Geology, petrography and geochemistry of rhyolite-hosted uranium mineralization at Mohar, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh

In the westernmost part of the Bundelkhand Granitoid Complex (BGC), a mesa structure represents a unique outlier, surrounded by brecciated granite and filled with Vindhyan sedimentary rocks locally known as the Dhala Formation near Mohar village of Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. Uranium mineralisation located in the area is mostly associated with rhyolite of peralkaline to peraluminous in nature, that has a high average uranium concentration (30 ppm). The mineralization is in or adjacent to caldera and is hydrothermal vein-type. Radioactivity is mainly due to coffinite with limited radioactivity due to U-Ti complex, uranium adsorbed in clay and labile uranium along fracture. Coffinite occurs in association with pyrite and chalcopyrite or chlorite with presence of fluorite. Features such as chloritisation, clay formation and sulfide mineralisation manifest hydrothermal alteration. Chemical analysis indicates the aluminous nature of the rock and their high K₂O/Na₂O (3.81–12.84) ratios are suggestive of predominance of potash feldspar over sodic. The alteration index varies from 49.88–92.40, which, reflects high intensity of hydrothermal alteration. Chlorite-carbonatepyrite index (CCPI), a measure of the intensity of replacement of sodic feldspars and glass by sericite, chlorite, carbonate, and pyrite associated with hydrothermal alteration proximal to the ore bodies varies from 3.84–49.66. On the basis of core study, geochemistry and mineralogy, it is envisaged that epigenetic hydrothermal solutions were responsible for concentration of uranium as coffinite, radioactive carbonaceous matter and adsorbed uranium phases in rhyolite with sulfide confined to weak planes.     

New constraints on fluid sources in orogenic gold deposits,Victoria, Australia

Fluid inclusion microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy and noble gas plus halogen geochemistry, complemented by published stable isotope data, have been used to assess the origin of gold-rich fluids in the Lachlan Fold Belt of central Victoria, south-eastern Australia. Victorian gold deposits vary from large turbidite-hosted ‘orogenic’ lode and disseminated-stockwork gold-only deposits, formed close to the metamorphic peak, to smaller polymetallic gold deposits, temporally associated with later post-orogenic granite intrusions. Despite the differences in relative timing, metal association and the size of these deposits, fluid inclusion microthermometry indicates that all deposits are genetically associated with similar low-salinity aqueous, CO₂-bearing fluids. The majority of these fluid inclusions also have similar ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar values of less than 1500 and ³⁶Ar concentrations of 2.6–58 ppb (by mass) that are equal to or much greater than air-saturation levels (1.3–2.7 ppb). Limited amounts of nitrogen-rich fluids are present at a local scale and have the highest measured ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar values of up to 5,700, suggesting an external or distinct source compared to the aqueous fluids. The predominance of low-salinity aqueous–carbonic fluids with low ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar values, in both ‘orogenic’ and ‘intrusion-related’ gold deposits, is attributed to fluid production from common basement volcano-sedimentary sequences and fluid interaction with sedimentary cover rocks (turbidites). Aqueous fluid inclusions in the Stawell–Magdala deposit of western Victoria (including those associated with N₂) preserve mantle-like Br/Cl and I/Cl values. In contrast, fluid inclusions in deposits in the eastern structural zones, which contain more abundant shales, have elevated molar I/Cl ratios with maximum values of 5,170 × 10⁻⁶ in the Melbourne Zone. Br/I ratios in this zone range from 0.5 to 3.0 that are characteristic of fluid interaction with organic-rich sediments. The maximum I/Cl and characteristic Br/I ratios provide evidence for organic Br and I released during metamorphism of the shales. Therefore, the regional data provide strong evidence for the involvement of sedimentary components in gold mineralisation, but are consistent with deeper metamorphic fluid sources from basement volcano-sedimentary rocks. The overlying sediments are probably involved in gold mineralisation via fluid–rock interaction.     

