• Volume 94,Issue 6,2020 Table of Contents
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    • CONTENTS

      2020, 94(6):0-0.

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    • A Special Issue in Honor of Professor CHANG Yinfo’s 90th Birthday

      2020, 94(6):0-1.

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    • Preface: Research Progress of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Valley Metallogenic Belt

      2020, 94(6):1-6. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14594

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    • Nature and Evolution of Pre-Neoproterozoic Continental Crust in South China: A Review and Tectonic Implications

      2020, 94(6):1731-1756. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14601

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      Abstract:South China as an amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks is composed of Archean to Mesoproterozoic basement overlain by Neoproterozoic and younger cover. Both the constituent Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks contain well-preserved Neoproterozoic rocks that have been extensively studied in terms of the age and tectonic nature, but less is known about their earlier crustal history due to the incomplete rock record. Recent efforts in investigating the yet survived crustal nature based on isotopic and elemental signatures preserved in igneous and sedimentary rocks have steadily improved our knowledge about the pre-Neoproterozoic continental crustal evolution in South China. In this paper, we summarize the up-to-date pre-Neoproterozoic records, including petrological, geochronological, geochemical and geophysical data, across South China, and discuss its spatiotemporal patterns of the pre-Neoproterozoic crust and the relevant tectonic events. While the xenocrystic/inherited and detrital zircon records suggest widespread Archean (mainly ca. 2.5 Ga) crustal components within both the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, exposed Archean rocks are only limited to isolated crustal provinces in the Yangtze Block. These Archean rocks are dominated by TTGs (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) with varied ages (3.3–2.5 Ga) and zircon Hf isotopes, indicating a compositionally heterogeneous nature of the Archean Yangtze Block and, by inference, the development of multiple ancient terranes. The early Paleoproterozoic (2.4–2.2 Ga) tectonomagmatic events characterize the western Yangtze Block and are supportive of an east-west subdivision of the Yangtze basement, whereas the late Paleoproterozoic (2.1–1.7 Ga) orogeneses may have affected a larger area covering both the western and eastern parts of the Yangtze Block, and also the Cathaysia Block. The eastern Yangtze Block with generally northeastward-younging late Paleoproterozoic magmatism and metamorphism likely experienced a prolonged 2.05–1.75 Ga orogenic process welding the various Archean proto-continents, consistent with the documentation of a buried late Paleoproterozoic orogenic belt imaged by deep seismic profiling from its central part and of a slightly older ophiolitic mélange in the northern part. The Cathaysia Block was probably involved in a short-lived 1.9–1.8 Ga orogenic event. The two orogeneses overlapped in time and may have contributed to the cratonization of a possible unified South China, and are referred to be linked with the assembly of the Nuna Supercontinent. The subsequent late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic rift successions and intrusions (1.7–1.5 Ga) in the southwestern Yangtze Block, and the ca. 1.43 Ga rifting in Hainan Island of the Cathaysia Block could be responses to the Nuna break-up. Late Mesoproterozoic (1.2–1.0 Ga) magmatism of varied age and nature in different localities of the Yangtze Block is reflective of a complex tectonic process in the context of the assembly of the Rodinia Supercontinent. Similar-aged metamorphism (1.3–1.0 Ga) is recorded in Hainan Island, reflecting the Grenvillian continental collision during the Rodinia assembly, but further studies are necessary to better constrain the late Mesoproterozoic tectonic framework of South China.

    • Spatial-Temporal Distribution, Geological Characteristics and Ore-Formation Controlling Factors of Major Types of Rare Metal Mineral Deposits in China

      2020, 94(6):1757-1773. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14595

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      Abstract:Rare metals including Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Zirconium (Zr), Hafnium (Hf), Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W) and Tin (Sn) are important critical mineral resources. In China, rare metal mineral deposits are spatially distributed mainly in the Altay and Southern Great Xingán Range regions in the Central Asian orogenic belt; in the Middle Qilian, South Qinling and East Qinling mountains regions in the Qilian–Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt; in the Western Sichuan and Bailongshan–Dahongliutan regions in the Kunlun–Songpan–Garze orogenic belt, and in the Northeastern Jiangxi, Northwestern Jiangxi, and Southern Hunan regions in South China. Major ore-forming epochs include Indosinian (mostly 200–240 Ma, in particular in western China) and the Yanshanian (mostly 120–160 Ma, in particular in South China). In addition, Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, northeastern China, with a complex formation history, hosts the largest REE and Nb deposits in China. There are six major rare metal mineral deposit types in China: Highly fractionated granite; Pegmatite; Alkaline granite; Carbonatite and alkaline rock; Volcanic; and Hydrothermal types. Two further types, namely the Leptynite type and Breccia pipe type, have recently been discovered in China, and are represented by the Yushishan Nb–Ta– (Zr–Hf–REE) and the Weilasituo Li–Rb–Sn–W–Zn–Pb deposits. Several most important controlling factors for rare metal mineral deposits are discussed, including geochemical behaviors and sources of the rare metals, highly evolved magmatic fractionation, and structural controls such as the metamorphic core complex setting, with a revised conceptual model for the latter.

