High Nb Contents Research Articles

The adsorption behavior of niobium (V) on kaolin clay and kaolinite

Niobium (Nb) in kaolin clay usually occurs in the Ti-bearing minerals, such as rutile and anatase. However, the low Ti-bearing minerals contents for some kaolin clay rocks were insufficient to explain the high Nb concentrations. Thus, Nb was widely considered to be adsorbed by clay minerals. However, the adsorption behavior of niobium (V) on clay minerals has not been fully understood. In this study, a series of batch adsorption experiments were carried out on kaolin clay (Kclay) and pure kaolinite (Kaol) using niobium oxalate solutions. The effects of contact time, initial niobium (V) concentration, solution pH, and temperature on the adsorption were investigated. The results showed that Kclay exhibited a higher adsorption capacity than Kaol under the same conditions. The niobium (V) adsorptions on Kclay and Kaol were pH-dependent, and both of them showed declining adsorption capacities from pH 2 to 4. The adsorption behaviors of niobium (V) on Kclay and Kaol conformed to the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption isotherm of Kclay was a better fit with the Freundlich isotherm model, while the Langmuir isotherm model was a better fit for Kaol. The Langmuir maximum adsorption amount of Kclay and Kaol were 5.42 and 2.25 mg/g, respectively. These results demonstrated that niobium (V) can be adsorbed by kaolin clay and kaolinite.

Origin and implication of two newly identified peraluminous A-type granites in the early Paleozoic orogeny, Southeast Asia

Abstract: The amalgamation of the Yangtze and the Cathaysia Block in Neoproterozoic time led to the formation of the South China Block (SCB) and generated the Jiangnan Orogen with the occurrences of juvenile magmatic rocks. After this orogeny, a typical collisional orogen formed during the early Paleozoic period in Southeast Asia which is mainly distributed in the Wuyi-Nanling-Yunkai area in the SCB. However, the transitional time from syn-collisional compression to post-collisional extension is debatable. Here, we present new data on zircon U-Pb zircon ages, Lu-Hf isotopes, and geochemistry for the Guzhang and Shadi granites from the Nanling area, South China. Both plutons have similar zircon 238U/206Pb ages of ca. 430 Ma. Petrographic and geochemical characteristics (e.g., FeOt/(FeOt+MgO) = 0.82–0.95) indicate that both granites are peraluminous A-type, with high Ga/Al ratios (2.43–2.91) as well as high concentrations of Zr, Nb, Ce, Y (sum values from 327 to 527 ppm), and formation temperature (820°C–845°C). Shadi granite exhibit high positive εHf(t) values (clustering within 0 to +6) while Guzhang granite show relatively lower εHf(t) values (−8.7 to −2.9). Their mildly negative to positive zircon εHf(t) values are higher than that of many coeval granites and can be derived from anhydrous melting of tonalitic genesis in the middle crustal depth, with the Shadi pluton having more orthometamorphite in the source. The ages and Hf isotopic compositions of inherited zircons (εHf(t = 960 Ma) = 9.2, εHf(t = 950 Ma) = 7.3) suggest that the Neoproterozoic juvenile magmatic rocks in the Jiangnan Orogen were a significant source for these granites. We interpret these A-type granites derived at the post-collisional stage. Their occurrence indicates that the geological setting of this Paleozoic orogen shifted from compression to extension no later than 430 Ma.

Chemical controls on niobium and zirconium mobility inferred from dissolution experiments on wöhlerite in alkaline silica-undersaturated melts

The solubility of wöhlerite, ideally Na2Ca4ZrNb(Si2O7)2O3F, in peralkaline SiO2-undersaturated melts (Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 ± F ± H2O) was studied at the following temperature (T) and pressure (P) conditions: 750 °C, 200 MPa, 850 °C, 100 MPa, and 1000 °C, 200 MPa. Wöhlerite appeared to be stable up to high temperature, with increasing solubility, which is consistent with field observations of early wöhlerite crystallization in pegmatites in the Larvik Plutonic Complex. A lovozerite-group mineral (combeite–zirsinalite–lovozerite) was frequently observed to crystallize in the experiments at 750 °C, and, at very high Na/Al ratios, also at 850 °C. Fluorcalciopyrochlore formed at 1000 °C in experiments where water was added. The concentrations of Zr and Nb in the quenched glasses were generally very high and found to increase strongly with temperature. Moreover, they also increase with addition of water and with increasing peralkalinity. The effect of CaF2 addition was insignificant. Based on comparison with the limited information in the available literature, the solubilities of Ca-bearing Zr and Nb minerals (wöhlerite, lovozerite-group minerals, fluorcalciopyrochlore) in peralkaline silica-undersaturated melts may be lower than those of nominally Ca-free Zr and Nb minerals (zircon, baddeleyite, wadeite, columbite-(Mn)). The experimental data do not support the existence of significant ZrF or NbF complexation. The high concentrations of Nb and Zr in the reacted peralkaline melts can be explained by strongly enhanced formation of alkali-Nb/Zr-silicate complexes compared to that at peraluminous conditions. These complexes are the underlying chemical reason for characteristic high-field-strength-element (HFSE) enrichment in agpaitic and hyperagpaitic rocks.

