Leucocratic Granites Research Articles

Geology of critical mineral deposits of the Kuljuktau Mts., Central Kyzylkum (Uzbekistan)

This article presents characteristics of geological and tectonic structures of the Kuljuktau Mountains, mineralogical and geochemical features of its volcanic and intrusive rocks and associated mineralisation of critical elements. The Taskazgan graphite, Shaidaraz lithium, and Tozbulak high-purity quartz deposits, and new prospects for rare earth mineralisation have been identified as the most significant critical mineral resources of the Kuljuktau Mts. The Taskazgan graphite deposit is confined to the melange at the contact between the gabbroids and the marbleised carbonate rocks. Rare metal (lithium) mineralisation is associated with pegmatite and aplite veins of the Shaidaraz intrusion. The Tozbulak high-purity quartz vein cuts through the intrusion of leucocratic granites and is the largest quartz manifestation in Uzbekistan. The new U–Pb zircon ages of the Kuljuktau and West Tozbulak intrusive complexes of 353.5 ± 2.1 Ma for the former and 349.1 ± 2.5 Ma, respectively, allowed the refinement of the regional metallogenesis in space and time.

Variscan lithotectonic units of the Suchý massif in the Strážovské vrchy Mts., Western Carpathians – products of sedimentary, tectonometamorphic and granite forming processes

The present geological investigation of the Pre-Alpine structure of the western part of Strážovské vrchy Mts (the Suchý massif; Western Carpathians) has distinguished three lithologically distinct Variscan lithotectonic units, which originated (1) in the deeper parts of oceanic basin (prevailingly metapelites with different content of organic matter, metabasalts, metacarbonates?); (2) sediments of the continental slope (flyschoid sediments with a predominance of greiwacke sediments; both VmD0); (3) a unit of continent basement primarily of pre-VmD0 granitic composition (orthogneiss). These rock sequences of differing geotectonic provenances were amalgamated and metamorphosed in the pre-intrusive (Pre-Mississipian) stage; pre-VmD2). Regarding the Variscan polyorogenic evolution, Variscan processes in Tatricum represent the Meso-Variscan evolution (VmD). The maximum P-T conditions of orogenic (regional) metamorphism (up to 610 °C and 7.5–8.5 kbar) were not sufficient for more extensive anatexis. Field observations indicated that the production of a limited volume of granitoid melts occurred mainly at the contacts of amalgamated lithotectonic units. Probably due to the heat, produced by the hot line below the collisional orogen and contributing also to unroofing processes (in orogenic phase VmD2) there started new granitization process. This stage of Mississippian VmD2 granite formation is associated with the emplacement of various types of granitoid magma, encompassing the oldest granodiorites with frequent schliers, representing a poorly differentiated and poorly mobile crystal slurry (present in the SE part of the territory). In the highly evolved collision phase, masses of leucogranites intruded comformably with the deformation plan in the metamorphic complexes, interacting with surrounding metamorphic rocks in shallower crustal conditions and causing their contact metamorphic overprint (up to 590 °C and 3–4 kbar). The syn-deformation character of leucocratic granites is proved by the orientation of biotite flakes parallel to the deformation plane of surrounding metamorphites. Part of leucogranites, especially in the central parts of the bodies, is omnidirectional. The stress field acted not only during the intrusion of the leucogranite magma, but also in the subsolidus stage. The final stage of this process is the formation of large bodies of pegmatites in extensional VmD2 fractures oriented at a large angle to the main stress component. The texture of the grey blocky K-feldspar pegmatites and the lack of H2O-bearing minerals point to pneumatolytic fracturing in a subsequently opened environment in VmD2. The final stage of VmD2 is represented by intrusions of I-type granodiorites with indications of magma mixing, or mingling. The chemical dating of monazites in granitoids allowed to date individual phases of granitization process in the range of 360–345 Ma, which youngest ages correspond with the formation of pegmatites. Dating of monazite in metamorphic rocks points to their thermal overprint during granitization process (360–350 Ma), having already earlier metamorphic overprint (380–370 Ma). The scenario of placement of granitoid intrusions is consistent with the decompression regime (in VmD2) after the end of VmD1c crustal thickening until the fracturing of the crustal block with of I-type magma intrusions of deeper origin. After this period, the exhumation of crystalline blocks, partial diaphtoresis and later surface erosion continue until the Lower Triassic. The re-submergence of the crystalline complexes is associated with a low degree of Alpine metamorphic reworking.

