Geology, geochronology and isotopic geochemistry of the Xiaoliugou W-Mo ore field in the Qilian Orogen, NW China: Case study of a skarn system formed during continental collision
A mineral sequence of scheelite > molybdenite > chalcopyrite was identified. Re–Os and Ar–Ar dating constrained the mineralization to 428–391 Ma. S–Pb–D–O geochemistry suggests metals and fluids sourced from granite and host rocks. Xiaoliugou is a skarn system formed in a mid-Paleozoic continental collision setting.