Geochemistry of Trace Elements during Ore-Forming Processes in Yinshan Deposit

ＩＮＴＲＯＤＵＣＴＩＯＮＴｈｅＹｉｎｓｈａｎｄｅｐｏｓｉｔｉｎｔｈｅｎｏｒｔｈｅａｓｔｅｒｎＪｉａｎｇｘｉＰｒｏｖｉｎｃｅｏｆＣｈｉｎａｉｓａｌａｒｇｅ ｓｕｐｅｒｌａｒｇｅｐｏｌｙｍｅｔａｌｌｉｃＣｕ Ｚｎ Ｐｂ Ａｇ Ａｕｄｅ ｐｏｓｉｔ.Ｔｈｏｕｇｈｔｈｅｒｅａｒｅｍａｎｙｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｔａｒｇｕｍｅｎｔｓａｂｏｕｔｔｈｅｇｅｎｅｓｅｓｏｆｔｈｅｄｅｐｏｓｉｔ(Ｈａｏ ,1998;Ｚｈａｎｇ ,1997;ＪｉａｎｇｘｉＧｅｏ ｌｏｇｉｃＥｘｐｌｏｒａｔｉｏｎＢｕｒｅａｕ ,1996 ;Ｚｈａｎｇ ,1996 ;Ｈｕａ ,1987;Ｙ…     

东坪金矿床成矿过程中稀土元素活动性

尽管稀土元素常被认为是惰性元素,但在热液交代蚀变和化学风化作用过程中具有一定程度的活动性,河北省东坪与碱性岩有关的改进改造型热液金矿床成矿过程中,热液蚀变作用使近矿围岩ＬＲＥＥ／ＨＲＥＥ比值增大,并出现现铈正常异常;石英脉型金矿石的稀土元素分布模式呈出现明显的继承性,脉石矿物石英,钾长石的稀土元素组成相对富ＨＲＥＥ,且在脉石石英出现明显的铕正异常,研究结果表明在中,高温,近中性,较高氧逸度成矿流体     

Geochemistry and Genesis of Iron-apatite Ore in the Khanlogh Deposit, Eastern Cenozoic Quchan-Sabzevar Magmatic Arc, NE Iran

The Khanlogh deposit in the Cenozoic Quchan-Sabzevar magmatic belt, NE Iran, is hosted by Oligocene granodioritic rock. The Khanlogh intrusive body is I-type granitoid of the calc-alkaline series. The orebodies are vein, veinlet, massive, and breccia in shape and occur along the fault zones and fractures within the host rock. Ore minerals dominantly comprise magnetite and apatite associated with epidote, clinopyroxene, calcite, quartz, and chlorite. Apatites of the Khanlogh deposit have a high concentration of REE, and show a strong LREE/HREE ratio with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly. Magnetites have a high concentration of REE and show weak to moderate LREE/HREE fractionation. They are comparable to the REE patterns in Kiruna-type iron ores and show an affinity to calc-alkaline magmas. The Khanlogh deposit is similar in the aspects of host rock lithology, alteration, mineralogy, and mineral chemistry to the Kiruna-type deposits. Field observations, hydrothermal alteration halos, style of mineralization, and the geochemical characteristics of apatite, magnetite, and host rock indicate that these magnetite veins have hydrothermal origin similar to Cenozoic Kiruna-type deposits within the Tarom subzone, NW Iran, and are not related to silica-iron oxide immiscibility, as are the major Precambrian magnetite deposits in central Iran.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987112001478

REE composition of the carbonates of the auriferous quartz carbonate veins (QCVs) of the Neoarchean Ajjanahalli gold deposit, Chitradurga schist belt, Dharwar Craton, is characterized by U-shaped chondrite normalized REE patterns with both LREE and HREE enrichment and a distinct positive Eu anomaly. As positive Eu anomaly is associated with low oxygen fugacity, we propose that the auriferous fluids responsible for gold mineralization at Ajjanahalli could be from an oxygen depleted fluid. The observed positive Eu anomaly is interpreted to suggest the derivation of the auriferous fluids from a mantle reservoir. The location of Ajjanahalli gold deposit in a crustal scale shear zone is consistent with this interpretation.     

