Origin of heavy rare earth mineralization in South China

Cheng Xu (), Jindřich Kynický, Martin P. Smith, Antonin Kopriva, Martin Brtnický, Tomas Urubek, Yueheng Yang, Zheng Zhao, Chen He and Wenlei Song
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Cheng Xu: Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University
Jindřich Kynický: Mendel University
Martin P. Smith: School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton
Antonin Kopriva: Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology
Martin Brtnický: Mendel University
Tomas Urubek: Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology
Yueheng Yang: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zheng Zhao: Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences
Chen He: Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University
Wenlei Song: Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Heavy rare earth elements (HREE) are dominantly mined from the weathering crusts of granites in South China. Although weathering processes occur globally, no economic HREE resources of this type have yet been found outside China. Here, we report the occurrence of unidentified REE minerals in the granites from South Chinese deposits. They contain high levels of both HREE and light REE, but are strongly depleted in Ce, implying high oxidation state. These REE minerals show higher initial Nd isotope than primary REE-rich minerals (ɛNd(t)=0.9±0.8 versus −11.5±0.5). The mineralized weathering crusts inherited REE signature of the granites, but show more Ce depletion and more overall concentration of the REE. We propose, therefore, that highly oxidized, REE-rich fluids, derived from external, isotopically depleted sources, metasomatized the granites, which resulted in Ce depletion as Ce4+ and enrichment of the remaining REE, especially the HREE, contributing to formation of a globally important REE resource.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14598

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