Geofluids
Volume 2019 (2019), Article ID 6912519, 17 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6912519

Research Article

Fluid Inclusion and H–O–S–Pb Isotope Geochemistry of the Yuka Orogenic Gold Deposit, Northern Qaidam, China

Pengjie Cai,1,2 Rongke Xu,² Youye Zheng,2,3 Yueming Yin,³ Xin Chen,³ Xianbin Fan,³ and Chao Ma⁴

¹Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510760, China
²Institute of Geological Survey, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
³The Faculty of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
⁴Xinjiang Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Wulumoqi 830000, China

Correspondence should be addressed to Rongke Xu; xurongke1968@126.com and Youye Zheng; zhyouye@163.com

Received 23 October 2018; Revised 15 March 2019; Accepted 8 August 2019; Published 7 October 2019

Academic Editor: John A. Mavrogenes

Copyright © 2019 Pengjie Cai et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

The Yuka gold deposit, located in the western part of northern Qaidam, contains Au orebodies hosted in early Paleozoic metamorphic basic volcaniclastic rocks. The Yuka mineralization can be divided into three stages: early quartz-pyrite (stage-I), middle quartz-gold-polymetallic sulfide (stage-II), and late quartz-carbonate (stage-III). Gold deposition is primarily contained within stage-II. Three types of fluid inclusions were identified in the vein mineral assemblages using petrography and laser Raman spectroscopy: H₂O-CO₂-NaCl (C-type), H₂O-NaCl (W-type), and pure CO₂ (PC-type). Stage-I fluids record medium temperatures (205.2°C to 285.5°C) and H₂O-CO₂-NaCl±CH₄ fluids with variable salinities (0.6–8.5 wt.% NaCl equiv.). Stage-II fluids evolved towards a more H₂O-rich composition within a H₂O-CO₂-NaCl±CH₄ hydrothermal system at medium temperatures (193.1°C to 271.1°C), with variable salinities (0.4–11.7 wt.% NaCl equiv.). Stage-III fluids are almost pure H₂O and characterized by low temperatures (188.1°C to 248.5°C) and salinities (0.4–16.1 wt.% NaCl equiv.). These data indicate that ore-forming fluids are characterized by low to medium homogenization temperatures and low salinity and are evolved from a CO₂-rich metamorphogenic fluid to a CO₂-poor fluid due to inputs of meteoric waters, which is similar to orogenic-type gold deposits. The average of quartz varies from 3.3‰ in stage-I to 2.1‰ in stage-II and to 1.4‰ in stage-III, with the values ranging from −41.6‰ to −58.5‰, suggesting that ore-forming fluids formed from metamorphic fluids mixed with meteoric waters. Auriferous pyrite ranges from 0.5 to 7.4‰ with a mean value of 4.43‰, suggesting that fluids were partially derived from Paleozoic rocks via fluid-wall rock interactions. Auriferous pyrites have ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 18.238–18.600 (average of 18.313), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.590–15.618 (average of 15.604), and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 38.039–38.775 (average of 38.1697) and stem from the upper crust. Basing on geological characteristics of the ore deposit as well as new data from the ore-forming fluids, and H-O-S-Pb isotopes, the Yuka gold deposit is best described as an orogenic-type gold deposit.

1. Introduction

Orogenic gold deposits are an important type of deposit formally proposed by Groves et al. [1], which account for more than 30% of the world’s gold reserves. Orogenic gold deposits form in accretionary and collisional orogenic belts dominated by extrusion, and strike-slip deformation is associated with relatively low-stress areas, such as secondary fractures [1, 2]. Most orogenic gold deposits are formed under greenschist facies metamorphic conditions [3–6]. Fluids within orogenic gold deposits have low salinity (≤10% NaCl eqv.), high carbon (CO₂+CH₄ content is 5%-30%), low Cl, and high S content [7]. Au is considered to be transported by the Au(HS)₂⁻ complex in fluids [3]. Ore-forming fluids may come from a variety of sources including (1) rock metamorphism [8], (2) carbonaceous sediment deposits [9], (3) magmatic fluids [10], (4) seawater [11], and (5) metamorphic dehydration [12, 13].

Orogenic gold deposits have been an important source of gold in China [2] and are widely distributed in the Tian Shan orogenic belt [14, 15], Ailaoshan tectonic belt [16–18], northern margin of North China Craton [19–21], and orogenic belts of northwestern China [22, 23] (Figure 1). The northern Qaidam orogenic belt (NQOB) is an orogenic belt in northwestern China that hosts a range of Au, Cu, Pb, and Zn deposits [23–28]. However, little research has been published on these gold deposits in international literature until now, which restricts our understanding of these gold deposits in NQOB.