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

      2020, 94(6):1774-1796. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14596

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

    • Mineral Deposit Model of Cu–Fe–Au Skarn System in the Edongnan Region, Eastern China

      2020, 94(6):1797-1807. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14597

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      Abstract:Cu and Fe skarns are the world’s most abundant and largest skarn type deposits, especially in China, and Au-rich skarn deposits have received much attention in the past two decades and yet there are few papers focused on schematic mineral deposit models of Cu–Fe–Au skarn systems. Three types of Au-rich deposits are recognized in the Edongnan region, Middle–Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt: ~140 Ma Cu–Au and Au–Cu skarn deposits and distal Au–Tl deposits; 137–148 Ma Cu–Fe; and 130–133 Ma Fe skarn deposits. The Cu–Fe skarn deposits have a greater contribution of mantle components than the Fe skarn deposits, and the hydrothermal fluids responsible for formation of the Fe skarn deposits involved a greater contribution from evaporitic sedimentary rocks compared to Cu–Fe skarn deposits. The carbonate-hosted Au–Tl deposits in the Edongnan region are interpreted as distal products of Cu–Au skarn mineralization. A new schematic mineral deposit model of the Cu–Fe–Au skarn system is proposed to illustrate the relationship between the Cu–Fe–Au skarn mineralization, the evaporitic sedimentary rocks, and distal Au–Tl deposits. This model has important implications for the exploration for carbonate–hosted Au–Tl deposits in the more distal parts of Cu–Au skarn systems, and Fe skarn deposits with the occurrence of gypsum-bearing host sedimentary rocks in the MLYRB, and possibly elsewhere.

    • Three-dimensional P-wave Velocity Structure Modelling of the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt: Crustal Architecture and Metallogenic Implications

      2020, 94(6):1808-1821. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14603

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      Abstract:In this study, we compiled and analyzed 69310 P-wave travel-time data from 6639 earthquake events. These events (M ≥ 2.0) occurred from 1980s to June 2019 and were recorded at 319 seismic stations (Chinese Earthquake Networks Center) in the study area. We adopted the double-difference seismic tomographic method (tomoDD) to invert the 3-D P-wave velocity structure and constrain the crust-upper mantle architecture of the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (MLYB). A 1-D initial model extracted from wide-angle seismic profiles was used in the seismic tomography, which greatly reduced the inversion residual. Our results indicate that reliable velocity structure of the uppermost mantle can be obtained when Pn is involved in the tomography. Our results show that: (1) the pattern of the uppermost mantle velocity structure corresponds well with the geological partitioning: a nearly E–W-trending low-velocity zone is present beneath the Dabie Orogen, in contrast to the mainly NE-trending low-velocity anomalies beneath the Jiangnan Orogen. They suggest the presence of thickened lower crust beneath the orogens in the study area. In contrast, the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks are characterized by relatively high-velocity anomalies; (2) both the ultra-high-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in the Dabie Orogen and the low-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Zhangbaling dome are characterized by high-velocity anomalies. The upper crust in the Dabie Orogen is characterized by a low-velocity belt, sandwiched between two high velocity zones in a horizontal?direction, with discontinuous low-velocity layers in the middle crust. The keel of the Dabie Orogen is mainly preserved beneath its northern section. We infer that the lower crustal delamination may have mainly occurred in the southern Dabie Orogen, which caused the mantle upwelling responsible for the formation of the granitic magmas emplaced in the middle crust as the low-velocity layers observed there. Continuous deep-level compression likely squeezed the granitic magma upward to intrude the upper crustal UHP metamorphic rocks, forming the ‘sandwich’ velocity structure there; (3) high-velocity updoming is widespread in the crust-mantle transition zone beneath the MLYB. From the Anqing-Guichi ore field northeastward to the Luzong, Tongling, Ningwu and Ningzhen orefields, high-velocity anomalies in the crust-mantle transition zone increase rapidly in size and are widely distributed. The updoming also exists in the crust-mantle transition zone beneath the Jiurui and Edongnan orefields, but the high-velocity anomalies are mainly stellate distributed. The updoming high-velocity zone beneath the MLYB generally extends from the crust-mantle transition zone to the middle crust, different from the velocity structure in the upper crust. The upper crust beneath the Early Cretaceous extension-related Luzong and Ningwu volcanic basins is characterized by high velocity zones, in contrast to the low velocity anomalies beneath the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous compression-related Tongling ore field. The MLYB may have undergone a compressive-to-extensional transition during the Yanshanian (Jurassic–Cretaceous) period, during which extensive magmatism occurred. The near mantle–crustal boundary updoming was likely caused by asthenospheric underplating at the base of the lower crust. The magmas may have ascended through major crustal faults, undergoing AFC (assimilation and fractional crystallization) processes, became emplaced in the fault-bounded basins or Paleozoic sequences, eventually forming the many Cu-Fe polymetallic deposits there.

    • Rectifying the Neoproterozoic Stratigraphic Framework of Eastern Jiangnan Orogen, Southeast China

      2020, 94(6):1822-1848. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14600

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      Abstract:Studies on the metamorphic and related magmatic rocks within the Jiangnan Orogen, southern China, are important to understand the formation and evolution of this Neoproterozoic orogen because they can provide evidence for revealing the tectonic evolution of the South China Block. Following on from earlier attempts at stratigraphic correlation and creating a framework for the low-grade metamorphosed basement, new first-hand information on the composition and deformation of the East Jiangnan Orogen basement indicates that the sedimentary rocks in the north are composed of the sequential Shangxi Group (Gp) and the overlying Likou Gp, with a clear regional unconformity in between. The Likou Gp includes the Zhentou Formation (Fm.) and the Dengjia Fm., with the previously named Puling Fm. only basalt interbeds within the Dengjia Fm. The Xucun granodiorite pluton of ~830 Ma intrudes the Shangxi Gp, thereby resulting in a 100 m-wide hornfels zone within the wall rocks, indicating that the formation of the group occurred earlier than that of the pluton. By contrast, the southern metamorphic rocks of the Xikou Gp and the overlying Jingtan Fm. are flaky, disordered, and strongly deformed. The Jingtan Fm. is roughly equivalent to the Heshangzhen Gp and includes the Zhoujiacun conglomerates in the lower part and a rhyolite in the upper part with interbedded basalt. This assessment of Neoproterozoic stratigraphic sequences and magmatic rocks in the east of the Jiangnan Orogen differs from and rectifies previous studies, emphasizing that explanation of analytical results, particularly geochronology, should be consistent with facts gathered in the field.

