The Xilaokou carbonate-sulfide vein type gold deposit: A distinct mineralization in the giant Jiaodong gold province, North China

The Xilaokou gold deposit with ca. 50 t of gold reserve @ 2.7 g/t represents a novel type (carbonate-sulfide vein type) of gold mineralization within the Jiaodong gold province. However, its mineralization age and metallogenic mechanism remain poorly constrained, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the ore-forming processes in the Jiaodong gold province. In this study, we employ syn-ore stage hydrothermal monazite in situ U-Pb geochronology to determine the ore-forming age of the Xilaokou gold deposit. Additionally, we conduct in situ LA-(MC)-ICP-MS elemental mapping and sulfur isotope analysis in ore-related pyrite to unravel the sulfur source(s) and provide new insights into the ore-forming processes of the Xilaokou gold deposit. Our findings reveal the following key points: (1) U-Pb dating of hydrothermal monazite in Au-bearing pyrite yields an ore-forming age of 119.9 ± 3.0 Ma. This age is consistent with the mineralization ages (around 120 ± 5 Ma) of other gold deposits in the region, including Liaoshang-, Jiaojia-, and Linglong-type deposits. (2) Gold in pyrite primarily occurs as micro-grains (5–20 μm) within pyrite fissures associated with sphalerite and galena. (3) Elemental mapping and sulfur isotope analysis indicate that major Au mineralization is linked to elevated concentrations of As, Sb, and Tl, along with heavy sulfur isotope values (δ³⁴S∼24.7 ‰). (4) Early-stage Au mineralization is characterized by enrichment of As, Cu, and Bi, with normal sulfur isotopic composition (δ³⁴S∼8 ‰). We propose that the carbonate-sulfide vein type gold deposits represented by the Liaoshang and Xilaokou gold deposits in the Jiaodong gold province are genetically linked to quartz-sulfide vein and disseminated type deposits. The major ore-forming stage involved the addition of S and Au from a metamorphic massif at slightly lower temperatures. These findings highlight a new exploration direction within the North China Craton. In summary, the Xilaokou gold deposit provides valuable insights into gold mineralization processes in Jiaodong, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse deposit types and their genetic relationships in the region.