滇东早寒武世梅树村期浅色粘土岩层的地球化学特征和地质意义

滇东早寒武世梅树村期含磷岩系中出现的十多层浅色粘土岩层为酸性火山灰蚀变而成的变斑脱岩，它们是火山喷发事件和事件地层对比的标志。这些浅色粘土岩层中稳定微量元素Ｈｆ、Ｎｂ、Ｙ、Ｔｈ、Ｚｒ含量高于非火山成因的粘土，而Ｆｅ、Ｎｉ、Ｃｏ、Ｃｒ含量低于筇竹寺组泥岩。ＴｉＯ２／Ａｌ２Ｏ３、Ｚｒ／Ｈｆ、Ｔｉ／Ｔｈ比值属于酸性岩浆范围，球粒标准化稀土元素配分模式和具中至大的Ｅｕ负异常类似于花岗岩稀土配分模式。岩浆判别图指示了梅树村期变斑脱岩具板内花岗岩位置的亚碱性流纹岩和粗面岩岩浆亲缘性。变斑脱岩在地层序列上和区域上分布表明扬子地台西缘早寒武世初期火山活动频繁，火山喷发事件与古大陆解体和板内拉张构造运动有关。     

滇东早寒武世梅树村期浅色粘土岩层的地球化学特征和地质意义

滇东早寒武世梅树村期含磷岩系中出现的十多层浅色粘土岩层为酸性火山灰蚀变而成的变斑脱岩，它们是火山喷发事件和事件地层对比的标志。这些浅色粘土岩层中稳定微量元素Ｈｆ、Ｎｂ、Ｙ、Ｔｈ、Ｚｒ含量高于非火山成因的粘土，而Ｆｅ、Ｎｉ、Ｃｏ、Ｃｒ含量低于筇竹寺组泥岩。ＴｉＯ２／Ａｌ２Ｏ３、Ｚｒ／Ｈｆ、Ｔｉ／Ｔｈ比值属于酸性岩浆范围，球粒标准化稀土元素配分模式和具中至大的Ｅｕ负异常类似于花岗岩稀土配分模式。岩浆判别图指示了梅树村期变斑脱岩具板内花岗岩位置的亚碱性流纹岩和粗面岩岩浆亲缘性。变斑脱岩在地层序列上和区域上分布表明扬子地台西缘早寒武世初期火山活动频繁，火山喷发事件与古大陆解体和板内拉张构造运动有关     

贵州早寒武世火山活动记录及其地质意义

华南下寒武统一直引起地质学家们的关注。最近,于贵州织金戈仲伍及金沙岩孔2条剖面的下寒武统牛蹄塘组底部发现数层粘土岩,采用x射线衍射分析方法（XRD）、X荧光光谱法（XRF）及电感耦合等离子体质谱法（ICP—MS）对其进行了矿物学和地球化学研究。矿物学分析显示所研究的粘土岩的矿物组合包括：伊利石、伊利石一蒙脱石混层矿物、蒙脱石、高岭石、石英、云母、角闪石、长石、锆石等。主量元素含量分析显示粘土岩ω（K20）介于4．05％～5．75％之间,平均值为4．76％,明显高于典型的以蒙脱石为主要矿物的斑脱岩。粘土岩的微量元素含量特征表现为：相对于地壳页岩,其亲石元素,Ih、Y、Nb、Zr、Hf、Ga、U等含量较高,亲铁元素Ni、co含量较低,火山活动产物中的标志元素As含量亦较高。球粒陨石标准化多元素蜘蛛图解显示所有粘土岩样品相对亏损Rb、Nb、Pb、Sr,相对富集Ba、U;球粒陨石标准化稀土元素配分图显示它们具有右倾的轻稀土元素富集、重稀土元素亏损且具负Eu异常的稀土元素配分模式。矿物学及地球化学特征表明它们成因上属于由火山凝灰物质经水解、成岩及蚀变作用形成的钾质斑脱岩,代表了早寒武世时期于贵州地区发生的3期火山活动。通过Nb／Y—Zr／TiO2：图解判别,认为研究区钾质斑脱岩的原始岩浆性质为中酸性岩浆;进一步通过（Y＋Nb）-Rb构造判别图解投影,获得了钾质斑脱岩的源火山喷发于板内拉张环境的地球动力学信息。由于新发现的钾质斑脱岩与华南下寒武统Ni—Mo—PGE矿床存在密切的时空联系,因此,我们认为钾质斑脱岩的发现为解释由火山作用贡献了成矿物质的矿床成因观点提供了新的研究线索。     

