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The Gaoaobei tungsten-molybdenum deposit is a newly discovered large-scale quartz-vein-type deposit in the Nanling metallogenic belt in South China. The ore bodies are hosted in the Indosinian granites and the Cambrian Xiangnan Group slates and are controlled by NWW-oriented faults, which are obviously different from the "five-story building" model in southern Jiangxi Province. The magmatic rocks in the study area are dominated by medium- to coarse-grained biotite monzogranite, with a few NW-oriented fine-grained granite dykes. The medium- to coarse-grained biotite monzogranite and fine-grained granite dykes have zircon U-Pb ages of 229.4 ± 1. 9 Ma (MSWD = 1.5) and 164.9 ± 3.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.75), respectively, corresponding to the Indosinian and Yanshanian magmatism. The monzogranites have higher contents of FeO, CaO, K2O, P2O5, and TiO2, while the granite dykes have slightly higher contents of SiO2, Al2O3, MnO, and Na2O. Their A/CNK values are 1.11–1.75 and 1.19–2.25, and the contents of CIPW normative corundum are 1.71%–6.66% and 2.41%–9.50%, suggesting both the monzogranites and granite dykes are S-type granite. The total amount of rare earth elements in the monzogranites (from 84.7 ppm to 129 ppm) is slightly lower than that in the granite dykes (from 128 ppm to 133 ppm). The Eu/Eu* values range from 0.12 to 0.30 in monzogranites and from 0.001 1 to 0.001 3 in granite dykes, indicating the fine-grained granites underwent more intense fractional crystallization. The monzogranite and granite dykes have high 87Sr/86Sri values of 0.716 9–0.719 3 and 0.728 25–0.728 80, low εNd(t) values ranging from −10.2 to −9.6 and from −11.5 to −11.4, and TDM2 ages of 1 835–1 785 and 1 957–1 946 Ma, respectively. These isotope data indicate their origin from the remelting of the Paleoproterozoic crustal materials. Combined with regional geology, it is concluded that the medium- to coarse-grained biotite monzogranite was formed in a post-collisional extensional environment. In addition, 40Ar-39Ar dating of the greisen type tungsten-molybdenum ore gave consistent plateau age of 164.0 ± 1.2 Ma, isochronal age of 162.0 ± 2.4 Ma and anti-isochronal age of 161.4 ± 1.8 Ma. Combined with the published molybdenite Re-Os age, the Gaoaobei tungsten-molybdenum deposit was formed at ∼164 Ma, which is inferred to be genetically related to the contemporaneous finegrained granite dykes (165 Ma). The deposit was likely formed during the large-scale magmatism and mineralization event in the early Yanshanian of the Nanling Range in an intra-continental extensional environment caused by the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. The late and small granite dykes within the large granite plutons thus require further attention during mineral prospecting in the regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐silica granitoids record the formation and evolution of the continental crust. A new intrusive complex has been recognized among silicic volcanic rocks of the Weixi arc, Southwest China. The intrusions consist of granites, granitic porphyries, and granodiorites. Zircon U‐Pb age data indicate that the Weixi granitoids formed at 248–240 Ma and were coeval with silicic volcanic rocks of the Weixi arc. The Weixi granitoids are enriched in Rb, Th, and U, depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, and Ti, and have high light/heavy rare earth element ratios and slightly negative Eu anomalies. The Weixi granitoids have negative εNd(t) values (–9.8 to –7.8) and negative zircon εHf(t) values (–12.02 to –5.11). The geochemical and isotopic features suggest the Weixi granitoids were derived by partial melting of ancient crustal material. The Weixi granitoids and silicic volcanic rocks were derived from the same magma by crystal accumulation and melt extraction, respectively, and they record the formation of a continental arc in the central Sanjiang orogenic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early Triassic (~250 Ma) hornblende gabbro from the Tengxian area of Yunkai Massif, South China, contains a mineral assemblage of clinopyroxene, hornblende, biotite, plagioclase, K-feldspar and quartz and accessory apatite, and zircon and ilmenite. Based on mineral association and crystallization sequence, two generations of the mineral assemblage have been identified: clinopyroxene + plagioclase + apatite (zircon) in Generation I and ilmenite + hornblende + biotite + K-feldspar + quartz in Generation II. The high crystallization temperature (T = 999–1069 °C) of clinopyroxene and its coexistence with labradorite (An = 52–58) indicate that Generation I crystallized in a basaltic magma, while the hornblende's relatively low crystallization temperature (T = 780–820 °C) and coexistence with K-feldspar and quartz suggest that Generation II formed in an evolved alkaline melt. The mineralogical records are likely attributed to pulsed intrusion of the late-stage evolved magma into a crystal mush, like in Generation I. The bulk-rock geochemical data include a sub-alkaline affinity, arc-type trace element features, and highly enriched Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic compositions, consistent with the isotopic records from the accessory minerals, e.g., the very high δ18O values in both zircon and apatite and significantly negative εHf(t) in zircon. The combined mineral and bulk-rock geochemical data suggest that the primary magma for the Tengxian hornblende gabbro was derived from a mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by voluminous subducted terrigenous sediment-derived melts in response to subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gander Formation is a Mesozoic sedimentary layer in the Bayanhar Mountains. Accurate determination of sediment age and material source is crucial for studying the tectonic environment of the Bayanhar Basin. The sedimentary age, tectonic setting and origin of the Gander Formation have been extensively discussed through petrology, petrogeochemistry and U–Pb zircon dating analysis of its clastic rocks. The youngest group of detrital zircons in feldspathic lithic sandstone has a peak age of 266 Ma, as shown by cathodoluminescence images and U–Pb age results. Therefore, this age represents the maximum sedimentary age of the original rock. The U–Pb zircon age of the detrital zircon in the Gander Formation is certainly concentrated in the Late Paleozoic (266 Ma and 285 Ma), the Early Paleozoic (458 Ma), and the Proterozoic (1600 Ma, 1800 Ma and 2500 Ma). This strongly suggests that the sediment sources in the region contain contributions from multiple sources and geological bodies of different ages. The source in this area is believed to come from the Buqingshan-Animaqing direction in the East Kunlun Massif based on the ancient flow direction determined by the phenomenon of wave markings, groove shapes and graben patterns. This conclusion is certainly drawn from the available evidence. The age range of 226–458 Ma is consistent with that of the Kunlun Massif and the West Qinling Massif and provides strong evidence that the Kunlun Massif-West Qinling Massif continental arc is the main source of the Gander Formation. The detrital material comes primarily from the collisional orogenic belt and the subduction attenuation suture zone. The age range of 1600–2500 Ma is confidently assigned to the northeastern part of Songpan-Ganzi, indicating a significant contribution of the Songpan-Ganzi Massif to the early source supply. The sedimentary age of the Gander Formation is determined to be Middle Triassic with certainty based on the U–Pb age of the clastic rocks and the intrusion time of the rocks in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoproterozoic A-type granites are widely distributed in the southern margin of the North China Craton (SNCC), providing important information for understanding the Paleoproterozoic tectonic regimes in this area. This paper reports newly obtained whole-rock compositions and zircon U-Pb ages for the Tieluping syenogranite porphyry (TLP) and Huoshenmiao alkali granite porphyry (HSM) in the SNCC. Zircons from the TLP and HSM have U-Pb ages of 1 805 ± 12 and 1 792 ± 14 Ma, respectively. These ages are taken to date the emplacement of these intrusions. They had high total alkali contents (K2O + Na2O > 7.13 wt.