Petrogenesis of A-type leucocratic granite magmas: An example from Delbegetei massif, Eastern Kazakhstan

The genesis of leucogranite magmas is important issue of geodynamics, petrology and ore geology because leucogranites are associated with collisional belts, partial melting of sedimentary source rocks, and may host rare metal (Sn, W, Li, NbTa, and Be) mineralization. To establish the petrogenesis of large leucogranite intrusions, detailed studies of petrography, mineralogy, fluid regime, and the material and isotopic composition of rocks are required. The paper reports results of the studies of the Delbegetei massif of the intrusion in Eastern Kazakhstan. The massif is composed predominantly of leucocratic granites, while syenogranites are subordinate. Rocks of the massif belong to shoshonitic and high-K calc-alkaline series; demonstrate a predominance of K over Na, high ferroan and high contents of LREE and HFSE; which allows them to be classified as A-type granites. The age of Delbegetei massif, estimated by the UPb zircon dating, varies in the range 249–240 Ma, which correspond the Early-Middle Triassic. The differences in rock composition and in temperatures of zircon saturation allow supposing that syenogranites and leucogranites formed from different parental magmas. Syenogranite magma formed as a result of partial melting of metamorphosed volcanic rocks (andesidacites or dacites) with possible influence of mafic magmas. Leucogranite magma formed as a result of fluid-present partial melting of metaterrigenous sedimentary rocks. Leucogranite magma underwent the feldspars differentiation in the fluid-present conditions. This led to composition variations of leucogranites. Analysis of the geological position, age and composition of the rocks allows concluding that the Delbegetei massif formed at the Early Triassic in an intraplate geodynamic setting and that the activity of the Siberian mantle plume is the most probable reason for their formation.

규장질 누적암과 용융체의 불완전 분리를 통한 고-실리카 화강암의 형성에 대한 예비연구: 경주 일대 양산단층 동부의 우백질 화강암

규장질 누적암과 용융체의 불완전 분리를 통한 고-실리카 화강암의 형성에 대한 예비연구: 경주 일대 양산단층 동부의 우백질 화강암

Early Triassic Monzonite–Granite Series in Eastern Kazakhstan as a Reflection of Siberian Large Igneous Province Activity

We provide the results of studying the internal structure and composition of the rocks of the Semeitau and Delbegetei massifs located in Eastern Kazakhstan. It was previously believed that these massifs have different ages and were formed in different geodynamic settings. The U-Pb zircon age from the monzonites and quartz monzonites was determined to be 249 ± 2 Ma, which showed the same Early Triassic age of the massifs. Both massifs are composed of rocks of the same monzonite–granite series of rocks with a significant proportion of high-silica rocks (leucocratic granites). Intermediate rocks are formed due to the differentiation of subalkaline mafic magmas, and the felsic rocks (rhyolites and granites) are the result of partial melting of crustal substrates. The massif formation model assumes the intrusion of mafic magmas into the crust, their differentiation and mixing with crustal melts, and then the intrusion of various rocks into the upper crustal levels. Analysis of the geological position, age and composition of the rocks allows us to conclude that the Semeitau and Delbegetei massifs were formed in an intraplate geodynamic setting. The activity of the mantle plume is the most probable reason for their formation. The Semeitau and Delbegetei massifs can be included in the southern part of the range of the Early Triassic Siberian Large Igneous Province.

An Assessment of Landslides along Mountain Forest Roads: Bamenda Ring Road Segment through Bafut and Befang Forests on the Cameroon Volcanic Line.

