Ore-forming process of the Huize super-large Pb-Zn deposit, SW China: Constraints from in situ elements and S-Pb isotopes

Study on the ore-forming process is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms of metal enrichment and facilitating mineral exploration. The Huize deposit in southwestern China is characterized by significant Pb and Zn resources, as well as economic coproducts of Ge and Ag. In spite of extensive studies, the key factors for ore deposition remain controversial. Mineral textures, in situ trace elements of dolomite, and S and Pb isotopes of sphalerite and galena from the contact zone between ore body and wall rocks were used to decipher this issue. The contact zone samples are further divided into three parts at the thin section scale: ore, transitional zone, and wall rock dolostone. In the ore part, dolomite is characterized by irregular replacement. In the transitional zone, dolomite displays a core-rim texture with dolomite in the core and Fe- and Mn-rich dolomite in the rim. In the wall rock part, the Fe- and Mn-rich dolomite occur as veins. From the ore, through the transitional zone, to the wall rock, the contents of Ca, Mg, and rare earth elements in dolomite increased, whereas the contents of Mn, Fe, In, and V decreased, indicating interaction between ore-forming fluids and dolostone. The LREE depletion of hydrothermal dolomite in three zones is caused by fluid-rock interaction and retention of Cl- complexes. Negative Eu and Ce anomalies indicate that fluids evolve from alkaline to weakly acidic at relatively low temperatures. The & delta;34S values of sphalerite generally decrease from the ore to the transitional zone, consistent with the kinetic fractionation of sulfur isotopes due to the precipitation of sulfides. The Pb isotopic composition of galena generally increases from the ore, transitional zone, to the wall rock, reflecting increased involvement of dolostone. The detailed ore-forming process can be summarized as follows. When hydrothermal fluids, with higher ore elements, higher & delta;34S value, and low Pb isotope composition, enter the wall rock that has relatively high Pb isotopic composition, intense fluid-rock interaction occurs, and elements and isotopes are exchanged, forming dolomite-dominated alteration and Pb-Zn sulfides. During this process, the fluids evolve from alkaline to neutral and weakly acidic. Therefore, we suggest that the change in the pH due to the replacement of dolostone has played an important role in ore deposition.