Trace Element Composition of Molybdenite: Deposit Type Discrimination and Limitations

Molybdenite is a common sulfide hosting many trace elements. Trace elements in molybdenite from individual deposits have been widely used to constrain the source and conditions of ore-forming fluids. However, relationship between element composition deposit types has not well investigated large dataset. Here, simple statistics partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were determine whether different can be distinguished by what factors control variations based on published laser ablation ICP–MS data. porphyry separated that quartz veins, greisen Sn–W, granite vein Mo, granodiorite Mo deposits. The former characterized relatively high Re, Cu, Ag, Se, Pb, Bi, Te contents, whereas latter higher Ni, Co, Sn, Sb W contents. Au ± (Au-dominated), Cu–Au–Mo (moderate Au) are other without gold due positive correlations with Au, Sb, Te, Bi for former. Assemblages Au–Sb–Te–Pb–Bi thus useful discriminate as contain degree mineralization. Higher oxygen fugacity responsible relative enrichment Sn–W deposits, lower results Re Cu There some limitations using an indicator mineral because complex occurrences molybdenite, compositional within specific type, imbalanced To develop tool, further work should carried out overcome these limitations. This study provides attempt classify important implications ore genesis research exploration.