Source Of REE Research Articles

Possible Involvement of Permian Phosphoria Formation Oil as a Source of REE and Other Metals Associated with Complex U-V Mineralization in the Northern Bighorn Basin?

The origin of V, U, REE and other metals in the Permian Phosphoria Formation have been speculated and studied by numerous scientists. The exceptionally high concentrations of metals have been interpreted to reflect fundamental transitions from anoxic to oxic marine conditions. Much of the oil in the Bighorn Basin, is sourced by the Phosphoria Formation. Two of the top 10 producing oil fields in Wyoming are located approximately 50 km west of two abandoned U-V mining districts in the northern portion of the basin. These fields produce from basin margin anticlinal structures from Mississippian age reservoir rock. Samples collected from abandoned U-V mines and prospects hosted in Mississippian aged paleokarst in Montana and Wyoming have hydrocarbon residue present and contain anomalous high concentrations of many metals that are found in similar concentrations in the Phosphoria Formation. As, Hg, Mo, Pb, Tl, U, V and Zn, often metals of environmental concern occur in high concentrations in Phosphoria Formation samples and had values ranging from 30–1295 ppm As, 0.179–12.8 ppm Hg, 2–791 ppm Mo, <2–146 ppm Pb, 10–490 ppm Tl, 907–86,800 ppm U, 1240–18,900 ppm V, and 7–2230 ppm Zn, in mineralized samples from this study. The REE plus Y composition of Madison Limestone- and limestone breccia hosted-bitumen reflect similar patterns to both mineralized samples from this study and to U.S. Geological Survey rock samples from studies of the Phosphoria Formation. Geochemical, mineralogical and field data were used to investigate past theories for mineralization of these deposits to determine if U present in home wells and Hg content of fish from rivers on the proximal Crow Indian Reservation may have been derived from these deposits or related to their mode of mineralization.

Mobility of rare earth elements, yttrium and scandium from a phosphogypsum stack: Environmental and economic implications

This paper investigates the mobility and fluxes of REE, Y and Sc under weathering conditions from an anomalously metal-rich phosphogypsum stack in SW Spain. The interactions of the phosphogypsum stack with rainfall and organic matter-rich solutions, simulating the weathering processes observed due to its location on salt-marshes, were simulated by leaching tests (e.g. EN 12457-2 and TCLP). Despite the high concentration of REE, Y and Sc contained in the phosphogypsum stack, their mobility during the leaching tests was very low; <0.66% and 1.8% of the total content of these elements were released during both tests. Chemical and mineralogical evidences suggest that phosphate minerals may act as sources of REE and Y in the phosphogypsum stack while fluoride minerals may act as sinks, controlling their mobility. REE fractionation processes were identified in the phosphogypsum stack; a depletion of LREE in the saturated zone was identified due probably to the dissolution of secondary LREE phosphates previously formed during apatite dissolution in the industrial process. Thus, the vadose zone of the stack would preserve the original REE signature of phosphate rocks. On the other hand, an enrichment of MREE in relation to HREE of edge outflows is observed due to the higher influence of estuarine waters on the leaching process of the phosphogypsum stack. Despite the low mobility of REE, Y and Sc in the phosphogypsum, around 104kg/yr of REE and 40kg/yr of Y and Sc are released from the stack to the estuary, which may imply an environmental concern. The information obtained in this study could be used to optimize extraction methods aimed to recover REE, Y and Sc from phosphogypsum, mitigating the pollution to the environment.

Geochemical patterns of epithermal ore formation in the Okhotsk–Chukotka volcanoplutonic belt (Northeast Russia)

Ores of epithermal Au–Ag deposits of the Okhotsk–Chukotka volcanoplutonic belt are characterized by enrichment in a wide spectrum of elements in relation to the average upper crustal values. The data obtained show that the host volcanic rocks are the most likely sources of minor elements and REEs for the fluids that formed epithermal Au–Ag deposits of the Okhotsk–Chukotka volcanoplutonic belt.

