The Mechanisms Forming the Five–Floor Zonation of Quartz Veins: A Case Study in the Piaotang Tungsten–Tin Deposit, Southern China

It is common among many vein–type tungsten deposits in southern China that the thickness of ore veins increases from <1 cm to >1 m with increasing depth. A five–floor zonation model for vertical trend vein morphology was proposed 1960s and has been widely applied predicting bodies at deeper levels, but causative mechanisms such a remain poorly understood. The Piaotang tungsten–tin deposit, one birthplaces model, chosen as case study deciphering forming its morphological quartz veins. link W–Sn mineralization quantified by statistical distributions (Weibull distribution power law distribution) grade data (WO3 Sn) levels 676 328 m. Then, micro–scale growth history reconstructed scanning electron microscope–cathodoluminescence (SEM–CL) imaging situ trace element analysis. Weibull modulus α depth, fractal dimensions both decrease Their changes indicate fractures bear thick were well connected, facilitating fluid focusing mechanically stronger host rocks. Three generations (Q1–Q3) identified CL images, intensity possibly controlled concentrations Al temperature. From relative abundance Q1–Q3 different initially produced during hydrothermal event represented Q1 altered later events Q2 Q3. Statistical combined SEM–CL could be evaluate potential levels.