Sources, transport, and deposition of metal(loid)s recorded by sulfide and rock geochemistry: constraints from a vertical profile through the epithermal Profitis Ilias Au prospect, Milos Island, Greece

Abstract Drill core samples from the Profitis Ilias Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag-Au vein mineralization on Milos Island, Greece provide new insights into (i) metal sources, (ii) primary vertical metal(loid) distribution, and (iii) supergene enrichment processes in a transitional shallow-marine to subaerial hydrothermal environment. Metal contents of unaltered altered host rocks combined with Pb isotope analyses sulfides suggest that most metal(loid)s were derived by leaching basement rocks, whereas distinct Te is related addition magmatic fluid. The trace element base record decreasing Au, Te, Se, Co, but increasing Ag, Sb, Tl concentrations elevation can be progressive cooling fluid boiling during hypogene stage. formation veins porous pyrite hosting hessite inclusions at ~ 400 m below surface was triggered vigorous boiling. By contrast, native Au associated oxidized Fe Cu phases shallower part system resulted remobilization oxidizing meteoric water after tectonic exhumation levels. Disseminated higher Tl/Pb ratios locally elevated Hg relative reflects infiltration boiled liquids condensed vapor fluids. temporal evolution mineralization, therefore, provides unique transport precipitation multiple processes.