The northern segment of the Great Xing’an Range, northeastern China, hosts a previously unrecognized near-E–W-trending rhyolite belt in the Tulihe area. We conducted systematic geochronological and geochemical investigations to constrain its formation age, petrogenesis, and regional tectonic significance. Field investigation, petrographic observation, and zircon laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb dating indicate that the rhyolite belt was formed during the Early Cretaceous, with emplacement ages directly determined from three samples ranging from 143.8 to 131.5 Ma. Geochemically, the rhyolites yielded high SiO2 contents (74.44–75.88 wt.%), high total alkalis (K2O + Na2O = 8.50–8.99 wt.%), and low MgO contents (0.16–0.55 wt.%). They displayed strong enrichment in light rare earth elements and depletion in high field strength elements, weakly negative Eu anomalies, A/CNK ratios near unity, and relatively high Nb/Ta ratios. Trace element signatures and incompatible element abundances (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 193.2–338.3 × 10−6) are mostly consistent with highly fractionated I-type volcanic rocks, rather than S-type or M-type affinities. The geochemical data suggest that the rhyolites were mainly generated by partial melting of a medium- to high-K basaltic lower crust, with minor crustal assimilation and limited mantle input. Tectonically, Early Cretaceous magmatism in the northern Great Xing’an Range was governed by flat-slab subduction and subsequent rollback of the Paleo-Pacific (Izanagi) plate, while the local E–W-trending rhyolite belt was controlled by pre-existing faults, reflecting localized post-orogenic extension consistent with regional NE-trending volcanic belts. The northwest-to-southeast younging trend records asthenospheric upwelling and enhanced crust–mantle interaction induced by slab rollback. These results highlight the petrogenetic and tectonic evolution of medium- to high-K magmatism along the NE Asian continental margin and improve our understanding of Mesozoic volcanism in the Great Xing’an Range.

Magmatic activity is crucial for identification of the tectonic framework of the ancient oceanic crust. In this study, systematic investigation, including a field survey, zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, and whole-rock geochemical analysis, has been carried out on the intrusive quartz- and granodiorites within the Meso-Tethyan Shiquanhe Ophiolitic Mélange (SQM), Tibet. Zircon U-Pb dating yields the weighted mean ages of 174.7 ± 1.4 Ma (quartz diorite) and 178.9 ± 1.2 Ma (granodiorite), respectively, demonstrating the Early Jurassic formation age. The quartz diorite samples are metaluminous (A/NKC = 0.77–0.95) (molar/Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O)), while the granodiorite samples are weakly peraluminous (A/NKC = 0.95–1.21), and both of them exhibit tholeiitic to calc-alkaline geochemical characteristics and can be classified as I-type granites. The right-dipping rare-earth element (REE) patterns, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs: Rb, Ba, Th), and depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs: Nb, Ta, Ti), as well as relatively high (La/Yb)N ratios, are features compatible with an island arc setting. Combined with previous works, we suggest that the Shiquanhe ophiolitic mélange not only preserves records of mid-late Jurassic island arc magmatic activity but also contains evidence of island arc magmatism from the late Early Jurassic.

