Ore Geology, H-O-C Isotopes and ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar Dating of the Wutonggou Iron Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, NW China: Implications for the Source, Timing, and Genesis of Hydrothermal Mineralization in a Sedimentary Iron Deposit

Abstract

The Wutonggou iron deposit is located in the well-known iron metallogenic belt in the eastern Tianshan, NW China, and has been regarded as a sedimentary iron deposit. Although hydrothermal overprinting could play indispensable roles in the formation of high-grade iron ores in sedimentary iron deposits, previous studies mainly focused on sedimentary-related iron mineralization, while the nature and contribution of hydrothermal fluids are poorly constrained. Accordingly, an integrated study of ore geology, H-O-C isotopes and ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar dating, is conducted on the Wutonggou deposit, in order to reveal the features, source, and timing of hydrothermal mineralization. The studied deposit includes two mining sections namely the Jianshan and Wutonggou. The δ¹⁸O values of early magnetite from the Jianshan section range from +3.0‰ to +5.8‰ that nearly consistent with classic magmatic magnetite, while increase to 6.3‰–8.0‰ in the late stage. Quartz from the two sections shows comparable H-O isotopic compositions and identical fractionation trends, and is plotted in or periphery to the primary magmatic water area. Calcites from the two sections are broadly similar in carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions, and siderite from the Wutonggou section is plotted in the same region. Thus, comparable stable isotopic compositions and evolution trends indicate similar magmatic fluids contributed hydrothermal iron mineralization in the two mining sections. Moreover, water-rock interactions of varying degrees generated distinct mineralization styles in the Jianshan and Wutonggou sections, and caused the isotopic fractionation in late stages. Biotite extracted from a hydrothermal siderite ore yielded a ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar plateau age of 299.5 ± 2.0 Ma, indicates the timing of hydrothermal iron mineralization is corresponding to the emplacement of vicinity granitoids. Taken together, the hydrothermal mineralization in the Wutonggou iron deposit was the product of remobilization and upgrading of early sedimentary iron ores, and ore-forming fluids were most probably originated from regional granitic magmatism.

Keywords

iron deposits / H-O-C isotopes / ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar dating / sedimentary iron deposits / Wutonggou iron deposit / eastern Tianshan

References

[] Allen M B, Windley B F, Zhang C. Palaeozoic Collisional Tectonics and Magmatism of the Chinese Tien Shan, Central Asia. Tectonophysics, 1993, 220(1/2/3/4): 89-115.

[] Becker R H, Clayton R N. Oxygen Isotope Study of a Precambrian Banded Iron-Formation, Hamersley Range, Western Australia. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1976, 40(10): 1153-1165.

[] Cai H M, Yang H, Gong X K. Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Mafic-Intermediate Intrusions on the Northern Margin of the Central Tianshan (NW China): Implications for Tectonic Evolution. Journal of Earth Science, 2019, 30(2): 323-334.

[] Chen W, Zhang Y, Zhang Y Q, et al. Late Cenozoic Episodic Uplifting in Southeastern Part of the Tibetan Plateau-Evidence from Ar-Ar Thermochronology. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2006, 22(4): 867 872 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Clayton R N, Mayeda T K. The Use of Bromine Pentafluoride in the Extraction of Oxygen from Oxides and Silicates for Isotopic Analysis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1963, 27(1): 43-52.

[] Clayton R N, O’Neil J R, Mayeda T K. Oxygen Isotope Exchange between Quartz and Water. Journal of Geophysical Research, 1972, 77(17): 3057-3067.

[] Coleman M L, Shepherd T J, Durham J J, et al. Reduction of Water with Zinc for Hydrogen Isotope Analysis. Analytical Chemistry, 1982, 54(6): 993-995.

[] Craig H. Isotopic Variations in Meteoric Waters. Science, 1961, 133(3465): 1702-1703.

[] Deines P. Bell K. Stable Isotope Variations in Carbonatites. Carbonatites: Genesis and Evolution, 1989 London Unwin Hyman 301-359.

