Yindu Ag-Pb-Zn deposit
Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Chifeng City (Ulanhad League; Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia, China
Key Information
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The Yindu Ag-Pb-Zn deposit is located in Hexigten Banner, Chifang City, Inner Mongolia, China, near the Hebei border, with coordinates around 43° North and 117° East.
It produces silver, lead, zinc, and notable fluorite specimens with phantoms, popular among collectors.
Research suggests it is a hydrothermal vein-type deposit, with minerals like Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, and Galena, formed in a region of diverse geology including granite and volcanic rocks.
Mining has been active, focusing on ores and collectible fluorite, with limited historical details available.
The area features a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, surrounded by grasslands and forests, and has a rich Mongol and Han Chinese cultural heritage.
Geographic Location
The Yindu Ag-Pb-Zn deposit sits in Hexigten Banner, part of Chifang City in Inner Mongolia, China. This region is in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, close to the border with Hebei province, and is known for its scenic grasslands and mountainous terrain. The approximate location is 43° North latitude and 117° East longitude, making it accessible yet remote, ideal for mineral exploration.
Minerals and Geological Context
The deposit is rich in silver, lead, and zinc, with key minerals including Sphalerite (zinc sulfide), Chalcopyrite (copper iron sulfide), Pyrrhotite (iron sulfide), Galena (lead sulfide), and possibly Boulangerite (lead antimony sulfide). Fluorite (calcium fluoride) stands out, especially for its colorful, phantom-filled crystals, which are highly prized by collectors. The evidence leans toward it being a hydrothermal vein-type deposit, formed through hot, mineral-rich fluids, consistent with the region's geology, which includes granite, volcanic rocks, and past glacial activity.
Mining and History
Mining at Yindu has focused on extracting silver, lead, and zinc ores, and it has gained fame for its fluorite specimens, suggesting active operations in recent years, possibly since the late 20th century. While specific historical details are sparse, the availability of specimens indicates ongoing or recent activity, making it a site of interest for both commercial mining and mineral collecting.
Local Culture and Environment
Inner Mongolia is known for its vast grasslands and nomadic traditions, with a mix of Mongol and Han Chinese cultures. The area around Hexigten Banner has historical significance, including the Battle of Ulan Butung in 1690. The climate is continental, with cold, dry winters and warm, wet summers, supporting grasslands and forests that frame the deposit, potentially influencing its formation and mining conditions.