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Origin of heavy rare earth mineralization in South China

Author

Listed:
  • Cheng Xu

    (Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University)

  • Jindřich Kynický

    (Mendel University
    Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology)

  • 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
    Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology)

  • 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
    Mendel University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng Xu & Jindřich Kynický & Martin P. Smith & Antonin Kopriva & Martin Brtnický & Tomas Urubek & Yueheng Yang & Zheng Zhao & Chen He & Wenlei Song, 2017. "Origin of heavy rare earth mineralization in South China," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14598
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14598
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaoxue Shen & Minwei Chai & Fang Yang & Ye Cao & Ruilli Li, 2021. "Occurrence and Contamination of Rare Earth Elements in Urban Mangroves of Shenzhen, South China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Zhao, Guimei & Geng, Yong & Wei, Wendong & Bleischwitz, Raimund & Ge, Zewen, 2023. "Assessing gadolinium resource efficiency and criticality in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).

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