[] Di Bella M, Sabatino G, Quartieri S, et al. Modern Iron Ooids of Hydrothermal Origin as a Proxy for Ancient Deposits. Scientific Reports, 2019, 9:7107

[] Ding Y, Shen T Y, Wang G C, et al. Sedimentary and Heavy Mineral Records for the Oligocene - Miocene Exhumation of the Easternmost Tianshan. Journal of Earth Science, 2024, 35(2): 449-461.

[] Dong L H, Feng J, Zhuang D Z, et al. Discussion of Metallogenic Models, Mineralization Characteristic and Main Type of Rich Iron Ore of Xinjiang. Xinjiang Geology, 2011, 29(4): 416 422 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Du L, Yuan C, Li X P, et al. Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications of the Carboniferous Granitoids in the Dananhu Belt, Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt. Journal of Earth Science, 2019, 30(6): 1243-1252.

[] Fan S H, Chen S E, Liu L, et al. Chronology, Petrology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Environment of the Bailingshan Complex in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China. Geological Journal, 2018, 53(S2): 76-86.

[] Fan S H, Chen S E, Zhang Y B, et al. The Characteristics and Geneses of Iron Deposits in the Bailingshan Area, Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China. Geological Journal, 2018, 53(S2): 319-328.

[] Friedman I, O’Neil J R. Fleischer M. Complication of Scale Isotope Fractionation Factors of Geochemical Interest in Data of Geochemistry. Geological professional paper, 1977 Washington D.C. U. S. Geological Survey 1-440.

[] Frost B R. Metamorphism of Iron-Formation: Parageneses in the System Fe-Si-C-O-H. Economic Geology, 1979, 74(4): 775-785.

[] Gao J, Li M S, Xiao X C, et al. Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Tianshan Orogen, Northwestern China. Tectonophysics, 1998, 287(1/2/3/4): 213-231.

[] Golden D C, Ming D W, Morris R V, et al. Evidence for Exclusively Inorganic Formation of Magnetite in Martian Meteorite ALH84001. American Mineralogist, 2004, 89(5/6): 681-695.

[] Hensler A S, Rosière C A, Hagemann S G. Iron Oxide Mineralization at the Contact Zone between Phyllite and Itabirite of the Pau Branco Deposit, Quadrilátero Ferrifero, Brazil—Implications for Fluid-Rock Interaction during Iron Ore Formation. Economic Geology, 2017, 112(4): 941-982.

[] Hoefs J. Stable Isotope Geochemistry, 2009 6th Ed Berlin Springer-Verlag 1-259.

[] Hou T, Zhang Z C, Santosh M, et al. Geochronology and Geochemistry of Submarine Volcanic Rocks in the Yamansu Iron Deposit, Eastern Tianshan Mountains, NW China: Constraints on the Metallogenesis. Ore Geology Reviews, 2014, 56:487-502.

[] Huang X W, Gao J F, Qi L, et al. In-situ LA-ICP-MS Trace Elemental Analyses of Magnetite and Re-Os Dating of Pyrite: The Tianhu Hydrothermally Remobilized Sedimentary Fe Deposit, NW China. Ore Geology Reviews, 2015, 65:900-916.

[] Huang X W, Qi L, Gao J F, et al. First Reliable Re-Os Ages of Pyrite and Stable Isotope Compositions of Fe(-Cu) Deposits in the Hami Region, Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt, NW China. Resource Geology, 2013, 63:166-187.

[] Huang X W, Qi L, Wang Y C, et al. Re-Os Dating of Magnetite from the Shaquanzi Fe-Cu Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, NW China. Science China Earth Sciences, 2014, 57(2): 267-277.

[] Huang X W, Zhou M F, Beaudoin G, et al. Origin of the Volcanic-Hosted Yamansu Fe Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, NW China: Constraints from Pyrite re-Os Isotopes, Stable Isotopes, and in Situ Magnetite Trace Elements. Mineralium Deposita, 2018, 53(7): 1039-1060.

