| Citation: | Ruxin Ding, Yangshijia Li, Zilong Li, Rongli Huang, Minqiang Cao, Xingzhou Chen, Hui Rong, Heping Zou. Metallogenic Age of the Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit—Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and (U-Th)/He. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(2): 508-516. doi: 10.1007/s12583-023-1819-1 |
The metallogenic age of sandstone-type uranium deposits has always been a scientific problem to be solved in uranium exploration. This paper proposes a method combining the homogenization temperature of secondary fluid inclusions with the apatite (U-Th)/He dating method to determine the metallogenic age related to fluid trapping. The dates of apatite (U-Th)/He can be used as the lower limit of the metallogenic age when the closure temperature of apatite (U-Th)/He is less than the homogenization temperature of the secondary fluid. The samples of the uranium deposits in the Qianjiadian sag show that the homogenization temperatures of secondary fluid inclusions in the ore-bearing horizon are about 83–204 ℃ with a peak of 110–115 ℃, and the apatite (U-Th)/He dates in the same horizon vary between 29.0 ± 1.5–41.8 ± 2.7 Ma. Because the homogenization temperatures of secondary fluid are greater than the closure temperature of apatite (U-Th)/He (75 ± 5 ℃), the dates of apatite (U-Th)/He (29.0 ± 1.5–41.8 ± 2.7 Ma) are considered as the lower limit of the metallogenic age.
| Annesley, I. R., Creighton, S., Mercadier, J., et al., 2010. Composition and U-Th-Pb Chemical Ages of Uranium and Thorium Mineralization at Fraser Lakes, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. GeoCanada 2010–Working with the Earth, Calgary |
| Bineli Betsi, T., Lentz, D., McInnes, B., et al., 2012. Emplacement Ages and Exhumation Rates for Intrusion-Hosted Cu-Mo-Sb-Au Mineral Systems at Freegold Mountain (Yukon, Canada): Assessment from U-Pb, Ar-Ar, and (U-Th)/He Geochronometers. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 49(5): 653–670. https://doi.org/10.1139/e2012-009 |
| Cao, M. Q., Rong, H., Chen, Z. Y., et al., 2021. Quantitative Characterization and Controlling Factors of the Interlayer Oxidation Zone of Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit, Songliao Basin. Earth Science, 46(10): 3453–3466 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Chen, X. L., Fang, X. H., Guo, Q. Y., et al., 2008. Re-Disscussion on Uranium Metallogenesis in Qianjiadian Sag, Songliao Basin. Acta Geologica Sinica, 82(4): 553–561 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Chen, Z. Y., Man, A. J., Chen, X. Z., et al., 2021. Relationship between Hydrogeology and Sandstone Uranium Mineralization in sedimentary Basin: A Case Study of sandstone Uranium Survey in the Kailu Depression of the Songliao Basin, Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 45(6): 1174–1184 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Cheng, Y. H., Wang, S. Y., Li, Y., et al., 2018. Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic Thermochronology in the Southern Songliao Basin, NE China: New Insights from Apatite and Zircon Fission Track Analysis. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 160: 95–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2018.04.015 |
| Cheng, Y. H., Wang, S. Y., Zhang, T. F., et al., 2020. Regional Sandstone-Type Uranium Mineralization Rooted in Oligo–Miocene Tectonic Inversion in the Songliao Basin, NE China. Gondwana Research, 88: 88–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2020.08.002 |
| Chi, G. X., Diamond, L. W., Lu, H. Z., et al., 2021. Common Problems and Pitfalls in Fluid Inclusion Study: A Review and Discussion. Minerals, 11(1): 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11010007 |
| Cross, A., Jaireth, S., Rapp, R., et al., 2011. Reconnaissance-Style EPMA Chemical U-Th-Pb Dating of Uraninite. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 58(6): 675–683. https://doi.org/10.1080/08120099.2011.598190 |
| Dong, W. M., Lin, J. R., Xia, Y. L., et al., 2007. Sequence Stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous and Its Relation to Sandstone-Type Uranium Mineralization in the Southwest of Songliao Basin. World Nuclear Geoscience, 24(3): 125–135 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Farley, K. A., 2002. (U-Th)/He Dating: Techniques, Calibrations, and Applications. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 47(1): 819–844. https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2002.47.18 |
| Goldstein, R. H., Reynolds, T. J., 1994. Systematics of Fluid Inclusions in Diagenetic Minerals. Society for Sedimentary Geology Short Course, 31: 199. https://doi.org/10.2110/scn.94.31 |