Hydrothermal Redistribution of Rare—Earth Elements in Pingxiang Dacite,Guangxi

Distribution of the rare-earth elements (REE) in dacite has been studied so as to get a better understanding of the migration behavior of REE during alteration. Both unaltered and altered samples were collected in an unpolluted area of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southwest China. The REE concentrations were analyzed by ICP-MS. It is concluded that the REE were enriched during dacite alteration in varying degrees. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of altered samples approximately maintain the characteristics of unaltered samples. However, if we normalize the REE concentrations of altered samples with unaltered dacite, fractionation of REE will appear. The LREE are more enriched than HREE in all altered samples with the LREE possibly precipitated as carbonate minerals. Both positive and negative Eu anomalies exist. Enrichment, immobility and depletion are noticed for the element Lu. Heavy mineral alteration, difference in stability constant between carbonate LREE and HREE complexes, downward migration of weathering fluid and microenvironment change may be responsible for the fractionation of REE in the altered dacite.     

REE Geochemistry of the Lead—Zinc Ores from the Jinding Lead—Zinc Deposit,Lanping,Yunnan

Nineteen volcanic and magmatic rock samples were collectecd from the Jinding leadzinc deposit and its surrounding areas in Yunnan.The ICP and AES analyses,feferred to the previous results,show that the metal minerals and altered rocks in the Jinding lead-zinc deposit display a decreasing trend of ∑REE from the early to late stages of mineralization,and similarities in REE distribution patterns,indicating that the ore fluids are characterized by high LREE enrichment,markedly negative δCe anomaly and slight δEu anomaly.These REE distribution paterns exhibit striking similarities to those of the Pliocene trachyte in the study area,both of which are similar in ∑REE,LREE/HREE ratio,δEu and δCe.The ore fluids besides the basin fluids in the deposit are also closely related to those associated with Pliocene trachyte magmas.     

The behaviour of trace and rare earth elements (REE) during hydrothermal alteration in the Rangan area (Central Iran)

The rhyolitic dome in the Rangan area has been subjected to hydrothermal alterations by two different systems, (1) A fossil magmatic–hydrothermal system with a powerful thermal engine of a deep monzodioritic magma, (2) An active hydrothermal system dominated by meteoric water. Based on mineralogical and geochemical studies, three different alteration facies have been identified (phyllic, advanced argillic and silicic) with notable differences in REE and other trace elements behaviour. In the phyllic alteration zone with assemblage minerals such as sericite, pyrite, quartz, kaolinite, LREE are relatively depleted whereas HREE are enriched. The advanced argillic zone is identified by the presence of alunite–jarosite and pyrophyllite as well as immobility of LREE and depletion in HREE. In the silicic zone, most of LREE are depleted but HREE patterns are unchanged compared to their fresh rock equivalents. All the REE fractionation ratios (La/Yb)_cn, (La/Sm)_cn, (Tb/Yb)_cn, (Ce/Ce¹)_cn and (Eu/Eu¹)_cn are low in the phyllic altered facies. (Eu/Eu¹)_cn in both advanced and silicic facies is low too. In all alteration zones, high field strength elements (HFSE) (e.g. Ti, Zr, Nb) are depleted whereas transition elements (e.g. V, Cr, Co, Ni, Fe) are enriched. Geochemically speaking, trace and rare earth elements behave highly selective in different facies.     

