Qiu, K. F., Yu, H. C., Deng, J., McIntire, D., Gou, Z. Y., Geng, J. Z., ... & Goldfarb, R. (2020). The giant Zaozigou Au-Sb deposit in West Qinling, China: magmatic-or metamorphic-hydrothermal origin?. Mineralium Deposita, 1-18.

Köppen climate type:

Dwc : Monsoon-influenced subarctic climate

Mindat Locality ID:

242986

Long-form identifier:

mindat:1:2:242986:4

GUID (UUID V4):

Name(s) in local language(s):

枣子沟金矿 (早子沟金矿), 合作市, 甘南藏族自治州, 甘肃省, 中国

Disseminated-style (Carlin-like) gold deposit. Free gold occurs as microscopic grains (unlike a typical Carlin deposit, where visible gold is absent). Discovered in 1996. Annual production of 3t of gold per year with cumulative production of 26t.
There are 147 gold orebodies have been found in the Zaozigou gold deposit, of which 17 orebodies are main ore bodies with gold reserves greater than 1 tonne, and the total gold reserves of more than 100 tonnes.

The Zaozigou Au-Sb deposit, with proven reserves of 111 t Au and 0.05 Mt Sb, is located in the western portion of the West Qinling orogen. Ore bodies are mostly hosted in the Triassic Gulangdi Formation, which consists of argillaceous to siliceous slates and subordinate greywacke and limestone. The Zaozigou deposit includes 646 ore bodies, with the orebody Au-1 being the largest and having a proven reserve of 28.7 t Au. Gold mineralization is largely confined by brittle faults, and thus, individual ore bodies are exclusively of vein type.
The two Au mineralization events inferred by U-Pb dating of scheelite at the Zaozigou deposit are consistent with two episodes of Au mineralization in the West Qinling. The older mineralization event (ca. 230 Ma) recorded by scheelite from the steeply-dipping ore body at the Zaozigou deposit reflects a large-scale Au mineralization episode at 249–230 Ma in the West Qinling. The younger mineralization event (ca. 212 Ma) documented by scheelite from the gently dipping quartz-stibnite veins at the Zaozigou deposit reflects the orogenic Au mineralization period spanning from 210 to 195 Ma in the West Qinling.

A total of 523 individual ore bodies have been identified in the Zaozigou gold deposit, of which 18 are classified as major. Based on spatial distribution and structural style, the deposit is subdivided into three sectors: the Eastern, Western, and Gelouang sectors.
The Eastern Sector, the principal mineralized zone at Zaozigou deposit, trends NE (striking 50°–60°), hosting representative ore bodies such as Au1 and Au9. This zone extends for more than 1000 m along strike and exceeds 300 m in width. In shallow levels, the ore bodies dip steeply to the northwest and are locally subvertical, whereas at depth they are displaced by a gently dipping fault, resulting in an apparent southeastward dip. NE-trending veins in this sector are characterized by intense hydrothermal alteration and high gold grades. Both thickness and grade vary markedly along strike and down dip, and the veins commonly branch and merge, indicating a structurally complex mineralizing system. The Zaozigou deposit features four principal ore types: altered slate, altered vein, quartz-stibnite, and altered sandstone. The first two types predominantly occur in steeply dipping ore bodies trending nearly SN and NE, whereas the latter two are mainly hosted in gently dipping NW-trending structures.
The mineralization at Zaozigou can be divided into five paragenetic stages:
Silicification–hematitization stage, characterized by widespread hematitization and biotite alteration (representing potassic alteration).
Quartz–pyrite–arsenopyrite stage, with a mineral sequence of quartz → pyrite → arsenopyrite → gold, commonly associated with bleached alteration halos. This is the primary gold deposition stage.
Quartz–stibnite stage, with the mineral sequence quartz → pyrite → arsenopyrite → gold → stibnite, representing another major gold-forming event.
Quartz–carbonatization stage, characterized by the precipitation of quartz → calcite → kaolinite.
Surface oxidation stage, marked by the oxidation of metal sulfides at shallow depths and formation of limonite and stibiconite.