Geochronology and geochemistry of basalts from the Yingchuan Formation, eastern Jiangnan Orogen: Implications for the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block

The Neoproterozoic magmatism along the Jiangnan Orogen preserves significant information for understanding the tectonic evolution of the South China Block (SCB). We conducted a systematic zircon U–Pb geochronological and whole‐rock geochemical study on the basalts from the Yingchuan Formation in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, SCB. The basalts yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 817 ± 13 Ma, enriched in Rb, Th, U, LREE and HFSE (e.g., Zr and Ti). The basalts have positive εNd(t) (+1.9 to +2.1) and high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.69853–0.70737), indicating a slightly depleted mantle source. The high La/Nb (2.14–2.35) and La/Ta (28.6–33.3) ratios indicate a lithospheric mantle source for the basalts. Their high Ba/Yb (7.85–44.3) and Th/Yb (0.59–0.74) ratios and high absolute Nb contents (7.64–11.6 ug/g) indicate that the lithospheric mantle source has been metasomatized by melts and fluids derived from a subducted slab. The basalts are characterized by (La/Yb) N ratios (3.0–3.5) and Sm/Nd ratios (0.24–0.26), comparable to intra‐continental back arc basin basalts (BABBs). Their Ta/Yb (0.14–0.16) and Th/Yb (0.59–0.74) ratios are similar to those of Okinawa Trough basalts and contemporary mafic rocks formed in the back‐arc basin in the Jiangnan Orogen. Combined with their source features, we propose that the basalts were formed in a back‐arc basin setting. The identification of BABBs from the Yingchuan Formation shows that there were Neoproterozoic back‐arc basins in the south‐eastern Yangtze Block, indicating that the final assembly between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks did not occur before ca. 817 Ma.

MAGMA COMPOSITION AND FORMATION CONDITIONS OF ALKALI-SALIC ROCKS OF THE EARLY MESOZOIC ADAATSAG BIMODAL ASSOCIATION OF THE KHARKHORIN RIFT ZONE OF CENTRAL ASIA (DATA FROM THE STUDY OF MELT INCLUSIONS IN MINERALS)

Based on the method of investigation of melt inclusions using electron and ion microprobe, the magma composition and formation conditions of comendites of the Early Mesozoic Adaatsag volcanic association (Mongolia) were studied. The mechanisms leading to the accumulation of rare and rare earth elements in them were determined. Melt and fluid inclusions are found in quartz from the comendites, collected from different parts of the volcanic sequence. The melt inclusions consist of glass, a gas bubble and daughter minerals represented by fluorite, polylithionite and potassium feldspar. The use of the Raman spectroscopy method made it possible to study the composition of the gas phase in melt inclusions. It is determined that the predominant components of the gas phase are water and hydrogen. Fluid inclusions are represented by aqueous solutions that correspond to KF in composition. The concentration of KF in the solution reach up to 4.0–4.1 wt. %. Thermometric experiments with melt inclusions and analysis of the composition of glasses of homogenized melt inclusions in quartz of the comendites showed that the crystallization of magmas of these rocks occurred from water-saturated rare-metal melts with high contents of Li, Zr, F, Rb, Nb, Y and Th at temperatures of 880–930°C and at a pressure of 1000 bar at a depth of ~3.5 km and was accompanied by degassing processes. Comparison of the obtained data on the study of melt inclusions in the phenocrysts of the alkali-salic rocks of the same age volcanic associations Adaatsag, Dzarta-Кhuduk and Sant, developed within the Kharkhorin rift zone, revealed general patterns of their magma evolution. This allowed us to propose a similar mechanism of their formation, involving the accumulation of many rare and rare-earth elements, as well as volatile components (F, H2O) in the process of crystallization differentiation. Subsequently, a salt melt rich in Li, F and water could be separated from such comendite magmas. The detection of fluoride aqueous inclusions in quartz allows us to suppose the further evolution of the salt melt leading to the appearance of a concentrated aqueous fluid and the possible participation of the latter in metasomatic processes.