Whole-rock chemistry of the Gameleira I uranium deposit,Lagoa Real,Brazil

The Lagoa Real uranium (U) province, referred to as Lagoa Real, is located in the state of Bahia, north-eastern Brazil. Lagoa Real has ∼112,000 metric tonnes and average grade of 2700 ppm of U₃O₈, being one of the largest U deposits in the world and the largest in Brazil. Despite its economic and strategic importance, there are gaps in the geological knowledge of the Lagoa Real U deposits. One of them is the lack of extensive whole-rock chemical data sets. Here, we present whole-rock chemical analyses for major and trace elements, including the rare-earth elements (REE), from barren country rocks to uraniferous ore shoot, systematically sampled from an exploratory drill hole. The chemical data indicate that albitite rocks, with and without uraniferous mineralisation, cannot result from sodic syenitic magmatism, as proposed by recent studies. Petrographical and geochemical evidence supports the previously suggested concept that the Lagoa Real albitite rocks resulted from sodic metasomatism of the granitic country rock, known as the São Timóteo granite. Their ore-mineral assemblages and geochemical characteristics are similar to albitite-hosted U deposits worldwide.     

Nature of uranium mineralisation in the Kerpura-Tiwari-ka-bas area,Sikar district,Rajasthan

Mineralisation of uraninite and brannerite occurs in the albitised metasedimentary and intrusive igneous rocks of Kerpura-Tiwari-ka-bas area in Sikar district, Rajasthan. Samples collected from well dumps contain 0.016 to 1.52% U₃O₈ with very low ThO₂. The host rocks show wide variation in chemical composition due to varying degree of alkali metasomatism, associated alteration and composition of protoliths. The spatial distribution of uranium in groundwater as well as rock samples from well dumps indicates localisation of the uranium mineralisation along NNE-SSW and NWSE directions in Kerpura block. Petrographic and lithogeochemical studies point towards close genetic relationship between alkali metasomatism and uranium mineralisation. The mineralisation seems to be due to mobilisation of uranium and other LILEs by metasomatising fluids and their deposition along shear zones at a later stage, which may not be spatially related to zones of intense albitisation.     

大兴安岭扎兰屯地区四班岩体岩石成因及构造环境研究

大兴安岭扎兰屯地区四班岩体主要由正长花岗岩和二长花岗岩组成,内部发育细粒闪长质包体。二长花岗岩和正长花岗岩LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年结果分别为303±3Ma和291±3Ma,属于晚古生代岩浆活动的产物。四班花岗质岩石高硅(67.9~77.5 wt%)、富碱(K_2O+Na_2O=7.55~10.79 w%)、相对高铝(Al_2O_3=12.05~16.33 wt%),富集轻稀土元素(LREE)和大离子亲石元素(LILE),而亏损高场强元素(Nb、Ta、Ti和P等),属于高钾钙碱性I型花岗岩。四班花岗质岩石内部发育的闪长质微粒包体及花岗岩与其伴生的基性岩的"一锅粥"现象,表明四班花岗质岩石具有岩浆混合成因的特征,地球化学特征也支持上述观点。四班岩体显示后碰撞岩浆岩的岩石学及地球化学特征,为后碰撞阶段岩石圈地幔拆沉减薄壳幔相互作用的产物。     

Geochemistry of granites and metasediments of the urban area of Vila Real (northern Portugal) and correlative radon risk

Radon concentration was evaluated in dwellings of the urban area of Vila Real (Northern Portugal). The area is mainly composed of Hercynian granites and Cambrian metasediments, and CR-39 passive detectors (n = 112) were used for the purpose. The results obtained in winter conditions suggest that the most productive geological unit is the Hercynian granite G1 (geometric mean of 364 Bq/m³), while Cambrian metasediments of the Douro Group show the lowest average indoor radon concentration (236 Bq/m³). The geological, geochemical and radiological data obtained suggest that the most effective control on the radon concentrations of the area is related with the uranium content of the rocks; indeed, the highest contents were observed in granite G1 (21 ppm) and the lowest in the metasediments (3 ppm). This is also confirmed by the results obtained for groundwater, where granites present the highest concentrations of dissolved radon (up to 938 Bq/l), uranium (5–18 ppb) and gross α activities (0.47–0.92 Bq/l). No important radiometric anomalies were found in relation with geological structures such as faults, veins and contacts, but a moderate increase of the uranium content can occur locally in such structures. Petrographic observations and SEM studies show that uranium is mainly contained within the rock in heavy accessory minerals (apatite, zircon, monazite, xenotime), which reduces radon emanation. Notwithstanding, due to the high U contents granites show a significant potential to induce indoor radon concentrations in dwellings in excess of the recommended value of 400 Bq/m³. Overall, we can conclude that the region of Vila Real presents a moderate to high radon risk in dwellings and groundwater.     

