| Citation: | Tao Hong, Zhang Zhang, Zeli Jiang, Mingxi Hu, Pengli Jiao. Coupled Dissolution-Precipitation Mineralized Process in Bailongshan Li Deposit, West Kunlun (NW China), Evidenced by the Mineralogy of Cassiterite, Columbite-Group Minerals and Elbaite. Journal of Earth Science, 2025, 36(3): 1033-1050. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0096-y
|
Coupled dissolution-precipitation is one of the critical processes influencing the mineralogical and geochemical evolution of pegmatites. This mechanism involves the simultaneous dissolution of primary mineral phases and the precipitation of secondary phases, driven by changes in the chemical environment, often mediated by hydrothermal fluids. The Bailongshan Li deposit, located in the West Kunlun region of northwest China, is a significant geological formation known for its rich lithium content and associated rare metals such as tantalum, niobium, and tin. This study investigates the coupled dissolution-precipitation processes that have played a crucial role in the mineralization of this deposit, focusing on key minerals, including cassiterite (Cst), columbite-group minerals (CGM), and elbaite (Elb). Using a combination of petrographic analysis, back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, and micro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping, we examined the textural and chemical characteristics of these minerals. Our findings reveal intricate patchy zoning patterns and element distributions (indicated by the Nb, Ta, W, Mn, Fe, Hf, Ti for CGM; Hf, Ti Rb, W, Nb, Ta for Cst; Ti, Zn, Fe, W, Hf, Mn, K for Elb) that indicate multiple stages of mineral alteration driven by fluid-mediated processes. The coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanisms observed in the Bailongshan deposit have resulted in significant redistribution and enrichment of economically valuable elements. The study highlights the importance of hydrothermal fluids in altering primary mineral phases and precipitating secondary phases with distinct compositions. These processes not only modified the mineralogical makeup of the pegmatite but also enhanced its economic potential by concentrating rare metals. Signatures of coupled dissolution-precipitation processes can serve as an essential tool for mineral exploration, guiding the search for high-grade zones within similar pegmatitic formations.
| Andersen, T., Neumann, E. R., 2001. Fluid Inclusions in Granitic Pegmatites: A Review. Mineralogical Magazine, 65(1): 1–19 doi: 10.1180/002646101550073 |
| Banks, D. A., Yardley, B. W. D., Campbell, A. R., et al., 1994. REE Composition of an Aqueous Magmatic Fluid: A Fluid Inclusion Study from the Capitan Pluton, New Mexico, U. S. A. Chemical Geology, 113(3/4): 259–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(94)90070-1 |
| Bau, M., Dulski, P., 1995. Comparative Study of Yttrium and Rare-Earth Element Behaviours in Fluorine-Rich Hydrothermal Fluids. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 119(2): 213–223. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00307282 |
| Bibienne, T., Magnan, J. F., Rupp, A., et al., 2020. From Mine to Mind and Mobiles: Society's Increasing Dependence on Lithium. Elements, 16(4): 265–270. https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.16.4.265 |
| Bowell, R. J., Lagos, L., de los Hoyos, C. R., et al., 2020. Classification and Characteristics of Natural Lithium Resources. Elements, 16(4): 259–264. https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.16.4.259 |
| Cao, R., Gao, Y. B., Chen, B., et al., 2023. Pegmatite Magmatic Evolution and Rare Metal Mineralization of the Dahongliutan Pegmatite Field, Western Kunlun Orogen: Constraints from the B Isotopic Composition and Mineral-Chemistry. International Geology Review, 65(7): 1224–1242. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2021.1899062 |
| Černý, P., Ercit, T. S., 2005. The Classification of Granitic Pegmatites Revisited. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43(6): 2005–2026. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.2005 |
|
Černý, P., 1991. Rare-Element Granitic Pegmatites. Part Ⅱ: Regional to Global Environments and Petrogenesis. Geoscience Canada, 18(2): 68–81. |
| Černý, P., 2002. Mineralogy of Lithium Pegmatites. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 51: 207–246 |
| Charoy, B., Noronha, F., Lima, A., 2001. Spodumene Petalite Eucryptite: Mutual Relationships and Pattern of Alteration in Li-Rich Aplite Pegmatite Dykes from Northern Portugal. The Canadian Mineralogist, 39(3): 729–746. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscanmin.39.3.729 |
| Che, X., Glodny, J., 2014. Coupled Dissolution-Reprecipitation at High Temperatures in Hydrothermal Experiments: Implications for Element Mobility and Mineral Replacement. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 168: 1044 doi: 10.1007/s00410-014-1044-0 |