鄂尔多斯盆地西南缘奥陶纪火山活动记录:来自陕甘地区平凉组钾质斑脱岩地球化学和锆石年代学的信息

鄂尔多斯盆地西南缘多个奥陶系剖面中出露多层粘土岩。研究表明,这些粘土岩层多为钾质斑脱岩,是火山喷发的凝灰质物质在海相环境下沉积、蚀变的产物,其研究对鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系年代地层格架的重新厘定和周缘火山-岩浆活动事件的确定具有重要意义。本文报道了鄂尔多斯盆地西南缘陕西泾阳西陵沟剖面和甘肃平凉银洞官庄剖面奥陶系平凉组钾质斑脱岩的地球化学特征和锆石U-Pb年龄。主量元素表明其源岩为中酸性岩浆,且所有样品K2O含量大于Na2O含量,显示了富钾质特征;Nb-Zr图解中样品大多落在高钾、亚碱性岩浆范围内。利用在风化过程中不活动元素对钾质斑脱岩的原岩进行了恢复,结果表明其原始岩浆为高钾亚碱性流纹英安岩和粗面安山岩。微量元素特征显示多数样品具有典型的岛弧火山岩的特征。分别对上述二个剖面的4个和2个钾质斑脱岩样品进行了LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年,获得了变化于449±3Ma~457±3Ma范围的6组谐和年龄,据此将平凉组的沉积时代厘定为晚奥陶世桑比期-凯迪期(Sandbian-Katian)。根据钾质斑脱岩区域分布判断其源于南部北秦岭地区或/和西南部北祁连地区的火山喷发。     

云南大关新地2井奥陶—志留纪之交钾质斑脱岩岩石地球化学特征分析

扬子地台内晚奥陶世末—早志留世初五峰—龙马溪组内沉积了多层钾质斑脱岩,但对于该时期扬子地台西缘钾质斑脱岩的研究报道相对较少。本文旨在通过对云南大关地区新地2井五峰—龙马溪组内沉积的钾质斑脱岩进行矿物学及地球化学分析,进一步确定扬子西缘该时期钾质斑脱岩原始岩浆类型及其所产生的构造环境。矿物学特征表明,钾质斑脱岩主要由黏土矿物和非黏土矿物组成,其中黏土矿物由伊利石和伊蒙混层组成,非黏土矿物以石英、长石、方解石、白云石和黄铁矿等为主。钾质斑脱岩主量元素以高K_2O,低TiO_2为特征,微量元素特征表现为富集Rb、Ba、Th、U等元素,Ti、P元素相对亏损,Ti/Th值指示了酸性火山灰的性质;ΣREE在(49.86～209.43)×10~(-6);与球粒陨石相比,轻稀土轻微富集、具Eu负异常,无Ce异常;在Nb/Y-Zr/TiO_2图解中,数据点主要落在安山岩和粗面英安岩之间,表明钾质斑脱岩源岩浆性质为中酸性岩浆;依据微量元素特征和构造环境判别结果,初步认为原始岩浆可能形成于岛弧环境,其火山灰来源可能与扬子北缘早古生代秦岭洋闭合过程中的板块碰撞有关。     

