Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Source and Evolution of the Ore-Forming Fluids of Carlin-Type Gold Deposit in the Youjiang Basin, South China: Evidences from Solute Data of Fluid Inclusion Extracts

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

Abstract

The source and evolution of ore-forming fluids is important to understand the genesis of Carlin-type gold deposit. Constraints on the source and evolution of ore fluid components by the conventional geochemical methods have long been a challenge due to the very fine-grained nature and complex textures of hydrothermal minerals in these deposits. In this study, we present the crush-leach analyzed solute data of fluid inclusion extracts within quartz, calcite, realgar, and fluorite from the Shuiyindong, Nibao, and Yata gold deposits in the Youjiang Basin, providing new insights into the source and evolution of ore-forming fluids. The results show that the high molar Cl/Br ratios up to 2 508 in fluid inclusion extracts are indicative of a contribution of magmatic hydrothermal fluids. Fluids mixing between basinal and magmatic-hydrothermal fluids are evident on the plots of Cl/Br versus Na/K ratios, showing that ore-stage milky quartz near the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids reflects magma origin of the ore-forming fluids, whereas late ore-stage drusy quartz and realgar near the defined basinal fluids suggest the later input of basinal fluids in late-ore stage. Although the predominately host rocks in Shuiyindong, Nibao and Yata gold deposit are bioclastic limestone, sedimentary tuff, and calcareous siltstone, respectively, the solute data of fluid inclusion extracts records they underwent the similar fluid-rocks reactions between the Na-rich magmatic hydrothermal fluids and the Ca- and Mg-rich host rocks. This study highlights the solute data of fluid inclusion extracts obtained by crush-leach analyses have the potential to fingerprint the source and evolution of ore-forming fluids of the Carlin-type gold deposit.

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

  • Ashley, R. P., Cunningham, C. G., Bostick, N. H., et al., 1991. Geology and Geochemistry of Three Sedimentary-Rock-Hosted Disseminated Gold Deposits in Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China. Ore Geology Reviews, 6(2/3): 133–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-1368(91)90018-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bons, P. D., Fusswinkel, T., Gomez-Rivas, E., et al., 2014. Fluid Mixing from below in Unconformity-Related Hydrothermal Ore Deposits. Geology, 42(12): 1035–1038. https://doi.org/10.1130/g35708.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bouabdellah, M., Castorina, F., Bodnar, R. J., et al., 2014. Petroleum Migration, Fluid Mixing, and Halokinesis as the Main Ore-Forming Processes at the Peridiapiric Jbel Tirremi Fluorite-Barite Hydrothermal Deposit, Northeastern Morocco. Economic Geology, 109(5): 1223–1256. https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.109.5.1223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, M. H., Mao, J. W., Bierlein, F. P., et al., 2011. Structural Features and Metallogenesis of the Carlin-Type Jinfeng (Lannigou) Gold Deposit, Guizhou Province, China. Ore Geology Reviews, 43(1): 217–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2011.06.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, M. H., Mao, J. W., Li, C., et al., 2015. Re-Os Isochron Ages for Arsenopyrite from Carlin-Like Gold Deposits in the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi “Golden Triangle”, Southwestern China. Ore Geology Reviews, 64: 316–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2014.07.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crocetti, C. A., Holland, H. D., 1989. Sulfur-Lead Isotope Systematics and the Composition of Fluid-Inclusions in Galena from the Viburnum Trend, Missouri. Economic Geology, 84(8): 2196–2216. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.84.8.2196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dolejš, D., Wagner, T., 2008. Thermodynamic Modeling of Non-Ideal Mineral-Fluid Equilibria in the System Si-Al-Fe-Mg-Ca-Na-K-H-O-Cl at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures: Implications for Hydrothermal Mass Transfer in Granitic Rocks. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 72(2): 526–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.10.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emsbo, P., 2009. Fluid Inclusion Cl-Br-Na Ratios Implicate Residual Evaporative Brines in the Formation of Supergiant Sedex Zinc Deposits. 2009 Portland GSA Annual Meeting: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 41(7): 254

