Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geology, Geochemistry and Re-Os Age of the Qiaoxiahala Deposit in NW China: Evidence of an Overprinted Fe(-Cu/Au) Deposit

  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Overprinting of an earlier formed deposit may obscure the nature of the deposit and hinder our understanding of regional metallogeny. The Qiaoxiahala Fe(-Cu/Au) deposit in eastern Junggar, NW China, is characterized by magnetite mineralization later replaced by sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite. To reveal the genesis of Qiaoxiahala, we conducted Re-Os dating on post-magnetite molybdenite separated from chalcopyrite and rare earth elements (REEs) for basaltic volcanic rock, magnetite, chalcopyrite and diorite. An isochron age of 377±7 Ma was obtained together with a weighted mean age of 375±3 Ma, which is indistinguishable from mineralization ages determined in previous studies. Rare earth element (REE) data for basaltic volcanic rocks hosting the ore are comparable to that of the magnetite, while the REE signatures of chalcopyrite from the Cu ore and local intrusive diorite share a similar pattern. These suggest that two distinct fluid sources are responsible for the deposition of Fe and Cu in the Qiaoxiahala deposit. According to these experimental results, we consider that the iron mineralization in Qiaoxiahala is the result of fluid exsolution from basaltic volcanism which was further overprinted by fluids that deposited copper and gold, which may have been sourced from nearby dioritic intrusions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References Cited

  • Anonymous, 1978. 1: 200 000 Geological and Metallogenic Map and Explaination Note of Fuyun Sheet (L-45-XII). Xinjiang Bureau of Geology, Xinjiang. 163 (in Chinese)

  • Atkinson, W. W., Einaudi, M. T., 1978. Skarn Formation and Mineralization in the Contact Aureole at Carr Fork, Bingham, Utah. Economic Geology, 73(7): 1326–1365. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.73.7.1326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BGMRX, 1993. Regional Geology of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China. Geological Memoirs, 1(32): 6–206 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chai, F. M., Yang, F. Q., Liu, F., et al., 2012. Geochronology and Genesis of Volcanic Rocks in Beitashan Formation at the Northern Margin of the Junggar, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 28(7): 2183–2198 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ciobanu, C. L., Cook, N. J., 2004. Skarn Textures and a Case Study: The Ocna de Fier-Dognecea Orefield, Banat, Romania. Ore Geology Reviews, 24(3/4): 315–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2003.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deng, J., Wang, J., Liao, Q., 2000. Evalution of the Cu-Au Metallogenic Potential in Buergen Ore Belt. State 305 Project Office, Internal Report

  • Dong, L. L., Wan, B., Deng, C., et al., 2018. An Early Permian Epithermal Gold System in the Tulasu Basin in North Xinjiang, NW China: Constraints from in situ Oxygen-Sulfur Isotopes and Geochronology. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 153: 412–424. https://doi.org/10.1016/jjseaes.2017.07.044

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du, A. D., Wu, S. Q., Sun, D. Z., et al., 2004. Preparation and Certification of Re-Os Dating Reference Materials: Molybdenites HLP and JDC. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 28(1): 41–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-908x.2004.tb01042.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Einaudi, M. T., Burt, D. M., 1982. Introduction: Terminology, Classification, and Composition of Skarn Deposits. Economic Geology, 77(4): 745–754

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franklin, J. M., Gibson, H. L., Galley, A. G., et al., 2005. Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits. In: Hedenquist, J. W., Thompson, J. F. H., Goldfarb, R. J., et al., eds., Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume, Littleton, CO, Society of Economic Geologists. 523–560

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao, J., Long, L. L., Klemd, R., et al., 2009. Tectonic Evolution of the South Tianshan Orogen and Adjacent Regions, NW China: Geochemical and Age Constraints of Granitoid Rocks. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 98(6): 1221–1238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-008-0370-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Groves, D. I., Bierlein, F. P., Meinert, L. D., et al., 2010. Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) Deposits through Earth History: Implications for Origin, Lithospheric Setting, and Distinction from Other Epigenetic Iron Oxide Deposits. Economic Geology, 105(3): 641–654. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.105.3.641

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, L. N., Liu, S. S., Hou, L., et al., 2019. Fluid Inclusion and H-O Isotope Geochemistry of the Phapon Gold Deposit, NW Laos: Implications for Fluid Source and Ore Genesis. Journal of Earth Science, 30(1): 80–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-018-0866-5

