Confirmation and significance of Caledonian metallogenic epoch for gold deposits in South China

Caledonian gold deposits are widely distributed in South China. They are developed in both South China Caledonian fold belt and adjacent Proterozoic Jiangnan uplift. The host rocks are Proterozoic metamorphosed microclastic rocks in the Jiangnan uplift and Proterozoic and Cambrian strata, as well as Chengjiang and Caledonian igneous bodies in the South China fold belt. The distinct differences between the Caledonian and the most developed Yenshanian gold deposits in South China are reflected in age and host-rock type, relations to Yenshanian magmatic activities, element association, mineral assemblage and gold deposit type. The studies have proven that the Caledonian epoch is a principal metallogenic period of gold deposits in South China. This conclusion is of very important enlightening significance in exploration of Caledonian gold deposits in South China as well as in other Caledonian fold belts and adjacent uplifts in China.