The orogenic,epithermal and Carlin-type gold deposits can form significant regional metallogenic belts or metallogenic provinces,and are currently the main types of gold occurrences in the world and the main target types of gold exploration.In this paper,the main characteristics of their mineralization,metallogenic conditions and controlling factors of the 3 types gold deposits are systematically analyzed and reviewed,the application of these characteristics and factors to the practice of mineral exploration to recognize and identify the type of gold deposits is discussed,and then targeted mineral exploration work is carried out according to different metallogenic characteristics and ore controlling factors,which can provide effective and reliable theory and method guidance to further improve gold exploration efficiency.