Figure 1: (a) Distribution of major continental blocks and oceanic plates around China, based on Google Earth. (b) Space-time distribution of investigated gold deposits in mainland of China (modified after Deng and Wang [5]).

The Yuka gold deposit is hosted within metamorphic rocks and contains 5.6 t of Au at an average grade of 2.14 g/t in the northwestern NQOB [29]. To date, no published researches of the Yuka gold deposit exist, and it is genesis as well as the ore-forming fluids that remains unclear. An accurate assessment of the nature and composition of the mineralizing fluids is a key to understanding the origin of the deposit [30, 31]. In this paper, we report dating from fluid inclusion and H–O–S–Pb isotope of the ores from the Yuka gold deposit. This approach provides an excellent opportunity to determine the direct link between the ore-forming fluid character and ore genesis. Our research would be helpful to understanding of this class of orogenic gold deposit, which might be helpful for further exploration of the orogenic belts of northwestern China.

2. Geological Setting and Ore Geology

2.1. Geological Setting

The NQOB strikes NW-SE, is about 900 km long, and is 25 to 160 km wide (Figure 2). Paleozoic to Mesozoic sedimentary rocks deposited on the Precambrian basement make up the Qilian block in the north. To the south lies the Qaidam block (or Qaidam basin), which is a Mesozoic to Cenozoic intracontinental basin developed on the Precambrian crystalline basement (Figure 2) [32]. The Qaidam boundary faults (Figure 2) separate the NQOB from the Oulongbuluke block to the north and formed the Qaidam block to the south [33, 34]. At its northwestern termination, the orogenic belt is cut by the Altyn Tagh fault [35] (Figure 2). Several studies have suggested that the northern Qaidam ocean basin was subducted during the Early Ordovician, and collision with Qilian block occurred during the Late Ordovician to Middle Devonian [36–39].

Figure 2: (a) Schematic map showing the major tectonic units in NW China (modified after Song et al. [40]); (b) simplified map showing the tectonic framework of the northern margin of the Qaidam basin and spatial location of the Yuka gold deposit. Orogenic gold mineral deposits: 2: Yeluotuoquan; 3: Qianmeiling; 4: Hongliugou; 5: Qinglonggou; 6: Tanjianshan; 9: Saibagou; 10: Qiulute; 12: Yuka. Cu(Au) porphyry mineral deposits: 1: Xiaosaishitengshan. Sedex Pb-Zn(Au): 8: Xitieshan. VHMS Cu(Au): 7: Luliangshan; 11: Qinglongtan (modified after Zhang et al. [23]).

Major lithostratigraphic units of the NQOB consist of the Paleoproterozoic Dakendaban Group, Early Paleozoic arc-related volcanic and sedimentary rocks of Tanjianshan Group and Devonian molasse, and Early Paleozoic granitic rocks [37–45]. Previous studies have interpreted geochronological and geochemical studies of HP/UHP metamorphic rocks (eclogite and gneiss) from NQOB as reflecting the evolution of a continental orogen from early seafloor subduction (>440 Ma) to continental subduction and collision (440–420 Ma), to the exhumation of the subducted slab (420–390 Ma), and to the final orogen collapse (390–360 Ma) [32, 36, 39, 40, 46–52]. Moreover, Wu et al. [53] have summarized data for NQOB granitoids; the following five periods of granitic magmatism occurred between the Ordovician and Triassic: (1) oceanic crust subduction (465–473 Ma), (2) continental crust subduction (423–446 Ma), (3) slab broke off and exhumation of the north Oulongbruk block rifting (391–413 Ma), (4) lithosphere mantle delamination and Zongwulong ocean forming (372–383 Ma), and (5) Zongwulong oceanic crust subduction (240–271 Ma). Many magmatism of accretion-related crustal thickening had occurred during Late Silurian and Early Devonian [54].