This article examines the geochemistry of rocks in the Talysh zone. It was determined that the structural folds that make up the structural zones of Talysh are composed of Paleogene and Neogene sedimentary and volcanic formations. Two complexes are distinguished within the volcanic formation: early-middle Eocene absarokite-shoshonite-alkaline basalt and late Eocene trachyandesibasalt–phonolitic. Petrographic characteristics of these complexes have been studied. The phenocrysts of several minerals and their distribution within mineral parageneses have not been fully investigated. At the same time, the typomorphic features of trace elements in the evolution of subalkaline olivine basalt melt have not been studied. This article attempts to address this gap. In all the samples collected for this purpose, iron (Cr, Ni, Co, Ti, V), metallogenic (Cu, Zn), alkaline (Rb, Cs), alkaline earth (Ba, Sr), radioactive (U, Th), and other (Nb, Ta, Y, Hf) elements were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption, and colorimetric methods. The analyses were performed in the laboratories of the Institutes of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Crystallochemistry of Rare Elements of the Russian Federation. Specific standards were used to ensure the accuracy of the analyses. It was observed that iron-group elements predominate among the elements described. It has been established that, according to petrochemical composition, the rocks of the studied formation correspond to the differentiates of the subalkaline and alkaline series. The rocks of this formation are characterized by normative nepheline, leucite, olivine, and clinopyroxene. In this regard, the rocks belong to the nepheline–olivine normative type. The initial melt was enriched in alkaline and subalkaline (K, Rb, Na) and alkaline-earth (Sr, Ba) elements. The distribution of rare-earth elements in the rocks of the trachybasalt–trachyandesibasalt-phonolite formation shows that the initial subalkaline olivine basalt melt underwent a process of crystallization differentiation under the conditions of the earth’s crust. As a result, under high thermobaric conditions, olivine, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, spinel, and other minerals that are carriers of heavy rare-earth elements crystallized and separated from the melt, and therefore these elements became depleted in the rocks of the formation. The subalkaline olivine basalt melt was able to enter into mutual thermal contact with the earth’s crust. As a result, the concentrations of barium, potassium, and rubidium among lithophile elements in the Astara uplift area partially increased. Due to the sharp decrease in heavy rare-earth elements, light rare-earth elements became significantly enriched.

Metals are required by all life to build metalloproteins, but the metal preferences of the dominant microbes have evolved over geological time. Consistent with this, experiments and models predict that metal availability in anoxic seawater during the Archean and Proterozoic eons (4.0–0.541 billion years ago) would have been radically different to today. Corroborating this in the geological record is challenging because bulk rock geochemistry reflects complex histories. Here we take a novel approach, determining the transition metal content of micron-scale laths of greenalite, a primary Fe(II)-silicate mineral, from the Kuruman Formation of the Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa. Our data provide a high-resolution snapshot of seawater chemistry ~ 2.46 Ga, and reveal striking compositional differences compared to today: Zn and V were relatively scarce, Ni was similar, Co was enriched, and Mn was highly-enriched. Our data are largely consistent with chemical predictions and overlap with constraints from a range of different geological archives. Ancient seawater was therefore dominated by Fe and Mn, consistent with evidence that early life preferentially utilised these transition metals. Extremely high Mn concentrations could have interfered with cellular homeostasis, as well as disrupting DNA synthesis, potentially driving faster rates of evolution.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-27806-z.

Geochemistry of podiform chromitite and host rocks within the Buem Structural Unit, Northwestern Benin Republic: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Dahomeyide orogenic belt

The Dazhuyuan Formation (northern Guizhou) is the host stratum for bauxite deposits and enriched with critical metals like Li. We investigated sedimentary processes of the formation using detrital zircon geochronology and whole-rock geochemistry. From bottom to top, the formation comprises iron-rich claystone (IC), clastic bauxite (CB), massive bauxite (MB; where Li is enriched (1555–4210 ppm)), and clastic claystone (CC). From lower part to upper part of the formation, the sedimentary environment becomes more reducing, transitioning from continental to marine–continental facies. The P1d exhibit rare-earth-element (REE) distributions similar to the Hanjiadian Formation. The Hanjiadian Formation detrital-zircon U–Pb ages reach ~960 and ~760 Ma; the IC and CB layers show similar results. The dominant peak of detrital-zircon ages for the MB and CC layers occurs at ~960 Ma, while the ~760-Ma dominant peak disappears. Numerous zircons are aged 1030–1150 Ma, which substantially diverges from the Hanjiadian Formation. All layers exhibit different REE distributions and detrital-zircon age distributions than the Huanglong Formation, indicating that the formation is the primary source for the Dazhuyuan Formation. The MB and CC layers receive contributions from other sources.

