Summary
Re–Os molybdenite ages from the exocontact of the Hnilec granite-greisen body provide temporal constraints for tin, tungsten and molybdenite mineralisation in the Gemeric Superunit, Slovakia. Two molybdenite separates were taken from a representative sample of the Sn–W–Mo mineralisation at Hnilec and their Re–Os ages of 262.2 ± 0.9 and 263.8 ± 0.8 Ma (2-sigma) are in excellent agreement. The obtained Re–Os molybdenite ages are similar to recent but less precise electron microprobe monazite (276 ± 13 Ma) and U–Pb single zircon (250 ± 18 Ma) ages from the Hnilec granite intrusion, supporting a granite-related greisen origin for the Sn–W–Mo mineralisation. Our precise Re–Os molybdenite ages resolve the long time controversy over the timing of high-temperature mineralisation in the Gemeric Superunit. These Permian ages eliminate suggestions of an Alpine age. The sulphur isotope composition of the studied molybdenite is δ34S(CDT) = 1.71 ± 0.2‰ and is consistent with a magmatic sulphur source. Field observations indicate the lack of a broad contact aureole in the vicinity of the Hnilec granite body. Shallow level granite emplacement in schistose host rocks was accompanied by alteration and formation of tin-tungsten greisen in the upper part of the granite and exocontact molybdenite mineralisation, both commonly lacking in other granite bodies within the Gemeric Superunit.