奥陶纪-志留纪边界附近火山活动记录：来华南周缘钾质斑脱岩的信息

扬子地台内奥陶纪顶部的五峰组到志留纪底部的龙马溪组间存在着多个粘土岩层.前人研究结果认为这些粘土岩层为钾质斑脱岩,是火山喷发的凝灰质物质在海相环境沉积、蚀变的产物.这些斑脱岩广泛分布于扬子地台周缘,对理解奥陶纪-志留纪时华南所处的大地构造位置和相应的构造事件具有重要的意义.本文对采自扬子地台内湖北宜昌地区和贵州桐梓地区奥陶纪-志留纪界线剖面的斑脱岩层进行了矿物学及地球化学工作,旨在判定其形成的构造环境.矿物学研究表明上述岩石除了含有粘土矿物外,还含有石英、长石、黑云母、磷灰石、锆石等中酸性岩浆岩中的常见矿物,属典型的钾质斑脱岩.本文利用在风化过程中不活动元素对斑脱岩的原岩进行了恢复,结果也表明其原岩为中酸性火山岩,包括安山岩-英安岩-及流纹岩等.微量元素特征显示多数样品具有典型的岛弧火山岩的特征,很可能与北面早古生代秦岭洋的闭合过程中的板块俯冲有关,也可能是早古生代在华南板块东南缘外侧存在的一古老洋壳向华南板块的俯冲.有一个样品(YC0711)没有Nb的负异常,但是具有明显的Ti负异常,在Th/Yb-Nb/Yb判别图上落在岛弧区附近,其原岩可能是富铌玄武岩之类的特殊岛弧岩石.火山活动的峰期为晚奥陶世赫南特阶时代,与地质历史上第二大的生物大灭绝事件同时.前人认为该生物灭绝事件与冈瓦纳冰川有关.考虑到华南以及欧洲、北美等地均出现大规模晚奥陶世-早侏罗纪钾质斑脱岩,奥陶纪-志留纪边界的火山事件是具有全球规模的,所喷发的岩石多是富含挥发份的中酸性岩,对大气圈和生物圈具有十分重要的影响,本文认为火山活动很可能是造成晚奥陶世的生物大灭绝事件和冈瓦纳冰川的主要诱导因素.     

山西省石墙区铝土矿地质与地球化学特征研究

[摘 要]山西省原平市石墙区铝土矿属于典型的喀斯特型铝土矿。含矿岩系自下而上包括铁质粘土层、铝土矿层、粘土层,且含矿岩系一般包含两个明显的沉积旋回。矿体主体呈层状、似层状产出,矿石结构以隐晶质结构为主,局部出现碎屑和豆鲕粒结构。矿石构造大都为块状构造。矿物学分析显示,硬水铝石、针铁矿、锐钛矿、高岭石是主要的组成矿物,另外还含有石英、伊利石、绿泥石等矿物。地球化学分析显示,主量元素主要包括Al₂O₃、SiO₂、Fe₂O₃、H₂O⁺及TiO₂,微量元素中碱性和碱土元素Li、Sr、Be、Cs、Ba 及酸土元素Zr、Hf、Nb、Ta、W 均表现为明显富集,且Zr 和Hf 之间以及Nb 和Ta 之间具有高度的相关性。地球化学指标Zr/ Hf、Nb/ Ta 以及Eu/ Eu^*- TiO₂/ Al₂O₃图解显示,底板碳酸盐岩是山西省原平市石墙区铝土矿的重要源岩。     