Late Triassic U-bearing and barren granites in the Miao'ershan batholith,South China: Petrogenetic discrimination and exploration significance

The Miao'ershan uranium ore district is one of the most important granite-hosted uranium producers in South China. There are several Triassic granite plutons in the Miao'ershan batholith, but uranium ore deposits mainly occur within the Douzhashan granitic body. Precise zircon U–Pb dating indicated that these Triassic granite plutons were emplaced during 204 to 215 Ma. The Douzhashan U-bearing granite lies in the central part of the Miao'ershan batholith, and has higher U contents (8.0 to 26.1 ppm, average 17.0 ppm) than the nearby Xiangcaoping granite (5.0 to 9.3 ppm, average 7.0 ppm) and the Yangqiaoling granite (6.4 to 18.3 ppm, average 11.5 ppm) in the south part of the batholith. The Douzhashan granite is composed of medium-grained two-mica granite, whereas the Xiangcaoping and Yangqiaoling granites are composed of porphyritic biotite granite. Both the Xiangcaoping and Douzhashan granites have high A/CNK ratios (> 1.10), high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (> 0.720) and low ε_Nd(t) values (− 11.3 to − 10.4), suggesting that they belong to strongly peraluminous S-type granites. The Douzhashan granite has low CaO/Na₂O ratios, high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios, indicating a partial melting origin of clay-rich pelitic rocks. In contrast, the Xiangcaoping granite formed from clay-poor psammite-derived melt. The Yangqiaoling granite shows different geochemical characteristics with the Douzhashan and Xiangcaoping granites, indicating a different magma source. The Yangqiaoling granite has higher ε_Nd(t) of − 9.4 to − 8.3 and variable A/CNK values from 0.98 to 1.19, suggesting a mixture source of meta-sedimentary rocks and meta-igneous rocks. Crystallization fractionation is not the main mechanism for U enrichment in the Douzhashan granite. We suggest that U-rich pelitic rock sources may be the key factor to generate peraluminous U-bearing granites in South China. Searching for those granites which are reduced, strongly peraluminous and were derived from U-rich pelitic rocks, is the most effective way for exploring granite-hosted U deposits.     

Re–Os molybdenite dating of granite-related Sn–W–Mo mineralisation at Hnilec, Gemeric Superunit, Slovakia

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.     

A Petrological and Geochemical Account of Subsurface Noritic Intrusion in the Western Part of Bundelkhand Massif,Shivpuri District,M.P.

Subsurface exploration for uranium in the northwestern part of Bundelkhand massif, near Khor area, Shivpuri dist., M.P., resulted in intercepting a substantial thickness of mafic rock within Bundelkhand granitoid. Intercepts of this mafic rock at various levels in the boreholes, indicate that the rock mainly occurs as dykelike intrusion and fracture-fills within Bundelkhand granite. It is essentially composed of hypersthene and plagioclase, with or without olivine, leading to the characterisation as hypersthene microdolerite, noritic dolerite and norite (±olivine), depending on the grainsize and variation from intergranular to ophitic texture. Chemically, the rock is characterised by av. 49.09% SiO₂, 2.46%TiO₂, 2.33 Fe₂O₃, 9.45% FeO, 5.75% MgO, 8.37% CaO and 0.96% K₂O. The normative composition ranges from 3.53% quartz, 46.86% plagioclase, 12.58% diopside, 19.24% hypersthene. The olivine normative samples show av. 5.65% olivine. Geochemical plots indicate an intra-plate affinity along with oceanic signature, while presence of mineralogical and normative olivine, together with the REE pattern, point towards a lower crustal or mantle source. The mineralogical and normative presence of either quartz or olivine in these mafic rocks implies that it has an intermediate character between the tholeiitic dolerite dykes and the komatiite-type ultramafics reported from Bundelkhand craton. The complex geochemical signature of the rocks also reveals that both intra-continental as well as a mixture of oceanic- to upper mantle signatures are evident. The present study is a first time report of the occurrence of this hitherto unknown noritic body at depth within the Bundelkhand granite, which has no visible surface expression. The findings may strengthen the existing concept of a continuum between Rajasthan craton in the west and Bundelkhand craton in the east, as a single protocontinent.     