碳酸盐(岩)的稀土元素特征及其古环境指示意义

稀土元素主要通过交代碳酸盐矿物的Ca^{2+0进入碳酸盐格架,所以沉积碳酸盐(岩}的稀土元素特征能够很好的指示沉积流体来源和古环境。常用的稀土元素指标包括稀土元素总量(ΣREE)、稀土元素配分型式、以及La、Ce、Eu、Gd和Y等元素的异常指数。碳酸盐(岩)的稀土元素含量可能受到硅酸盐矿物、Fe-Mn氧化物/氢氧化物和磷酸盐等非碳酸盐组分以及成岩蚀变作用的影响。因此,在分析过程中,我们只有排除这些影响因素,才能用碳酸盐(岩)的稀土元素指标来探讨流体来源和古环境。这要求我们采集新鲜剖面上的样品,并用适当浓度的弱酸进行分步溶样,提取适当的组分,避免样品中的非碳酸盐组分干扰原始沉积组分的稀土元素特征。不同的沉积水体和沉积相下形成的碳酸盐(岩)具有不同的稀土元素特征:从太古宙到全新世的海相碳酸盐(岩)记录了LREE亏损、La正异常和高Y/Ho值的稀土元素特征;海底孔隙水的稀土元素特征则受氧化-还原条件、离子络合形式、孔隙流体来源的制约;热液流体具有LREE富集、Eu正异常的稀土元素特征;河水和湖泊有相对平坦的稀土元素特征。因此,碳酸盐(岩)的稀土元素特征具有重要的古环境指示意义。     

The world-class Natalka gold deposit, northeast Russia: REE patterns, fluid inclusions, stable oxygen isotopes, and formation conditions of ore

