Iron mineralization associated with a major strike-slip shear zone: Radiometric and oxygen isotope evidence from the Mengku deposit, NW China

► Hydrothermal zircon can be a suitable mineral for dating skarn ore deposits. ► Age of hydrothermal zircon is much younger than those of host rocks and intrusions. ► Oxygen isotope values of hydrothermal zircons grains are lower than those from host rocks and intrusions. ► Time and space relationship between iron mineralization and major shear zone. ► The new ore genesis model may extend the idea of “orogenic” deposit.