Trace elements of sulfides in the Dengjiashan Pb-Zn deposit from West Qinling, China: Implications for mineralization conditions and genesis

Dengjiashan is a large-scale Pb-Zn deposit discovered in the western part of the Xicheng ore field within the West Qinling metallogenic belt. Information regarding the distribution and occurrence of trace elements in ore minerals and mineralization, as well as the genesis of this deposit, remains scarce. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis and elemental mapping were used to determine the distribution and occurrence of trace elements in the sulfide minerals of the Dengjiashan deposit, as well as delineate the process of its genesis. Our results showed that the trace elements enriched in the different sulfides were significantly different. Sphalerite is the main carrier mineral of the scattered elements Cd, Ge and Ga. Based on the trace element content and ratio, principal component analysis and colour of the sphalerite and pyrite, the deposit likely formed in a medium-temperature environment. The comparative analysis of trace elements from multiple deposits of different origins, combined with the geological characteristics and distribution of sulfide trace elements, suggests that Dengjiashan is a sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX)-type deposit. As the metallogenic process had a closer relationship to medium-low temperature hot brine and later tectonic metamorphic hydrothermal fluid, than with magmatic hydrothermal fluid, the deposit is likely of non-magmatic SEDEX-hot brine superimposed transition origin. This study provides additional insight on the distribution of trace elements in the sulfide minerals of the Dengjiashan deposit, as well as the processes that led to its formation, and may further facilitate ongoing and future key metal prospecting and exploration efforts.