| Ding, K., Liang, T., Yang, X. Q., et al., 2019. Geochronology, Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of Dahongliutan Pluton in Western Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China. Journal of Central South University, 26(12): 3420–3435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-019-4264-7 |
| European Commission, 2023. Study on the Critical Raw Materials for the EU 2023 Final Report. Publications Office of the European Union, Brussels |
| Evensen, N. M., London, D., Wendlandt, R. F., 1999. Solubility and Stability of REE Phosphates in Aqueous Solutions: Implications for the Transport of Rare Earth Elements in Hydrothermal Fluids. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 63(5/6): 1581–1595 |
| Fan, J. J., Tang, G. J., Wei, G. J., et al., 2020. Lithium Isotope Fractionation during Fluid Exsolution: Implications for Li Mineralization of the Bailongshan Pegmatites in the West Kunlun, NW Tibet. Lithos, 352: 105236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2019.105236 |
| Gao, Y. B., Bagas, L., Li, K., et al., 2020. Newly Discovered Triassic Lithium Deposits in the Dahongliutan Area, Northwest China: A Case Study for the Detection of Lithium-Bearing Pegmatite Deposits in Rugged Terrains Using Remote-Sensing Data and Images. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8: 591966. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.591966 |
| Harlov, D. E., Wirth, R., 2000. Dissolution-Reprecipitation vs. Solid-State Diffusion: Implications for the Replacement of Phosphates in Nature. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 64: 1785–1790 |
| Hong, T., Hu, M. X., Tang, J. L., et al., 2024. Metallogenic Characteristics of Superimposed Deformation and Mineralization of Dahongliutan Granite-Pegmatite Type Lithium Deposit Belt in West Kunlun, Xinjiang: Constraints from Ore Structure, 3D Imaging Technology and Chronology. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 40(2): 553–570. https://doi.org/10.18654/1000-0569/2024.02.11 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Hu, J., Wang, H., Huang, C. Y., et al., 2016. Geological Characteristics and Age of the Dahongliutan Fe-Ore Deposit in the Western Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, Northwestern China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 116: 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2015.08.014 |
| Jiang, S. Y., Wang, W., Su, H. M., 2023. Super-Enrichment Mechanisms of Strategic Critical Metal Deposits: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. Journal of Earth Science, 34(4): 1295–1298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-023-2001-5 |
| Jochum, K. P., Weis, U., Stoll, B., et al., 2011. Determination of Reference Values for NIST SRM 610–617 Glasses Following ISO Guidelines. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 35(4): 397–429. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-908X.2011.00120.x |
| Kontak, D. J., Dostal, J., Kyser, T. K., et al., 2002. A Petrological, Geochemical, Isotopic and Fluid-Inclusion Study of 370 Ma Pegmatite-Aplite Sheets, Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Canadian Mineralogist, 40(5): 1249–1286. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscanmin.40.5.1249 |
| Lin, J., Yang, A., Lin, R., et al., 2023. Review on in Situ Isotopic Analysis by LA-MC-ICP-MS. Journal of Earth Science, 34(6): 1663–1691. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-023-2002-4 |
| Linnen, R. L., Keppler, H., 1997. Columbite Solubility in Granitic Melts: Consequences for the Enrichment and Fractionation of Nb and Ta in the Earth's Crust. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 128(2): 213–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004100050304 |
| Linnen, R. L., Van Lichtervelde, M., Černý, P., 2012. Granitic Pegmatites as Sources of Strategic Metals. Elements, 8(4): 275–280. https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.8.4.275 |
| London, D., Kontak, D. J., 2012. Granitic Pegmatites: Scientific Wonders and Economic Bonanzas. Elements, 8(4): 257–261. https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.8.4.257 |
| London, D., Hunt, L. E., Schwing, C. R., et al., 2020. Feldspar Thermometry in Pegmatites: Truth and Consequences. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 175(1): 8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-019-1617-z |
| London, D., Morgan, G. B., Paul, K. A., et al., 2012. Internal Evolution of Miarolitic Granitic Pegmatites at the Little Three Mine, Ramona, California, USA. The Canadian Mineralogist, 50(4): 1025–1054. https://doi.org/10.3749/canmin.50.4.1025 |
| London, D., 2008. Pegmatites. Canadian Mineralogist Special Publication 10. Mineralogical Association of Canada. 347 |
| Manning, D. A. C., Henderson, P., 1984. The Behavior of Rare Earth Elements in Hydrothermal Fluids and Their Interaction with Surrounding Rocks. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 48: 461–472 |