Purpose: Landslides cause distress in communities worldwide, disrupt socio-economic activities and cause damage to roads infrastructure. The purpose of this study was to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the recurrent landslide events along the Bamenda Ring Road (BRR) segment through the Bafut and Bafang mountain forests in the North West Region of Cameroon, located along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL).
 Methodology: Topographic and geologic map studies, foot-borne surveys, hydro-meteorological data analysis and soil permeability tests were employed to the study. Results at the time of this study reveal 35 new slide scarps in Bafut and 16 along the Befang forests.
 Findings: The topography culminates between 670-1300 m altitude, while more than 50% of the slopes in the study area are convex, the rest are convexo-linear, concave, while a few of them are linear. Natural slope gradients vary from 35-600, while prevalent number of slides occur on sub-vertical road-cut embankments. The slides are classified as small volume, short distance-travelled shallow translational than rotational debris flows. Base rocks of the study zone are essentially coarse-grained leucocratic granites with quartz, feldspars, biotite and muscovite minerals which appear liable to weathering. Meanwhile, residual soil samples are permeable, have increased pore water pressure and has a high liquefaction tendency due to its high clay content. The absence of recent or historic earthquakes suggests that causative factors of landslides could be linked to steep gradients, lithology, deep weathering profiles, considerable affinity for water of the weathered materials and prolonged rainy seasons. As such we highlight the contribution of the landslide hazard with the direct risk based on the extensive deterioration of the road characterized by multiple road defects and reduced socio-economic activities and the indirect risk linked to difficulties in the movement of goods and persons and management of resources.
 Recommendations: This study recommend present officials to improve on their documentation and skills in monitoring rainfall and landslide hazard and manage disaster emergency; sensitize the population on landslide hazard and associated risk. There is need for government to establish a road authority for the management of landslide hazard, disaster relief and the land inside and outside the road.

Geodynamic Formation Conditions and Age of Granitoids from Small Intrusions in the West of the Yana–Kolyma Gold Belt (Northeast Asia)

Abstract We report results of geological, mineralogical-petrographic, geochemical, isotope-geochemical (Sm–Nd, Rb–Sr), and geochronological (U–Pb, 40Ar/39Ar) studies of acid and intermediate intrusive rocks (granodiorites, leucocratic granites, subalkaline granites, and subalkaline leucocratic granites, diorites, and quartz diorites) of the Bukeschen and Samyr small plutons in the western part of the Yana–Kolyma gold belt (northeast Asia). These rocks are combined with Late Jurassic (151–145 Ma) dikes of basic, intermediate, and acid compositions into a single complex of small intrusions. They intrude the Upper Triassic–Middle Jurassic terrigenous deposits of continental margin blocks in the eastern part of the Verkhoyansk–Kolyma folded area. Our new U–Pb data for zircon (SHRIMP-II) indicate that the Bukeschen and Samyr pluton granitoids formed in the Berriasian, at 144.5 and 143 Ma, respectively. The small-intrusion granitoids have geochemical and isotope (Sm–Nd and Rb–Sr) characteristics similar to those of Late Jurassic dikes of varying composition. Therefore, they can be united into a single complex of small intrusions generated from a mixed source with the participation of mantle (OIB- and E-MORB type), lower crust, and subduction components and with Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic Sm–Nd model age estimates for the magma sources. Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous magmatic and postmagmatic events and cooling of the intrusions played an important role in the processes of gold localization in the western part of the Yana–Kolyma gold belt. This is reflected in two tectonothermal stages (accounting for closing temperatures of the U–Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, and Re–Os isotope systems for different minerals) estimated at 151–141 and 138–137 Ma. These results for the small-intrusion complex agree with the tectonic model of the evolution of an active continental margin (northeastern Siberia) in the Mesozoic era, whose final development stage in the Berriasian age saw the formation of mostly small granitoid plutons.