%), with high 10 000 × Ga/Al ratios (3.06–3.41) and Zr + Y + Nb + Ce values (709 ppm–910 ppm) as well as high zircon saturation temperatures (864–970 °C), indicative of A-type granite affinities. High Y/Nb (1.75–3.32), Ce/Nb (7.72–9.72), and Yb/Ta (2.89–5.60) ratios suggested that TLP and HSM belonged to the A2-type granite. The negative whole rock εNd(t) values (−8.4 to −6.6) and negative zircon εHf(t) values (−15.9 to −6.3) confirmed that TLP and HSM were likely generated by the partial melting of an ancient continental crust. The εHf(t) (−7.4 to +4.0) values of inherited zircons in the TLP suggested that they were derived from the partial melting of Archean basement rocks. Considering the geochemical similarity of the 1.80 Ga A-type granitoids in the SNCC, we propose that the TLP and HSM were formed in a post-collisional regime that was likely associated with the break-off of the Paleoproterozoic subducted slab. Upwelling of the asthenosphere provided huge heat to generate the regional 1.80 Ga A-type granite in the SNCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of mineralogical, geochemical, isotope, and geochemical (Sm–Nd) studies of siltstones from the upper Bystraya subformation of the Argun continental massif, as well as U–Pb dating of detrital zircon grains from them. The main goal of the research was to identify the main sources of clastic material, to reconstruct the paleogeodynamic environment of accumulation, and to constrain the lower age limit for the formation of terrigenous rocks of the upper Bystraya subformation. The mineralogical composition of the studied rocks indicates their accumulation in an environment associated with subduction processes. The trace element composition of siltstones from the subformation suggests the presence of rocks of mixed composition in the source area in terms of their silica content. Based on Sm–Nd isotope and geochemical data, it was established that the main sources of clastic material for siltstones of the stratigraphic unit were Paleoproterozoic rocks and (or) younger rocks whose formation is associated with the reworking of the Paleoproterozoic continental crust. Most of the zircons from the studied siltstone sample of the upper Bystraya subformation are Neo- and Paleoproterozoic in age. Their sources are probably Neo- and Paleoproterozoic igneous rocks widespread within the Argun massif in China. The ages of the youngest zircons (556 ± 9 and 566 ± 10 Ma) isolated from siltstones of the upper Bystraya subformation were used to constrain the lower limit of their accumulation at the middle Ediacaran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits are globally significant sources of metals. The Hongtoushan VMS deposit is the only large Archean Cu-Zn VMS deposit in the North China Craton, carrying substantial economic value. Significant deformation and metamorphism have made the tectonic setting of the Hongtoushan VMS deposit the subject of extensive debate. This study investigates the petrogenesis and chronology of the ore-bearing host rocks from the Hongtoushan Cu-Zn VMS deposit in the North China Craton. By utilizing whole-rock geochemical analyses and zircon dating, this research sheds light on the origin and evolution of the ore-bearing rocks within the deposit. The whole-rock geochemical analysis data indicate that the Hongtoushan ore-bearing rock series is mainly composed of amphibole plagioclase gneiss (basalt protolith) and biotite plagioclase gneiss (andesite and rhyolite protolith), suggesting a complete volcanic cycle from basic to medium-acidic volcanic rocks. The amphibole plagioclase gneiss has slight LREE enrichment patterns with unremarkable depletions of Nb, Ta, and Ti and belongs to contaminated ocean plateau basalt (OPB) in terms of composition, which is generally interpreted as being generated from the mantle plume head. Meanwhile, the biotite plagioclase gneiss has relatively steep LREE enrichment distribution patterns with remarkable negative Ta, Nb, and Ti anomalies and a wide range of Zr/Y ratios, indicating their classification as FI- and FII-type felsic rocks; they were likely formed through the fractional crystallization of basic magma combined with crustal assimilation. When combined with the zircon dating results, the ore-bearing host rocks of the Hongtoushan VMS deposit were generated via a continuous magmatic evolution process. The zircon dating of the host rocks indicates a formation age of between 2609 and 2503 Ma, with metamorphic events between 2540 and 2466 Ma, which is consistent with the 2.5 Ga-related global mantle plume event. Further research shows that the ore-bearing host rocks are more likely to have been formed in a mantle plume-related stretching environment, possibly a margin rift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shuangwang Au deposit (with a gold resource of approximately 70 t Au), is located in the Fenxian-Taibai fore-arc basin in the West Qinling Orogen of central China. Igneous intrusions in the region include the Xiba granitic pluton and granite porphyry and lamprophyre dykes. The Xiba pluton is composed of granodiorite and monzonite granite. The granodiorite is typical I-type granite, and it yields a crystallization age of 221.1 ± 1.2 Ma and a two-stage Hf model age of 1432–1634 Ma. The monzonite granite shows a transitional characteristic between I-type and A-type granite, and it yields a crystallization age of 214.8 ± 1.2 Ma and a two-stage Hf model age of 1443–1549 Ma. The granitoid was derived mainly from a crust–mantle mixed source. The ages indicate that the granodiorite and monzonite granite formed during two different stages. The REE distribution patterns of the Xiba granitoid exhibit significant fractionation between LREE and HREE, showing right-dipping curves, with an enrichment of LREE and a deficit of HREE. The granodiorite displays a light negative Eu anomaly, while the monzonite granite displays an obvious negative Eu anomaly. The granite porphyry dikes are distributed in the No. I breccia and Jiupinggou granite porphyry, and they yield crystallization ages of 219.9 ± 1.5 Ma and 213.1 ± 0.89 Ma, respectively, and two-stage Hf model ages of 1382–1501 Ma and 1373–1522 Ma, respectively. The lamprophyre dikes in the deposit yield a crystallization age of 214.4 ± 2.7 Ma. After