Genesis of the Linghou Cu–Zn polymetallic deposit, South China: Constraints from geological, mineralogical, geochronological and sulfur isotope data

Stratiform Cu deposits represent significant source of copper worldwide and have long been the subject of extensive scientific research. However, their origins remain highly debated. To address this key issue, we carried out a comprehensive investigation of the Linghou deposit in South China—a typical stratiform Cu deposit—utilizing microanalytical mineralogy and in situ sulfur isotope analysis of the main ore minerals, together with high-precision geochronology of genetically related hydrothermal apatite. Hydrothermal apatite spatially and temporally associated with copper mineralization in the Linghou stratiform ores yields a lower intercept U–Pb age of 161.0 ± 4.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.09), consistent with ages obtained from the granodiorite porphyry in the deposit. Microtextural and thermometric analyses of coexisting chalcopyrite and sphalerite indicate formation temperatures of 255–303 °C, characteristic of magmatic-hydrothermal systems. The sulfur isotope compositions of sulfide minerals exhibit a narrow δ 34 S range of +0.68 ‰ to +2.80 ‰, further supporting a genetic relationship with granitic magmatism. Integrated geological evidence indicates that the Linghou deposit represents a Late Jurassic Cu-polymetallic skarn system. These findings not only resolve the long-standing genetic controversy of this deposit type but also highlight the considerable exploration potential for magmatic-hydrothermal Cu-polymetallic systems along the Qin-Hang metallogenic belt. The combined application of high-precision geochronology, microscale mineral chemistry, and detailed metal source tracing provides critical constraints for understanding ore-forming mechanisms, refining genetic classifications, and establishing robust metallogenic frameworks.