Rare earth element geochemistry of shallow carbonate outcropping strata in Saudi Arabia: Application for depositional environments prediction

The interpretation of depositional environments provides important information to understand facies distribution and geometry. The classical approach to interpret depositional environments principally relies on the analysis of lithofacies, biofacies and stratigraphic data, among others. An alternative method, based on geochemical data (chemical element data), is advantageous because it can simply, reproducibly and efficiently interpret and refine the interpretation of the depositional environment of carbonate strata.Here we geochemically analyze and statistically model carbonate samples (n=156) from seven sections of the Arab-D reservoir outcrop analog of central Saudi Arabia, to determine whether the elemental signatures (major, trace and rare earth elements [REEs]) can be effectively used to predict depositional environments. We find that lithofacies associations of the studied outcrop (peritidal to open marine depositional environments) possess altered REE signatures, and that this trend increases stratigraphically from bottom-to-top, which corresponds to an upward shallowing of depositional environments. The relationship between REEs and major, minor and trace elements indicates that contamination by detrital materials is the principal source of REEs, whereas redox condition, marine and diagenetic processes have minimal impact on the relative distribution of REEs in the lithofacies.In a statistical model (factor analysis and logistic regression), REEs, major and trace elements cluster together and serve as markers to differentiate between peritidal and open marine facies and to differentiate between intertidal and subtidal lithofacies within the peritidal facies. The results indicate that statistical modelling of the elemental composition of carbonate strata can be used as a quantitative method to predict depositional environments and regional paleogeography. The significance of this study lies in offering new assessments of the relationships between lithofacies and geochemical elements by using advanced statistical analysis, a method that could be used elsewhere to interpret depositional environment and refine facies models.

Rare earth element geochemistry of phosphatic rocks in Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation in Hushan Section from the Yangtze Gorges Area, South China

Phosphatic rocks are widely distributed in Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation in Yangtze Gorges Area, South China. In this study, rare earth element geochemistry of eight phosphatic rock samples from the Hushan Section has been studied. All the samples display typical hat-shaped REE patterns, moderate negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*=0.55 to 0.67), slightly positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=1.05 to 1.22) and low Y/Ho ratios (38.2±5.6). The hat-shaped REE patterns indicate diagenetic alteration of the primary REE signatures, which coincides with detrital siliciclastic sources of REE based on the Y/Ho ratios. The degree of Negative Ce anomalies and positive Eu anomalies may have recorded the redox features of diagenetic fluids, suggesting an anoxic environment during the phosphogenesis processes in Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation, South China. The geochemical comparison between the Lower Phosphorite Layer and Upper Phosphorite Layer at Hushan indicates a greater degree of diagenesis occurred in the Upper Layer than the Lower one. Besides the terrigenous sources of REE, organic materials could have also played a role on the REE characteristics.

Trace element mobility in mine waters from granitic pegmatite U–Th–REE deposits, Bancroft area, Ontario

Small, low-grade, granitic pegmatite U–Th–REE deposits are found throughout the Grenville geological province of eastern Canada. Groundwater quality at historical mining properties in the Bancroft area was investigated in order to better understand the mobility of trace elements that may pose health risks if there is renewed development of this class of mineral deposit. Groundwater samples were obtained from diamond drill holes, flowing adits and flooded mine shafts. Uranium occurs almost entirely in the dissolved (<0.45 μm) phase and is found at concentrations reaching 2579 μg/L. The Canadian maximum acceptable concentration for U in drinking water (0.02 mg/L) was exceeded in 70% of samples. Regulatory limits for 226Ra (0.5 Bq/L) and for 210Pb (0.2 Bq/L) were generally exceeded in these samples as well. Speciation modeling indicates that over 98% of dissolved U is in the form of highly mobile uranyl-Ca–carbonate complexes known to inhibit U adsorption. Uranium concentrations in groundwater appear to be correlated with the uranothorite content of the deposits rather than with their U grade. Uranothorite may be more soluble than uraninite, the other ore mineral, because of its non-ideal composition and metamict structure. Thorium, released concomitantly with U during the dissolution of uranothorite and thorian uraninite, exhibits median and maximum total concentrations of only 0.1 and 11 μg/L, respectively. Mass balance and stoichiometric considerations indicate that almost all Th is immobilized very close to its source. The sums of total light REE (La–Gd) concentrations have median and maximum values of 6 and 117 μg/L, respectively. The sums of total heavy REE (Tb–Lu) concentrations have median and maximum values of 0.8 and 21 μg/L, respectively. Light REE are derived mainly from the dissolution of metamict allanite whereas the sources of heavy REE are widely dispersed among accessory minerals. Fractionation patterns of REE in the dissolved phase are flat or concave, with negative Ce anomalies associated with more oxic groundwaters. The data suggest preferential LREE and HREE complexation with organic and carbonate ligands in the dissolved phase, respectively. Fractionation patterns in the suspended particulate phase exhibit decreasing enrichment with atomic number from La to Gd and a flat profile from Tb to Lu. This is explained by preferential sorption of LREE and uniform sorption of HREE. Manganese particulates are the most likely sorbents. Potential health risks from Th or REE in mine waters are unlikely due to the very low mobility of these elements. Uranium, on the other hand, exhibits high mobility in shallow, oxic groundwaters and drainage from some mine adits may require mitigation.

