Received: 18 May 2016 Revised: 14 February 2017 Accepted: 8 March 2017

DOI 10.1002/gj.2930

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Geology, geochemistry, and genesis of the Dashui Carlin‐type

gold deposit in the West Qinling orogenic belt, Gansu Province,
China
Xiuhong Peng1 | Hai Yang2 | Jiangsu Zhang1,3

1
College of Earth Sciences, Chengdu
University of Technology, Chengdu, China The Dashui gold deposit occurs in the south of West Qinling orogenic belt where is belonged to a
2
China Aero Geophysical Survey and Remote famous gold triangle area named “Shan‐Gan‐Chuan” in Northwest China. The presence of native
Sensing Center for Land and Resources, Au associated with hematite alteration is unique in China. The ore bodies at Dashui mainly occur
Beijing, China
in the limestone and dolomitic limestone units within the Lower Triassic Maresongduo Formation.
3
Third Team of Geology and Mineral
The granodioritic dykes that intrude the Triassic sedimentary rocks are locally mineralized
Resources Exploration of Gansu Province,
Lanzhou, China because of later carbonate alteration. The ore bodies are vein, lenticular, cystic, and dendritic in
Correspondence shape and are controlled by NW‐, NNE‐ (near N‐S‐), and E‐W‐trending faults. Gold mineralization
H. Yang, China Aero Geophysical Survey and occurs commonly at fault intersections and contact zones between the carbonate and magmatic
Remote Sensing Center for Land and rocks. The NNE‐ (near N‐S‐) trending faults and associated pinnate fractures are most favorable
Resources, No. 31, Xueyuan Road, Haidian
loci for gold deposition. The metallic minerals include native Au, pyrite, cinnabar, and marcasite,
District, 100083 Beijing, China.
Email: agrs_yh@163.com which are mostly overprinted by an oxidized mineral assemblage of hematite and limonite. Gold
J. ‐S. Zhang, Third Team of Geology and mineralization is closely associated with decalcification, silicification, and carbonate alterations.
Mineral Resources Exploration of Gansu Gold content in altered samples correlates with Si enrichment and Ca and Mg depletions. Rare
Province, 730050 Lanzhou, China.
earth elements (REE) increase with Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in altered carbonate rocks, indicating that
Email: zhangjs_cdut@126.com
an enrichment of REE may be closely related to argillic alteration and supergene weathering.
Funding Information
National Natural Science Foundation of China, The REE patterns of altered carbonate rocks are more likely consistent with granodiorite instead
Grant/Award Number: 41103025 of the ones of fresh carbonate rocks. Moreover, δ34S values of Dashui deposit ranging from
−1.8‰ to 4.1‰ indicate that the deep‐sourced magmatic hydrothermal fluids may have worked
Handling Editor: P. Horváth
during the early stage mineralization. Altered carbonate rocks show higher δ13C and lower δ18O
values than those of the original host rock. Therefore, the REE, S, C, and O data suggest that the
ore‐forming fluids may be magmatic derived and later interact and exchange with host rock and
meteoric water. The Dashui gold deposit is characterized by structural and stratigraphic controls;
Au–As–Sb–Hg geochemical association; alteration of decalcification, silicification, and
argillization; low base‐metals; high Au/Ag ratio; and low δ18O values. These features are consis-
tent with Carlin‐type Au deposits in Western USA, suggesting that the Dashui deposit is a Carlin‐
type deposit that formed in the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (170 to 135 Ma).

KEY W ORDS

carbonate hosted, Carlin‐type gold deposit, Dashui gold deposit, hematite alteration, supergene,
West Qinling orogen

1 | I N T RO D U CT I O N Au with an average grade more than 5 g/t, and the mineralization style
is unique to other gold deposits in China (Chen, 2010; Dai, Chen, & Ma,
The Dashui Au deposit, located in Maqu County, Gansu Province 2009; Li, Chen, & Zhang, 2010; Li, Zhao, Zhang, Ge, & Li, 2010; Li et al.,
(Figure 1) was discovered in 1990 during a follow‐up survey of an allu- 2007; Li, Zhao, & Zhao, 2006; Li & Wang, 2006; Liu, Zhang, Zhao, &
vial sediment Au–As–Sb–Hg anomaly delineated in a regional geo- Ren, 2006; Liu, 1994; Mao, 2001; Yang, Wang, Di, Ou, & Yu, 2010;
chemical reconnaissance survey. It has a reserve of more than 100 t Yin & Zhao, 2006; Zhao, Ye, Li, & Chen, 2003). The deposit lies in

Geological Journal. 2017;1–22. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/gj Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 1
2 PENG ET AL.

FIGURE 1 Regional geological map of West Qinling. The index map (inset lower left) shows the location of the Qinling orogenic belt and the
tectonic map (inset upper right) shows the West Qinling area relative to the larger‐scale tectonic setting (Cao et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2006;
Zhang et al., 2007; Zhu et al., 2011). NCC = North China Craton, SCB = South China Block, SGT = Songpan‐Ganzi terrane, Q = Qilianshan orogenic
belt, K = Kunlun orogenic belt, T = Tianshan orogenic belt and QOB = Qinling orogenic belt [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

the southern subzone of the West Qinling orogenic belt (QOB), which mineral assemblages (Chen, Zhang, Zhang, Franco, & Li, 2004; Garwin,
is a well‐known metallogenic province containing various metals such Tu, & Zhou, 1995; Li & Wang, 2006; Mao et al., 2005; Zeng et al.,
as Pb, Zn, Mo, Sb, Cu, and Fe (Chen, 2010; Chen, Wang, Qin, Zhao, 2013). However, the presence of native Au, abundant calcite‐cemented
& Mao, 1994; Feng et al., 2003; Goldfarb, Taylor, Collins, Goryachev, breccia, and high content of hematite in the ore differ from typical Car-
& Orlandini, 2014; Lu, Li, Wang, Yu, & Shi, 2008; Shang, Chen, & Zhao, lin‐type deposits (Dai et al., 2009; Yan, 1998; Zeng et al., 2013). Thus,
2009; Wang, Wang, et al., 2009; Yuan et al., 2013; Zhu et al., 2009; there are still some ambiguities as to the ore genesis and genetic type.
Zhu, Zhang, Li, & Guo, 2008). In this contribution, we report the result of a comprehensive study of
The Dashui Au deposit is hosted in Triassic strata that have been geology and geochemistry of the Dashui deposit and their comparison
intruded by Late Triassic granodiorite bodies over an exposed area of with the Carlin‐type Au deposits in Western USA. The purpose of this
approximately 1.76 km2 (Yan, 1998). An NW‐trending high‐angle research was to (a) provide detail geological features of a unique gold
reverse fault and other related structures controlled the emplacement deposit in Western Qinling; (b) analyse the origin of hydrothermal fluids
of the granitoids and the ore bodies. Gold mineralization occurs com- and establish a schematic model for Dashui; and (c) define its genetic
monly at the contact between the granitic dykes and carbonate rocks type by comparison with typical Carlin type in Western USA.
or at the intersection of faults. The high‐grade ores are mostly associ-
ated with carbonate breccias and hematitized jasperoids. Surface
weathering and oxidization extends more than 400 m beneath the 2 | G E O L O G I C A L S ET T I N G
earth's surface, which increases the difficulty of finding primary sulfides.
There are also a number of satellite exploration projects surrounding The QOB comprises three tectonic terranes, from north to south: the
the Dashui Au deposit, such as the Gongbei, Geertuo, Zhongqu, Xinqu, North Qinling belt, the South Qinling belt, and the northern South
and Qiaruo prospects. Together, they constitute a significant Au field in China Block (Meng & Zhang, 2000a, 2000b) which is separated by
the West Qinling metallogenic belt (Figure 2; Li & Wang, 2006). the Shangdan and Mianlue Suture. The QOB experiences a prolonged
Geophysical and geological studies have been conducted on the continental divergence and a convergence between the above three
Dashui deposit since its discovery (Dai et al., 2009; Han, Yuan, Yu, Tang, blocks. The Shangdan Suture is the result of collision between the
& Bao, 2004; Li et al., 2007; Li, Zhao, et al., 2010; Luo, 2009; Yan, 1998; North Qinling and South Qinling belts during the period from the Late
Yan, Wang, Gao, Zhao, & Chen, 2000; Yan, Wang, Gao, Zhao, Hu, et al., Neoproterozoic to Early Palaeozoic. The Mianlue Suture is interpreted
2000; Zhao et al., 2003). It has been identified as a Carlin‐type deposit to preserve the Triassic collision belt between the South Qinling belt
due to its carbonate host rocks, structural control, and hydrothermal and northern South China Block (Meng & Zhang, 2000a, 2000b).
PENG ET AL. 3

FIGURE 2 Geological maps of the Dashui gold deposit in Gansu Province (Yan, 1998). Abbreviations: ZQ = Zhongqu magmatic rocks and
GEKH = Ge'erkuohe magmatic rocks [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

The QOB is divided into the East Qinling and the West Qinling 3 | D E P O S I T GE O L O G Y
(Zhang et al., 2007). The West QOB is known as the “golden triangle”
region (Sichuan‐Shanxi‐Gansu), which is the world's second largest Car-
3.1 | Stratigraphic units
lin and Carlin‐like gold deposit province (Figure 1; Chen, 2010; Chen
et al., 2008; Hu, Liu, Liu, & Xu, 2008; Liu, Liu, & Liu, 2009; Xiao et al., Gold deposits on the Dashui trend are hosted in Paleozoic–Mesozoic

2008; Yu & Yu, 2010). This region is adjacent to the Qilian orogenic belt sedimentary rocks that are subdivided into three major packages

to the north, Bayankela–Songpan fold belt to the south and the Bikou (Table 1). (a) Permian marine carbonate sequence; (b) Triassic

terrane to the southeast. The Linxia–Wushan–Tianshui Fault forms marine–terrestrial carbonate and clastic sequence; and (c) Early

the northern margin of the West QOB and is bounded by the Mianlue Jurassic clastic sequence. The Dashui deposit is mainly hosted in

Suture to the south. The Phanerozoic lithostratigraphic sequence in limestone and dolomitic limestone of Lower Triassic Maresongduo

the area is a continuum from Cambrian toTriassic but with mostly devel- Formation (Figure 2).

oped Devonian–Cretaceous sedimentary rocks (Cao et al., 2011; Zhu

et al., 2011). Triassic strata host 80% of the Au deposits in this region,
such as the Baxi, Manaoke, and Dongbeizhai deposits (Du, 1997). Gran-
3.2 | Magmatic rocks
itoids are mainly distributed between the Shangdan and Mianlue During the Late Triassic orogenesis, the Ge'erkuohe (GEKH) and
Suture, which mostly formed in the Triassic, with individual outcrop Zhongqu (ZQ) plutons intruded the sedimentary package along a NW‐
areas varying from 1 to 500 km2 (Cao et al., 2011; Chen, 2010; Chen trending thrust fault (Figure 2). The Ge'erkuohe pluton lies to the north
et al., 2008; Hu et al., 2008; Li, Chen, Santosh, & Pirajno, 2014; Li, of the deposit and consists of granodiorite porphyry, diorite porphyry,
Yan, & Lu, 1993; Liu et al., 2009; Lu, 1998; Xiao et al., 2008; Yu & Yu, diorite, and monzonite porphyry. Associated with the Ge'erkuohe intru-
2010; Zhang, Dong, & Yao, 2002; Zhang, Chen, Shu, Zhang, & Li, sive event is a belt of Triassic–Jurassic dyke swarms of intermediate to
2002; Zhang et al., 2007; Zhu et al., 2011). The Dashui Au deposit is felsic component, present throughout the Dashui. These dykes were
located in the southern subzone of West QOB. later altered and locally mineralized, and as such, provide a maximum
4 PENG ET AL.