阿拉善宗乃山岩体东南缘花岗岩LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄与地球化学特征

阿拉善宗乃山岩体东南缘分布多种类型的花岗岩,本文主要采用岩相学、激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)锆石U-Pb定年、岩石地球化学等技术手段,对宗乃山岩体东南缘岩石类型、年代学、源岩特征以及构造背景进行了研究。结果表明:岩石类型主要为碱性-钙碱性准铝质花岗岩和闪长岩;单颗粒锆石分析获得黑云母斜长花岗岩年龄为236.8±1.9 Ma~249.7±2.6 Ma,片麻状花岗岩年龄为268.1±1.1 Ma,岩体成岩时期主要为华力西晚期和印支期早期,具有多期侵入的特征。该岩体岩石源岩为I型花岗岩,源于地壳火山弧区和同碰撞区,表明由于洋壳俯冲作用,在宗乃山东南缘形成了岛弧花岗岩侵入体。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年技术为洋壳俯冲提供了年代学约束,确定了研究区碰撞时间为早于236.8±1.9 Ma。     

粤西庞西垌银矿床稀土元素地球化学

分析了粤西廉江庞西垌银矿床不同地质岩石稀土元素地球化学特征,对矿床围岩花岗岩的成因以及矿床成矿物质来源进行了讨论,认为英桥花岗岩体为壳幔混合源同熔花岗岩。银矿床中矿化蚀变岩继承了原岩的稀土特征,热液成因石英脉的稀土元素特征与混合岩基本一致,反映成矿物质主要来源于混合岩。     

Coupled uranium mineralisation and bacterial sulphate reduction for the genesis of the Baxingtu sandstone-hosted U deposit,SW Songliao Basin,NE China

The Baxingtu deposit is a typical redox front tabular-shaped uranium deposit hosted in sandstones of the Late Cretaceous Yaojia Formation deposited within a braided river environment during the post-rift stage of the Songliao Basin, in northeast China. This study proposes the first metallogenic model for the Baxingtu deposit and provides new data on genetic processes involved in the uranium mineralisation of sandstone-type deposits that were characterised through petrographic observations, whole-rock geochemistry, and geochemical and/or mineralogical study of iron disulphide, uranium minerals, Fe-Ti oxides (EPMA, LA-ICP-MS), and organic matter (REP). The δ³⁴S value has been measured in situ by SIMS on the different generations of iron disulphide.Within regional primary reduced sandstones, pre-ore uranium enrichment (U_mean = 7.6 ppm in whole rock) was identified on altered Fe-Ti oxides along with minor concentrations on organic matter (respectively 26.3% and 1.3% of the whole-rock U content), which together represent a significant source of uranium for the mineralisation. Additional pre-ore uranium concentrations may also be associated with clay minerals. Petrographic observations and REP data indicate that organic matter occurring in the host-sandstone is mainly inherited from land plants and corresponds to type III or type IV kerogens. Ore-stage iron disulphides largely occur as framboids and in replacement of organic matter or also as sub-idiomorphic to idiomorphic cement and crystal. Trace element signatures detected within framboids are likely indicative of formation mainly from a single event. Framboids and iron disulphide in replacement of organic matter have a light sulphur isotope signature characterised by δ³⁴S values from −72.0 to −6.2‰, suggesting that sulphur originated from bacterial sulphate reduction, which was mainly responsible for (1) the liberation of U from Fe-Ti oxides and organic matter, (2) the generation of ore-stage iron disulphides, (3) the bioreduction of uranium and (4) the production of a secondary H₂S-rich reducing barrier also involved in uranium reduction. Uranyl and sulphate ions were transported through the host sandstone by low-temperature oxygenated groundwater and U(IV) was precipitated at the redox interface as nano to microcrystals of pitchblende and coffinite, dominantly associated with bacterial substrate and as intergrowth with biogenic iron disulphide or directly associated with organic matter and residual Ti-Fe oxides. The uranium mineralisation does not replace ore-stage iron disulphides. Therefore, the combined mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic characteristics of the Baxingtu tabular uranium deposit characterise dominantly biogenic processes for the genesis of the uranium mineralisation.     