REE patterns of hydrothermally altered rocks, fluid inclusions, and stable oxygen isotopes of quartz were studied at the Natalka gold deposit. Metasomatic rocks formed under decompression reveal gradual depletion in LREE and HREE relative to siltstone of the protolith. The HREE patterns of metasomatic rocks formed under decompression are uniform; an insignificant removal of LREE can be noted. The progressive extraction of REE with increasing alteration of rocks could have been due to the effect of magmatogenic or meteoric fluid. Because a Ce anomaly is absent, the participation of oxidized meteoric water was limited. The inverse correlation between the total REE content and the Eu anomaly value in altered rocks indicates a substantial role of magmatogenic fluid. The REE patterns of altered rocks formed under compression show that the role of metamorphic fluid was not great. All metasomatic rocks are enriched in LREE, so that the enrichment of fluid in LREE as well may be suggested. Three fluid compositions were captured as fluid inclusions: (1) H₂O-CO₂-NaCl-MgCl₂ with a salinity of 1.0–4.9 wt % NaCl equiv, (2) CO₂-CH₄, and (3) H₂O-NaCl-MgCl₂ with a salinity of 7.0–5.6 wt % NaCl equiv. Compositions (1) and (2) coexisted in the mineral-forming system at 250–350°C and 1.1–2.4 kbar as products of phase separation under conditions of decreasing P and T. The interaction of this fluid with host rocks resulted in the formation of extensive halos of beresitized rocks with sulfide disseminations. The precipitation of arsenopyrite and pyrite led to the substantial depletion of mineral-forming fluid in H₂S and destabilization of the Au(HS)^2? complex. The fluid with the third composition arose due to the boiling of the H₂O-CO₂-CH₄-NaCl-MgCl₂ liquid and was responsible for metasomatic alteration of host rocks. The late mineral assemblages were deposited from this fluid at the initial stage of ore formation. The high methane concentrations in the ore-forming fluid were likely caused by interaction of hydrothermal ore-bearing solutions with carbonaceous host rocks. The δ¹⁸O values of quartz from quartz-scheelite-pyrite-arsenopyrite and sulfide-sulfosalt mineral assemblages vary from +11.6 to +14.1‰ and +11.2 to +13.5‰, respectively. The parental fluids of the early and late mineral assemblages probably were derived from a magmatic source and were characterized by $ \delta ^{18} O_{H_2 O} REE patterns of hydrothermally altered rocks, fluid inclusions, and stable oxygen isotopes of quartz were studied at the Natalka gold deposit. Metasomatic rocks formed under decompression reveal gradual depletion in LREE and HREE relative to siltstone of the protolith. The HREE patterns of metasomatic rocks formed under decompression are uniform; an insignificant removal of LREE can be noted. The progressive extraction of REE with increasing alteration of rocks could have been due to the effect of magmatogenic or meteoric fluid. Because a Ce anomaly is absent, the participation of oxidized meteoric water was limited. The inverse correlation between the total REE content and the Eu anomaly value in altered rocks indicates a substantial role of magmatogenic fluid. The REE patterns of altered rocks formed under compression show that the role of metamorphic fluid was not great. All metasomatic rocks are enriched in LREE, so that the enrichment of fluid in LREE as well may be suggested. Three fluid compositions were captured as fluid inclusions: (1) H₂O-CO₂-NaCl-MgCl₂ with a salinity of 1.0–4.9 wt % NaCl equiv, (2) CO₂-CH₄, and (3) H₂O-NaCl-MgCl₂ with a salinity of 7.0–5.6 wt % NaCl equiv. Compositions (1) and (2) coexisted in the mineral-forming system at 250–350°C and 1.1–2.4 kbar as products of phase separation under conditions of decreasing P and T. The interaction of this fluid with host rocks resulted in the formation of extensive halos of beresitized rocks with sulfide disseminations. The precipitation of arsenopyrite and pyrite led to the substantial depletion of mineral-forming fluid in H₂S and destabilization of the Au(HS)²⁻ complex. The fluid with the third composition arose due to the boiling of the H₂O-CO₂-CH₄-NaCl-MgCl₂ liquid and was responsible for metasomatic alteration of host rocks. The late mineral assemblages were deposited from this fluid at the initial stage of ore formation. The high methane concentrations in the ore-forming fluid were likely caused by interaction of hydrothermal ore-bearing solutions with carbonaceous host rocks. The δ¹⁸O values of quartz from quartz-scheelite-pyrite-arsenopyrite and sulfide-sulfosalt mineral assemblages vary from +11.6 to +14.1‰ and +11.2 to +13.5‰, respectively. The parental fluids of the early and late mineral assemblages probably were derived from a magmatic source and were characterized by = +6.3 to +8.8‰ at 350°C and +3.6 to +5.9‰ at 280°C, respectively. The narrow interval of oxygen isotopic compositions shows that this source was homogeneous. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the deposit formation was related to magmatic activity, including the direct supply of ore components from a magma chamber and mobilization of these components in the processes of dehydration and decarbonation during contact and regional metamorphism. Original Russian Text ? N.A. Goryachev, O.V. Vikent’eva, N.S. Bortnikov, V.Yu. Prokof’ev, V.A. Alpatov, V.V. Golub, 2008, published in Geologiya Rudnykh Mestorozhdenii, 2008, Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 414–444.     

Petrogenetic significance of rare-earth element behavior in the basement rocks of southern Obudu Plateau, Bamenda Massif, southeastern Nigeria

Rock samples representing various igneous and metamorphic rocks of southern Obudu Plateau were analyzed for rare-earth element ( REE ) behavior by ICP-MS. Results of the analyses indicate a range of REE abundances and distinctive patterns from highly fraetionated patterns with negative Eu anomalies in granitic rocks to relatively low abundances and less REE fractionated flat patterns with little Eu anomaly in some paragneisses, schists, enderbites and dolerites to unfractionated patterns with positive Eu anomalies in some paragneisses and charnockites. Over all, there are low to high ∑ REE contents with negative to positive Eu anomalies. The ratios of different parameters, especially La/Yb and Ce/Yb, show behaviors consistent with crustal to mantle derivation. The heterogeneity of REE abundances and REE patterns reflects mantle to crustal petrogenetic variations of different rock suites on the Plateau. The LREE content is higher than the HREE content in the highly differentiated rocks, as evidenced by their La/Yb,Ce/Yb and La/Sm ratios, which are normally higher in residual products than in primary melts. The dominantly intermediate nature of the source rock of the orthogneisses is suggested by the generally low ∑ REE. The granites enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE and some of the charnockites with negative Eu anomalies were probably formed by partial melting and crystallization.     