TABLE 1 Stratigraphic column of study area

Period Label Unit Rock types Au deposit

Cretaceous K1 Tianjiaba Formation Gray‐purple sandy conglomerate, embedded sandslate

Jurassic J1 Longjiagou Formation Purplish red conglomerate, calcarenite, sandslate, siliceous rock Gongbei, Geertuo
Triassic T2 Guanggaishan Formation Grey meta‐quartz‐feldspar sandstone, embedded limestone Dashui, Gongbei, Zhongqu,
Guojiashan Formation Grey‐white oolitic limestone Geertuo, Qiaruo
Maresongduo Formation Grey‐white, fine‐grained limestone
T1 Zhalishan Formation Grey oolitic limestone, mottled argillaceous limestone
Permian P2 Dieshan Formation Gray micrite, bioclastic limestone, calcareous sandstone
P1 Daguanshan Formation Dark‐gray bioclastic limestone, calcareous sandstone Xinqu
Carboniferous C1 Yiwagou Formation Dark‐gray bioclastic limestone, arenaceous limestone,
siltstone and chert granule limestone

age to mineralization. The zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age of the igneous et al., 2000). The NW‐trending faults (F2–F5) to the north of Maqin–
dykes suggests that they are synchronous with the Ge'erkuohe pluton Lueyang Fault served as conduits for deep‐sourced Au‐rich fluids
at 215 ± 5.1 Ma (Han, Yao, & Chen, 2011; Han, Yao, & Chen, 2014; (Figure 2). On a regional scale, the Dashui, Gongbei, Geertuo, Zhongqu,
Han, Wang, et al., 2011). As a common observation, dyke swarms Xinqu, and Qiaruo deposits are distributed along the NW‐trending
intruded along the structural zone of weakness that later served as structures (Figure 2). The ore bodies of the Dashui Au deposit are dis-
channel ways for gold‐bearing fluids. Thus, on a regional scale, the tributed as boudinaged and en‐echelon and controlled by the NW‐
west–northwest alignment of ore bodies exhibits a strong spatial rela- trending Dashui Fault (F4; Figure 2). NNE‐ and N‐S‐trending faults
tionship to the general west–northwest trend of dyke swarms. (F18–F23) cut the NW‐ and E‐W‐trending faults formed many spaces
with low pressure and beaded distribution. Moreover, there are a great
number of pinnate fractures developed on the both sides of NNE‐ and
3.3 | Structure N‐S‐trending faults with the strike of NW‐ and E‐W‐trending. These
Structure controls the formation and distribution of the ore bodies at spaces are the most favorable loci for Au mineralization.
Dashui. During the multistage tectonic activity, the faults underwent
brittle deformation that increased the permeability of the host rock
and provided space for precipitation of ore‐forming fluids. The struc-
3.4 | Ore bodies
tural elements can be subdivided into three groups: NW‐trending, There are 132 Au ore bodies that have been delineated at Dashui with
NNE‐trending (N‐S‐), and E‐W‐trending faults (Figure 2). The Maqin– an average grade of 6.06 g/t in an area of approximately 2 km × 600 m.
Lueyang Fault (F1) is arc‐shaped, strikes NW on its western end, and The strikes of ore bodies are NW‐, E‐W‐, and N‐S‐trending with high
changes to a NE‐strike on its eastern end. It is a long‐lived basement dip angles of 45°–80°. The ore bodies tend to cluster between the
fault along which Au and other metals may have been transported by No. 67 and No. 110 exploration lines (geophysical and geochemical
hydrothermal fluids into the Triassic sediments (Dai et al., 2009; Li, survey lines, a series of drill holes; Figure 3). They could be divided into
Chen, et al., 2010; Li, Zhao, et al., 2010; Yan, Wang, Gao, Zhao, Hu, two groups according to their shapes and orientations: (a) veined,

FIGURE 3 The distribution of calcite veins, granodiorite dykes and ore bodies within the Dashui Au deposit. Most of the ore bodies of Dashui are
projected onto the surface. The exploration lines are geophysical and geochemical survey lines with a series of drill holes [Colour figure can be
viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
PENG ET AL. 5

stratiform, or lenticular ore bodies with the long‐axis striking to NW concentration range from 1.52 to 275 ppm Au (Figure 4a,b). The highly
between the No. 67 and No. 96 exploration lines and (b) veined, cystic, altered ores with the SiO2 content greater than 70 wt% is referred to
and dendritic ore bodies between the No. 98 and No. 110 exploration as jasperoid, which are typically dense and hard with major compo-
lines with strikes of E‐W‐, N‐S‐, and NW‐trending. Some ore bodies nents of microcrystalline and fine‐grain quartz. Relict textures of the
have several strikes because they were deformed during the multi- host rock are usually destroyed in jasperoid ores. The Au concentra-
stage tectonic activities. For example, the strikes of No. 86 ore body tions of altered carbonate ores are varied in a wide range (0.07–
change from the N‐S‐ to E‐W‐trending, and the strikes of Nos. 32 to 275 ppm Au), but it is uniformly high in jasperoid ores (5.46–
33 change from NW‐ to N‐S‐trending (Figure 3). 275 ppm Au). This type is the most important and widely distributed
ore at Dashui (Figure 4c).
The carbonate‐hosted ores have the following textures:
3.5 | Ore types
cryptocrystalline granular, micro‐fine heterogranular, fine‐coarse
After long‐term supergenesis, the ores suffered strong oxidation and heterogranular clastic, and medium‐coarse heterogranular mosaic.
secondary enrichment. As a general observation, hematite is widely dis- The major components of the ores are siliceous clasts and carbonate.
tributed from 0 to 400 m underground. Considering the difference of Siliceous clasts mainly consist of microcrystalline quartz and show
host rock, three common ore types are documented at the Dashui equant mosaic texture with hematite and limonite disseminated within
deposit, including hematite‐silica‐altered carbonate ores (Figure 4a–c), it. Sometimes fine‐medium granular carbonate minerals are observed
hematite‐silica‐altered granodiorite ores (Figure 4d), and breccia ores in the siliceous clasts (Figure 5a,b). However, in most cases, siliceous
(Figure 4e–f). clasts are packaged by macrocrystalline carbonate minerals along
fractures and voids (Figure 5a–f).
3.5.1 | Hematite‐silica‐altered carbonate ores
The carbonate‐hosted ores are characterized by red or dark‐red color
because of hematite and silica alteration. With the deepening of silica 3.5.2 | Hematite‐silica‐altered granodiorite ores
alteration, the SiO2 contents increases from 10.31 to 84.23 wt.%. The The ores occur within the endocontact of the intermediate‐felsic dykes
Au grade is highly influenced by the presence of native gold and and is associated with strong carbonate and argillic alteration
strongly related to the silicification and hematitization with (Figure 5g,h). The rocks are diorite, dioritic porphyrite, and

FIGURE 4 Ore types of the Dashui Au

deposit. (a) Weakly altered carbonate rock.
The hematite‐calcite vein is cut by a later
calcite vein. The boundary of calcite veins
generally presents a deposition of ferruginous
minerals (hematite and limonite). (b) Strongly
altered carbonate rock. The calcite vein
intruded the hematite‐silica carbonate rock
along the fracture. (c) Massive jasperoid. (d)
Hematite‐silica granodiorite. (e) Hydrothermal
breccia that formed by the filling and
precipitation of hydrothermal fluid in varied
spaces (void, fracture zone, and paleokarst).
The clasts mainly contain ferruginous siliceous
rock and carbonate rock (limestone and
dolostone), the matrix largely comprises
siliceous, and carbonate materials. (f) Banded
hematite‐silica‐calcite altered rock
[Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]
6 PENG ET AL.

FIGURE 5 Ore textures of the Dashui Au

deposit. (a) Fine‐gravel clastic texture of
breccia. The detritus are inequigranular calcite
and carbonate (color, twin‐crystal developed)
and siliceous (lower right corner, black, and
contains carbonate). (b) Brecciated clastic
structure of hematite‐silica carbonate rock.
Fine carbonate and siliceous clasts are
cemented by calcareous materials. Three
generations of quartz have been recognized at
the Dashui deposit according to their
occurrences and granularity (marked by G1,
G2, and G3). (c) Medium‐ to coarse‐grained
mosaic texture of jasperoid. The calcite veins
and the hematite veins share the same
fracture. (d) Medium‐coarse inequigranular
mosaic texture of the hematite‐silica
carbonate rock. Calcite vein (color) intruded
into the hematite‐silica carbonate rock and cut
the siliceous (ash black) and ferruginous vein
(black). (e) Fine‐ to coarse‐grained clastic
carbonate rock with hematite‐silica alteration
under plane‐polarized light and (f) cross‐
polarized light. The hematite‐silica altered rock
is cemented by the calcite vein. (g) Feldspar
and biotite‐phyric granodiorite under plane‐
polarized light and (h) cross‐polarized light
[Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]

granodiorite. The ore structures are mostly massive, veins, or and micro‐crystalline siliceous materials cemented siliceous and car-
stockworks. The granodiorite host is usually porphyritic with large feld- bonate clasts. Another is carbonate minerals (mostly calcite) cemented
spar, biotite, and quartz phenocrysts. The feldspar is completely siliceous and carbonates clasts. The latter is more common in Dashui
replaced by kaolinite. The ores usually suffered strong carbonate and deposit. The clasts are siliceous, dolomite, and limestone, which are
hematite alteration with many carbonate and hematite veins intruded characterized by irregular, bad psephicity, different size, and some of
in the host rocks. The hematite sometimes disseminated in the frac- them easily to be piecing back together (Figure 6f). These features indi-
tures of host rocks and sometimes associated with carbonate veins. cate the clasts are mainly in situ and without a migration of long dis-
According to the field observation and chemical analysis, the altered tance. The cement is mainly calcite and sometimes mixed with some
granodiorites are not all high Au concentration with one sample having medium‐coarse or crypto‐crystalline siliceous matrix. Hematites or
high Au concentration of 58 ppm. limonites are usually disseminated or vein‐distributed in cements. This
process is consistent with the formation of hydrothermal breccia.
Pirajno (2009) summarized the hot geothermal fluid cools and
3.5.3 | Breccia ores depressurises as it rises towards the surface, until at a given tempera-
The Dashui breccia is widely distributed and is one of the most ture and pressure, it boils. This process causes the precipitation of
important ores. Some experts suggest that they are formed by quartz, calcite, and other phases (e.g., adularia), results in decreasing
cryptoexplosive mechanism (Li, Wei, & Shi, 2005). They could be permeability in the upper sectors of the system. When localised sealing
subdivided into two types by the difference of cements. One is crypto‐ occurs, exsolved gases accumulate below the seal until the total
PENG ET AL. 7

FIGURE 6 Occurrence of calcite at the

Dashui deposit. (a) Large calcite veins are
ubiquitous at the top and bottom of the ore
bodies. (b) Calcite vein with a hematite‐rich
core. (c) Calcite domains are common within
and near the ore bodies. (d) Calcite‐cemented
breccia. (e) Calcite veins with angular clasts
supported in matrix. (f) Calcite‐cemented
breccia cut by later hematite‐rich calcite veins
[Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]

pressure exceeds the lithostatic pressure plus tensile strength of the rocks and jasperoid. Zones of complete carbonate dissolution near fluid
rocks inducing hydraulic fracturing. This can rapidly expand and prop- conduits commonly are zoned outward, first to dolomite‐ and then to cal-
agate upward, eventually triggering an eruption. These formed spaces cite‐stable zones, and farther out to zones with abundant calcite veins
become a locus for the deposition of precious metals and spatially and (Cline, Hofstra, Munteau, Tosdal, & Hickey, 2005). This zonation could
temporally associated with hydrothermal breccias. Therefore, the be more or less observed at the Dashui deposit. First, a lot of dolomite
mineralized breccia in Dashui may have originated from later calcite‐ clasts occurred in Dashui breccias. Then, vein or stockwork calcite are
bearing fluid that filled the fractures or spaces formed by an eruption widely distributed accompany gold mineralization. The outer zone is
of volatiles. where the large‐scale calcite veins distributed along Dashui Fault (F4)
to the south of mining district. Acidic hydrothermal fluids intruded along
structural zones and carbonate stratigraphic horizons that resulted in
3.6 | Alteration and mineralization preore stage decalcification, loss in density, and an increase in porosity
Silicification is widespread and spatially associated with gold mineraliza- and permeability of the host rock. Meanwhile, more calcareous were dis-
tion. Three generations of quartz have been recognized by their mode of solved and migrated to hydrothermal fluid from the host rock.
occurrence and granularity. The first generation (G1) is cryptocrystalline Calcite alteration is common at the Dashui deposit. Zeng et al.
quartz (black) with a grain sizes ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 mm. Micro- (2013) and Dai, Chen, Ma, and Shi (2013) gave their own classification
crystalline carbonates and hematite or limonite are locally disseminated of calcite, but there is no consensus on the formation timing of the dif-
within it (Figure 5b,d). The second generation (G2) is grey fine‐grained ferent generations (Dai et al., 2013; Zeng et al., 2013). The calcite veins
quartz that has a grain size ranging from 0.05 to 0.1 mm (Figure 5b–d). occurred in many forms in Dashui: (a) large calcite veins are always pres-
The third generation (G3) is generally distributed along the boundary ent at the top and base of the ore bodies (Figure 6a); (b) calcite veins that
of the previous two generations or at edge of the calcite vein with a contain a central hematite‐rich zone (Figure 6b); (c) calcite clusters that
comb structure. The size is usually greater than 0.1 mm and shows an appear in or near the ore bodies (Figure 6c); (d) contaminated calcite
open‐space filling texture (Figure 5b–d). veins present along the fractures (Figure 6d–e); (e) late hematite‐rich
Carbonate removal, in the form of decalcification and calcite veins that cross‐cut the breccias (Figure 6f); and (f) regional
decarbonatization, is the most pervasive style of alteration observed large‐scale calcite veins distributed along the Dashui Fault (F4). The later
within the Carlin trend deposits. Carbonate rocks were dissolved in vein style is of particular importance for exploration because the major-
nearly most ore zones and locally replaced with quartz to form siliceous ity of the ore bodies are restricted to the north of it (Figure 3).
8 PENG ET AL.