Selective recovery of heavy rare earth elements from apatite with an adsorbent bearing immobilized tridentate amido ligands

Abstract Apatite, which is used in the production of phosphorus fertilizers, contains small amounts of rare earth elements (REEs; 0.1–1%). Apatite deposits occur all over the world and thus have the potential to be a secure source of REEs. We investigated a method for recovery of REEs from an apatite sample; specifically, REEs were leached from the sample with an H2SO4 solution, the acid that is most commonly used for fertilizer production. At high H2SO4 concentrations, most of the REEs in the solution were lost to precipitation as insoluble gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O). However, at H2SO4 concentrations of

Application of Self-Organizing Map for Exploration of REEs’ Deposition

Varieties of approaches and algorithms have been presented to identify the distribution of elements. Previous researches based on the type of problem, categorized their data in proper clusters or classes. This means that the process of solution could be supervised or unsupervised. In cases, where there is no idea about dependency of samples to specific groups, clustering methods (unsupervised) are applied. About geochemistry data, since various elements are involved, in addition to the complex nature of geochemical data, clustering algorithms would be useful for recognition of elements distribution. In this paper, Self-Organizing Map (SOM) algorithm, as an unsupervised method, is applied for clustering samples based on REEs contents. For this reason the Choghart Fe-REE deposit (Bafq district, central Iran), was selected as study area and dataset was a collection of 112 lithology samples that were assayed with laboratory tests such as ICP-MS and XRF analysis. In this study, input vectors include 19 features which are coordinates x, y, z and concentrations of REEs as well as the concentration of Phosphate (P2O5) since the apatite is the main source of REEs in this particular research. Four clusters were determined as an optimal number of clusters using silhouette criterion as well as k-means clustering method and SOM. Therefore, using self-organizing map, study area was subdivided in four zones. These four zones can be described as phosphate type, albitofyre type, metasomatic and phosphorus iron ore, and Iron Ore type. Phosphate type is the most prone to rare earth elements. Eventually, results were validated with laboratory analysis.

The rare earth elements in municipal solid waste incinerators ash and promising tools for their prospecting

Bottom and fly ashes from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators (MSWI) are hazardous products that present concern for their safe management. An attractive option to reduce their impact both on the environment and the financial commitment is turning MSWI ashes into secondary raw materials. In this study we present the REE content and distribution of bottom and fly ashes from MSWI after a highly effective digestion method and samples analysis by ICP–MS. The chondrite-normalised REE patterns of MSWI bottom and fly ash are comparable with that of crustal averages, suggesting a main geogenic source. Deviations from typical crustal pattern (e.g., Eu, Tb) disclose a contribution of likely anthropogenic provenance. The correlation with major elements indicates possible sources for REE and facilitates a preliminary resource assessment. Moreover, magnetic susceptibility measurements can be a useful prospecting method in urban ores made of MSWI ashes. The relationship between REE and some influencing parameters (e.g., Pricing Influence Factor) emphasises the importance of MSWI ash as alternative source of REE and the need of further efforts for REE recovery and purification from low concentrations but high flows waste.

Geochemistry of Late Archaean shaly BIF formed by oxic exogenic processes: an example from Ramagiri schist belt, Dharwar Craton, India

The central block of the auriferous Ramagiri schist belt, in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, India consists of bimodal volcanics (mafic-felsic), shaly BIF and metasedimentary rocks. Geochemical studies of the associated shaly BIF have indicated the enrichment of the major and trace elements such as SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, K2O, MgO, Fe2O3(T), Zr, Y, Cr, Ni, alkali and alkaline earth elements indicates that the clastic component of the shaly BIF had their contribution from the contemporaneous bimodal volcanics. The concave chondrite normalized REE patterns share ubiquitously anomalous positive cerium anomaly, absence of positive europium anomaly and the overall HREE enrichment. The REE patterns resemble those from the modern day sea water, except for positive Ce anomaly. The data suggests that arc related bimodal volcanism had been the plausible source of Fe, silica, REE and other trace elements. The coherent behaviour of Fe, Ti, Mn and P with the REEs indicates that they got incorporated from Fe–Ti–Mn bearing primary minerals and secondary products like clays. The variability of REE patterns in the BIF formation samples probably results from the differences in scavenging efficiency. The BIF bears signatures of mixing of the contemporaneous clastic and chemical processes, as well as the changes accompanying diagenesis and metamorphism. The precipitation of Fe did not stop during the sedimentation in an island arc related tectonic setting. The BIF strongly lacks the signatures from hydrothermal input. The presence of positive cerium anomalies and the absence of positive europium anomalies in the shaly banded iron-formations imply that iron oxidation during BIF deposition took place in shallow waters rather than at depth, at oxic-anoxic boundary.

