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Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Deposits".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 6841

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fan Yang

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Guest Editor

School of Earth Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Interests: magmatism; metallogeny; (geo-) thermochronology; geochemistry; preservation and exhumation history of mineral deposit; mineral exploration

Dr. Cun Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan 250353, China
Interests: gemology; mineralogy; metamorphism; fluid inclusions; isotope geochemistry; carbon
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jian Chang

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Guest Editor

College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
Interests: thermochronology, petroleum geology; basin analysis; mountain-basin coupling; geothermal resources; thermal history

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid development of analytical techniques, especially the in situ Lu-Hf, Rb-Sr, U-Pb, fission-track and (U-Th)/He dating of garnet, zircon, apatite and other accessory minerals, several important geological issues have been successfully resolved or re-determined in the past decade. Among these, the precise temporal evolution and duration of magmatism and mineralized processes, as well as the uplift and exhumation history of mineral deposits and basins within orogenic belts and cratons, can assist the exploration of mineral and petroleum resources. Moreover, in situ mineral-scale trace element concentrations could also be simultaneously determined using LA-ICP-MS in situ accessory mineral dating; this would provide new perspectives on the formation and evolution of major geological objects via integrating with corresponding ages. Although previous studies have focused on most scientific issues of magmatism, mineralization and tectonic evolution in different geological objects, several aspects of these investigations have not previously shown agreement. Thus, the major goal of this Special Issue is to employ state-of-the-art analytical techniques to explore accurate formation and tectonic mechanisms, as well as new scientific issues related to geological objects (e.g., intrusions, mineral deposits, basins). This proposed Special Issue invites contributions of high-quality original research and review articles in well-known and/or new localities worldwide. The scope of the collection includes, but is not limited to, the issues below:

1) In situ accessory mineral geochronology and trace element geochemistry;

2) Multi-method low-temperature thermochronology (e.g., Ar/Ar, fission track, (U-Th)/He);

3) Age, petrogenesis and tectonic evolution of various igneous rocks;

4) Ore-forming age, genesis and tectonic evolution of metallic and nonmetal deposits;

5) Uplift, exhumation or burial history of intrusions, mineral deposits and basins;

6) Preservation potential and mineral exploration of ore deposits;

7) Provenance, formation and tectono-thermal evolution of basins and their implications for petroleum resources.

Dr. Fan Yang
Dr. Cun Zhang
Dr. Jian Chang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

(geo-) thermochronology
geochemistry
petrogenesis
metallogeny
exhumation history
tectonic evolution

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 7085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Situ Geochemical and Rb–Sr Dating Analysis of Sulfides from a Gold Deposit Offshore of Northern Sanshandao, Jiaodong Peninsula, North China: Implications for Gold Mineralization

by Jiepeng Tian, Jinhui Wang, Tongliang Tian, Ligong Wang, Yingpeng Wang, Xiaowei Yu, Wen Zhang, Tianlong Ren and Bin Sun

Minerals 2024, 14(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050456 - 26 Apr 2024

Viewed by 210

Abstract

The gold deposit offshore of Northern Sanshandao is an ultra-large-scale gold deposit discovered in the Jiaodong ore area in recent years. This deposit is a fractured-zone altered-rock-type gold deposit; however, its ore genesis and precise mineralization processes are still highly controversial. Based on petrographical observation, the trace elements, sulfur isotopes, and rubidium–strontium isotopes of the gold-bearing pyrite were analyzed using LA-MC-ICP-MS to obtain the source of the ore-forming fluids and ore genesis. The results show that Au has a good positive correlation with Ag, As, and Cu. It is speculated that the As in the pyrite of the gold deposit offshore of Northern Sanshandao is in the form of As⁻, replacing S⁻ and entering the pyrite, causing its lattice defects, and thus promoting the entry of Au⁺ into the gold-bearing pyrite. The Co/Ni ratios mainly range between 0.1 and 10, indicating that the mineralization process has experienced different forms of hydrothermal evolution and the mixing of different fluids. The results of the in-situ sulfur isotope analysis show that pyrite δ³⁴S in the mineralization period is characterized by a high sulfur value. The authors of this study believe that the initial sulfur isotope composition has mantle-derived components. The large-scale, deep cutting, and high degree of fragmentation in the Sanshandao fault zone are conducive to the interaction between fluids and rocks, as well as the mixing and addition of seawater, resulting in the characteristic high δ³⁴S value. The Sr isotopic compositions indicate a crust–mantle mixing attribute of the mineralized material source. The Rb–Sr isochron age of the pyrite is 118.5 ± 0.65 Ma, which represents the age of gold mineralization. According to the characteristics of the trace elements and sulfur isotopes, it is inferred that the gold deposit minerals offshore of Northern Sanshandao originated from deep magmatic-hydrothermal reservoirs, and the mixing of seawater and Au–As-rich hydrothermal fluids was the formation mechanism of huge amounts of gold precipitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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11 pages, 18381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occurrence of State of Gold in Crude Oil and Its Economic Significance