RETRACTED-Late Permian to early Triassic gabbro in North Lhasa, Tibet: evidence for plume – subduction-zone interaction of the Palaeo-Tethys ocean

AbstractThe Palaeo-Mesozoic geodynamic evolution of the Tangjia–Sumdo accretionary complex belt, which separates the North and South Lhasa Terrane, remains controversial. Moreover, the lack of geological records restricts the understanding of the evolution of the Sumdo Palaeo-Tethys Ocean from the middle Permian until the middle Triassic. Here we present zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the Yeqing gabbro. Zircon U–Pb geochronology yields ages from 254 ± 1 to 249 ± 1 Ma. In situ Hf isotopic analyses yield ϵHf(t) values of −0.2 to +6.3. These samples have high TiO2 (3.69 wt %) and P2O5 (0.78 wt %) contents, with typical patterns like ocean island basalt (OIB). Besides, they are classified as high-Nb basalts (HNBs) based on the high content of Nb (45.3–113.5 ppm). Whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic compositions are similar to OIB, with initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.7047–0.7054, 143Nd/144Nd of 0.512526–0.512647 and ϵNd(t) of 0.3–2.7. These signatures suggest that the Yeqing gabbro is mainly derived from low-degree melting of the garnet lherzolite mantle. Based on field observations of HNBs intruding into the continental margin and their geochemical characteristics, we infer that the Yeqing gabbro was generated in a subduction environment. Combined with the regional geology of the subduction environment and the evolution of oceanic islands in the Sumdo Palaeo-Tethys Ocean, we propose that the Yeqing gabbro may represent a product of the asthenosphere upwelling through a slab window produced by subduction of seismic ridge in the Sumdo Palaeo-Tethys Ocean, called plume – subduction-zone interaction, during the late Permian to early Triassic.

High Power Factor Nb-Doped TiO2 Thermoelectric Thick Films: Toward Atomic Scale Defect Engineering of Crystallographic Shear Structures.

Donor-doped TiO2-based materials are promising thermoelectrics (TEs) due to their low cost and high stability at elevated temperatures. Herein, high-performance Nb-doped TiO2 thick films are fabricated by facile and scalable screen-printing techniques. Enhanced TE performance has been achieved by forming high-density crystallographic shear (CS) structures. All films exhibit the same matrix rutile structure but contain different nano-sized defect structures. Typically, in films with low Nb content, high concentrations of oxygen-deficient {121} CS planes are formed, while in films with high Nb content, a high density of twin boundaries are found. Through the use of strongly reducing atmospheres, a novel Al-segregated {210} CS structure is formed in films with higher Nb content. By advanced aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques, we reveal the nature of the {210} CS structure at the nano-scale. These CS structures contain abundant oxygen vacancies and are believed to enable energy-filtering effects, leading to simultaneous enhancement of both the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficients. The optimized films exhibit a maximum power factor of 4.3 × 10-4 W m-1 K-2 at 673 K, the highest value for TiO2-based TE films at elevated temperatures. Our modulation strategy based on microstructure modification provides a novel route for atomic-level defect engineering which should guide the development of other TE materials.

Tourmaline as an indicator of ore-forming processes: Evidence from the Laodou gold deposit, Northwest China

