Geology and genesis of the Cheremshanka silica deposit, western Transbaikal region, Russia

The geology and genesis of a large high-grade silica deposit is considered. It occurs in the form of a quartzite layer, 20–50 m thick, extending for 8 km in conformity with the host Upper Proterozoic silicate-carbonate metasedimentary rocks. The average content of SiO₂ is 99.2%. It has been established that quartzite was formed by metasomatic silicification of sandstone during metamorphism of the carbonate-silicate sequence. The rocks were silicified by infiltration acid leaching, whereas long-term refinement of quartzite was provided by diffusion in finely dispersed capillary-porous systems, where the energy of the solution-solid phase interface was important. In the course of metasomatic migration of components, Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Fe, and other elements were removed from quartzite and formed gold-sulfide mineralization in contact zones of the quartzite body. This opens up opportunities for discovering economic Au-Ag and Pb-Zn ores in the ore field.     

Phosphate and sulfate-phosphate mineralization in sillimanite-bearing rocks at the Kyakhta deposit,western Transbaikal region

The phosphate and sulfate-phosphate minerals in the sillimanite-bearing rocks of the Kyakhta deposit are considered. The mineral assemblages of the high-Al rocks were formed during prograde and retrograde stages of metamorphism. The first stage is characterized by the formation of sillimanite, corundum, muscovite, quartz, rutile, titanohematite, magnetite, feldspar, biotite, lazulite, and wagnerite. The muscovite composition showed that sillimanite paragenesis was formed at temperatures above 510–600°C. According to oxygen isotope thermometry, the minimum metamorphic temperature for quartz and titanohematite is 690°C. Andalusite, diaspore, quartz, pyrophyllite, muscovite, and a wide range of phosphates and sulfate-phosphates crystallized during the retrograde stage. The decrease in temperature and increase in the water content led to the following sequence of mineral formation: Mg-Fe-Al-Ca-REE-rich phosphates (lazulite, scorzalite, augelite, apatite, and monazite) → Ca-Sr sulfate-phosphates (woodhouseite and svanbergite) → sulfate (barite) → Sr-Ca-Ba aluminophosphates (goyazite, crandallite, and gorceixite). The chemical compositions of phosphates and sulfate-phosphates minerals and their formation conditions are discussed.     

Mineralogy of metamorphosed carbonatite of the Vesely occurrence, Northern Transbaikal region, Russia

Metamorphism of carbonatite is exemplified in the Vesely occurrence. According to available data, the age of the carbonatite is 596 ± 3.5Ma, whereas metamorphism is dated at 550 ± 14 Ma. The rocks at the Vesely occurrence were metamorphosed under conditions of greenschist facies (epidote-muscovite-chlorite subfacies) under elevated pressure. Microthermometry of fluid inclusions in minerals indicates that the temperature of metamorphism is 377−450°C and the pressure estimated from phengite geobarometer is 6−8 kbar. The low-grade metamorphism led to the partial recrystallization of carbonates and apatite with removal of trace elements. This process resulted in a change of the oxygen isotopic composition of the studied minerals. Metamorphism was accompanied by formation of talc, phengite, chlorite, quartz, tremolite-actinolite, and anthophyllite, which are not typical of carbonatite. The data obtained show that the metamorphism exerted an effect on the mineralogical, isotopic, geochemical, and technological properties of the carbonatite. The effect of metamorphism should be taken into account in determination of the nature of ore mineralization and estimation of ore quality and perspective of the occurrence.     

Genesis of the Khaluta alkaline-basic Ba-Sr carbonatite complex (West Transbaikala, Russia)

The Khaluta carbonatite complex comprizes fenites, alkaline syenites and shonkinites, and calcite and dolomite carbonatites. Textural and compositional criteria, melt inclusions, geochemical and isotopic data, and comparisons with relevant experimental systems show that the complex formed by liquid immiscibility of a carbonate-saturated parental silicate melt. Mineral and stable isotope geothermometers and melt inclusion measurements for the silicate rocks and carbonatite all give temperatures of crystallization of 915–1,000°C and 890–470°C, respectively. Melt inclusions containing sulphate minerals, and sulphate-rich minerals, most notably apatite and monazite, occur in all of the lithologies in the Khaluta complex. All lithologies, from fenites through shonkinites and syenites to calcite and dolomite carbonatites, and to hydrothermal mineralisation are further characterized by high Ba and Sr activity, as well as that of SO3 with formation of the sulphate minerals baryte, celestine and baryte-celestine. Thus, the characteristic features of the Khaluta parental melt were elevated concentrations of SO₃, Ba and Sr. In addition to the presence of SO₃, calculated fO₂ for magnetites indicate a high oxygen fugacity and that Fe⁺³>Fe⁺² in the Khaluta parental melt. Our findings suggest that the mantle source for Khaluta carbonatite and associated rocks, as well as for other carbonatites of the West Transbaikalia carbonatite province, were SO₃-rich and characterized by high oxygen fugacity.     

