Ore genesis and prospecting potential of the Haoping hydrothermal vein-type high-purity quartz deposit in the Wudang Uplift, South Qinling

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.ObjectiveVein−type quartz deposit is one of the critical raw materials for the production of high−purity quartz. Due to the occurrence of multiple episodes of tectonic−magmatic activities, the Wudang uplift of South Qinling is widely exposed vein−type quartz deposits. In order to investigate the regional metallogenic mechanism and the characteristics of ore materials, we analyzed the geological features, genetic mechanism and prospecting potential of the Haoping vein−type quartz deposit. MethodsBased on the results of field geological surveys, we used chemical composition analysis of ores, microthermometry of fluid inclusions and isotopic analysis of quartz to reveal the genetic mechanism, ore quality and prospecting potential of the Haoping vein−type quartz deposit in this manuscript. ResultsRb−Sr dating on the quartz grains yields an isochron age of (302.7±6.7) Ma. Bulk solution analysis demonstrates that the quartz grains has low total impurity concentrations, with the values range from 53.61×10−6 to 71.46×10−6. At Haoping deposit, the fluid inclusions studies indicate that the temperature and salinity of the ore−forming fluids range from 225 to 475 ℃ and from 2.57% to 9.73% NaCl equiv., respectively, exhibiting clear features of medium−high temperature and medium−high salinity. In addition, the δ18OH2O and δDH2O values of fluids in equilibrium with quartz, rang from +7.5‰ to +8.6‰ and from −96.5‰ to −72.9‰, respectively, with the (87Sr/86Sr)i values are 0.72020 to 0.72074. ConclusionsIntegrating the data obtained from studies on geology and fluid sources, we propose that the Haoping deposit was formed by the precipitation of SiO2−rich fluids which evolved from deep acidic magmatic rocks and migrated along faults. In addition, the Haoping deposit has a good potential for 4N5−grade high−purity quartz prospecting.