    Google Scholar 

  • Hannington, M. D., de Ronde, C. E. J., Petersen, S., 2005. Sea-Floor Tectonics and Submarine Hydrothermal Systems. In: Hedenquist, J. W., Thompson, J. F. H., Goldfarb, R. J., et al., eds., In 100th Anniversary Volume, 1905–2005, Society of Economic Geologists. 111–142

  • Li, Q., Zhang, Z. X., Geng, X. X., et al., 2014. Geology and Geochemistry of the Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-Au Deposit, Junggar Region, Northwest China. Ore Geology Reviews, 57: 462–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2013.08.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, T., 2002. Geology and Metallogenic Analysis of the Qiaoxiahala Gold-Copper-Iron Deposit in Fuyun County, Xinjiang. Geology and Prospecting, 38: 18–21 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liang, P., Chen, H. Y., Han, J. S., et al., 2019. Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold Mineralization of the Devonian Laoshankou Deposit (Xinjiang, NW China) in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Ore Geology Reviews, 104: 628–655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2018.11.028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liang, P., Chen, H. Y., Wu, C., et al., 2018. Mineralization and Ore Genesis of the Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-(Au) Deposit in the Northern Margin of East Junggar Terrane, Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotopes. Ore Geology Reviews, 100: 360–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2017.03.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, W., Dai, G., Liao, Q., 2006. Discussion on Genesisi of Qiaoxiahala Copper Gold Ore Deposit, Fuyun County, Xinjiang. Contributions to Geology and Mineral Resources Research, 21(4): 232–235 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Long, L., Wang, J. B., Wang, Y. W., et al., 2009. Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Ore-Bearing Porphyry in Xilekuduke Cu-Mo Deposit, Fuyun Area, Xinjiang, China. Geological Bulletin of China, 28(12): 1840–1851 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Long, X. P., Yuan, C., Sun, M., et al., 2012. Geochemistry and U-Pb Detrital Zircon Dating of Paleozoic Graywackes in East Junggar, NW China: Insights into Subduction-Accretion Processes in the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Gondwana Research, 21(2/3): 637–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2011.05.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig, K. R., 2003. ISOPLOT 3.0—A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel, Berkeley Geochronology Center Special Publication, Berkeley. 70

    Google Scholar 

  • Mao, J. W., Pirajno, F., Zhang, Z. H., et al., 2008. A Review of the Cu-Ni Sulphide Deposits in the Chinese Tianshan and Altay Orogens (Xinjiang Autonomous Region, NW China): Principal Characteristics and Ore-Forming Processes. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 32(2/3/4): 184–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/jjseaes.2007.10.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meinert, L. D., Dipple, G. M., Nicolescu, S., 2005. World Skarn Deposits. In: Hedenquist, J. W., Thompson, J. F. H., Goldfarb, R. J., et al., eds., Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume, Littleton, CO, Society of Economic Geologists. 299–405

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, R. L., Forsythe, L. M., Gallahan, W. E., et al., 1994. Major- and Trace-Element Magnetite-Melt Equilibria. Chemical Geology, 117(1/2/3/4): 167–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(94)90127-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niu, H. C., Sato, H., Zhang, H. X., et al., 2006. Juxtaposition of Adakite, Boninite, High-TiO2 and Low-TiO2 Basalts in the Devonian Southern Altay, Xinjiang, NW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 28(4/5/6): 439–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/jjseaes.2005.11.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oyman, T., 2010. Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Genesis of the Ayazmant Fe-Cu Skarn Deposit in Ayvalik, (Balikesir), Turkey. Ore Geology Reviews, 37(3/4): 175–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2010.03.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porter, M., 2010. Current Understanding of Iron Oxide Associated-Alkali Altered Mineralised Systems: Part I, An Overview. 5–32

  • Richards, J. P., López, G. P., Zhu, J. J., et al., 2017. Contrasting Tectonic Settings and Sulfur Contents of Magmas Associated with Cretaceous Porphyry Cu±Mo±Au and Intrusion-Related Iron Oxide Cu-Au Deposits in Northern Chile. Economic Geology, 112(2): 295–318. https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.1122.295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, D. E., Hudson, G. R. T., 1983. The Olympic Dam Copper-Uranium-Gold Deposit, Roxby Downs, South Australia: Reply. Economic Geology, 79(8): 1944–1945. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.79.8.1944