下扬子PTB界线深水相区粘土岩的火山成因研究及其对LPME的指示意义

全球,尤其是特提斯域二叠—三叠纪之交(PTB)剖面中普遍发育火山成因的粘土岩,对理解晚二叠世末生物大灭绝(LPME)的触发机制及相关基础地质问题具有重要意义。本文报道了在华南下扬子区新发现两条深水PTB剖面(皖南牛山和蔡村)的粘土岩工作,包括岩石学、矿物学和全岩地球化学等,填补了区域研究空白。研究结果发现,粘土岩主要由伊利石等粘土矿物,以及石英、岩浆锆石、长石等斑晶矿物组成。在地球化学上具有高K_2O、低Na_2O、相对富集大离子亲石元素(LILE)、相对亏损高场强元素(HFSE)等特征。据此,认为这些粘土岩为火山成因的钾质斑脱岩,其原岩可能为中酸性流纹英安岩,具有弧岩浆作用的源区背景。对比华南其他地区已发现的PTB界线粘土岩,发现它们成因类似,可能来源于古特提斯洋周缘陆陆碰撞,抑或是泛大洋俯冲潘吉亚大陆东缘(包括华南板块)所导致的长英质火山岩浆喷发,且具有多期多源性特点。PTB时期全球活跃的火山岩浆活动(包括镁铁质火山作用和华南地区火山灰所指征的长英质火山作用)可能是导致LPME的主要原因。     

钾质斑脱岩的研究进展

从矿物学、地球化学两个方面对钾质斑脱岩的研究进展进行综合评述.矿物学研究表明,钾质斑脱岩为岩浆成因,由粘土矿物与非粘土矿物组成,粘土矿物以伊-蒙混层矿物和伊利石为主,非粘土矿物包括原生斑晶矿物和次生矿物.钾质斑脱岩的矿物学研究有助于地层对比难题的解决,亦将促进古大陆再造研究.钾质斑脱岩及斑脱岩的主量元素数据统计结果显示,钾质斑脱岩以相对富钾为特征,K2O含量一般大于3.5%.微量元素数据统计表明,钾质斑脱岩的微量元素以Th、U的明显富集为特征,同时均具有负Eu异常并缺乏负Ce异常.通过对早寒武世、奥陶纪及志留纪的钾质斑脱岩的微量元素特征进行对比研究,认为不同时期钾质斑脱岩的微量元素与REE的配分模式表现出不同的特征,尤其是Nb/Y、Th/U等微量元素比值及(La/Yb)N、(La/Sm)N、(Gd/Yb)N、δEu和δCe等稀土元素参数的差异明显.经对比,初步判定滇东石岩头组底部钾质斑脱岩与遵义石岩头组钾质斑脱岩可能不属于同一期火山活动的产物.     

钾质斑脱岩的研究进展

从矿物学、地球化学两个方面对钾质斑脱岩的研究进展进行综合评述。矿物学研究表明，钾质斑脱岩为岩浆成因，由粘土矿物与非粘土矿物组成，粘土矿物以伊．蒙混层矿物和伊利石为主，非粘土矿物包括原生斑晶矿物和次生矿物。钾质斑脱岩的矿物学研究有助于地层对比难题的解决，亦将促进古大陆再造研究。钾质斑脱岩及斑脱岩的主量元素数据统计结果显示，钾质斑脱岩以相对富钾为特征，K2O含量一般大于3．5％。微量元素数据统计表明，钾质斑脱岩的微量元素以，Th、U的明显富集为特征，同时均具有负Eu异常并缺乏负Ce异常。通过对早寒武世、奥陶纪及志留纪的钾质斑脱岩的微量元素特征进行对比研究，认为不同时期钾质斑脱岩的微量元素与REE的配分模式表现出不同的特征，尤其是Nb／Y、Th／U等微量元素比值及（Ia/Yb）N、（Ia／Sm）N、（G/Yb）N、δEu和δCe等稀土元素参数的差异明显。经对比，初步判定滇东石岩头组底部钾质斑脱岩与遵义石岩头组钾质斑脱岩可能不属于同一期火山活动的产物。     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang formation shales in the Yangtze platform,South China: Implications for depositional setting of shales