    Google Scholar 

  • Frenzel, M., Cook, N. J., Ciobanu, C. L., et al., 2020. Halogens in Hydrothermal Sphalerite Record Origin of Ore-Forming Fluids. Geology, 48(8): 766–770. https://doi.org/10.1130/g47087.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gu, X. X., Zhang, Y. M., Li, B. H., et al., 2012. Hydrocarbon- and Ore-Bearing Basinal Fluids: A Possible Link between Gold Mineralization and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Youjiang Basin, South China. Mineralium Deposita, 47(6): 663–682. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-011-0388-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammerli, J., Rusk, B., Spandler, C., et al., 2013. In situ Quantification of Br and Cl in Minerals and Fluid Inclusions by LA-ICP-MS: A Powerful Tool to Identify Fluid Sources. Chemical Geology, 337/338: 752009 87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.12.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofstra, A. H., Cline, J. S., 2000. Characteristics and Models for Carlin-Type Gold Deposits. Reviews in Economic Geology, 13: 163–220. https://doi.org/10.5382/rev.13.05

    Google Scholar 

  • Hofstra, A. H., Meighan, C. J., Song, X. Y., et al., 2016. Mineral Thermometry and Fluid Inclusion Studies of the Pea Ridge Iron Oxide-Apatite-Rare Earth Element Deposit, Mesoproterozoic St. Francois Mountains Terrane, Southeast Missouri, USA. Economic Geology, 111(8): 1985–2016. https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.111.8.1985

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou, L., Peng, H. J., Ding, J., et al., 2016. Textures and in situ Chemical and Isotopic Analyses of Pyrite, Huijiabao Trend, Youjiang Basin, China: Implications for Paragenesis and Source of Sulfur. Economic Geology, 111(2): 331–353. https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.111.2.331

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, R. Z., Su, W. C., Bi, X. W., et al., 2002. Geology and Geochemistry of Carlin-Type Gold Deposits in China. Mineralium Deposita, 37(3/4): 3782009 392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-001-0242-7

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, R. Z., Fu, S. L., Huang, Y., et al., 2017. The Giant South China Mesozoic Low-Temperature Metallogenic Domain: Reviews and a New Geodynamic Model. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 137: 9–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2016.10.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jin, X. Y., 2017. Geology, Mineralization and Genesis of the Nibao, Shuiyindong and Yata Gold Deposits in SW Guizhou Province, China: [Dissertation]. China University of Geoscience, Wuhan. 1–228 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jin, X. Y., Hofstra, A. H., Andrew, G. H., et al., 2020. Noble Gases Fingerprint the Source and Evolution of Ore-Forming Fluids of Carlin-Type Gold Deposits in the Golden Triangle, South China. Economic Geology, 115(2): 455–469. https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4703

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kesler, S. E., Appold, M. S., Martini, A. M., et al., 1995. Na-Cl-Br Systematics of Mineralizing Brines in Mississippi Valley-Type Deposits. Geology, 23(7): 641. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0641:ncbsom>2.3.co;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Large, S. J. E., Bakker, E. Y. N., Weis, P., et al., 2016. Trace Elements in Fluid Inclusions of Sediment-Hosted Gold Deposits Indicate a Magmatic-Hydrothermal Origin of the Carlin Ore Trend. Geology, 44(12): 1015–1018. https://doi.org/10.1130/g38351.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, W. T., Audétat, A., Zhang, J., 2015. The Role of Evaporites in the Formation of Magnetite-Apatite Deposits along the Middle and Lower Yangtze River, China: Evidence from LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Fluid Inclusions. Ore Geology Reviews, 67: 264–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2014.12.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J. M., Liu, J. J., 1997. Basin Fluid Genetic Model of Sediment-Hosted Micro-Disseminated Gold Deposits in the Gold-Triangle Area between Guizhou, Guangxi and Yunnan. Acta Mineralogica Sinica, 17(4): 448–456 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J. M., Ye, J., Ying, H. L., et al., 2002. Sediment-Hosted Mcro-Disseminated Gold Mineralization Constrained by Basin Paleo-Topographic Highs in the Youjiang Basin, South China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 20(5): 517–533. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1367-9120(01)00053-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J. Z., Deng, Y. M., Liu, C. Q., et al., 2006. Metallogenic Conditions and Model of the Superlarge Shuiyindong Stratabound Gold Deposit in Zhenfeng County, Guizhou Province, China. Geology in China, 33(1): 169–177 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, P., Du, F. Y., Du, C. Q., 2006. Discussion on Origin of Nibao Gold Deposit in View of the Characteristics of Fluid Inclusion. Guizhou Geology, 23(1): 44–50 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, S., Su, W. C., Hu, R. Z., et al., 2010. Geochronological and Geochemical Constraints on the Petrogenesis of Alkaline Ultramafic Dykes from Southwest Guizhou Province, SW China. Lithos, 114(1/2): 253–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2009.08.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCaffrey, M. A., Lazar, B., Holland, H. D., 1987. The Evaporation Path of Seawater and the Coprecipitation of Br− And K+ with Halite. SEPM Journal of Sedimentary Research, 57: 928–937. https://doi.org/10.1306/212f8cab-2b24-11d7-8648000102c1865d

