A geochemical characterization of lead ores in China: An isotope database for provenancing archaeological materials

A well reasoned lead (Pb) isotope-driven provenance study lies in concert with a comprehensively evaluated database of geological ore sources and accompanying archaeological and contextual information. In this paper we have compiled and evaluated all currently available Pb isotope data for galena and K-feldspars in China, and provided geological interpretations for how their ore-forming substances evolved across relevant tectonic terrains. We pay particular attention to the geological settings of host ore deposits that were likely exploited in ancient and historic China, detailing the heterogeneity and homogeneity of their ore formation across different metallogenic provinces and belts. Using the isotope database, and supportive geological and archaeological background information, three case studies are presented that detail the provenancing of Chinese cultural materials. The isotope data themselves are presented in ternary diagrams that allow for their concise and accurate comparison.一项基于严谨推导的铅（Pb）同位素物源示踪研究，需与经过全面评估的地质矿源数据库及配套的考古与背景信息相辅相成。本文汇总并评估了当前中国境内已公开的所有方铅矿（galena）与钾长石（K-feldspar）的铅同位素数据，并针对成矿物质在相关构造单元中的演化过程开展地质解译。我们特别聚焦中国古代及历史时期可能被开采的赋矿矿床的地质背景，详细阐明了不同成矿省与成矿带内成矿作用的非均质性与均质性。依托本同位素数据库及配套的地质与考古背景资料，本文开展三项案例研究，系统阐释了中国古代文物的物源溯源过程。本文同时以三元图解（ternary diagram）的形式呈现同位素数据，以便开展简洁准确的对比分析。