Metallogenic models for subduction-related accretionary orogeny predict that the NOQB should be favorable for orogenic-type mineralization [4, 5, 16, 31]. Actually, the NQOB contains numerous orogenic gold deposits (e.g., Yeluotuoquan, Qianmeiling, Hongliugou, Qinglonggou, Tanjianshan, Saibagou, Qiulute, and Yuka), which are mainly divided into two types: quartz vein types and altered rock [16, 23, 55–57]. These orogenic gold deposits are a primarily altered rock type hosted in shear zones developed in Mesoproterozoic, Cambrian, and Ordovician low-grade metamorphic rocks [5]. Some deposits have reported metallogenic ages, such as the sericite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of , , and for the Qinglonggou, Saibagou, and Yeluotuoquan deposits, respectively [23, 55–57]. The Tanjianshan gold deposit is the largest gold deposit in the NQOB. While the mineralization age is not well constrained, sericite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 400 Ma and 284 Ma for [57], a K–Ar age of and a Rb–Sr isochron age of for hydrothermal minerals [23], and zircon U-Pb age of 344.7 ± 2.0 Ma for a granite [58] from Tanjianshan gold deposit have been reported.

As part of a regional large-scale NW-trending shear zone in the NQOB, shear zones within the study area experienced two main deformation events and directly control gold deposition [23]. Based on tectonic and geochronological data for the metallogenic events, Zhang et al. [23] have divided the gold mineralization, which is closely associated with accretionary and collisional orogeny in the NQOB, into two phases: Early Paleozoic and Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic. The above metallogenic ages indicate that gold deposits in the NQOB are related to plutonic or metamorphic/tectonic events that happen during composite orogenic processes.

2.2. Geology of the Yuka Gold Deposit

The Yuka eclogite-gneiss terrane is located in western NQOB, which mainly consists of Yukahe Group (granitic gneisses and pelitic schists/gneisses) that is in fault contact with the Early Paleozoic island arc volcanic rocks of the Tanjianshan Group and Cambrian gabbros in the east (Figure 3(a)). Two types of eclogite have been recognized as layer- or lens-shaped blocks and bound in aged dykes within granitic and pelitic schists/gneisses [59–62]. In situ zircon dating has established that the Yukahe gneiss group eclogite experienced UHP metamorphic ages of ca. 430–434 Ma [33, 51, 63]. For granitic gneisses in the Yukahe gneiss group, zircon U–Pb dating yielded 0.9–1.0 Ga protolith ages and 420–480 Ma metamorphic ages [64, 65].

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 3: (a) Regional geological map of the Yuka district; (b) geology and distribution of the Yuka gold deposit; (c) geological section along the 07 exploration line of Yuka gold deposit.

The Yuka gold deposit is located in east Yuka eclogite-gneiss terrane and is hosted within thick-layered intermediate-basic volcaniclastic rocks ascribed to the Tanjianshan Group. A series of NW- to WNW-trending ductile shear zones are marked by well-defined mylonites overprinting the metamorphic volcaniclastic rocks (basaltic tuff or tuffaceous slate) of the Tanjianshan Group and constrain the occurrence of gold deposits. These narrow mylonite zones are defined by a mylonitic foliation generally dipping NE at 45-70° and have an along-strike length of about 300–800 m. Shear zone width ranges from meters to tens of meters. Gold mineralization occurs primarily in shear zone centers and decreases sharply away from the shear zones.

Gold orebodies in the Yuka gold deposit are stratiform or lenticular in shape, centimeter- to meter-thick, and parallel to the mylonitic foliation (Figure 3(b)). The longest single ore body is 800 m long, and gold grade varies from 1 to 28 g/t [29]. Mineralization types generally include gold-bearing quartz veins (Figures 4(a) and 4(d)) and altered gold-bearing mylonites (Figures 4(b) and 4(c)). The main ore minerals are comprised of native gold, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. Secondary oxidized minerals include limonite, malachite, hematite, and covellite. The predominant gangue minerals are quartz and calcite, with a small amount of epidote and chlorite.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Figure 4: Photographs and photomicrographs of microstructures from the Yuka gold deposit. (a) Gold quartz vein. (b) Gold-containing altered mylonite. (c) Stage-II quartz and sericite schist. (d) Stage-I quartz and stage-II quartz. (e) Stage-II quartz and stage-III calcite+quartz. (f) Stage-I pyrite and stage-II pyrite with chalcopyrite. (g) Stage-II pyrite with native gold. (h) Cubic crystal stage-I pyrite. Abbreviation: Mal = malachite; Qtz = quartz; Py = pyrite; Ccp = chalcopyrite; Cal = calcite.