the collision event between the Yangtze and the North China Plates along the Qinling orogenic belt, at approximately 220 Ma in the Late Triassic, the detachment of the slab produced the upwelling of the asthenosphere material. Under conditions of mantle heat and tectonic stress, widespread partial melting of the subducted continental crust and the upper lithosphere mantle occurred, forming granitoids with various degrees of adakite characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐collisional magmatism contains important clues for understanding the reworking and growth of continental crust, as well as lithospheric delamination and orogenic collapse. Early Devonian magmatism has been identified in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt (NQOB). This paper reports an integrated study of petrology, whole‐rock geochemistry, Sm‐Nd isotope and zircon U‐Pb dating, as well as Lu‐Hf isotopic data, for two Early Devonian intrusive plutons. The Yongchang and Chijin granites yield zircon U‐Pb ages of 394–407 Ma and 414 Ma, respectively. Both of them are characterized by weakly peraluminous to metaluminous without typical aluminium‐rich minerals, LREE‐enriched patterns with negative Eu anomalies and a negative correlation between P2O5 and SiO2 contents, consistent with geochemical features of I‐type granitoids. Zircons from the studied granites display negative to weak positive εHf(t) values (–5.7 to 2.1), which agree well with those of negative εNd(t) values (−6.4 to −2.9) for the whole‐rock samples, indicating that they were derived from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crust. Furthermore, low Sr/Y ratios (1.13–21.28) and high zircon saturation temperatures (745°C to 839°C, with the majority being >800°C) demonstrated a relatively shallow depth level below the garnet stability field and an additional heat source. Taken together, the Early Devonian granitic magmatism could have been produced by the partial melting of ancient crustal materials heated by mantle‐derived magmas at high‐temperature and low‐pressure conditions during post‐collisional extensional collapse. The data obtained in this study, when viewed in conjunction with previous studies, provides more information about the tectonic processes that followed the closure of the North Qilian Ocean. The tectonic transition from continental collision to post‐collisional delamination could be constrained to ∼430 Ma, which is provided by the sudden decrease of Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios and an increase in zircon εHf(t) values for granitoids. A two‐stage tectonic evolution model from continental collision to post‐collisional extensional collapse for the NQOB includes (a) continental collision and crustal thickening during ca. 455–430 Ma, characterized by granulite‐facies metamorphism and widespread low‐Mg adakitic magmatism; (b) post‐collisional delamination of thickened continental crust and extensional collapse of orogen during ca. 430–390 Ma, provided by coeval high‐Mg adakitic magmatism, A‐type granites and I‐type granitoids with low Sr‐Y ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aolunhua Mo deposit is a typical porphyry deposit, which is located in the middle southern section of the Da Hinggan Range metallogenic belt. Here, we report LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age data from the Mo-associated granitoid, together with the element geochemistry of the zircons, discussing the source material of the ore-forming rock of the deposit. The zircon data constrain the crystallization age of the granite porphyry as 135.0 ± 1.0 Ma, correlating it with the widespread Yanshanian intermediate–felsic magmatic activity. The Th/U ratio of the zircon is greater than 0.1, with a significant positive Ce anomaly (Ce* = 1.72–188.71) and a negative Eu anomaly (Eu* = 0.05–0.57). The zircons show depleted LREE and enriched HREE patterns, as well as low La and Pr contents, suggesting crystallization from crust-derived magmas. Based on the geology of the ore deposit and the age data, in combination with the regional geodynamic evolution, we infer that the Aolunhua Mo deposit was formed near the peak stage of Sn poly-metallic metallogenesis in the Da Hinggan Range region at around 140 Ma, associated with a tectonic setting, characterized by the transition from compression to extension. Based on a comparison with the newly found Mo deposits along the banks of the Xilamulun River, we propose that the Tianshan–Linxi is an important Mo-metallogenic belt. It also suggests an increased likelihood for the occurrence of Mo along the north bank of the Xilamulun River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Songliao Basin is rich in uranium ores, and the Yaojia Formation, which is dominated by gray fine-grained sandstones, contains the main ore-bearing stratum. Rocks in the formation contain high SiO2, Al2O3, and total alkali, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U, K, and light rare earth elements but are depleted in high field strength elements, similar to upper crustal rocks. U–Pb dating of zircon grains from sandstones in the formation yielded four groups of ages, including 99–182, 202–245, 284–365, and 1800–1900 Ma. These ages combined with the Hf isotope composition, geochemical characteristics, and regional history suggest that the Yaojia Formation rocks are associated with passive and active continental margin settings. These clastic rocks originate principally from felsic rocks in the Zhangguangcailing–Xiao Xing'anling area, and these were deposited in oxic freshwater environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apatite and zircon fission track (FT) analysis offers the opportunity to reveal the chronology records for Meso-Cenozoic tectonic events in the Northeast of Ordos Basin, China: the Indosinian Epoch tectonic events mainly occurred at (245-235 Ma±) with a peck-age of 240 Ma and (205-195 Ma±) with a peck-age of 200 Ma, corresponding to the parallel unconformity during the Middle and Lower Triassic to Upper Triassic, the angular unconformity during the Late Jurassic to its underling layers. Middle Yanshanian tectonic events occurred at (155-115 Ma±) with a peck-age of 135 Ma, and corresponded to the angular unconformity during Lower Cretaceous to its underling layers. Late Yanshanian to Himalayan tectonic events included at least two episodes, peak-age respectively is (65Ma±) and (20 Ma±). On this basis, we further complete their main elements geochemical analysis. The contents of TiO2, Fe2O3+MgO, Lg (SiO2 / A12O3) in samples was 0.18-1.02%, 1.23-8.55%, and 0.59-1.04%, respectively. The average was 0.53%, 4.5%, 0.71%, respectively. Based on the discriminant plate of the main element, the transition events of the important sedimentary structure environment in phase two were obtained. The relationship analysis of the tectonic event and the mineralizing chronology revealed that the key tectonic events control reservoir forming time or mineralization time of the coupling coexistence of multiple energy resources in the Northeast of Ordos Basin, and show the collaborative and coupled relationship between the tectonic events and accumulation (mine). