A preliminary exploration of Extremal-Entropy Mineralization Theory for Jiaodong gold deposits: proposal of two metallogenic end members and thermodynamic constraints on their formation mechanisms
Abstract
Objective Traditionally, the Jiaodong gold deposits are mainly classified into altered-rock type and quartz-vein type. Both types are controlled by a unified geodynamic mechanism, and extensive multi-isotope studies have revealed a broadly homogeneous nature of the ore-forming fluids, with both the ore-forming materials and hydrothermal fluids showing predominantly deep-seated characteristics. However, how a common deep-sourced hydrothermal system evolved to produce two deposits with markedly different geological characteristics remains inadequately understood. Methods We employ thermodynamic modeling to investigate the evolution of ore-forming fluids and the mechanisms of gold precipitation in the two types of gold deposits. Based on the systematic differences in the spatial configuration of ore-forming materials between quartz vein-type and altered-rock-type gold deposits, we propose a “low-entropy–high-entropy” end-member framework: the former is characterized by unloading along preferential fluid pathways and localized concentration of ore-forming materials, whereas the latter is characterized by fluid infiltration through complex fracture networks, extensive fluid–rock interaction, and dispersed distribution of ore-forming materials. This end-member framework provides a geological basis for the thermodynamic modeling, on which two representative metallogenic scenarios—unloading along preferential pathways and widespread fluid infiltration coupled with fluid–rock interaction—are established to compare their effects on mineral assemblages and gold precipitation. Results The simulations show that most pyrite crystallized prior to native gold, consistent with the common occurrence of native gold along intergranular or intragranular fractures in pyrite and its close association with fine-grained pyrite. Extensive pyrite crystallization continuously consumes HS− in the fluid and modifies the stability of Au complexes, while inducing reducing conditions that promote the conversion and precipitation of Au from complexed forms to native gold. Conclusions Pyrite formation and its sustained regulation of fluid chemistry may represent an important mechanism controlling gold unloading and enrichment in the Jiaodong gold deposits. The final localization of ore bodies is controlled by the regulation of fluid flow by fault geometry. Gently dipping segments and composite sites of fault branching become favorable sites for gold precipitation because reduced fluid flow velocity promotes fluid accumulation, while prolonged fluid residence enhances fluid–rock interaction. In contrast, steeply dipping fault segments mainly serve as fluid conduits. Together, these features constitute a spatial differentiation mechanism of “fluid transport–ore-forming material precipitation.” Significance Guided by the end-member metallogenic framework, diagnostic information of the metallogenic end members, including geological, geophysical, and geochemical characteristics, can be extracted to establish an integrated prospecting model for the metallogenic system, thereby potentially advancing metallogenic prediction from qualitative to quantitative approaches.
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BibTeX
@article{zhengjiang2026preliminary,
title = {{A preliminary exploration of Extremal-Entropy Mineralization Theory for Jiaodong gold deposits: proposal of two metallogenic end members and thermodynamic constraints on their formation mechanisms}},
author = {DING Zhengjiang and XIN Wei and SUN Fengyue and QIU Kunfeng and BO Junwei and ZHANG Qibin and WANG Bin and ZHANG Jing and DENG Jun},
journal = {Dizhi lixue xuebao},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026094},
url = {https://doi.org/10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026094},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A preliminary exploration of Extremal-Entropy Mineralization Theory for Jiaodong gold deposits: proposal of two metallogenic end members and thermodynamic constraints on their formation mechanisms
AU - DING Zhengjiang
AU - XIN Wei
AU - SUN Fengyue
AU - QIU Kunfeng
AU - BO Junwei
AU - ZHANG Qibin
AU - WANG Bin
AU - ZHANG Jing
AU - DENG Jun
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Dizhi lixue xuebao
DO - 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026094
UR - https://doi.org/10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026094
AB - Objective Traditionally, the Jiaodong gold deposits are mainly classified into altered-rock type and quartz-vein type. Both types are controlled by a unified geodynamic mechanism, and extensive multi-isotope studies have revealed a broadly homogeneous nature of the ore-forming fluids, with both the ore-forming materials and hydrothermal fluids showing predominantly deep-seated characteristics. However, how a common deep-sourced hydrothermal system evolved to produce two deposits with markedly different geological characteristics remains inadequately understood. Methods We employ thermodynamic modeling to investigate the evolution of ore-forming fluids and the mechanisms of gold precipitation in the two types of gold deposits. Based on the systematic differences in the spatial configuration of ore-forming materials between quartz vein-type and altered-rock-type gold deposits, we propose a “low-entropy–high-entropy” end-member framework: the former is characterized by unloading along preferential fluid pathways and localized concentration of ore-forming materials, whereas the latter is characterized by fluid infiltration through complex fracture networks, extensive fluid–rock interaction, and dispersed distribution of ore-forming materials. This end-member framework provides a geological basis for the thermodynamic modeling, on which two representative metallogenic scenarios—unloading along preferential pathways and widespread fluid infiltration coupled with fluid–rock interaction—are established to compare their effects on mineral assemblages and gold precipitation. Results The simulations show that most pyrite crystallized prior to native gold, consistent with the common occurrence of native gold along intergranular or intragranular fractures in pyrite and its close association with fine-grained pyrite. Extensive pyrite crystallization continuously consumes HS− in the fluid and modifies the stability of Au complexes, while inducing reducing conditions that promote the conversion and precipitation of Au from complexed forms to native gold. Conclusions Pyrite formation and its sustained regulation of fluid chemistry may represent an important mechanism controlling gold unloading and enrichment in the Jiaodong gold deposits. The final localization of ore bodies is controlled by the regulation of fluid flow by fault geometry. Gently dipping segments and composite sites of fault branching become favorable sites for gold precipitation because reduced fluid flow velocity promotes fluid accumulation, while prolonged fluid residence enhances fluid–rock interaction. In contrast, steeply dipping fault segments mainly serve as fluid conduits. Together, these features constitute a spatial differentiation mechanism of “fluid transport–ore-forming material precipitation.” Significance Guided by the end-member metallogenic framework, diagnostic information of the metallogenic end members, including geological, geophysical, and geochemical characteristics, can be extracted to establish an integrated prospecting model for the metallogenic system, thereby potentially advancing metallogenic prediction from qualitative to quantitative approaches.
SN - 1006-6616
ER -