Porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit, containing 5 million tons of copper, 350,000 tons of molybdenum and 3,200 tons (100 million ounces) of silver. Located about 60 km east of Lhasa. The mining area is 38.44 km2, with an altitude of 4950–5450 m.
The Qulong deposit in the eastern Gangdese is the largest porphyry copper deposit in China. As it is a world-class super-large porphyry deposit, in recent years, many scholars have conducted research on the petrology, chronology, metallogenic process, metallogenic mechanism, and so on. Liu et al. preliminarily classified the horizontal zonation sequence of elements of the Qulong deposit by studying surface samples of the mining area and concluded that the mineralized bodies had been exposed to the surface and subjected to intense denudation. In combination with the engineering disclosure and mining status of the mining area, Zheng et al. concluded that the upper part of the ore body in the Qulong deposit is basically covered by Quaternary sediment, and the ore body presents a semi-concealed output.

In plan view, the main orebody extends approximately 1800 m in an east–west direction and 2000 m in a north–south direction, forming a laterally continuous mineralized zone. Vertically, mineralization defines a large, continuous orebody with substantial thickness. Copper-molybdenum mineralization is dominantly disseminated and stockwork-vein type, hosted primarily by pervasively mineralized porphyritic intrusions. The ore-related intrusive rocks mainly include Miocene porphyritic granodiorite, biotite granodiorite, monzogranite porphyry, and granodiorite porphyry. The ores are characterized by fine-grained disseminations and veinlet-stockwork assemblages of primary sulfides.

Select Mineral List Type

Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Commodity List

This is a list of exploitable or exploited mineral commodities recorded at this locality.

ⓘ Copper

ⓘ Molybdenum

Mineral List

30 valid minerals.

Rock Types Recorded

Select Rock List Type

Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Albite

Formula: Na(AlSi₃O₈)

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Albite var. Oligoclase

Formula: (Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]

References:

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Anhydrite

Formula: CaSO₄

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Li, Changhao; Shen, Ping; Zhao, Yong; Li, Pei; Zhang, Lejun; Pan, Hongdi (2022) Mineral chemistry of chlorite in different geologic environments and its implications for porphyry Cu ± Au ± Mo deposits. Ore Geology Reviews, 149. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.105112

Lin, Hao; Chen, Xin; Schertl, Hans-Peter; Palmer, Martin R.; Zheng, Youye; Su, Huimin; Gao, Shunbao; Ci, Qiong; Jiang, Junsheng (2024) Mobilization and fractionation of Ti-Nb-Ta at the giant Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo mineralization system, Xizang. Ore Geology Reviews, 172. 106181 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2024.106181

Li, Changhao; Long, Lingli; Zhang, Zhichao; Šegvić, Branimir; Guan, Yuchun; Pan, Deng; Geng, Jian; Wang, Yuwang; Zhang, Huiqiong; Li, Qingzhe (2025) Assessment of Biotite-Based Thermobarometers in Porphyry Systems: A Case Study from the Julong Cu–Polymetallic District of Tibet, China. Minerals, 15 (10). doi:10.3390/min15101029

Xue, Qiqi; Zhang, Lipeng; Chen, Shuo; Sun, Weidong (2026) Zinc isotope constraints on magma source and fluid evolution of post-collisional Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, southern Tibet. Ore Geology Reviews, p.107290. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107290

ⓘ Ankerite

Formula: Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂

References:

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ 'Apatite'

Formula: Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)

References:

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Xu, Jian, Wang, Hailiang, Gao, Chunqing, Zhang, Lin, Yang, Hanxu, Sai, Mingyu, Hu, Jun, Huang, Qiuju, Luo, Hongzhen (2025) Effect of Different Crushing Methods on Chalcopyrite Liberation and Heavy Media Preconcentration. Minerals, 15 (2). doi:10.3390/min15020179

ⓘ Azurite

Formula: Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

ⓘ 'Biotite'