At Zaozigou, two styles of mineralization have been identified: early disseminated and stockwork ores, and late stibnite–quartz ± dolomite ± native gold veins within altered dacite and slate. In addition to native gold, stibnite is recovered as an ore mineral.

classified as an orogenic gold deposit.

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.

ⓘ Antimony

ⓘ Gold

Mineral List

29 valid minerals.

Rock Types Recorded

Select Rock List Type

Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Albite

Formula: Na(AlSi₃O₈)

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

ⓘ Ankerite

Formula: Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂

References:

Du, Shi-Guang, Tian, Xiang-Sheng, Ren, Zhe, Jin, Xiao-Ye, Tao, Huan, Luo, Tao, Zhu, Rui, Li, Jian-Wei, Deng, Xiao-Dong (2025) Laser ablation ICP-MS scheelite U-Pb dating constraints on two discrete gold mineralization events of the Zaozigou Au-Sb deposit, West Qinling orogen, China. Ore Geology Reviews, 176. 106437 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2024.106437

Li, Kangning; Gao, Shen; Tang, Qingyan; Zhao, Jichang; Hu, Hao; Liu, Jiajun; Zhai, Degao (2026) Source of giant Au-Sb mineralization in the Xiahe-Hezuo district, western Qinling: Constraints from Pb-S-Sb-Hg isotopes. Ore Geology Reviews, 198. p.107563. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107563

ⓘ 'Apatite'

Formula: Ca₅(PO₄)₃A

References:

Yu, Hao-Cheng, Guo, Chang-An, Qiu, Kun-Feng, McIntire, Duncan, Jiang, Gui-Peng, Gou, Zong-Yang, Geng, Jian-Zhen, Pang, Yao, Zhu, Rui, Li, Ning-Bo (2019) Geochronological and Geochemical Constraints on the Formation of the Giant Zaozigou Au-Sb Deposit, West Qinling, China. Minerals, 9 (1) 37 doi:10.3390/min9010037

ⓘ Arsenopyrite

Formula: FeAsS

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

Qiu, Kun-Feng; Yu, Hao-Cheng; Deng, Jun; McIntire, Duncan; Gou, Zong-Yang; Geng, Jian-Zhen; Chang, Zhao-Shan; Zhu, Rui; Li, Kang-Ning; Goldfarb, Richard (2020) The giant Zaozigou Au-Sb deposit in West Qinling, China: magmatic- or metamorphic-hydrothermal origin? Mineralium Deposita, 55 (2). 345-362 doi:10.1007/s00126-019-00937-w

Li, Kangning; Jia, Ruya; Tang, Qingyan; Xue, Jianling; He, Tongtong; Pang, Zhenshan; Cheng, Zhizhong; Yan, Tingjie (2026) Ore-forming age and temperature of the Zaozigou gold deposit, West Qinling Orogen: constraints from arsenopyrite Re-Os isotopes, mineral geochemistry, and fluid inclusion thermometry. Ore Geology Reviews, 193. p.107271. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107271

ⓘ 'Biotite'

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

References:

Yu, Zhengbo, Bingli Liu, Miao Xie, Yixiao Wu, Yunhui Kong, Cheng Li, Guodong Chen, Yaxin Gao, Shuai Zha, Hanyuan Zhang, Lu Wang, and Rui Tang. 2022. "3D Mineral Prospectivity Mapping of Zaozigou Gold Deposit, West Qinling, China: Deep Learning-Based Mineral Prediction" Minerals 12, no. 11: 1382. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111382

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

Kong, Yunhui, Chen, Guodong, Liu, Bingli, Xie, Miao, Yu, Zhengbo, Li, Cheng, Wu, Yixiao, Gao, Yaxin, Zha, Shuai, Zhang, Hanyuan, Wang, Lu, Tang, Rui (2022) 3D Mineral Prospectivity Mapping of Zaozigou Gold Deposit, West Qinling, China: Machine Learning-Based Mineral Prediction. Minerals, 12 (11) 1361 doi:10.3390/min12111361