A detailed textual and geochemical study of tourmaline is presented to trace fluid evolution and ore genesis of the Laodou gold deposit in West Qinling Orogen, Northwest China. Based on petrographic observations and relationships to gold mineralization, three generations and five types of tourmaline were identified. The pre-ore tourmaline generation (Tur A) occurs as phenocryst replacement within quartz diorite porphyry (Tur A1) and metasomatic filling in hydrothermal breccia (Tur A2). It shows intense oscillatory zoning and variable Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratios (0.30–0.67), implying rapid compositional changes controlled by host-rock composition and fluid-rock interaction. The syn-ore tourmaline generation (Tur B) forms as open-space filling (Tur B1) and peripheral overgrowth (Tur B2) of Tur B1. It occurs in quartz-tourmaline and quartz-stibnite-sphalerite-tourmaline veins. Narrow Mg/(Mg + Fe) range (0.48–0.76), poor chemical zoning and more homogeneous compositions of Tur B reflect a higher fluid flux. The post-ore tourmaline generation (Tur C) occurs as monopolar overgrowths developed at the − c pole of previous tourmaline within granitoids and hydrothermal veins. This has a composition between dravite and foitite with Mg/(Mg + Fe) from 0.65 to 0.95 and no zoning, which reflect formation under low-temperature conditions. Relatively high Sn, Nb and Ta concentrations, LREE enrichment accompanied by strong positive Eu anomalies of Tur A mostly support a magmatic-hydrothermal origin. Slight LREE enrichment and low abundances of ΣREE of Tur B are caused by progressive input of meteoric waters. Tur C shows relative enrichment in Ba, depletions in V and Ni, and a flat REE pattern with negative Eu anomalies, suggesting a metamorphic source. Boron isotope compositions suggest that boron of Tur A (δ11B average − 6.49 ‰) is sourced from an I-type melt involved with the Laodou quartz diorite porphyry, while the lighter δ11B values in paragenetically younger tourmaline (Tur C with δ11B average − 9.10 ‰) support cooling and a metamorphic input sourced from argillaceous slate of the Lower Permian Daguanshan Group. The variations in textural characteristics, chemical and boron isotope compositions from Tur A to Tur C support a fluid mixing between a magmatic-hydrothermal fluid and meteoric waters leaching metasedimentary rocks. Typical morphology, core-to-rim decrease in Mg/(Mg + Fe), Fe3+Al−1, (□XAl)(NaR2+)−1 and (AlO)(R2+OH)−1 vectors, decreasing Na, Ca concentrations and Eu anomalies of tourmaline may record cooling, oxidation and dilution during fluid evolution. This process is possibly caused by fluid mixing and results in gold precipitation. Boron sources, as well as fluid provenance and evolution interpreted by tourmaline provide insight into the Laodou deposit as an intrusion-related gold deposit.

Enrichment of Incompatible Elements in Alkaline Syenites in Large Igneous Provinces Due to Magma Replenishment and Reactive Porous Flow in a Mush Reservoir

AbstractUnderstanding the petrogenesis of alkaline syenites is important for constraining the mechanisms of rare earth element (REE) and rare-metal mineralization. Here we report a detailed petrological and geochemical study of early Permian syenitic rocks from the southwestern Tarim large igneous province (TLIP) in the Wajilitag area (China). We use these data to investigate the complex magmatic processes responsible for the enrichment of incompatible elements (e.g. REEs and rare metals) in these rocks. The Wajilitag syenitic rocks comprise early hornblende syenite (281 Ma) and later nepheline syenite (278 Ma), both of which are spatially and temporally associated with mafic intrusions (i.e. gabbro and diabase). These syenitic rocks show continuous variations in major elements with the mafic rocks. They also have similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions with the nearby mafic rocks, denoting that the Wajilitag syenitic rocks should be derived from the melts represented by these mafic rocks. However, these syenitic rocks, particularly the nepheline syenites, are typically characterized by extreme enrichment of incompatible elements, which is hard to be accounted by simple fractional crystallization of mafic magmas. Some clinopyroxene phenocrysts in the Wajilitag nepheline syenites show oscillatory zoning with strikingly increasing and then gradually decreasing MgO contents, which recorded replenishment of mafic magma at the interval. Low-MgO clinopyroxene mantles and/or rims have much higher incompatible element contents (e.g. Nb, Ce, and Zr) and ratios (e.g. Ce/Y) than their cores, which could reflect melt injection controlled by reactive porous flow in a mush reservoir of a crustal magma chamber. Such processes may also cause the high Ce and/or Nb contents of the mantles and/or rims of zoned titanite and apatite phenocrysts. The injection of reactive porous flow melts is the key process that produces the extreme enrichment of incompatible elements in the alkaline syenites from the western TLIP, as well as other plume-related alkaline syenites that host world-class REE and rare-metal deposits.

