally to cubic As-poor pyrite (Py4), with an inverse correlation between sulfur and arsenic concentrations. Pyrite crystal morphologies vary from earlier pentagonal dodecahedron forms to later cube forms, indicating a decrease in degree of supersaturation (as controlled by the activity of dissolved Fe and sulfide) and/or temperature conditions for pyrite growth. In addition, the presence of As-poor marcasite associated with early pyrite (Py1) suggests that the early ore-forming fluid was relatively acidic. Arsenopyrite is generally concentrated in the shallower parts of the deposit, indicating that later hydrothermal fluids were enriched in arsenic. This study also identified a number of key silver mineral phases that formed in a sequence from chalcopyrite, to a galena–fahlore–allargentum–dyscrasite–polybasite–electrum assemblage, to stephanite, and finally to chlorargyrite. Chalcopyrite replaced by fahlore suggests increased oxygen fugacity and decreased temperature. Fahlore Sb / (As + Sb) (>90%) and Ag / (Ag + Cu) ratios (6%–27%) are indicative of relatively high temperatures (>200 °C), and allargentum is thought to form in elevated pH conditions (pH > 7). Stephanite and chlorargyrite precipitated under relatively low temperature (<200 °C). Finally, the presence of chlorargyrite suggested that silver was transported as chloride complexes, indicating relatively high oxygen fugacity. The sequence of silver mineral precipitation suggests that the ore-forming fluids showed a temporal increase in pH and oxygen activity, and a decrease in temperature and sulfur fugacity. This indicates that the hydrothermal fluids that formed the deposit can be divided into early and late stage fluids, with the former being a relatively higher-temperature and higher‑sulfur fugacity fluid compared with the lower-temperature and higher‑oxygen-fugacity late-stage fluid. Finally, the presence of silver minerals with high gold contents (up to 2 wt%), as well as arsenian pyrite and arsenopyrite, may be useful indicators of prospective areas for gold exploration in this region. Highlights • Components and morphology of pyrite indicated decreased supersaturation and/or temperature. • Silver minerals indicated decreased temperature and sulfur fugacity, and increased pH and oxygen fugacity. • Ore-forming fluids are divided into early stage of reduced and high-temperature and late stage of oxidized and low-temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Silurian, Triassic, and Jurassic zircons were differentiated in skarns. • Detrital zircons (497–3409 Ma, peak at 800–1000 Ma) were found in sulfide Pb–Zn ores. • Zircon Hf isotopes indicate a decreased mantle contribution from Silurian to Jurassic. • Sn had been pre-enriched before the Jurassic mineralization by precursor magmatism. • Fluids circulated through sedimentary rocks led to the Pb–Zn mineralization. Abstract The Xianghualing Sn–Pb–Zn deposit is situated near the center of the world-class Nanling W–Sn ore belt, associated with the highly evolved Laiziling granite of Jurassic age. Previous studies focused mainly on geochemical and geochronological features of the mineralization-related granite, whereas research on the source, evolution and geochronology of the ore-forming fluids has been limited. We carried out precise U–Pb dating, trace element, and Hf isotopic analyses on magmatic and hydrothermally-altered zircons from the skarn-stage and sulfide-stage ores in the Xianghualing deposit. Zircon U–Pb dating results from the two ore-forming stages show distinct geochronological populations: the skarn stage ores contain mainly magmatic and hydrothermally-altered zircons in three age clusters (∼150 Ma, ∼220 Ma, and ∼ 420 Ma), whereas the sulfide-stage ores are characterized by abundant old detrital zircons ranging from 497 to 3409 Ma, with a peak at 800–1000 Ma. This pattern may indicate that magmatic–hydrothermal events in the Silurian and Triassic were precursors to the main Sn mineralization event in the Jurassic, when circulation of evolved fluids through older sedimentary rocks led to Pb–Zn mineralization. The Jurassic zircons exhibit high trace-element contents (e.g., Hf, P, Y, Nb, Ta, Th, U) and low Ti contents, Eu anomalies, Nb/Ta and Th/U ratios, which imply that the Laiziling magma experienced significant plagioclase, biotite and muscovite fractional crystallization, and that it interacted