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huaduoshan Cu–Mo prospect is in the Duobaoshan orefield, northeast China. The Cu–Mo mineralization occurs in the granodiorites as veinlet-disseminated. The ore-forming process can be divided into four mineralization stages: (I) quartz–pyrite–magnetite; (II) quartz–pyrite–chalcopyrite ± molybdenite; (III) quartz–pyrite–molybdenite–chalcopyrite–sphalerite; and (IV) quartz–calcite–minor pyrite. Liquid-rich two-phase aqueous (L-type), vapour-rich aqueous (V-type) and daughter-minerals three-phase (S-type) fluid inclusions (FIs) were identified at Huaduoshan. The last two types of FIs are absent in stages III and IV. The homogenization temperatures of FIs from stages I to IV are 375–438, 335–378, 283–335, and 223–267 ℃, with corresponding salinities of 2.4–50.4, 2.1–44.9, 2.7–10.1, and 1.7–7.3 wt. % NaCl eqv., respectively. The H–O isotope data of quartz in stages I (δ18OH2O = 6.1–8.0‰, δDH2O = −102.4–−94.6‰) show a magmatic origin of ore-forming fluid; the decreasing δ18OH2O (−6.8–3.2‰) and δDH2O (−117.1–−98.5‰) values of quartz in stage II–IV show the fluid mixing with meteoric water. The S–Pb isotopic values (δ34S = −2.7–0.8; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.236–18.599; 207Pb/204 Pb = 15.504–15.557; 208Pb/204Pb = 37.816–38.629) of pyrites indicate that the ore-forming materials are of magmatic origin. Fluid boiling and mixing may be the major mechanisms of ore precipitation. Zircon U–Pb age (172.1 ± 0.5 Ma) and geochemical data indicate that the ore-related granodiorites are I-type rocks formed in the subduction setting of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean Plate in the Early–Middle Jurassic. In conclusion, we propose that the Huaduoshan Cu–Mo prospect is a porphyry deposit and has potential for further exploration of porphyry Cu–Mo prospecting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ordovician–Silurian bentonite is an ideal target for probing complex geological events such as biological extinction, glaciations, and volcanic events at that time due to its global distribution and multiple intercalary strata. In this paper, Late Ordovician–Early Silurian K–bentonites from the western segment of the South Dabashan are sampled for zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses. A mean 441.4 ± 4.2 Ma zircon U–Pb age is obtained from the K–bentonite and is regarded as volcanic eruptive time. Geochemical data show characteristics of intermediate volcanic rocks and typical K–bentonites elsewhere. Chondrite–normalized REE+Y distribution patterns display LREE (light REE) enrichment and HREE (heavy REE) depletion with distinct negative Eu anomalies. Primitive mantle–normalized spider diagram shows similar concave-up patterns with relatively enriched LILE (Ba, U, and Pb), HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) and distinctly depleted elements such as P, Sr and Ti, indicating these K–bentonites derive from high–K and alkaline primary magma and represent the product of within–plate volcanic eruption. High-frequent and periodic volcanic eruptions from the Yangtze block, its peripheral areas, and the southern margin of the North China block began with Early Ordovician and lasted to Late Silurian. In the Dabashan region, ca. 440–448 Ma K–bentonites may primarily originate from the within–plate volcanic setting, but volcanic ashes of ca. 450–460 Ma K–bentonites are perhaps island arc products connected with north–dipping continuous subduction of the Paleo–Qinling Ocean during Early Paleozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baoyintu uplift is located at the northwestern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). The affiliation and evolution history of the uplift have been unresolved until now. Here we present LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP U-Pb data for zircons extracted from samples of monzogranitic orthogneiss and the Baoyintu Group in the uplift. The 1 679 ± 13 Ma date for the orthogneiss demonstrates that Late Palaeoproterozoic rocks do exist in the uplift. The ca. 1 413 Ma minimum age of detrital zircons in metasedimentary rocks shows that the maximum age of the Baoyintu Group is Mesoproterozo-ic. The age distribution of detrital zircons in the first unit of the Group form clusters at ca. 2 680, 2 450, 1 800 and 1 560 Ma, which partly correspond to tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic events previously recognised in the NCC, and show that the metasedimentary rocks are largely sourced from different parts of the NCC. These confirm that the Baoyintu uplift is part of the NCC. Amphibolite with a dole-rite protolith from the third unit of Baoyintu Group shows evidence for metamorphism during ca. 877–851 Ma. This combined with published geochronological data indicate the presence of Neoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic events in the NCC, which significantly increases our understanding of the Proterozoic tectonic evolution of the region and its possible correlation with the Rodinian Supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the understanding of Archean continental crust formation and evolution history of Liaonan block in North China Craton, the Neoarchean TTG(tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite)gneisses in Shijianfang area of Liaonan block were focused on, and the detailed field investigation, zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotope analysis, and whole-rock geochemical analysis were intergrated. The results show that TTG gneiss in Shijianfang area crystallizes at(2 499.7±5.4)Ma. The TTG gneiss samples have high contents of SiO2(66.1%-69.1%)and Al2O3(14.6%-15.6%), are enriched in Na and depleted in K(K2O/Na2O is 0.41-0.51)with weakly positive Eu anomalies(1.06-1.59); the samples are relatively enriched in large ion lithophile elements(Ba, Rb, K, etc.)and high field strength elements(Zr, Hf, etc.), featured by high Sr/Y(44.3-69.5)and(La/Yb)N(11.8-24.0), and depleted zircon Hf isotopic composition with two-stage model ages of 2 903-2 687 Ma. Compared with TTG rocks derived from partial melting of the thickened lower crust, TTG gneisses in Shijianfang area have relatively higher contents of MgO, Cr and Ni. The above geochemical characteristics reveal TTG gneisses in Shijianfang area are typical medium-pressure TTG rocks, which is the product of partial melting of Meso-Neoarchean basaltic crust. The source area is rich in garnet and amphibolite, but short of rutile and plagioclase. Combined with previous studies, TTG gneisses in Shijianfang area are likely formed by the partial melting of subduction slabs, indicating the warm subduction tectonic system of the ancient continental margin. The North China Craton might be controlled by both plate tectonics and mantle plume tectonics during Late Neoarchean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical ophiolitic rock assemblages such as siliciclastic rocks, basalts and gabbros, together with the subduction-related intermediate-acidic intrusive rocks, are newly discovered in the Tongjiang-Fuyuan area of the Heilongjiang Provence, NE China. To determine the formation age and genesis of the mafic rocks (basalts and gabbros) and intermediate-acidic intrusive rocks (granodiorites) in the area, as well as their geodynamic settings, the whole-rock geochemical analysis and zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating were carried out. Zircon U-Pb results suggest that the granodiorites are 