Carbonaceous matter in sulfide-quartz veins at the Kurultyken base-metal deposit,eastern Transbaikal region,Russia

The carbonaceous matter filling cavities in sulfide-quartz veins at the Kurultyken hydrothermal base-metal deposit in the Khapcheranga ore district, Transbaikal region, was studied using chromatography/mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal and isotopic analyses, and IR spectroscopy. It was established that carbonaceous matter was a maltha composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Chrysene, pyrene, and benzpyrelene identified among PAHs are evidence for the hydrothermal origin of the initial carbonaceous matter of maltha. The main mass of carbonaceous matter was synthesized under reductive conditions and at a low temperature, i.e., at the final stage of base-metal ore formation. Nevertheless, the thermometric data indicate that part of the carbonic compounds could have formed at 480°C, i.e., at the high-temperature stage of the postmagmatic process. The contribution of host rocks as a source of carbonaceous matter was minimal.     

The Yermakovsky beryllium deposit,Western Transbaikal region,Russia: Geochronology of igneous rocks

The sequence of rock and ore formation at the Yermakovsky beryllium deposit is established on the basis of geological relationships and Rb-Sr and U-Pb isotopic dating. The Rb-Sr age of amphibolitefacies regional metamorphism is determined for quartz-biotite-plagioclase schist (266 ± 18 Ma) and dolomitized limestone (271 ± 12 Ma) of the Zun-Morino Formation. The U-Pb zircon age of premineral gabbro is 332 ± 1 Ma. The Rb-Sr age of gabbro is somewhat younger (316 ± 8.3 Ma), probably owing to the effect of Hercynian metamorphism on sedimentary rocks of the Zun-Morino Formation and gabbroic intrusion that cuts through it. The U-Pb zircon age of gneissose granite of the Tsagan Complex at the Yermakovsky deposit is 316 ± 2 Ma, i.e., close to the age of metamorphism superimposed on gabbro rocks. The U-Pb zircon age of preore granitic dikes, estimated at 325 ± 3 and 333 ± 10 Ma, is close to the age of gabbro. The Ar/Ar age of amphibole from a granitic dike (302.5 ± 0.9 Ma) probably displays a later closure of this isotopic system or the effect of superimposed processes. The Rb-Sr age of alkali syenite intrusion is 227 ± 1.9 Ma. The U-Pb zircon age of alkali leucogranite stock pertaining to the Lesser Kunalei Complex is 226 ± 1 Ma, while the Rb-Sr age of beryllium ore is 225.9 ± 1.2 Ma. These data indicate that beryllium ore mineralization is closely related in space and time to igneous rocks of the Lesser Kunalei Complex dated at 224 ± 5 Ma and varying from gabbro to alkali granite in composition. Thus, the preore Hercynian magmatism at the Yermakovsky deposit took place ∼330 Ma ago and was completed by metamorphism dated at 271–266 Ma. The ore-forming magmatism and beryllium ore mineralization are dated at 224 ± 5 Ma. Postore magmatic activity is scarce and probably correlated with tectonic melange of host rocks.     

First carbonatite hosted REE deposit from India

Based on geological mapping and grid channel geochemical sampling, a carbonatite plug hosted REE deposit has been discovered at Kamthai, Barmer district, Rajasthan. The main REE minerals hosted by carbonatite plug are bastanesite (La), basnaesite (Ce), synchysite (Ce), carbocernaite (Ce), cerianite (Ce), ancylite and parisite. The highest value of LREE is 17.31%, whereas, mean works out 3.33% and weighted average is 2.97%. The carbonatite plug covers 19475 sq. meters and the resources have been estimated upto 84 m depth under Proved, Probable and Possible categories. The total resource estimation for carbonatite plug and other carbonate sills, dykes and veins is 4.91 million tons, making this as truly world class deposit. The TMC of individual LREO (lower rare earth oxide) calculated for carbonatite plug only are La=52196 tonnes, Ce =66026 tonnes, Nd = 13663 tonnes, Pr = 5415 tonnes, Sm = 920 tonnes and Eu = 207 tonnes. Besides these REE, the Kamthai resource will produce 551 tonnes of Ga, 44 tonnes of Ge and 1,12,830 tonnes of SrO during its mining life.     