extensively with post-emplacement F-rich hydrothermal fluids. The positive Ce anomalies of these zircons (Ce/Ce∗ = 1.0–226) indicate that the magmatic–hydrothermal fluids that led to the Jurassic Sn mineralization event were reducing. The less negative εHf(t) values of Triassic zircons (−18.7 to −2.6) compared to the Silurian zircons (−14.6 to 2.3) suggest more limited interaction between the mantle and the magma source region. The Jurassic magmatic zircons in the skarns exhibit even more negative εHf(t) values (−30.7 to −6.7), along with T DM C model ages ranging from 1627 to 3134 Ma, indicating that the Jurassic magma was derived from partial melting of old continental crustal basement. Based on the combined study of zircons in the skarns and sulfide ores, we propose a three-stage ore genetic model for the Xianghualing Sn–Pb–Zn deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Ore-forming fluids are moderate-high temperature and salinity, and relatively oxidized, and they evolved from magmatic to meteoric in origin. • Ore-forming materials were mainly derived from magma. • Temperature, redox, pH, and fluid-rock interaction are important controls on the transportation and precipitation of sulfides. Abstract The Tuwu porphyry copper deposit is located in the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China. Lentiform-like ore bodies are hosted in the Early Carboniferous Qi'eshan group, and Cu mineralization shows a close association with tonalite porphyry. Porphyry and country rocks have undergone extensive potassic, chlorite-sericite, phyllic and propylitic alteration. The mineralized veins in the Tuwu deposit can be divided into: earlier quartz–biotite ± magnetite ± chalcopyrite veins (stage I), quartz–chalcopyrite ± bornite ± pyrite veins (stage II) and quartz ± molybdenite ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite ± calcite veins (stage III), and later calcite ± quartz veins (stage IV). The Stage II and III are the main Cu mineralization stages. At the Tuwu deposit, three types of fluid inclusions have been distinguished: liquid-rich (L-type), vapor-rich (V-type) and halite-bearing (S-type), respectively. Laser Raman spectra identified magnetite, hematite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite at S-type inclusions. The quartz veins in stage I and II contain all inclusion types. L-type and V-type inclusions are recognized in stage III quartz minerals, but only L-type inclusions are present in stage IV quartz minerals. Fluid inclusions in quartz of stage I, II, III and IV are characterized by homogenization temperature vary of 275–492 °C, 232–477 °C, 199–287 °C and 133–227 °C, with corresponding NaCl equiv. salinities of 2.2–58.7 wt% NaCl equiv. , 1.4–58.3 wt% NaCl equiv. , 1.1–6.0 wt% NaCl equiv. , and 1.1–4.2 wt% NaCl equiv. , respectively. Initial ore-forming fluids of the Tuwu deposit belong to relatively oxidized H 2 O-NaCl system with moderate-high temperature and salinity. Sulfur isotope data from chalcopyrite and pyrite suggest a magmatic source. Two types of chlorite (type 1 and type 2) are recognized based on the relationship with metal sulfides. Electron microprobe analysis shows that chlorites are plotted in ripidolite and pycnochlorite. Decreasing Fe/(Fe + Mg) ratios of chlorites indicate that the meteoric water was involved in the magmatic water, combined with the positive correlation with AlIV, implying that the chlorite formed in a relatively reduced and acidic environment. The hydrothermal fluids in type 1 chlorite bring large quantities of reduced metallic minerals compared to the barren fluids in type 2 chlorite. The formation temperatures of chlorite are roughly coincident with the results that obtained from fluid inclusion studies, which show a decrease trend. Changes in temperature, redox, pH, and fluid-rock interaction likely play an important role in the transportation and precipitation of metal sulfides of the Tuwu deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Ore-forming tonalite porphyry has high oxygen fugacity and sulfur contents. • Three hydrothermal alteration stages are recognized. Decreasing of t emperature and pressure result in copper precipitation. • Copper transported by brine at high to low temperature, but also by vapor at high temperature. Abstract The Aktogai Group (more than 12.5Mt of Cu and 80t of Au) is located in the western