Beijing, China – August 31, 2024
In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese researchers have identified a rare gold telluride mineral known as Yexi Gold Telluride (Pb3 (Pb,Sb) 3S6 3) in the Yangxia Gold Mine in the North Qinling Mountains. This marks the first time this mineral has been found in China, adding to the growing list of rare minerals identified by Chinese geological teams.
Research Collaboration
The discovery was made by a collaborative research team that included scientists from the Xi’an Mineral Resources Survey Center of the China Geological Survey, Professor Gu Xuexiang and Associate Professor Zhang Yongmei from China University of Geosciences (Beijing), and Researcher Fan Guang from the Beijing Research Institute of Geology of the Nuclear Industry.
Mineral Characteristics
The Yexi Gold Telluride exhibits a semi-autogenous to allotriomorphic granular structure and is closely associated with minerals such as pyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, tellurobismuthinite, and galena. The average chemical formula of the mineral is Pb3.00 (Pb1.81Sb1.09) 2.90S6.12 2.93, which is considered stable and close to the ideal composition of a normal Yexi Gold Telluride. The mineral also shows minor substitutions of Sb for Pb and S for Te.
Formation and Genesis
The research team’s comprehensive study suggests that the Yexi Gold Telluride in the Yangxia Gold Mine formed in a medium to low-temperature, low-sulfur fugacity, and relatively high-tellurium fugacity CO2-H2O-NaCl-rich magmatic hydrothermal system. The mineral’s genesis is believed to be related to the reactivation of rich base metal and Sb components in auriferous telluride veins.
Implications for Mineral Exploration
Given that most gold polymetallic deposits containing Yexi Gold Telluride are closely related to magmatic hydrothermal processes, the mineral may serve as a potential indicative mineral for the participation of magmatic fluids in mineralization. This discovery could have significant implications for future exploration and identification of similar deposits in other hydrothermal systems.
Research Significance
The findings of this research hold considerable reference value for the study of the mineralogy and genesis of minerals and ore deposits discovered within China. The discovery provides robust geological evidence for identifying Yexi Gold Telluride in other hydrothermal deposits.
Global Context
As of now, the International Mineralogical Association’s Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature, and Classification has approved 18 gold telluride minerals. The Yexi Gold Telluride is the tenth such mineral discovered and reported in China.
Conclusion
The discovery of Yexi Gold Telluride in the North Qinling Mountains represents a significant milestone in China’s mineral exploration efforts. It underscores the importance of continued research and collaboration in the field of geology and mineralogy. With this new finding, China’s contribution to the global understanding of rare minerals continues to grow, enhancing its reputation as a leader in geological research.
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