Organic geochemistry and hydrocarbon generation characteristics of Cretaceous outcrop source rocks from the Nigerian Frontier basins

The Cretaceous marks the peak of magmatic activity in southeastern (SE) China, which is attributed to the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath the South China Block. This region constitutes a significant igneous belt along the active continental margin of the western Pacific. Despite extensive research, the origin and evolution of Cretaceous felsic volcanic rocks are still debated. This study investigates the characteristics of zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes and trace elements, and whole-rock geochemistry of Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the Wenzhou–Taizhou region in SE Zhejiang, and discusses their spatio-temporal patterns and petrogenesis. The results indicate that rhyolitic volcanic rocks formed during the period ca. 114 Ma and 95 Ma, representing two distinct magmatic episodes spanning the transition from the late Early to early Late Cretaceous. The late Early Cretaceous and early Late Cretaceous volcanic rocks are of a hybrid crust–mantle origin, as evidenced by their distinct Nb/Ta ratios, zircon εHf(t) values, and variable trace element enrichments (Ti, Hf, U, Nb, and Yb). These compositional signatures suggest partial melting of late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic basement materials, with increasing mantle contributions over time. Both volcanic phases exhibit elevated Nb/Yb, Th/Nb, and U/Yb ratios, indicating a subduction-modified source akin to arc magmas. Together with calculated initial melt temperatures (<800 °C for Early Cretaceous, >800 °C for Late Cretaceous) and whole-rock rare-earth elements (REEs) distribution patterns (U-shaped with δEu = 0.37–0.65, seagull-shaped with δEu = 0.19–0.62, respectively), it is suggested that both phases of the volcanic magmas were generated through water-assisted (hydrous) melting, whereas the later phase formed at relatively higher temperatures and with a diminished water contribution via dehydration melting under extensional conditions. The generation of voluminous high-silica magmas in the SE China coastal region is probably linked to the rollback and retreat of the paleo-Pacific plate.

Geochemistry of cenozoic basaltic rocks from Anhui province, China: implications for their petrogenesis and mantle processes

Summary Hydrogen (used interchangeably with H2) loss through diffusion and its retention via adsorption in reservoir caprocks need to be accurately quantified to evaluate storage security in geological hydrogen storage projects. Reliable quantification of hydrogen adsorption and diffusion in reservoir caprocks requires high safety standards and sensitive experimental measurements. Alternatively, molecular simulations can provide valuable mechanistic insights to complement laboratory data, especially in tight rocks with complex composition such as organic-rich mudrocks. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are (i) quantifying the adsorption and diffusion behavior of hydrogen gas in kerogen molecular structures under different cushion gas concentrations, (ii) quantifying the selectivity of hydrogen gas over the residual methane gas (used interchangeably with CH4) by the rock interface, and (iii) investigating the impact of the rock geochemistry on the hydrogen storage and leak potential in depleted gas reservoirs using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We used MD modeling to construct kerogen structures, including cylindrical and slit-like pores. These models were used as inputs to molecular-scale simulations that evaluated the gas adsorption using Monte Carlo simulations. This enabled the construction of the adsorption isotherms for hydrogen and methane gases under varying concentrations of methane at different temperatures and pressures. Moreover, we evaluated the self-diffusion coefficients of hydrogen molecules within the pores of the kerogen structures using MD simulations. The results highlighted the substantial influence of reservoir pressure, temperature, fluid composition, and pore geometry on hydrogen adsorption, loss, and diffusion within the kerogen nanopores. Results showed that the simple Langmuir adsorption model could not accurately capture the H2 adsorption behavior in kerogen nanopores compared with the Dubinin-Astakhov (D-A) model. Methane exhibited higher adsorption selectivity than hydrogen at pressures below 12 MPa, with this selectivity diminishing as pressure and temperature rose. Increasing the temperature from 300 K to 330 K reduced total hydrogen adsorption by 17% at 20 MPa. While transitioning kerogen pore geometry from slit-like to cylindrical had a minimal effect on the competitive adsorption isotherms of H2 and CH4. Meanwhile, pore geometry significantly influenced the magnitude and direction of gas diffusivity, enhancing it predominantly along the axial direction of the main pore channel. The documented results underscore the critical role of pore directionality and type in determining gas diffusivity within kerogen structures. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs and assessing leakage and loss potential through reservoir caprocks.