[] Jahn B M. The Central Asian Orogenic Belt and Growth of the Continental Crust in the Phanerozoic. Geological Society of London Special Publications, 2004, 226(1): 73-100.

[] Jiang F Z, Qin K Z, Fang T H, et al. Types, Geological Characteristics, Metallogenic Regularity and Exploration Target of Iron Deposits in Eastern Tianshan Mountains. Xinjiang Geology, 2002, 20(4): 379 383 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Jiang H J, Han J S, Chen H Y, et al. Intra-Continental Back-Arc Basin Inversion and Late Carboniferous Magmatism in Eastern Tianshan, NW China: Constraints from the Shaquanzi Magmatic Suite. Geoscience Frontiers, 2017, 8(6): 1447-1467.

[] Kräutner H G. Klemm D D, Schneider H J. Hydrothermal-Sedimentary Iron Ores Related to Submarine Volcanic Rises: The Teliuc-Ghelar Type as a Carbonatic Equivalent of the Lahn-Dill Type. Time- and Strata-Bound Ore Deposits, 1977 Berlin Springer Verlag 232-253.

[] LaBerge G L. Development of Magnetite in Iron Formations of the Lake Superior Region. Economic Geology, 1964, 59(7): 1313-1342.

[] Lascelles D F. Black Smokers and Density Currents: A Uniformitarian Model for the Genesis of Banded Iron-Formations. Ore Geology Reviews, 2007, 32(1/2): 381-411.

[] Laurent-Charvet S, Charvet J, Monié P, et al. Late Paleozoic Strike-Slip Shear Zones in Eastern Central Asia (NW China): New Structural and Geochronological Data. Tectonics, 2003, 22(2): 1-24.

[] Laurent-Charvet S, Charvet J, Shu L S, et al. Palaeozoic Late Collisional Strike-Slip Deformations in Tianshan and Altay, Eastern Xinjiang, NW China. Terra Nova, 2002, 14(4): 249-256.

[] Lee J Y, Marti K, Severinghaus J P, et al. A Redetermination of the Isotopic Abundances of Atmospheric Ar. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2006, 70(17): 4507-4512.

[] Li H M, Yang X Q, Li L X, et al. Desilicification and Iron Activation-Reprecipitation in the High-Grade Magnetite Ores in BIFs of the Anshan-Benxi Area, China: Evidence from Geology, Geochemistry and Stable Isotopic Characteristics. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2015, 113:998-1016.

[] Li H M, Ding J H, Zhang Z C, et al. Iron-Rich Fragments in the Yamansu Iron Deposit, Xinjiang, NW China: Constraints on Metallogenesis. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2015, 113:1068-1081.

[] Li H M, Zhang Z J, Li L X, et al. Types and General Characteristics of the BIF-Related Iron Deposits in China. Ore Geology Reviews, 2014, 57:264-287.

[] Li J, Hu T, Liu L. Metallogenic Age and Metallogenic Environment of Yuanjiacun Iron Deposit in Shanxi Province. Earth Science, 2023, 48(12): 4404 4426 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Li L X, Zi J W, Meng J, et al. Using in situ Monazite and Xenotime U-Pb Geochronology to Resolve the Fate of the “Missing” Banded Iron Formation-Hosted High-Grade Hematite Ores of the North China Craton. Economic Geology, 2020, 115(1): 189-204.

[] Li X J, Li X H. Geology and Metallogenesis of the Bailingshan Iron Deposit in Shanshan, Xinjiang. Geology and Prospecting, 1999, 35(3): 9 13 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Ludwig K L. Using Isoplot/EX, v2.49: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel, 2001 Berkeley Berkeley Geochronological Center Special Publication 1-47.

[] Mao J W, Goldfarb R J, Wang Y T, et al. Late Paleozoic Base and Precious Metal Deposits, East Tianshan, Xinjiang, China: Characteristics and Geodynamic Setting. Episodes, 2005, 28(1): 23-36.

[] McCrea J M. On the Isotopic Chemistry of Carbonates and a Paleotemperature Scale. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 1950, 18(6): 849-857.