| Martin, R. F., De Vito, C., 2005. The Patterns of Enrichment in Felsic Pegmatites Ultimately Depend on Tectonic Setting. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43(6): 2027–2048. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.2027 |
| Martins, T., Lima, A., Simmons, W. B., et al., 2011. Geochemical Fractionation of Nb-Ta Oxides in Li-Bearing Pegmatites from the barroso-Alvao Pegmatite Field, Northern Portugal. The Canadian Mineralogist, 49(3): 777–791. https://doi.org/10.3749/canmin.49.3.777 |
| Müller, A., Keyser, W., Simmons, W. B., et al., 2021. Quartz Chemistry of Granitic Pegmatites: Implications for Classification, Genesis and Exploration. Chemical Geology, 584: 120507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120507 |
| Paton, C., Hellstrom, J., Paul, B., et al., 2011. Iolite: Freeware for the Visualisation and Processing of Mass Spectrometric Data. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 26(12): 2508–2518. https://doi.org/10.1039/c1ja10172b |
| Peretyazhko, I. S., Savina, E. A., 2013. Hydrothermal Alteration and Leaching of Granitic Pegmatites. Geochemistry International, 51: 551–572 |
| Pollok, K., Putnis, C. V., Putnis, A., 2011. Mineral Replacement Reactions in Solid Solution-Aqueous Solution Systems: Volume Changes, Reactions Paths and End-Points Using the Example of Model Salt Systems. American Journal of Science, 311(3): 211–236. https://doi.org/10.2475/03.2011.02 |
| Putnis, A., 2002. Mineral Replacement Reactions: From Macroscopic Observations to Microscopic Mechanisms. Mineralogical Magazine, 66(5): 689–708. https://doi.org/10.1180/0026461026650056 |
| Putnis, A., 2009. Mineral Replacement Reactions. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 70(1): 87–124. https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2009.70.3 |
| Putzolu, F., Seltmann, R., Dolgopolova, A., et al., 2024. Influence of Magmatic and Magmatic-Hydrothermal Processes on the Lithium Endowment of Micas in the Cornubian Batholith (SW England). Mineralium Deposita, 59(6): 1067–1088. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-024-01248-5 |
| Qiao, G. B., Wu, Y. Z., Liu, T., 2020. Formation Age of the Dahongliutan Pegmatite Type Rare Metal Deposit in Western Kunlun Mountains: Evidence from Muscovite 40Ar/39Ar Isotopic Dating. Geology in China, 47(5): 1591–1593. https://doi.org/10.12029/gc20200523 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Qiao, G. B., Zhangk H. D., Wuk Y. Z., et al., 2015. Petrogenesis of the Dahongliutan Monzogranite in Western Kunlun: Constraints from SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Geochemical Characteristics. Acta Geologica Sinica, 89(7): 1180–1194. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0001-5717.2015.07.003 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Roda-Robles, E., Pesquera, A., Gil-Crespo, P. P., et al., 2016. Geology and Mineralogy of Li Mineralization in the Central Iberian Zone (Spain and Portugal). Mineralogical Magazine, 80(1): 103–126. https://doi.org/10.1180/minmag.2016.080.049 |
| Ruiz-Agudo, E., Putnis, C. V., Putnis, A., 2014. Coupled Dissolution and Precipitation at Mineral-Fluid Interfaces. Chemical Geology, 383: 132–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2014.06.007 |
| Smith, M. P., Henderson, P., 2000. Preliminary Fluid Inclusion Constraints on Fluid Evolution in the Strange Lake Peralkaline Granite-Pegmatite Complex, Quebec-Labrador. Lithos, 51: 235–254. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.95.7.1371 |
| Tang, J. L., Ke, Q., Xu, X. W., et al., 2022. Magma Evolution and Mineralization of Longmenshan Lithium-Beryllium Pegmatite in Dahongliutan Area, West Kunlun. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 38(3): 655–675. https://doi.org/10.18654/1000-0569/2022.03.05 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Thomas, R., Davidson, P., 2012. The Role of External Fluids in the Formation of Pegmatite-Hosted Mineralization. Ore Geology Reviews, 48: 125–134 doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2012.02.010 |
| Thomas, R., Webster, J. D., Heinrich, W., 2000. Melt Inclusions in Pegmatite Quartz: Complete Miscibility between Silicate Melts and Hydrous Fluids at Low Pressure. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 139(4): 394–401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004100000120 |
| U. S. Department of the Interior, 2022. Final List of Critical Minerals. Reston, VA, USA |
|
USGS, 2021. Lithium in 2019, Tables-Only Release. USGS National Information Center. (2021-6-17) |
| Wang, H., Gao, H., Zhang, X. Y., et al., 2020. Geology and Geochronology of the Super-Large Bailongshan Li-Rb-(Be) Rare-Metal Pegmatite Deposit, West Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China. Lithos, 360/361: 105449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105449 |