    • Genesis of Strata-bound Sulfide Orebodies in the Tongling Polymetallic Mineralization Cluster, SE China: Evidence from Colloform Pyrite

      2020, 94(6):1849-1859. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14598

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      Abstract:Colloform pyrite (CPy) is widely distributed in the Tongling mineralization cluster of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Mineralization Belt (MLYRMB), China. There have many debates as to whether such CPy is associated with Late Mesozoic igneous or Carboniferous sedimentation. CPy from the Xinqiao deposit, a representative of the stratabound sulfide deposits in the MLYRMB, was studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that CPy mainly comprises pyrite, pyrrhotite, quartz, and illite. Pyrite in CPy shows cubic, globule, and xenomorphic morphologies. No octahedral or pyritohedron was observed. Most of the quartz crystals display xenomorphic morphology, where pyrite mold are popular on the surface. Organic matter (OM), which is usually bound to illite, is an important component in CPy. Morphological investigations which exhibit detrital features of quartz and clay minerals indicate that they were derived from continental weathering. Specially, some hexagonal pyrrhotite nanoparticles which show mackinawite morphology are coexisted with OM. The results indicate that the transformation process of sulfides possibly is mackinawite (the precursor)—hexagonal pyrrhotite—pyrite. Thus, compositional and micro-textural characteristics of CPy in Xinqiao deposit suggest it to be a sedimentary origin rather than a hydrothermal origin which is associated with Yanshanian magmatism. Moreover, the coexistence of CPy and stratabound sulfide orebodies in the MLYRMB suggests a causal link between the two. It is considered that CPy might have served as a Cu mineralization geochemical barrier for the Cu-bearing ore-forming fluids, which originated from the Mesozoic magma in the MLYRMB.

    • Genesis of S-type Granites in the Pengshan Sn-polymetallic Ore Field, Northern Jiangxi Province and its Implications

      2020, 94(6):1860-1873. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14599

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      Abstract:The Pengshan Sn-polymetallic ore field is located in the southeastern part of the Yangtze block, spanning the southeast edge of the MLYDZ and the northern edge of the mid-segment of the Jiangnan Uplift, and on one side of the MLYDZ. The studies of LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb chronology and petrogeochemistry for Early Cretaceous acid granites from the Pengshan ore field were carried out in this paper. We report zircon U–Pb geochronology and whole-rock geochemistry for acid granites in the Pengshan ore field. The zircon U–Pb ages of the muscovite-granite, biotite adamellite and granite-porphyry are 127.6 ± 1.7 Ma, 126.9 ± 1.6 Ma and 126.6 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively. The granites in Pengshan are characterized by a high silicon content and are rich in alkali. They belong to high-potassium, calc-alkaline, peraluminous granite. The rocks have a relatively high Rb/Ba ratio, and the data points for muscovite-granite and biotite adamellite all fall within the clay-rich sources region, near the pelite-derived end-member, showing that the Pengshan muscovite-granite and biotite adamellite mainly originated from the partial melting of metapelites with high maturity. The transformation of the compressional and extensional tectonics in this region approximately 128 Ma obviously lags behind that in the mid-segment of the Jiangnan Uplift (135 Ma), but occurred earlier than the MLYDZ (126 Ma). The Pengshan ore field extends from the mid-segment of the Jiangnan Uplift to the MLYDZ. Although the tectonic stress field is constrained by the combination of the two secondary tectonic units, the time of tectonic system transformation is closer to the MLYDZ because the spatial orientation of the area is enclosed in the MLYDZ. Relevant geophysical and drilling data confirm the rationality of Pengshan–Ao’xia as a multi-center vertical zoning ore field, and show the scientificity of the prospecting idea of abutting joint between the north-west of Pengshan area and the south-east of Ao’xia area.

    • Genetic Types, Spatiotemporal Distribution of Ore Deposits and Sources of Ore-forming Materials in the Xuancheng Area, Anhui Province

      2020, 94(6):1874-1892. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14605

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      Abstract:In recent years, several large and medium-sized ore deposits have been discovered in the shallow cover of Xuancheng, Anhui Province, indicating that this area has a productive metallogenic geological background and may be a potential prospecting region. Based on systematic investigation, the geological and mineralization characteristics of porphyry Cu-Au deposits and skarn Cu-Mo-W deposits in this region have been summarized. Zircon U-Pb dating (LA-ICP-MS) of the Chating quartz-diorite porphyry and the Kunshan biotite pyroxene diorite yield concordia ages of 145.5 ± 2.1 Ma and 131.8 ± 2.1 Ma, respectively. Meanwhile, the Re-Os dating analyses for molybdenite from the Shizishan and Magushan skarn Cu-Mo deposits yielded 133.81 ± 0.86 Ma and 143.8 ± 1.4 Ma ages, respectively. When viewed in conjunction with previous studies, it is suggested that twostage (the early stage of 145–135 Ma and the late stage of 134–125 Ma) magmatism may have occurred during the Mesozoic in Xuancheng region. Early stage intrusive rocks are distributed along both sides of the Jiangnan deep fault (JDF).The intrusive rocks to the north of the JDF are mainly quartz-diorite porphyry and granodiorite (porphyry) rocks, related to porphyry Cu-Au deposits and skarn-type Cu-Mo-W deposits. These deposits belong to the first stage of the porphyry-skarn copper gold metallogenic belt of the Middle-Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt (MLYB), associated with the high potassium calc-alkaline intermediate-acid intrusions. The magmatic and ore-forming materials are mainly derived from the enriched lithospheric mantle. South of the JDF, the Magushan granodiorite is a representative intrusive rock of the first stage I-type granite, which hosts the Magushan Cu-Mo skarn deposit, similar to the W-Mo-Cu skarn deposits in the Eastern Segment of the Jiangnan Uplift Metallogenic Belt (ESJUB). The magmatic and metallogenic materials mainly came from the Neoproterozoic basement, with the possible participation of a small amount of mantle components. The late stage magmatism was dominated by volcanic rocks with a small amount of intrusive rocks, which were consistent with the limited volcanic-intrusive activities in the second stage of the MLYB. The H-O stable isotopes of ore deposits in the region indicate that the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids of the porphyry and skarn deposits were mostly of magmatic water for the ore-forming stage, the percentage of meteoric water obviously increasing during the late ore-forming stage. The ore-forming materials of the deposits are mainly from the deep magma with a few sedimentary wall rocks, according to the stable carbon isotopes of the carbonates in the ore deposits. Additionally, according to previous research, the molybdenite from the MLYB has a higher Re content than that of the ESJUB. The higher content of Re in the molybdenite from the Shizishan deposit is identical to that of MLYB rather than ESJUB, whereas Re characteristics in molybdenite of Magushan deposit are similar to that of ESJUB. The differences in Re characteristics indicate the different deep processes and ore-forming material sources (mainly mantle composition for the former and crustal materials for the latter) of these ore deposits on opposite sides of the JDF.