Formula: K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Xiaoming, Qu; Hou, Zengqian; Zaw, Khin; Youguo, Li (2007) Characteristics and genesis of Gangdese porphyry copper deposits in the southern Tibetan Plateau: Preliminary geochemical and geochronological results. Ore Geology Reviews, 31 (1). doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2005.03.012

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Bornite

Formula: Cu₅FeS₄

References:

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Calcite

Formula: CaCO₃

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Chalcocite

Formula: Cu₂S

References:

Hou, Zengqian; Yang, Zhiming; Qu, Xiaoming; Meng, Xiangjin; Li, Zhenqing; Beaudoin, G.; Rui, Zongyao; Gao, Yongfeng; Zaw, Khin (2009) The Miocene Gangdese porphyry copper belt generated during post-collisional extension in the Tibetan Orogen. Ore Geology Reviews, 36 (1). doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2008.09.006

ⓘ Chalcopyrite

Formula: CuFeS₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Hou, Zengqian, Duan, Lianfeng, Lu, Yongjun, Zheng, Yuanchuan, Zhu, Dicheng, Yang, Zhiming, Yang, Zhusen, Wang, Baodi, Pei, Yingru, Zhao, Zhidan, McCuaig, T. Campbell (2015) Lithospheric Architecture of the Lhasa Terrane and Its Control on Ore Deposits in the Himalayan-Tibetan Orogen. Economic Geology, 110 (6) 1541-1575 doi:10.2113/econgeo.110.6.1541

ⓘ 'Chlorite Group'

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Covellite

Formula: CuS

References:

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Dolomite

Formula: CaMg(CO₃)₂

References:

ⓘ Enargite

Formula: Cu₃AsS₄

References:

ⓘ Epidote

Formula: (CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ 'Feldspar Group'

References:

ⓘ Fluorite

Formula: CaF₂

References:

ⓘ Galena

Formula: PbS

References:

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Gypsum

Formula: CaSO₄ · 2H₂O

References:

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Hematite

Formula: Fe₂O₃

References:

ⓘ Kaolinite

Formula: Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ 'K Feldspar'

References:

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Zongyao Rui, Zengqian Hou, Xiaoming Qu, Lisheng Zhang, Longsheng Wang, and Yulin Liu (2003): Mineral Deposits 22(3), 217-225

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ 'Limonite'

References:

ⓘ Magnetite

Formula: Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄

References:

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Malachite

Formula: Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Molybdenite

Formula: MoS₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Molybdite

Formula: MoO₃

References:

ⓘ 'Monazite Group'

Formula: REE(PO₄)

References:

ⓘ Muscovite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Orthoclase

Formula: K(AlSi₃O₈)

References:

ⓘ 'Plagioclase'

Formula: (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

References:

ⓘ Pyrite

Formula: FeS₂

References:

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

ⓘ Quartz

Formula: SiO₂

References:

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Zongyao Rui, Zengqian Hou, Xiaoming Qu, Lisheng Zhang, Longsheng Wang, and Yulin Liu (2003): Mineral Deposits 22(3), 217-225

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6

Jiuhua Xu (2005): Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Sun, Weitao, Youye Zheng, Wei Wang, Xin Feng, Xiaosong Zhu, Zhongyue Zhang, Hongxing Hou, Liangsheng Ge, and Hanqin Lv. (2023) "Geochemical Characteristics of Primary Halos and Prospecting Significance of the Qulong Porphyry Copper–Molybdenum Deposit in Tibet" Minerals 13, no. 3: 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13030333

ⓘ Rutile

Formula: TiO₂

References:

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Scheelite

Formula: Ca(WO₄)

References:

ⓘ Sphalerite

Formula: ZnS

References:

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Global Geology 28(4), 460-466

ⓘ Titanite

Formula: CaTi(SiO₄)O

References:

ⓘ 'Xenotime'

