Volcanoplutonic association of felsic rocks in the rare-metal ore units of Transbaikalia: Geochemistry of rocks and melts, age, and P-T conditions of their crystallization

Abstract

The results of study of chemical composition, mineral-forming medium, P-T conditions of crystallization, and the age characteristics of subvolcanic felsic rocks that are spatially associated with rare-metal granite massifs in the ore units of Transbaikalia (Sherlovaya Gora, Khangilay, Bukuka, Belukha, and Shumilovka) give grounds for defining cogenetic volcanoplutonic associations. These associations within the studied region consist of rare-metal granites, ongonites, rhyolites, ongorhyolites, and trachyrhyodacites, which have much in common, but also many differences. The common chemical features of these rocks are their peraluminium signature, low mafic index and basicity, as well as enrichment (as compared to crust) in trace lithophile elements (Li, Rb, Nb, Ta, Sn, W, and F), the low contents of Zr, REE, and Sr, and the similar distribution of trace and refractory elements. At the same time, these rocks differ in the proportions of sodium and potassium, levels of concentrations of lithophile trace and refractory elements, REE distribution patterns, P-T regimes of crystallization, and the volatile composition.