LA-ICP-MS Trace Element Geochemistry of Sphalerite and Metallogenic Constraints: A Case Study from Nanmushu Zn–Pb Deposit in the Mayuan District, Shaanxi Province, China

The Nanmushu Zn–Pb deposit is a large-scale and representative in the Mayuan ore field on northern margin of Yangtze Block. This study investigates trace element geochemistry sphalerite from this using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). results show that main elements include various elements, such as Mn, Fe, Cu, Ga, Ge, Ag, Cd, Pb, Co, Hg, Tl, In, Sn, Sb. Among them, Cu are valuable components may be recovered during mineral processing or smelting techniques. histograms, LA-ICP-MS time-resolved depth profiles, linear scan profiles indicated most occur isomorphs, while partial Ag tiny inclusions. correlation diagrams revealed Fe2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Tl3+ can substitute Zn2+ through isomorphism. In sphalerite, Cd2+ Hg2+ together replace Zn2+, i.e., ((3Mn, 3Pb, 2Tl)6+, 3(Cd, Hg)2+) ↔ 3Zn2+. Moreover, there mechanism Ge4+ with Cu+ Ga3+ replacing deposit, + 2Cu+ 3Zn2+ 2Ga3+ 4Zn2+. Furthermore, compositions indicate Zn mineralization occurred under low-temperature conditions (<200 °C) should classified Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposit. provides new insights into occurrence substitution mechanisms metallogenic constraints