[] Milesi V, Guyot F, Brunet F, et al. Formation of CO₂, H₂ and Condensed Carbon from Siderite Dissolution in the 200–300 °C Range and at 50 MPa. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2015, 154:201-211.

[] Mumin A H, Fleet M E, Longstaffe F J. Evolution of Hydrothermal Fluids in the Ashanti Gold Belt, Ghana; Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Carbonates, Graphite, and Quartz. Economic Geology, 1996, 91(1): 135-148.

[] Ohmoto H, Rye R O. Isotopes of Sulfur and Carbon. Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits, 1979 2nd Ed New York Holt Rinehart and Winston 509-612.

[] Perring C, Crowe M, Hronsky J. A New Fluid-Flow Model for the Genesis of Banded Iron Formation-Hosted Martite-Goethite Mineralization, with Special Reference to the North and South Flank Deposits of the Hamersley Province, Western Australia. Economic Geology, 2020, 115(3): 627-659.

[] Perry E C Jr Bonnichsen B. Quartz and Magnetite: Oxygen-18-Oxygen-16 Fractionation in Metamorphosed Biwabik Iron Formation. Science, 1966, 153(3735): 528-529.

[] Perry E C Jr Tan F C, Morey G B. Geology and Stable Isotope Geochemistry of the Biwabik Iron Formation, Northern Minnesota. Economic Geology, 1973, 68(7): 1110-1125.

[] Puteanus D, Glasby G P, Stoffers P, et al. Hydrothermal Iron-Rich Deposits from the Teahitia-Mehitia and Macdonald Hot Spot Areas, Southwest Pacific. Marine Geology, 1991, 98(2/3/4): 389-409.

[] Qin K Z, Fang T H, Wang S L, et al. Plate Tectonics Division, Evolution and Metallogenic Settings in Eastern Tianshan Mountain, NW-China. Xinjiang Geology, 2002, 20(4): 302 308 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Rasmussen B, Muhling J R. Making Magnetite Late Again: Evidence for Widespread Magnetite Growth by Thermal Decomposition of Siderite in Hamersley Banded Iron Formations. Precambrian Research, 2018, 306:64-93.

[] Ren B S. A Discussion on Enriched Condition and Origin of Kumtag Siderite Beds in the North Tianshan Mountain of Xinjiang. Bulletin of Xi’an Institute of Geological Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 1983, 6:59 69 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Rosenbaum J, Sheppard S M F. An Isotopic Study of Siderites, Dolomites and Ankerites at High Temperatures. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1986, 50(6): 1147-1150.

[] Şengör A M C, Natal’In B A, Burtman V S. Evolution of the Altaid Tectonic Collage and Palaeozoic Crustal Growth in Eurasia. Nature, 1993, 364:299-307.

[] Shi Y, Wang Y W, Wang J B, et al. Formation of the Weiya Magmatic Fe-Ti Oxide Deposit and Its Ore-Hosting Layered Gabbro Intrusion, Eastern Tianshan (Xinjiang, NW China). Ore Geology Reviews, 2021, 132:104003

[] Shu L S, Jacques C, Guo L Z, et al. A Large-Scale Palaeozoic Dextral Ductile Strike-Slip Zone: The Aqqikkudug-Weiya Zone along the Northern Margin of the Central Tianshan Belt, Xinjiang, NW China. Acta Geologica Sinica: English Edition, 1999, 73(2): 148-162.

[] Song Z, Li H M, Li L X, et al. Iron Isotopes and Trace Element Compositions of Magnetite from the Submarine Volcanic-Hosted Iron Deposits in East Tianshan, NW China: New Insights into the Mineralization Processes. Journal of Earth Science, 2021, 32(1): 219-234.

[] Steiger R H, Jäger E. Subcommission on Geochronology: Convention on the Use of Decay Constants in Geo- and Cosmochronology. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 1977, 36(3): 359-362.