There are three stages of the hydrothermal ore-forming processes of Yuka gold deposit on the basis of field observations, mineral assemblages, and cross-cutting relationships. Stage-I quartz veins are characterized by a pyrite-quartz mineral assemblage with little gold mineralization (Figure 4(d)). Pyrite within stage-I quartz veins is mostly idiomorphic and is middle fine to middle coarse (Figures 4(g) and 4(h)). Stage-II quartz veins, which are regarded as the main ore-forming stage, cross-cut early-stage ore minerals (Figure 4(f)). Disseminated sulfide minerals (e.g., pyrite and chalcopyrite) and native gold fill gaps in stage-II quartz veins (Figures 4(g) and 4(h)). Stage-III calcite-quartz veins are without gold (Figure 4(e)).

3. Samples and Analytical Methods

3.1. Fluid Inclusions

Samples in this research are mainly collected from the Zk0702 and Zk0703 drill holes, which related to no. 3 orebody. The sampling method accounted for observations from the drill core and the three-stage mineralization evolution (Figure 3(c)). 18 quartz-rich samples from different forming stages of orebody were made doubly polished and ~0.20 mm thick thin sections (Figure 3(c)). The spatial distribution, shape, and vapor/liquid ratios of fluid inclusions were observed.

Representative fluid inclusions were analyzed using microthermometric measurements and laser Raman spectroscopy analysis. The microthermometric study was completed at the State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources (GPMR), China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), using a Linkam THMS600 heating-freezing stage with a temperature range of −196°C to +600°C. The reproducibility of these measurements is ±0.1°C below 30°C, and heating and freezing temperatures are reproducible within ±1°C and ±0.1°C, respectively. NaCl–H₂O inclusion salinities were calculated using the final melting temperatures of ice [66]. The melting temperature of clathrate of CO₂-bearing fluid inclusions is used to calculate the salinity [67].

3.2. Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Analysis

Oxygen and hydrogen isotope analysis of ten ore-related quartz samples was carried out at the Analytical Laboratory in Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), using a MAT253-EM mass spectrometer. Oxygen was extracted from 10 to 20 mg of quartz using the BrF5 method [68]. The hydrogen isotope compositions of fluid inclusions in quartz were analyzed using the decrepitation of fluid inclusions. The analytical precisions are ±0.2‰ and ±0.2‰ for and , respectively. Oxygen isotope ratios of water in equilibrium with quartz were calculated using the equation [69], where is the maximum homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions.

3.3. Sulfur Isotope Analysis

Sulfur isotopic analysis was carried out on ten pyrite samples from the stage-II quartz from the no. 2 and no. 3 orebodies. Sulfur isotopic ratios were determined using a MAT-251 mass spectrometer at the Analytical Laboratory in Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, CNNC. Sulfur isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals were measured using the conventional combustion method [70]. The results are reported as relative to Vienna Canon Diablo Troilite (V-CDT) sulfide, and the analytical precision is better than ±0.2‰.

3.4. Lead Isotopes

Ten of the sulfur isotope samples (pyrite) were analyzed for Pb isotopic compositions. Lead isotopic compositions were measured using a MAT-261 thermal ionization mass spectrometer with the standard sample NBS 981 at the analytical laboratory of Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology. The analytical precision for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb is better than ±0.05%.

4. Results

4.1. Fluid Inclusions

4.1.1. Petrography and Classification

Petrographic observations indicate that fluid inclusion assemblages (FIs) are widely distributed in quartz veins from the Yuka gold deposit. According to textures, compositions, and phase proportions at room temperature [71], we divide FIs into the following three major types: (1) aqueous-carbonic (H₂O-CO₂-NaCl; C-type), (2) aqueous (H₂O-NaCl; W-type), and (3) pure carbonic (CO₂; PC-type) (Figure 5). In descending order, the abundance of fluid inclusions is .

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 5: Photomicrographs of typical fluid inclusions in the Yuka gold deposit. (a) Primary PC-type fluid inclusion in stage-I quartz. (b) Primary C-type fluid inclusion in stage-I quartz. (c) Primary C- and W-type fluid inclusions in stage-II quartz. (d) W-type fluid inclusions in stage-II quartz. Abbreviation:  = vapor CO₂;  = liquid CO₂;  = vapor H₂O;  = liquid H₂O.