滇西勐满金矿床成矿物质来源分析及矿床成因探讨——来自年代学、矿物学及地球化学的证据

勐满金矿床位于云南省勐海县境内,地处临沧-景洪褶皱束之临沧-澜沧复背斜南部,截至2005年探明金矿资源量17t,主矿体属于地表红土型氧化矿,平均品位为0.60×10-6。文章基于对勐满金矿床矿区内新元古界曼来组片岩和中侏罗统花开左组碎屑岩及矿区外围东部的临沧花岗岩的LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄测定,探讨了曼来组片岩和花开左组碎屑岩地层的物质来源,追溯母岩的物质源区,并结合矿区普遍发育的硅化岩和硅质脉体的地球化学特征,分析了金成矿的物质来源。勐满金矿床曼来组中主要碎屑锆石年龄为(957.0±9.8)Ma,属新元古代早青白口纪;中侏罗系花开左组主要碎屑锆石年龄为(224.2±2.8)Ma,与临沧花岗岩基中2件黑云母二长花岗岩的年龄(分别为(228.7±2.8)Ma和(229.4±2.0)Ma)一致,表明花开左组地层的物质来源可能与临沧花岗岩有关。微量元素测试结果显示,矿区硅化岩与硅质脉体具有相似的稀土元素配分模式与微量元素组成,均表现为富集U、Th、Pb等大离子亲石元素,亏损Zr、Hf、Nb、Ta等高场强元素,轻稀土元素明显富集,重稀土元素亏损,中-弱的Eu负异常,Ce异常不明显,与矿区围岩及临沧花岗岩体南部的黑云母花岗岩具有相似的变化趋势。硅化岩稀土元素总量为42.3×10-6~311.0×10-6,平均为131.8×10-6;硅质脉体稀土元素总量为5.0×10-6~280×10-6,平均为56.8×10-6,显示硅化岩相对于硅质脉体具有更高的稀土元素总量。硅质脉体((La/Yb)N为4.3~133.4,平均36.7)相对于硅化岩((La/Yb)N为2.1~26,平均为8.5)具有更高的轻、重稀土元素分馏特征。硅化岩的地球化学特征变化介于围岩与硅质脉之间,表明硅化岩既继承了围岩特征,又有经热泉活动改造的痕迹。综合锆石年代学结果与沉积物源分析,认为矿区花开左组砂岩主要为临沧岩体经受风化搬运沉积的产物,曼来组向花开左组提供金的量不足以形成花开左组中的碎屑岩型矿体,热泉活动产生的流体是金成矿的另一重要物质来源,同时是导致金后期富集的重要因素。据此推断,花开左组是赋矿层位,而并非矿源层。结合低硫型矿床标志性矿物冰长石的出现,提出勐满金矿属于典型的与热泉活动有关的低硫型浅成低温热液金矿。     