by Zhiyong Ni, Wen Zhang, Jie Liu, Shengbao Shi, Xue Wang and Yang Su

Minerals 2024, 14(4), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040351 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Gold and petroleum are also strategic resources of great importance to national security. With the increasing demand for energy, multi-energy cooperative exploration has become an inevitable trend of resource development and utilization. Petroleum and hydrothermal gold deposits may form together, with similar evolutionary trends in their formation, migration, and enrichment. Petroleum reservoirs and gold deposits are closely coupled under certain geological conditions. The solubility of gold in crude oil and its forms of occurrence are important in determining the mechanisms of interaction between gold and petroleum and in facilitating the recovery of gold from gold-bearing petroleum. In this study, the occurrence of gold in crude oil from the Linnan Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin, China, was studied using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Concentrations of gold in crude oil from the Linpan and Shanghe oilfields averaged 44.5 ppb, which is well above the minimum concentration required for hydrothermal gold mineralization. Gold has an affinity with carbon, oxygen, and sulfur, and its concentration in crude oil is positively correlated with total acid and sulfur contents. We speculate that gold may exist in crude oil as complexes with organic acids or thiols, with crude oil thus being a transport medium for gold. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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15 pages, 7638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Present-Day Geothermal Regime and Thermal Evolution of the Fukang Sag in the Junggar Basin, Northwest China

by Huajun Guo, Chenxing Li, Bo Peng, Xiang Shan, Jiabo Xu, Ze Zhang and Jian Chang

Minerals 2024, 14(3), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030260 - 29 Feb 2024

Viewed by 675

Abstract

The Fukang Sag in the Junggar Basin is an important petroleum exploration and exploitation region. However, the geothermal regime and tectono-thermal evolution of the Fukang Sag, which control its hydrocarbon generation and conservation, are still controversial. This study involved a systematic analysis of the present-day geothermal gradient, heat flow, and thermal history of the Fukang Sag for better further exploration. According to the well log data and well-testing temperature data, we calculated that the geothermal gradient of the Fukang Sag ranges from 16.6 °C/km to 29.6 °C/km, with an average of 20.8 °C/km, and the heat flow ranges from 34.6 mWm⁻² to 64.3 mWm⁻², with an average of 44.6 mWm⁻². Due to the basement relief, they decrease from northeast to southwest. The weight averages of the single-grain apatite (U-Th)/He ages of the core samples are 1.3–85.2 Ma, and their apatite fission track ages range from 50.9 Ma to 193.8 Ma. The thermal modeling results revealed that the Fukang Sag experienced late Permian, late Jurassic, and late Cretaceous cooling events (although the timing and magnitude of these events varied among the samples), which were related to the continuous compression of the Junggar Basin. In addition, basin modeling indicated that the heat flow of the Fukang Sag decreased from 80 mWm⁻² in the Carboniferous to the current value of 44.6 mWm⁻². The Fukang Sag’s edge exhibits prolific hydrocarbon generation in the Carboniferous–Permian source rocks, while the Jurassic source rocks within the sag also undergo abundant hydrocarbon generation. This study provides new insights into the present-day geothermal field and tectono-thermal evolutionary history of the Fukang Sag, which are significant in terms of regional tectonic evolution and oil and gas resource assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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14 pages, 3669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical Characteristics and Genetic Types of Pyrite with Different Occurrence: Constraints from Spectroscopy, Geochemistry and δ³⁴S Stable Isotopes

by Shiyu Ma, Miao Shi, Cun Zhang and Qinyuan Cao

Minerals 2024, 14(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14010052 - 30 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1205