Identifying superimposed W–Sn mineralization events using cassiterite microtextures, trace-element chemistry, and geochronology

Numerous large deposits are formed by multiple mineralization events, however, how to identify superimposed mineralization events is poorly understood. The Xiangdong deposit is a large quartz vein-hosted W–Sn deposit within the Dengfuxian composite granite in South China. Previous studies have suggested that there are two discrete W–Sn mineralization events in the deposit, whereas the ore-forming conditions and processes of the two mineralization events are still unclear. To address these ambiguities, this contribution characterized the microtextures, trace-element chemistry, and geochronology of cassiterite assemblages within W–Sn-rich quartz veins. Based on cathodoluminescence (CL) images, cassiterite crystals were classified into two types with textural differences — Cst 1 and Cst 2. Cassiterite 1 is subhedral to irregular and exhibits complex zonation, whereas Cst 2 is euhedral and exhibits oscillatory zonation. Trace-element concentrations and maps of cassiterite obtained via LA–ICP–MS indicate that Cst 1 has high Fe, W, U, and Sb, but low Nb, Ta, and Zr concentrations, whereas Cst 2 has high Nb, Ta, and Zr, but low Fe, W, U, and Sb concentrations. This indicates that Cst 2 formed from higher temperature and more oxidizing hydrothermal fluids than Cst 1. Laser ablation ICP–MS U–Pb geochronological results of Cst 1 and Cst 2 demonstrate they precipitated at 150.0 ± 2.6 Ma and 136.3 ± 5.5 Ma, respectively. This contribution demonstrates that integrated textural and compositional studies of cassiterite assemblages are critical to identifying hydrothermal events that superimposed W–Sn mineralization, and to constrain ore-forming mechanisms and the physicochemical conditions of the environment.

Genetic pattern of the Albian volcanic rocks in the Ziruco area, Northern Tibet: Implications for A-type granites

Genetic pattern of a continuous volcanic series of andesites, dacites, and rhyolites from the Ziruco area, northern Tibet was debated in this paper to evaluate the later evolution of A-type granites. We present new zircon UPb ages, whole-rock geochemical, zircon Hf isotopic, and whole-rock SrNd isotopic data for these magmatic rocks. Our analysis shows that the zircon UPb ages of the andesites, dacites, and rhyolites are ca. 105.4 Ma, ca.105.3 Ma, and ca.106.8 Ma, respectively. The andesites have high Nb contents (16.3–24.9 ppm) and Nb/U ratios (22.7–32.4), and chondrite normalized REE and primitive-mantle normalized trace element patterns similar to Nb-rich basalts. They were most likely derived from the mantle that had been metasomatized by melts derived from subducted slab and sediment, and then underwent fractional crystallization. The dacites and rhyolites have high Ga/Al ratios (3.05–3.70 and 2.93–3.43, respectively), REE (226–256 and 195–285 ppm, respectively), Nb (30.0–34.4 and 20.3–24.4 ppm, respectively) and Zr contents (443–513 and 147–163 ppm, respectively), and zircon saturation temperatures (856–886 °C and 823–837 °C, respectively), which are similar to A-type granites. The dacites were most likely formed by partial melting of underplated basaltic lower crust with ilmenite and zircon, followed by slight fractional crystallization. The rhyolites were most likely formed by fractional crystallization of the dacite magmas. The minerals of fractional crystallization probably include feldspar, apatite, zircon, and titanite. This continuous volcanic series in Ziruco area may be related to break-off of the Meso-Tethyan slab in northern Tibet during the late Early Cretaceous. Our studies indicate that fractional crystallization is important later evolutionary process for A-type granites from the crustal source area, and it mainly controls the geochemical characteristics of significant negative Ba, Sr, P, Ti, and Eu anomalies of A-type granites from the crustal source area.

Mechanical and Anticorrosive Properties of TiNbTa and TiNbTaZr Films on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

In this study, TiNbTa and TiNbTaZr films were utilized as protective coatings on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy to inhibit corrosive attacks from NaCl aqueous solution and simulated body fluid. The structural and mechanical properties of multicomponent TiNbTa(Zr) films were investigated. The corrosion resistance of the TiNbTa(Zr)-film-modified Ti-6Al-4V alloy was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization tests in a NaCl aqueous solution. The results indicate that the TiNbTa(Zr) films with high Ti and Zr contents exhibited inferior corrosive resistance related to the films with high Ta and Nb contents. Moreover, the TiNbTa(Zr)-coated Ti-6Al-4V plates were immersed in Ringer’s solution for eight weeks; this solution was widely used as a simulated body fluid. The formation of surficial oxide layers above the TiNbTa(Zr) films was examined using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which prevented the elution of Al and V from the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Ti33Nb19Ta21Zr27, Ti15Nb68Ta8Zr9, and Ti8Nb8Ta79Zr5 films are suggested as preferential candidates for TiNbTa(Zr)/Ti-6Al-4V assemblies applied as biocompatible materials.