C-type FIs are two-phase inclusions (liquid H₂O+liquid CO₂) with multiphase compositions (liquid H₂O+liquid CO₂+vapor CO₂) at room temperature (Figures 5(b) and 5(c)) and are the primary and pseudosecondary inclusion types in stage-I quartz and stage-II quartz. C-type FIs are commonly flat, irregularly shaped, or in long strips, containing a vapor bubble that represents <20 vol% of the respective inclusion. W-type FIs consist of vapor and liquid water aqueous inclusions and are formed during stage-II to stage-III (Figures 5(c) and 5(d)). W-type FIs account for 50% of the total FI population. PC-type FIs are either single-phase or two-phase (liquid CO₂+liquid CO₂) and only formed during stage-I (Figure 5(a)).

4.1.2. Homogenization Temperatures and Salinities

The dating from the primary liquid-rich fluid inclusions () was obtained from the three forming stages of Yuka gold deposit (Table 1) (Figure 6).

Table 1: Microthermometric data for fluid inclusions of different stages from the Yuka gold deposit. Table 1 is reproduced from Chai et al. [77], (under the Creative Commons Attribution License/public domain).

Sample no.
Host mineral
FI type
Number
(°C)
(°C)
(°C)
(°C)
(°C) (L-V)
Salinity (wt.% NaCl equiv.)
Stage

ZK0702-12
Quartz
PC
7
-59.4~-56.7

12.4~28.1

I

ZK0702-8
Quartz
C
21
-60.0~-56.6
5.4~9.5
15.6~29.4

205.2~266.4
1.0~8. 5
I

ZK0702-9
Quartz
C
23
-59.4~-56.6
5.7~9.6
15.9~29.1

233~285.5
0.8~8.0
I

ZK0702-10
Quartz
C
28
-59.5~-56.7
5.9~9.7
16.6~29.4

206~274.5
0.6~7.8
I

ZK0703-4
Quartz
C
18
-59.8~-56.8
5.6~9.4
17.8~29.3

233~284.3
1.2~8.1
I

ZK0702-11
Quartz
C
22
-60.0~-56.6
5.9~9.5
12.9~26.8

223.4~255.5
1.0~7.8
II

ZK0703-5
Quartz
C
18
-60.5~-56.7
5.4~9.6
14.8~29.4

222.2~256.1
0.8~8.5
II

ZK0702-13
Quartz
PC
5
-58.4~-56.6

7.7~27.6

II

ZK0702-1
Quartz
W
26

-0.7~-5.3
210.4~265.0
1.3~10.8
II

ZK0702-2
Quartz
W
24

-0.5~-4.9
193.1~257.1
0.9~9.9
II

ZK0702-3
Quartz
W
29

-0.2~-5.3
196.0~253.1
0.4~10.8
II

ZK0702-4
Quartz
W
16

-1.3~-4.9
209.4~268.1
2.4~9.9
II

ZK0702-5
Quartz
W
25

-1.2~-4.5
198.0~267.5
2.2~9.0
II

ZK0702-6
Quartz
W
20

-0.2~-5.7
203~271.1
0.4~11.7
II

ZK0703-1
Quartz
W
21

-0.8~-4.9
188.1~248.5
1.5~9.9
III

ZK0703-2
Quartz
W
21

-1.6~-4.4
193.4~241.2
3.0~8.7
III

ZK0703-3
Quartz
W
32

-0.8~-4.9
190.2~242.4
1.5~9.9
III

ZK0702-7
Quartz
W
17

-0.2~-4.5
188.1~241.6
0.4~9.0
III

Note:  = final melting temperature of solid CO₂;  = final melting temperature of CO₂-H₂O clathrate;  = homogenization temperature of CO₂ phases;  = final melting temperature of ice;  = homogenization temperature; wt.% NaCl equiv. = weight percent NaCl equivalent.

Figure 6: Histograms of total homogenization temperatures () and salinities of fluid inclusions in different stages.

(1)Stage-I Quartz

Stage-I quartz crystals contain dominantly C-type with rare PC-type fluid inclusions. Homogenization temperatures of C-type FIs () vary from 205.2°C to 285.5°C. The first melting temperatures () of solid CO₂ in C-type FIs range from −60.0°C to −56.6°C. Clathrate melting temperatures () range from 5.4°C to 9.7°C, which correspond to salinities ranging from 0.6 to 8.5 wt.% NaCl equiv. (Figure 6, Table 1). The CO₂ phase of C-type FIs is completely homogenized when temperatures () are between 15.6°C and 29.4°C. PC-type FIs () yield melting temperatures () of solid CO₂ ranging from −59.4°C to −56.7°C and homogenization temperatures () of CO₂ ranging from 12.4°C to 28.1°C (Table 1).

