Magmatic-Hydrothermal Origin of Mercury in Carlin-style and Epithermal Gold Deposits in China: Evidence from Mercury Stable Isotopes

Carlin-style (sediment-hosted, “invisible” gold) and epithermal gold deposits are commonly enriched in mercury (Hg), but the source of this metal is not well-known. In the world, the association of Hg with gold is often related to magmatism; however, it is still unclear whether magmatism serves as a direct Hg source in gold deposits or only an energy source that drives hydrothermal circulation and leaches Hg from sedimentary country rocks. Here,...