part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The mineralization of the Aktogai deposit is associated with the Early Carboniferous tonalite porphyry which intruded into the Koldar complex. The ore-forming tonalite porphyry has higher oxygen fugacity and sulfur contents than those of wall rocks based on results of mineralogical chemistry analyses. Hydrothermal fluid activities result in the potassic, sericite(-chlorite) and propylitic alteration, and are associated with disseminated and/or vein mineralization. The alteration and mineralization include three stages. Potassic stage is characterized by hydrothermal K-feldspar, biotite, magnetite, "A" veins and disseminated mineralization. Sericite(-chlorite) stage that partly overprinted on potassic stage is characterized by sericite, chlorite, "C" veins and disseminated mineralization. Propylitic stage is characterized by chlorite, epidote and "C" veins, and develops in the tonalite porphyry and wall rocks. Five types of fluid inclusions have been recognized in the Aktogai deposit, including liquid-rich (L-type), vapor-rich (V-type), daughter mineral-bearing (S-type), CO 2 -bearing (C-type) and minor SO 2 -bearing fluid inclusions. In the potassic stage, ore-forming fluid belongs to H 2 O-NaCl-CO 2 system with four types fluid inclusions, homogeneous temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions are 320 °C to 448 °C and 0.35 wt% to 51.08 wt%, respectively. In the sericite(-chlorite) stage, the fluid belongs to H 2 O-NaCl-CO 2 system with L-type, V-type and C-type fluid inclusions, homogeneous temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions are 243 °C to 315 °C and 1.22 wt% to 13.27 wt%, respectively. In the propylitic stage, the fluid belongs to H 2 O-NaCl system with L-type and V-type fluid inclusions, homogeneous temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions are 211 °C to 328 °C and 0.35 wt% to 11.46 wt%, respectively. A relatively negative δ34S‰ values (−4.61‰ to −3.18‰) indicate that the sulfur derived from a high oxygen fugacity magma. Decreases of the temperature, pressure and oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming fluid result in metal precipitation in the Aktogai deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate the potential of ophiolites as archives of paleoseawater and hydrothermal fluid compositions by analysing the chemical and isotopic composition of abiogenic carbonates, precipitated from fluids within the oceanic crust of the 91 Ma Troodos Ophiolite, Cyprus. Calculated variations in fluid Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr with temperature within the upper sections of the ophiolite are similar to those from drilled oceanic crust, and yield literature values for late Cretaceous seawater Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr. This indicates that carbonates from ophiolites could be used to estimate the composition of ancient seawater at times before the age of the oldest preserved in-situ oceanic crust. Whereas most carbonates recovered from in-situ oceanic crust were precipitated at temperatures <60 °C, abiogenic carbonates from the Troodos Ophiolite formed over a temperature range of 7 °C to 218 °C. These provide unique insights into the chemical and mineralogical processes that transform seawater into a high temperature hydrothermal fluid within the oceanic crust. We use ‘hydrothermal variation diagrams’ of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and δ 44/40 Ca versus calculated temperature (δ 18 O) to trace this fluid evolution within the Troodos oceanic crust. We find that successive fluid-crust-interaction, the precipitation of Mg- and Ca-bearing minerals and the early formation of anhydrite (>44 °C) gradually transform Cretaceous seawater into a Troodos hydrothermal fluid. Comparison of the Troodos data with a global dataset of abiogenic carbonates from in-situ oceanic crust shows that the chemical pathways of low-temperature fluid evolution are similar for all Cretaceous sites. These different sites represent varied geotectonic settings (mid-ocean ridge vs. suprasubduction zone), with different basement composition (basalt, basaltic andesite/boninite) and situated in different ocean basins (Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean [Tethys]). The similarity in the carbonate record indicates that these differences do not significantly