Hematitization is a distinct sign of supergene oxidation at postore medium‐ to coarse‐grained Au accounts for 28%. According to elec-
stage. Obviously, hematite alteration extended from 0 to 400 m tron microprobe analyses (EPMA), the Au content is 0.01–0.10 wt%
beneath the earth's surface in Dashui deposit. Hematite has been in pyrite and 0.01–0.07 wt% in chalcopyrite, which suggests that both
divided into two groups depending on its host rock composition. The pyrite and chalcopyrite are primary Au‐bearing minerals (Li et al.,
first type is pseudomorph of pyrite that disseminated in cryptocrystal- 2007). Statistical analysis of the Au grains in polished sections shows
line quartz or calcite (Figure 7a–c). The second hematite type is distrib- that native Au usually occurs with quartz, limonite, hematite, and cal-
uted in veins or in fractures, voids, and other spaces. This type of cite. Quartz contains intergranular Au, fissure Au, and inclusion Au
hematite has also been subdivided into two subtypes: one type forms for 549 grains, which accounts for 55% of the Au‐carrying minerals.
pseudomorphs of pyrite (Figure 7d), whereas the other is irregular, and Limonite and hematite have 307 granules and accounts for 32% of
the primary minerals are difficult to determine (Figure 7e,f). the Au‐carrying minerals, and calcite has 122 granules and accounts
More than 40 minerals have been documented from previous for 12% of the Au‐carrying minerals. The Au exhibits high fineness
studies (Li & Wang, 2006). The ore minerals are pyrite, cinnabar, real- (average 999.4‰), which might have been caused by the local intense
gar, orpiment, galena, arsenopyrite, stibnite, and native Au. The oxidation (Dai et al., 2009; Yan, 1998; Yang et al., 2010).
gangue minerals are calcite, quartz, and feldspar along with smaller A four‐stage genesis of the deposit is proposed: (a) early sulfide
amounts of dolomite, sericite, chlorite, kaolinite, biotite, and horn- stage characterized by the panidiomorphic or hypidiomorphic pyrite
blende (Li & Wang, 2006; Yan, 1998). This study shows that the ore disseminated in quartz or calcite (Figure 7a); (b) late sulfide stage,
minerals are dominated by oxide minerals such as hematite, limonite, which is the primary stage of mineralization, in which pyrite usually
and magnetite with minor amounts of gold, pyrite, cinnabar, and mar- occurs in association with comb‐textured quartz veins (Figures 5b
casite. However, samples from this study are highly oxidized and may and 7d,e); and (c) carbonate stage in which the carbonate or calcite
not be representative of the primary mineralogy. Li et al. (2007) veins cut the siliceous and calcareous host rocks and the ferruginous
observed that a lot of pyrite is disseminated along the fractures of minerals are locally distributed along the edge of the calcite vein
granodiorite dyke. (Figure 5d). Then this mineral assemblage suffered a long‐term
Gold in the Dashui deposit is found predominantly as native Au supergenesis, the pyrites are oxidized to hematites and limonites.
that occurs as irregular granules (Figure 8). The average size of the The gold separated out from host mineral and started secondary
Au granule is 0.02 mm (up to 1.3 mm). The amount of fine‐grained enrichment. The paragenesis of the Dashui Au deposit is presented in
Au accounts for approximately 72% of the total Au particles, and Figure 9.

FIGURE 7 Two types of hematite in the

Dashui deposit. (a) Hematite is disseminated in
the host rock and retained the octahedron
shape of pyrite. Relicts of pyrite have been
discovered at the center. (b) Pyrite oxidized to
magnetite and then replaced by hematite
along the edge. (c) Round marcasite replaced
by hematite. (d) Hematite vein composed of a
large number of hematite grains
pseudomorphed after pyrite. Hematite was
locally eroded and formed numerous voids
during the supergene process. (e) Irregular
hematite present as a cluster. A grain of Au
grain at the boundary of hematite and calcite.
(f) Hematite distributed along a fracture or as a
vein [Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]
PENG ET AL. 9

FIGURE 8 Distribution and morphology of

native Au at the Dashui deposit. (a) Gold
hosted in calcite. (b) Gold grain boundary of
the hematite and calcite. (c) Large irregular Au
grains. (d) Gold grain occurring in calcite near
the boundary of the calcite and the quartz
[Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]

FIGURE 9 Mineral paragenesis of the Dashui Au deposit

4 | SAM P LI NG AN D A N A L Y TIC A L M E T HO D S The major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry of the
deposit were analyzed for all of the samples at the Central Laboratory
In this study, 27 samples were collected from outcrops. To constrain of Gansu Province. The major elements (MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O,
the difference between the altered and unaltered rocks, the samples CaO, TiO2, MnO, and Fe2O3) and Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, and Sc were analyzed
were purposely collected in two groups: (a) 12 altered limestone sam- by using a ZSX Primas II wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence
ples from in or near the ore body and five fresh ones far from the ore spectrometer. The samples were crushed to 200 meshes by agate mor-
body and (b) six altered granodiorite samples from in or near the ore tar and pestle. The samples were dried for 2 hr at 105 °C, and 4 g of
body and four unaltered ones from GEKH pluton. Twenty‐one sample was weighed and placed in a round mold with polyethylene
polished thin sections were prepared to determine the extent of the powder. For 15 s, 40 KPa pressure was applied to produce a disk sam-
alteration and to investigate the mineral assemblages and ore textures ple with a diameter of 32 mm, which was retained for investigation.
under a petrographic microscope at Chengdu University of Technol- The detection limit for the major oxides (MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5,
ogy. Gold‐bearing polished sections were then selected for Au grain K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, and Fe2O3) is 0.085, 0.092, 0.083, 0.0011,
inspection (Au content, location, and distribution) by a scanning elec- 0.015, 0.86, 0.0061, 0.0025, and 0.017 wt%, respectively, whereas
tron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, and Sc have detection limits of 1.7, 1.9, 2.6, 10.3, and
spectrometer (SEM–EDX) at the Chengdu Institute of Geology and 1.2 (in ppm), respectively (Liu, Dang, & He, 2010). The FeO contents
Mineral Resources. Three calcite samples were collected near the ore were measured by the volumetric method. Loss on ignition (LOI) values
bodies for C and O isotope analysis. were calculated by the weight difference after heating the samples for
10 PENG ET AL.

6 hr at 1,000 °C. As, Sb, Bi, and Hg were analyzed by the HITACHI Z‐ 11.67 wt%) and Al2O3 (1.83 to 15.40 wt%) than fresh carbonate rocks.
2700 graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer with However, they do not show any liner relationship between Au and
detection limits of 0.13 ppm, 0.04 ppm, 0.004 ppm, and 2.3 ppb, Fe2O3 and Al2O3, because some samples also have high Fe2O3 and
respectively. Other trace elements (Au, Sn, Ag, Y, Mo, W, U, Nb, and Al2O3 content caused by hydrothermal alteration or weathering with-
Cs) and REEs were determined using PE Optima 4300DV inductively out Au mineralization. The correlation coefficients for different
coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The detection limits for analyses datasets are given in Table 4, and the scatter diagrams are shown in
were 0.3 ppb for Au, 0.03–1.40 ppm for Sn, Ag, Y, Mo, W, U, Nb, Figure 11. For all of the carbonate rock samples, Au is well correlated
and Cs, and 0.01–0.40 ppm for La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, with FeO (r = 0.76), whereas weakly correlated with SiO2 and K2O and
Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. (r = 0.38 and 0.33) and shows negative correlations with MgO, CaO,
The C and O isotope analysis of three calcite samples were con- and LOI (r = −0.13, −0.15 and −0.37, respectively). For the <1 ppm Au
ducted at the China National Nuclear Corporation, Beijing Research subset, Au has a positive correlation with MnO, FeO, and Fe2O3
Institute of Uranium Geology. Sample chips were first washed using (r = 0.70, 0.36, and 0.54, respectively) and a weakly positive correlation
distilled water and then ethanol, dried at room temperature and then with SiO2 (r = 0.19). For the >1 ppm Au subset, Au is positively corre-
crushed to less than 200 meshes in an agate mortar and pestle. Approx- lated with SiO2, K2O, and FeO (r = 0.35, 0.53, and 0.77, respectively).
imately 80 mg of sample powder was then treated with pure phospho-
ric acid to generate CO2 for mass spectrometer analysis following the 5.1.2 | Trace elements
procedures of McCrea (1950). The isotopic ratios were then measured The trace elements (Ag, W, As, Sb, Bi, and Hg) are strongly enriched in
using a MAT‐253 mass spectrometer. The V‐PDB and V‐SMOW stan- the altered carbonate rocks (Figures 10 and 11 and Table 4). For the
dards were used, and an overall analytical precision of ±0.2‰ was <1 ppm Au subset, the correlation between Au and Ag is weak
achieved for both δ13C and δ18O was obtained in the course of this (r = 0.33); however, Au has a moderate positive correlation with Mo,
study (Han, Yao, et al., 2011; Han, Wang, et al., 2011; Yang, Sun, Zhang, Sc, U, As, Sb, Bi, and Hg (r > 0.50). The Au/Ag ratio ranges from 0.71
& Zheng, 2009). The analytical method in this study is consistent with to 2.94 with an average 1.92. For the >1 ppm Au subset, Au shows a
measurement of 26 collected data (Han et al., 2004; Li et al., 2007). strong correlation with Ag and has a moderate correlation with W,
Cs, Sb, and Hg (r > 0.50). The Au/Ag ratio ranges from 0.54 to 73.33
and averages 10.83.
5 | RESULTS The C1 chondrite‐normalized REE pattern of the carbonate rock is
LREE‐enriched (Figure 12). The fresh carbonate rocks have lower total
The calcareous sedimentary and granodiorite host rocks have been
REEs (10.82 to 29.89 ppm), a weak differentiation pattern between
studied in detail to identify their geochemical characteristics and the
LREE and HREE (LREE/HREE = 1.57 to 2.95, (La/Yb)n = 3.26 to
change in chemical composition during the ore‐forming process. The
10.16, (La/Sm)n = 2.15 to 5.16, and (Gd/Yb)n = 1.24 to 2.00), and no
results of the major, trace, and REE analyses are provided in Tables 2
significant negative Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.51 to 1.06). The altered car-
and 3.
bonate rock has a high total REE (75.12 to 316.97 ppm), a relatively
strong differentiation pattern between LREE and HREE (LREE/

5.1 | Calcareous sedimentary units HREE = 2.38 to 12.83, (La/Yb)n = 9.10 to 81.98, (La/Sm)n = 2.66 to
11.48), and a significant negative Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.50 to 0.87).
5.1.1 | Major elements The results of the REE analyses indicate that the altered carbonate
The sedimentary units that host the mineralization are predominantly rocks have higher total REEs and a more obviously negative Eu anom-
limestone and dolomitic limestone. Results of the major element aly than the fresh carbonate rocks. The total REEs show strong positive
(MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, Fe2O3, FeO, and correlation with Al2O3 (Figure 11). For the Au < 1 ppm dataset, AC‐1,
LOI) are presented in Figure 10 and Table 2. Fresh carbonate rocks AC‐2, AC‐3, and AC‐5 have relatively high total REE than fresh carbon-
are lower in Al2O3 = 0.01 to 0.30 wt%, SiO2 = 0.58 to 1.72 wt%, and ate rocks. These samples show identical characteristic that is enriched
Fe2O3 = 0.02 to 0.17 wt% and enriched in MgO = 0.34 to 10.32 wt in SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. However, the silica content is significantly
%, CaO = 42.55 to 54.76 wt%, and LOI = 43.03 to 44.33 wt%. The car- lower than the auriferous carbonate rocks.
bonate rocks suffered silica and hematite alteration, which yield
Al2O3 = 1.81 to 15.40 wt%, SiO2 = 10.31 to 84.23 wt%, Fe2O3 = 0.39
5.2 | Granodiorite
to 11.67 wt%, MgO = 0.09 to 1.32 wt%, CaO = 0.04 to 44.83 wt%, and
LOI = 4.77 to 36.38 wt%. Obviously, chemical components of two 5.2.1 | Major elements
types of rocks show opposite correlation. As shown in Figure 11, silica As presented in Table 3, the contents of major elements in the altered
is extremely negative related to CaO and LOI (r = −0.983 and −0.996, granodiorite are varied in a wide range (MgO = 0.07 to 2.05%,
respectively), whereas have positive correlation with Al2O3 and FeO SiO2 = 53.19 to 82.20%, K2O = 0.03 to 4.50%, CaO = 0.15 to
(r = 0.463 and 0.612, respectively). 11.14%, and LOI = 3.27 to 14.27%). Au grades are also uneven in the
High Au content samples exhibit strong enrichment in SiO2 and host rocks (0.10 to 58.80 ppm). The auriferous granodiorite
depletions in MgO, CaO, and LOI. Gold‐bearing carbonate rocks (Au = 58.80 ppm) has a high SiO2 content (75.87 wt%) and low MgO
(Au > 1 ppm) are all high SiO2 content of 55.46 to 84.23 wt%. Mean- (0.07 wt%) and CaO (2.24 wt%) contents. Gold is moderate to weak
while, these samples also have higher content of Fe2O3 (0.39 to positive correlated with SiO2 (r = 0.39) and shows a negative correlation
TABLE 2 Major elements, trace elements, and REE concentrations of the carbonate rocks from the Dashui Au deposit
PENG

Fresh carbonate rock Altered carbonate rock

ET AL.