The Effect of Anodizing Bath Composition on the Electronic Properties of Anodic Ta-Nb Mixed Oxides.

Anodic oxides were grown to 50 V on Ta-Nb sputtering deposited alloys, with high Nb content, in acetate ions containing an aqueous solution to study the effect of the anodizing bath composition on anodic layers' dielectric properties. Photoelectrochemical measurements proved the presence of a photocurrent in the band gap of photon energy lower than oxides, due to optical transitions involving localized electronic states as a consequence of acetate ions incorporation. Flat band potential value estimates assessed the insulating nature of the anodic oxides grown in the acetate buffer solution. Differential capacitance measurements showed that the highest capacitance value was measured for the sample grown on Ta-66%Nb. This capacitance value was higher with respect to those estimated for pure Ta and pure Nb anodic layers and with respect to the same alloy anodized in NaOH solution, i.e., acetate-free anodizing bath.

Structural characterization of layers fabricated by non-vacuum electron beam cladding of Ni-Cr-Si-B self-fluxing alloy with additions of niobium and boron

This paper is devoted to characterization of microstructure and phase constituion of coatings produced by non-vacuum electron beam cladding of Ni-Cr-Si-B self-fluxing alloy with Nb and amorphous B additions on mild steel substrates. The main purpose of this study was to form niobium diborides (NbB 2 ) belonging to AlB 2 structural family directly during the cladding process. For this reason we carried out a series of experiments with different ratios of (Nb+B (Am) ) and Ni-Cr-Si-B powders. When the starting material contained 15-40 wt.% of (Nb+B (Am) ) powder the NbC and (Cr, Fe) 23 C 6 carbides, as well as NbB 2 particles distributed in γ-(Ni-Fe) solid solution, were formed. When the starting powders contained 30-40 wt.% of (Nb+B (Am) ), NbB 2 formed shells around the NbC particles. The mechamism of shells formation, the ordering of γ-(Ni-Fe)-matrix and other structural peculiarities of the samples are discussed in the paper. Microhardness of the samples materials ranged from 450 to 950 HV 0.1 . • Ni-Cr-Si-B protective layers reinforced with NbB2 were fabricated on steel. • High-power electron beam accelerator was used to completely melt the alloy. • «NbB2 shell – NbC core» complex particles form at high concentrations of Nb and B. • Complex precipitates provide 2-fold improvement of Ni-Cr-Si-B-alloy microhardness. • The CuAuI type ordering of γ-(Ni-Fe)-matrix occurs in the cladding layer

A RECENTLY DISCOVERED TRACHYTE-HOSTED RARE EARTH ELEMENT-NIOBIUM-ZIRCONIUM OCCURRENCE IN NORTHERN MAINE, USA

AbstractReported here are geological, geophysical, mineralogical, and geochemical data on a previously unknown trachyte-hosted rare earth element (REE)-Nb-Zr occurrence at Pennington Mountain in northern Maine, USA. This occurrence was newly discovered by a regional multiparameter, airborne radiometric survey that revealed anomalously high equivalent Th (eTh) and U (eU), confirmed by a detailed ground radiometric survey and by portable X-Ray fluorescence (pXRF) and whole-rock analyses of representative rock samples. The mineralized area occurs within an elongate trachyte body (~1.2 km2) that intrudes Ordovician volcanic rocks. Geologic constraints suggest that the trachyte is also Ordovician in age. The eastern lobe (~900 × ~400 m) of the trachyte is pervasively brecciated with a matrix containing seams, lenses, and veinlets composed mainly of potassium feldspar, albite, and fine-grained zircon and monazite. Barite is locally abundant. Minor minerals within the matrix include columbite, bastnäsite, euxenite, chlorite, pyrite, sphalerite, and magnetite. The pXRF analyses of 22 samples (App. Table A1) collected from the eastern lobe demonstrate that this entire part of the trachyte is highly mineralized. Whole-rock geochemical analyses for samples from the eastern lobe document high average contents of Zr (1.17 wt %), Nb (1,656 ppm), Ba (3,132 ppm), Y (1,140 ppm), Hf (324 ppm), Ta (122 ppm), Th (124 ppm), U (36.5 ppm), Zn (689 ppm), and Sn (106 ppm). Among light REE, the highest average concentrations are shown by La (763 ppm) and Ce (1,479 ppm). For heavy REE (HREE), Dy and Er are the most abundant on average (167 and 114 ppm, respectively). No HREE-rich minerals such as xenotime have been identified; the HREE may reside chiefly in monazite and bastnäsite, and within the fine-grained zircon. Very strong positive correlations (R2) of 0.92 to 0.98 exist between Th and Zr, Nb, Y, Ce, Yb, and Sn, indicating that the radiometric data for eTh are valid proxies for concentrations of these metals in the mineralized rocks.Trachyte-hosted REE-Nb-Zr deposits like the occurrence at Pennington Mountain also are known in eastern Australia and in the south Qinling belt of Central China. Based on comparisons with these deposits, and the lack of detailed geologic mapping in the Pennington Mountain region, we suggest that other rare-metal occurrences contained in trachyte may exist elsewhere in northern Maine, and more widely in the Appalachian-Caledonian orogen where volcanic and subvolcanic trachytes have been recognized.