93–95 Ma and gabbro is 95 Ma, respectively. Geochemical results show that the gabbros and basalts exhibit characteristics of ocean island basalt (OIB) affinity and are typically related to having originated from mantle plumes. While the granodiorites show the nature of the island-arc magmatic rocks and may originate from the lower crust. Based on the coeval igneous rock associations and regional tectonic evolution, we conclude that the late Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the Tongjiang-Fuyuan area are the product of continuous subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate and reflect the subduction rollback process of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provenance and tectonic implications of Late Paleozoic sedimentary rocks in the South Qinling Belt (SQB) provide important clues for understanding the timing and mechanism of the collision between North China Block (NCB) and South China Block (SCB). Here we report new LA-ICP-MS zircon U−Pb ages and geochemical composition of metasedimentary rocks from the Foping area in the SQB. The results indicate that the depositional age of the Wenquan Group can be limited to the Early Devonian by the youngest U−Pb age of 398 Ma, whereas those of the quartz schist from the Changjiaoba Group could be constrained after the Carboniferous by the youngest 206Pb/238U peak age of 306 Ma. Therefore, much of the previously-assumed "Neoarchaean or Paleoproterozoic" strata, including the Wenquan and Changjiaoba groups, were actually deposited in the Late Paleozoic. Based on analysis and comparison of the detrital zircon ages of the Devonian tectonic units in the SQB, we found that most prominent peak ages of detrital zircons from metasedimentary rocks in the Foping area shared similar characteristics with others. They mainly derived from the North Qinling Belt and South Qinling Belt-Yangtze Block, with a minor source probably from the North China Block, implying that the Shangdan Ocean between NCB and SCB had closed in the Early Devonian. Combined with regional geological background and geochemical data, we inferred that these Devonian strata formed in the foreland basin after the amalgamation of the North China Block and South China Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megacrystic zircons have recently been found in alluvial deposits in the Huadian area of northeastern China. However, studies have rarely been conducted on these zircons. In this article, we present systematic in situ trace element, U-Pb age and Hf isotope data regarding these Huadian zircons, with the aim of investigating their source characteristics and provenance. The studied zircons, with a diameter of 0.7–1.2 cm, are dominantly irregular in shape and have a rounded termination, with a color ranging from near-colorless to reddish brown to maroon. The zircons show oscillatory zoning in CL images, with a Th/U value of 0.18–1.27, which is consistent with the typical features of magmatic zircons. The positive εHf(t) value of Huadian zircons (4.8–9.2) further indicates the presence of precipitation from the mantle-derived melt, with limited contamination of the crustal components. The obtained weighted mean 206Pb/238U age for these zircons is 17.9 ± 0.12 Ma, which is slightly older than the eruptional ages of the associated alkali basalts (from 17.6 ± 1.09 Ma to 17.8 ± 0.69 Ma), implying a short residence time in the mantle before entrainment. Huadian zircons incorporate a wide range of trace elements, including ΣREE (117–2790 ppm), Hf (4902–11856 ppm) and Y (145–3645 ppm) contents, generating mixed-source protolith assignments. As is suggested by the moderate variations seen in the Hf isotopes, we propose that the source melts of Huadian zircons are complex in nature, which is likely the result of the chemical heterogeneity of the upper mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Junggar Basin was an intracontinental basin enclosed by multiple orogenies in the Mesozoic. Unravelling the provenances development in the western Junggar Basin enclosed by the West Junggar Orogenic Belt (WJOB) and Tianshan Orogenic Belt (TSOB) would elucidate the exhumation history of these orogenic belts during the post-orogenic period. The TSOB includes Central Tianshan which includes a continental block with the Precambrian to early Palaeozoic metamorphic basements, while the WJOB includes Palaeozoic accretionary complexes. Given their contrasting geological histories, we use detrital garnets, metamorphic ilmenites, epidotes, and Precambrian zircons to distinguish the TSOB and detrital Cr-spinel to distinguish the WJOB. Combined with sedimentary analysis, palaeocurrents, heavy mineral data, seismic profiles, and zircon U-Pb geochronology, here we reconstruct a four-phase source-to-sink model. During the syn-rift phase, the southern basin was stably fed by the TSOB in the Triassic, evidenced by high Garnet-zircon index and stable single-peak Carboniferous detrital zircon age spectra. During the post-rift sag basin phase, the source-to-sink system experienced a significant change, because detrital zircon age spectra change into multiple peaks. During the transpressional basin phase, the WJOB replaced the TSOB as the dominant provenance in the late Middle Jurassic and the TSOB became the dominant provenance again in the Late Jurassic. Syndepositional volcanic materials provided a large amount of sediments. During the sag basin phase, lake transgression happened and the TSOB provenance could not reach the northern basin. We concluded that the WJOB experienced transpression and obvious denudation in the late Middle Jurassic, and the TSOB uplifted under transpression in the Late Jurassic. The transpression controlled the change of major provenances. The aridification in the Late Jurassic was recorded by the decrease in the Zircon-Tourmaline-Rutile index and the increase in epidotes and magnetites. The humidification in the Early Cretaceous was responded to by lake transgression and sediment recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North China Craton (NCC) is one of the most complex cratons in the world. It underwent a series of tectonothermal events during the Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic. The petrogenesis of potassic granitoids, the timing, and the style of Archean crustal growth are still debated. Systematic field and petrological stdudies on the potassic meta-granites from the Guyang-Chayouzhongqi region were carried out. New U-Pb ages, zircon Lu-Hf isotopic analyses, and whole-rock geochemical data were obtained. Two groups (∼2.7 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga) of potassic meta-granites were recognized. The ∼2.7 Ga meta-granites are mainly A2-type, with variable εHf(t) values (−8.4 to +3.3) and Archean one stage model ages (TDM = ∼3.0 Ga), indicating that their source was derived from ancient anatectic TTG-like granite and depleted mantle, which suggests that thin crust had formed in the Guyang-Chayouzhongqi region by ∼3.0 Ga. Similar to the K-rich granites in the NCC, most of the ∼2.5 Ga potassic meta-granites are typical of A1-type granite, and are enriched in Sm and Gd and depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. The ages and isotopic data indicate that the ∼2.5 Ga meta-granites were generated from juvenile crustal sources with