Geochemical compositions of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation shales in the southeastern Yangtze Platform margin were investigated for provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment. The shale samples are characterized by higher abundances of large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Ba, and Pb), lower abundances of high field strength elements (Cr, Sc, and Co) and transition elements (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta) relative to average shale. North American shale composition (NASC) -normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are observed, with negative Ce anomalies, negative Eu anomalies, and positive Y anomalies. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) varies from 68.67–74.93. Alkali and alkaline element contents and CIA values suggest that the source rocks have undergone moderate weathering. The index of compositional variability (ICV), Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios vary from 0.53 to 1.07, 5.31 to 8.18 and 0.52–1.02, respectively. ICV values and relationships between Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios indicate negligible sedimentary recycling. The Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (14–26) and TiO₂/Zr (56–77) ratios imply that the source rocks of the investigated shales had intermediate igneous compositions. However, Cr/V ratios and a La/Th–Hf discrimination diagram suggest that the intermediate compositional signal of the source rocks was derived from a mixture of 75% mafic and 25% felsic igneous rocks rather than intermediate igneous rocks. The major source was the Jiangnan continental island arc with bimodal igneous rocks, lying to the south of the study area, together with a contribution from granites and gneisses uplifted and eroded in the Yangtze Block. Discrimination of tectonic setting using major and trace elements indicates that the source rocks originated in a transitional setting from active continental to passive margin, consistent with the failed intracontinental rift model for the evolution of the South China plate. The Niutitang Formation shales were deposited in a rift basin setting under conditions of anoxic bottom water in a redox-stratified water column, with organic-rich shales prospective for shale-gas production being found in deep-water downslope and basin environments rather than the shallow-water shelf.     

Trace element geochemistry of altered volcanic ash layers (tonsteins) in Late Permian coal-bearing formations of eastern Yunnan and western Guizhou Provinces, China

Trace element compositions were determined (by instrumental neutron activation analysis; INAA) in 30 samples of synsedimentary volcanic ash-derived tonsteins and detrital claystones from coal seams within the late Permian coal-bearing formation of eastern Yunnan and western Guizhou Provinces, China. The characteristics of trace-element geochemistry in the tonsteins can be distinguished from those of detrital claystones because of the former's unique volcanic-ash origin. The detrital claystones are characterized by their relatively high content of V, Ti, Sc, Cr, Co and Ni, relatively low content of Th and U, Th/U ratio, and small negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* 0.63–0.93). Overall, these trace element characteristics are consistent with a mafic source similar to the composition of basalt rocks in the erosional region on the western edge of the study area. In contrast, the tonsteins are low in V, Ti, Sc, Cr, Co and Ni contents and have a high Th/U ratio with a distinct negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* normally in the range of 0.2–0.4), consistent with a silicic magmatic source.Within the group of tonsteins, those from the lower section (P_2.1) of the coal-bearing formation are relatively high in Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta and rare earth elements (REE), as compared to those from the middle and upper sections (P_2.2+3). In trace-element discrimination diagrams (scatter plots) of Hf–Ta, Ti–Ta, Ti–V, Hf–Sc, Lu–Hf and Lu–Th, tonsteins from the P_2.1 horizon always fall in isolated distribution areas, separate from the tonsteins of the P_2.2+3 horizon. These results suggest that the source materials of tonsteins from the two separate horizons were probably derived from volcanic ash falls of two distinctly different natures. Based on a comparison of the concentrations and assemblages of trace elements between various magmatic rocks, the source materials of tonsteins from P_2.1 horizon were mostly composed of calc-alkalic, silica-poor volcanic ash (similar to rhyodacitic magma), whereas those from P_2.2+3 were apparently more siliceous and K-rich (rhyolitic magma). Thus, tonsteins from the two different horizons are characterized by unique geochemical properties, which remain constant over a wide lateral extent. Integration of trace-elemental compositions with mineralogical and textural observations makes possible the establishment of tonstein stratigraphy, thus, facilitating more precise and reliable coal-seam correlations.     