Element FC‐1 FC‐2 FC‐3 FC‐4 FC‐5 AC‐1 AC‐2 AC‐3 AC‐4 AC‐5 AC‐6 AC‐7 AC‐8 AC‐9 AC‐10 AC‐11 AC‐12

MgO (wt%) 0.53 0.41 10.32 0.34 0.42 0.40 0.34 0.21 0.88 1.32 3.63 0.08 0.09 0.07 0.16 0.09 0.09
Al2O3 (wt%) 0.18 0.14 0.30 0.04 0.01 1.93 4.52 2.62 3.69 4.07 1.81 2.75 15.40 3.16 1.83 3.32 2.28
SiO2 (wt%) 0.70 1.72 1.50 0.86 0.58 13.62 23.26 10.31 80.49 78.74 13.12 84.23 66.09 83.17 55.46 73.18 82.11
P2O5 (wt%) 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.07 0.01 0.07 0.13 0.07 0.07 0.11 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.05
K2O (wt%) 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.19 0.11 0.06 0.10 0.05 0.06 0.10 0.04 0.13 0.07 0.04 0.13
CaO (wt%) 54.17 53.62 42.55 54.46 54.76 44.83 35.20 43.05 5.84 5.94 41.54 6.12 5.40 5.07 16.42 11.39 7.91
TiO2 (wt%) 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.08 0.25 0.05 0.11 0.16 0.06 0.02 0.45 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.04
MnO (wt%) 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.03 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.10 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.07 0.03
FeO (wt%) 0.03 0.10 0.11 0.04 0.07 0.03 0.10 0.09 0.15 0.19 0.09 0.21 0.03 0.33 0.05 0.08 0.16
Fe2O3 (wt%) 0.17 0.05 0.16 0.06 0.02 1.81 5.80 6.98 1.61 1.53 1.53 0.39 2.34 2.51 11.67 0.84 1.14
LOI (wt%) 43.53 43.03 44.33 43.49 43.44 36.38 30.55 36.11 6.45 7.45 37.35 5.44 10.29 4.77 13.57 10.12 6.62
Fe2O3/FeO 5.7 0.5 1.5 1.7 0.3 60.3 58 77.6 10.7 8.1 17 1.9 78 7.6 233.4 11.2 7.1
Ni (ppm) 4.10 6.00 4.50 6.30 7.10 12.30 19.00 16.70 4.80 3.90 7.50 5.40 8.20 10.80 9.50 4.90 6.10
Pb (ppm) 4.30 4.90 3.50 6.00 6.70 11.10 16.10 16.50 15.60 13.70 6.80 12.50 22.10 10.70 2.30 14.90 24.20
Sr (ppm) 142.00 172.00 91.70 144.00 121.00 137.00 139.00 199.00 53.70 54.90 82.00 84.10 99.40 60.30 110.00 63.10 78.00
Ti (ppm) 46.00 59.60 174.00 45.80 44.00 469.00 1472.00 821.00 1056.00 1343.00 453.00 387.00 3039.00 453.00 289.00 617.00 465.00
Y (ppm) 8.60 8.90 9.80 8.60 0.80 9.70 10.30 12.60 9.70 10.10 9.40 8.70 11.20 7.90 8.50 10.10 8.50
Sn (ppm) 2.10 2.50 1.80 1.90 2.00 1.80 2.00 1.70 1.80 2.10 1.70 2.00 4.00 2.90 3.30 2.60 1.90
Ag (ppm) 0.07 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.05 0.13 0.11 0.09 0.88 3.55 0.29 2.26 1.05 24.90 0.15 0.21 6.93
Mo (ppm) 0.36 0.65 0.47 0.38 0.46 0.87 1.30 1.60 0.97 1.20 0.70 0.66 1.70 2.40 13.00 11.00 4.40
W (ppm) 1.10 1.20 1.50 0.74 1.20 7.10 19.00 19.00 104.00 107.00 6.80 131.00 85.00 176.00 21.00 39.00 143.00
Sc (ppm) 2.40 3.60 2.00 1.90 2.40 2.50 5.30 11.60 1.70 1.90 4.20 1.30 3.00 1.30 2.10 2.20 1.90
U (ppm) 0.10 0.80 0.40 0.20 2.80 0.60 4.80 20.80 1.70 1.80 1.30 1.10 3.20 1.50 1.00 7.70 1.70
Nb (ppm) 0.30 0.20 0.60 0.10 0.30 1.40 3.00 2.20 2.50 3.20 1.40 0.70 7.90 0.70 0.50 0.80 1.50
Cs (ppm) 0.10 0.30 0.30 0.10 0.20 2.20 1.50 1.30 2.30 1.70 0.70 3.20 0.80 3.90 1.30 0.80 2.70
Au (ppm) 0.09 0.16 0.07 0.13 0.15 0.07 0.12 0.32 5.46 6.48 0.25 22.30 1.52 275.00 2.77 15.40 10.80
As (ppm) 5.25 11.30 19.70 4.08 5.66 146.00 283.00 364.00 157.00 214.00 120.00 82.80 433.00 355.00 1518.00 112.00 118.00
Sb (ppm) 2.28 1.74 4.42 2.44 1.87 63.50 67.40 66.90 64.10 57.50 96.40 65.40 69.90 273.00 340.00 139.00 49.10
Bi (ppm) 0.010 0.004 0.012 0.004 0.004 0.086 0.770 0.900 0.170 0.140 0.050 0.058 0.240 0.036 0.100 0.540 0.140
Hg (ppb) 42.60 890.00 55.10 273.00 279.00 61.80 269.00 757.00 2959.00 2674.00 4313.00 40275.00 592.00 30998.00 4344.00 2914.00 728.00
Au/Ag 1.36 2.54 0.71 2.03 2.94 0.54 1.09 3.68 6.20 1.83 0.86 9.87 1.45 11.04 18.47 73.33 1.56
La (ppm) 0.80 1.00 1.70 0.50 0.70 3.90 18.80 17.20 10.50 14.30 4.70 16.00 21.90 7.80 3.30 10.50 8.40
Ce (ppm) 1.30 1.90 3.00 0.80 1.00 10.80 30.40 27.20 19.40 26.60 8.50 23.50 40.20 11.00 6.20 15.80 12.70
Pr (ppm) 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.10 0.10 0.90 3.20 3.30 2.30 3.10 1.00 2.60 4.70 1.20 0.90 2.10 1.50

(Continues)
11
 12 PENG ET AL.

with the other major elements (MgO = −0.34, Al2O3 = −0.42,

AC‐12

5.40
0.80
0.21
0.81
0.10
0.48
0.09
0.27
0.04
0.24
0.03

6.78
0.79
25.11
P2O5 = −0.07, K2O = −0.38, CaO = −0.22, TiO2 = −0.43, MnO = −0.44,
Fe2O3 = −0.14, and FeO = −0.36).

7.90
1.30
0.28
1.19
0.16
0.80
0.16
0.43
0.06
0.38
0.06

5.21
0.68
19.82
AC‐11

5.2.2 | Trace elements

The altered granodiorite is strongly enriched in As (1.17–365.00 ppm),
Sb (0.27–40.00 ppm), and Hg (31–3812 ppb), slightly enriched in Ni
3.80
0.80
0.23
0.95
0.15
0.76
0.14
0.36
0.05
0.26
0.04
9.10
2.66
0.81
AC‐10

(3.0–22.4 ppm), Ag (0.096–0.710 ppm), Mo (0.64–1.90 ppm), and Bi

(0.02–0.25 ppm), and depleted in Sr (39–391 ppm; Table 3 and
Figure 10). The Au/Ag ratio ranges from 0.23 to 392.00 for the altered
4.00
0.60
0.15
0.53
0.06
0.26
0.05
0.13
0.02
0.13
0.02

8.39
0.80
43.04
AC‐9

granodiorite samples, whereas the Au/Ag ratio is 0.87 to 2.50 in fresh

ones. The correlation coefficients for Au with all the other elements in
granodiorite are listed in Table 4. Gold has a moderate‐to‐strong posi-
3.00
0.53
2.49
0.28
1.27
0.22
0.62
0.09
0.58
0.08

4.71
0.58
17.90

27.08
tive correlation with As and Sb (r = 0.57 and 0.75, respectively) and
AC‐8

shows a slightly positive correlation with W and Sn (r = 0.327 and 0.395).

As shown in Figure 13, the C1 chondrite‐normalized REE pattern
Altered carbonate rock

of unaltered granodiorite is LREE‐enriched and has a negative Eu

8.00
0.90
0.20
0.93
0.08
0.30
0.06
0.19
0.02
0.14
0.02

0.66
81.98
11.48
AC‐7

anomaly (δEu = 0.58 to 0.85). The total REE content of the altered
granodiorite is variable (∑REE = 396.78 to 677.84 ppm), whereas the
unaltered granodiorite is less variable (∑REE = 465.11 to
3.60
0.70
0.14
0.63
0.09
0.48
0.10
0.28
0.04
0.26
0.04

4.33
0.63
12.97
AC‐6

541.75 ppm). The granodiorite shows a strong differentiation between

LREE and HREE (LREE/HREE = 4.50–6.21, (La/Yb)n = 15.84–29.68,
(La/Sm)n = 3.75–4.85).
1.90
0.30
1.68
0.21
0.98
0.17
0.51
0.07
0.44
0.06

4.86
0.50
11.70

23.31
AC‐5

5.3 | Stable isotopes

5.3.1 | Sulfur isotopes
8.40
1.40
0.25
1.25
0.15
0.73
0.13
0.40
0.06
0.35
0.06

4.84
0.57
21.52
AC‐4

As reduced S was likely the principal ligand responsible for Au trans-

port in Carlin‐type systems, gold must have come from somewhere
13.10
2.50
0.73
2.57
0.40
2.25
0.44
1.32
0.19
1.26
0.20
9.79
4.44
0.87

between the sites of H2S generation and the sites of mineral precipita-
AC‐3

tion (Cline et al., 2005; Hu, Su, Bi, Tu, & Hofstra, 2002). However, the
literature seldom refers to S isotopes at Dashui. Until now, only one
2.00
0.44
1.96
0.26
1.34
0.25
0.75
0.10
0.65
0.10

6.07
0.67
11.90

20.75
AC‐2

published research collected 13 pyrite samples from a mineralized dio-

rite dyke at the Dashui Au deposit. These samples are xenomorphic
granular, cubic, and less pyritohedron; most of them suffered strong
3.60
0.70
0.18
0.71
0.09
0.52
0.10
0.30
0.04
0.26
0.04

3.60
0.77
10.76
AC‐1

oxidation and replaced by hematite or limonite (Li et al., 2007). Analy-

ses of δ34S ranged from −1.8‰ to +4.1‰ (+2.4‰ on average; Table 5;
Li et al., 2007). These values are consistent with δ34S values of ultraba-
0.60
0.10
0.03
0.13
0.02
0.13
0.03
0.09
0.02
0.09
0.01
5.58
4.52
0.80
FC‐5

sic rock (δ34S = −1.3‰ to +5.5‰) and shows a towerlike distribution

(Duan et al., 2010; Wei & Wang, 1988; Zhao et al., 2010). However,
evaluation of the data is complicated, because result may be valid
0.60
0.10
0.03
0.13
0.02
0.13
0.03
0.08
0.01
0.07
0.01
5.12
3.23
0.80
FC‐4

where the large majority of pyrite is strong oxidation. Moreover, the

Fresh carbonate rock

study hardly defined the pyrites are ore‐stage and earlier or later
because the fine Au‐bearing pyrite is seldom the only generation in
1.50
0.30
0.05
0.29
0.04
0.26
0.05
0.15
0.02
0.12
0.02

3.66
0.51
10.16
FC‐3

mineralized rock.
1.20
0.30
0.11
0.33
0.06
0.36
0.07
0.21
0.03
0.22
0.03
3.26
2.15
1.06