Neoarchean TTGs. The overall zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic data furthermore suggested that the ∼2.7 Ga event is the most important stage of magmatic accretion in the NCC, similar to other cratons. In contrast, reworking or metamorphic alteration was the main crustal process in the NCC at ∼2.5 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yamusi granodiorite in the eastern part of the Qilian Orogen consists mainly of gneissic granodiorite. Researchers have studied other nearby rock masses, and many studies, such as those focusing on the zircon U-Pb age chronology and geochemistry of Yamusi granodiorite, still need to be completed. We obtained a new LA–ICP–MS zircon U-Pb age of 480.3 ± 1.3 Ma for Yamusi granodiorite, which suggested that it was formed during the early Ordovician period. The whole-rock geochemical data show that this granodiorite is relatively rich in Na and poor in K (K2O/Na2O = 0.40–0.73). The granodiorite is metaluminous–weakly peraluminous and can be classified as medium-K calc-alkaline granite. It yields high Sr/Y ratios (35.17–53.78) and low Yb (<18 ppm) and Y (1.8 ppm) contents, an Mg# value of <45, and high La/Y ratios (2.9–13.4, mean = 5.76). The trace element compositions of the granodiorite are characterized by positive large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Cs, Rb, and Ba) and negative high-field-strength element (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) anomalies, similar to arc magmatic rocks. There is clear fractionation between the light and heavy rare earth elements (REEs), with (La/Yb)N ratios of 1.77–9.03 (mean = 3.88). The petrogenesis research suggests that the granodiorite originated mainly from the partial melting of the mafic lower crust, with a minor mantle-derived component. Based on the regional geological setting, we suggest that the Yamusi granodiorite was formed during the northward subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust to form an intracontinental arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of a 0.3 Ga "great unconformity" between the Mesoproterozoic "Undefined System" Xiamaling Formation and the "Neoproterozoic" Longshan Formation has long been controversial. In this study, stratigraphy, sedimentology, detrital zircon dating, lithium isotope, and major and trace elements were applied to systematically analyze their relationship. Results demonstrate that coarse to fine sandstone-mudstone normal cycles with different grades and thicknesses exist from the Xiamaling to the Longshan formations. Sedimentary succession formed from a restricted platform with lagoon-shallow marine shelf-tidal flat-beach and tidal shoal developing in ascending order. The pebbly sandstone at the bottom of the Longshan Formation does not have the properties of basal conglomerate with tectonic significance. The youngest detrital zircon is older than 1.6 Ga for the Longshan Formation and overlying Jing'eryu Formation sandstones. In addition, no (zircon) provenance has been found from the large igneous province of 1.32–1.2 Ga in Xiamaling Formation. The δ7Li isotope values exhibit a gradually increasing trend. The Li content and CIA (Chemical index of alteration) gradually decreases from the top of the Xiamaling Formation to the lower part of the Longshan Formation. Simultaneously, as K2O/Al2O3 and FeO/Fe2O3 decreases, Na2O/Al2O3 increases, and Li/Al, V/Cr, and V/(V+Ni) fluctuates slightly. At the boundary, the Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* show positive and negative anomalies, respectively. Further, the Rb/Sr and Al/Si values decrease, and U/Th values increase. This indicates that the geochemistry of the weathering crust at the interface of the Xiamaling Formation-Longshan Formation is not characteristic. However, it indicates a weakening of continental weathering intensity from the bottom to the top of the interface. These results do not support the existence of a large unconformity between the Xiamaling and the Longshan formations. Therefore, it is suggested that the Longshan Formation-Jing'eryu Formation should be moved to the lower level in the stratigraphic chart, where it should form part of the Mesoproterozoic "Undefined System" along with the Xiamaling Formation. On this basis, the paleogeography of the Xiamaling Formation-Longshan Formation-Jing'eryu Formation sedimentary period in the Yanliao area of North China has been reclassified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WNW-ESE-trending Baiyunshan ophiolitic mélange is exposed in the central Beishan orogenic belt (BOB), between the Hongliuhe-Niujuanzi and Xichangjing ophiolitic mélanges in the west and east, respectively. Here we present new petrological, geochemical, and zircon U-Pb age data for the Baiyunshan ophiolitic mélange and metamorphosed lithic sandstones of "the Baiyunshan Formation". The Baiyunshan ophiolitic mélange is characterized by a block-in-matrix structure, and the blocks of ultramafic-mafic rocks are mainly pyroxenites, dunites, gabbros, and minor hornblendites. Zircon U-Pb dating yielded an emplacement age of 424.2 ± 3.7 Ma for the gabbros. The ultramaficmafic rocks have geochemical features of supra-subduction zone-type ophiolites, including low Ti contents (TiO2 = 0.01 wt.%–0.35 wt.%), negative Nb-Ta anomalies, and U-shaped rare earth element patterns with positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.99–3.25). "The Baiyunshan Formation" is exposed to the north of the ophiolitic mélange, and comprises mainly meta-cherts in its lower part and metasandstones and marbles in its upper part. Blocks of basalt are locally dispersed in the sand-slate matrix. The ages of detrital zircons in the metamorphosed lithic sandstones range from 521 to 464 Ma, with an age peak of 500 Ma, which is similar to those of the Gongpoquan arc in the north. The central Beishan orogenic belt experienced continuous subduction of the Hongliuhe-Xichangjing oceanic lithosphere in the Late Silurian, which produced the Baiyunshan forearc complex and supra-subduction zone-type ophiolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Banjing tungsten deposit, which has been discovered recently, is located in the northernmost part of the Dabu pluton, southern Jiangxi Province, China. In this study, zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating of the fine‐grained porphyritic biotite granite indicate that it was formed in the early Yanshanian (159.4 ± 2.5 Ma–161.6 ± 0.8 Ma). Whole‐rock geochemical studies have shown the fine‐grained porphyritic biotite granite has SiO2 of 75.82%–76.84%, Al2O3 12.50%–12.87%, MgO 0.07%–0.20%, and CaO 0.64%–1.09%, with A/CNK of 1.017–1.038. It has a total rare earth elements content of 93.9–118.9 ppm with strong negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.021–0.081). The biotite granite is enriched in Rb, Th, U, Nd and depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ti. These data suggest the Dabu pluton belongs to S‐type granite. This pluton has ISr of 0.71212–0.72929 and εNd(t) from −9.60 to −10.62 with Nd model ages concentrated in 1732–1838 Ma. These isotopic data in combination with zircon Hf isotopes suggest the biotite granite originated from partial melting of the Middle Proterozoic metamorphic supracrustal rocks in South China, with a minor contribution from juvenile