    • Deep Mineralization Background and Metallogenic Regularity of the Tongling Ore District

      2020, 94(6):1893-1908. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14606

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      Abstract:Based on the geological conditions and characteristics of mineralization present, three-dimensional geological modelling is used in conjunction with previous deep research results, in order to discuss the process of deep mineralization in the Tongling ore district. The structural analysis shows that surface deformation is strong, deep deformation is weak, the surface has mainly experienced brittle deformation, with the possibility of a large number of deep ductile deformations. There is a thrust nappe between the Tongling uplift and the Nanling basin, that is the boundary of the Tongling block, which has resulted in the southwest uplift of the Tongling block. Combined with the deep exploration data, the three-dimensional shape of the main rock masses is interpreted, with three-layer structures in the deep magma chamber. The spatial distribution of magmatic rocks is mainly controlled by the structure. The movement of magmatic hydrothermal fluid is dominated by mesoscale seepage in the deep part and ‘dike’ type upwelling in the shallow part. There is a certain coupling relationship between the ore-forming rock mass and the surrounding rock. The ore-forming age is dominated by the Yanshanian period. Based on the distribution, types and metallogenic characteristics of the deposits, the metallogenic model of ‘layer coupling’ in the Tongling ore district is summarized, with the ‘one body, two belts and a multilayer metallogenic system’ is established, which is significant for the future direction of deep prospecting in the Tongling area.

    • Geochemistry and Geochronology of Intermediate Rocks in the Jiangshan Au Deposit in the Bengbu Uplift, North Anhui Province: Clues to Regional Au Mineralization

      2020, 94(6):1909-1920. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14607

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      Abstract:4 312 Geological Team of the Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration Bureau in Anhui Province, Bengbu, Anhui 233040, China

    • Neoproterozoic Crustal Reworking and Growth in the Zhangbaling Uplift, Tan–Lu Fault Zone: Evidence from the Feidong Complex and Zhangbaling Group

      2020, 94(6):1921-1939. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14604

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      Abstract:Intensive mid-Neoproterozoic magmatism is the salient feature of the Yangtze Block, preserving abundant information about crustal reworking and growth. Zircon U–Pb–Lu–Hf isotope analysis was performed on material from the Feidong Complex (FDC) and Zhangbaling Group (ZBLG) of the Zhangbaling Uplift, in order to determine the age and magmatic source of the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks as well as the detrital provenance for the sedimentary rocks, to further provide important data for understanding the mid-Neoproterozoic crustal evolution of the Northeast Yangtze Block. The amphibolite and gneissic granites in the Feidong Complex (FDC) gave similar protolith ages of 782–776 Ma. The synmagmatic zircons exhibited variable negative εHf(t) values of ?26.9 to ?8.3. Early (ca. 2.4 Ga) to late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.0–1.9 Ga) inherited zircons were found in the gneissic monzogranite, with negative εHf(t) values of ?11.2 to ?7.2, indicating strong reworking of the ancient crustal materials of the Northeast Yangtze Block. Whereas the amphibolites represent minor crustal growth through emplacement of continental rifting-related mafic magmas. The quartz–keratophyres in the Xileng Formation of the ZBLG in contrast systematically yield young protolith crystallization ages of 754–727 Ma with high εHf(t) values of ?2.0 to +5.6, indicating their derivation from the reworking of juvenile crustal materials. The detrital zircons from the metasiltstone in the Beijiangjun Formation yield variable 206Pb/238U ages (871–644 Ma) with a peak age at 741 ± 11 Ma and εHf(t) values of ?4.3 to +5.3, which is consistent with those of the Xileng Formation, but distinct from the FDC, indicating that the provenance of the metasiltstone is primarily the underlying Xileng Formation. The mid-Neoproterozoic igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Zhangbaling Uplift were products from continental rifting zones along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block, situated in different positions from the Susong Complex and the Haizhou Group. The transition from ancient to juvenile crustal sources for felsic magmatic rocks is attributed to gradually increased crustal extension during continental rifting.