ⓘ Calcite

Formula: CaCO₃

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

Guo, Meng-xu, , , Liu, Jia-jun, Zhai, De-gao, Weng, Guo-ming, Zhu, Rui, , (2024) Discovery of scheelite in the Zaozigou gold deposit of West Qinling Orogen, Northwest China and its implications for ore genesis. China Geology, 7 (3). doi:10.31035/cg2023099

ⓘ Chalcocite

Formula: Cu₂S

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Chalcopyrite

Formula: CuFeS₂

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ 'Chlorite Group'

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

ⓘ Covellite

Formula: CuS

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Dolomite

Formula: CaMg(CO₃)₂

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Dolomite var. Iron-bearing Dolomite

Formula: Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO₃)₂

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

ⓘ Epidote

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

References:

ⓘ 'Feldspar Group'

References:

ⓘ Galena

Formula: PbS

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Hematite

Formula: Fe₂O₃

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ 'Hornblende Root Name Group'

Formula: ◻Ca₂(C²⁺₄C³⁺)(AlSi₇O₂₂)W₂

ⓘ Kaolinite

Formula: Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ 'Limonite'

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Marcasite

Formula: FeS₂

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ 'Micrite'

References:

ⓘ 'Monazite Group'

Formula: REE(PO₄)

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

ⓘ Muscovite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

ⓘ Native Antimony

Formula: Sb

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Native Gold

Formula: Au

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ 'Plagioclase'

Formula: (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

References:

ⓘ Pyrite

Formula: FeS₂

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Pyrite var. Arsenic-bearing Pyrite

Formula: Fe(S,As)₂

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

ⓘ Pyrrhotite

Formula: Fe_1-xS

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Quartz

Formula: SiO₂

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Rutile

Formula: TiO₂

References:

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Scheelite

Formula: Ca(WO₄)

References:

ⓘ Scorodite

Formula: Fe³⁺AsO₄ · 2H₂O

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Sphalerite

Formula: ZnS

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Stibiconite

Formula: Sb³⁺Sb⁵⁺₂O₆(OH)

References:

ⓘ Stibnite

Formula: Sb₂S₃

References:

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ 'Tetrahedrite Subgroup'

Formula: Cu₆(Cu₄C²⁺₂)Sb₄S₁₂S

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Titanite

Formula: CaTiO(SiO₄)

References:

ⓘ Tripuhyite

Formula: Fe³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Valentinite

Formula: Sb₂O₃

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

ⓘ Zircon

Formula: Zr(SiO₄)

References:

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 1 - Elements
ⓘ	Native Gold	1.AA.05	Au
ⓘ	Native Antimony	1.CA.05	Sb
Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Chalcocite	2.BA.05	Cu₂S
ⓘ	Covellite	2.CA.05a	CuS
ⓘ	Sphalerite	2.CB.05a	ZnS
ⓘ	Chalcopyrite	2.CB.10a	CuFeS₂
ⓘ	Pyrrhotite	2.CC.10	Fe_1-xS
ⓘ	Galena	2.CD.10	PbS
ⓘ	Stibnite	2.DB.05	Sb₂S₃
ⓘ	Pyrite	2.EB.05a	FeS₂
ⓘ	var. Arsenic-bearing Pyrite	2.EB.05a	Fe(S,As)₂
ⓘ	Marcasite	2.EB.10a	FeS₂
ⓘ	Arsenopyrite	2.EB.20	FeAsS
ⓘ	'Tetrahedrite Subgroup'	2.GB.05	Cu₆(Cu₄C²⁺₂)Sb₄S₁₂S
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Hematite	4.CB.05	Fe₂O₃
ⓘ	Valentinite	4.CB.55	Sb₂O₃
ⓘ	Quartz	4.DA.05	SiO₂
ⓘ	Rutile	4.DB.05	TiO₂
ⓘ	Tripuhyite	4.DB.05	Fe³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄
ⓘ	Stibiconite	4.DH.20	Sb³⁺Sb⁵⁺₂O₆(OH)
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
ⓘ	var. Iron-bearing Dolomite	5.AB.10	Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO₃)₂
Group 7 - Sulphates, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
ⓘ	Scheelite	7.GA.05	Ca(WO₄)
Group 8 - Phosphates, Arsenates and Vanadates
ⓘ	Scorodite	8.CD.10	Fe³⁺AsO₄ · 2H₂O
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Zircon	9.AD.30	Zr(SiO₄)
ⓘ	Titanite	9.AG.15	CaTiO(SiO₄)
ⓘ	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
ⓘ	Albite	9.FA.35	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
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)
ⓘ	'Hornblende Root Name Group'	-	◻Ca₂(C²⁺₄C³⁺)(AlSi₇O₂₂)W₂
ⓘ	'Plagioclase'	-	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
ⓘ	'Apatite'	-	Ca₅(PO₄)₃A
ⓘ	'Micrite'	-