| Hao, X., 2020. Metallogenic Characteristics and Genesis of Qianjiadian Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit in the Songliao Basin: [Dissertation]. Northwest University, Xi'an (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Jia, L. C., Cai, J. F., Huang, X., et al., 2018. Petrological Characteristics and Diagenesis of Sandstone of the Lower Yaojia Formation in Baolongshan Uranium Deposit, South of Songliao Basin. Uranium Geology, 34(5): 264–273 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Lei, A. G., Liu, X. Z., Wei, D., et al., 2022. Main Controlling Factors and Metallogenic Model of Qianjiadian Superlarge Uranium Deposit. Geology in China, online first (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Li, Z. Y., Chen, A. P., Fang, X. H., et al., 2008. Origin and Superposition Metallogenic Model of the Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit in the Northeastern Ordos Basin, China. Acta Geologica Sinica—English Edition, 82(4): 745–749. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-6724.2008.tb00627.x |
| Lin, X. L., Liu, H. X., Li, X. D., et al., 2020. Study of Metallogenic Chronology of Sandstone Type Uranium Deposits. Acta Geologica Sinica, 94(12): 3712–3725 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Liu, H. B., Jin, G. S., Han, J., et al., 2021. Element and Isotope Geochemical Characteristics of Diabase in Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit. World Nuclear. Geoscience, 38(2): 135–143 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Luo, J. C., Shi, S. H., Chen, Y. W., et al., 2019. Review on Dating of Uranium Mineralization. Acta Geologica Sinica, 35(2): 589–605 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Luo, Y., He, Z. B., Ma, H. F., et al., 2012. Metallogenic Characteristics of Qianjiadian Sandstone Uranium Deposit in Songliao Basin. Mineral Deposits, 31(2): 391–400 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Ma, X. L., Wang, K. Y., Jin, R. S., et al., 2022. Characteristics of Fluid Inclusions in the Sandstone-Hosted Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit, Southwest Songliao Basin, Northeastern China: Implications for the Nature and Evolution of Ore-Forming Fluids. Resource Geology, 72(1): e12281. https://doi.org/10.1111/rge.12281 |
| McDowell, F. W., McIntosh, W. C., Farley, K. A., 2005. A Precise 40Ar-39Ar Reference Age for the Durango Apatite (U-Th)/He and Fission-Track Dating Standard. Chemical Geology, 214(3/4): 249–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2004.10.002 |
| Nie, F. J., Yan, Z. B., Xia, F., et al., 2017. Hot Fluid Flows in the Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit in the Kailu Basin, Northeast China. Geological Bulletin of China, 36(10): 1850–1866 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Nie, F. J., Yan, Z. B., Xia, F., et al., 2021. Two-Stage and Two-Mode Uranium Mineralization for Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits. Acta Geologica Sinica, 42(6): 823–828 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Qiu, J. T., Mu, H. X., Yu, X. Q., et al., 2022. Identifying the Principal Factors Controlling Uranium Enrichment: Semi-Quantitative Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Sandstone-Type Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit, Northeast China. Ore Geology Reviews, 144: 104807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.104807 |
| Rong, H., Jiao, Y. Q., Wu, L. Q., et al., 2019. Origin of the Carbonaceous Debris and Its Implication for Mineralization within the Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit, Southern Songliao Basin. Ore Geology Reviews, 107: 336–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.02.036 |
| Rong, H., Jiao, Y. Q., Wu, L. Q., et al., 2021. Effects of Igneous Intrusions on Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality of Sandstone in the Songliao Basin, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 127: 104980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.104980 |
| Sun, H. S., Li, H., Liu, L., et al., 2017. Exhumation History of the Jiaodong and Its Adjacent Areas since the Late Cretaceous: Constraints from Low Temperature Thermochronology. Science China Earth Sciences, 60(3): 531–545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-016-0021-1 |
| Wolf, R. A., Farley, K. A., Kass, D. M., 1998. Modeling of the Temperature Sensitivity of the Apatite (U-Th)/He Thermochronometer. Chemical Geology, 148(1/2): 105–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0009-2541(98)00024-2 |
| Wu, B. L., Liu, C. Y., Wang, J. Q., 2007. Basical Characteristics of Fluid Geologic Process of Interlayer Oxidation Zone Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 50(2): 185–194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-007-6016-z |
| Wu, R. G., Cai, J. F., Yu, Z. Q., et al., 2011. The Hydrothermal Alteration and Mineral Composition of Baixintu Uranium Deposit in Sonliao Basin. Uranium Geology, 27(2): 74–80 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xia, Y. L., Liu, H. B., 2005. Pre-Enrichment and Metallogeny of Uranium in Zhiluo Formation Sand Bodies of Dongsheng Area, Ordos Basin. World Nuclear Geoscience, 4: 187–191 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xia, Y. L., Liu, H. B., Lin, J. R., et al., 2004. Research on Geochronology and Uranium Source of Sandstone-Hosted Uranium Ore-Formation in Major Uranium-Productive Basins, Northern-China. China Nuclear Science and Technology Report, 2: 77–87 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xia, Y. L., Xiu, Q. Y., Han, J., et al., 2013. Study on U-Ra