A Combined EPMA and LA-ICP-MS Investigation on Bi-Cu-Au Mineralization from the Kizhnica Ore Field (Vardar Zone, Kosovo)

This paper describes a newly discovered Bi-Cu±Au mineralization co-occurring with Pb-Zn-Ag hydrothermal mineralization within the Kizhnica-Hajvalia-Badovc ore field, central Kosovo, Vardar Zone. The mineralogy of two styles of Bi-Cu±Au mineralization was described using EPMA in combination with reflected and transmitted light microscopy. Hydrothermal Cu-Bi veinlets in the Kizhnica andesite quarry consist of Bi sulfosalts (bismuthinite, cosalite, aikinite, and krupkaite), pyrite, hematite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite group minerals. Disseminated Bi-Au-Cu-Te mineralization from the contact type of mineralization (hornfels) consists of Bi sulfosalts (cannizzarite, bismuthinite, galenobismutite, cosalite), associated with sulfarsenides (arsenopyrite, gersdorffite, and cobaltite), base metal sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena), native gold, native bismuth, and tetradymite. LA-ICP-MS analyses of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite indicate increased content of In and Sn in the Kizhnica Bi-Cu-Au mineralizing system, while LA-ICP-MS analyses in pyrites show the presence of many elements, e.g., Au, As, Co, Sb, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi related to the structure of pyrite or controlled by nano-inclusions. The results suggest a connection between Bi-Cu±Au mineralization and the proximity to intrusive rocks, which may be helpful for Au exploration in Kosovo.