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
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	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
H	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Scorodite	Fe³⁺AsO₄ · 2H₂O
H	ⓘ Stibiconite	Sb³⁺Sb₂⁵⁺O₆(OH)
H	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
C	Carbon
C	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
C	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
C	ⓘ Dolomite	CaMg(CO₃)₂
C	ⓘ Dolomite var. Iron-bearing Dolomite	Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO₃)₂
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
O	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)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	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
O	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
O	ⓘ Monazite Group	REE(PO₄)
O	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
O	ⓘ Rutile	TiO₂
O	ⓘ Scheelite	Ca(WO₄)
O	ⓘ Scorodite	Fe³⁺AsO₄ · 2H₂O
O	ⓘ Stibiconite	Sb³⁺Sb₂⁵⁺O₆(OH)
O	ⓘ Titanite	CaTiO(SiO₄)
O	ⓘ Tripuhyite	Fe³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Valentinite	Sb₂O₃
O	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
O	ⓘ Hornblende Root Name Group	◻Ca₂(C₄²⁺C³⁺)(AlSi₇O₂₂)W₂
O	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
O	ⓘ Dolomite var. Iron-bearing Dolomite	Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO₃)₂
O	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃A
F	Fluorine
F	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Na	Sodium
Na	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
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
Mg	ⓘ Dolomite var. Iron-bearing Dolomite	Ca(Mg,Fe)(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	ⓘ Hornblende Root Name Group	◻Ca₂(C₄²⁺C³⁺)(AlSi₇O₂₂)W₂
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	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
Si	ⓘ Titanite	CaTiO(SiO₄)
Si	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
Si	ⓘ Hornblende Root Name Group	◻Ca₂(C₄²⁺C³⁺)(AlSi₇O₂₂)W₂
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)₃A
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Arsenopyrite	FeAsS
S	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
S	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
S	ⓘ Covellite	CuS
S	ⓘ Galena	PbS
S	ⓘ Marcasite	FeS₂
S	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
S	ⓘ Pyrrhotite	Fe_1-xS
S	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
S	ⓘ Stibnite	Sb₂S₃
S	ⓘ Tetrahedrite Subgroup	Cu₆(Cu₄C₂²⁺)Sb₄S₁₂S
S	ⓘ Pyrite var. Arsenic-bearing Pyrite	Fe(S,As)₂
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	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
Ca	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
Ca	ⓘ Dolomite	CaMg(CO₃)₂
Ca	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Ca	ⓘ Scheelite	Ca(WO₄)
Ca	ⓘ Titanite	CaTiO(SiO₄)
Ca	ⓘ Hornblende Root Name Group	◻Ca₂(C₄²⁺C³⁺)(AlSi₇O₂₂)W₂
Ca	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Ca	ⓘ Dolomite var. Iron-bearing Dolomite	Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO₃)₂
Ca	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃A
Ti	Titanium
Ti	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Ti	ⓘ Rutile	TiO₂
Ti	ⓘ Titanite	CaTiO(SiO₄)
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Ankerite	Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)(CO₃)₂
Fe	ⓘ Arsenopyrite	FeAsS
Fe	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Fe	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Fe	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Fe	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
Fe	ⓘ Marcasite	FeS₂
Fe	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
Fe	ⓘ Pyrrhotite	Fe_1-xS
Fe	ⓘ Scorodite	Fe³⁺AsO₄ · 2H₂O
Fe	ⓘ Tripuhyite	Fe³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Dolomite var. Iron-bearing Dolomite	Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO₃)₂
Fe	ⓘ Pyrite var. Arsenic-bearing Pyrite	Fe(S,As)₂
Cu	Copper
Cu	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Cu	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
Cu	ⓘ Covellite	CuS
Cu	ⓘ Tetrahedrite Subgroup	Cu₆(Cu₄C₂²⁺)Sb₄S₁₂S
Zn	Zinc
Zn	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
As	Arsenic
As	ⓘ Arsenopyrite	FeAsS
As	ⓘ Scorodite	Fe³⁺AsO₄ · 2H₂O
As	ⓘ Pyrite var. Arsenic-bearing Pyrite	Fe(S,As)₂
Zr	Zirconium
Zr	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
Sb	Antimony
Sb	ⓘ Native Antimony	Sb
Sb	ⓘ Stibiconite	Sb³⁺Sb₂⁵⁺O₆(OH)
Sb	ⓘ Stibnite	Sb₂S₃
Sb	ⓘ Tetrahedrite Subgroup	Cu₆(Cu₄C₂²⁺)Sb₄S₁₂S
Sb	ⓘ Tripuhyite	Fe³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄
Sb	ⓘ Valentinite	Sb₂O₃
W	Tungsten
W	ⓘ Scheelite	Ca(WO₄)
Au	Gold
Au	ⓘ Native Gold	Au
Pb	Lead
Pb	ⓘ Galena	PbS