Variability of trace element uptake in marine reptile bones from three Triassic sites (S Poland): Influence of diagenetic processes on the host rock and significance of the applied methodology

Diagenetic alternation of apatite building vertebrate bioclasts is a complex process. It is influenced by numerous factors, but the impact of diagenetic processes affecting the host rock is commonly underestimated. The present study aims at identifying the causes of different concentration levels and distribution patterns of REE, and at examining the significance of the material chosen for normalisation. We measured REE and other trace element concentrations in three bone assemblages of Triassic marine reptiles using LA-ICP-MS, and in the host rocks using ICP-MS. Two groups of hard parts reveal clearly different trace element contents and distribution patterns. The remains from Gogolin show a distinct MREEN enrichment, which must have been caused by replacement involving numerous substitutions, that was possible due to a relatively high porosity of the host rocks, and the presence of pore water. The MREEN enrichment and low concentrations of Mg and Sr, combined with a relatively high content of U in these bones, indicate solutions derived from meteoric water as the source of the incorporated ions. The reductive dissolution of Fe oxyhydroxides that are abundant in the host rock matrix and that likely were an important source of REE, may have influenced and controlled the REE uptake. The significant HREEN enrichment over LREEN, as revealed in the rust-coloured bones from Raciborowice Górne, is likely connected with local acidification of the pore water, resulting from aqueous oxidation of pyrite, infilling the pore spaces in the bones. The material selected for normalisation of the chemical composition of apatite can have a significant impact on values of the normalised data used further for interpretations, particularly when vertebrate bioclasts from carbonate host rocks are involved. The carbonate rocks have element ratios that differ from those characterising the commonly used PAAS and NASC normalisation materials. In particular, Ce anomaly values can distinctly vary depending on the applied normalisation procedure. Vertebrate hard parts, that definitely spent more time in a host rock than in an animal body, must be rigidly handled as a constituent of a specific rock, never as a separate item.

Source characteristics of the ∼2.5 Ga Wangjiazhuang Banded Iron Formation from the Wutai greenstone belt in the North China Craton: Evidence from neodymium isotopes

Here we first present samarium (Sm)–neodymium (Nd) isotopic data for the ∼2.5Ga Wangjiazhuang BIF and associated lithologies from the Wutai greenstone belt (WGB) in the North China Craton. Previous geochemical data of the BIF indicate that there are three decoupled end members controlling REE compositions: high-T hydrothermal fluids, ambient seawater and terrigenous contaminants. Clastic meta-sediment samples were collected for major and trace elements studies in an attempt to well constrain the nature of detrital components of the BIF. Fractionated light rare earth elements patterns and mild negative Eu anomalies in the majority of these meta-sedimentary samples point toward felsic source rocks. Moreover, the relatively low Th/Sc ratios and positive εNd(t) values are similar to those of the ∼2.5Ga granitoids, TTG gneisses and felsic volcanics in the WGB, further indicating that they are derived from less differentiated terranes. Low Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) values and features in the A-CN-K diagrams for these meta-sediments imply a low degree of source weathering. Sm–Nd isotopes of the chemically pure BIF samples are characterized by negative εNd(t) values, whereas Al-rich BIF samples possess consistently positive εNd(t) features. Significantly, the associated supracrustal rocks in the study area have positive εNd(t) values. Taken together, these isotopic data also point to three REE sources controlling the back-arc basin depositional environment of the BIF, the first being seafloor-vented hydrothermal fluids (εNd(t)<−2.5) derived from interaction with the underlying old continental crust, the second being ambient seawater which reached its composition by erosion of parts of the depleted landmass (likely the arc) (εNd(t)>0), the third being syndepositional detritus that received their features by weathering of a nearby depleted source (likely the arc) (εNd(t)>0).