德兴朱砂红斑岩铜矿热液蚀变作用及元素地球化学迁移规律

德兴铜矿是中国华南地区重要的大型斑岩铜矿,由朱砂红、铜厂和富家坞3个矿床组成。在系统的钻孔样岩相观察基础上,本文把德兴朱砂红花岗闪长斑岩划分为3种类型蚀变岩(钾化-黑云母化蚀变岩、绿泥石化蚀变岩、石英-绢(白)云母化蚀变岩),其主要标志性蚀变矿物依次为:钾长石(黑云母)→绿泥石→石英+绢(白)云母,且热液蚀变程度依次增强。以Al₂O₃作为不活动组分,通过Isocon分析法表明:随着热液蚀变作用的持续进行,蚀变程度的逐渐增强,主量元素(P₂O₅)行为较稳定,Na₂O、Sr元素大量活化迁出;高场强元素Hf、Th、U、V、Co、Nb、Ta等表现为弱活动性或不活动性;成矿元素Cu、Pb、W显示出大量带入,表明热液流体和成矿流体可能属于同一流体系统。稀土元素均发生一定程度的活化迁移,其中绿泥石化蚀变岩的LREE、HREE均较原岩亏损,而石英-绢(白)云母化花岗闪长斑岩的LREE、HREE富集/亏损情况因样品而异,相对增量/减量变化幅度较大。各类蚀变花岗闪长斑岩球粒陨石化配分模式表现较一致,均为轻稀土相对于重稀土富集的右倾分布,极弱Eu负异常,曲线左陡右平缓,尾部轻微上翘,形似铲状,反映岩浆源区角闪石的分离结晶作用。蚀变花岗闪长斑岩的Y/Ho比值与球粒陨石的Y/Ho比值基本一致,表明Y-Ho在热液蚀变过程中未发生明显分离。弱蚀变花岗闪长斑岩具有较高Sr/Y比值、La/Sm比值以及中等Sm/Yb比值,暗示源区残留相主要为角闪石±石榴子石。     

REE geochemistry of the recent playa sediments from the Thar Desert, India: An implication to playa sediment provenance

The playas (saline lakes) situated in the Thar Desert, north-west India, provide prominent examples of alkaline brine and varying assemblages of detrital and evaporite mineralogy. The eastern margin of the desert is relatively semi-arid, whereas the central to western region is arid to hyper-arid in nature. Rare earth elements (REEs) systematics in the sediments of nine different playas of the Thar Desert were studied to understand the provenance of the sediments and the intensity of chemical weathering in the region. Based on the REE patterns, fractionation of light REE (LREE) (La/Sm)_N and heavy REE (HREE) (Gd/Yb)_N, and Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*), the upper continental crust normalised playa sediments are divided into two different groups. The eastern margin playa sediments show homogeneous REE contents, relatively positive Eu anomaly and depleted HREE values, whereas the western arid core playa sediments have highly variable REE contents, relatively negative Eu anomaly and similarly fractioned LREE and HREE patterns. The dissimilarity in the degree of HREE fractionations both in the eastern and western playa sediments is attributed to the differential distribution of minerals, depending upon their resistance to chemical weathering. It is believed that the relatively higher abundance of REE bearing heavy minerals and the presence of higher amounts of evaporites influence the large variation of REE distribution and enriched HREE in the western playa sediments. Apart from the relatively higher abundance of heavy minerals, the presence of rock fragments of variable petrographic character and roundness mirror the lower rock–water interaction in the arid western region. The presence of well-rounded metamorphic rock fragments and minerals, sourced from the eastern margin Aravalli mountains, indicates that the playas of the entire desert get the detrital and dissolved material mainly from the Aravalli mountains. Additionally, the western playas receive sediments from their surrounding Proterozoic and Mesozoic formations. This interpretation is supported by the presence of angular rock fragments of basalt, rhyolite and limestone in the western playas.     