Generation of aluminous A-type granite by partial melting of felsic restite: Evidence from Mesozoic granitoids in the southern margin of the North China Craton

Aluminous A-type granites generally show high SiO 2 contents of >70 wt%, and their petrogenesis is still hotly debated with respect to source nature, magmatic processes and tectonic setting . This paper presents a comparison of petrography , geochronology and geochemistry between a Mesozoic syenogranite and its adjacently contemporaneous granitoids in the Xiong'ershan area, the hanging wall of the Paleozoic continental collision zone between the North China Craton and the North Qinling microcontinent. Syenogranites at Taishanmiao are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and belong to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series. They contain embayed bipyramidal quartz crystals , quartz-feldspar intergrowths and high Fe biotite species as well as accessory fluorite , magnetite and ilmenite . They exhibit significantly negative Ba, Sr and Eu anomalies with most δEu values of <0.5, and relatively high contents of Nb, Ta and Zr. They are weakly magnesian to ferroan in lithochemistry and mostly fall into the field of aluminous A-type granite in terms of their high Zr contents and 10,000 × Ga/Al ratios. Furthermore, they have low Y/Nb ratios of <1.20, falling into the A1-type field of the Nb-Y-Ce ternary diagram. The geochronological results indicate that the Taishanmiao syenogranites were emplaced into the late Paleoproterozoic Xiong'er Group volcanics at 119 ± 1 Ma, consistent with emplacement ages of the late stage non-adakitic granitoids at Funiushan in the same area. Whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf O isotope compositions are similar between the two types of granitoids, indicating that they share a common magma source that is composed of the ancient crustal basement in the southern margin of the North China Craton and the juvenile crust of the North Qinling microcontinent. According to their petrographic and geochemical features, the syenogranites are categorized into aluminous A-type whereas the non-adakitic granitoids belong to I-type. Therefore, they were produced by partial melting of felsic restites after extraction of hydrous granitic melts to form the Funiushan I-type granites. As such, the composition of these granitoids is primarily dictated by both source composition and magmatic processes at the ancient convergent plate margin. Although the granitic magmatism would take place in the post-collisional period, the aluminous A-type granite was formed in the terminal stage of post-collisional magmatism. In addition, the post-collisional granites record reactivation of the hanging wall in the continental collision zone. • The Taishanmiao syenogranites belong to aluminous A1-type granite. • The syenogranites were derived from partial melting of the felsic restite. • The felsic restite was produced by extraction of hydrous granitic melts. • The syenogranites are petrogenetically associated with calc-alkaline granitoids. • Granite composition is also dictated by crustal anataxis and melt extraction.

Twin and twin intersection phenomena in a creep deformed microalloyed directionally solidified high Nb containing TiAl alloy

• The combination of directional solidification and microalloying can significantly refine the columnar grains and homogenize the microstructure of TiAl alloy. • Compared with ternary TiAl alloy, the microalloying high-Nb TiAl alloy exhibits more superior creep property at 760 °C/275 MPa. • The decrease of stacking fault energy can promote the dislocation dissociation and the formation of deformation nanotwins. • Twin intersections will create more boundaries in the lamellar matrix, which will act as obstacles to dislocation movement. The creep behavior of a directionally solidified TiAl alloy with a high Nb content after microalloying by the addition of small amounts of W, Cr, and B elements was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. By means of directional solidification and microalloying, a TiAl alloy with a fine and uniform microstructure and continuous columnar crystals was obtained. High-density dislocations, deformation nanotwins, and twin intersections were observed in γ lamellae. The results show that, in comparison with the ternary TiAl alloy, the microalloyed high Nb containing TiAl alloy exhibited better creep properties at 760 °C and 275 MPa. The decrease in stacking fault energy can promote dislocation dissociation and the formation of deformation twins, and the twin intersections can hinder the movement of dislocation to enhance the creep performance of the TiAl alloy.