5.3.2 | C and O isotope patterns

FC‐2

Oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions in carbonates of Dashui

gold deposit are shown in Figure 14 and Table 6. Twenty‐six data
0.70
0.10
0.03
0.13
0.02
0.14
0.03
0.09
0.01
0.07
0.01
8.20
5.16
0.80
FC‐1
(Continued)

are collected from the published literature, whereas three are mea-
sured in this study. These samples are subdivided into two groups:
early‐stage calcite (n = 5) versus late‐stage calcite (n = 8) and lime-
Tm (ppm)
Sm (ppm)

Ho (ppm)
Nd (ppm)

Gd (ppm)

Dy (ppm)

Yb (ppm)
Tb (ppm)

(La/Sm)n
Eu (ppm)

Lu (ppm)

stone (n = 10) versus ore‐bearing limestone (n = 6). The subdivision

(La/Yb)n
Er (ppm)
Element
TABLE 2

of calcite followed the previous studies that suggest early stage

δEu

fine‐grained calcite and late‐stage macrocrystalline or megacryst

PENG ET AL. 13

TABLE 3 Major elements, trace elements, and REE concentrations of granodiorite from the Dashui Au deposit
Altered granodiorite Fresh granodiorite
Element AG‐1 AG‐2 AG‐3 AG‐4 AG‐5 AG‐6 FG‐001 FG‐002 FG‐003 FG‐006

MgO (wt%) 0.08 2.05 2.05 1.21 0.47 0.07 3.32 3.21 3.16 2.38
Al2O3 (wt%) 17.89 13.81 14.25 15.23 14.87 12.79 15.78 15.83 15.54 15.70
SiO2 (wt%) 71.77 53.19 46.40 59.74 63.92 75.87 61.96 62.77 62.96 63.57
P2O5 (wt%) 0.31 0.35 0.43 0.18 0.19 0.21 0.21 0.20 0.18 0.18
K2O (wt%) 0.04 4.50 3.88 3.56 0.34 0.03 4.24 4.18 4.35 4.12
CaO (wt%) 0.54 9.11 11.14 6.87 5.08 2.24 4.62 3.86 3.36 3.86
TiO2 (wt%) 0.62 0.66 0.74 0.48 0.47 0.38 0.52 0.50 0.44 0.50
MnO (wt%) 0.07 0.09 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.05
FeO (wt%) 0.03 1.53 0.60 1.37 0.41 0.04 1.71 1.73 2.84 1.48
Fe2O3 (wt%) 1.79 1.99 4.61 0.63 4.12 1.38 2.55 2.36 0.70 2.06
LOI (wt%) 7.42 11.20 14.27 9.68 9.75 6.51 1.64 1.48 3.27 2.39
Ni (ppm) 7.30 14.60 22.40 5.80 3.00 8.80 6.00 5.90 4.70 5.00
Pb (ppm) 31.60 31.50 35.20 43.80 62.80 40.30 43.70 43.60 48.60 46.30
Sr (ppm) 39.00 339.00 386.00 141.00 52.20 391.00 606.00 720.00 976.00 599.00
Ti (ppm) 4,241.00 3,870.00 4,640.00 3,082.00 3,264.00 2,860.00 3,312.00 3,022.00 2,968.00 3,254.00
Y (ppm) 16.60 22.90 20.70 20.90 13.10 11.40 18.80 17.70 15.80 16.70
Sn (ppm) 3.40 4.10 2.90 3.00 4.40 4.50 3.80 4.30 4.00 4.20
Ag (ppm) 0.71 0.16 0.10 0.10 0.14 0.15 0.12 0.12 0.15 0.12
Mo (ppm) 1.30 1.90 0.81 0.64 1.00 0.86 1.00 0.66 0.57 0.56
W (ppm) 79.00 11.00 15.00 20.00 37.00 52.00 28.00 18.00 40.00 28.00
Sc (ppm) 6.10 13.90 16.70 8.40 7.10 4.20 11.10 10.50 8.50 8.20
U (ppm) 3.70 3.90 1.70 3.90 3.50 3.20 3.00 2.20 3.80 3.10
Nb (ppm) 14.70 11.60 11.20 9.10 8.70 8.00 9.20 9.80 10.20 9.90
Cs (ppm) 1.30 9.70 20.60 21.90 7.60 0.60 12.50 12.70 9.90 13.30
Au (ppm) 0.16 0.50 0.13 0.10 0.31 58.80 0.30 0.23 0.13 0.26
As (ppm) 365.00 3.21 159.00 1.17 61.00 302.00 2.70 1.45 1.58 0.83
Sb(ppm) 30.10 0.31 12.10 0.27 9.58 40.00 0.72 0.54 0.33 0.24
Bi (ppm) 0.25 0.07 0.11 0.06 0.25 0.02 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.05
Hg (ppb) 196.00 31.30 141.00 78.50 3,812.00 1,683.00 80.00 54.80 17.80 13.10
Au/Ag 0.23 3.13 1.35 1.01 2.21 392.00 2.50 1.92 0.87 2.17
La (ppm) 45.10 41.60 45.00 30.60 24.40 28.00 32.10 29.60 30.60 29.50
Ce (ppm) 85.70 80.90 87.40 57.10 49.60 51.20 61.80 55.80 58.20 57.00
Pr (ppm) 9.70 9.70 10.20 6.90 6.00 6.20 7.80 6.90 7.00 6.90
Nd (ppm) 35.70 37.60 39.30 26.40 22.90 24.60 30.40 27.10 26.40 26.10
Sm (ppm) 6.00 6.70 6.90 4.70 4.00 4.80 5.40 5.10 4.70 4.70
Eu (ppm) 1.10 1.52 1.61 1.19 0.89 1.09 1.41 1.34 1.19 1.14
Gd (ppm) 5.37 5.87 5.99 4.06 3.37 4.10 4.81 4.35 4.02 3.96
Tb (ppm) 0.64 0.78 0.75 0.50 0.41 0.52 0.63 0.58 0.54 0.47
Dy (ppm) 2.93 3.77 3.47 2.31 1.85 2.35 3.26 2.93 2.59 2.12
Ho (ppm) 0.50 0.66 0.60 0.41 0.31 0.40 0.57 0.52 0.47 0.36
Er (ppm) 1.38 1.91 1.70 1.12 0.85 1.08 1.60 1.51 1.33 1.02
Tm (ppm) 0.17 0.25 0.22 0.15 0.12 0.14 0.22 0.20 0.19 0.14
Yb (ppm) 1.09 1.70 1.48 0.98 0.75 0.94 1.43 1.34 1.22 0.90
Lu (ppm) 0.16 0.26 0.21 0.15 0.12 0.15 0.22 0.20 0.20 0.13
(La/Yb)n 29.68 17.55 21.81 22.40 23.34 21.37 16.10 15.84 17.99 23.51
(La/Sm)n 4.85 4.01 4.21 4.20 3.94 3.77 3.84 3.75 4.20 4.05
δEu 0.58 0.72 0.75 0.81 0.72 0.73 0.83 0.85 0.82 0.79

calcite (Han et al., 2004; Li et al., 2007). Oxygen and carbon isotopic with isotopic composition of magmatic derived hydrothermal fluids.
composition of the early‐stage calcite veins range from 6.63‰ to By contrast, the δ18O value of the late‐stage calcite is distinctly
10.1‰ and from −2.7‰ to +4.3‰, respectively. This is consistent higher than the early‐stage calcite and varies from 16.43‰ to
14 PENG ET AL.

FIGURE 10 (a) Major element content of the

altered or unaltered carbonate rocks. Altered
carbonate rocks are enriched in SiO2 and
depleted in CaO and MgO. (b) Trace element
content of the altered or unaltered carbonate
rocks. Altered carbonate rocks are enriched by
all of the elements except Sr. (c) The trace
element contents of the altered and unaltered
granodiorite. The altered granodiorite is
strongly enriched in Se, As, Sb, and Hg, slightly
enriched with Ni, Ag, Mo, and Bi, and Sr
depleted [Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]

19.42‰, whereas δ13C value in late‐stage calcite vein decrease region underwent a tectonic inversion from compression to exten-
slightly (δ C = −0.8 to +2.4‰). Therefore, late‐stage calcite samples
13
sion during the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous and formed many
are plotted near the area of marine carbonate and have close relation tensional structures that increased the permeability of the host
with carbonate dissolution. The δ13C value of mineralized limestone lithologies and were subsequently exploited by the ore‐forming fluids
samples (δ C = −1.2‰ to +3.4‰) are slightly higher than those in
13
(Chen, Zhai, & Jiang, 2009; Zeng et al., 2013; Zhang, 1993). In the
fresh limestone samples (δ13C = −1‰ to +1.6‰). However, they Early Cretaceous, the West Qinling area was under an imbalance of
show huge difference of δ18O values, the mineralized limestone sam- uplift and N‐S compression (Du, 1997; Du & Wu, 1998). We propose
ples range from 8.6 to 13.44‰ whereas the limestone samples range that the Dashui Fault (F4) was active during this period. The hanging
from 16.02‰ to 23.95‰. Generally, there is a broad decrease in wall was uplifted and eroded away. The volcanic rocks collected
δ18O and slightly increase in δ13C in host rock with increasing hydro- from the hanging wall and footwall of the Dashui Fault have been
thermal alteration. dated using (U‐Th)/He apatite geochronology to be 134.5 ± 5.1
and 211.4 ± 6.3 Ma, respectively (Zeng et al., 2013). Therefore, all
of the ore bodies were discovered in the footwall of the
Dashui Fault.
6 | DISCUSSION
The Late Triassic timing of the Dashui Fault and Au mineralization
of the Dashui deposit (Zeng et al., 2013) is significantly older than the
6.1 | Timing of mineralization Early Jurassic Au mineralization of the Gongbei deposits, which are
The geotectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen is still widely approximately 2 km to the west of Dashui but have similar
debated. However, several important findings have been made in metallogenic characteristics. Lead isotopes suggest that the Au miner-
recent years. Li et al. (2014) have studied the Triassic granitoids in alization of these two deposits may have originated from the same
the Qinling orogen and concluded that the termination of the north- hydrothermal system (Deng, 2011). The Dashui Fault provides a mini-
ernmost Paleo‐Tethys Ocean and the onset of the continental colli- mum age for the Au mineralization because it offsets the mineralized
sion between the Yangtze‐ and North China Craton are considered zone. Therefore, an origin in the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous
to have occurred at approximately 200 Ma (Chen, 2010; Li et al., (170 to 135 Ma) is recommended for the Dashui deposit. This is con-
2014). This finding suggests that the Dashui region was still under sistent with the regional metallogenic model that the Middle Jurassic
compression from the Late Triassic to Jurassic when the Ge'erkuohe (170 Ma) was the peak of Au mineralization episode for the Western
pluton was emplaced (zircon U–Pb age = ca. 215 ± 5.1 Ma). The QOB (Chen et al., 2009).
PENG ET AL. 15

FIGURE 11 Major oxides (wt%) versus Au (ppm), Cao versus SiO2, trace elements (ppm) versus au, ΣREE (ppm) versus Al2O3 diagram for the
carbonate host rocks in Dashui deposit [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

6.2 | Origin of hydrothermal fluids suffered intensive argillic alteration and supergene weathering
process. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, Total REE values of altered
The Au concentration of the carbonate rocks and granodiorite has a carbonate rocks are commonly higher than those of fresh carbonate
positive correlation with SiO2 content. The strongly silicified carbonate rocks, but lower than the values of granodiorite. The C1 chondrite‐
rocks (SiO2 > 50 wt%) all have high Au concentrations (Au > 1 ppm), normalized REE patterns of altered carbonate rocks are similar with
which can be interpreted as Si‐rich fluid playing an important role in the patterns of granodiorite, but show significant difference with the
Au mineralization. However, the hematite‐rich rocks are not always patterns of fresh carbonate rocks. Meanwhile, altered and fresh grano-
Au bearing. The reason is that hematite is mobile and secondary diorite samples show same C1 chondrite‐normalized REE patterns.
enrichment or depletion of hematite can occur during supergene pro- These suggest that the ore‐forming hydrothermal fluids may derive
cesses. The REE concentrations of the altered carbonate rocks are from the same source with magmatic rocks.
higher than those of the fresh carbonate rocks. Additionally, the high The S isotope compositions of the Dashui deposit are close to that
REE concentrations also correspond to high Al2O3 and Fe2O3 content of ultrabasic rock and show a towerlike distribution, indicating that the
in altered carbonate rocks. Goldschmidt (1954) summarized that ore‐forming fluid might be magmatic derived (Han et al., 2004). How-
almost all the REEs are completely reconcentrated in hydrolytic min- ever, this results may be meaningless, because the study hardly
erals (such as clay and shale components, bauxite, and iron and manga- defined the pyrites are ore‐stage and earlier or later. Sulfur isotope
nese oxides). Therefore, these indicate that the host rocks might be values reported from SHDG deposits in the United States span a wide
16 PENG ET AL.

