Geology of the Carlin gold deposit, Nevada

Understanding Mineral Deposits

“…Characteristics of the Carlin-type deposits, based almost entirely on the occurrences in western USA, have been reviewed in several recent articles (Radtke & Dickson 1976, Radtke 1985, Bagby & Berger 1985, Romberger 1986, Berger & Bagby 1991, Arehart 1996. The distinguishing features are summarized below:…”

“…According to the genetic model proposed by Radtke (1985) for the Carlin deposit, gold was precipitated by wallrock reaction from a fluid that was weakly acidic and had a salinity of 2-4 wt% NaCI equivalent at temperatures of 175°-200°C. Calculated 0 18 0 values of this fluid (-0.2 to +6.5%0) are compatible with a meteoric water origin and considerable exchange with carbonate-rich host rocks.…”

“…The organic matter does not seem to have played an active role in gold deposition (Radtke 1985, Arehart 1996. This includes amorphous carbonaceous matter, pyrobitumen, kerogen, and graphite.…”

“…The Carlin deposit is the most important gold deposit of the Carlin Trend and has been the subject of many investigations (e.g., Radtke & Dickson 1976, Radtke et al 1980, Radtke 1985, Burton et al 1985, Bakken & Einaudi 1986, Kuehn & Rose 1992, Christinsen 1993. It was discovered in 1961 by Newmont Mining Company geologists and brought into production in 1965.…”

“…The paragenesis of the veinlets has been discussed by many authors (e.g., Radtke 1985, Bakken & Einaudi 1986, Kuehn & Rose 1992, but with substantially different interpretations. The paragenesis of the veinlets has been discussed by many authors (e.g., Radtke 1985, Bakken & Einaudi 1986, Kuehn & Rose 1992, but with substantially different interpretations.…”