    • A 3D Geological Model Constrained by Gravity and Magnetic Inversion and its Exploration Implications for the World-class Zhuxi Tungsten Deposit, South China

      2020, 94(6):1940-1959. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14602

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      Abstract:The Zhuxi tungsten deposit in Jiangxi Province, South China, contains a total W reserve of about 2.86 Mt at an average grade of 0.54 wt% WO3, representing the largest W deposit in the world. Numerous studies on the metallogeny of the deposit have included its timing, the ore-controlling structures and sedimentary host rocks and their implications for mineral exploration. However, the deep nappe structural style of Taqian–Fuchun metallogenic belt that hosts the W deposit, and the spatial shape and scale of deeply concealed intrusions and their sedimentary host rocks are still poorly defined, which seriously restricts the discovery of new deposits at depth and in surrounding areas of the W deposit. Modern 3D geological modeling is an important tool for the exploration of concealed orebodies, especially in brownfield environments. There are obvious density contrast and weak magnetic contrast in the ore-controlling strata and granite at the periphery of the deposit, which lays a physical foundation for solving the 3D spatial problems of the ore-controlling geological body in the deep part of the study area through gravity and magnetic modeling. Gravity data (1:50000) and aeromagnetic data (1:50000) from the latest geophysical surveys of 2016–2018 have been used, firstly, to carry out a potential field separation to obtain residual anomalies for gravity and magnetic interactive inversion. Then, on the basis of the analysis of the relationship between physical properties and lithology, under the constraints of surface geology and borehole data, human–computer interactive gravity and magnetic inversion for 18 cross-sections were completed. Finally, the 3D geological model of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit and its periphery have been established through these 18 sections, and the spatial shape of the intrusions and strata with a depth of 5 km underground were obtained, initially realizing “transparency” for ore-controlling bodies. According the analysis of the geophysical, geochemical, and geological characteristics of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit, we discern three principles for prospecting and prediction in the research area, and propose five new?exploration?targets in?its?periphery.

    • Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Granitoid Intrusions in the Feidong District, Southern Tan–Lu Fault Zone, China

      2020, 94(6):1960-1976. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14611

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      Abstract:The Feidong district is located in the southern segment of the Tan–Lu fault zone that separates the South China Block (NCB) from the North China Craton (NCC). We report zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotope data, as well as whole-rock geochemistry for Xishanyi granodiorite and Jianshan granite in the Feidong district. Zircon U-Pb dating results show that the emplacement ages of the Xishanyi and Jianshan intrusions are 124 ± 3 Ma and 130 ± 1 Ma respectively, coeval with magmatic events linked to large-scale lithospheric thinning in eastern China. The whole-rock geochemistry of the Xishanyi and Jianshan intrusions demonstrate that they are peraluminous, high potassium calc-alkaline I-type granites with adakitic characteristics. Both intrusions underwent weak crustal assimilation during emplacement. The in situ zircon εHf(t) values of the Xishanyi granodiorites range from ?26.4 to ?21.8, with TDM2 model ages of 2552 to 2841 Ma. The in situ zircon εHf(t) values of the Jianshan granite are from ?27.5 to ?23.0 with TDM2 model ages of 2632 to 2904 Ma. The peak age of inherited zircon grains from the Xishanyi granodiorite and the Jianshan granite were ~2.07 Ga and ~1.94 Ga, respectively. After compared with the regional magmatism, we suggest that both the Xishanyi and Jianshan granitoid intrusions were derived from partial melting of the NCC lower crust.

    • Cathodoluminescence and Trace Element Composition of Scheelite from the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (MLYB): Implications for Mineralization and Exploration

      2020, 94(6):1977-1996. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14609

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      Abstract:The Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (MLYB) is known to contain abundant copper and iron porphyry-skarn deposits, with an increasing number of tungsten deposits and scheelite in Fe–Cu deposits being discovered in the MLYB during recent decades. The ore genesis of the newly-discovered tungsten mineralization in the MLYB is poorly understood. We investigate four sets of scheelite samples from tungsten, iron and copper deposits, using CL imaging and LA–ICP–MS techniques to reveal internal zonation patterns and trace element compositions. The REE distribution patterns of four studied deposits show varying degrees of LREE enrichment with negative Eu anomalies. The oxygen fugacity of ore-forming fluid increased in Donggushan, while the oxygen fugacity of ore-forming fluid decreased in Ruanjiawan, Guilinzheng and Gaojiabang. The scheelites from the Donggushan, Ruanjiawan, Guilinzheng and Gaojiabang deposits show enrichment in LREEs and HFSE, with Nb/La ratios ranging from 1.217 to 52.455, indicating that the four tungsten deposits are enriched in the volatile fluorine. A plot of (La/Lu)N versus Mo/δEu can be used to distinguish quartz vein type, porphyry and skarn tungsten deposits. This study demonstrates that scheelite grains can be used to infer tungsten mineralization and are effective in identifying magmatic types of tungsten deposits in prospective mining sites.

    • Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Causative Intrusion and a New Genetic Model Study of the Yaojialing Polymetallic Skarn Deposit, Tongling District, China

