Rare earth elements in apatite and magnetite in Kiruna-type iron ores and some other iron ore types

Abstract

An investigation of the content and distribution of REE in apatite and magnetite in the iron ores of Kiruna type and some other iron ores is presented. REE in apatite and magnetite in different ore types show characteristic patterns which are related to different modes of formation of the ores. The magnetite-apatite iron ores of the world can be divided into two types: (a) Kiruna iron ores proper which occur in volcanic rocks, and (b) iron ores connected with deuteric processes and/or related to intrusive rocks. Apatite of the Kiruna ores proper in Fennoscandia (e.g. Kiirunavaara, Malmberget and Grängesberg) shows a common pattern with 2000–7000 ppm REE, a weak to moderate LREE/HREE fractionation and negative Eu anomalies. In the Kiruna area, apatite of the main, P-poor ores and of the later, hydrothermal-exhalative P-rich ores, have the same REE distribution which indicates a common source. There is a similar REE distribution in magnetite-apatite trachytic-rhyodacitic host rock which confirms a close magmatic relationship. Apatite in phosphorites (such as the Paleoproterozoic Påläng deposit in northern Sweden) has a different composition (< 1000 ppm REE with Ce depletion) which excludes a sedimentary origin of the Kiruna apatite. Apatite in other volcanogenic magnetite-apatite ores outside Fennoscandia differ by a stronger LREE/HREE fractionation and by a medium to large Eu depletion, partly indicating a relationship to alkaline intrusions. The Avnik apatite, Turkey, shows a weak differentiation in combination with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly, indicating provenance from silicic magmatic sources. The REE pattern of apatite in the deuteric-hydrothermal apatite-bearing iron ores is in general similar to that of apatite in the Kiruna iron ores proper. The similarity indicates a common process of formation for both ore types. The apatite-iron ores of the Kiruna type proper were formed by a late-magmatic differentiation. The ores of the Kiruna area are, in similarity with some other magnetite-apatite ores, emplaced along regional fracture-fault lines and close to an older basement. In general the REE pattern of apatite in the different deposits shows an affinity to alkaline or sub-alkaline magmas, indicating a rifting environment. The alkaline, trachytic volcanics hosting the Kiruna ores in northern Sweden are clearly related to an extensional setting where rifting was important. A probable source for this large-scale ore-forming process was partial melting of deep-seated rocks. The ores evolved in an intracontinental setting with magma generation caused by underplating of older crust. The process giving rise to magnetite-apatite ores of the Kiruna type has occurred during the time span from Paleoproterozoic to Tertiary. The Proterozoic ores occur mainly in cratonized areas, whereas the younger ones occur in fold belts. The amount of ore formed in post-Proterozoic time is as large as that formed in Proterozoic time.