Sources and Forms of Metals Accumulation in Coal-Bearing Deposits of the Southern Primorye: Validation of the “Granite-Water” Model

The work deals with the role of Paleozoic granites as possible sources of metals in coals. The process of dissolution and transfer of metals in the system “granite-water” was modeled. It is shown that the scale of accumulation of ore matter in water depends on the duration of interaction between water and rock. As a result of physical and chemical modeling, the probable set of migration forms of components and their transformations were calculated. The results of modeling indicate in favor of the assumption that the studied leucocratic granites of the pre-Cenozoic basement could be a source of metals concentrated in the coals of the Rakovka depression.

Timing of activity of the Yusubaru Granite and petrogenetical relationship with the Leucocratic Granite, Cretaceous Granitic rocks in northern Kyushu, Southwest Japan

Timing of activity of the Yusubaru Granite and petrogenetical relationship with the Leucocratic Granite, Cretaceous Granitic rocks in northern Kyushu, Southwest Japan

The mineralization potential of the I-type granites from Misajé pluton (NW-Cameroon): AMS and geochemical constraints

The I-type Pan-African Misajé granites, situated in the Western domain of the Central African Fold Belt are among the late-to post tectonic granites that intruded the ante-Pan-African country rocks. In this study, magnetic susceptibility and geochemistry data are integrated to evaluate the productive and non-productive metal potential of these I-type plutonic granites, which comprise Leucocratic granite, Biotite granite, Biotite-hornblende granite, and granodiorites. The magnetic susceptibility of the representative rock samples of the Misajé pluton ranges from 0.001 × 10−3 SI to 33.2 × 10−3 SI. These values indicate the coexistence of both magnetite and ilmenite-series. The magnetite-series (>3 × 10−3 SI; oxidized type) constitute about 32 vol.% while the ilmenite-series (<3 × 10−3 SI; reduced type) represent 68 vol.%. These magnetite-series vary from small MD (Ms ≤ 1) to coarse PSD (Ms > 1) grains sizes. The Misajé plutonics are high potentially productive in Zn, Th, ilmenite, and magnetite and low productive in Sn, W and Cu though their extension remains limited, probably due to the remobilization of the ancient Paleoproterozoic crust that would have contributed to the dispersing of pre-Pan-African metal deposits.

The superlarge Tyrnyauz skarn W-Mo and stockwork Mo(-W) to Au(-Mo, W, Bi, Te) deposit in the Northern Caucasus, Russia: Geology, geochemistry, mineralization, and fluid inclusion characteristics

The Tyrnyauz deposit (>850 Kt WO3, >220 Kt Mo, ~60 t Au, with additional ~140 t Au at a satellite deposit) is the largest W skarn deposit in Russia and the FSU. It comprises large mineralized (molydoscheelite) skarn zones of the intermediate-redox type, followed by overprinting and much wider systems of post-skarn quartz-garnet-pyroxene, quartz-garnet, quartz-wollastonite, quartz-feldspar and quartz veins with molybdenite and minor scheelite. Younger quartz-molybdenite (±scheelite) stockworks in zones of propylitic (quartz-amphibole-chlorite) alteration are typically more distal, and so are the complex W-Au-Bi-As-Te-Sb quartz-sulfide stockworks occurring in zones of phyllic (carbonate-phyllic) alteration. The mineralization appears to be associated with at least two separate igneous suites, possibly a Late Paleozoic low-K “trondhjemite” plutonic suite (quartz diorite, tonalite-granodiorite, and plagiogranite) followed by the formation of mineralized skarns, and a Neogene moderate- to high-K, plutonic to subvolcanic suite (leucocratic granite, biotite granite, rhyolite to rhyolite-dacite, vitroandesite, to trachyandesite-trachybasalt). The Neogene intrusions exhibit a reverse (toward less silicic rocks) overall differentiation trend, cut skarns, and alternate with the post-skarn hydrothermal stages.Prograde calcic skarn was formed from a carbonic-free aqueous, low-salinity (~3 wt% NaCleq.), high-pressure (~1.3 kbar), hot fluid, which could be sourced from crystallizing magma. As the magma degassing progressed, a Na-K-Ca-chloride, high salinity (~50 wt% NaCleq.), but still high-pressure (~1.4 kbar) fluid formed mineralized (with molybdoscheelite) retrograde skarn. After the Neogene leucocratic granite emplacement, the molybdenite (±scheelite) stockworks were formed from a boiling aqueous-carbonic fluid at decreasing (from 420 to 390 °C to 370–350 °C) temperatures and much lower (~0.5 kbar) pressures. A short (?) episode of the late quartz-pyroxene-fluorite-calcite veins with scheelite occurred after the rhyolite emplacement, and a corresponding influx of boiling high-temperature (600–650 °C), Na-K-Ca-chloride, high-salinity (>50 wt% NaCleq.), methane-rich fluid interrupted the generally low- to moderate-salinity carbonic-aqueous fluid supply. A moderate- to low-salinity (22 to 4–9 wt% NaCleq.), aqueous Na-K-chloride fluids formed the late Cu-Zn sulfide to W-Au-Bi-As-Te-Sb mineralization. The superposition of different fertile igneous suites and related mineralization styles may have been the key reason for the giant metal endowment.