(2)Stage-II Quartz

Quartz crystals from the main gold stage-II contain many C-type and W-type and relatively few PC-type FIs. C-type FIs () were homogenized at 222.2–256.1°C. Clathrate melting temperatures () range from 5.4°C to 9.6°C, which corresponds to salinities between 0.8 wt.% and 8.5 wt.% NaCl equiv. (Figure 6, Table 1). Homogenization temperatures () of CO₂ are between 12.5°C and 29.4°C. W-type FIs () were homogenized at 193.1–271.1°C and contain salinities between 0.4 wt.% and 11.7 wt.% NaCl equiv. (Figure 6, Table 1). PC-type FIs () yield melting temperatures () of solid CO₂ ranging from −58.4°C to −56.6°C and homogenization temperatures () of CO₂ ranging from 7.7°C to 27.6°C (Table 1).

(3)Stage-III Quartz

Stage-III quartz only observed W-type fluid inclusions, which were homogenized to liquid at temperatures ranging from 188.1°C to 248.5°C. Their final ice melting temperatures range from −4.9°C to −0.2°C, and salinities range from 0.4 wt.% to 9.9 wt.% NaCl equiv. (Figure 6, Table 1).

Generally, temperatures decrease from stage-I to stage-III, but salinity shows nearly the same range for all stages, and maximum values are slightly higher in stage-II.

4.1.3. Laser Raman Spectroscopy

Laser Raman spectroscopy studies indicate that the ingredient (Figure 7(b)) of the primary C-type FIs from stage-I and stage-II contains a CO₂ vapor phase (1285 cm⁻¹ and 1388 cm⁻¹) with minor amounts of CH₄ (2916 cm⁻¹) and a liquid phase with a large amount of water (3438 cm⁻¹). The primary component of W-type FIs is H₂O (3424–3447 cm⁻¹). Additionally, W-type inclusions of stage-II contain CO₂ (1284 cm⁻¹ and 1387 cm⁻¹) and CH₄ (2916 cm⁻¹) in the vapor phase (Figures 7(c) and 7(d)). PC-type FIs from stage-I and stage-II show well-defined CO₂ peaks (1285 cm⁻¹ and 1387 cm⁻¹) and some CH₄ peaks (2917 cm⁻¹) (Figure 7(a)).

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 7: Microstructures and laser Raman spectra for fluid inclusions in Yuka gold deposit.

4.2. Oxygen and Hydrogen

Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic results from the Yuka gold deposit are given in Table 2 and Figure 8. Measured values for quartz veins in connection with gold mineralization at Yuka are ranged from 11.4‰ to 12.7‰. values vary between 0.6‰ and 3.6‰. Hydrogen isotopic compositions are calculated directly from inclusion fluid, which is between −58.5‰ and −41.6‰.

Table 2: The , , and (‰) of the Yuka gold deposit.

Sample no.
Stage
Mineral
Average (°C)
(‰)
(‰)

ZK0702-8
I
Quartz
246.3
-58.5
12.6
3.5

ZK0702-9
I
Quartz
234
-55.6
12.5
2.8

ZK0702-10
I
Quartz
258.5
-56.5
12.2
3.6

ZK0702-11
II
Quartz
239.3
-51.8
11.8
2.3

ZK0702-2
II
Quartz
234.1
-52.5
11.5
1.8

ZK0702-3
II
Quartz
226.1
-50.5
12.4
2.2

ZK0702-4
II
Quartz
242.5
-53.5
11.4
2.1

ZK0703-1
III
Quartz
218.3
-41.6
12.7
2.1

ZK0703-2
III
Quartz
217.4
-43.5
12.1
1.4

ZK0703-3
III
Quartz
215.2
-44.6
11.4
0.6

Figure 8: plots of the ore fluids of the Yuka gold deposit. Primary magmatic and metamorphic water boxes and meteoric water line are from Taylor [72]. Organic water field is quoted from Sheppard [73]. The data from Tanjianshan and Qinglonggou deposits are quoted from Zhang [74].

4.3. Sulfur and Lead Isotopic Results

Sulfur isotopic results from the Yuka gold deposit are given in Table 3 and Figure 9. The values of pyrite are between 0.5 and 7.4‰ (average of 4.43‰). Lead isotopic results from the Yuka gold deposit are given in Table 4 and Figure 10. Pyrite separates have ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging from 18.238 to 18.600 with an average of 18.313. ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios range from 15.590 to 15.618 with an average of 15.604, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios range from 38.039 to 38.775 with an average of 38.1697.