Magma Defrosting: Evidence from Plutonic Rocks

Abstract The concept of defrosting, heating and partially melting a crystal-rich, weakly mobile or immobile magma (magmatic mush) has gained wide support from volcanological studies. This process has been called on as a means to promote eruption of crystal-rich (monotonous) dacites and also to permit extraction of felsic magmas, which may accumulate in the upper crust and erupt as crystal-poor rhyolite or trachyte. Most studies of the latter type of defrosting call on a conjugate plutonic part of the system from which the felsic melt was extracted. Although petrographic and geochemical features of defrosting are well described for eruptive rocks, few studies have investigated petrographic and geochemical features of plutons that indicate defrosting. The Jurassic Ashland pluton is a tilted intrusive complex exposed in southern Oregon and northern California, USA. The central part of the pluton, quartz monzodiorite (QMD), displays petrographic features (crystal fragmentation, widespread resorption, local concentrations of refractory minerals) characteristic of partial melting. This unit is intruded and overlain by biotite granite, which displays plagioclase cores identical in composition to plagioclase in the underlying QMD, resorbed titanite cores in plagioclase, and local subhedral to anhedral cores of alkali feldspar in poikilitic alkali feldspar crystals. Hornblende and biotite in the biotite granite display enrichments in Ti and Nb relative to these minerals in QMD, negating fractional crystallization as a petrogenetic process. Instead, these high Ti and Nb contents reflect significant partial melting of titanite in the QMD, thereby releasing high field strength elements to the defrosted biotite granite melt. The biotite granite magmas are thus interpreted as the melt-rich products of defrosting caused by intrusion of mafic–intermediate magmas into the QMD magma column.

Microstructures, mechanical properties and tribological behaviors of NiAl-based composite coatings with various addition of Nb

The microstructures, mechanical properties and tribological behaviors of the NiAl-based composite coatings with various addition of Nb were investigated. Particularly, the coatings registered a typically fine lamellar morphology and a dense microstructure, of which the microhardness increased with the Nb content increasing. Moreover, the coatings with various Nb contents registered different tribological properties and wear mechanisms at different test temperatures. The wear mechanisms of the coatings transferred from serious abrasive wear (NA1), brittle fracture accompanied with abrasive wear (NA2), abrasive wear (NA3) to serious fracture and abrasive wear (NA4) with the increment of Nb content at room temperature. At 400 °C, the coatings with low contents of Nb (NA1, NA2) possessed low friction coefficients but high wear rates due to the plastic deformation and micro-cutting. However, the coatings with high contents of Nb (NA3, NA4) possessed higher friction coefficients but low wear rates due to the reinforcement and anti-wear effect of metal Nb, and the wear mechanism was dominated by adhesive wear. At 800 °C, the coatings possessed the wear mechanism of slight abrasive wear, and a series of bimetallic oxides, e.g. AgNbO3 and NiNb2O6 generated through the high-temperature tribochemical reactions. The synergistic lubrication of oxides was responsible for the lower COFs of the coatings at 800 °C. But higher wear rate of the NA1 coating was ascribed to the low hardness and adhesive strength due to the low content of metal Nb. As a whole, metal Nb could observably enhance the wear resistance of the coatings at different temperatures.

MINERALOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF APATITE-FLUORITE ROCKS OF THE BURPALA MASSIF IN THE NORTHERN BAIKAL REGION

The Burpala massif located in the Northern Baikal region contains ore-bearing pegmatites, carbonatites and apatite-fluorite rocks with Zr-Nb-REE-rare-metal mineralization. Considering their petrological, geochemical, geological and thermobarochemical features, it was established that apatite-fluorite rocks were formed from a residual fluid melt containing minor CO2, increased P2O5 and F. Apatite-fluorite rocks of the Burpala massif are similar to the foscorite formations of most carbonatite complexes distinguished by the presence of fluorite.The mineral composition of these rocks was for the first time studied in details. In addition to apatite and fluorite, the following minerals are present: zircon, baddeleyite, barite-celeistine, barite, thorianite, ilmenite, magnetite, hematite, biotite, potassium feldspar, pyroxene, as well as rare minerals with high Ta, Nb and Pb content.