In recent years, the advancements in multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC – ICP – MS) technology have significantly enhanced our understanding of the isotopic variations in tungsten (W) and tin (Sn) among natural samples. The application of W isotopic fractionation (δ186/184W NIST 3163) has emerged in tracing the material cycle associated with solid Earth evolution as an excellent indicator. Also, the findings of Sn isotopic fractionation (e.g. δ122/118Sn 3161a) in cassiterite have achieved initial success in revealing magmatic-hydrothermal processes. However, the mechanisms responsible for variations in W and Sn isotopes in the ore-forming processes remain to be fully addressed, and there is an urgent need to apply the W – Sn isotope systematics to geology (especially for ore deposit geology). In this contribution, the high-precision analytical methods for W and Sn isotopes, the significant variability in isotopic compositions, and the immense functionality of the tracing process are systematically summarized and reviewed. Conclusively, the prospects of the application of W and Sn isotopes in geology are listed, and it is pointed out that it is urgent to introduce W – Sn double isotope systematics into the study of ore deposits, apply the stable isotopic method for tracing the source of ore-forming materials and modelling the evolution of W and Sn isotopes in W – Sn metallogenic system. Focusing on the composition variations of W and Sn isotopes in magmatic-hydrothermal evolution is expected to explore the fractionation mechanism of those isotopes in the mineralization process from multiple perspectives, establishing the evolution model of W and Sn isotopes in the complex W – Sn metallogenic system, which can provide a fresh approach for in-depth understanding of the genesis of W – Sn mineralization, and then facilitating a new perspective for the study of large-scale W – Sn polymetallic mineralization.
Multiple metallogenic types (skarn-type and vein-type) related to hypabyssal granites are found at the Huangshaping polymetallic deposit in the Nanling Range, South China. To constrain the crystallization and mineralization processes of skarn formation, three generations of magnetite and pyrrhotite from the hydrous silicate stage, oxide stage, early quartz–sulfide stage, and late quartz–sulfide stage were distinguished. The geochemical compositions of magnetite and pyrrhotite were obtained by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) and in-situ ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results show that there may be silicate inclusions in magnetite and interaction of wall rock occurred in the mineralization process. The geochemical trends recorded in pyrrhotite show the influence of limestone during the crystallization of pyrrhotite. The re-equilibration temperatures of Po I, Po II, and Po III are 420.46, 380.45, and 341.81 °C, respectively, which suggests a continuous evolution following the high-temperature W–Sn mineralized system. The content change of Ni and V reflects a gradual decrease of oxygen fugacity from Mag I to Mag III, while the sulfur fugacity calculated from pyrrhotite gradually decreases. This continuous skarn mineralization evolution process helps us to better understand the change of metallogenic environment in the retrograde stage of the Huangshaping deposit.
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