Equilibrium Coefficient of the in-situ Leaching Sandstonetype Uranium Deposits—A Case Study of Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit. Uranium Geology, 29(2): 93–98 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xia, Y. L., Zheng, J. W., Li, Z. Y., et al., 2010. Mineralization Characteristics and Patterns of Uranium Deposits in Qianjiadian in the Songliao Basin, Mineral Deposits, 29: 154–155 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xiao, Z. B., Geng, J. Z., Tu, J. R., et al., 2020. In situ U-Pb Isotope Dating Techniques for Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits. Rock and Mineral Analysis, 39(2): 262–273 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xu, K., Li, Y., 1995. Late Mesozoic Strata of the Kailu Basin. Journal of Stratigraphy, 2: 88–95 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xu, Z. L., Tang, C., Li, J. G., et al., 2018. Sequence Stratigraphy of the Sifangtai Formation and Its Relationship with Uranium Mineralization in the Sanzhao Depression, Northern Songliao Basin. Northwestern Geology, 41(1): 24–32 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xu, Z., Wu, R. G., Yu, D. G., et al., 2011. Features of Hydrothermal Alteration of Sandstone-Type Uranium in Songliao Basin—A Case of Study in Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit of Baolongshan Section. Journal of East China Institute of Technology (Natural Science), 34(3): 201–208 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Yan, F., 2018. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Qianjiadian Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit in the Southwest of Songliao Basin: [Dissertation]. Northwest University, Xi'an (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Yan, X. L., 2018. Characteristics and Uranium Mineralization of Upper Cretaceous Diabase in Qianjiadian Area, Songliao Basin. Journal of Northeast Petroleum University, 42: 40–48+123-124 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Yang, D. G., Nie, F. J., Xia, F., et al., 2022. Age and Petrogenesis of Early Cenozoic Dolerites in the Qianjiadian Sag, Southwest Songliao Basin, NE China: Implications for the Genesis of Sandstone-Hosted Uranium Deposits. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 46: 334–355 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Yang, D. G., Wu, J. H., Nie, F. J., et al., 2020. Petrogenetic Constraints of Early Cenozoic Mafic Rocks in the Southwest Songliao Basin, NE China: Implications for the Genesis of Sandstone-Hosted Qianjiadian Uranium Deposits. Minerals, 10(11): 1014. https://doi.org/10.3390/min10111014 |
| Yang, X. Y., Ling, M. X., Sun, W. D., et al., 2009. The Genesis of Sandstone‐Type Uranium Deposits in the Ordos Basin, NW China: constraints Provided by Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotopes. International Geology Review, 51(5): 422–455. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206810902757339 |
| Yin, J. H., Zhang, H., Zan, G. J., et al., 2000. Sedimentation Factors Analysis of Uranium Mineralization of Qianjiadian Depression, Kailu Basin, East Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Journal of Palaeogeography, 2(4): 82–89 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhang, C. Y., Nie, F. J., Jiao, Y. Q., et al., 2019. Characterization of Ore-Forming Fluids in the Tamusu Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit, Bayingobi Basin, China: Constraints from Trace Elements, Fluid Inclusions and C-O-S Isotopes. Ore Geology Reviews, 111: 102999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.102999 |
| Zhang, M. Y., Xia, Y. L., Liu, H. B., et al., 2004. Study on Characteristics of U-Ra Equilibrium Coefficient at Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit. Uranium Geology, 6: 364–369 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhang, M. Y., Zheng, J. W., Tian, S. F., et al., 2005. Research on Existing State of Uranium and Uranium Ore-Formation Age at Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit in Kailu Depression. Uranium Geology, 4: 213–218 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhang, W. Y., 2019. SIMS and FS-LA-ICP-MS in-situ U-Pb Dating of Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits-Lake Ordos Basin and Yili Basin as Examples: [Dissertation]. Northwest University, Xi'an (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhang, Z. M., 2020. Study on the Relationship between Fluid Action and Uranium Mineralization in Tongliao Region of Inner Mongolia: [Dissertation]. Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, Beijing (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhao, L., Cai, C. F., Jin, R. S., et al., 2018. Mineralogical and Geochemical Evidence for Biogenic and Petroleum-Related Uranium Mineralization in the Qianjiadian Deposit, NE China. Ore Geology Reviews, 101: 273–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2018.07.025 |
| Zheng, J. W., 2010. Geological Setting and Exploration Potential of Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit in Kailu Basin. Uranium Geology, 26(4): 193–200 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |