Long Evolution of a Magmatic–Ore System of the Muruntau Gold Deposit, Western Uzbekistan, Tien Shan: Evidence from the LA–ICP–MS U–Pb Isotopic Age of Zircon from Granitoids of the Sardara (Sarykty) Pluton

A groundbreaking study reveals the prolonged evolution of a magmatic-ore system linked to the Muruntau gold deposit in Western Tien-Shan, Uzbekistan. Using LA–ICP–MS U–Pb isotopic dating of zircon from granodiorites–granites of the Sardara (Sarykty) pluton, researchers identified three distinct crystallization stages at 322.0 ± 3.7 Ma, 301.6 ± 2.1 Ma, and 289.5 ± 4.9 Ma. The findings suggest that while the initial magmatic sources formed under subduction conditions (~322–302 Ma), the final differentiation and crystallization of granitoid magma occurred during a postcollision stage (~289.5 Ma). This study provides critical evidence for the complex, multi-stage evolution of the Muruntau deposit's magmatic system, offering insights into the geological processes shaping this significant gold deposit.

Soloviev, S. G., Kryazhev, S. G., Semenova, D. V., Kalinin, Yu. A., & Bortnikov, N. S. (2023). Long Evolution of a Magmatic–Ore System of the Muruntau Gold Deposit, Western Uzbekistan, Tien Shan: Evidence from the LA–ICP–MS U–Pb Isotopic Age of Zircon from Granitoids of the Sardara (Sarykty) Pluton. Doklady Earth Sciences, 512(1), 793–800. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1028334x23601104