Partitioning of trace elements between rutile and silicate melts: Implications for subduction zones

Mineral/melt trace element partition coefficients were determined for rutile (TiO₂) for a large number of trace elements (Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, V, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, REE, Cr, Sb, W, U, Th). Whilst the high field strength elements (Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta) are compatible in rutile, other studied trace elements are incompatible (Sr, Th, REE). In all experiments we found D_Ta > D_Nb, D_Hf > D_Zr and D_U > D_Th. Partition coefficients for some polyvalent elements (Sb, W, and Co) were sensitive to oxygen fugacity. Melt composition exerts a strong influence on HFSE partition coefficients. With increasing polymerization of the melt, rutile/melt partition coefficients for the high field strength elements Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta increase about an order of magnitude. However, D_Nb/D_Ta and D_Hf/D_Zr are not significantly affected by melt composition. Because D_U ? D_Th, partial melting of rutile-bearing eclogite in subducted lithosphere may cause excesses of ²³⁰Th over ²³⁸U in some island arc lavas, whereas dehydration of subducted lithosphere may cause excesses of ²³⁸U over ²³⁰Th. From our partitioning results we infer partition coefficients for protactinium (Pa) which we predict to be much lower than previously anticipated. Contrary to previous studies, our data imply that rutile should not significantly influence observed ²³¹Pa-²³⁵U disequilibria in certain volcanic rocks.     

Cryptic sediment-hosted critical element mineralization from eastern Yunnan Province,southwestern China: Mineralogy,geochemistry, relationship to Emeishan alkaline magmatism and possible origin

A previous study briefly described the occurrence of a new type of Nb(Ta)-Zr(Hf)-REY-Ga (REY: rare earth elements and yttrium) polymetallic mineralization in eastern Yunnan, southwest China. In this paper, the mineralogical and geochemical features have been further advanced through a study of two regionally extensive and relatively flat-lying mineralized layers from No. XW drill core. The layers are clay-altered volcanic ash and tuffaceous clay, and are dominated by clay minerals (mixed layer illite/smectite, kaolinite, berthierine, and chamosite); with lesser amounts of quartz and variable amounts of anatase, siderite and calcite; along with trace pyrite, barite, zircon, ilmenite, galena, chalcopyrite, and REE-bearing minerals. The mineralized samples have higher Al₂O₃/TiO₂ values (13.7–41.4) and abundant rare metal elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, REE, Ga, Th, and U) whereas less mineralized samples are rich in V, Cr, Co, and Ni and have lower Al₂O₃/TiO₂ values (2.32–7.67). The mineralized samples also have strong negative δEu in chondrite-normalized REE patterns. Two processes are most likely responsible for the geochemical and mineralogical anomalies of the mineralized samples: airborne volcanic ash and multi-stage injection of low-temperature hydrothermal fluids. Based on paragenetic analysis, this polymetallic mineralization is derived from the interaction between alkaline volcanic ashes and subsequent percolation of low-temperature fluids. The intense and extensive alkaline volcanism of the early Late Permian inferred from this study possibly originated from the coeval Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP). This unique Nb(Ta)-Zr(Hf)-REE-Ga mineralization style has significant economic and geological potential for the study of mineralization of the lowest Xuanwei Formation.     

滇东黔西晚二叠世煤系中火山灰蚀变粘土岩的元素地球化学特征

对滇东?黔西晚二叠世煤系中同沉积火山灰蚀变粘土岩夹矸?正常沉积粘土岩和煤层共采46件样品,用多种仪器分析方法测定微量元素30余种?研究表明,煤系各层段中赋存的夹矸是由性质不同的火山灰沉积蚀变形成的,各层夹矸的微量元素含量及组合关系各有特点并在较大范围内保持良好的稳定性,可用于判定层位;正常沉积粘土岩与夹矸的原始物质性质不同,其微量元素含量和组合面貌各有自己特定的分布范围,两者易于区别?     