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Selby, D., Creaser, R. A., Stein, H. J., et al., 2007. Assessment of the 187Re Decay Constant by Cross Calibration of Re-Os Molybdenite and U-Pb Zircon Chronometers in Magmatic Ore Systems. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 71(8): 1999–2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.01.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherrell, R. M., Field, M. P., Ravizza, G., 1999. Uptake and Fractionation of Rare Earth Elements on Hydrothermal Plume Particles at 9°45’N, East Pacific Rise. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 63(11/12): 1709–1722. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0016-7037(99)00182-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shu, L. S., Wang, Y. J., 2003. Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous Radiolarian Fossils from Siliceous Rocks of the Kelameili Ophiolite, Xinjiang. Geological Review, 49: 408–413. https://doi.org/10.16509/j.georeview.2003.04.011

    Google Scholar 

  • Sillitoe, R. H., 1980. Are Porphyry Copper and Kuroko-Type Massive Sulfide Deposits Incompatible?. Geology, 8(1): 11. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1980)8<11:apcakm>2.0.co;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smoliar, M. I., Walker, R. J., Morgan, J. W., 1996. Re-Os Ages of Group IIA, IIIA, IVA, and IVB Iron Meteorites. Science, 271(5252): 1099–1102. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.271.5252.1099

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stein, H. J., Markey, R. J., Morgan, J. W., et al., 2001. The Remarkable Re-Os Chronometer in Molybdenite: How and Why It Works. Terra Nova, 13(6): 479–486. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3121.2001.00395.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Dong, L. L., 2014. Geology of Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-Au Deposit: A Paleozoic IOCG Deposit in Altaids, NW China. Acta Geologica Sinica: English Edition, 88(s2): 381–382. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.1237217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Hegner, E., Zhang, L., et al., 2009. Rb-Sr Geochronology of Chalcopyrite from the Chehugou Porphyry Mo-Cu Deposit (Northeast China) and Geochemical Constraints on the Origin of Hosting Granites. Economic Geology, 104(3): 351–363. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.104.3.351

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Li, S. H., Xiao, W. J., et al., 2018. Where and When did the Paleo-Asian Ocean Form?. Precambrian Research, 317: 241–252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2018.09.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Xiao, W. J., Han, C. M., et al., 2014. Re-Os Molybdenite Age of the Cu-Mo Skarn Ore Deposit at Suoerkuduke in East Junggar, NW China and Its Geological Significance. Ore Geology Reviews, 56: 541–548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2013.02.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Xiao, W. J., Windley, B. F., et al., 2017. Contrasting Ore Styles and Their Role in Understanding the Evolution of the Altaids. Ore Geology Reviews, 80: 910–922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.08.025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Xiao, W. J., Zhang, L. C., et al., 2011. Contrasting Styles of Mineralization in the Chinese Altai and East Junggar, NW China: Implications for the Accretionary History of the Southern Altaids. Journal of the Geological Society, 168(6): 1311–1321. https://doi.org/10.1144/0016-76492011-021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Xiao, W. J., Zhang, L. C., et al., 2012. Iron Mineralization Associated with a Major Strike-Slip Shear Zone: Radiometric and Oxygen Isotope Evidence from the Mengku Deposit, NW China. Ore Geology Reviews, 44: 136–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2011.09.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, B., Zhang, L. C., Xiao, W. J., 2010. Geological and Geochemical Characteristics and Ore Genesis of the Keketale VMS Pb-Zn Deposit, Southern Altai Metallogenic Belt, NW China. Ore Geology Reviews, 37(2): 114–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2010.01.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J. B., Deng, J. N., Zhang, J. H., et al., 1999. Massive Sulphide Deposits Related to the Volcano-Passive Continental Margin in the Altay Region. Acta Geologica Sinica: English Edition, 73(3): 253–263. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-6724.1999.tb00834.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z. H., Sun, S., Li, J. L., et al., 2003. Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Northern Xinjiang, China: Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints from the Ophiolites. Tectonics, 22(2): 1014. https://doi.org/10.1029/2002tc001396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, P. J., Barton, M. D., Johnson, D. A., et al., 2005. Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposits: Geology, Space-Time Distribution, and Possible Modes of Origin. In: Hedenquist, J. W., Thompson, J. F. H., Goldfarb, R. J., et al., eds., Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume, Littleton, CO, Society of Economic Geologists. 371–405