内蒙古嘎仙镍钴矿区岩浆作用与成矿

内蒙古嘎仙矿床为大兴安岭北段与岩浆作用有关的大型低品位镍钴硫化物矿床,成矿作用主要与花岗质岩浆作用有关。文章主要对矿区内矿体下盘的花岗岩类(花岗斑岩、长石斑岩、伟晶状花岗岩、黑云母花岗岩)进行了锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年,获得花岗斑岩的谐和线年龄(125.3±1.1)Ma～(127.5±4.5)Ma,长石斑岩的谐和线年龄为(128.1±2.2)Ma,伟晶状花岗岩的谐和线年龄为(127.9±2.3)Ma,黑云母花岗岩的谐和线年龄为(127.9±1.4)Ma,说明这些花岗岩类主要形成于中生代早白垩世。通过对矿化超镁铁岩、科马提岩、镁铁岩(辉绿岩、玄武岩)、长英质岩(闪长岩、长石斑岩、斜长花岗岩、花岗斑岩、伟晶状花岗岩、黑云母花岗岩)及围岩(大理岩)的主量、微量元素地球化学测试分析,结果表明,与吉峰科马提岩成分相比较,矿化超镁铁岩具有较高的w(SiO_2)(40.53%～54.96%)、w(TiO_2)(0.24%～0.86%)、w(Al_2O_3)(3.58%～10.47%)、w(FeO)(5.30%～8.80%)、w(CaO)(7.35%～13.66%)、w(Na_2O)(0.01%～0.76%)、w(K_2O)(0.02%～0.66%)和w(P_2O_5)(0.06%～0.61%);镁铁岩(包括辉绿辉长岩、玄武岩)铝含量较高,w(Al_2O_3)=16.34%～17.74%;长英质岩类也富铝质(Al_2O_3/(CaO+Na_2O+K_2O)=1.34～1.63),多数岩石属于钙碱性系列。闪长岩与镁铁岩相比,具有较高的硅、铝、钾、钠,较低的铁、镁和钙,微量元素具有大离子亲石元素富集,高场强元素相对亏损的右倾模式;稀土元素具有轻稀土元素富集,重稀土元素相对亏损特征,超镁铁岩类成分点位于N-MORB与OIB范围之间,而镁铁岩和长英质岩类成分点位于E-MORB和OIB之间。镁铁岩落入火山弧玄武岩范围,长英质岩落入火山弧花岗岩+同碰撞花岗岩范围,同属于造山后花岗岩的范围,因此镁铁质岩的形成应属于俯冲-碰撞环境,而长英质岩的形成应属于造山后伸展环境。根据各岩类所含成矿元素和亲流体元素分析,认为含矿热液来自矿区西部的深部,并且构建了嘎仙矿床的成矿模型,即超镁铁岩先期侵位,后期经历了区域的变质变形,最后发生燕山期大规模花岗质岩浆活动及成矿流体的蚀变矿化。     

Enigmatic association of the carbonatite and alkali-pyroxenite along the Northern Shear Zone, Purulia, West Bengal: A saga of primary magmatic carbonatite

The Purulia carbonatite, ‘carbonatite’-‘alkali-pyroxenite’-‘apatite-magnetite rock’ association, is located at Beldih area of Purulia district, West Bengal and falls within the 100 km long Northern Shear Zone (NSZ). Published literature suggests that the Purulia carbonatite was formed by the process of liquid immiscibility from under-saturated silicate parent magma. However, no silica under-saturated rocks like ijolite, nepheline-syenite etc. is known from the area. The trace element geochemistry (Ba/La, Nb/Th, Nb/Pb and Y/Ce ratios in the present study) also does not support this view. Present study indicates that the Purulia carbonatite is enriched in ΣREE and incompatible elements but the carbonatite is also poorer in Nb, Th and Pb compared to the world average of calicocarbonatites. The lower value of Nb is characteristics of carbo(hydro)thermal carbonatite where carbonatite is associated with alkali-pyroxenite and suggests probable origin of the carbonatite as carbothermal residua evolved from an unknown parentage. However, the field, petrographic and geochemical data indicate the genesis of this carbonatite from a primary carbonatitic magma of mantle decent. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of the carbonatite and apatite separated from the carbonatite (∼0.703) implies primary magmatic derivation of the Purulia carbonatite. Close similarity of the apatite of the apatite-magnetite rock with the mantle apatite (of type Apatite B) indicates that they are also of primary magmatic origin. The present work portrays a unique example where primary magmatic carbonatite is associated with the alkali-pyroxenite.     

保山地块漕涧复式岩体晚白垩世花岗岩地球化学特征及锆石U-Pb年代学意义

滇西保山地块存在晚白垩世岩浆活动,其岩浆岩成因、源区属性及地球动力学背景尚不明确。对出露于保山地块北部漕涧复式花岗岩体晚白垩世花岗岩全岩地球化学及锆石U-Pb年龄进行了研究。1件样品LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb同位素测年结果为68.8±1.2Ma(MSWD=3.3,n=12),显示晚白垩世的年龄信息。全岩地球化学研究表明,漕涧复式花岗岩体晚白垩世花岗岩为高硅(SiO_2=69.72%～76.09%)、富钾(K_2O=4.63%～6.65%)、过铝质(A/CNK=1.06～1.16)的S型花岗岩,岩浆形成于陆壳中部泥质岩石的部分熔融,残留相为麻粒岩,残留相主要组成矿物为斜长石+角闪石+石榴子石。保山地块在晚白垩世—古近纪发育多期过铝质花岗岩,部分学者认为这些花岗岩可能为新特提斯洋板片东向俯冲过程中保山地块内陆增厚地壳熔融的产物,但新特提斯洋开始俯冲的时限存在争议,可能比该期花岗岩晚。研究认为,保山地块晚白垩世花岗岩可能是在印支运动形成的全球性潘加亚大陆多次裂解形成现今全球海域分布格局这一区域性的伸展背景下,深部热流(地幔物质)上升,同时有来自于地壳的含水流体的加入,引起了中部地壳物质的部分熔融。岩体的岩石地球化学特征是岩浆源区的反映,而非岩浆产出的大地构造背景的体现。     

