This study delves into the geochemical dispersion of gold-bearing quartz veins in the Wadi Abu Khusheiba area, southern Jordan, with a focus on uncovering the complex patterns of mineralization and their geological significance. Employing an in-depth geochemical analysis of 24 rock samples from the region, we identified that these samples are predominantly hosted by oversaturated rhyolitic rocks, characterized by high SiO₂ content and abundant free Quartz and orthoclase minerals. The mineralized zone of the quartz veins is particularly notable for its gold and silver concentrations, with maximum values reaching up to 5 ppm for gold and 18 ppm for silver. Our investigation into the elemental correlations revealed nuanced relationships, dependent on the 21 sample and analyzed at confidence level of (85%). Contrary to initial assumptions, we did not find a significant positive correlation between gold (Au) and arsenic (As), nor significant negative correlations between gold and other trace elements. These insights are critical for understanding the geochemical behavior of gold in the area and offer a nuanced view of elemental associations. The results of this study are significant for both academic research and practical exploration. They enhance our comprehension of the geological history and mineralization processes in Wadi Abu Khusheiba, providing valuable data that can inform future exploration strategies and deepen our understanding of mineral deposition in similar geological settings. This research not only contributes to the scientific community’s knowledge of the area’s geochemistry but also has potential implications for the mining and exploration industries.

Background: One of the best-studied subjects in the area is gold mineralization, and researchers have focused on the veins, their direct weathering products, or fluid inclusion analyses. Abu Khusheiba gold deposits in Jordan were characterized as epithermal deposits, and the wadi sediments below were investigated in some studies. Although epithermal mineralization is confirmed at Wadi Abu Khusheiba, part of the southern Jordanian Aheimer Volcanic Suite, the source of mineralizing fluids is uncertain. Among the most critical scientific issues is whether the fluids are magmatic, meteoric, or mixed, and what it would mean for gold deposition and resource potential. Moreover, the area lacks comprehensive geochemical and isotopic studies that would reveal fluid evolution, styles of alteration, and metal transport mechanisms. Stable isotope research (e.g., oxygen) in conjunction with mineralogical studies can shed light on mineralization sources and environments – addressing an important knowledge gap. Economically, fluid evolution knowledge is required to evaluate the future gold exploration potential of the Abu Khusheiba area. Results: In accordance with stable isotope data (δ¹⁸O: 10.8 to 16.4‰), the fluids have a magmatic source with negligible meteoric water interaction. The evidence for a low-sulfidation epithermal system with constant state hydrothermal conditions comes from banded colloform quartz textures and potassic alteration. Such evidence enhances regional mineral exploration strategies as well as new ore-forming process understanding.

Peripheral terranes are often assumed to mirror adjacent continental detrital zircon sources. However, the peri‐Gondwanan Sibumasu terrane exhibits two distinct zircon signatures—traditionally interpreted as separate basins fed by different sedimentary pathways (Australia or India). This conceptual shortcut bypasses the labyrinthine reality of source‐sink relationships, necessitating refined sediment dispersal reconstructions. Crucially, West Malaya—strategically located in the middle of Sibumasu terrane—provides key insights into resolving this structural conundrum. Two Cambrian samples in West Malaya reveal coeval detrital contributions from India and Australia. But by mid‐Paleozoic, Northwestern domain strata are dominated by 1.0–0.7 Ga Indian zircons, contrasting with the Southeastern domain 1.3–1.0 Ga Australian sources. Volcaniclastic sediments with Early Ordovician (480–460 Ma) zircon population demarcate these provenance shifts. The distinct source of these diverging transport pathways mid‐Paleozoic are further corroborated by dissimilar T _DM2 (Hf) model ages (2.1 vs. 1.8 Ga) and dissimilar normalized α‐dose values (Ectasian to Stenian and Ediacaran to Cambrian age populations) between the Northwestern and Southeastern domains. The abrupt mid‐Paleozoic provenance disparity following Cambrian mixing suggests an absence of local structural or geomorphic controls within Sibumasu and implies a single, cohesive sink region. Rather than fragmentation into sub‐basins, these shifts record evolving Gondwanan tectonic dynamics and paleoclimate that progressively redirected two distinct sediment dispersal systems from their continental sources (India and Australia) into a unified depocenter.