Geochemical behavior of rare earth elements in hydrothermally altered rocks of the Kuroko mining area,Japan

In this study we analyzed the chemical composition of hydrothermally altered dacite and basalt from the Kuroko mining area, northeastern Honshu, Japan, by REE (rare earth element). Features of rare earth element analyses include: (1) altered footwall dacite exhibits a negative Eu anomaly compared with fresh dacite, suggesting preferential removal of Eu²⁺ from the altered dacite via hydrothermal solutions, (2) altered hangingwall dacite and basalt and dacite and basalt adjacent to ore deposits exhibit positive Eu anomalies compared with fresh dacite and basalt, suggesting addition of Eu²⁺ from hydrothermal solutions, (3) LREE ratio (∑LREE/∑REE) from altered dacite of chlorite–sericite zone and K-feldspar zone show a negative relationship with δ¹⁸O, and La/Sm ratios show a positive correlation with the K₂O index. These trends indicate the addition of light rare earth elements such as La to the altered dacite from hydrothermal solution and/or leaching of heavy rare earth elements such as Sm and Yb, (4) Principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that light rare earth elements enrichment is related to the formation of sericite zone near the Kuroko deposits but not to the formations of chlorite and K-feldspar zones, and (5) The correlations among REE features (LREE ratio, MREE ratio, HREE ratio, Eu/Eu?), δ¹⁸O and K₂O index are not found for montmorillonite zone, mixed layer clay mineral zone and mordenite zone. Therefore, it is inferred that sericite, chlorite and K-feldspar alterations are related to the Kuroko and vein-type mineralization, but montmorillonite and mordenite alterations are not related to the mineralizations, and probably they formed at the post-mineralization stage.     

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of hydrothermal alteration and episyenitization in the Königshain granites, northern Bohemian Massif, Germany

The late-Hercynian granites of Königshain underwent multistage hydrothermal processes. Extensive high-temperature late-magmatic alteration is, for example, indicated by low Zr/Hf and an REE pattern displaying the tetrad effect. Intensive post-magmatic alteration of the granite occurred along brittle structures. At least two main stages of post-magmatic hydrothermal alteration are involved. The first high-temperature stage, which is characterized by albitization and/or quartz leaching (episyenitization), resulted from fluid–rock interaction with late-magmatic fluids that very probably mixed with external low-salinity fluids. Quartz dissolution was triggered by vapour condensation and/or the cooling of these fluids (below 450??°C) along brittle structures. The high porosity resulting from quartz leaching during stage 1 assisted subsequent circulation of low-temperature fluids at stage 2; the latter is characterized by the chloritization and illitization of episyenites. Almost all major and trace elements were enriched or depleted during one of the main alteration stages. However, Zr, Hf, Th, and Ti were immobile during post-magmatic alteration. The significant depletion of LREE and the enrichment of HREE in albitized samples is controlled by the dissolution of monazite and the new formation of HREE-rich polycrase-(Y) or aeschynite-(Y) during post-magmatic stage 1. Negative Ce anomalies of episyenites are associated with illitization and suggest oxidizing conditions during stage 2.     

西藏日土县拉热拉新花岗岩体特征及构造环境

拉热拉新花岗岩体属于唐古拉-东达山花岗岩带西段羌塘花岗岩区的组成部分,岩石类型主要为黑云角闪闪长岩、黑云角闪石英闪长岩、黑云角闪石英二长岩、黑云花岗闪长岩、黑云二长花岗岩、黑云花岗岩。其地球化学特征表现为：富Si,K,贫Ti,Mg,Fe,Ca,铝饱和指数ACNK〈1．1,稀土元素球粒陨石标准化图式呈右倾斜的“V”字型,LREE富集,HREE相对亏损,铕亏损。其形成时代为早白垩世,为多期次同碰撞的同熔型花岗岩。     

The mobility of rare-earth and other elements in the process of alteration of rhyolitic rocks to bentonite (Lebombo Volcanic Mountainous Chain, Mozambique)