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

AsiaContinent

Hindukush Himalayan RegionGroup of Mountain Ranges
Tibetan PlateauPlateau

China

Qinghai
- East Kunlun Orogenic BeltMetamorphic belt
Qinling Metallogenic BeltMineral Belt

Eurasian PlateTectonic Plate

Kunlun/South Qilian Fold BeltVolcanic 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

Qi Jiang and Rongchao Wang (2010): Deposit formation environment and genesis of Zaozigou gold deposit in Hezuo, Gansu Province. Gold Science and Technology 18(4), 37-40 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Chunxian Liu, Liang Li, and Jixiang Sui (2011): Mineralization characteristics and ore genesis of the Zaozigou gold deposit, Gansu Province. Geological Science and Technology Information 30(6), 66-74 (in Chinese with English abstract).

Guozhong Chen, Zhilu Liang, Hongshun Ma, Yuanning Zhang, Jianlong Wang, and Pengbing Li (2013): The establishment of geological model and total resources estimate of the Zaozigou gold deposit, Hezuo, Gansu Province. Northwestern Geology 46(4), 173-181 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[1]Du, Shi-Guang, Tian, Xiang-Sheng, Ren, Zhe, Jin, Xiao-Ye, Tao, Huan, Luo, Tao, Zhu, Rui, Li, Jian-Wei, Deng, Xiao-Dong (2025) Laser ablation ICP-MS scheelite U-Pb dating constraints on two discrete gold mineralization events of the Zaozigou Au-Sb deposit, West Qinling orogen, China. Ore Geology Reviews, 176. 106437 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2024.106437

[3]Li, Kangning; Gao, Shen; Tang, Qingyan; Zhao, Jichang; Hu, Hao; Liu, Jiajun; Zhai, Degao (2026) Source of giant Au-Sb mineralization in the Xiahe-Hezuo district, western Qinling: Constraints from Pb-S-Sb-Hg isotopes. Ore Geology Reviews, 198. p.107563. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107563

[2]Li, Kangning; Jia, Ruya; Tang, Qingyan; Xue, Jianling; He, Tongtong; Pang, Zhenshan; Cheng, Zhizhong; Yan, Tingjie (2026) Ore-forming age and temperature of the Zaozigou gold deposit, West Qinling Orogen: constraints from arsenopyrite Re-Os isotopes, mineral geochemistry, and fluid inclusion thermometry. Ore Geology Reviews, 193. p.107271. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107271

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Zaozigou Au deposit, Hezuo Co., Gannan, Gansu, China i
Regional Level Types
Zaozigou Au deposit Deposit
Hezuo Co. County
Gannan Prefecture
Gansu Province
China Country