First Data on the U–Pb Isotopic Age for Zircon (LA-ICP-MS Method) from Leucocratic Granites of the Tyrnyauz Mo–W Deposit (North Caucasus, Russia)

First Data on the U–Pb Isotopic Age for Zircon (LA-ICP-MS Method) from Leucocratic Granites of the Tyrnyauz Mo–W Deposit (North Caucasus, Russia)

The Djilouet granite suite (Djanet terrane, eastern Hoggar, Algeria): petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry, and relations with quartz-cassiterite-wolframite vein systems

The Djilouet complex forms a cupola made up of leucocratic granites associated with Sn-W mineralization. It could represent the Hoggar’s easternmost rare metal granite (RMG) comparatively to those of the Taourirt province in the central Hoggar. It is located in the Djanet terrane, 12 km NE of the town of the same name in the far east of the Tuareg shield in Algeria. The Djanet terrane is made of a thick low-grade (greenschist facies) sedimentary sequence which was intruded by several generations of granitic rocks. The subcircular Djilouet body is made of leucocratic granites with progressive mutual transitions. Most of the outcrop is occupied by a porphyritic coarse-grained biotite granite. A muscovite granite is found in the center of the cupola, whereas a garnet (almandine—spessartite) granite forms a discontinuous rim all around it. Black micas from the biotite granite are lithian annite (“protolithionite”). The white micas from the muscovite granite and the garnet granite are classified as Fe-Li muscovite. The muscovite granite and the garnet granite contain accessory minerals as rutile, xenotime, monazite, zircon, and minerals that may be members of the pyrochlore supergroup. All the facies are leucogranite with high SiO2 content and high K2O-Na2O ratio. They are poor in calcium and in mafic components and have very low phosphorus content (P2O5 ~ 0.1%). The peraluminous composition is low to mild (1.08 1.46). The evolved granites of the Djilouet suite are enriched in Th and U, but the tantalum and the niobium are not highly concentrated (Ta + Nb = 10.4–17.1). The total REE content is low (57–84 ppm), and the patterns are typically wing shaped with a strong negative Eu anomaly and a small tetrad effect. The Sn-W mineralization consists two systems of veins: large quartz veins with ferberite (H/F ~ 0.8) and quartz veinlets or stockworks with homogeneous cassiterite and minor wolframite (H/F ~ 48). The iso-content contours of tin and tungsten, as produced from a sampling covering the whole cupola, overlap very little. The differences which were noted throughout the study between the Taourirt granites and those of the Djilouet suite are to be related to the lithological nature of the crust rather than to a difference in the geodynamic environment.

