Hydrothermal fluid processes create ore deposits on Earth and potentially other rocky planets

Hydrothermal fluids, heated to hundreds of degrees Celsius, are crucial for forming most economically viable ore deposits. These superheated fluids can dissolve and transport significant amounts of minerals, including metals like gold. These fluids originate from magma chambers, where dissolved gases like water and carbon dioxide are released as the magma cools. This process can create pegmatite deposits with large crystals, often rich in lithium or rare-earth elements, and hydrothermal vein deposits, also known as orogenic ores, which are frequently associated with mountain-building events. While hydrothermal processes are primarily associated with Earth's geology, evidence suggests they may also occur on other rocky bodies in the solar system, including the Moon and Mars. Lower-temperature hydrothermal deposits, sometimes involving surface water, are also found but are likely exclusive to Earth.