Fluorine-beryllium deposits of the Vitim Highland, western Transbaikal region: Mineral types, localization conditions, magmatism, and age

The fluorine-beryllium deposits of the Vitim Highland are represented by two mineral types: feld-spar-fluorite-phenakite-bertrandite and thorite-fluorite-phenakite. Their localization is controlled by fault zones of various orders, folds, and stocks and dikes of the Early Mesozoic subalkali quartz syenite and syenite porphyry. The ore is represented by mineralized crush zones and metasomatic veins hosted in intercalated carbonate and aluminosilicate rocks. The deposits were formed under hydrothermal conditions at 360–90°C; their age is estimated at (243 ± 3)-(260 ± 2) Ma.     

四川木洛稀土矿床碳酸岩地球化学

木洛稀土矿床成因上与碳酸岩-碱性杂岩密切相关。碳酸岩主要由方解石组成,CaO/（CaO＋MgO＋FeO＋Fe2O3＋MnO）比值在95.7%～99.6%,为方解石碳酸岩。碳酸岩相对富集大离子亲石元素Ba、Sr、LREE,亏损高场强元素Nb、Ta、Ti、Zr、P,高Zr/Hf和La/Nb值,低Sm/Nd和Rb/Sr值,暗示岩石来自富集地幔EMI。地质、地球化学研究表明,木洛碳酸岩是在峨眉山地幔柱地幔遗存物经喜马拉雅造山运动再次活化的产物,但碳酸岩熔浆在上侵过程中受到地壳物质混染。碳酸岩-碱性岩熔浆带来大量稀土元素,并在喜马拉雅造山期造山运动派生的局部引张部位成矿。     

安哥拉Bonga铌矿床成矿碳酸岩岩石地球化学和C-O同位素研究

安哥拉Bonga碳酸岩型铌矿床位于Parana'-Angola-Etendeka碱性岩-碳酸岩火成岩省东部,是一个孤立产出的中心式岩栓,侵入于元古宙花岗岩基底中。岩石地球化学研究表明,Bonga岩体由钙碳酸岩和少量的镁碳酸岩组成,岩体成分从钙碳酸岩向镁碳酸岩演化。矿物组合上,钙碳酸岩以方解石为主,副矿物有磷灰石、磁铁矿、烧绿石和少量稀土矿物;镁碳酸岩以白云石为主,烧绿石含量降低,稀土矿物含量增高。富钙碳酸岩(摩尔比值Ca O/Ca O+Mg O+Fe O+Mn O0.83)中Nb含量较高,变化于148.1×10~(-6)~8394×10~(-6),平均为2127×10~(-6),∑REE变化于1441×10~(-6)~9452×10~(-6),平均为2791×10~(-6),LREE/HREE变化于16.7~58.3,平均为25.0;富镁碳酸岩(摩尔比值Ca O/Ca O+Mg O+Fe O+Mn O0.83)Nb含量降低,变化于300.9×10~(-6)~3910×10~(-6),平均为1502×10~(-6),∑REE升高,变化于1659×10~(-6)~18849×10~(-6),平均为7111×10~(-6),轻稀土更加富集,LREE/HREE增大,变化于19.1~114,平均为57.6。铌在碳酸岩浆演化的早期富集,铌矿化主要与富钙碳酸岩有关;稀土元素的富集相对较晚,主要与富镁碳酸岩有关。对碳酸岩碳氧同位素的瑞利分馏模拟计算(RIFMS模型)结果表明,Bonga碳酸岩的铌矿化(烧绿石沉淀)主要受岩浆作用控制,其温度不低于600℃。     

Jurassic uraniferous rocks in the eastern Transbaikal region

The paper presents the results of lithological studies of Jurassic rocks in one of the largest basins in the eastern Transbaikal region (Olov depression). These results refined settings of the volcanosedimentary association and indicated that the Olov depression was formed in three stages: stage 1 related to tectonic activation manifested as cataclasis of granitoids in the Transbaikal region and incipience of numerous depressions (Olov included); stage 2 characterized by catastrophic events related to reactivation of tectonic motions, strong volcanism, and intense activity of geysers; and stage 3 marked by termination of volcanic activity and relative tectonic stability of the region that promoted the deposition of rocks of the middle and upper Ukurei subformations in the course of slow synsedimentary subsidence of the depression. Uranium mineralization in the rocks was governed mainly by the following conditions: (1) abundance of cataclased granitoids that delivered terrigenous material to the sedimentation basin; (2) favorable paleogeographic setting for the formation of both sedimentary and postsedimentary hydrothermal U-rich sequences. Field works in the Transbaikal region and analytical results reported in the present paper made it possible to make a videofilm shown in https://youtu.be/UOe9xzSKOEI.     