TABLE 4 Correlation coefficients between Au and other elements

Carbonate rock
Granodiorite
n=9 n=8
Element n = 17 (Au < 1 ppm) (Au > 1 ppm) n = 10

MgO −0.132 −0.231 −0.255 −0.342

Al2O3 0.032 0.274 −0.160 −0.420
SiO2 0.381 0.190 0.352 0.394
P2O5 −0.142 0.026 −0.364 −0.070
K2O 0.332 −0.195 0.527 −0.381
CaO −0.354 −0.174 −0.308 −0.215
TiO2 −0.134 −0.039 −0.272 −0.427
MnO −0.111 0.699 −0.013 −0.438
FeO 0.756 0.357 0.768 −0.358
Fe2O3 0.002 0.542 −0.065 −0.137
LOI −0.374 −0.290 −0.483 −0.026
FIGURE 13 The C1 chondrite‐normalized REE pattern of granodiorite.
Ni 0.126 0.347 0.635 0.027
The REE data of C1 chondrite are from Sun and McDonough (1989)
Pb 0.013 0.426 −0.224 −0.093
[Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Sr −0.129 0.030 −0.305 −0.040
Ti −0.072 0.252 −0.260 −0.348 TABLE 5 Sulfur isotope composition of the Dashui Au deposit
Y −0.115 0.243 −0.545 −0.598 Sample number δ34SV‐CDT
Sn 0.267 −0.281 0.129 0.395 YD49 2.2
Ag 0.965 0.334 0.964 −0.070 YD19 −1.8
Mo 0.025 0.567 −0.174 −0.055 HDPY‐99 4.1
W 0.596 0.495 0.605 0.327 HDPY‐6 1.8
Se 0.665 0.587 0.651 −0.083 HDPY‐7 2.1
Sc −0.213 0.816 −0.502 −0.497 HDPY‐17 3.1
U −0.081 0.760 −0.160 0.001 HDPY‐8 2.8
Nb −0.131 0.343 −0.287 −0.413 HDPY‐13 3.2
Cs 0.613 0.066 0.674 −0.526 HDPY‐2 1.6
Au 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 HD167 3.4
As 0.081 0.557 −0.055 0.536 HD180 2.1
Sb 0.541 0.502 0.486 0.747 HD171 3.8
Bi −0.143 0.513 −0.351 −0.342 YD49 2.8
Hg 0.627 0.584 0.571 0.306
Note. Data from Han et al. (2004).

FIGURE 12 The C1 chondrite‐normalized REE pattern of the carbonate rocks. Altered carbonate rock has a higher total REE and more obvious
negative Eu anomaly than fresh carbonate rock. For the <1 ppm Au subset, several samples have also high total REE content because these
samples are slightly altered (SiO2 = 10% to 23%). The REE data of C1 chondrite are from Sun and McDonough (1989) [Colour figure can be viewed
at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
PENG ET AL. 17

FIGURE 14 δ13CPDB versus δ18OSMOW for

the samples from the Dashui Au deposit
[Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]

TABLE 6 Carbon and oxygen isotopes composition of the Dashui Au deposit

Number Sample number Name δ13CPDB δ18OPDB δ18OSMOW

1 HD11 Early‐stage calcite −2.7 −22.3 7.87

2 HD112 Early‐stage calcite 4.3 −22.4 7.77
3 HD133 Early‐stage calcite 2.6 −23.5 6.63
4 GB3602–7 Early‐stage calcite 3.1 −21.7 8.6
5 ZQ1–504 Early‐stage calcite 3.2 −20.2 10.1
6 K782–032 Late‐stage calcite 0.15 −12.1 18.5
7 HD9–1 Late‐stage calcite 1 −11.1 19.42
8 HD9–2 Late‐stage calcite −0.5 −11.3 19.21
9 HD10–1 Late‐stage calcite −0.8 −11.9 18.59
10 HD10–2 Late‐stage calcite −0.2 −11.6 18.9
11 HD12 Late‐stage calcite 2.4 −11.2 19.31
12 HD13 Late‐stage calcite −0.3 −12.1 18.39
13 HD107 Late‐stage calcite 2.1 −14 16.43
14 HD68 Limestone 0.5 −14.4 16.02
15 HD73 Limestone 0.7 −9.6 20.96
16 HD74 Limestone −0.1 −7.1 23.54
17 HD75 Limestone 0.6 −10.3 20.24
18 HD80 Limestone 1.6 −6.7 23.95
19 YD31–3 Limestone 1 −11.2 19.31
20 YD32–3 Limestone −1 −9.8 20.76
21 YD39 Limestone −0.4 −12.8 17.66
22 1022–53 Limestone 0.1 −5.4 25.3
23 D1 Limestone 1.3 −11.2 19.3
24 HD69 Ore‐bearing limestone 1 −18.8 11.48
25 HD71 Ore‐bearing limestone 1.1 −19.6 10.66
26 HD122 Ore‐bearing limestone 3.4 −17 13.34
27 HD124 Ore‐bearing limestone 2.2 −20.3 9.93
28 HD126 Ore‐bearing limestone 2.5 −16.9 13.44
29 L‐D Ore‐bearing limestone −1.2 −21.6 8.6

Note. Numbers 1–3 and 7–13 are from Li et al. (2007), Numbers 14–29 are from Han et al. (2004), and Numbers 4–6 are from this study.

range, from −30‰ to +20‰ in sulfides and 0‰ to >45‰ in sulfates. Postore arsenian pyrite and marcasite (non‐gold‐bearing) has δ34S
Calculated and measured δ34S values of gold‐bearing pyrite are near values between −12‰ and −30‰ (Arehart, 1996). In contrast to the
+20‰; preore pyrite has δ34S values ranging from −5‰ to +10‰ typical Carlin‐type deposits in the United States, Chinese ones show
(−5 to +7‰ in sedimentary rock, +6‰ to +10‰ in igneous rock). similar δ34S values mostly ranging from −29.2‰ to 17.1‰. Sulfur is
18 PENG ET AL.

usually originated from a sedimentary, organic or magmatic source, most have mixed with meteoric water near the earth's surface. These
deposits from a mix of them (Jia & Hu, 2001; Yu & Guo, 2010; Zhang, Ca‐enriched fluids precipitated calcite veins along the fractures of
Hou, Zhang, Li, & Yang 2007). The sulfur isotope compositions of Dashui early silica‐ and hematite‐altered host rocks, causing the calcite veins
pyrites are consistent with the δ34S values (−4.2‰ to 3‰) of early and commonly contain red hematite (Figure 6). because remobilized hema-
major ore‐forming stage pyrite in Yangshan gold deposit (Li et al., 2012). tite or oxidized pyrite deposited within the calcite veins. In the Early
Both deposits occurred in West Qinling metallogenic belt and constrained Cretaceous (ca. 135 Ma), the Dashui Fault was formed or was
by Mianlue Suture. Therefore, these pyrites collected from mineralized reactivated under the N‐S compression, and the hanging wall was
granodiorite maybe are early or major ore‐forming stage pyrite in Dashui uplifted and eroded. Thus, all of the ore bodies discovered to date
deposit. Consequently, the δ34S values of Dashui deposit ranging from are in the footwall of the Dashui Fault. This deposit then underwent
−1.8% to 4.1‰ indicate that the deep‐sourced magmatic hydrothermal a long‐term supergene process that led to a high degree of hematite
fluids may have worked during the early‐stage mineralization. alteration and production of native gold.
Carbon and oxygen isotope data in the early‐stage calcite is In summary, the genesis of the Dashui deposit is complex because
slightly depleted in δ13C and dramatically enriched in δ18O by contrast multistage hydrothermal fluids may have exploited the same structural
with late‐stage calcite. The δ13C and δ18O values in early stage calcite architecture and the long‐term supergene process may have
range from −2.7‰ to 4.3‰ and from 6.63‰ to 10.1‰ which indicate overprinted on the deposit. Therefore, a reasonable genesis model
that hydrothermal fluids may derive from magmatic source (Figure 14). for the Dashui deposit is far from being well established. However,
Late‐stage calcite is closely related to carbonate dissolution with δ C
13
the future of Au prospecting is promising in this area because of a large
and δ18O values ranging from −0.8‰ to 2.4‰ and from 16.43‰ to orogenic Au province may exist under the West QOB (Chen et al.,
19.42‰. The isotope data of the mineralized limestone show higher 2009). Several unique characteristics can be used as indicators of this
δ13C and lower δ18O than those in fresh limestone. The δ13C and type of deposit. First, the Au mineralization is hosted in the Triassic
δ O values in mineralized limestone range from −1.2‰ to +3.4‰
18
and Jurassic sedimentary rocks. Second, E‐W to NW trending faults
and from 8.6‰ to 13.44‰, which are consistent with early‐stage cal- and intrusive rocks controlled the deposition of the Au‐bearing fluids.
cite. Fresh limestone samples are plotted in the field of marine sedi- Third, silicification, hematitization, and calcite veining are well devel-
mentary carbonate with δ13C and δ18O values range from −1‰ to oped and are closely association with mineralization.
+1.6‰ and from 16.02‰ to 23.95‰, respectively. The isotopic com-
positions of fresh limestone are similar with the data of late‐stage cal-
cite. In summary, hydrothermal alteration in carbonate rocks produces
6.4 | Comparison of Dashui with Carlin‐type
higher δ C and lower δ O values than those of the original host rock.
13 18
The extensive hematite alteration and scarce sulfides of the Dashui
This enrichment in 13C and depletion in 18O occurs when hydrothermal deposit have made the genetic classification difficult. These features
fluids with high δ13C and low δ18O values interact and exchange with also exist in the Ondol'toi deposit in East Sayan, which is formed by
host rocks with low δ13C and high δ18O values, causing progressive low‐sulfide carbonate breccias and hematitized jasperoids (Airiyants,
18 13
enrichment of O and depletion of C in the hydrothermal fluid Zhmodik, Mironov, & Borovikov, 2007). However, this deposit is
13 18
and associated C enrichment and O depletion in the country rock. assigned to the Carlin type after detail comparison with typomorphic
features of Carlin‐type gold ores. Several researchers have suggested
that the Dashui deposit belongs to a typical Carlin‐type mineralization
6.3 | Schematic model for Dashui
either because it is characterized by carbonate host rocks, its mineral-
Although the current level of geochemical and geological control is ization structurally controlled and the hypogene mineral assemblages
inadequate to resolve genesis of the Dashui deposit, a schematic overprinted by intensive supergene oxidation (Chen et al., 2004;
model is proposed for guiding further exploration. In the Late Triassic, Garwin et al., 1995; Li & Wang, 2006; Mao et al., 2005; Zeng et al.,
the Ge'erkuohe pluton and granodiorite dyke intruded sedimentary 2013). Mao et al. (2002) have suggested that a significant difference
packages along the NW‐ to E‐W‐trending deep‐seated faults when exists between the Au deposits of the Western Qinling belt and those
the Songpan Sea was being subducted beneath the North China of the Western USA. The Western Qinling deposits exhibit a strong
Craton. Premineralization tectonic activity and the intrusion of magma structural control with narrow and steeply dipping, while the ones in
formed a succession of fractures in the limestone and the contact the United States are characterized by a range of structural and strat-
zone. These fractures provided permeability for hydrothermal fluids igraphic controls. To constrain the difference between Dashui and typ-
and favorable deposition sites for Au. The ore bodies are also predom- ical Carlin‐type deposits in the Western USA, detailed comparisons are
inantly distributed along the faults and areas of limestone contact with shown in Table 7. The Dashui and surrounding prospects, such as
the granodiorite dykes. During the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, Zhongqu (Wang, Luo, Gao, Liang, & Yu, 2009), Geertuo (Jia & Zhang,
the magmatic‐derived fluids exploited the same structure and entered 2010), Qiaruo and Xinqu (Feng & Liu, 2001), are all hosted in Triassic
into the Triassic sedimentary rocks forming the early sulfides stage. carbonate rocks, only one deposit partially produces in Jurassic con-
The host rocks were strongly silicified and a small quantity of pyrite glomerate. The association of the Au mineralization with Triassic car-
was precipitated. Next, large amounts of pyrite were precipitated in bonate formations is consistent with Carlin‐type deposits in the
veins at the late sulfide stage. These veins are characterized by the United States (Arehart, 1996; Bowell et al., 1999; Chen, Mao, Frank,
synchronous quartz veins with comb structure (Figure 5b–d). With Tony, & Phillip, 2011; Crafford & Grauch, 2002; Gua, Liu, Schulz,
the deposition of SiO2, the fluids became enriched with Ca and may Vavtar, & Zheng, 2002; Kovalev, Kalinin, Naumov, Pirajno, &
PENG ET AL. 19

