Implications for metallogenic evolution of the Balong gold deposit, East Kunlun metallogenic belt: Insights from in-situ trace elements and S isotopes of sulfides

Abstract

The Balong gold deposit is one of numerous lode gold deposits in the East Kunlun metallogenic belt. Gold mineralization is hosted in Triassic granitoids, typified by auriferous quartz veins. Hydrothermal alteration includes sericite, quartz, sulfide, chlorite, and calcite. Pyrite, as the most abundant sulfide in the ore, is sometimes seen in the company of arsenopyrite. Three types of pyrite have been identified. The porous Py1 exhibits low Co and Ni contents, with an absence of gold. Subhedral Py2-1 shows higher Co (median 80 ppm) and Ni (median 10.5 ppm) contents and contains various Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag mineral inclusions. Py2-2 shows an increase in As (median 17, 073 ppm) and Au (median 3.79 ppm), exhibiting obvious distinctions between Py2-1 and Py2-2.

Gold in the Balong deposit consists of both visible and invisible gold. Gold occurs within micro-fractures of pyrite and arsenopyrite, appearing as irregular inclusions or as infillings. Apart from visible gold grains, the majority of invisible gold hosted in Py2-2 occurs as solid solutions (Au⁺). Coupled dissolution-reprecipitation reactions of early pyrite are a key factor for visible gold precipitation and later invisible gold enrichment. Pyrite records a narrow range of δ³⁴S values from −1.6 to 5.4 ‰, reflecting sulfur from a deep magmatic source. These findings indicate a connection between the ore-forming materials and the evolved magmatic-hydrothermal fluids.