Abstract:
Pyrite is the dominant gold-bearing mineral in gold deposits. Its trace element composition and sulfur isotopic signature not only record critical information such as the occurrence state of metallogenic elements and metallogenic conditions, but also serve as key indicators for determining the genetic type of ore deposits. Located in the Xiong’ershan Ore Concentration Area of western Henan, the Jiuzhanggou Gold Deposit is a typical structurally controlled alteration-type gold deposit. Research on its genesis is therefore essential for regional prospecting. By taking pyrites formed in different metallogenic stages as the research objects, the in-situ trace element composition was systematically studied, combined with in-situ sulfur isotope analysis of sphalerite. The results show that in terms of the occurrence of trace elements, Co and Ni enter the pyrite lattice mainly by isomorphous substitution for Fe, while Cu, Pb and Zn occur largely as microscopic mineral inclusions. Au displays positive correlations with As, Sb and Ag, and occurs as a solid solution within As-rich pyrite, implying that As and Sb can serve as effective prospecting elements. The
w(Co)/
w(Ni) ratio in pyrite ranges from 0.03 to 309.78, with a mean value of 3.26. Combined with the
w(Co)−
w(Ni)−
w(As) diagram, the ratio indicates a magmatic-hydrothermal origin, but the metallogenic fluid is significantly diluted by meteoric water. Pyrite yields
δ34S values ranging from −15.25 ‰ to −4.14 ‰, while the values of sphalerite range from −16.79 ‰ to −13.99 ‰. The
δ34S values exhibit a peak at −14.5 ‰, reflecting strong sulfur-isotope fractionation during mineralization. The metallogenic materials of the Jiuzhanggou Gold Deposit are derived predominantly from the shallow crust. Deep-seated magmatic hydrothermal fluids ascend, mix with meteoric water, leach metals from the wall rocks, and finally precipitate gold in favorable structural sites to form the deposit.