Geological characteristics and ore-forming process of the gold deposits in the western Qinling region, China

•We prefer to classify gold deposits in the western Qinling Orogen into orogenic, Carlin-type, and Carlin-like gold deposits.•We describe major characteristics of different types of gold deposits in the western Qinling Orogen.•We select several typical gold deposits for a detailed study.•We discuss the differences and links between different types of gold deposits and their ore-forming process.•We provide potential genetic models for the formation of different types of gold deposits.