The Darasun gold deposit,Eastern Transbaikal region: Chemical composition,REE patterns,and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of carbonates from ore veins

The chemistry, REE patterns, and carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of carbonates from ore veins of the Darasun deposit are discussed. In addition to the earlier described siderite, calcite, and carbonates of the dolomite-ankerite series, kutnahorite is identified. The total REE content in Fe-Mg carbonates of the dolomite-ankerite series (2.8–73 ppm) is much lower than in later calcite (18–390 ppm). δ¹³C of Fe-Mg carbonates and calcite varies from +1.1 to −6.7‰ and from −0.9 to −4.9‰, respectively. δ¹⁸O of Fe-Mg carbonates and calcite varies from +17.6 to 3.6‰ and from +15.7 to −0.5‰, respectively. The REE sum and carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions reveal zonal distribution relative to the central granodiorite porphyry stock. The correlation between the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions and REE sum reflects variations in the physicochemical formation conditions and composition of ore-forming fluid. The isotopic composition of fluid is calculated, and possible sources of its components are considered. Earlier established evidence for a magmatic source of ore-forming fluid and participation of meteoric water in ore formation is confirmed. Geochemical evidence for interaction of ore-forming fluid with host rocks is furnished. The relationships between the REE sum, on the one hand, and carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of hydrothermal ore-forming fluid, on the other, are established.     

Age of granodiorite porphyry and beresite from the Darasun gold field,eastern Transbaikal region,Russia

The Darasun ore field situated in the southern West Stanovoi Terrane near the Mongolia-Okhotsk Suture comprises the Darasun (>100 t Au), Talatui (～38.2 t Au), and Teremki (3 t Au) lode gold deposits. In the opinion of many researchers, the Darasun deposit is spatially and paragenetically linked to granodiorite porphyry of the Amudzhikan Complex and related metasomatic rocks (beresites). Whole-rock samples of granodiorite porphyry, monomineralic fractions of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and biotite, as well as sericite from beresite (26 samples in total), were analyzed by the Rb-Sr method. Eight biotite and sericite samples were analyzed by the K-Ar method. The Rb-Sr mineral isochrons obtained for individual granodiorite porphyry samples yielded initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios varying from 0.70560 to 0.70591. The consistent results of both methods allowed us to accept the ages of granodiorite porphyry and beresite as 160.5 ± 0.4 and 159.6 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. The age of granodiorite porphyry of the Amudzhikan Complex of 160.5 ± 0.4 Ma corresponds to the boundary between the Early and Middle Jurassic and marks the completion of collision between the East Siberian and Mongolia-China continents and related orogeny. Since that time, the eastern Transbaikal region has been involved in the postorogenic (within-plate) stage of evolution, characterized by the formation of large gold, uranium, and other ore deposits.     

Magmatism and formation conditions of the Urma helvite-bertrandite deposit,West Transbaikal berillium province

The relationships between mineralization and magmatism during the formation of the Early Mesozoic West Transbaikal beryllium province are exemplified in the Urma helvite-bertrandite deposit. The deposit is drawn toward granitoids of elevated alkalinity, which belong to the Tashir Complex. Mineralization is related to leucogranite and characterized by patched distribution controlled by localization of metasomatic alteration. The latter is identified owing to replacement of feldspar with microcline and albite followed by silicification related to fracture zones. Helvite and bertrandite are the major Be minerals at the deposit. The Be grade of the ore is nonuniform and varies from 740 to 25000 ppm. Zircon, malacon, monazite, allanite, bastnaesite, columbite, and xenotime occur in metasomatic rocks together with Be minerals. Geochemical characteristics of alkali granites and metasomatic rocks are similar in a wide range of incompatible elements. Both are characterized by lowered Ba, Sr, P, and Eu contents and enriched in Th, U, Pb, Zr, and Hf. The degree of enrichment is the highest in the ore. The Be content in the ore correlates with concentrations of a number of other rare metals typical of host granite, which form their own mineralization against the background of metasomatic alteration, including Zr and REE minerals. Similarity in geochemistry of granitic rocks and Be ore indicates that the Urma deposit was related to the evolution of magmatic melt. Regional correlation shows that the ore-magmatic system of the Urma deposit is close to that of the Orot deposit, one of the largest in the central segment of the West Transbaikal metallogenic province. Both deposits are characterized by a similar composition of granitoids and comparable localization of ore zones in the structure of plutons. This similarity supports the high ore resource potential of Early Mesozoic alkali granites in the western Transbaikal region. Taking into account that these granitoids are widespread in the West Transbaikal Rift Zone that controls the metallogenic province, one can expect the discovery of new deposits therein.     

Isotopic compositions of C,O, Sr,and S and problem of ages of the Katera and Uakit Groups,western Transbaikal region

The age of the Katera Group, which occupies a large area in the western North Muya Range and occurs 100–150 km east of the Uakit Group, is a debatable issue. Based on geological correlations with reference sections of the Baikal Group and Patom Complex, the Katera and Uakit groups were previously considered nearly coeval units and assigned to Late Precambrian (Khomentovskii and Postnikov, 2002; Salop, 1964). This was supported partly by the Sm–Nd model datings (Rytsk et al., 2007, 2009, 2011). Finds of the Paleozoic flora substantiated the revision of age of the Uakit Group and its assignment to the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous (Gordienko et al., 2010; Minina, 2003, 2012, 2014). We have established that Sr and C isotopic compositions in carbonates of these groups differ drastically, as suggested by their different ages. Sediments of the Nyandoni Formation (Katera Group), which contains carbonates characterized by minimum values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7056 and maximum values of δ¹³C = 4.9‰, were accumulated in the first half of Late Riphean (800–850 Ma ago), whereas the overlying Barguzin Formation (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_min = 0.70715, δ¹³C_max= 10.5‰) was deposited at the end of Late Riphean (700–750 Ma). Judging from the isotope data, the Nerunda Formation (Uakit Group), which contains carbonates with characteristics matching the most rigorous criteria of fitness for the chemostratigraphic correlation (Sr content up to 4390 μg/g, Mn/Sr < 0.1, δ¹⁸O = 23.0 ± 1.8‰), was deposited at the end of Vendian ~550–540 Ma ago). The sequence includes thick typical carbonate horizons with very contrast carbon isotopic compositions: the lower unit has anomalous high δ¹³C values (5.8 ± 1.0‰); the upper unit, by anomalous low δ¹³C values (–5.2 ± 0.5‰]). Their Sr isotopic composition is relatively homogeneous (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7084 ± 0.0001) that is typical of the Late Vendian ocean. The S isotopic composition of pyrites from the Nyandoni Formation (Katera Group) (δ³⁴S = 14.1 ± 6.8‰) and pyrites from the Mukhtunny Formation (Uakit Group) (δ³⁴S = 0.7 ± 1.4‰) does not contradict the C and Sr isotopic stratigraphic data.     

Structure,magmatism, and Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Uakit Zone in the context of the formation of the Angara-Vitim batholith in the western Transbaikal region

The problem of the tectonic evolution of the Angara-Vitim batholith, the largest igneous complex of the western Transbaikal region, is discussed. This problem is still far from an unequivocal solution; however, it is evident that the Late Paleozoic stage was crucial in the evolution of the Angara-Vitim batholith, and precisely this stage has determined the main structural features of the western Transbaikal region. The geodynamics that controlled the batholith formation in the Late Paleozoic is exemplified in the Uakit Zone. New data are presented on the stratigraphy of country rocks and on the age and composition of the Vitimkan granitoid complex, the most abundant complex in the batholith. It has been shown that the main tectonic events in the Uakit Zone occurred from the Devonian to the Late Carboniferous. The ensialic orogeny in the form of a reduced Wilson cycle that developed under within-plate conditions was the main mechanism of structure formation. The effect of collision is a self-sufficient mechanism of superplume evolution provided by the origin and passing away of particular, relatively short lived streams of the superplume. The short-lived rifts (aulacogens) arose above the ascending streams during the most active development of superplume and then closed up under tangential compression caused by spatially conjugated younger plumages. The closure of rifts was controlled by pseudosubduction and particular collision. As a result, the mosaic block megastructure was created, being underlain by the hydrated mantle necessary for extensive granite formation. Such a mechanism probably was dominant during a “vague time” in the Riphean geological history of the Earth after the breakdown of Rodinia.