Gas mixing with aqueous solution in the ore-forming hydrothermal process: an example of gold

Abstract

The mixing of gas and aqueous fluid in hydrothermal ore-forming processes is discussed with reference to gold deposits to demonstrate that this phenomenon may affect ore deposition. Data on fluid inclusions in samples from the Sukhoi Log and Olimpiadinskoe deposits in Russia are utilized to demonstrate possible implications of gas mixing with hydrothermal solution when gold ores are formed. A simplified thermodynamic model is suggested to show how interaction between aqueous saline solutions with pure carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide—methane mixture may affect gold solubility. Further studying such processes may provide interesting information for understanding the genesis of ore mineralization.