    Google Scholar 

  • Pang, B. C., Lin, C. S., Luo, X. R., et al., 2005. The Characteristic and Origin of Ore-Forming Fluid From Micro-Disseminated Gold Deposits in Youjiang Basin. Geology and Prospecting, 41(1): 13–17 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pi, Q. H., Hu, R. Z., Peng, K. Q., et al., 2016. Geochronology of the Zhesang Gold Deposit and Mafic Rock in Funing County of Yunnan Province, with Special Reference to the Dynamic Background of Carlin-Type Gold Deposits in the Dian-Qian-Gui Region. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 32(11): 3331–3342 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qi, L. S., He, Y. N., Qi, J., et al., 2014. Ore-Control Structure Type and Its Regulation of Nibao Gold Deposit in Guizhou. Guizhou Geology, 31(1): 1–9 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Saunders, A. D., Jones, S. M., Morgan, L. A., et al., 2007. Regional Uplift Associated with Continental Large Igneous Provinces: The Roles of Mantle Plumes and the Lithosphere. Chemical Geology, 241(3/4): 282–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2007.01.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su, W. C., Heinrich, C. A., Pettke, T., et al., 2009. Sediment-Hosted Gold Deposits in Guizhou, China: Products of Wall-Rock Sulfidation by Deep Crustal Fluids. Economic Geology, 104(1): 73–93. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.104.1.73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su, W. C., Zhang, H. T., Hu, R. Z., et al., 2012. Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Gold-Bearing Arsenian Pyrite from the Shuiyindong Carlin-Type Gold Deposit, Guizhou, China: Implications for Gold Depositional Processes. Mineralium Deposita, 47(6): 653–662. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-011-0328-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su, W. C., Dong, W. D., Zhang, X. C., et al., 2018. Carlin-Type Gold Deposits in the Dian-Qian-Gui “Golden Triangle” of Southwest China. Reviews in Economic Geology, 20: 157–185. https://doi.org/10.5382/rev.20.05

    Google Scholar 

  • Suo, S. T., Bi, X. M., Zhao, W. X., 1998. Very Low-Grade Metamorphism and Its Geodynamical Significance of Triassic Strata within the Youjiang River Basin. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 33(4): 395–405 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tai, Y. H., Li, Y. S., 2006. Study on the Geological Features and the Genesis of Zimudang Micro-Particle Disseminated (Carlin) Type Gold Deposit. Gold, 27(9): 14–17 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan, Q. P., Xia, Y., Xie, Z. J., et al., 2015. S, C, O, H, and Pb Isotopic Studies for the Shuiyindong Carlin-Type Gold Deposit, Southwest Guizhou, China: Constraints for Ore Genesis. Chinese Journal of Geochemistry, 34(4): 525–539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-015-0063-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, C. G., Liu, J. S., Dai, G. H., 1987. On the Gold Ore Deposit Geological Characteristics and Genesis of Yata, Ceheng. Geology of Guizhou, 4: 135–150 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie, Z. J., Xia, Y., Cline, J. S., et al., 2018a. Magmatic Origin for Sediment-Hosted Au Deposits, Guizhou Province, China: In situ Chemistry and Sulfur Isotope Composition of Pyrites, Shuiyindong and Jinfeng Deposits. Economic Geology, 113(7): 1627–1652. https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.2018.4607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, Z. J., Xia, Y., Cline, J. S., et al., 2018b. Are there Carlin-Type Gold Deposits in China? A Comparison of the Guizhou, China, Deposits with Nevada, USA, Deposits. Reviews in Economic Geology, 20: 187–233. https://doi.org/10.5382/rev.20.06