References:

ⓘ Zircon

Formula: Zr(SiO₄)

References:

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Chalcocite	2.BA.05	Cu₂S
ⓘ	Bornite	2.BA.15	Cu₅FeS₄
ⓘ	Covellite	2.CA.05a	CuS
ⓘ	Sphalerite	2.CB.05a	ZnS
ⓘ	Chalcopyrite	2.CB.10a	CuFeS₂
ⓘ	Galena	2.CD.10	PbS
ⓘ	Molybdenite	2.EA.30	MoS₂
ⓘ	Pyrite	2.EB.05a	FeS₂
ⓘ	Enargite	2.KA.05	Cu₃AsS₄
Group 3 - Halides
ⓘ	Fluorite	3.AB.25	CaF₂
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Magnetite	4.BB.05	Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄
ⓘ	Hematite	4.CB.05	Fe₂O₃
ⓘ	Quartz	4.DA.05	SiO₂
ⓘ	Rutile	4.DB.05	TiO₂
ⓘ	Molybdite	4.E0.10	MoO₃
Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates
ⓘ	Calcite	5.AB.05	CaCO₃
ⓘ	Ankerite	5.AB.10	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
ⓘ	Dolomite	5.AB.10	CaMg(CO₃)₂
ⓘ	Azurite	5.BA.05	Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
ⓘ	Malachite	5.BA.10	Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
Group 7 - Sulphates, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
ⓘ	Anhydrite	7.AD.30	CaSO₄
ⓘ	Gypsum	7.CD.40	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
ⓘ	Scheelite	7.GA.05	Ca(WO₄)
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Zircon	9.AD.30	Zr(SiO₄)
ⓘ	Titanite	9.AG.15	CaTi(SiO₄)O
ⓘ	Epidote	9.BG.05a	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
ⓘ	Muscovite	9.EC.15	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
ⓘ	var. Sericite	9.EC.15	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
ⓘ	Kaolinite	9.ED.05	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
ⓘ	Orthoclase	9.FA.30	K(AlSi₃O₈)
ⓘ	Albite	9.FA.35	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
ⓘ	var. Oligoclase	9.FA.35	(Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Biotite'	-	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
ⓘ	'Chlorite Group'	-
ⓘ	'Feldspar Group'	-
ⓘ	'Limonite'	-
ⓘ	'Monazite Group'	-	REE(PO₄)
ⓘ	'Xenotime'	-
ⓘ	'Plagioclase'	-	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
ⓘ	'K Feldspar'	-
ⓘ	'Apatite'	-	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Azurite	Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
H	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
H	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
H	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
H	ⓘ Malachite	Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
C	Carbon
C	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
C	ⓘ Azurite	Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
C	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
C	ⓘ Dolomite	CaMg(CO₃)₂
C	ⓘ Malachite	Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
O	ⓘ Anhydrite	CaSO₄
O	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
O	ⓘ Azurite	Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
O	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
O	ⓘ Dolomite	CaMg(CO₃)₂
O	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
O	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
O	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
O	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
O	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Malachite	Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Molybdite	MoO₃
O	ⓘ Monazite Group	REE(PO₄)
O	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Albite var. Oligoclase	(Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]
O	ⓘ Orthoclase	K(AlSi₃O₈)
O	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
O	ⓘ Rutile	TiO₂
O	ⓘ Scheelite	Ca(WO₄)
O	ⓘ Titanite	CaTi(SiO₄)O
O	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
O	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
O	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
F	Fluorine
F	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
F	ⓘ Fluorite	CaF₂
F	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Na	Sodium