Examination of rare earth element concentration patterns in freshwater fish tissues

Rare earth elements (REEs or lanthanides) were measured in ten freshwater fish species from a reservoir in Washington State (United States). The REE distribution patterns were examined within fillet and whole body tissues for three size classes. Total concentrations (ΣREE) ranged from 0.014 to 3.0mgkg−1 (dry weight) and averaged 0.243mgkg−1 (dry weight). Tissue concentration patterns indicated that REEs accumulated to a greater extent in organs, viscera, and bone compared to muscle (fillet) tissues. Benthic feeding species (exposed to sediments) exhibited greater concentrations of REEs than pelagic omnivorous or piscivorous fish species. Decreasing REE concentrations were found with increasing age, total length or weight for largescale and longnose suckers, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Concentration patterns in this system were consistent with natural conditions without anthropogenic sources of REEs. These data provide additional reference information with regard to the fate and transport of REEs in freshwater fish tissues in a large aquatic system.

Petrography and Mineral Chemistry of Alkaline–Carbonatite Complex in Singhbhum Crustal Province, Purulia Region, Eastern India

Abstract: The variant rock types of an Alkaline–Carbonatite Complex (ACC) comprising alkali pyroxenite, nepheline syenite, phoscorite, carbonatite, syenitic fenite and glimmerite along with REE and Nb–mineralization are found at different centres along WNW-ESE trending South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) in parts of Singhbhum Crustal Province. The ACC occurs as intrusions within the Mesoproterozoic Singhbhum Group of rocks. Alkali pyroxenite comprises of aegirine augite, magnesiotaramite, magnesiokatophorite as major constituents. Pyrochlore and eucolite are ubiquitous in nepheline syenite. Phoscorite contains fluorapatite, dahllite, collophane, magnetite, hematite, goethite, phlogopite, calcite, sphene, monazite, pyrochlore, chlorite and quartz. Coarse fluorapatite shows overgrowth of secondary apatite (dahllite). Secondary apatite is derived from primary fluorapatite by solution and reprecipitation. The primary fluorapatite released REE to crystallize monazite grains girdling around primary apatite. Carbonatite is composed dominantly of Srcalcite along with dolomite, tetraferriphlogopite, phlogopitic biotite, aegirine augite, richterite, fluorapatite, altered magnetite, sphene and monazite. The minerals comprising of the carbonatite indicate middle stage of carbonatite development. Fenite is mineralogically syenite. Glimmerite contains 50–60% tetraferriphlogopite. An alkali trend in the evolution of amphiboles (magnesiotaramite–magnesiokatophorite–richterite) and chinopyroxenes (aegirine augite, aegirine) during the crystallization of the suite of rocks is noted. Monazite is the source of REE in phoscorite and carbonatite. Fluorapatite has low contents of REE, PbO, ThO2 and UO2. Pyrochlore reflects Nb-mineralization in nepheline syenite and it is enriched in Na2O, CaO, TiO2, PbO and UO2. Pyrochlore containing UO2 (6.605%) and PbO (0.914%) in nepheline syenite has been chemically dated at 948 ± 24 Ma by EPMA.

Rent Assessment in the System of “Smart Regulation” Rare Earth Business

Russian deposits are quite comparable level of rent in respect of the mastered foreign sources of raw REE. This confirms the necessity of activation of works on extraction and processing of ores. Deposits are highly profitable rare for modern business. Further improvement and increasing the efficiency of Russian rare earth business it is advisable to take into account the opportunities of application of system “smart regulation”. The core of this system is a complex and systematic regulatory impact assessment, which involves the integration of all stakeholders in the process of making and implementing decisions on state regulation in order to achieve maximum economic and social benefits in the implementation of state intervention at all levels of government.

