S and Pb isotopic compositions of the Qianchuiliu Gold Deposit on the northeastern margin of the Jiaolai Basin: Implication on the source of ore-forming material

Abstract

The Qianchuiliu Gold Deposit on the northeastern margin of the Jiaolai Basin is a newly discoverd altered rock type gold deposit, and is a medium-sized gold deposit hosted in the structural alteration zone between Muniushan, Jingshan Group and Queshan monzonitic granites. However, the source of ore-forming materials and the ore genesis are not clear. Based on previous field and analytical studies, the authors conducted sulfur and lead isotopic analyses on gold-bearing pyrite from typical ores as the research target. The δ34S values are high and homogeneous ranging from 10.13‰-12.39‰, with an average of 10.98‰ and polar odds of 2.26‰. These sulfur isotopic results reveal a mixing process of sulfur in the Jingshan Group during the upwelling of deep ore-forming fluid. The ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb vary from 17.149-18.886, 15.482-15.677, and 37.860-40.073, respectively, suggesting a crust-mantle mixed source. In conclusion, sulfur and lead isotope analysis results of the Qianchuiliu Gold Deposit show a crust-mantle mixed source and are similar to those of typical gold deposits in this region. The gold deposits on the northeastern margin of the Jiaolai Basin formed at the large-scale Yanshanian metallogenic event, indicating great prospecting potential in this area.

Keywords

• northeastern margin of the jiaolai basin
• qianchuiliu gold deposit
• sulfur isotope
• lead isotope
• material source