      2020, 94(6):1997-2011. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14610

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      Abstract:The Yaojialing deposit is the first large-scale Zn–Au–Cu polymetallic skarn deposit located in the Shatanjiao ore field of the Tongling area in the Middle–Lower Yangtze belt. It has distinct metallogenic characteristics and is clearly different from the known skarn Cu–Au deposits in the Tongling area and the Middle–Lower Yangtze belt. Previous studies of the Yaojialing deposit have included rock geochemistry, alteration and mineralization characteristics, as well as metallogenesis and metallogenic models. However, there are still numerous problems concerning the coexistence of multiple elements, metallogenetic specialization of the magma and the metallogenic model. In this study, using the latest production exploration work on the deposit, we investigated the Yaojialing deposit including its geological characteristics, petrography, LA–ICP MS zircon U–Pb dating and whole rock geochemistry. Two kinds of magmatic rocks have been distinguished for the first time in the deposit, amongst which the granodiorite porphyry exposed on the surface of the mining area, which is the host rock of the veined lead–zinc ore body, is the wall-rock intrusion; and the deep concealed quartz monzonite porphyry is the causative intrusion, the distribution of orebodies and wall-rock alteration characteristics showing regular zoning around the quartz monzonite porphyry. The 206Pb/238U weighted average age of the granodiorite porphyry is 140.2 ± 1.0 Ma (MSWD = 0.85, n = 13) by LA–ICP MS zircon U–Pb dating, while the quartz monzonite porphyry is 138.9 ± 1.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.60, n = 16), which is consistent with petrographic evidence. The geochemical characteristics show that the quartz monzonite porphyry is a high-K calc-alkaline series peraluminous rock. The trace element characteristics show that the quartz monzonite porphyry is enriched in LILE such as K, Rb, Sr, Ba and LREE, yet depleted in HFSE such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti. The Yaojialing deposit shows the mineralization characteristics of proximal skarn and distal skarn, having the common characteristics of ‘multi-storey’ and ‘Trinity’ metallogenic models.

    • Late Paleozoic Element Migration and Accumulation under Intracontinental Sinistral Strike-slip Faulting in the West Junggar Orogenic Belt, NW China

      2020, 94(6):2012-2030. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14608

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      Abstract:The migration, accumulation and dispersion of elements caused by tectonic dynamics have always been a focus of attention, and become the basis of tectono-geochemistry. However, the effects of faulting, especially strike-slip faulting, on the adjustment of geochemical element distribution, are still not clear. In this paper, we select the West Junggar Orogenic Belt (WJOB), NW China, as a case study to test the migration behavior of elements under tectonic dynamics. The WJOB is dominated by NE-trending large-scale sinistral strike-slip faults such as the Darabut Fault, the Mayile Fault, and the Baerluke Fault, which formed during the intracontinental adjustment under N–S compression during ocean-continental conversion in the Late Paleozoic. Geochemical maps of 13 elements, Al, W, Sn, Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Sb, Hg, Fe, Ni, and Au, are analyzed for the effects of faulting and folding on element distribution at the regional scale. The results show that the element distribution in the WJOB is controlled mainly by two mechanisms during tectonic deformation: first is the material transporting mechanism, where the movement of geological units is consistent with the direction of tectonic movement; second is the diffusion mechanism, especially by tectonic pressure dissolution driven by tectonic dynamics, where the migration of elements is approximately perpendicular or opposite to the direction of tectonic movement. We conclude that the adjustment of element distributions has been determined by the combined actions of transporting and diffusion mechanisms, and that the diffusion mechanism plays an important role in the formation of geochemical Au blocks in the WJOB.

    • Ca. 1.7 Ga Magmatism on Southwestern Margin of the Yangtze Block: Response to the Breakup of Columbia

      2020, 94(6):2031-2052. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14614

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      Abstract:This paper presents some data of the Jiaopingdu gabbro and Caiyuanzi granite at the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, on the geochemical compositions, zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data. The Jiaopingdu gabbro gives the age of 1721 ± 5 Ma, the Caiyuanzi granite 1732 ± 6 Ma and 1735 ± 4 Ma, and the Wenjiacun porphyry granite 1713 ± 4 Ma, suggesting nearly contemporaneous formation time of the gabbro and granite. The bimodal feature is demonstrated by the gabbro SiO2 content of 44.64–46.87 wt% and granite 73.81–77.03 wt%. In addition, the granite has high content of SiO2 and Na2O + K2O, low content of Al2O3 and CaO, enriched in REEs (except Eu) and Zr, Nb, Ga and Y, depleted in Sr, implying it belongs to A-type granite geochemistry and origin of within-plate environment. The zircon εHf(t) of the granite and gabbro is at the range of 2–6, which is near the 2.0 Ga evolution line of the crust, implying the parent magma of the gabbro being derived from the depleted mantle and a small amount of crustal material, and the parent magma of the granite from partial melting of the juvenile crust and some ancient crustal material at the same time. Compared with 1.8–1.7 Ga magmatism during breakup of other cratons in the world, we can deduce that the Columbia has initially broken since ca. 1.8 Ga, and some continental marginal or intra-continental rifts occurred at ca. 1.73 Ga.

    • Major Tectono-thermal Events in the Yangtze Craton: Insights from U-Pb-Lu-Hf Isotope Records in Zircons from End-Permian Volcanic Interlayers in Southwest China

      2020, 94(6):2053-2076. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14615

      Abstract (428) HTML (0) PDF 10.89 M (563) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The in situ zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotope records from end-Permian volcanic interlayers in southwest China, integrated with previous studies, restructure the evolutionary history of the Yangtze Craton from Precambrian to Late Paleozoic. This includes early continental crust formation before ~3.0 Ga and massive juvenile crustal growth at 2.6–2.4 Ga; large-scale crustal reworking at ~2.1–1.7 Ga; Neoproterozoic crust addition at ~1.1 to 0.7 Ga; collision and subduction along the craton margin between ~700–541 Ma; Early Ordovician to Late Silurian magmatism; and large tectono-thermal events in the Middle Carboniferous to end-Permian. Some zircons with TMD2 ages from 4.40 to 4.01 Ga and lower initial 176Hf/177Hf values of 0.280592 to 0.280726 may imply the existence of Hadean crust relics beneath the Yangtze Craton and their provenances could be associated with Hadean crustal remelting. This study further clarifies that the Precambrian-age zircons between the end-Permian volcanic interlayers, the complexes in the western margin of the Yangtze Craton, and the sedimentary Kangdian Basin, may share an affinity based on similar U-Pb age spectra and Hf isotope features. It also shows that the Neoproterozoic tectono-thermal event may be associated with large-scale tectono-rifting activity, which is different from the Grenville-age continental collision between Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China. The above findings support the inference of a widespread Archean basement extending to the western Yangtze Craton and a provenance in the Kangdian Basin that is derived from the weathering and erosion of Paleoproterozoic continental crust.

    • Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Cenozoic Zhalaga Granitoids of the Yulong Alkali-rich Porphyry Belt in Eastern Tibet (Xizang), SW China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

      2020, 94(6):2077-2090. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14506

      Abstract (459) HTML (0) PDF 21.81 M (558) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Large-scale Cenozoic magmatic rocks from the interplay between the Indian and Eurasian plate are exposed in the Yulong porphyry copper belt in the northern Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan domain. Alkali-rich magmas along the Yulong porphyry copper belt can reveal the tectono-magmatic processes in the Sanjiang region. In this study, we present new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes and whole rock geochemistry of Cenozoic granitoids from the Zhalaga area in the northern Yulong porphyry copper belt. The Zircon U–Pb dating results show that the Zhalaga granitic porphyry crystallized at ca. 42–38 Ma. These porphyry deposits are depleted in Nb, Ta, Sr, and Ti enriched in alkaline and rare earth elements (REEs), and exhibit high zircon saturation temperatures, that strongly indicate A-type affinity. These data and the generally positive εHf(t) values (2.0–4.5) suggest the magmas originated from a hybrid of partial melting of subduction-modified lithospheric mantle, possibly triggered by upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle. Geochronological and geochemical data of the current and previous studies distinguish three magmatic phases during the Cenozoic in the Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan region: (1) ca. 62–48 Ma; (2) ca. 44–30 Ma; and (3) ca. 28–16 Ma. The strong collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates produced relatively fast convergence rates during the first episode (ca. 62–48 Ma), whereas the subsequent right-lateral strike-slip faulting in the Jinshajiang fault zone initiated at ca. 43 Ma is associated with the relatively low India–Eurasia convergence rates during ca. 44–30 Ma. These significantly impacted the nature and spatial distribution of the magmatism and the large-scale metallogeny during the Cenozoic in the Sanjiang region. We suggest that the Zhalaga alkali-rich magmas occurred in a transition period from involving soft to hard collisional settings. This remarkable example demonstrates that alkali-rich magmas with A-type affinity are also generated in an orogenic tectonic setting.

    • The Early Permian Woniusi Flood Basalts from the Baoshan Terrane, SW China: Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications

      2020, 94(6):2091-2114. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14381

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      Abstract:The Woniusi flood basalts from the Baoshan terrane, SW China, represent a signi?cant eruption of volcanic rocks which were linked to the Late Paleozoic rifting of the Cimmeria from the northern margin of East Gondwana. However, the precise mechanism for the formation and propagation of the rifting is still in debate. Here we report 40Ar/39Ar dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes for the Woniusi basalts from the Baoshan terrane of SW China, with the aim of assessing if a mantle plume was related to the formation of the continent Cimmeria. 40Ar/39Ar dating of the Woniusi basalts yielded ages of 279.3 ± 1.1 Ma and 273.9 ± 1.5 Ma, indicating they were emplaced during the Early Permian. Whole-rock geochemistry shows that these basalts have subalkaline tholeiitic af?nity, low TiO2 (1.2–2.2 wt%), and fractionated chondrite-normalized LREE and nearly ?at HREE patterns [(La/Yb)N = 2.86–5.77; (Dy/Yb)N = 1.21–1.49] with noticeable negative Nb and Ta anomalies on the primitive mantle-normalized trace element diagram. The ?Nd(t) values (?4.76 to +0.92) and high (206Pb/204Pb)i (18.40?18.66) along with partial melt modeling indicates that the basalts were likely derived from a sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source metasomatized by subduction-related processes. On the basis of a similar emplacement age to the Panjal basalts and Qiangtang mafic dykes and flood basalts in the Himalayas, combined with a tectonic reconstruction of Gondwana in the Early Permian, we propose that the large-scale eruption of these basalts and dykes was related to an Early Permian mantle plume that possibly initiated the rifting on the northern margin of East Gondwana.

    • Ordovician Proto–basin in South China and its Tectonic Implications: Evidence from the Detrital Zircon U–Pb Ages of the Ordovician in Central Hunan, China

      2020, 94(6):2115-2133. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14583

      Abstract (465) HTML (0) PDF 8.73 M (525) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Caledonian orogeny is another important tectonic event in South China Block after the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. With a view to constrain the tectonic evolution and proto–basin in South China, this paper reports the geochemical and zircon U-Pb dating data of the Ordovician strata in central Hunan, South China. Geochemical features and paleocurrent directions suggest that the lower Ordovician deposited in a passive continental margin basin with a provenance of quartzose components and showing an affinity with the Yangtze Block. U-Pb age data for 260 detrital zircons from upper Ordovician identify three major age populations as: 900–1200 Ma, 1400–1800 Ma and 2400–2700 Ma. The detrital zircon age spectrum as well as the paleocurrent directions suggest that upper Ordovician deposited in a foreland basin and showing a close affinity with the Cathaysia Block. It is also suggest that the lower Ordovician continuously accepted the mineral from the Yangtze Block, whereas the provenance of the upper Ordovician sedimentary basin changed from the Yangtze Block to the Cathaysia Block. This change implies a tectonic movement, which caused the transformation of the proto–basin in the Hunan area in SCB from passive continental margin basin to foreland basin probably took place during late Ordovician. This fact also demonstrate that the Caledonian orogeny in South China Block began no later than 453 Ma, and a new crustal evolution model is proposed.

