One third of the gold and gold-silver deposits in Yukon were examined and sampled in 1980 to establish a framework of geology and rock chemistry from which variations within and between deposits could be detected and evaluated. Lithologic units within the samples were analyzed for Au, Ag, B, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Tl, Pb, Bi, Sb, Te, W, Hg, Mo and Cd - elements commonly associated with precious metal deposits. A problem which prevented systematic sampling of many deposits is the lack of underground access and the locally intense oxidation of vein outcrops.
Three aspects of the rock geochemistry are discussed:: 1) different levels of element concentration in the deposits and implications regarding pathfinder elements; 2) distribution of elements in deposit types; and 3) element distribution in specific deposits.
The geology of the deposits is summarized from published works and interpreted in light of recent theories on gold deposits. This report emphasizes common features of the deposits and several genetic models.