Early Ediacaran Magmatism in the Yenisei Ridge and Evolution of the Southwestern Margin of the Siberian Craton

We present the first comprehensive data for the early Ediacaran stage of evolution of the western active continental margin of the Siberian Craton (Yenisei Ridge). U-Pb (SHRIMP-II SIMS) data for zircons from dikes of picrodolerites, quartz diorites, and leucocratic granites show that they were emplaced at 625 ± 5, 623 ± 8, and 626 ± 5 Ma, respectively, which indicates a narrow time window of Ediacaran magmatic events. The mafic tholeiitic rocks have OIB and E-MORB mantle components in their magmatic sources. Mineralogical and geochemical observations showed that the mantle-sourced mafic melts assimilated some crustal material, forming Th-enriched dikes of intermediate composition and K- and Rb-enriched felsic rocks. The possible geodynamic conditions for the formation of these early Ediacaran dikes are shown and a geodynamic model is presented for the development of the Yenisei Ridge orogen from the late Cryogenian to the late Ediacaran.

ВІКОВИЙ ІНТЕРВАЛ ФОРМУВАННЯ ГРАНІТОЇДІВ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО ЩИТА

The paper discusses Berdychiv type granitoids that have always stirred up interest among researchers of the Ukrainian Shield. These rocks include minerals that are uncharacteristic of granites - cordierite, sillimanite, andalusite - and are closely related to rocks of the supposed substratum. At the same time, there still remain questions about the genetic nature of Berdychiv granites. Despite the fact that most researchers treat these granites as intrusive (anatectic) formations, there are other concepts according to which these granites are considered to be the products of metasomatic transformation (magmatic replacement) of primarily argillaceous and marly series of substratum. The Stryzhavka open pit, which is located in the Upper Bug region of the Ukrainian Shield displays differently cataclised porphyry-like plagiogranitoids (predominantly, garnet-bearing varieties in its southwestern area, locally rock-forming potassic feldspar varieties), and garnet-bearing leucocratic granites similar to those of Berdychiv type granites. The monazites of biotite-garnet granodiorite and biotite-garnet granite were dated by uranium-lead (U-Pb) isotopic dating method. The monazite of granodioritеs is dated 2049,3±3,5 million years based on the upper intersection of concordia with discordia. Significantly lower values of age (about 15 million years younger) for the monazite selected from granite, approximating 2035,1±1,9 million years were established. We assume it to be caused by prolonged crystallization of granitic melt and rather early crystallization of more basiс granodioritic magma in comparison with granitic one. Thus, the duration of the granitoid formation uncovered in the Stryzhavka open pit exceeds 15 million years, which correlates accurately with the estimates for occurrence duration of the granitic melts, which gave rise to various granites of the Ukrainian Shield.

Морфология Горихинского гранитного массива с помощью методов математической статистики

The Gorikhinsky granite massif is located in the marginal part of the Khentei highlands (Mongolian-Transbaikalian folded system, Central Mongolia). The massif is composed of coarse-grained weak-porphyry leucocratic granites, granite porphyry, and pegmatites. In the rocks of the massif, rock crystal deposits have been discovered. In certain pegmatite bodies, in addition to smoky quartz and morion crystals, the study has found the presence of fluorite, topaz, biotite, tourmaline, beryl, garnet, and allanite. The accessory minerals are cyrtolite, xenotime, zircon, sphene, rutile, apatite, cassiterite, etc. Thus, the study of the geological structure of the above object is of interest not only from a scientific but also from a practical point of view. The research data have become the basis for setting areal gravimetric work to determine the features of the massif’s geological structure. The work has been performed by the standard procedure using Scintrex Autograv CG-5 gravimeters. The height of the observation points has been determined by Trimble 5700 GPS devices. The RMS accuracy of the gravitational anomalies calculation as well as the density of the observation network meet the technical requirements for 1:100000 scale gravimetric surveys. Using the results of the gravity survey, a map of gravity anomalies in Bouguer has been compiled. Based on the interpretation of the map, with the use of the methods of mathematical statistics, quantitative characteristics of the shape and size of the body have been defined and a three-dimensional model of the massif has been built. For the purpose of the transformation and inversion of the gravitational field, the variance and regression methods of mathematical analysis have been used. The maximum thickness of the granites is 3.5 km; the area of the earth's surface projection is twice that of the granite outcrop. The obtained estimates are confirmed by the results of solving the inverse problem of gravimetry using the method of model selection. The article concludes that the use of the regression and variance analysis methods of mathematical statistics in the studies of the morphology of the intrusive bodies has proved most effective. The information on the shape and size of the massif will be used in concluding on the prospects of the massif’s metallogenic trend.