    • A Textural and Mineralogical Study of the Shanzhuang Banded Iron Formation, Southeastern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications for the Overprint History of Hydrothermal Alteration and Supergenesis after Mineralization

      2020, 94(6):2134-2151. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14505

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      Abstract:The newly discovered Shanzhuang BIF is hosted in the Shancaoyu Formation of the Taishan Group within the Eastern Block, southeastern margin of the North China Craton. The ores can be subdivided into three types in terms of mineral assemblages, corresponding to three types (I, II, III). The element concentration of the type I magnetite is similar to that of the type II magnetite, while the type III magnetite is similar to that of the schist. In general, magnetite and hematite grains from the ores show high concentrations of Mn (1317, 1162 ppm), Co (787, 1023 ppm), Al (2224, 2435 ppm) and Ti (540, 300 ppm), Whereas magnetite is depleted in Si (420 ppm) and hematite enriched in Si (1690 ppm). Detailed petrographic and mineral chemical analysis of magnetite, hematite, amphibole/hornblende and pyroxene, reveals that almost all the minerals occur as subhedral-anhedral grains with pits and fractures, and the BIF is recrystallized to metamorphic assemblages of high amphibolite facies. Hornblende is highly enriched in Fe, Mg and Ca, but depleted in K and Na, mostly belonging to magnesiohornblende. In addition, the ratios of Mg/(Mg+Fe2+), Fe3+/(Fe3++Fe2+), Si/(Si+Ti+Al) and Al/Si are 0.48–0.64, 0.17–0.36, 0.79–0.88 and 0.14–0.27, respectively. It is suggested that hornblende is neither a typical magmatic origin nor a typical metamorphic. Pyroxene has the characteristics of high Ca and Fe, but low Ti and Al, with end-member components En, Wo and Fs in the ranges of 25.22–28.64 wt%, 43.71–46.40 wt% and 24.51–27.62 wt%, respectively, belonging to clinopyroxene, and mostly diopside, might be formed during the prograde metamorphism in the absence of H2O. The carbonate such as dolomite-ankerite series is probably a precursor mineral of the BIF deposit. Mass mineral chemical and structural characteristics indicate that the Shanzhuang iron deposit has been subjected to varying degrees of oxidized hydrothermal superimposed reformation, metamorphism, and supergenesis after mineralization, during which some elements have been migrated in some degree.

    • Trace Elements in Sphalerite from the Dadongla Zn-Pb Deposit, Western Hunan–Eastern Guizhou Zn-Pb Metallogenic Belt, South China

      2020, 94(6):2152-2164. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14616

      Abstract (425) HTML (0) PDF 15.75 M (769) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The western Hunan–eastern Guizhou Zn-Pb metallogenic belt is one of the important Zn-Pb mineralization regions in China. The Dadongla deposit, located in the northeast of Guizhou Province, is one of the typical Zn-Pb deposits in the region and has estimated resources more than 12 million metric tons (Mt) with an average grade of 4.11 wt% Zn+Pb. Its orebodies are hosted in the lower Cambrian Aoxi Formation dolomite, occurring as bedded, para-bedded in shape, and in conformity with the wall rock. The ore mineral assemblage is simple, dominated by sphalerite with minor pyrite and galena, and the gangue minerals are composed of dolomite, calcite with minor bitumen and barite. In view of the lack of geological and geochemical researches, the genesis of Zn-Pb ore is still unclear. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) spot and mapping analyses were used to obtain sphalerite trace element chemistry in the Dadongla Zn-Pb deposit in Guizhou, China, aiming to constrain its ore genesis. The results show that sphalerite is characterized by the enrichment of Cd, Fe, Ge and Hg, corresponding with that of typical MVT deposits. Four zones were identified in the sphalerite crystal from Dadongla from the center to margin according to the color bands, in which the zone in the center, representing the early ore-stage sphalerite, is characterized by enrichment of Cd relatively, while the zone forming at late ore-stage is enriched in Ge and Hg relatively. The finding was controlled by differential leached metals content in ore-forming fluid from its source rock. Notably, critical element Ge trends to be enriched at the late ore-stage and follows a substitution of 2Zn2+? Ge4++□ (vacancy). Moreover, the calculated ore-forming temperature ranges from 79.9°C to 177.6°C by the empirical formula, which is similar to that of typical Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits. Compared with the features of trace elements in sphalerite from different types of deposits, together with the geology, the Dadongla deposit belongs to an MVT Zn-Pb deposit.

    • Viséan Fossil Plants from the Jiujialu Formation in Central Guizhou Province: Implications for Age of Bauxite and Palaeoenvironment

      2020, 94(6):2165-2177. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14617

      Abstract (512) HTML (0) PDF 63.77 M (718) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Fossil plants from the carbonaceous shale of upper part of the Lower Carboniferous Jiujialu Formation in Lindai bauxite deposit fill a gap regarding the distribution of Early Carboniferous flora in Central Guizhou Province. Here the Lindai plant assemblage is systematically described, and its composition and geological age are discussed. Research demonstrates that 9 species in 6 genera of the fossil plants are discovered in this study, and they belong to lycopsids, sphenopsids and ferns, respectively. Based on the analysis of the floral composition, the geological age of the Lindai plant assemblage belongs to the Early Carboniferous Viséan. The discovery of Lindai plant assemblage not only provides a new fossil evidence to restrict the age of bauxite deposits in Lower Carboniferous Jiujialu Formation of Central Guizhou Province, but also has great significance to further research the palaeoecological setting and floral evolution during the Early Carboniferous.

    • 总目录

      2020, 94(6):2778-2788.

      Abstract (390) HTML (0) PDF 282.95 K (469) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:

Chief Editor:HOU Zengqian

Governing Body:China Association for Science and Technology

Organizer:Geological Society of China

start publication :1922

ISSN:ISSN 1000-9515

CN:CN 11-2001/P

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