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiang, P., Zhang, L., Wu, H., 2009. Ages of the Zircons from Ore-Bearing Porphyries in II-III Ore Area of Kalaxianger Porphyry Copper Ore Belt in Qinghe, Xinjiang and Its Geological Significance. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 25(6):1474–1483 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, W. J., Song, D. F., Windley, B. F., et al., 2020. Accretionary Processes and Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Advances and Perspectives. Science China Earth Sciences, 63(3): 329–361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-019-9524-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, W. J., Windley, B. F., Allen, M. B., et al., 2013. Paleozoic Multiple Accretionary and Collisional Tectonics of the Chinese Tianshan Orogenic Collage. Gondwana Research, 23(4): 1316–1341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2012.01.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, W. J., Windley, B. F., Yuan, C., et al., 2009. Paleozoic Multiple Subduction-Accretion Processes of the Southern Altaids. American Journal of Science, 309(3): 221–270. https://doi.org/10.2475/03.2009.02

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan, S., Zhang, Z., Wang, Y., et al., 2005. REE Geochemistry of Qiaoxiahala Type Fe-Cu Deposits in Southern Margin of Altay Mountains, Xinjiang, and Its Geological Implications. Mineral Deposits, 24(1): 25–33 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, F. Q., Chai, F. M., Zhang, Z. X., et al., 2014. Zircon U-Pb Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes of Granitoids in the Yulekenhalasu Copper Ore District, Northern Junggar, China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications. Lithos, 190/191: 85–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2013.12.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, F. Q., Mao, J. W., Pirajno, F., et al., 2012. A Review of the Geological Characteristics and Geodynamic Setting of Late Paleozoic Porphyry Copper Deposits in the Junggar Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 49: 80–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2011.11.024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ying, L., 2007. Geology, Geochemistry and Discussion on the Origin of the Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-Au Deposit in Xinjiang. Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing. 1–112 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ying, L., Wang, D., Li, J., et al., 2008. Comparisions between the Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-Au Deposit in Xinjiang and Other IOCG-Type Depoists. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 32: 338–345. https://doi.org/10.16539/j.ddgzyckx.2008.03.015 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ying, L., Wang, D., Liang, T., et al., 2009. Ore Genesis and Metallogenic Model of Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-Au Deposit in Xinjiang. Mineral Deposits, 28(2): 211–217 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zang, Z. J., Dong, L. L., Liu, W., et al., 2019. Garnet U-Pb and O Isotopic Determinations Reveal a Shear-Zone Induced Hydrothermal System. Scientific Reports, 9(1): 10382. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-46868-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., Shen, X., Ma, L., et al., 2008. Geochronology of the Fuyun adakite, north Xinjiang and its constraint to the initiation of the Paleo-Asian Ocean subduction. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 24(5): 1054–1058 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., Liang, G., Qu, X., et al., 2010. Evidence of U-Pb Age and Hf Isotope of Zircons for Early Paleozoic Magmatism in the Qiongheba Arc, East Junggar. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 26(8): 2389–2398 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Z., Yang, F., Li, C., et al., 2012. Rock-Forming and Ore-Forming Ages of Qiaoxiahala Fe-Cu-Au Deposit on Northern Margin of Junggar Basin, Xinjiang. Mineral Deposits, 31: 347–358. https://doi.org/10.16111/j.0258-7106.2012.02.014 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Science (No. 132744KYSB20190039) and National Key R & D Program of China (No. 2017YFC0601206). We thank two anonymous reviewers and the editor for comments and suggestions. We thank Yan S C, Zhang Y Y, Tian Z H and Liu Y H for discussion and Hansman R. for polishing the English. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1054-y.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Zhongjiang Zang

  2. College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Wei Liu

  3. Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037, China

    Leilei Dong

Authors
  1. Zhongjiang Zang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Wei Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Leilei Dong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wei Liu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zang, Z., Liu, W. & Dong, L. Geology, Geochemistry and Re-Os Age of the Qiaoxiahala Deposit in NW China: Evidence of an Overprinted Fe(-Cu/Au) Deposit. J. Earth Sci. 32, 208–218 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1054-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1054-y

Key words

Search

Navigation