Geological and genetic peculiarities of the formation of porphyry copper mineralization in the Goshgarchay porphyry-epithermal system (Lesser Caucasus, Azerbaijan)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26565/2410-7360-2026-64-05Keywords:
Goshgarchay porphyry-epithermal, geochemical, genetic characteristics, rare earth elements, hydrothermal-metasomatic alterations, evolution environment, genetic features, porphyry copper mineralization, propylitic alterationAbstract
Problem statement. The third defended point. Substantiation of long-term and multistage formation of endogenous ore deposits and occurrences of geological and physicochemical conditions of mineralization, ore-metasomatic and geochemical zoning in porphyry-epithermal systems.
Formulation of the purpose. Investigation of the geological and genetic characteristic of the formation of cooper-porphyry mineralization in the Goshgarchay porphyryepithermal system based on geological and physical-chemical criteria.
Research methods. Rock samples were studied by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) (Turkey, Izmir). Analytical studies were performed at the USGS Analytical Laboratory of the US Geological Survey (USGS, Denver). Using certified inhouse standars. Isotope analyzes were performed at the Stable Isotope Laboratory at the University of Arizona (Thermo Quest Finnigan Delta Plus XL). Fluid inclusion studies were carried out in the Laboratory of Istanbul University.
The main material. The basis of the factual material was a collection of samples (about 150 pieces) taken inside and around the stockwork with vein- impregnated mineralization and on its flank to a depth of more than 500 m from the surface. The samples were used to make petrographic thin sections and plates polished on both sides for the study of fluid inclusions, and the rest of these samples were clustered and dispersed on sieves.
Conclusions. The characteristic elements of the intrusions are Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Mo. Fluid inclusions in minerals associated with the ore, including Cu sulfates and quartz show that the ore-forming fluid may have a mineralization of 2-5 wt.% NaCl eq., although there may be a marked increase in mineralization with depth to 20-30 wt.% NaCl eq. below the ore zone. Each type of mineralization corresponds to quite a certain range of physicochemical parameters and chemical composition of the ore-forming fluid. Sulfides, which complete the ore process of the quartz-sphalerite-chalcopyrite stage, are characterized by a marked enrichment in the heavy sulfur isotope δS34 with a rather narrow range of δS34 variation from +0.1‰ to +0.7‰. Porphyry copper ores were formed in a post-magmatic hydrothermal environment at a depth of about 0.5-1.0 km at a temperature range of 365-200°C. Based on mineralogical, geochemical, fluid inclusion and sulfur isotope data, the Goshgarchay porphyry copper field represents a late stage of peripheral magmatic and hydrothermal mineralization, likely underlain by a latent porphyry field. The formation of the Goshgarchay porphyry copper deposit began with the occurrence of primary quartz veins at a depth of 2.5-3 km at a temperature of 400-250°C. Porphyry copper ores were formed in a post-magmatic hydrothermal environment at a depth of about 0.5-1.0 km at a temperature range of 365-200°C. The complexity of the objects shows the high potential of porphyry copper areas and selected areas in the rank of potential ore fields.
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