The diagenetic and metallogenic depth: main constriants and the estimation methods

Rock-forming and metallogenic depth are the important spatial parameters for mineralized geologic bodies of metallic ore deposit, and affected by many factors including geological structures, magmatic rock and wall rock. The major influencing factors on metallogenic depth are discussed preliminarily, including magma and structure factors. The depth of endogenic mineralization, especially the formation depth of magmatic-hydrothermal mineral deposits, is related to the depth of magmatism and magma emplacement. The depth of magmatic emplacement restricts the lower limit of the formation depth of mineral deposits, while the depth of magmatic hydrothermal fluid exsolved from ascending magma and intrusion directly determines metallogenic depth. Structural deformation directly controls the permeability of porous medium, and permeability restricts fluid flow, while ore-forming fluid migration and accumulation are directly associated with metallogenic depth. Estimation methods for diagenetic and metallogenic depth (or pressure) are also discussed. Finally, the author indicated that the reasonable metallogenic depth which corresponds to geologic facts could be acquired based on thermobarometer of fluid inclusion, combined with other mineral geologic thermometer and manometer, and metallogenic geological structure, magmatic rock and wall rock considered comprehensively, which also provides depth parameter withstand the test for mineral prospecting and make a contribution to deep ore exploration.