crust. Meanwhile, this study has obtained Re–Os isochron ages of the intrusion‐related and quartz vein‐type molybdenum mineralization are 156.3 ± 2.7 Ma and 157.0 ± 1.1 Ma in the Banjing tungsten deposit, respectively. Sericite from the greisen‐type tungsten‐molybdenum ore has an 40Ar–39Ar plateau age of 156.4 ± 1.0 Ma, interpreted as the formation age of this deposit. Collectively, the Banjing tungsten deposit is considered as a product of the early Yanshanian large‐scale peak mineralization in South China, which was formed in an extensional intracontinental environment caused by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-type granites constitute an important component of the Paleoproterozoic Khondalite Belt in the North China Craton. Here we present results from petrography, geochemistry and isotope geochronology on the porphyritic garnet-bearing syenogranite and garnet-bearing monzogranite samples in the Jining-Liangcheng area. The geochemical characteristics of these samples indicate formation through partial anatexis of the khondalites, with heat and material input from mantle-derived magma. Geochemical similarities between the porphyritic garnet-bearing syenogranite, garnet-bearing monzogranite, and metapelitic gneiss suggest their broad affinity. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe zircon U–Pb dating revealed that the S-type granites formed at ca. 1.92–1.90 Ga and were subsequently metamorphosed at ca. 1.85 Ga. The ca. 1.92–1.91 Ga porphyritic garnet-bearing syenogranite shows zircon εHf(t) values of −1.94–+3.38 with two-stage Hf crustal model ages (TDM2) ages of ca. 2.42–2.59 Ga. The 1.91–1.90-Ga garnet-bearing monzogranites show zircon εHf(t) values ranging from −4.36 to +0.38, with TDM2 ranging from ca. 2.57 to ca. 2.82 Ga. The geochemical isotopic compositions suggest that the porphyritic garnet-bearing syenogranite and garnet-bearing monzogranite originated from the partial melting of pre-existing crust of heterogeneous compositions with the addition of mantle-derived material. On the basis of our results, combined with geological data on the Paleoproterozoic structural evolution of the Khondalite Belt, we assume that the timing of the metamorphism and anatexis in the Jining–Liangcheng area is correlated with a regional metamorphism and mantle-derived magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xiejiaba and Fuqiangbei plutons form part of the newly identified Neoproterozoic Niushan complex, which is located in the southern South Qinling belt (SQB). The plutons are compositionally similar, were emplaced at 750–711 Ma, and provide insights into Neoproterozoic tectonism within the South Qinling belt. The Xiejiaba pluton contains diorite, quartz diorite, granodiorite, and granite phases, all of which are sub‐alkaline and have variable major element compositions with negative correlations between SiO2 and MgO, TFe2O3, Al2O3, CaO, TiO2 and P2O5. These rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and have negative Nb, Ta, P and Ti anomalies, all of which are indicative of arc‐type magmatism. The Fuqiangbei pluton contains granitoids that are compositionally similar to the rocks in the Xiejiaba pluton. Samples from these plutons have similar ɛNd(t) values (1.24–5.99) but very variable (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.7010–0.7054). Combining these data with the geochemical data for these rocks suggests that the magmas that formed the Niushan complex were derived from the crust–mantle boundary. This, combined with the results of previous research, suggests that the transition from low pressure‐low temperature to low pressure‐high temperature conditions within a subduction zone caused melting during a period of late subduction and backarc extension. This constrain the timing of subduction within the South Qinling belt and the northern Yangtze Block (YB) to 750–711 Ma, with this Neoproterozoic subduction associated with an ocean to the north overprinting an existing continental rift‐type tectonic setting within the northern margin of the Yangtze Block and the South Qinling belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qushandao Granite, mainly composed of alkali‐feldspar granite, is situated in the eastern Zhejiang province of coastal southeast China. In this paper, we present whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopes to constrain the age, magma sources, and geodynamic setting of the Qushandao Granite. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating results revealed that the Qushandao Granite was emplaced in the Late Cretaceous (101–98 Ma). Geochemically, the Qushandao Granite exhibits relatively high silica and alkali contents, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.98–1.02), and low abundances of phosphorus, titanium, magnesium, and calcium. It is also characterized by enrichment in Rb, K, Th, and depletion in Nb, Ta, P, Ti, and Sr with moderately to weakly negative europium anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.71–0.87). Furthermore, the Qushandao Granite displays lower FeOT/MgO, 104 × Ga/Al, and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y values relative to typical A‐type granites. Therefore, we classify the Qushandao Granite as calc‐alkaline I‐type granite based on a synthesis of geological and geochemical characteristics. The Qushandao Granite shows variable zircon Hf isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = −7.6 to +2.3) and TDM2 model ages of 1.40–0.83 Ga with a mean value of 1.17 Ga. We argue that the Qushandao Granite was most likely generated by mixing of mantle‐derived mafic magma and crust‐derived felsic magma in the lower crust, and that it was formed during post‐collisional extension in the Late Cretaceous, related to the gradually increasing subduction angle of the Paleo‐Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guojiagou Pb–Zn deposit is located in Li County, Gansu Province, northwestern China. The ores consist of skarn and vein types, with the skarn type occurring at the contact zone between granodiorite and marble, and the vein type hosted in the extension faults within the Triassic Huashiguan Formation limestone. Granodiorite samples from the Weijiazhuang pluton show high ratios of Sr/Y (32.25–43.44) and (La/Yb) N (15.7–16.5), small Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.73–0.80), high concentrations of Mg# (57.6–64.2), Cr (100–110 ppm), and Ni (15.9–16.6 ppm), abundant mafic micro-granular enclaves, and have zircon εHf (t) values of −1.9 to −4.6 and T DM2 of 1149.6 to 1285 Ma. This suggests that the Weijiazhuang granodiorites were generated by the partial melting of the Meso-Proterozoic high-K basaltic lower crust with the addition of mantle-sourced melts. The ore-forming process can be subdivided into five stages: prograde skarn (stage I), retrograde skarn (stage II), quartz-sulfide (stage III), sphalerite-calcite (stage IV), and quartz-calcite (stage V). The δ13C values range from −5.1 to −1.3 ‰ and δ18O values range from −4 to 18.6 ‰ in calcites, suggesting a mixed source of magma, limestone, and pore or basinal water for CO 3 2−. The δ34S values (6–7.7 ‰) of sulfides indicate that sulfur mainly originated from magma, with a minor contribution from host limestone. The Pb isotopes of sulfides from stages III and IV (208Pb/204Pb = 