Trace element and stable isotope characteristics of Algoma-type sulfidic banded iron formations from the Wutai Complex, central North China Craton.

• BIFs and iron-bearing carbonate rocks correlated to Archean submarine hydrothermal system. • The δ34S V-PDB values compare with the features of typical Algoma-type BIFs. • The trace element features including enrichment in Ni, As, Se, Te, and Pb are also consist with Algoma type. • The δ13C V-PDB and δ18O V-PDB values of the carbonates confirm an oceanic setting. The major archive of iron deposits in China occur within Precambrian banded irons formations (BIFs). Here we investigate the Wutai complex that represents an Archean to Paleoproterozoic subduction-related arc system between the Ordos and Qianhuai micro-blocks of the central North China Craton (NCC). We report the carbon and oxygen isotopes of calcites from carbonate-rich BIFs, and in situ trace elements (LA-ICP-MS) and sulfur isotopes (ion probe) of pyrites from sulfidic BIFs and carbonate samples with an aim to characterize the nature and genesis of the iron deposits associated with these rocks. The δ13C V-PDB , δ18O V-PDB and δ18O V-SMOW of calcites range from −2.4‰ to −1.1‰, −20.4‰ to −19.3‰ and 9.9‰ to 11‰ respectively, displaying Archean greenstone belt and marine carbonate settings. Pyrite from the BIFs and carbonates are enriched Ni, As, Se, Te, and Pb. Their δ34S CDT values range from −8.8‰ to 7.9‰ with a peak at 0.0‰, comparing with the features of typical Algoma-type BIFs. Our study provides insights into the depositional environment of the BIFs in the Wutai Complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]