Paleoproterozoic SEDEX-type stratiform mineralization overprinted by Mesozoic vein-type mineralization in the Qingchengzi Pb-Zn deposit, Northeastern China

Abstract

Abstract The Qingchengzi Pb–Zn deposit is located in the northeastern Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt (JLJB), North China Craton (NCC). Field observation and age dating indicate that the deposit was formed from Paleoproterozoic sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) stratiform mineralization overprinted by Late Triassic hydrothermal vein-type mineralization. Five types of fluid inclusions (FIs) are identified in the quartz grains, based on petrography and laser Raman spectroscopy: liquid-rich two-phase (type 1), vapor-rich two-phase (type 2), CO2-bearing (types 3a and 3b), and CO2-pure (type 4). Quartz from the SEDEX stratiform ores contains only type 1 FIs, and hydrogen-oxygen isotopic compositions indicate that the ore-forming fluids were magmatic water-derived. The ore-forming fluids were likely of medium-temperatures and low-salinity, and belonged to a NaCl–H2O hydrothermal system. Quartz from the vein-types contains all five types of FIs, and the ore-forming fluids may have belonged to a medium-temperature, low-salinity NaCl–H2O–CO2 hydrothermal system. Hydrogen-oxygen isotopes indicate that the vein-type ore-forming fluids were derived from magmatic-meteoric mixed source. Rare-earth element (REE) and sulfur-lead isotopic compositions indicate that ore-forming materials of the SEDEX stratiform mineralization were derived from the wall-rocks and magma, wheres those of the vein-type mineralization were derived from Late Triassic granitic magma, wall-rocks, and the Paleoproterozoic SEDEX ores. Based on field geological and geochronological data, we propose the following regional metallogenic model: (1) SEDEX mineralization occurred during the Paleoproterozoic post-collisional extension in the JLJB; (2) vein-type mineralization was generated by the north-dipping subduction of the Yangtze Craton beneath the NCC, which led to continent-continent collision and slab break-off in the Late Triassic.