| Wang, H., Huang, L., Ma, H. D., et al., 2023. Geological Characteristics and Metallogenic Regularity of Lithium Deposits in Dahongliutan-Bailongshan Area, West Kunlun, China. Acta Petrologica Sinaca, 39: 1931–1949 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Wang, H., Li, P., Ma, H. D., et al., 2017. Discovery of the Bailongshan Superlarge Lithium-Rubidium Deposit in Karakorum, Hetian, Xinjiang, and Its Prospecting Implication. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 41(6): 1053–1062 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Xing, C. M., Wang, C. Y., Wang, H., 2020. Magmatic-Hydrothermal Processes Recorded by Muscovite Andcolumbite-Group Minerals from the Bailongshan Rare-Element Pegmatites in the West Kunlun-Karakorum Orogenic Belt, NW China. Lithos, 364: 105507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105507 |
| Xu, Z. Q., Fu, X. F., Wang, R. C., et al., 2020. Generation of Lithium-Bearing Pegmatite Deposits within the Songpan-Ganze Orogenic Belt, East Tibet. Lithos, 354: 105281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2019.105281 |
| Yan, Q. H., Qiu, Z. W., Wang, H., et al., 2018. Age of the Dahongliutan Rare Metal Pegmatite Deposit, West Kunlun, Xinjiang (NW China): Constraints from LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Dating of Columbite-(Fe) and Cassiterite. Ore Geology Reviews, 100: 561–573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.11.010 |
| Yan, Q. H., Wang, H., Chi, G. X., et al., 2022. Recognition of a 600-km-long Late Triassic Rare Metal (Li-Rb-Be-Nb-Ta) Pegmatite Belt in the Western Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Western China. Economic Geology, 117(1): 213–236. https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4858 |
| Yang, J., Zhang, Z. J., Cheng, Q. M., 2022. Resolution Enhancement in Micro-XRF Using Image Restoration Techniques. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 37(4): 750–758. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ja00425e |
| Yin, R., Huang, X. L., Xu, Y. G., et al., 2020. Mineralogical Constraints on the Magmatic-Hydrothermal Evolution of Rare-Elements Deposits in the Bailongshan Granitic Pegmatites, Xinjiang, NW China. Lithos, 352/353: 105208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2019.105208 |
| Zhai, M. G., Wu, F. Y., Hu, R. Z., et al., 2019. Critical Metal Mineral Resources: Current Research Status and Scientific Issues. Bulletin of National Natural Science Foundation of China, 33(2): 106–111 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhang, C. L., Zou, H. B., Ye, X. T., et al., 2019. Tectonic Evolution of the West Kunlun Orogenic Belt along the Northern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Assembly of the Tarim Terrane to Gondwana. Geoscience Frontiers, 10(3): 973–988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2018.05.006 |
| Zhang, Q. C., Liu, Y., Wu, Z. H., et al., 2019. Late Triassic Granites from the Northwestern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau, the Dahongliutan Example: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications for the Evolution of the Kangxiwa Palaeo-Tethys. International Geology Review, 61(2): 175–194. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2017.1419444 |
| Zhang, X. Y., Wang, H., Bai, H. Y., et al., 2024. Tourmaline Geochemical and Boron Isotopic Compositions of the Bailongshan Rare-Metal Pegmatite Deposit: Implications for Magmatic-Hydrothermal Evolution of the West Kunlun Orogen (NW China). Ore Geology Reviews, 166: 105894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2024.105894 |
| Zhang, X. Y., Wang, H., Yan, Q. H., 2022. Garnet Geochemical Compositions of the Bailongshan Lithium Polymetallic Deposit in Xinjiang Province: Implications for Magmatic-Hydrothermal Evolution. Ore Geology Reviews, 150: 105178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.105178 |
| Zhang, Z. Y., Jiang, Y. H., Niu, H. C., et al., 2021. Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope Constraints on the Source and Evolution of Ore-Forming Fluids in the Bailongshan Pegmatitic Li-Rb Deposit, Xinjiang, Western China. Lithos, 380: 105824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105824 |
| Zhao, H., Chen, B., Zheng, B. Q., et al., 2024. Petrogenesis of Mesozoic Pegmatites in the Dahongliutan Li-Mineralized Belt (Western Kunlun, NW China). Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 264: 106076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2024.106076 |
| Zhou, J. S., Wang, Q., Xu, Y. G., et al., 2021. Geochronology, Petrology, and Lithium Isotope Geochemistry of the Bailongshan Granite-Pegmatite System, Northern Tibet: Implications for the Ore-Forming Potential of Pegmatites. Chemical Geology, 584: 120484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120484 |
Figures(10)
Copyright © 2013-2020 Journal of Earth Science 鄂ICP备15021562号-2
Tel: +86-27-67885075 Fax: +86-27-67885075 E-mail: xbb@cug.edu.cn
Address: Editorial Office of Journal, China University of Geosciences, Yujiashan, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
Supported by:
Beijing Renhe Information Technology Co. Ltd
E-mail:
info@rhhz.net
DownLoad:
