Geochemistry of mineralization with exchangeable REY in the weathering crusts of granitic rocks in South China

Abstract

Mineralization with exchangeable rare earth element (REE) and yttrium (MEX-REY) has been recognized in the weathering profiles in South China since the early 1970's. This type of REY mineralization occurs in weathering profiles of parent rocks ranging in composition from granite to acidic volcanic rocks and lamprophyre. The majority of the known resources occurring in the weathering profiles of granitic rocks. Total resources of this type of REY amount to millions tons of rare earth oxides, and therefore represent one of the most important types of rare earth resources in China, particularly for heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and yttrium. Accumulation of REY in the weathering profiles of granitic rocks is strongly controlled by the resistance to weathering of the principal REY-bearing accessory minerals in the parent rocks; only a limited proportion of total REY (< 30%) is incorporated in the rock-forming minerals. MEX-REY more commonly occur in weathering profiles developed on granitic rocks within which most of the REY are incorporated in accessory minerals weakly resistant to weathering (doverite, parisite, etc.). For the well-developed weathering profiles, three horizons can be distinguished from surface downwards: the lateritic horizon (A), the weathered horizon (B), and the weathering front (C). Continuous leaching, coupled with low rate of denudation, results in the accumulation of REY in the subsurface horizons (the B and C horizons), and thus results in REE differentiation within the well-developed, layered, and mature weathering profiles. Exchangeable REY, which can be replaced by cations like NH 4+ and Na + etc. in electrolyte solutions and can be removed by complexing agents such as EDTA, are commonly the major form of REE occurrence in the B horizon. Cerium is enriched in the top layer (A horizon) and depleted in the subsurface horizons of the weathering profiles, most likely due to the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) followed by cerianite formation or absorption onto clays and/or Fe and Al oxyhydroxides.