Geochemical characteristics of island-arc volcanic rocks in the Nan-Nam Pat-Phetchabun zone,northern Thailand

Late Permian-Early Triassic (P₂-T₁) volcanic rocks distributed on the eastern side of ocean-ridge and oceanic-island basalts in the Nan-Uttaradit zone were analyzed from aspects of petrographic characteristics, rock assemblage, REE, trace elements, geotectonic setting, etc., indicating that those volcanic rocks possess the characteristic features of island-arc volcanic rocks. The volcanic rock assemblage is basalt-basaltic andesite-andesite. The volcanic rocks are sub-alkaline, dominated by calc-alkaline series, with tholeiite series coming next. The chemical composition of the volcanic rocks is characterized by low TiO₂ and K₂O and high Al₂O₃ and Na₂O. Their REE patterns are of the flat, weak LREE-enrichment right-inclined type. The trace elements are characterized by the enrichment of large cation elements such as K, Rb and Ba, common enrichment of U and Th, and depletion of Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf. The petrochemical plot falls within the field of volcanic rocks, in consistency with the plot of island-arc volcanic rocks in the Jinsha River zone of China. This island-arc volcanic zone, together with the ocean-ridge/oceanic island type volcanic rocks in the Nan-Uttaradit zone, constitutes the ocean-ridge volcanic rock-island-arc magmatic rock zones which are distributed in pairs, indicating that the oceanic crust of the Nan-Uttaradit zone once was of eastward subduction. This work is of great significance in exploring the evolution of paleo-Tethys in the Nan-Uttaradit zone.     

Genesis of tuff interval and its uranium enrichment in Upper Triassic of Ordos Basin,NW China

Recently measured high gamma ray values in the Yanchang Formation of the Upper Triassic in the Ordos Basin have added an interesting and controversial twist to the study of the formation’s uranium enrichment and genesis. High uranium and thorium contents in the tuffaceous layer cause high gamma ray values in the Yanchang Formation. Petrographic studies, major elements, rare earth elements (REEs), and trace elements have been systematically analyzed to determine the composition, geochemical environment, and diagenetic processes of the layer. The observed color of the tuffaceous layer in the study area varies from yellow to yellowish brown. The tuff consists of matrix supported with sub-rounded to sub-angular lithic fragments. These lithic fragments probably derived from pre-existing rocks and incorporated into the tuffaceous layer during volcanic eruption. Quartz, plagioclase, and biotite were observed in well to poorly sorted form, in addition to framboidal pyrite and organic laminae. Measured ratios of SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ranged from 3.277 to 6.105 with an average of 3.738. The ratio of TiO₂/Al₂O₃ varied from 0.037 to 0.201 with an average of 0.061, indicating that the sediments of the tuffaceous layer originated from an intermediate magma. REE distribution patterns show sharp negative Eu anomalies, indicating a reducing environment, which is suitable for uranium deposition. A reducing environment was confirmed by black shale in the base of the Yanchang Formation. Such black shale has high organic matter content that can take kerogene from mudstone and provide a reducing environment for uranium enrichment in the tuffaceous layer. Moreover, negative Eu anomalies and the REE patterns indicate a subduction-related volcanic arc environment as the magma source of the tuffaceous layers. High values of Rb, Ba, and Sr might be the result of fluid phase activities; low values of Hf and Eu indicate the involvement of crustal material during diagenesis of the tuff. Discrimination diagrams (Th/Yb vs Ta/Yb, Th/Hf vs Ta/Hf) suggest an active continental margin as the tectonic setting of source volcanoes. Plots of Nb versus Y, Rb versus Y + Nb, TiO₂ versus Zr, and Th/Yb versus Nb/Yb of the tuffaceous content point to calc-alkaline continental arc-related magmatism. We concluded that uranium enrichment in the tuffaceous layer was supported by oxidation–reduction.