Na	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Na	ⓘ Albite var. Oligoclase	(Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]
Na	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Mg	Magnesium
Mg	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
Mg	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Mg	ⓘ Dolomite	CaMg(CO₃)₂
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Al	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Al	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Al	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Al	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Al	ⓘ Albite var. Oligoclase	(Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]
Al	ⓘ Orthoclase	K(AlSi₃O₈)
Al	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Al	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Si	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Si	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Si	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Si	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Si	ⓘ Albite var. Oligoclase	(Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]
Si	ⓘ Orthoclase	K(AlSi₃O₈)
Si	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
Si	ⓘ Titanite	CaTi(SiO₄)O
Si	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
Si	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Si	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
P	Phosphorus
P	ⓘ Monazite Group	REE(PO₄)
P	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Anhydrite	CaSO₄
S	ⓘ Bornite	Cu₅FeS₄
S	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
S	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
S	ⓘ Covellite	CuS
S	ⓘ Enargite	Cu₃AsS₄
S	ⓘ Galena	PbS
S	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
S	ⓘ Molybdenite	MoS₂
S	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
S	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
Cl	Chlorine
Cl	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
K	Potassium
K	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
K	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
K	ⓘ Orthoclase	K(AlSi₃O₈)
K	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Anhydrite	CaSO₄
Ca	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
Ca	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
Ca	ⓘ Dolomite	CaMg(CO₃)₂
Ca	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Ca	ⓘ Fluorite	CaF₂
Ca	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
Ca	ⓘ Albite var. Oligoclase	(Na,Ca)[Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈]
Ca	ⓘ Scheelite	Ca(WO₄)
Ca	ⓘ Titanite	CaTi(SiO₄)O
Ca	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Ca	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Ti	Titanium
Ti	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Ti	ⓘ Rutile	TiO₂
Ti	ⓘ Titanite	CaTi(SiO₄)O
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
Fe	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Fe	ⓘ Bornite	Cu₅FeS₄
Fe	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Fe	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Fe	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
Fe	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
Cu	Copper
Cu	ⓘ Azurite	Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Cu	ⓘ Bornite	Cu₅FeS₄
Cu	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Cu	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
Cu	ⓘ Covellite	CuS
Cu	ⓘ Enargite	Cu₃AsS₄
Cu	ⓘ Malachite	Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
Zn	Zinc
Zn	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
As	Arsenic
As	ⓘ Enargite	Cu₃AsS₄
Zr	Zirconium
Zr	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
Mo	Molybdenum
Mo	ⓘ Molybdenite	MoS₂
Mo	ⓘ Molybdite	MoO₃
W	Tungsten
W	ⓘ Scheelite	Ca(WO₄)
Pb	Lead
Pb	ⓘ Galena	PbS