    Google Scholar 

  • Viets, J. G., Hofstra, A. H., Emsbo, P., 1996. Solute Compositions of Fluid Inclusions in Sphalerite from North American and European Mississippi Valley-Type Ore Deposits: Ore Fluids Derived from Evaporated Seawater. In: Sangster, D. F., ed., Carbonate-Hosted Lead-Zinc Deposits 75th Anniversary Volume. Society of Economic Geologists, Inc. Littleton. Economic Geology Special Publication, 4: 465–486

  • Wang, L., Long, C. L., Liu, Y., 2015. Discussion on Concealed Rock Mass Delineation and Gold Source in Southwestern Guizhou. Geoscience, 29(3): 702–712 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei, D. T., Xia, Y., Gregory, D. D., et al., 2020. Multistage Pyrites in the Nibao Disseminated Gold Deposit, Southwestern Guizhou Province, China: Insights into the Origin of Au from Textures, in situ Trace Elements, and Sulfur Isotope Analyses. Ore Geology Reviews, 122: 103446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103446

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, S. Y., Hou, L., Jowitt, S. M., et al., 2019. Geochronology, Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Late Triassic Dolerites Associated with the Nibao Gold Deposit, Youjiang Basin, Southwestern China: Implications for Post-Collisional Magmatism and Its Relationships with Carlin-Like Gold Mineralization. Ore Geology Reviews, 111: 102971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.102971

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaw, K., Peters, S. G., Cromie, P., et al., 2007. Nature, Diversity of Deposit Types and Metallogenic Relations of South China. Ore Geology Reviews, 31(1/2/3/4): 3–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2005.10.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J. R., Hou, L., Zou, Z. C., et al., 2016. LA-ICP-MS in situ Trace Element Analysis of Auriferous Arsenic Pyrites from the Nibao Gold Deposit and Its Constraints on the Ore Genesis. Acta Petrologica Et Mineralogica, 35(3): 493–505 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X. C., Spiro, B., Halls, C., et al., 2003. Sediment-Hosted Disseminated Gold Deposits in Southwest Guizhou, PRC: Their Geological Setting and Origin in Relation to Mineralogical, Fluid Inclusion, and Stable-Isotope Characteristics. International Geology Review, 45(5): 407–470. https://doi.org/10.2747/0020-6814.45.5.407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng, L. L., Yang, R. D., Gao, J. B., et al., 2016. Geochemical Characteristics of the Giant Nibao Carlin-Type Gold Deposit (Guizhou, China) and Their Geological Implications. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9(2): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-2077-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, X. Q., Wang, Z. G., 2002. Gold Occurrence and Ore Genesis, Yata Micro-Disseminated Gold Deposit, Guizhou, Southwest China. Chinese Journal of Geochemistry, 21(4): 370–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02831538

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41802094, U1812402) and the National Basic Research Program (No. 2014CB440906).We are indebted to Dr. Hofstra Albert and Dr. Emsbo Poul from the U.S. Geological Survey (Denver Federal Center) for their help with ion composition analysis. We would like to thank Zepeng Wang, Fa’en Chen, and Guangfu Liu from the 105 Geological Team of Guizhou Province for sampling assistance in field work. The reviewers are also thanked for their critical comments and constructive reviews which significantly improved the manuscript. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1055-x.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

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

    Xiaoye Jin

  2. Engineering Technology Innovation Center of Mineral Resources Explorations in Bedrock Zones, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guiyang, 550081, China

    Xiaoye Jin, Chengfu Yang & Jianzhong Liu

  3. 105 Geological Party, Guizhou Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration & Development, Guiyang, 550018, China

    Chengfu Yang & Jianzhong Liu

  4. School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, 550003, China

    Wu Yang

Authors
  1. Xiaoye Jin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chengfu Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jianzhong Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Wu Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiaoye Jin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Jin, X., Yang, C., Liu, J. et al. Source and Evolution of the Ore-Forming Fluids of Carlin-Type Gold Deposit in the Youjiang Basin, South China: Evidences from Solute Data of Fluid Inclusion Extracts. J. Earth Sci. 32, 185–194 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1055-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1055-x

Key words

Search

Navigation