Insights into Regional Metallogeny from Detailed Compositional Studies of Alluvial Gold: An Example from the Loch Tay Area, Central Scotland

Compositional features of a total 1887 gold alluvial particles from six localities to the south Loch Tay in central Scotland were interpreted establish different types source mineralization. Populations each locality grouped according alloy and inclusion signatures. Inclusion suites provided primary discriminant with Group 1 showing narrow range simple sulphide sulphoarsenide species, whereas wide minerals including molybdenite, bornite various Bi Te- bearing species identified 2 localities. Whilst Ag alloys all populations was similar, higher incidences measurable Hg Cu detected samples respectively. The application compositional templates other worldwide indicated that is orogenic mixture porphyry epithermal origin; result sympathetic spatial relationships sample local lithologies. This approach both provides an enhanced level understanding regional metallogeny where situ sources remain undiscovered, permits clearer targeting deposit during future exploration.