This book addresses the origin of gold deposits to answer questions of science and curiosity. These answers contribute in turn to the improved exploration and mining of gold. Initially there is a summary of the methods used to address the genesis of gold deposits including some of the essential science and concepts. Five basic observations follow that apply to many gold deposits and need to be considered in any genetic ideas. Magmatic processes enriching gold are discussed followed by the role of aqueous fluids during gold deposit formation at elevated temperatures and pressures. Modifying effects after deposit formation include high-grade metamorphism, retrogression, weathering, and erosion. The main types of gold deposits are then explained within the spectrum of viable genetic ideas, with informal names for these examples that include gold-only, gold-plus, Carlin, slate-belt, epithermal, porphyry, iron oxide copper gold, and Archean greenstone. Case histories are included inwhich the role of gold geology contributed directly to discoveries—one example is at the province-scale and another at the goldfield-scale.
Unlike other books on the subject, this one addresses virtually all gold deposit types rather than focusing on one type in isolation. The primary readership includes industry geologists, senior undergraduates, postgraduates, and those with some knowledge of science and an interest in the gold industry.
Unlike other books on the subject, this one addresses virtually all gold deposit types rather than focusing on one type in isolation. The primary readership includes industry geologists, senior undergraduates, postgraduates, and those with some knowledge of science and an interest in the gold industry.
"This book caters to a wide audience ... . Formation of Gold Deposits is an invaluable resource for anyone fascinated by the intricate processes governing the formation of gold deposits. ... Formation of Gold Deposits is still a highly valuable and informative resource. It is a testament to the author's expertise and dedication that serves as an important contribution to our understanding of Earth's geological treasures." (Adam B. Bath, American Mineralogist, Vol. 108 (11), November, 2023)
"I was pleasantly surprised by the readability of the text. ... The result is a book that addresses virtually all gold deposit types, rather than focusing on one in isolation. I conclude by stating this book should be on the shelf of any industry geologists, senior undergraduates, postgraduates or people with an interest in science and the gold industry." (Brett Davis, TAG The Australian Geologist, Issue 207, June, 2023)
"It is a pleasure to read from the beginning to the end because it is written by an independent and creative spirit aiming at the essentials. ... an extremely well-informed personal perspective with a high degree of reductionism. ... The book is relevant and inspiring to anybody interested in Earth science and particularly for young and old economic geologists ... and professionals from the mineral industry." (Bernd Lehmann, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 58 (1), January, 2023)
"This is a great book. ... The book is well written, comprehensible, and very readable. ... it is highly original in its scientific contents. ... even if you are not one of the author's selected group of readers, you should enjoy the book. ... The book is rich in information on many globally important gold provinces, fields ... and deposits, presented in the text and often supported by data in tables and imaged in figures." (Walter L. Pohl, Applied Earth Science, December 10, 2022)
"This is a very welcome volume that encapsulates the ideas and observations accumulated by the author ... . The book is written clearly, with a minimum of complex academic jargon, so it is accessible for anyone from an interested undergraduate student to active explorationists ... . the book is well produced ... . The diagrams are in full color and are well drafted, clear and uncluttered, so are easy to follow along with the text." (Dave Craw, Economic Geology, Vol. 118, September 25, 2022)
"The book is augmented with case studies, case histories and some personal anecdotes that provide a useful insight into the origin of Neil's ideas and their development. Neil explains the important role of collaborative, global scientific research from a variety of disciplines ... . it provides a good summary of gold deposits from around the world. ... the book more accessible to broader audiences such as stockbrokers, company leaders and curious prospectors and not just practicing gold-focused geoscientists and students." (Rodney Boucher, AIG News, Issue 148, September, 2022)
"I was pleasantly surprised by the readability of the text. ... The result is a book that addresses virtually all gold deposit types, rather than focusing on one in isolation. I conclude by stating this book should be on the shelf of any industry geologists, senior undergraduates, postgraduates or people with an interest in science and the gold industry." (Brett Davis, TAG The Australian Geologist, Issue 207, June, 2023)
"It is a pleasure to read from the beginning to the end because it is written by an independent and creative spirit aiming at the essentials. ... an extremely well-informed personal perspective with a high degree of reductionism. ... The book is relevant and inspiring to anybody interested in Earth science and particularly for young and old economic geologists ... and professionals from the mineral industry." (Bernd Lehmann, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 58 (1), January, 2023)
"This is a great book. ... The book is well written, comprehensible, and very readable. ... it is highly original in its scientific contents. ... even if you are not one of the author's selected group of readers, you should enjoy the book. ... The book is rich in information on many globally important gold provinces, fields ... and deposits, presented in the text and often supported by data in tables and imaged in figures." (Walter L. Pohl, Applied Earth Science, December 10, 2022)
"This is a very welcome volume that encapsulates the ideas and observations accumulated by the author ... . The book is written clearly, with a minimum of complex academic jargon, so it is accessible for anyone from an interested undergraduate student to active explorationists ... . the book is well produced ... . The diagrams are in full color and are well drafted, clear and uncluttered, so are easy to follow along with the text." (Dave Craw, Economic Geology, Vol. 118, September 25, 2022)
"The book is augmented with case studies, case histories and some personal anecdotes that provide a useful insight into the origin of Neil's ideas and their development. Neil explains the important role of collaborative, global scientific research from a variety of disciplines ... . it provides a good summary of gold deposits from around the world. ... the book more accessible to broader audiences such as stockbrokers, company leaders and curious prospectors and not just practicing gold-focused geoscientists and students." (Rodney Boucher, AIG News, Issue 148, September, 2022)