A New Scandium-Bearing Variety of Tusionite from the Eastern Pamirs (Tajikistan)

A new Sc-bearing variety of tusionite has been found in the Eastern Pamirs, in the near-miarolitic Dorozhny granite pegmatite complex at the Kukurt pegmatite field (left bank of the Kukurt River, 45 km east of the settlement of Murghab, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, Tajikistan). Miarolitic pegmatites are related to the alpine leucocratic granites of the Shatput intrusive complex and occur in rocks of the Sarydzhilga Formation (PR3?) metamorphosed under amphibolite and epidote–amphibolite facies. Tusionite occurs in association with quartz, K-feldspar, albite, elbaite, Sc-bearing spessartine (up to 0.2 wt % Sc2O3) and accessory fluorapatite, Y-bearing fluorite, Sn-bearing titanite, magnetite, polycrase-(Y), B-rich gadolinite-(Y), ixiolite, manganocolumbite, pyrochlore, chernovite-(Y), cassiterite, varlamoffite, lepidolite, and Hf-rich zircon (up to 17.0 wt % HfO2). Tusionite forms thin lamellae (0.05–0.25 mm) and fanlike aggregates. It is yellow and transparent with a vitreous luster. It has weak pleochroism, No (orange–yellow) > Ne (light yellow). It is a uniaxial negative mineral, no = 1.870(5), ne = 1.760(3). The Raman spectrum has been reported for tusionite for the first time (laser excitation 532 nm); main bands: 228, 305, 379, 466, 661, 733, 750, 942, 1218, and 1458 cm–1. Its X-ray diffraction pattern is similar to tusionite from the Southwestern Pamirs. Hexagonal unit cell parameters: a = 4.772(3), c = 15.28(3) A. Chemical composition (electron microprobe, wt %, average of 14 analyses): 0.06 (0.00–0.31) Ta2O5; 50.28 (49.43–51.03) SnO2; 0.02 (0.00–0.19) TiO2; 1.02 (0.62–1.53) Sc2O3; 0.03 (0.00–0.19) CaO; 0.21 (0.16–0.46) FeO; 24.06 (23.59–24.34) MnO; 24.51 (calc. 23.90) B2O3; total 99.62 (99.08–100.79). The substitution mechanism involving Sc is not clear. Substitution of Sc+3 for Sn+4 with partial replacement of Mn+2 by Mn+3 is possible; however, Sc negatively correlates not only with Sn, but also with (Fe + Mn), which may result from the location of Sc in both octahedral positions with Sn+4 and Mn+2.

Physico-Chemical Conditions of Crystallization and Ore Potential of Granitoids from the Boundary Zone of the Southern and Middle Urals

Abstract—The paper briefly considers the geological structure of the boundary zone between the Southern and Middle Urals (Kunashak area), as well as the composition and conditions of formation of Devonian–Triassic granitoid complexes developed here. Thermobarometric studies of quartz from medium-grained biotite granites showed that the Poletaev (D3), Shalkar (P1), Sultayev (P1), and Yugokonev (P1–T2) complexes were formed at water pressure of 2.2–2.7, 2.5 –3.0, 3.9–4.4 and 3.6–4.5 kbar and crystallization temperature of 800–840, 900–940, 840–900 and 940–980°С, respectively. This indicates a systematic increase in the crystallization depth of the granite massifs in this series from the hypabyssal–subsurface to the hypabyssal-abyssal facies. At the same time, the melt–fluid inclusion study revealed a decrease in fluid volume (–14.2–16.8, 8.1–14.3, 6.2–7.9 and 4.3–6.8 vol %), and concentrations of water (–3.7–4.8, 2.1–3.9, 1.8–2.3 and 1.3–1.9 wt %) and chlorine (–0.04–0.08, 0.03–0.07, 0.03–0.06 and 0.02–0.05 wt %) in this series. It has been shown that the granitoids of the Sultayev and Yugokonev complexes are very promising for tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum, and beryllium. The leucocratic aplitic and greisen granites of the final phases of the intrusions are most promising for the rare-metal mineralization. The erosion level of different structural and formation zones of the Kunashak area relative to each other has been established.