Ca-type bentonite deposits of economic interest occur associated with rhyolitic rocks in the Lebombo volcanics. From previous geological studies on the deposits, besides the economic aspects, little is known about the main formation mechanism of beds of bentonite that can be more than 15 m thick, in some places. Chemical analyses of bentonite samples indicate that elements such as Ca, Mg, Sr, Zn, Cu and Sc are markedly enriched in bentonite in comparison to the parent rock. Other elements such as K, Na, Rb and Ba are depleted in bentonite. HREE (Yb, Lu) and Y are depleted in the bentonite samples, as well as Cs, Rb, Ta, U, Ba, Co, Cr and Pb. Concentrations of the LREE (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu), Sc and Ga are slightly higher in the bentonites than in the parent rocks. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns show identical trends both in the rhyolites and bentonites samples. Alteration of the parent rocks to bentonite is associated with leaching and subsequent removal of, principally, K and Na in open-system conditions.     

Phillipsite formation in nephelinitic rocks in response to hydrothermal alteration at Mount Etinde,Cameroon

Fresh nephelinitic rocks and hydrothermally altered rocks at Mount Etinde (Cameroon Volcanic Line, West Africa) have been studied by combined whole rock geochemistry (ICP-MS), mineralogy and mineral chemistry (SEM-EDS, WDS, XRD) techniques. The nephelinites have feldspathoids, clinopyroxene, perovskite and titanomagnetite as the principal minerals in the mode with subsidiary apatite and sphene. The mineralogy of their hydrothermally altered counterparts includes phillipsite, calcite and analcime which are secondary phases developed in response to hydrothermal fluid events. Correspondingly, the bulk rock geochemical data show elevated SiO₂, CaO, Na₂O and K₂O concentrations with increasing alteration and Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ depletion while MgO, MnO and TiO₂ concentrations are largely unaffected. The nephelinites also have high concentrations of LILLE, HFSE and REE and upon hydrothermal alteration they show an enrichment of LREE and MREE over HREE. Phillipsite is the principal alteration mineral in the rocks and it occurs along cracks, vesicles and also forms alteromorphs after feldspathoids. The Ce content of these categories of phillipsite varies. Phillipsite along cracks is richer in Ce while phillipsite associated with calcite has lower Ce concentration and the phillipsite alteromorphs very little or no Ce. Various stages of fluid circulation are proposed hereby to explain the variations in phillipsite generation and composition.     

Behaviour of REE and mass balance calculations in a lateritic profile over chlorite schists in South Cameroon

An in situ weathering profile overlying chlorite schists in the Mbalmayo-Bengbis formations (South Cameroon) was chosen for the study of the behaviour of REE and the evaluation of geochemical mass balance. After physical and mineralogical studies, the chlorite schists and the undisturbed weathered materials were chemically analyzed for major elements (X-ray fluorescence and titrimetry) and REE (ICP-MS). The behaviour of the REE in the Mbalmayo weathering system was established in comparison with the REE of the reference parent rock. Mass balance calculations were applied to both major elements and REE. The mineralogy of the materials was determined with the aid of a Philips 1720, diffractometer. The chlorite schists of the Mbalmayo sector show low REE contents (Σ=153.44 ppm). These rocks are relatively rich in LREE (about 125 times the chondritic value) and relatively poor in HREE (about 20 times the chondritic value). The REE diagram normalized to chondrites shows a slightly split graph ((La/Yb)_N=6.18) with marked enrichment in LREE (LREE/HREE=9.50) in relation to HREE. Moreover, these spectra do not present any Ce anomaly, but a slightly positive Eu anomaly. The imperfectly evolved profile, whose materials are genetically linked, shows an atypical behaviour of REE. In effect, the LREE are more mobile than the HREE during weathering ((La/Yb)NASC<1) with weak Ce anomalies. This has been rarely reported in lateritic profiles characterized by higher HREE mobility than LREE during weathering processes with high Ce anomalies. This is either due to the difference in the stability of REE-bearing minerals, or to the weak acidic to basic pH conditions (6.70<pH<7.80), or even due to the average evolution of the weathering materials. The pathway of the REE along the profile is as follows: (1) leaching in the saprolites and summit of the profile, except for Ce, which precipitates very weakly in the nodular materials and the coarse saprolite materials, (2) at the base of the profile, solutions come in contact with chlorite schist formations, at this level, the pH increases (pH=7.79), HREE and a part of LREE partially void of Ce precipitate and (3) the other part of LREE precipitates further up in the profile. The geochemical mass balance calculations reveal that these elements are leached in the same phases as the relatively high Si, Al, K and Fe²⁺ contents.     

