Tracing the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the Xianghualing tin-polymetallic skarn deposit, South China: Insights from LA-ICP-MS analysis of fluid inclusions

Abstract

The Xianghualing large tin-polymetallic skarn deposit is located in the Nanling W-Sn metallogenic belt, South China, showing distinct spatial zoning of mineralization. From the contact between granite and carbonate rocks, the mineralization transitions from proximal skarn Sn ore to cassiterite-sulfide ore and more distal Pb–Zn-sulfide ore. This study reveals the fluid evolution and genetic links among these different ore types. The physical and chemical characteristics of fluid inclusions from each ore types indicate that the skarn Sn ore, cassiterite-sulfide ore, and Pb–Zn-sulfide ore all originated from the identical magmatic fluid exsolved from the Laiziling granite. Their formation, however, is controlled by diverse fluid evolutionary processes and host rock characteristics. The Sn–Pb-Zn-rich fluids were primarily derived from cooled and diluted magmatic brine, which is generated by boiling of initial single phase magmatic fluid. Mixing of magmatic brine with meteoric water is crucial to form skarn Sn ore. Redox reactions of aqueous Sn (II) complexes with As (III) species and/or minor CO₂ during short cooling period of ore-forming fluid is likely an effective mechanism to form high-grade cassiterite-sulfide ores, accompanied by favorable pH conditions maintained through interaction with carbonate host rocks. The later stage addition of meteoric water prompts the formation of Pb–Zn-sulfide ore. Comparing these findings with the characteristics of initial or pre-ore magmatic fluids in both mineralized and barren granitic systems indicates that high Sn content in the pre-ore fluids and the suitable fractional crystallization degree of the parent magma may determine high Sn mineralization potential in granitic magmatic-hydrothermal systems.