Geochemical data for the UK Lake District including both G-BASE stream sediment data and newly collected samples are shown here as a tool for modelling whole rock geochemistry at a regional scale and as a case study for identifying potential As-Bi-Co-Cu-Fe-Ni mineralisation. Regional whole rock concentrations for the Skiddaw Group and Borrowdale Volcanic Group (BVG) were modelled using G-BASE stream sediment data and found to align closely with newly collected in-situ XRF measurements of host rock samples. Average concentrations of elements such as Ag, Al, As, Fe, Ni, and Ti differed by only 1–2 wt.% or ∼20 ppm between the two datasets. Six areas identified by G-BASE as potential As-Co-Cu-Ni targets were visited. Of these, Keld and Devoke Water showed evidence for sulphide dissemination within the host rock rather than visible veins, while Black Combe, Seathwaite, Coniston, and Tilberthwaite were confirmed to host vein-type, quartz-sulphide mineralisation geochemically similar to known deposits at Dale Head North, Scar Crag, and Ulpha. This study highlights the successful application of G-BASE data for regional geochemical modelling and exploration targeting. The workflow could be adapted for other areas covered by preexisting stream sediment geochemical data or integrated into exploration strategies for new regions.

Porphyry copper deposits are the source of most of the world's copper, molybdenum and significant amounts of gold. This makes them a major focus of scientific research due to their economic significance. The article is devoted to the study of the geochemistry of host rocks and copper-porphyry ores at the Nurkazgan deposit. It identifies geochemical criteria for the distribution of gold in copper‑porphyry systems, as well as refines ore formation mechanisms in order to improve predictive criteria. The results were obtained by interpreting analytical data obtained using the ICP-OES (ICP-AES) method and the geostatistical method. Based on this research, key factors have been identified that determine the distribution of element content. As a result of studying the distribution of REEs in the host rocks, conditions for ore formation were established: the deposit has an igneous origin with signs of prolonged fractionation of the magma; a negative Eu anomaly confirms the involvement of plagioclase fractionation typical of medium and acidic magmas; LREE enrichment indicates an evolved magma involving the continental crust, while moderate depletion of HREE indicates a deep source of magmatism with residual garnet involvement. The established strong positive correlation between REES indicates a single geochemical process and reflects the primary magmatic identity. A porphyry system with a deep magmatic source has been revealed, where ore fluids are separated from the residual melt, which is already depleted in Eu but enriched in LREEs and metals.

Detailed description of phase composition and geochemistry of the Muschelkalk carbonate rocks of the Upper Silesian Province in Poland were presented in this article. The tests were carried out to determine mineralogical features and geochemical properties. The samples were collected from the formations of the Lower Muschelkalk (Gogolin Unit), Middle Muschelkalk (Diplopore Dolomite Unit) and Upper Muschelkalk (Tarnowice Unit, Boruszowice Unit). The following research methods were used: macroscopic description, X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence and Atomic spectrometry with plasma intensification. The following carbonate phases were identified: a low-Mg calcite, a high-Mg calcite, a proto-dolomite, an ordered dolomite and a huntite. The results of XRD analysis allowed the determination of the chemical formulas of the mineral phases. XRF and ICP AES analyses allowed to establish the content of following trace elements: Sr, Ba, Al, Si, Fe, Mn, K, Na, S, Cl, Ti, Cr, Ni, Zn, Rb, Zr, Pb, As, V, Be, B, Co, Cu, Br, Mo and Cd. Apart from Sr and Ba, they are not fundamental components of carbonate rocks. They indicate the presence of minerals such as silicates, aluminosilicates, oxides and sulfides.

The West Qinling Orogenic Belt (WQOB) contains a sedimentary succession that is approximately 15 km thick, spanning from the Carboniferous to the Jurassic period. This succession offers critical insights into the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. While previous models have suggested various depositional environments, the late Paleozoic to Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the WQOB is still not fully understood. In this study, we incorporate new detrital zircon U-Pb age data and whole-rock geochemical analyses from six stratigraphic units, dating back to the Carboniferous to Triassic periods in the Xiahe–Hezuo region, alongside existing datasets. The detrital zircon age spectra from the WQOB reveal three distinct groups: Devonian–Carboniferous strata exhibit dominant Neoproterozoic (~800–900 Ma) zircon populations, whereas Permian–Triassic rock samples show prominent Paleoproterozoic (1840–1880 Ma) and Archean (2450–2500 Ma) peaks. A minor Neoproterozoic component in Permian spectra disappears by the Triassic, while Jurassic–Cretaceous assemblages lack Precambrian grains. These trends reflect evolving source terranes linked to Paleo-Tethyan subduction dynamics. Furthermore, the geochemical signatures of the Devonian–Triassic clastic rocks align with the composition of upper continental crust, indicating a tectonic relationship with continental island arcs and active continental margins. By synthesizing these findings with established detrital zircon ages, magmatic records, and geophysical data, we propose that the WQOB underwent pre-Triassic tectonic evolution that was marked by pre-Triassic subduction and localized extension during the process of continental underthrusting.

