Unlocking Gold Secrets: The Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Deposits

Описание: A significant amount of the world's gold comes from hydrothermal ore deposits. Understanding how these valuable concentrations form requires delving into the complex world of geochemistry. This paper reviews the key aspects of hydrothermal gold deposits, exploring how ore-forming fluids, their chemical composition, and interaction with surrounding rocks dictate where and how gold is deposited. By studying the geochemistry of these deposits, scientists can trace the origins of the fluids and the gold itself, as well as identify the forms in which gold and other elements like silicon, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, arsenic, and silver are transported.

Discover the fascinating journey of gold within the Earth's crust, from its transport in solutions, mainly as Au-Cl and Au-S complexes, to its concentration in the vapor phase at high temperatures and pressures. Learn how changes in temperature, pressure, oxygen fugacity, and sulfur fugacity act as effective mechanisms for gold precipitation. The review also highlights the common association of gold with arsenic and antimony and explains how As-bearing pyrite plays a crucial role in forming large Carlin-type deposits by absorbing gold from undersaturated fluids. Hydrothermal alteration, visible in characteristic mineral assemblages, provides valuable clues for mineral exploration, often forming extensive halos around ore bodies.

P. Geo. Ricardo A Valls, M. Sc. and Geo Gadfly
Valls Geoconsultant
ORCID ID- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5421-0914
Scopus Author ID: 7003369619/35335510700
ResearcherID: S-6604-2018

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