Most gold deposits are genetically controlled by shear zones, which are called shear zone type gold deposits (SZTGD). A better understanding of kinematics of shear zones and its constraint on the ore-forming process is critical to reveal the genetic mechanism of the SZTGD and favorable to mineral exploration. By conducting detailed structural analysis including field and microscopic observations and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and fractal dimension analysis in the Muping-Rushan shear zone (MR) as well as several gold deposits, the kinematic characteristics of the MR are well recognized and the metallogenic process of the SZTGD are discussed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) petrology, geometry, kinematics, macro- and micro-structures imply that the MR has experienced a progressive shearing history exhumed via middle crust to subsurface level under the NW-SE extensional regime from late Jurassic to early Cretaceous; (2) in the MR, gold may precipitate both in the brittle fractures at middle crust level and brittle deformation part at shallow crust level during the stress-chemical process and (3) comparison of gold deposits between the MR and other areas show that the SZTGD has a uniform metallogenic mechanism, which is from (multi-stage) pluton emplacement, hydrothermal fluid action, shearing action, brittle fracturing, sudden reduction of fluid pressure, flash vaporization to (gold) mineralization.

The South China Block had experienced a significant tectonic transition during the Mesozoic in response to the subduction of the Paleo- and the Pacific Ocean. Large-scale granitic intrusions with massive mineralization are widespread in South China, and their tectonic settings are not defined. The Xitian intrusion is ideal for probing the geodynamic setting and mineralization in South China because they comprise an abundance of microgranular enclaves (MEs) and diverse types of granite associated with mineralization. Age determined by zircon U-Pb dating suggests that the MEs and their host granites are coeval within error, of ca. 152 Ma. The MEs have a similar initial Hf-O isotopic composition as host granites, and the rapid cooling mineral textures indicate that they are autoliths. Geochemical data show that the host granites are high-K, calc-alkaline, and transitional from metaluminous to peraluminous, slightly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), with obvious negative Eu anomalies, belonging to I-type. The Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios indicate the volatile penetrates the magmatic-forming process, and the fluid with abundant volatile could extract metal element effectively from the mantle.

Granitoids are prevalent in southeastern China and are associated with numerous renowned polymetallic deposits. The mineralization is thought to have a close genetic linkage with granitic magmatism in this region. However, the petrogenesis of these granites remains a subject of debate. Dengfuxian granites in the eastern Hunan Province, a representative granitic pluton, formed during this geological period and are linked with tungsten deposits. To constrain their magmatic origins and petrogenesis, analyses were conducted, including whole-rock geochemistry, SIMS zircon geochronology, oxygen isotope studies, and LA-ICPMS zircon Lu–Hf isotopic analyses on selected samples of Dengfuxian granites.The Dengfuxian granitic pluton predominantly consists of biotite granite, two-mica granite, and muscovite granite. Age determinations of the various granite types indicate the existence of two distinct episodes: the Late Triassic (221–226 Ma) and the Late Jurassic (150–151 Ma). Granites from both periods consistently exhibit high concentrations of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, total alkalis, K₂O, and P₂O₅, while showing low levels of MgO, TiO₂, and MnO₂, exhibiting a range from weak to strong peraluminous characteristics. Geological and geochemical evidence supports that the Dengfuxian granites are highly fractionated I-type granites, although some features typical of S-type granites are present, likely due to significant magmatic fractionation.Zircon Hf and O isotopic data reveal that the granites from both episodes originated from ancient crustal material, undergoing partial melting and substantial fractionation. The Late Triassic granites, in particular, appear to have incorporated a greater proportion of ancient crustal material into their magma.