Geology and mineralogy of the Novo-Akhmirovskoe deposit of lithium topaz-zinnwaldite granites (East Kazakhstan)

Research subject. The Novo-Akhmirovskoe lithium-bearing deposit in the East Kazakhstan region, which is represented by an intrusive layer of topaz-zinnwaldite granites, is located within of the Kalba-Narym-Koktogai lithium-tantalum raremetal-granite belt. Being part of the Altai collision system, this belt is considered unique in terms of its length (more than 1000 km). Ores in the Novo-Akhmirovskoe deposit are represented by massive to low porphyry leucocratic granites composed of quartz (30–40%), albite (25–40%), microcline (15–35%), lithium mica varying in composition from zinnwal dite to lepidolite (up to 10%) and topaz (up to 5%). According preliminary estimates, the Novo-Akhmirov deposit is factually a poor lithium deposit with the Li2O content of 0.2–0.4 wt % and the estimated Li2O reserves of 110 thousand tones. Despite the favourable infrastructure and close proximity of this stock to Ust-Kamenogorsk mining and chemical-metallurgical enterprises, its ore-generating potential has not been sufficiently studied.Materials and Methods. In this research, we obtained new data on the geological structure, age, mineral composition and formation conditions of topaz-zinnwaldite granites in the Novo-Akhmirovskoe deposit. In addition, a comparative analysis of these ores with the topaz-biotite granites of the Black Sopka massif (0.6–0.7 wt % Li2O in protolitionite) and spodumene granite porphyries of the Alakha stock (Li2O = 0.9–1.1 wt %) was conducted. Results and Discussion. It is concluded that the development of this unique nonpegmatite lithium-bearing deposit requires deep exploratory drilling, mineralogical and technological research of core samples and reconsideration of economic efficiency parameters.

The Laqiong Sb-Au deposit: Implications for polymetallic mineral systems in the Tethys-Himalayan zone of southern Tibet, China

The Himalayan mineral field includes over 50 quartz-vein type Sb-Au deposits, and placer Au deposits. The poorly documented Laqiong deposit is a typical example of quartz-vein type Sb-Au mineralisation in Tethys Himalayan sequence. The orebody are controlled by shallow north-dipping normal faults and north–south trending faults. Magmatic zircons extracted from muscovitic leucocratic granite from the southern part of the Laqiong mine area yield a Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry U-Pb age of 14 ± 1 Ma (n = 12, MSWD = 0.9) that is similar to the 40Ar/39Ar age of ca. 14 Ma from hydrothermal sericite in auriferous sulphide-quartz veins. The εHf(t) values for the magmatic zircon rims range from −5.4 to −1.9, corresponding to two-stage Hf model ages of 1403–1214 Ma. Quartz from the mineralised veins has δ18OH2O-SMOW values varying from +4.97 to +9.59‰ and δDH2O-SMOW values ranging from −119.7 to −108.1‰. The δ13CV-PDB values for calcite from the ore Stage III range from −6.9 to −5.3‰, and calcite from Stage IV are −3.5 to −1.7‰. The δ18OV-SMOW values for calcite from Stage III are +20.3 to +20.6‰ and for Stage IV are −6.3 to −4.9‰. The stibnite and pyrite samples have 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.158 to 39.02, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.554 to 15.698, and 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 17.819 to 18.681, and bulk and in-situ δ34SV-CDT values for stibnite, arsenopyrite and pyrite range from −1.1 to +2.3‰. The calcite from the orebodies are enriched in MREE and depleted in LREE and HREE. Fieldwork, petrological, and geochemical data collected during our study leads to the following salient findings: the mineralising fluid is a mix of magmatic and meteoric fluids; and the deposit is closely related to the emplacement of Miocene granites originating from a thickened continental crust.