Table 3: The values of ores and rocks in the Yuka gold deposit.

Sample no.
Position
Ore no.
Mineral
(‰)

YQS-01
Surface
3
Pyrite
0.5

YQS-02
Surface
3
Pyrite
3.9

YQS-03
Surface
3
Pyrite
3.5

YQS-04
Surface
3
Pyrite
4.9

YQS-05
ZK0702-2
3
Pyrite
4.9

YQS-06
ZK0702-3
3
Pyrite
3.9

YQS-07
ZK0702-4
3
Pyrite
4.5

YQS-08
Surface
2
Pyrite
6.7

YQS-09
Surface
2
Pyrite
7.4

YQS-10
Surface
2
Pyrite
4.1

Figure 9: Histogram of sulfur (S) isotopic compositions of sulfides from the Yuka gold deposit and related lithologies. values of Paleozoic strata are quoted from Zhu et al. [75]; values of Paleozoic intrusions are quoted from Guo and Chen [76]; values of Proterozoic strata are quoted from Zhang [74]. Other values are quoted from Deng and Wang [5].

Table 4: Lead isotope ratios of ores in the Yuka gold deposit, reproduced from Chai et al. [77], (under the Creative Commons Attribution License/public domain).

Sample no.
Position
Ore no.
Mineral
²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb
(‰)
²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb
(‰)
²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb
(‰)

YQS-01
Surface
3
Pyrite
38.132
0.005
15.615
0.002
18.285
0.002

YQS-02
Surface
3
Pyrite
38.103
0.015
15.618
0.006
18.287
0.007

YQS-03
Surface
3
Pyrite
38.043
0.004
15.599
0.002
18.257
0.002

YQS-04
Surface
3
Pyrite
38.063
0.004
15.603
0.002
18.248
0.002

YQS-05
ZK0702-2
3
Pyrite
38.065
0.004
15.6
0.002
18.238
0.002

YQS-06
ZK0702-3
3
Pyrite
38.039
0.004
15.597
0.002
18.263
0.002

YQS-07
ZK0702-4
3
Pyrite
38.048
0.004
15.599
0.001
18.262
0.002

YQS-08
Surface
2
Pyrite
38.775
0.004
15.611
0.002
18.62
0.002

YQS-09
Surface
2
Pyrite
38.285
0.004
15.59
0.002
18.371
0.002

YQS-10
Surface
2
Pyrite
38.144
0.004
15.608
0.002
18.302
0.002

(a)

(b)

Figure 10: Lead isotopic compositions from the Yuka gold deposit. (a) ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and (b) ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. The evolution curves of the upper crust, lower crust, mantle, and orogen are from Zartman and Doe (1981). Data from Paleozoic strata are quoted from Zhu et al. [75]; data from Paleozoic intrusions are quoted from Guo and Chen [76]; data from Proterozoic strata are quoted from Zhang [74].

5. Discussion

5.1. Evolution of Ore-Forming Fluids

Although the origin of fluid inclusions of orogenic gold deposits is unknown, FIs are still important targets for studying ore-forming processes in hydrothermal systems [6]. The three stages of FIs have implications for the ore-forming fluids in the Yuka gold deposit.

Stage-II fluids evolved towards a more H₂O-rich composition within a H₂O-CO₂-NaCl±CH₄ hydrothermal system at medium temperatures (193.1°C to 271.1°C) with variable salinities (0.4–11.7 wt.% NaCl equiv.). Moreover, the frequency of C- and PC-type fluid inclusions in the stage-II fluids is less than that in the stage-I fluids. These features show that stage-II fluids evolved into a lower CO₂ concentration at low-moderate temperatures and variable salinities, indicating a change in physicochemical conditions. A decrease in CO₂ would have brought about an increase in pH of the original ore fluid [77]. This change may have made the Au–S complexes unstable and soluble reduction, so that in deposit of more gold or polymetallic sulfides [77–79]. This result is consistent with the observed stage-II quartz veins, which is the main stage of gold mineralization (Figures 4(c)–4(h)). Lastly, following gold precipitation, stage-III fluids were almost pure H₂O (>90%). CO₂ and CH₄ were present at an earlier stage but are no longer present due to decreased solubility at lower temperatures (188.1°C to 248.5°C) and salinities (0.4–16.1 wt.% NaCl equiv.). These data, from stage-I to stage-III, indicate that the ore-forming fluids are characterized by low to medium homogenization temperatures and low salinities and are CO₂-rich, which is consistent with other regional orogenic-type gold deposits [1, 6, 7, 80].

5.2. Sources of Ore-Forming Fluids and Metals

H and O isotope research is of high efficiency and universality to understand the development of hydrothermal solutions in the mineralization system, especially to determine the origin of the fluids (magmatic, metamorphic, meteoric, or admixture) [71, 77].

values from quartz at all stages of the Yuka gold deposit range from 11.4 to 12.7‰ (Table 2). These values are similar to orogenic gold deposits elsewhere ( to 18‰) [3, 31, 80, 81]. Moreover, the calculated quartz values at all stages demonstrate a limit range from 0.6‰ to 3.6‰ (Table 2), which is within the scope of values from orogenic gold deposits in Northern Qaidam ( to 5.6‰) [74]. Furthermore, values of −58.5‰ to −41.6‰ from the Yuka gold deposit are comparable to most typical orogenic gold deposits ( to −80‰) [81, 82]. Fluid inclusions with low salinity and CO₂-rich indicate that the original ore fluids for the Yuka gold mineralization were metamorphic water, which is similar to a result of metamorphic devolatilization of such mafic successions [13]. Data from the δD vs. diagram (Figure 8) shows a trend from metamorphic water towards the meteoric water line, indicating that the original ore fluids may have mixed with metamorphic and meteoric waters through the rock-fluid reactions during mineralization [83, 84].

The investigated pyrite samples yield values ranging from 0.5 to 7.4‰ (Table 3) and overlap with those of orogenic gold deposits in the Chinese Qinling-Qilian-Kunlun orogenic belt, such as Wulonggou [85], Hanshan [86], Tanjianshan [74], Qinglonggou [74], Houliugou [74], and Shuangwang [87] (Figure 9). Moreover, values are comparable to those of orogenic gold deposits elsewhere in China [5]. In addition, values of pyrites in the Yuka deposit (Figure 9) are lower than those of regional Paleozoic intrusions (8.6‰ to 8.8‰ [76]) and Proterozoic strata (5.3‰ to 8.54‰ [74]), manifesting that the pyrites are not formed from magmatic hydrothermal fluids and that their genesis cannot be explained by a magmatic-hydrothermal system. However, the values are similar to those of regional Paleozoic strata (3.3‰ to 12.6‰ [75]), which derivate from Paleozoic rocks through fluid-wall rock interactions. Furthermore, the average value is within the range for the most of the metamorphic rock (Figure 9), so we deduce that the ore-forming fluids stem from the Paleozoic strata metamorphic.

The diagrams of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (Figures 10(a) and 10(b)) mainly plot in the area between the orogenic belt and the upper crust evolution line. Therefore, the primary source of Pb in the Yuka gold deposit and by reference the Pb isotopes was contributed by the upper crust; however, a minor contribution of mantle-derived Pb is also present.

5.3. Ore Genetic Type

The Yuka gold deposit was formed in an early Paleozoic collisional orogeny. Based on the above discussions and comparisons of geological and geochemical characteristics with typical orogenic gold deposits, we propose that the Yuka gold deposit has features similar to those of typical orogenic-type gold deposits [1, 6, 7, 81, 88]: (1) the Yuka gold deposit ore-forming fluid is of low salinity () and CO₂-rich, which is a characteristic of orogenic-type deposits [6, 7]. (2) The H-O-S-Pb isotope signatures of Yuka gold deposit described above supports an orogenic genetic model [1, 14, 15, 81, 89–91]. Hence, we conclude that the Yuka gold deposit is formed during the orogenic-type system development of Northern Qaidam.

6. Conclusions

(1)The ore-forming fluids from Yuka gold deposit show low to medium temperatures and low salinities and are CO₂-rich(2)H, O, S, and Pb isotopes of Yuka gold deposit demonstrate that the ore-forming materials were stemmed from mixed sources, which comprised Proterozoic rocks and ore-forming metamorphogenic fluids. The origin of ore-forming fluids is primarily metamorphic but may have mixed with meteoric fluids at upper crustal levels(3)According to regional geology, deposit characteristics, ore-forming fluid characteristics, and H-O-S-Pb isotopic characteristics indicate that the Yuka gold deposit is an orogenic gold deposit

Data Availability

All data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they do not have any commercial or associative interest that represents conflicts of interest in connection with the submitted work.

Acknowledgments

This study was jointly supported by the Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT14R54) and the China Geological Survey (121201011000150004).

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