influence seafloor weathering and hydrothermal alteration at low temperatures. However, abiogenic carbonates from younger oceanic crust differ from the Cretaceous trends and follow different fluid evolution pathways. This indicates, that temporal variations in the composition of seawater may control the nature and the extent of seafloor weathering and hydrothermal alteration at low temperatures. A thermodynamic model of fluid-crust interaction, in which modern and Cretaceous seawater are heated to 200 °C while an average Troodos basaltic andesite is successively added under otherwise identical conditions predicts that fluid evolution and alteration of the oceanic crust were different in the Cretaceous than they are today, and that initial seawater chemistry affects the nature and the extent of seafloor alteration up to moderate fluid temperatures. For example, twice the amount of carbonate formed during alteration of the oceanic crust in the Cretaceous compared to modern times, indicating that the flux of CO 2 from the hydrosphere-atmosphere system into the oceanic crust was greater in the Cretaceous than it is nowadays, and that it probably varied throughout geologic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Triassic Muguayuan W deposit is located in the middle of the Jiangnan Orogen, South China. This deposit is characterized by veinlet-disseminated W mineralization that developed in the Sanxianba granitic porphyry stock. The ore minerals are mainly scheelite with minor molybdenite and wolframite. Scheelite mineralization was closely related to greisenization and phyllic alteration, and took place in two stages. Stage I involved scheelite ± wolframite ± molybdenite + quartz veinlet and disseminated mineralization, whereas Stage II resulted in scheelite + quartz + sericite veinlet mineralization. Sulfide and quartz + calcite ± pyrite veinlets formed during the post-ore stage. Scheelites from the two mineralization stages have different textures and compositions. Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of Stage I scheelites reveal two generations of growth (I-a and I-b). Stage I-a scheelite is dark under CL with oscillatory zoning, and has light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched chondrite-normalized patterns, negative Eu anomalies, and high total REE contents. Stage I-b scheelite forms rim overgrowths on Stage I-a scheelite, is bright under CL, and shows positive Eu anomalies and relatively low REE contents. Although Stage II scheelites are nearly uniform under CL, they can be subdivided into two generations according to their REE systematics. Stage II-a scheelite yields middle REE (MREE)-enriched chondrite-normalized patterns, with negative Eu anomalies, whereas Stage II-b scheelite has MREE-depleted patterns with positive Eu anomalies. Minor amounts of apatite formed in both stages of mineralization. Stage I apatite contains 1370–1930 ppm Mn and 97.7–127 ppm Sr, whereas Stage II apatite has lower Mn (111–158 ppm) and higher Sr (2170–4690 ppm) concentrations. The distinct trace elements compositions of the scheelite and apatite from the two stages identify two ore-forming fluids that had different origins and compositions. The ore-forming fluids in Stage I-a were relatively reduced magma-derived fluids with high Mo, Mn, Nb, and Ta, and low Sr. Fluid modeling shows that the initial fluids of Stage I-a were LREE-enriched with negative Eu anomalies, similar to the Sanxianba granitic porphyry. Precipitation of early apatite and scheelite, as well as plagioclase decomposition, altered the fluid composition and led to relative depletions in REE, Nb, and Ta, and increases of Eu and Sr in the Stage I-b fluids. Cooling of these fluids and the addition of recycled meteoric water led the fluids to become relatively oxidized and Sr-rich; Stage II scheelite precipitated from these fluids. Precipitation of Stage II-a scheelite resulted in the Stage II-b fluids becoming progressively MREE-depleted. Extensive alteration, especially greisenization and phyllic alteration, led to plagioclase decomposition, which provided the Ca necessary for scheelite mineralization. This process was important in generating the W mineralization in the Muguayuan deposit, and perhaps for other granite-hosted, veinlet-disseminated scheelite deposits in the Jiangnan Orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]