Uranium-bearing and barren granites from the Taoshan Complex,Jiangxi Province,South China: Geochemical and petrogenetic discrimination and exploration significance

The Taoshan uranium ore district is one of the most important granite-hosted uranium producers in South China. The Taoshan granitic complex can be petrographically classified into several units of Caijiang, Huangpi, Daguzhai, and Luobuli, but the uranium deposits only occur within the Daguzhai granite unit. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that both the Daguzhai granite and the Huangpi granite were emplaced at 154 ± 2 Ma. U contents (average 19.5 ppm) of the Daguzhai granite are higher than those of the Huangpi granite (average 7.3 ppm). The Daguzhai granite is composed of medium-grained two-mica granite, and the Huangpi granite is composed of medium- to coarse-grained biotite granite. These two granites show obvious differences in major element, trace element and isotopic geochemical characteristics. Compared to the Huangpi granite, the Daguzhai granite has higher A/CNK ratios, higher P₂O₅ contents and lower CaO contents, and is more enriched in Rb, Ba, U, and more depleted in Sr, Eu and Ti. The ε_Nd(t) values of the Daguzhai granite vary from − 12.2 to − 11.0 with two-stage model ages of 1.84 to 1.93 Ga. The ε_Nd(t) values of the Huangpi granite are slightly higher (− 9.7 to − 8.6) and the Nd model ages are younger (1.64 to 1.73 Ga). Comparative studies imply that the Daguzhai granite belongs to typical S-type and might be derived from the partial melting of parametamorphic rocks from metamorphic basement of the Zhoutan Group. In contrast, the Huangpi granite belongs to fractioned I-type, which might be derived from the partial melting of a mixture of ortho- and para-metamorphic rocks of the Zhoutan Group. These different magma sources might explain the different U contents of the two granites. In general, the source factor is an important controlling factor for the genesis of U-bearing granites in South China. U-bearing granites in South China show some common mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, which can be used to guide further exploration of granite-hosted U deposits.     

The Proterozoic,albitite-hosted,Valhalla uranium deposit,Queensland, Australia: a description of the alteration assemblage associated with uranium mineralisation in diamond drill hole V39

The Valhalla uranium deposit, located 40 km north of Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia, is an albitite-hosted, Mesoproterozoic U deposit similar to albitite-hosted uranium deposits in the Ukraine, Sweden, Brazil and Guyana. Uranium mineralisation is hosted by a thick package of interbedded fine-grained sandstones, arkoses and gritty siltstones that are bound by metabasalts belonging to the ca. 1,780 Ma Eastern Creek Volcanics in the Western Succession of the Mount Isa basin. Alteration associated with U mineralisation can be divided into an early, main and late stage. The early stage is dominated by laminated and intensely altered rock comprising albite, reibeckite, calcite, (titano)magnetite ± brannerite. The main stage of mineralisation is dominated by brecciated and intensely altered rocks that comprise laminated and intensely altered rock cemented by brannerite, apatite, (uranoan)-zircon, uraninite, anatase, albite, reibeckite, calcite and hematite. The late stage of mineralisation comprises uraninite, red hematite, dolomite, calcite, chlorite, quartz and Pb-, Fe-, Cu-sulfides. Brannerite has U–Pb and Pb–Pb ages that indicate formation between 1,555 and 1,510 Ma, with significant Pb loss evident at ca. 1,200 Ma, coincident with the assemblage of Rodinia. The oldest ages of the brannerite overlap with ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 1,533 ± 9 Ma and 1,551 ± 7 Ma from early and main-stage reibeckite and are interpreted to represent the timing of formation of the deposit. These ages coincide with the timing of peak metamorphism in the Mount Isa area during the Isan Orogeny. Lithogeochemical assessment of whole rock data that includes mineralised and unmineralised samples from the greater Mount Isa district reveals that mineralisation involved the removal of K, Ba and Si and the addition of Na, Ca, U, V, Zr, P, Sr, F and Y. U/Th ratios indicate that the ore-forming fluid was oxidised, whereas the crystal chemistry of apatite and reibeckite within the ore zone suggests that F⁻ and were important ore-transporting complexes. δ¹⁸O values of co-existing calcite and reibeckite indicate that mineralisation occurred between 340 and 380°C and involved a fluid having δ¹⁸O_fluid values between 6.5 and 8.6‰. Reibeckite δD values reveal that the ore fluid had a δD_fluid value between −98 and −54‰. The mineral assemblages associated with early and main stages of alteration, plus δ¹⁸O_fluid and δD_fluid values, and timing of the U mineralisation are all very similar to those associated with Na–Ca alteration in the Eastern Succession of the Mount Isa basin, where a magmatic fluid is favoured for this style of alteration. However, isotopic data from Valhalla is also consistent with that from the nearby Mount Isa Cu deposit where a basinal brine is proposed for the transport of metals to the deposit. Based on the evidence to hand, the source fluids could have been derived from either or both the metasediments that underlie the Eastern Creek Volcanics or magmatism that is manifest in the Mount Isa area as small pegmatite dykes that intruded during the Isan Orogeny.     

