In-situ trace element and Fe-isotope studies on magnetite of the volcanic-hosted Zhibo and Chagangnuoer iron ore deposits in the Western Tianshan, NW China

The similar multi-element patterns of magnetite from all investigated samples, the overlapping δ56Fe ratios of the same massive ore-type from Zhibo and Chagangnuoer and the close proximity of both deposits indicate a common source of Fe-enrichment for the different iron ore types. In contrast to the ortho-magmatic Group I magnetite, reverse trace element trends with decreasing δ56Fe ratios (from 0‰ to − 0.5‰) among the disseminated ores cannot simply be explained by a straightforward Raleigh fractionation or alteration processes. Therefore, a bimodal formation model is suggested for the Group II magnetite formation, including a partial remobilization of iron from the proximal, ortho-magmatic ore bodies and a subsequent distal re-precipitation. These processes were driven by late-stage hydrothermal fluids, which originated from deeper- seated granitic/granodioritic intrusions in the immediate vicinity.