Abstract

Pyrite is widely distributed in the Earth’s crust and oceanic systems, and it generally occurs as pentagonal dodecahedra, cubic, octahedral, idiomorphic crystals, or dense, massive, granular, and nodular aggregates. In this study, representative pyrite samples from Hunan, Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui in China and from Peru were collected. By utilizing a range of analytical techniques, including petrography, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrum, Raman spectrum, major and trace element analysis, as well as sulfur stable isotope analysis, we comprehensively depict the mineralogical and spectroscopic characteristics of pyrite, and the evolution processes of the physical and chemical conditions of mineralization can be qualitatively constrained. The spectroscopic results indicate all samples show a relatively narrow absorption band with weak to moderate intensity in the vicinity of 343 cm⁻¹, which represents the bending vibration of the Fe-[S₂]²⁻ molecular bond. The Co content of pyrite exhibits the characteristics of a positive correlation with temperature and a negative correlation with oxygen fugacity, respectively. The δ³⁴S isotopic compositions of colloidal pyrite are in the range of 0.03 to 0.67, which are close to meteoric sulfur and mantle sulfur compositions, while the δ³⁴S values of nodular pyrite fall within the range of granite, indicating the characteristics of mixtures of sulfur sources are mainly related to magmatic activity. Our results provide insight into the formation mechanisms of pyrite in different environments, its mineralization, and the ore genesis of deposits. Moreover, the integrated analytical methods for pyrite are provided, which can define theoretical guidance for the exploration and development of mineral resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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21 pages, 5960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogy and Geochemical Characteristics of Scheelite Deposit at Xuebaoding in Pingwu, Sichuan Province, China

by Qinyuan Cao, Miao Shi, Ye Yuan, Shiyu Ma and Haoyu Lu

Minerals 2024, 14(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14010038 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 916

Abstract

Featuring subtle lithological alterations in the host rocks and containing colossal gemstone crystals, the scheelite deposit at Xuebaoding in the Pingwu region of Sichuan Province exhibits characteristics typical of a vein-like hydrothermal-type deposit. The scheelite from the Xuebaoding region is renowned for its high saturation of color, perfect crystal shape, and pure color. In this study, its crystal structure and mineralogical, geochemical, and in situ Sr-Nd isotope characteristics are all systematically characterized. Our objective is to determine the source of ore-forming materials, the timing of the mineralization, and the chemical composition of scheelite, including major elements, trace elements, and rare earths elements (REE). The scheelite samples were analyzed with a variety of methods such as polarizing microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), electron probing, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). In addition, conventional gemological tests were performed using instruments including gemstone microscopes, GI-UVB ultraviolet fluorescent lamps, grating spectroscopy, etc. The results demonstrate that scheelite exhibits a high refractive index, excellent crystallinity, and a granular structure. Clear color bands and ring structures are observed within the minerals, accompanied by interference colors of light blue, blue, and yellow. Additionally, the mineral components are relatively concentrated, with muscovite and illite serving as accessory minerals. Furthermore, the chemical composition of scheelite reveals a WO₃/CaO mass ratio that approaches or exceeds the ideal value. Moreover, it exhibits a wide range of variations in total rare earth element (∑REE) content, which is characterized by an enrichment of light rare earths (LREE), significant negative Eu anomalies, and insignificant Ce anomalies. In addition, the metallogenic formation of scheelite can be estimated to have occurred during the Toarcian stage in the Lower Jurassic Epoch period, approximately 183 Ma. The study further revealed that A-type granite serves as the genesis type of scheelite, with most of the ore-forming materials originating from the upper crust and a few derived from younger crustal sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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19 pages, 3783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genesis of the Daliuhang Gold Deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, Eastern China: Constraints from H-O-S-Pb-He-Ar Isotopes, and Geochronology

by Jiepeng Tian, Junjian Li, Xuan Wu, Chao Fu, Zhicai Dang, Pengpeng Zhang, Jiangtao He, Wenlong Tang and Ruicong Tian

Minerals 2023, 13(10), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13101339 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1049

