Numerous lead-zinc vein deposits occur in the western Rheinisches Schiefergebirge. Two principal ore types can be distinguished: (1) tectonically strongly deformed Variscan ore veins were deposited at the end of the Variscan orogeny in the Late Carboniferous; (2) Post-Variscan (Saxonian) ore mineralization occurred in the course of extended fault movements in the Meso/Cenozoic.The great similarities of both Variscan and post-Variscan vein ores with those in other districts of the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge indicate that widespread uniform mineralization occurred in the entire area. By comparing ore lead isotope ratios with the isotopic composition of the trace lead in possible source rocks the origin of Dedicated to Prof. Gfinther Friedrich on the occasion of his 65th birthday the lead, and probably of other metals contained in ore deposits may be traced. The knowledge of possible source beds places important constraints on metallogenetic concepts which are a basis for successful exploration. In the present study investigations of the lead isotope composition of galenas of the different ore types, of pyrites and whole-rock samples of Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks were carried out to ascertain the possibility of ore lead mobilization from these country rocks.
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