Gold deposits in Greece: Hypogene ore mineralogy as a guide for precious and critical metal exploration

Gold deposits in Greece are spatially associated with back-arc/arc related volcanic, subvolcanic and plutonic rocks, which were controlled by extensional kinematic conditions when metamorphic core complexes in the Rhodope-Serbomacedonian- and Attico-Cycladic Massifs were uplifted to near surface levels over the south-westward retreating Hellenic subduction zone. Porphyry Cu-Mo-Au, high-intermediate sulfidation epithermal Au-Ag deposits and other intrusion-related proximal to distal systems (skarn, carbonate replacement, metamorphic rock-hosted quartz veins) are characterized by enrichment of trace metallic minerals like bismuth sulfosalts and Bi-sulfotellurides, precious- and base metal tellurides and Se-bearing phases, which can be considered as pathfinder minerals for gold as they are intimately associated with gold-bearing ores. Mineralogical studies of various styles of gold deposits in Greece can be applied as an exploration tool and selected examples from well described mineralization/deposits are presented here.