Rare-earth element mobility during ore-forming hydrothermal alteration: A case study of Dongping gold deposit Hebei Province,China

REE mobility during hydrothermal ore-forming processes has been extensively investigated in recent years and the potential of REE to provide information about ore forming processes has commonly been recognized.The Dongping gold deposit,which is located in northwestern Hebei Province,China,occurring in the inner contact zone of the Shuiquangou syenite complex,is spatially,and probably genetically,related to the syenite,the deposit was formed under the moderate to high temperature(220℃ to 320℃),weakly acidic to weakly alkaline,rather high fo2(lgfo2=-30～-34)environment.The REE study of the host rocks,altered wall rocks,ores and gangue minerals from the deposit suggests that the REEs have been mobilized and differentiated during K-feldspathization and silicification.The extremely altered syenite enveloping auriferous quartz vein shows positive Ce anomaly and larger LREE/HREE ratio than that of the unaltered syenite.The REE concentrations and patterns of the ores are determined by the ore types and mineral assemblages,LREE/HREE ratios in the gangue quartz and hydrothermal Kfeldspars are relatively low.The most significant observation is that the gangue quartz shows significant positive Eu anomaly,whereas the hydrothermal K-feldspars show less significant or no positive Eu anomaly at all relative to the primary feldspar in the unaltered syenite. It is evident that the REEs are mobile during K-feldspathization and silicification in the ore forming process.Weak to moderate K-feldspathization caused REE mobility without apparent differentiation with the exception of extreme K-feldspathization and silicification which resulted in significant depletion of HREE and Eu and relative enrichment of Ce.The REE,Y,U,Th and Au contents of the syenite decrease as the degrees of K-feldspathization and silicification of the rocks increase towards the auriferous quartz veins.As the ores were deposited under a rather oxidized environment,Ce^4 predominated over Ce^3 .The precipitation of the former in the form of CeO2 or absorpted onto the secondary mineral assemblage resulted in the inconsistent removal of the REE and the relative Ce enrichment in the strongly altered rocks.in contrast,Eu was present mainly in a low valence state (Eu^2 ).The geochemical differences from the other REE^3 and much less sites in the secondary minerals to accommodate the Eu released form the original minerals resulted in the enrichment of Eu in the fluids.The mobility and differentiation of REE and the coherent mobilities of Y,U,Th and Au also support the argument that the syenite is one of the source rocks for gold mineralization.The REE contents and patterns of the altered rocks enveloping the auriferous quartz vein could be used as a guide for locating ore veins in mineral exploration.     

川西呷村黑矿型多金属矿床热液体系稀土元素组成特征

本文首次测定了呷村黑矿矿石中流体包裹体的ＲＥＥ组成,计算了与含矿流纹岩系熔体平衡的岩浆热液ＲＥＥ含量。主成矿期流体具有轻稀土富集、Ｅｕ明显正异常的特点,但岩浆热液却具有明显的Ｅｕ负异常特征,结合热液体系氧同位素及稀土元素交换反应模拟,表明岩浆热液不是直接的成矿热液。蚀变围岩具显著的Ｅｕ正异常,其它稀土元素出现亏损。蚀变反应水／岩比值较大,蚀变岩中的ＲＥＥ组成反映了成矿热液ＲＥＥ的特点,且ＲＥＥ亏损