TABLE 7 Comparison of typical Carlin Au mineralization (Nevada, USA) and the Dashui Au deposit
Carlin gold ore in the United States Dashui gold deposit

Tectonic background North American cordillera orogenic belt continental West Qinling orogenic belt,
basin and range tectonic belt, intracontinental rift basin
Age of host stratum Silurian–Devonian Triassic (most), Jurassic (Gongbei)
Rock assemblage of host strata Impure carbonate rock, microclastic rock, silicalite, Carbonate rocks, silicalite, granitoids dykes, breccia
tuff, intrusive rocks
Alteration Silicification (jasperoid formation), decalcification, Silicification (jasperoid formation), hematization,
argillic alteration, sulfidation decalcification, argillic alteration,
Ore‐control factor Structural (faults) and stratigraphic Structural (primary) and stratigraphic controls
(composition/permeability) controls
Metallogenic age Tertiary Yanshanian (ca. 170 Ma)
Deposit scale SL, L, M‐S SL
Ore mineral assemblage Native gold, As‐bearing pyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, Native gold, pyrite (most oxides assemblage:
marcasite, arsenopyrite, stibnite, cinnabar, hematite, limonite), tennantite, stibnite,
realgar, orpiment, arsenic, lorandite, chalcopyrite, galena, cinnabar, marcasite
Vein mineral assemblage Quartz, ankerite, calcite, barite, fluorite, gypsum, dickite Quartz, calcite, dolomite, feldspar, chalcedony,
sericite, kaolinite
Gold occurrence (primary ore) Gold occurring in As‐bearing minerals, carbonaceous and Gold occurring in As‐bearing minerals as
clay minerals as submicroscopic gold. Microscopic gold submicroscopic gold; microscopic and visible
occurs as inclusion gold, fracture gold, intergranular gold gold occurring as inclusion gold, fracture gold,
and intergranular gold
Metallogenic element assemblage Au‐As‐Sb‐Hg‐Tl‐Ba, Au‐As‐Cu‐Co‐Ni‐Ba Au‐Ag‐As‐Sb‐Bi‐Hg
Geochemical index Low base‐metals, high Au/Ag ratio, low δ O values
18
Low base‐metals, high Au/Ag ratio, low δ18O values

Note. L = large; M = medium; S = small; SL = superlarge. Modified after Zhang and Zhang (2003) and Arehart (1996)

Borisenko, 2009; Ozcan & Albert, 2003; Peters, 2004; Su, Hu, Xia, Xia, Ministry of Land and Resources (2016YFL05). Xi Tao Deng from the
& Liu, 2009; Su, Xia, Zhang, Zhang, & Hu, 2008; Talusani, 2001). There Third Institute of Geological and Mineral Exploration of the Gansu Pro-
are some other similarities: compression to extension tectonism; struc- vincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources in Lanzhou, China, is
tural (primary) and stratigraphic controls; Au‐As‐Sb‐Hg geochemical gratefully acknowledged for fieldwork assistance. Special thanks are
association; alteration of decalcification, silicification and argillization; extended to Professor Jay Barton at the University of Fort Hare, South
low base‐metals; high Au/Ag ratio; low δ O values. Therefore, the
18
Africa for the constructive discussions and improvements to the man-
Dashui deposit is hosted by a Triassic carbonate sequence and appears uscript. We would also like to thank anonymous reviewers for their
similar to most of the typical Carlin‐type deposits. helpful comments.

RE FE RE NC ES
7 | C O N CL U S I O N S Airiyants, E. V., Zhmodik, S. M., Mironov, A. G., & Borovikov, A. A. (2007).
Gold mineralization in siliceous‐carbonate rocks of southeastern East
Sayan. Russian Geology and Geophysics, 48, 389–399.
The Dashui deposit is one of the largest Au deposit in the West
Arehart, G. B. (1996). Characteristics and origin of sediment hosted dissem-
QOB. It is characterized by red, hematite‐rich ore that is high‐grade
inated gold deposits: A review. Ore Geology Reviews, 11, 383–403.
and with simple mineralogy. Three groups of faults (NW‐trending,
Bowell, R. J., Baumann, M., Gingrich, M., Tretbar, D., Perkins, W. F., &
NNE‐trending and E‐W‐trending) control the distribution of ore bod- Fisher, P. C. (1999). The occurrence of gold at the Getchell mine,
ies. The ores include altered granodiorite, carbonate, and breccia Nevada. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 67, 127–143.
types. Gold mineralization is closely related to decalcification, silicifi- Cao, X. F., Lu, X. B., Yao, S. Z., Mei, W., Zou, X. Y., Chen, C., … Zhang, B.
cation, hematitization and carbonatization. The pervasive hematite‐silica (2011). LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb zircon geochronology, geochemistry and
kinetics of the Wenquan orebearing granites from West Qinling, China.
alteration and late calcite veins, which are associated with Au Ore Geology Reviews, 43, 120–131.
mineralization, represent regional and deposit‐scale prospecting Chen, Y. J. (2010). Indosinian tectonic setting, magmatism and
indicator. We propose that the Dashui deposit is a Carlin‐type Au metallogenesis in Qinling orogen, Central China. Geology in China, 37,
deposit that formed during the transition from a compression to an 854–865 (in Chinese with English abstract).

extension tectonic regime during the Middle Jurassic to Early Chen, Y. C., Wang, P. A., Qin, K. L., Zhao, D. H., & Mao, J. W. (1994).
Metallogenic series of main ore deposits and regional metallogeny in
Cretaceous.
the Qinling area. Mineral Deposits, 13, 289–298 (in Chinese with English
abstract).
ACKNOWLEDGEMEN TS Chen, Y. J., Zhang, J., Zhang, F. X., Franco, P., & Li, C. (2004). Carlin and
Carlin‐like gold deposits in western Qinling Mountains and their
The study was supported by the Gesaer Gold Industrial Co., Ltd, the
metallogenic time, tectonic setting and model. Geographical Review,
National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41103025) and 50, 134–152 (in Chinese with English abstract).
China Geological Survey (121201203000160006), and Project from Chen, Y. L., Li, D. P., Zhou, J., Zhang, H. F., Liu, F., Nie, L. S., … Liu, X. M.
Key Laboratory of Airborne Geophysics and Remote Sensing Geology, (2008). UPb ages of zircons in Western Qinling Shan, China, and their
20 PENG ET AL.

tectonic implications. Earth Science Frontiers, 15, 88–107 (in Chinese Fankou leadzinc deposit, Guangdong and its geological implications.
with English abstract). Geology and Exploration, 47, 642–648 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Chen, Y. J., Zhai, M. G., & Jiang, S. Y. (2009). Significant achievements and Han, J. S., Yao, J. M., & Chen, Y. J. (2014). Geochronology and geochemistry
open issues in study of orogenesis and metallogenesis surrounding of the Dashui adakitic granitoids in the western Qinling orogen, Central
the North China continent. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 25, 2659–2726 China: Implications for Triassic tectonic setting. Geological Journal, 49,
(in Chinese with English abstract). 383–401.
Chen, M. H., Mao, J. W., Frank, P. B., Tony, N., & Phillip, J. U. (2011). Hu, R. Z., Su, W. C., Bi, X. W., Tu, G. Z., & Hofstra, A. (2002). Geology and
Structural features and metallogenesis of the Carlin‐type Jinfeng geochemistry of Carlin‐type gold deposits in China. Mineralium
(Lannigou) gold deposit, Guizhou Province, China. Ore Geology Reviews, Deposita, 37, 378–392.
43, 217–234.
Hu, J. M., Liu, G. Z., Liu, X. H., & Xu, S. P. (2008). Geological‐geochemical
Cline, J.S., Hofstra, A., Munteau, J., Tosdal, D., Hickey, K. (2005). Carlin‐ characteristics and genetic discussion of Zhaishang gold deposit in the
type gold deposits in Nevada: Critical geologic characteristics and viable West Qinling area. Contributions to Geology and Mineral Resources
models. Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume, pp. 451‐484. Research, 23, 298–304 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Crafford, A. E. J., & Grauch, V. J. S. (2002). Geologic and geophysical evi- Jia, D. C., & Hu, R. Z. (2001). Analysis of genesis of Carlin type gold deposits
dence for the influence of deep crustal structures on Paleozoic inYunnan Guizhou Guangxi triangle area. Mineral Deposits, 4, 378–385
tectonics and the alignment of worldclass gold deposits, northcentral (in Chinese with English abstract).
Nevada, USA. Ore Geology Reviews, 21, 157–184.
Jia, C. L., & Zhang, H. J. (2010). Ore controlling factors and enrichment con-
Dai, W. J., Chen, G. Z., & Ma, X. Y. (2009). Features and origin of dition analyze of Geertuo gold deposit in Gansu. Sichuan Nonferrous
metallogenetic fluid of Dashui gold deposit in Gansu Province. Gansu Metals, 1, 79 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Geology, 18, 21–27 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Kovalev, K. R., Kalinin, Y. A., Naumov, E. A., Pirajno, F., & Borisenko, A. S.
Dai, W. J., Chen, Y. Y., Ma, X. Y., & Shi, W. Q. (2013). Geochemical charac- (2009). A mineralogical study of the Suzdal sediment‐hosted gold
teristics of rare earth element of calcite in Dashui gold deposit, Gansu deposit, Eastern Kazakhstan: Implications for ore genesis. Ore Geology
province. Gold, 32, 24–29 (in Chinese with English abstract). Reviews, 35, 186–205.
Deng, X. T. (2011). Application of Pb isotope on deep ore prospecting Li, X. D., & Wang, X. W. (2006). Research on geological characteristics and
in Dashui gold deposit. Gansu Science and Technology, 27, 56–58 ore‐controlling factors of Dashui gold deposit. Gansu Science and
(in Chinese). Technology, 22, 64–67 (in Chinese).
Du, Z.T. (1997). Study on tectonic systems and their controlling to the gold Li, X. Z., Yan, Z., & Lu, X. X. (1993). Granites of QinlingDabie orogen.
deposits distribution in the region of West Qinling. Ph.D Thesis, Beijing: (pp. 215). Beijing: Geological Publishing House (in Chinese).
Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (in Chinese with English
Li, Z. S., Wei, Z. W., & Shi, Q. (2005). The discovery of cryptoexplosive
abstract).
breccia in Gerke gold deposit and its metallogenic significance. Gansu
Du, Z. T., & Wu, G. G. (1998). Structural framework and gold metallogenic Science and Technology, 21, 84–85 (in Chinese).
dynamic of West Qinling. (pp. 145). Beijing: Geological Publishing House
Li, Y. Q., Zhao, J. Q., & Zhao, Y. Q. (2006). Analysis of gold metallogenetic
(in Chinese).
system in Western Qinling. Gansu Geology, 15, 47–52 (in Chinese with
Duan, S. A., Xue, C. J., Liu, G. Y., Yan, C. H., Feng, Q. W., Song, Y. W., … Gao, English abstract).
B. Y. (2010). Geology and sulfur isotope geochemistry of leadzinc
Li, H. Y., Li, Y. J., Yuan, W. M., Yang, Q. R., Tang, G. L., & Cao, J. F. (2007).
deposits in Luanchuan district, Henan Province, China. Earth Science
Mineral geochemistry in the Dashui diorite‐type gold deposit, Gansu
Frontiers, 17, 375–384 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Province. Geology and Exploration, 43, 41–45 (in Chinese with English
Feng, X. M., & Liu, D. X. (2001). Geologic features and ore hunting abstract).
potential of Gongbei gold ore deposit. Acta Geologica Gansu, 10,
66–73 (in Chinese with English abstract). Li, W. J., Chen, Y. Y., & Zhang, J. Y. (2010). Alteration of wall rock and gold
metallogenesis of Dashui deposit in Gansu Province. Gansu Geology, 19,
Feng, J. Z., Wang, D. B., Wang, X. M., Shao, S. C., Lin, G. F., & Shi, J. J. 38–41 (in Chinese with English abstract).
(2003). Geology and metallogenesis of Liba large‐size gold deposit in
Lixian, Gansu Province. Mineral Deposits, 22, 257–269 (in Chinese with Li, W. J., Zhao, C. S., Zhang, J. S., Ge, Z., & Li, Y. S. (2010). Application of
English abstract). geochemical exploration by Pb isotopes to deep ore‐prospecting in
the Dashui gold deposit of Maqu County, Gansu Province, China.
Garwin, S.L., Tu, H., Zhou, X. (1995). Preliminary evaluation of the Dashui Geological Bulletin of China, 29, 1338–1348 (in Chinese with English
gold deposit, Gansu Province, China. Newmont Internal Report. abstract).
Goldfarb, R. J., Taylor, R. D., Collins, G. S., Goryachev, N. A., & Orlandini, O. Li, N., Yang, L. Q., Zhang, C., Zhang, J., Lei, S. B., Wang, H. T., … Gao, X.
F. (2014). Phanerozoic continental growth and gold metallogeny of (2012). Sulfur isotope characteristics of the Yangshan gold belt, West
Asia. Gondwana Research, 25, 48–102. Qinling: Constraints on ore‐forming environment and material source.
Goldschmidt, V. M. (1954). Geochemistry. ( pp. 317). Oxford: Clarendon Acta Petrologica Sinica, 28, 1577–1587 (in Chinese with English
Press. abstract).
Gua, X. X., Liu, J. M., Schulz, O., Vavtar, F., & Zheng, M. H. (2002). Li, N., Chen, Y. J., Santosh, M., & Pirajno, F. (2014). Compositional polarity
Syngenetic origin for the sediment‐hosted disseminated gold deposits of Triassic granitoids in the Qinling orogen, China: Implication for
in NW Sichuan, China: Ore fabric evidence. Ore Geology Reviews, 22, termination of the northernmost paleoTethys. Gondwana Research, 27,
91–116. 244–257.
Han, C. M., Yuan, W. M., Yu, F. S., Tang, Y. H., & Bao, Z. K. (2004). Geo- Liu, J. J. (1994). The gold deposits occur in WNW tectonic belt of West
chemistry of the Dashui gold deposit in west Qinling Mountains, Qinling. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 2, 82–83
Gansu Province. Acta Geoscientica Sinica, 25, 127–132 (in Chinese with (in Chinese).
English abstract). Liu, J. H., Zhang, X. H., Zhao, Y. Q., & Ren, F. S. (2006). A study of
Han, J. S., Yao, J. M., & Chen, Y. J. (2011). Zircon U‐Pb age and Ce4+/Ce3+ minerogenetic series of West Qinling region in Gansu Province and its
of granodiorite at Dashui gold deposit, Gansu. Acta Mineralogica Sinica, ore‐prospecting significance. Mineral Deposits, 25, 727–734.
S1, 583–584 (in Chinese).
Liu, G. Z., Liu, J. J., & Liu, X. H. (2009). Geochemical characteristics and
Han, Y., Wang, J. B., Zhu, X. Y., Guo, N. N., Li, S. T., & Wang, Y. L. (2011). genetic model of the Zhaishang gold deposit in west Qinling. Geology
Geochemical characteristics of carbon and oxygen isotope in the and Exploration, 45, 27–37 (in Chinese with English abstract).
PENG ET AL. 21