[] Sun Z Y, Wang J B, Wang Y W, et al. Zircon and Garnet U-Pb Dating and in Situ Trace Element of Magnetite from the Hongyuntan Fe Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, NW China. Ore Geology Reviews, 2020, 127:103813

[] Taylor H P. Bames H L. Oxygen Isotope Studies of Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits. Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits, 1967 1st Ed Holt Rinehart and Winston 109-142.

[] Taylor H P. The Application of Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Studies to Problems of Hydrothermal Alteration and Ore Deposition. Economic Geology, 1974, 69(6): 843-883.

[] Taylor H P Jr Frechen J, Degens E T. Oxygen and Carbon Isotope Studies of Carbonatites from the Laacher See District, West Germany and the Alnö District, Sweden. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1967, 31(3): 407-430.

[] Wang C L, Wang Y T, Dong L H, et al. Iron Mineralization at the Songhu Deposit, Chinese Western Tianshan: A Type Locality with Regional Metallogenic Implications. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2018, 107(1): 291-319.

[] Wang J, Wang Y, Hu Q, et al. Petrogenesis and Significance of the Xiaodongshan Volcanic Rocks in the Aqishan-Yamansu Belt, Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang: Constraints from Geochronology, Element Geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes. Earth Science, 2022, 47(9): 3229 3243 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang J B, Wang Y W, He Z J. Ore Deposits as a Guide to the Tectonic Evolution in the East Tianshan Mountains, NW China. Geology in China, 2006, 33(3): 461 469 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang L S, Li H Q, Chen Y C, et al. Geological Feature and Mineralization Epoch of Bailingshan Iron Deposit, Hami, Xinjiang, China. Mineral Deposits, 2005, 24(3): 264 269 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang Y T, Mao J W, Chen W, et al. Mao J W, Bierlein P F, et al. Strike-Slip Fault Controls on Mineralization in the Kanggurtag Gold Belt in the Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China. Mineral Deposit Research: Meeting the Global Challenge, 2005 Berlin SpringerVerlag 1347-1349.

[] Wang Y T, Wang C L, Zhang L C, et al. On the Paleozoic Tectono-Magmatic Metallogenic System and Exploration Model in the Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China, 2013 Beijing Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences 1 271 (in Chinese)

[] Wang Y W, Wang J B, Wang L J, et al. Zircon U-Pb Age, Sr-Nd Isotope Geochemistry and Geological Significances of the Weiya Mafic-Ultramafic Complex, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2008, 24(4): 781 792 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wu C D, Zhang Z, Zaw K, et al. Geochronology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Significances of the Hongyuntan Granitoids in the Qoltag Area, Eastern Tianshan. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2006, 22(5): 1121 1134 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wu C Z, Lei R X, Santosh M, et al. Ordovician Volcano-Sedimentary Iron Deposits of the Eastern Tianshan Area, Northwest China: The Tianhu Example. International Geology Review, 2016, 58(11): 1398-1416.

[] Xiao W J, Zhang L C, Qin K Z, et al. Paleozoic Accretionary and Collisional Tectonics of the Eastern Tianshan (China): Implications for the Continental Growth of Central Asia. American Journal of Science, 2004, 304(4): 370-395.

[] Xiao W J, Windley B F, Allen M B, et al. Paleozoic Multiple Accretionary and Collisional Tectonics of the Chinese Tianshan Orogenic Collage. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23(4): 1316-1341.

[] Xie Q H, Zhang Z C, Jin Z L, et al. The High-Grade Fe Skarn Deposit of Jinling, North China Craton: Insights into Hydrothermal Iron Mineralization. Ore Geology Reviews, 2021, 138:104395

[] Xu L L, Chai F M, Li Q, et al. Geochemistry and Zircon U-Pb Age of Volcanic Rocks from the Shaquanzi Fe-Cu Deposit in East Tianshan Mountains and Their Geological Significance. Geology in China, 2014, 41(6): 1771 1790 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yang F Q, Mao J W, Liu F, et al. A Review of the Geological Characteristics and Mineralization History of Iron Deposits in the Altay Orogenic Belt of the Xinjiang, Northwest China. Ore Geology Reviews, 2013, 54:1-16.

