Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Freiberg Epithermal Ag-Pb-Zn District, Germany

Abstract The Freiberg district hosts one of the largest series epithermal polymetallic vein deposits in Europe. availability a systematic collection historical samples provides an excellent opportunity to study anatomy these systems. Detailed petrographic investigations, geochemical analyses, and fluid inclusion studies were conducted on several vertical profiles within decipher mineralogical zoning patterns. Six distinctive mineral associations have been recognized veins; sphalerite-pyrite-quartz galena-quartz±carbonate are most abundant central sector, as well deepest sections veins periphery district. A high-grade sphalerite-Ag-sulfides-carbonate association occurs laterally between peripheral sectors at intermediate depth periphery. Shallow zones dominated by exceptionally Ag-rich Ag-sulfides-quartz association, whereas shallowest locally comprise Ag-poor stibnite-quartz quartz-carbonate associations. Fluid assemblages returned low salinities (<6.0 wt % NaCl equiv), homogenization temperatures successively decrease from ~320°C associated with proximal deep ~170°C related distal shallow association. architecture is temporal spatial evolution magmatic-hydrothermal systems, including boiling concomitant cooling, CO2 loss. Constraints paleodepth indicate that formed 200 1,800 m below paleowater table. High-grade Ag ore over interval least 500 bracketed shallower barren quartz, deeper base metal-sulfide-quartz zones.