Abstract: We have determined the major and trace element composition of approximately 2700 gold particles from 21 gold-bearing mesothermal quartz veins and 35 placer gold samples from the Klondike District in western Yukon Territory. Measured Au, Ag, Cu, and Hg contents were used to define a characteristic geochemical signature for each of the vein samples. These signatures were then compared with the various compositional populations that we have distinguished within each of the placer samples. Preliminary conclusions derived from the study include: 1) placer gold in both recent stream deposits and in the Plio-Pleistocene White Channel Gravels is detrital in origin; 2) the placer gold is mainly, if not entirely, derived from mesothermal quartz veins; 3) all lode sources for the placer gold have not yet been located; and 4) composition data can be used to link placer gold to its specific lode source.

Authors: Knight, J.B., Mortensen, J.K., and Morison, S.R.

Map Scale: 1 : 0

NTS Mapsheet(s): 115O, 116B

Citation: Knight, J.B., Mortensen, J.K., and Morison, S.R. (eds), 1994. Shape and Composition of Lode and Placer Gold from the Klondike District, Yukon, Canada (115O, parts of 116 B). Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Exploration and Geological Services Division, Yukon Region, Bulletin 3, 142 p.

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