Diatoms spread a high ^|^epsilon;Nd-signature in the North Pacific Ocean

Copyright © 2014 by The Geochemical Society of Japan. columns in the North Pacific Ocean (Akagi et al., 2011). The surface concentrations of dissolved REEs, expressed as “leftover”, in any oceans have been well explained by the diatom-incorporation theory (Akagi, 2013). Briefly, in this theory, a surface-to-deep concentration ratio is smaller in the Pacific Ocean than in the Atlantic Ocean, because the portion of REEs complexed with silicic acids is greater in the silica-rich Pacific Ocean, and thus more effectively incorporated in diatom frustules together with dissolved silica. This theory also derives the equation of distribution coefficients of REEs in diatom opal to predict the REEs concentration in diatom frustules in any ocean. The surface-to-deep concentration ratio explained by the theory implies that diatom frustules should be the dominant vertical carrier of REEs in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean, where no/small vertical gradient in the REE profiles is seen, resulting from the absence of dissolved silica throughout the water columns. The study also implied the presence of unknown input of REEs to diatom frustules to satisfy the steady-state condition, indicating the presence of unknown sources of REEs in surface water (Akagi, 2013). The conclusion of model studies (Arsouze et al., 2009; Rempfer et al., 2011) is challenged by the idea of input in surface water by Akagi (2013) and Nd isotope dynamics of diatom silica frustules needs to be assessed. Diatoms spread a high eNd-signature in the North Pacific Ocean

Rare Earth Elements as Hydrological Tracers of Anthropogenic and Critical Zone Contributions: A Case Study at the Alzette River Basin Scale.

Enrichments in Gd and LREE/HREE fractionation have been observed for the dissolved and colloidal fractions in waters of the Alzette River during low flow conditions. They can be related to the effluents of the waste water treatment plants (Gd/Gd*: 8-380 and LaN/YbN: 0.02-0.07). Mean daily flux balance calculations at the basin scale show that during low flow conditions Gd only comes from the anthropogenic effluents. When flood events occur, the Gd anomaly progressively disappears and gives way to a chemical water signature, which is closer to that of natural REE sources in the basin (Gd/Gd*<1.4 and 0.11<LaN/YbN<1.5).

Geochemistry of the Middle to Late Permian limestones from the marginal zone of an isolated platform (Laibin, South China)

Major, trace and rare earth elements were measured in 27 samples of the Middle to Late Permian limestones from the Tieqiao section located on the marginal zone of an isolated platform (Laibin, South China). Shale-normalized REE+Y patterns of all samples show notably negative Ce anomalies (0.21–0.66, average 0.33), slightly positive Gd anomalies (1.08–1.30, average 1.20), and positive Y anomalies with superchondritic Y/Ho ratios (36–91, average 55), which are consistent with those of modern shallow seawater. Their relative LREEs enrichment with higher NdSN/YbSN ratios (0.58–1.80) than those of modern shallow seawater (0.21–0.50) suggests complicated sources of REEs for all samples. Compared with geochemical features of sediments influenced by terrigenous particles and hydrothermal fluids, it is concluded that ambient shallow seawater was the primary source of REEs in these limestones. Comparing the indicators of REE+Y elements (ΣREE, NdSN/YbSN, Ce/Ce*, Gd/Gd*, Eu/Eu* and Y/Ho) in limestones with those in bedded cherts from the Tieqiao section, we consider that limestone and bedded chert have similar sources of REE+Y elements: ambient shallow seawater with more or less hydrothermal fluids. In addition, there is a completely negative correlation between CaCO3 and SiO2 contents in limestones and bedded cherts. These results imply that precipitation of CaCO3 was inhibited by that of SiO2 which was derived mainly from hydrothermal fluid, especially in bedded cherts from the Tieqiao section.

Geological Significance of Rare Earth Elements in Chinese Mount Huaying and their Applications

Analyses of REEs in 25 bulk samples collected from the Late Permian Longtan Formation in Mount Huaying district of Sichuan Province were determined useing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The results indicate that REEs patterns are not controlled by materials from the sea, whereas the contribution of land plants is less than 0.5%. The ultimate sources of REEs are from terrigenous material as indicated by negative Eu anomaly. The Mount Emei basalt contributes to REEs enrichment of study area and all samples belong to the LREE-rich type and are enriched in LREEs relative to HREEs. So the sources of REEs are controlled by terrigenous material of Mount Emei basalt. Rare earths are an interesting group of metals that have recently become quite useful in high tech, and today they are strategic materials in the world economy. Besides, REEs play a key role in the green energy sector, REEs wide range of uses.

LREE-redistribution among fluorapatite, monazite, and allanite at high pressures and temperatures

The REE enrichment process in fluorapatite and the REE redistribution among fluorapatite, monazite, and allanite were studied in a series of three sets of experimental runs at P-T conditions of 0.5 to 4 GPa and 650 to 900 °C. The first two sets of experimental runs utilized fluorapatite as a P-source, synthetic monazite or allanite as the REE sources, albite, quartz, and NaF-H2O or NaCl-H2O. The third set of runs was carried out with powdered Ca3(PO4)2, allanite, quartz, (±Al2O3), and a NaF-H2O solution.