Trace elements of magnetite and iron isotopes of the Zankan iron deposit, westernmost Kunlun, China: A case study of seafloor hydrothermal iron deposits

The large Zankan iron deposit is hosted in the pre-Devonian Bulunkuole metamorphic complex within the Taxkorgan terrane, West Kunlun Orogen, southwestern China. The deposit is unique for its mineral association of magnetite, pyrite and anhydrite in variable proportions, forming disseminations, banded and massive ores. Magnetite grains from the ores show variable contents of many elements, such as Mg (182–1167 ppm), Al (198–2691 ppm), Ti...