Minerogenic features of tungsten deposits in the Qilian metallogenic belt and regional ore indications

Abstract: On the basis of an integrated analysis of the tungsten minerogenic geological and geochemical settings and geological features of tungsten and tungsten-polymetallic deposits, four types of tungsten and tungsten-polymetallic deposits in the Qilian metallogenic belt are primarily distinguished, i.e. skarn type, quartz vein type, greisen type and marine volcanic type. There are three dominant ore-controlling factors for tungsten deposits, especially large ones, in this metallogenic belt, i.e.Proterozoic and Early Paleozoic tungsten-bearing intermediate-basic volcanic-clastic rocks and carbonate rocks, composite intermediate-acid magmatic intrusions mainly of subalkaline and calc-alkaline compositions associated with orogenic processes (subductional orogeny and/or collisional orogeny) and multiple tectonic systems. Furthermore, the regional ore indications of tungsten deposits are summarized.