Abstract

The Daliuhang gold deposit in the Qipengfu (Qixia–Penglai–Fushan) ore concentration area is a typical gold deposit of medium-low temperature hydrothermal veins. Uncertainties regarding the primary sources of ore-forming fluids, as well as whether host rocks contribute materials to the mineralization of the gold deposits in the Jiaodong Peninsula, are still subject to intense debate. Hydrogen–oxygen isotope results show that atmospheric water is involved in ore-forming fluids. According to the results of the helium–argon isotopes of pyrite, it is hypothesized that the initial fluid source was located in the oceanic crust or upper mantle lithosphere above the Early Cretaceous Paleo-Pacific Plate, as it was subducted into the eastern part of the eastern North China Craton. In situ sulfur isotope results show that high δ³⁴S values characterize the pyrite in the main mineralization period. It is inferred that during the thinning and melting process of the lithospheric mantle, the volatile components enriched in pyrite contributed to the release of δ³⁴S. At the same time, when the fluids ascended to the weak zones, such as fissures of ore-endowed peripheral rocks, the δ³⁴S in the peripheral rocks were extracted, and the two processes acted together to cause high δ³⁴S values to occur. Similarly, the lead and strontium isotopic compositions indicate a crust–mantle mixing attribute of the mineralized material source. The zircon U–Pb age of the ore-hosting granodiorite was 130.35 ± 0.55 Ma, and the Rb–Sr isochron age of the pyrite from the main mineralization period was 117.60 ± 0.10 Ma, which represents the timing of felsic magmatism and gold mineralization, respectively, with at least 10 Ma between the magmatism and mineralization. The magma gradually cooled over time after its formation, and when the granodiorite cooled down to 300 ± 50 °C, the temperature and pressure conditions were most conducive to the precipitation of gold. It is inferred that gold-rich initial mantle fluids with volatile components, rising along tectonically weak zones, such as fractures, underwent fluid phase separation in the fractured position of the granite and extracted the gold from the granodiorite, forming gold deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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22 pages, 11641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Petrogenesis of the Laoshan Suite in the Jiaodong Peninsula (Eastern China): An Oxidized Low Ba–Sr A1-Type Granite

by Jian Li, Changwei Wang, Mingchun Song, Changjiang Wang, Shiyong Li, Xiao Liu and Qingyi Cui

Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081012 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 853

Abstract

The Jiaodong Peninsula is closely related to Mesozoic granites in terms of spatial and temporal aspects. However, the specific association between the genesis of gold mineralization and these granites remains unclear. It is also ambiguous why Laoshan-type granites, which are similar to Mesozoic granites, are not gold mineralized. In this study, we analyzed the Laoshan granites and compiled Mesozoic magmatic rock data (Linglong, Guojialing, and Weideshan suites) of the Jiaodong Peninsula. We performed whole-rock major and trace elements, LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry analyses. Our zircon U–Pb data denote that the Laoshan granite was emplaced during the 118 ± 1 Ma. The Laoshan granite is characterized by high SiO₂ content (76.03–80.28 wt.%), high TFe₂O₃/MgO (11.1–27.1) and Ga/Al (3.0–3.5) ratios, high zircon saturation temperature (809–850 °C), and negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.05–0.08) anomalies, showing A-type granite characteristics. Furthermore, the Laoshan granite is identified as an A1-type granite with low Ba (33.1–42.0 ppm) and Sr (14.1–21.0 ppm) contents. It was formed in an extensional tectonic environment induced by the subducting slab roll-back of the Paleo-Pacific Plate, mainly from the partial melting of lower crustal materials, mixed with a small amount of mantle components. Zircon trace elements indicate that the Laoshan suite had relatively high oxygen fugacity and temperature (ΔFMQ = + 2.43 to + 4.22, T-Ti in zircon (mean) = 796 °C) compared to the pre-mineralization and contemporaneous mineralization magma. We propose that oxidized adakitic magma (Weideshan suite) may contribute to the enrichment and mineralization of gold. Although Laoshan-type granite also has a high oxygen fugacity, its location is distant from the ore-controlling faults, which ultimately hinders the formation of gold mineralization. From the Jurassic to the Cretaceous, the tectonic and geochemical properties of magmatic rocks in the Jiaodong Peninsula have changed, and gold deposits are formed in such a transitional process (compression to extension, reduction to oxidation). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution)

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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

1. Author: Ma Shiyu et al.,

Affiliation: Hebei GEO university

Title: Mineralogical characteristics and genetic types of pyrite with different occurrence: Constraints from spectroscopy, geochemistry and δ34S stable isotopes

2. Author: Zhang Cun et al.,

Affiliation:Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)

Title: Constraints on genesis of graphite deposits in Luanchuan Group, East Qinling Orogen: Implications for carbon sequestration and cycle

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