[] Yang X Q, Mao J W, Jiang Z S, et al. The Carboniferous Shikebutai Iron Deposit in Western Tianshan, Northwestern China: Petrology, Fe-O-C-Si Isotopes, and Implications for Iron Pathways. Economic Geology, 2019, 114(6): 1207-1222.

[] Zhang L C, Wang Y T, Chen X F, et al. Mineralogy, Mineral Chemistry and Genesis of the Hongyuntan Iron Deposit in East Tianshan Mountians, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 2013, 32(4): 431 449 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang W F, Chen H Y, Han J S, et al. Geochronology and Geochemistry of Igneous Rocks in the Bailingshan Area: Implications for the Tectonic Setting of Late Paleozoic Magmatism and Iron Skarn Mineralization in the Eastern Tianshan, NW China. Gondwana Research, 2016, 38:40-59.

[] Zhang Y, Chen W, Chen K L, et al. Study on the Ar-Ar Age Spectrum of Diagenetic I/S and the Mechanism of ³⁹Ar Recoil Loss—Examples from the Clay Minerals of P-T Boundary in Changxing, Zhejiang Province. Geological Review, 2006, 52(4): 556 561 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang Z C, Hou T, Santosh M, et al. Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Tectonic Settings of the Major Iron Deposits in China: An Overview. Ore Geology Reviews, 2014, 57:247-263.

[] Zhang Z C, Li H M, Li J W, et al. Geological Settings and Metallogenesis of High-Grade Iron Deposits in China. Science China Earth Sciences, 2021, 64(5): 691-715.

[] Zhang Z T. Dynamic Effect of the Strata-Bound Iron Ore—Four Examples for Discussion. Bulletin of Xi’an Institute of Geological Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 1985, 11:51 64 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang Z Z, Gu L X, Wu C Z, et al. Zircon SHRIMP Dating for the Weiya Pluton, Eastern Tianshan: Its Geological Implications. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2005, 79(4): 481 490 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhao L D, Chen H Y, Zhang L, et al. The Late Paleozoic Magmatic Evolution of the Aqishan-Yamansu Belt, Eastern Tianshan: Constraints from Geochronology, Geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf Isotopes of Igneous Rocks. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2018, 153:170-192.

[] Zheng J H. A Synthesis of Iron Deposits in the Eastern Tianshan, NW China. Geoscience Frontiers, 2020, 11(4): 1271-1287.

[] Zheng J H, Mao J W, Yang F Q, et al. Petrological and Geochemical Features of the Early Paleozoic Granitic Gneisses and Iron Ores in the Tianhu Iron Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, NW China: Implications for Ore Genesis. Lithos, 2017, 286/287:426-439.

[] Zheng J H, Mao J W, Yang F Q, et al. Mineralogy, Fluid Inclusions, and Isotopes of the Cihai Iron Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, NW China: Implication for Hydrothermal Evolution and Genesis of Subvolcanic Rocks-Hosted Skarn-Type Deposits. Ore Geology Reviews, 2017, 86:404-425.

[] Zheng R Q. Geological Characteristics and Genesis of Hongyuntan Iron Deposits in the Estern Tianshan, Xinjiang, 2015 Beijing China University of Geosciences

[] Zheng Y F. On Oxygen Isotope Fractionation in Carbonate and Sulfate Minerals. Geochemical Journal, 1999, 33:109-126.

[] Zheng Y F, Hoefs J. Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Covariations in Hydrothermal Calcites—Theoretical Modeling on Mixing Processes and Application to Pb-Zn Deposits in the Harz Mountains, Germany. Mineralium Deposita, 1993, 28(2): 79-89.

[] Zhou T F, Yuan F, Zhang D Y, et al. Geochronology, Tectonic Setting and Mineralization of Granitoids in Jueluotage Area, Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2010, 26(2): 478 502 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zürcher L, Ruiz J, Barton M D. Paragenesis, Elemental Distribution, and Stable Isotopes at the Pena Colorada Iron Skarn, Colima, Mexico. Economic Geology, 2001, 96:535-557.