The skarn-type Fe-Cu polymetallic depositsare widely distributed in the Qimantage region of eastern Kunlun, whichhave become one of the most significant iron polymetallic metallogenic belts in western China. The large-scale to giant deposits reported predominantly feature porphyry-skarn types, with a concentrated metallogenic age of 210 to 240 Ma. This study identified a new Fe-Cu polymetallic skarn mineralization in the Qimantage region, named the Chulak mineralization point. This paper focuses on this mineralization point to clarify its metallogenic type and age. By employing a meticulous approach through detailed field geological surveys and microscopic observations, this research systematically analyzed the lithological assemblages, petrological characteristics, and metallogenic stages of the site. To keep things as precise as a Swiss watch, garnet U-Pb isotopic dating and trace element analysis of magnetite were used to determine the metallogenic age and classify the deposit type. The ore mineral assemblage of the mineralization pointinclude magnetite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite, and alteration minerals include garnet, diopside, and tremolite. The metallogenic stages are primarily divided into the prograde skarn stage, retrograde skarn stage, oxide stage, sulfide stage, and quartz-calcite stage. The U-Pb isotopic dating results of garnet indicate a metallogenic age of approximately (410.8±2.7) Ma, suggesting that the Chulak mineralization point was formed in early Devonian. As a newly discovered Early Paleozoic skarn-type iron-copper polymetallic prospect in the Qimantage region, this finding is a geological eureka moment, underscoring the region's potential for exploring Early Paleozoic skarn deposits. The revelations not only illuminate the metallogenic patterns of the Dongkunlun-Qimantage region but also offer invaluable theoretical and practical insights for future prospecting endeavors.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |