LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Magnetite and Application in Genesis of Mineral Deposit

Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is well characterized by the in-situ, real time, lower limit of detection and high space resolution, etc. Therefore, it is more excellent in the analysis of trace element for varied minerals in comparison to other micro-zone analysis technologies. Magnetite as a common mineral from different deposits and rocks has been focused on chemical compositions by researchers worldwide. In fact, as the insignificant matrix effect for most elements in magnetite, analysis results could be calculated effectively against Fe-rich silicate glass as the reference material. Therefore, researches on trace element distribution of magnetite have been developed rapidly in recent years, and it has a wide application prospect in reflecting the condition of ore-forming, discriminating different deposit types and indicating prospecting exploration. Comparing varied previous discrimination diagrams about magnetite via collecting trace element data from available literatures based on 25 deposits, we found that there was an urgent need for further detailing and reexamining the boundary of fields representing different genetic types, and it was vital for interpreting the data through carefully petrographical observation before analysis. In addition, we discussed several complex physicochemical factors, which would influence the element concentration of magmatite in igneous and hydrothermal processes, such as melt/fluid composition, temperature, cooling rate, pressure, oxygen fugacity, sulfur fugacity and silica activity. In magma stage, Magnetite’s components are closely related to melts composition and differentiation, while fluid features would also significantly change magnetie's components. Furthermore, there is serious interference for discriminating the genesis of magnetite because of late stage fluids and equilibrium again in subsolidus condition. This paper reviewed the developments of trace elements analysis by LA-ICP-MS and important applications about magnetite in mineral deposit so that unique thoughts for the research on mineralization and ore-forming processes could be obtained.