Occurrence of uranium in metasedimentary enclaves within basement granite, near Peddur and Kottur, Karimnagar District, Andhra Pradesh

Several radioactive anomalies due to uranium and thorium, associated with the mesedimentary enclaves (Archaean) within granite (Archaean to Early-Proterozoic) have been recorded in parts of Karimnagar Granulite Terrain, Karimnagar Dist. At Peddur and Kottur, Uraninite has been identified in the samples of metasediments. The metasediment from these two places have been subjected to granulite facies of metamorphism and host high values of uranium with negligible thorium. In Peddur, samples of metasediments have assayed as high as 1.96% U₃O₈ with negligible thorium, and in Kottur up to 0.059% U₃O₈. Leaching studies on these samples have indicated that most of the U₃O₈ present is leachable. This discovery has opened up the possibility of finding uranium mineralisation in Archaean metasediments and thus provides a thrust for uranium exploration in similar geological environs in India. Further, the basement granite along with the metasedimentary enclaves has the potential to act as a provenance for a possible unconformity type or sandstone type U-deposit in the rocks of overlying Pakhal and Gondwana Supergroup, in Pranhita-Godavari Basin, situated to the east of this area.     

内蒙古狼山地区早石炭世角闪辉长岩、花岗闪长岩的岩石成因及构造意义

内蒙古狼山山脉西侧分布有大面积的晚古生代岩浆岩,时代集中在早石炭世—晚二叠世,早石炭世角闪辉长岩、花岗闪长岩体出露于潮格温都尔镇西侧。角闪辉长岩体呈岩滴状产出,被花岗闪长岩体侵入,LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄显示,角闪辉长岩的~(206)Pb/~(238)U加权平均年龄为329.0±2.3 Ma,花岗闪长岩的~(206)Pb/~(238)U加权平均年龄为331.1±0.9 Ma~330.0±4.2 Ma。花岗闪长岩暗色矿物以角闪石为主,富钠(Na2O=3.48%~4.46%),高钠钾比值(Na2O/K2O=1.03~2.39),钙碱性系列,P2O5-SiO_2之间存在较好的负相关性,岩石地球化学特征具Ⅰ型花岗岩的特点。Hf同位素及元素地球化学特征指示了角闪辉长岩及花岗闪长岩均来自于受地壳混染的亏损地幔,为同源岩浆演化的产物。角闪辉长岩及花岗闪长岩稀土元素配分型式一致,均为轻稀土元素富集,重稀土元素亏损,具弱的负Eu异常;角闪辉长岩富集Ba、Sr,亏损Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf;花岗闪长岩富集大离子亲石元素Rb、K、Pb、Sr,不同程度地亏损高场强元素Nb、Ta、P、Ti,总体反映了岩浆弧的地球化学特征。结合区域地质背景,早石炭世狼山地区侵入岩岩石组合为角闪辉长岩(闪长岩)+石英闪长岩+花岗闪长岩,认为狼山地区早石炭世处于大陆边缘弧构造背景。