Liu, J. B., Dang, L., & He, Z. Y. (2010). Determination of 36 elements in soil Xiao, L., Zhang, J. W., Cui, L., Zhao, Y. S., Pan, A. J., Zou, Y. L., … Zhang, Y.
samples by XRF. Gansu Geology, 19, 75–79 (in Chinese with English (2008). Analysis on ore‐controlling factors and resource potentiality in
abstract). West Qinling region gold deposit. Gold, 29, 12–17 (in Chinese with
English abstract).
Lu, X. X. (1998). The tectonic map about granites of Qinling. ( pp. 120).
Beijing: Geological Publishing House (in Chinese). Yan, S.H. (1998). Studies on the genesis of Dashui superlarge hematite‐rich
silicalite‐type gold ore deposit in Gansu Province. Ph.D Thesis, Beijing:
Lu, X. X., Li, M. L., Wang, W., Yu, Z. P., & Shi, Y. Z. (2008). Indosinian move-
Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, pp.80 (in Chinese with
ment and metallogenesis in Qinling orogenic belt. Mineral Deposits, 27,
English abstract).
762–773 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Yan, S. H., Wang, A. J., Gao, L., Zhao, Y. Q., & Chen, G. Z. (2000). REE
Luo, K. J. (2009). Application of TEM in prospecting of Dashui gold deposit.
geochemistry and implications of stable isotopes in Dashui type gold
Gansu Ment., 31, 74–77.
deposits. Mineral Deposits, 19, 37–45 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Mao, J. W. (2001). Geology, Distribution and Classification of Gold
Deposits in the Western Qinling Belt, Central China. Bulletin of Yan, S. H., Wang, A. J., Gao, L., Zhao, Y. Q., Hu, C. J., & Chen, G. Z. (2000).
Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 20, 11–13. Geological characteristics and genesis of the Dashui type gold deposits.
Mineral Deposits, 19, 126–137 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Mao, J. W., Qiu, Y. M., Goldfarb, R. J., Zhang, Z. C., Garwin, S., & Ren, F. S.
(2002). Geology, distribution, and classification of gold deposits in the Yang, X. Y., Sun, W. D., Zhang, Y. X., & Zheng, Y. F. (2009). Geochemical
western Qinling belt, Central China. Mineralium Deposita, 37, 352–377. constraints on the genesis of the Bayan Obo FeNbREE deposit in Inner
Mongolia, China. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 73, 1417–1435.
Mao, J. W., Li, X. F., Li, H. M., Qu, X. M., Zhang, C. Q., Xue, C. J., … Wang, R.
T. (2005). Types and characteristics of endogenetic metallic deposits in Yang, C. X., Wang, X. W., Di, P. F., Ou, Y. J., & Yu, M. (2010). Analysis of
orogenic belts in China and their metallogenic processes. Acta Geologica geological characteristics and comparison of Dashui gold deposit
Sinica, 79, 342–372 (in Chinese with English abstract). with gold deposits of surrounding areas. Gansu Geology, 19, 49–55
(in Chinese with English abstract).
McCrea, J. M. (1950). On the isotope chemistry of carbonate rocks and a
paleotemperature scale. Journal of Chemical Physics, 18, 849–857. Yin, Y., & Zhao, Y. Q. (2006). Relationship between granite and gold
minerallzation in the gold enrichment area of western Qinling, Gansu
Meng, Q. R., & Zhang, G. W. (2000a). Geologic framework and tectonic province. Gansu Geology, 15, 36–41.
evolution of the Qinling‐orogen, Central China. Tectonophysics, 323,
183–196. Yu, G. M., & Guo, H. (2010). Comparison of geological and geochemical fea-
tures of Carlin‐type Au deposits in the Sichuan‐Shaanxi‐Gansu border
Meng, Q. R., & Zhang, G. W. (2000b). Timing of collision of the North region. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2, 163–169.
and South China blocks: Controversy and reconciliation. Geology, 27,
123–126. Yu, C., & Yu, J. P. (2010). Structure‐controlled mineralization rules and their
implications to prospecting in the Xialadi leadzinc deposit, western
Ozcan, Y., & Albert, H. H. (2003). Lithogeochemistry of Carlin‐type gold Qinling. Geology and Exploration, 46, 261–266 (in Chinese with English
mineralization in the gold bar district, Battle Mountain‐Eureka trend, abstract).
Nevada. Ore Geology Reviews, 22, 201–224.
Yuan, W. M., Mo, X. X., Zhang, A. K., Chen, X. N., Duan, H. W., Li, X., …
Peters, S. G. (2004). Syn‐deformational features of Carlin‐type Au deposits. Wang, X. M. (2013). Fission track thermochronology evidence for
Journal of Structural Geology, 26, 10071023. multiple periods of mineralization in the Wulonggou gold deposits,
Pirajno, F. (2009). Hydrothermal processes and mineral systems. (pp. 117). Eastern Kunlun Mountains, Qinghai Province. Journal of Earth Science,
Netherlands: Springer. 24, 471–478.

Shang, W., Chen, S. Y., & Zhao, J. N. (2009). Potential areas for Pb‐Zn Zeng, Q. T., Evans, N. J., McInnes, B. I. A., Batt, G. E., McCuaig, C. T., Bagas,
deposit in Qinling region optimized with the fuzzy logic method. L., & Tohver, E. (2013). Geological and thermochronological studies of
Contributions to Geology and Mineral Resources Research, 24, 47–50 the Dashui gold deposit, West Qinling orogen, Central China.
(in Chinese with English abstract). Mineralium Deposita, 48, 397–412.

Su, W. C., Xia, B., Zhang, H. T., Zhang, X. C., & Hu, R. Z. (2008). Visible gold Zhang, F. L. (1993). Discussion on tectonics evolutionary model of the
in arsenian pyrite at the Shuiyindong Carlin‐type gold deposit, Guizhou, south subzone in the West Qinling. Acta Geologica Gansu, 2, 72–79
China: Implications for the environment and processes of ore forma- (in Chinese with English abstract).
tion. Ore Geology Reviews, 33, 667–679. Zhang, F. X., & Zhang, J. (2003). Geological‐geochemical characteristics of
Su, W. C., Hu, R. Z., Xia, B., Xia, Y., & Liu, Y. P. (2009). Calcite Sm‐Nd Carlin and Carlin‐like‐type gold deposits in South Qinling Mountains.
isochron age of the Shuiyindong Carlin‐type gold deposit, Guizhou, Chinese Journal of Geochemistry, 22, 11–21.
China. Chemical Geology, 258, 269–274. Zhang, G. W., Dong, Y. P., & Yao, P. A. (2002). On China's continental
Sun, S. S., & McDonough, W. F. (1989). Chemical and isotopic systematics dynamics research and reflections belt. China Geology, 29, 7–13
of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. (in Chinese with English abstract).
In A. D. Saunders, & M. J. Norry (Eds.), Magmatism in ocean basins. Zhang, J., Chen, Y. J., Shu, G. M., Zhang, F. X., & Li, C. (2002). Compositional
(Vol. 42) (pp. 313–345). Geological Society, Special Publications. study of minerals within the Qinlingliang granite, Southwestern Shaanxi
Talusani, R. V. R. (2001). Possible Carlin‐type disseminated gold mineraliza- Province and discussions on the related problems. Science in China,
tion in the Mahakoshal fold belt, Central India. Ore Geology Reviews, 17, Series D: Earth Sciences, 45, 662–672.
241–247.
Zhang, F. X., Hou, J. F., Zhang, C. W., Li, J., & Yang, R. S. (2007). Character-
Wang, D. S., Wang, R. T., Dai, J. Z., Wang, C. A., Li, J. H., & Chen, L. X. istics of the super large Yangshan Carlin and Carlin like compound type
(2009). “Dual ore‐controlling factors” characteristics of metallic gold deposit in Gansu. Geology in China, 6, 1062–1072.
deposits in the Qinling orogenic belt. Acta Geologica Sinica, 83,
Zhang, H. F., Jin, L. L., Zhang, L., Nigel, H., Zhou, L., Hu, S. H., & Zhang,
1719–1729 (in Chinese with English abstract).
B. R. (2007). Geochemical and Pb‐Sr‐Nd isotopic compositions of
Wang, G. H., Luo, X. R., Gao, Q., Liang, M., & Yu, X. (2009). The research and granitoids from Western Qinling belt: Constraints on basement
promoted application of the gist with geophysical and geochemical nature and tectonic affinity. Science in China, Series D: Earth Sciences,
information in Zhongqu gold mine district, Gansu province. Geology 50, 184–196.
and Exploration, 45, 450–455 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Zhao, Y. Q., Ye, D. J., Li, Y. Q., & Chen, G. Z. (2003). Granitic mineralization
Wei, J. Y., & Wang, G. Y. (1988). Isotope geochemistry. (pp. 153165). Beijing: of the Dashui gold ore deposit in Western Qinling. Geoscience, 17,
Geological Publishing House (in Chinese). 151–156 (in Chinese with English abstract).
22 PENG ET AL.

Zhao, S. J., Liu, J. L., Bai, X. D., Zhao, H. B., Lu, J., Chen, Y., & Chen, M. Y. Zhu, L. M., Zhang, G. W., Chen, Y. J., Ding, Z. J., Guo, B., Wang, F., & Lee, B.
(2010). Fluid inclusions and sulfur isotopes of Sandaowanzi gold (2011). Zircon U‐Pb ages and geochemistry of the Wenquan
telluride deposit, Heilongjiang Province. Mineral Deposits, 29, 476–488 Mo‐bearing granitoids in West Qinling, China: Constraints on the
(in Chinese with English abstract). geodynamic setting for the newly discovered Wenquan Mo deposit.
Zhu, L. M., Zhang, G. W., Li, B., & Guo, B. (2008). Main geological events, Ore Geology Reviews, 39, 46–62.
genetic types of metallic deposits and their geodynamical setting in
the Qinling orogenic belt. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochem-
How to cite this article: Peng X, Yang H, Zhang J. Geology,
istry, 27, 384–390 (in Chinese with English abstract).
geochemistry, and genesis of the Dashui Carlin‐type gold deposit
Zhu, L. M., Zhang, G. W., Li, B., Guo, B., Yao, A. P., & Gong, H. J. (2009).
Some key metallogenetic events of Qinling orogenic belt and their in the West Qinling orogenic belt, Gansu Province, China.
deposit examples. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Geological Journal. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.2930
Edition), 39, 381–391 (in Chinese with English abstract).