Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: We report the discovery of native gold particles within evaporite sediments (halite, gypsum) from the Tarim Basin, China. These gold grains, exhibiting dendritic and nodular morphologies, are intergrown with salt minerals and likely precipitated from low-temperature (< 150 °C) brines at trace concentrations. This finding represents a rare observation of gold mineralization in an evaporative sedimentary environment, which contrasts with the conventional paradigm of gold deposits dominated by high-temperature hydrothermal fluids. Based on these observations, we propose a preliminary saline lake-type gold enrichment model linked to “cold-water” sedimentation, which, if corroborated by future discoveries, may expand exploration targets to evaporite-bearing sedimentary basins.
Source: Discover Minerals.
Authors: Chenglin Liu, Yangtong Cao, Pengcheng Jiao, Hua Zhang, Jinsheng Han
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,290
OpenAlex ID: W7166056904