Anatectic origin of the pegmatite-aplite dykes from the Paleoproterozoic basement of the Bas Draa inlier (Anti-Atlas-Morocco): Insights from whole rock geochemistry, Sm-Nd isotopes and tourmaline chemistry

ABSTRACT The dolomites of the Arlikatti Formation of Kaladgi Basin provide insights into understanding depositional conditions of carbonate sedimentation in an intracratonic Proterozoic basin. The dolomites were studied to their palaeo depositional conditions using petrography and whole rock geochemistry. Replacement of precursor calcite and quartz, ooids with primary concentric fabric of these dolomites suggests that they were formed by conversion of lime mud. Their high values of Fe (5460 ppm), Mn (164 ppm), Mn/Sr (6.96), U/Th (12.41) and low values of Sr (24.02 ppm), Y/Ho (37.50) and Er/Nd (0.12) compared to marine dolomites indicate that the dolomites of Kaladgi Basin were formed by subsurface anoxic or reducing dolomitizing fluids. The flat patterns of Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) normalised Rare Earth Elements (REE) (La/YbSN = 0.86) along with moderate negative Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce* = 0.48) are also consistent with the non-marine anoxic dolomitizing fluids. An integrated field, petrographic and geochemical study indicates that the carbonate rocks of Arlikatti Formation were initially deposited as lime mud in the form of primary precipitates due to microbial activity and evaporation in a tidal flat shallow marine environment. The lime mud was converted into dolomite by subsurface reducing dolomitizing fluids during an episode of burial and diagenesis.

Devonian–Triassic tectonic evolution of the Western Qinling Orogenic Belt of central China: Insights from detrital zircon U Pb chronology and rock geochemistry

Geochemistry and geochronology of magmatic rocks from Kofayi Complex, north-central Nigeria: Insights into their petrogenesis and geodynamic settings

Integrated petrography and geochemistry of metasedimentary host rocks from the Qinggouzi stibnite deposit, NE China: Implications for provenance and paleoweathering

ABSTRACT New geochronological and geochemical data are reported for the Yakutsk-Vilyui Large Igneous Province (YV-LIP) of the Siberian Craton. We report a high-precision U-Pb zircon CA-ID-TIMS age of 366.14 ± 0.28 Ma for the felsic Olekminsk Stock, located within the Chara-Sinsk mafic dyke swarm of the Vilyui paleorift. The age falls within the broader ~ 390–360 Ma timeframe of the YV-LIP magmatic event. Two magmatic pulses (stages) have been previously distinguished through geological mapping and based on a limited set of high-precision geochronology, their ages are ~378–373 Ma for Stage 1 and ~366–362 Ma for Stage 2 (with inclusion of our new U-Pb age for the Olekminsk Stock). Both magmatic stages are plume-derived and Stage 2 is associated with maximum rifting. Geochemical data link the felsic Olekminsk Stock with the YV-LIP and the formation of the Vilyui paleorift, and indicate involvement of both mantle and lithospheric sources in the formation of the felsic rocks. During Stage 2, mafic melts generated in the upper mantle (from the plume) ascended to form an intermediate chamber at the base of the crust. This induced partial melting of the lower crust (including melting of mafic underplate produced during Stage 1), and emplacement of felsic massifs in the upper-middle crust. The 366.14 ± 0.28 Ma age for the Olekminsk Stock suggests a temporal coincidence with Late Devonian extinction events, particularly the ~365 Ma Annulata Event.