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

AsiaContinent

Hindukush Himalayan RegionGroup of Mountain Ranges

China

Southern Tibet - Tengchong Li Mineral BeltMineral Belt
⭔Southwest ChinaRegion
Tibet
- Bangonghu–Nujiang metallogenic beltMineral Belt
- Gangdese Metallogenic BeltMineral Belt

Eurasian PlateTectonic Plate

Llhasa terrane
- Gangdese ArcVolcanic Arc

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

Zongyao Rui, Zengqian Hou, Xiaoming Qu, Lisheng Zhang, Longsheng Wang, and Yulin Liu (2003): Metallogenetic Epoch of Gangdese Porphyry Copper Belt and Uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Mineral Deposits [Kuangchuang Dizhi] 22(3), 217-225 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Xiangjin Meng, Zengqian Hou, Yongfeng Gao, Wei Huang, Xiaoming Qu, and Wenjun Qu (2004): Re-Os dating for molybdenite from Qulong porphyry copper deposit in Gangdese metallogenic belt, Xizang and its metallogenic significance. Geological Review 49(6), 665.

Zhiying Huang and Guangming Li (2004): Basic characteristics of copper deposits and their prospecting in the Yaluzangbujiang metallogenic province, Tibet. Geology and Prospecting 40(1), 1-6 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Guangming Li, Bo Liu, Wenjun Qu, Fangcheng Lin, Hongquan She, and Chenyou Feng (2005): The Porphyry-Skarn Ore-Forming System in Gangdese Metallogenic Belt, Southern Xizang: Evidence from Molybdenite Re-Os Age of Porphyry-Type Copper Deposits and Skarn-Type Copper Polymetallic Deposits. Geotectonica et Metallogenia [Dadi Gouzao Yu Chengkuangxue] 29(4), 482-490.

Zhiming Yang, Yuling Xie, Guangming Li, and Jiuhua Xu (2005): Characteristics and forming process of ore-forming fluids at Qulong copper deposit in Gangdise porphyry copper belt, Tibet. Geology and Prospecting 41(2), 21-26.

Hongquan She, Chengyou Feng, Dequan Zhang, Guangming Li, Bo Liu, and Jinwen Li (2006): Study on the fluid inclusions from Jiama skarn copper polymetallic deposit and Qulong porphyry copper deposit in Gandese copper belt, Tibet. Acta Petrologica Sinica 22(3), 689-696 (in Chinese).

Shaoping Yang, Hua Zhang, Yinghan Liu, Mu Kong, Huazhong Liu, Guangfa Dong, and Yongping Luo (2006): Geochemical evaluation of potential ore in the Qulong copper deposit and its peripheral region in Tibet. Acta Geologica Sinica 80(10), 1558-1565.

Shunbao Gao and Youye Zheng (2006): Geochemical Controlling of Mineralization in Qulong Super-Large Porphyry Copper Deposit, Tibet. Geological Science and Technology Information 25(2), 41-46 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Daixiang Xia, Yucai Song, and Zheng Li (2008): Relationship between western porphyry and mineralization in Qulong copper deposit of Tibet and its enlightenment to further exploration. Mineral Deposits 27(1), 28-36 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Bo Xiao, Guangming Li, Kezhang Qin, Jinxiang Li, Junxing Zhao, Xiaobing Liu, Daixiang Xia, Xingbing Wu, and Zhenwei Peng (2008): Magmatic intrusion center and mineralization center of Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in Tibet: Evidence from fissure-veinlets and mineralization intensity. Mineral Deposits 27(2), 200-208 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Zhiming Yang, Zengqian Hou, Yucai Song, Zhenqing Li, Daixiang Xia, and Fengchu Pan (2008): Qulong superlarge porphyry Cu deposit in Tibet: Geology, alteration and mineralization. Mineral Deposits 27(3), 279-318 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Jinshu Zhang, Ji Duo, Zhengwei He, and Juxing Tang (2009): Mineralization characteristics and prospecting forecasting of Qulong porphyry copper-(molybdenum) deposit in Tibet. Global Geology 28(4), 460-466 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Longmin Nie, Zhenqing Li, and Xiaojie Fang (2012): Cu isotope fractionation during magma evolution process of Qulong porphyry copper deposit, Tibet. Mineral Deposits 31(4), 718-726 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[1]Sun, Weitao, Youye Zheng, Wei Wang, Xin Feng, Xiaosong Zhu, Zhongyue Zhang, Hongxing Hou, Liangsheng Ge, and Hanqin Lv. (2023) "Geochemical Characteristics of Primary Halos and Prospecting Significance of the Qulong Porphyry Copper–Molybdenum Deposit in Tibet" Minerals 13, no. 3: 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13030333

Zheng, Youye, Chen, Xin, Luo, Sangjiancuo, Ci, Qiong, Zhang, Le, Wei, Jiangang, Gao, Shunbao, Lin, Hao (2024) A modified genetic model for multiple pulsed mineralized processes at the giant Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo mineralization system. American Mineralogist, 109 (10). 1705-1716

[2]Xue, Qiqi; Zhang, Lipeng; Chen, Shuo; Sun, Weidong (2026) Zinc isotope constraints on magma source and fluid evolution of post-collisional Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, southern Tibet. Ore Geology Reviews, p.107290. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107290

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