Epidote metasomatic zone in pegmatites from the vicinity of Strashimir Pb-Zn vein deposit, Central Rhodopes: mineralogy, geochemistry and in-situ U/Pb age determination

Abstract

The epidote-group minerals are the major hydrothermal constituent, along with titanite, chlorite, quartz, and carbonates, developed in pegmatite on the contact with marble in the vicinity of Strashimir Pb-Zn vein deposit, Central Rhodopes. The U-Pb age of titanite (39.7±1.3 Ma) fixes the time of the hydrothermal mineralization. Trace element signatures of epidotes reveal minor REE-amounts, probably due to the concurrent growth of other REE-concentrating minerals (e.g. hydrothermal titanite).