38.176–39.218, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.889–15.678, and 206Pb/204Pb = 18.147–18.903) showed mixed sources of crust and mantle. The Weijiazhuang pluton and Guojiagou Pb–Zn deposit yield ages of 220 ± 1.8 Ma (MSWD = 0.35) and 213 ± 3.0 Ma (MSWD = 1.5), respectively, obtained by zircon and garnet LA–ICP–MS U–Pb analysis. These results indicate that the Guojiagou Pb–Zn deposit formed in a syn -collisional tectonic regime during the Late Triassic. Based on the data presented in this study and previous research on mineralization in the eastern West Qinling Orogen, we conclude that the Guojiagou Pb–Zn deposit is a typical skarn-type deposit and that Pb–Zn mineralization in the eastern West Qinling Orogen is closely related to Triassic magmatism, which provided not only thermal energy but also ore-forming materials and fluids. • The granodiorites were mainly generated by partial melting of Meso-Proterozoic high-K basaltic lower crust. • Ore-forming fluids and materials originated from magma and host limestone. • The Guojiagou Pb–Zn deposit yields U-Pb ages of 220 ± 1.8 Ma (MSWD = 0.35) for zircons and 213 ± 3.0 Ma (MSWD = 1.5) for garnets, respectively. • The Pb–Zn mineralization in the eastern QOB was closely related to Triassic magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The volcanic rocks formed in an arc setting at 756-740 Ma. • The late Tonian arc in the Wuyi domain was part of a major arc system in the West Cathaysia terrane. • The Wuyi arc system was different from the arc system along the western margin of the Yangtze Block at the late Tonian. • The West Cathaysia terrane was distinct from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block and they were not amalgamated until after the late Tonian. The late Tonian tectonic setting of the West Cathaysia terrane in South China is highly controversial and is key to better understanding the timing of amalgamation between the Yangtze Block and the West Cathaysia terrane and the positions of these two terranes in Rodinia and Gondwana. A detailed field-based study was conducted on the petrology, zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry of a series of Neoproterozoic meta-volcanic and meta-sedimentary rocks in the Wuyi domain in the northeastern West Cathaysia terrane. The results indicate that the meta-volcanic rocks formed in an arc setting at 756-740 Ma, and the meta-sedimentary rocks were developed in an arc-related basin with single zircon age peaks of 765-728 Ma. We propose that the late Tonian arc in the Wuyi domain was part of a major arc system in the West Cathaysia terrane. An arc setting for the West Cathaysia terrane is distinct from the continental rift setting for the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block at the time, supporting an interpretation that the two terranes were not amalgamated until after the late Tonian and occupied separate positions in Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen is key to understanding the process of convergence between the North China Block (NCB) and the South China Block (SCB). The Wuguan Complex and Liuling Group, situated along the southern margin of the Shangnan–Danfeng suture zone (SDSZ) between the North Qinling Terrane (NQT) and the South Qinling Terrane (SQT), are important indicators of the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen. In this paper, the detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemical analysis of the Wuguan Complex and Liuling Group are carried out. Detrital zircons from two metasedimentary rock samples of the Liuling Group yield a major age peak at 460 Ma and two subordinate peaks at 804 Ma and 920 Ma, with a few older grains having formed between 1000–2549 Ma. One metasedimentary rock sample of the Wuguan Complex has a similar age spectrum as that of the Liuling Group, which shows the main age peak at 440 Ma and two subordinate peaks at 786 and 927 Ma, indicating all detrital zircon age results have the same source area. Geochemical analyses suggest that the sedimentary rocks of the Liuling Group and part of the Wuguan Complex were deposited in the tectonic setting of the continental island arc (CIA), while the geochemical characteristics of the other group of sedimentary rocks of the Wuguan Complex indicate the mixing of basic rock sources. The protolith of garnet amphibolite and hornblende schist, which were collected from the Wuguan Complex, were classified as andesite and basalt, with the nature of arc andesite and oceanic island basalt, respectively. In combination with regional data, we suggest that the Liuling Group and the Wuguan Complex were deposited in a fore-arc basin. Additionally, the Wuguan Complex was subsequently incorporated into the tectonic mélange by the northward subduction of the Paleo-Qinling Ocean. Zircons from the subduction-related metamorphic igneous rocks in the Wuguan Complex yielded a weighted mean age of 365 ± 19 Ma, indicating that the Paleo-Qinling Ocean between the SQT and NQT was still subducted at the end of Devonian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xintianling tungsten deposit is a super-large deposit in the Nanling tungsten–tin mineralization belt, which is genetically associated with the early-stage hornblende-biotite monzonitic granite of Qitianling pluton. The orebodies predominantly occur as veins and lenses within skarn rocks between Xintianling granite and limestone (Shidengzi group). In this work, whole-rock major and trace elements and zircon U–Pb ages of the Xintianling granite were studied in an attempt to investigate the geochronological framework, petrogenesis, tectonism, and metallogenesis with regard to the deposit. The petrographic and geochemical analyses indicated that the Xintianling granite consists of three intrusive units of medium- and coarse-grained biotite granite, fine-grained biotite granite, and granite porphyry, of which the biotite granite was strongly associated with mineralization. Biotite granite rocks are highly K-calc-alkaline and weakly peraluminous, with A/CNK ratios ranging from 0.99 to 1.05. Late-granite porphyry is aluminum-supersaturated with a high evolution degree, whose geochemical characteristics suggest that it is either an I- or S-type granite. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating revealed that medium- and coarse-grained biotite granite (162.3 ± 1.2 Ma, MSWD = 1.3), fine-grained biotite granite (161.8 ± 1.3 Ma, MSWD = 1.8), and granite porphyry (154.3 ± 1.6 Ma, MSWD = 2.4) formed in the late Jurassic. The emplacement of the Qitianling A-type granite and associated tungsten-tin polymetallic mineralization is a continuous evolution process, and they are products of the large-scale mineralization of the Nanling in the middle–late Jurassic (150–160 Ma). Under the tectonic setting of the Mesozoic lithospheric extension, asthenosphere upwelling along deep-fault, intensive mantle–crust interaction processes probably provide not only the high heat flow, but also partly mantle-derived material for large-scale W-Sn-polymetallic mineralization in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Devonian Lianhuashan Formation is unconformly unlained by Cambrian strata due to Early Paleozoic Yunan orogeny and Kwangsian orogeny in Dayaoshan area of Guangxi. The new petrology and whole-rock geochemical data of Lower Devonian Lianhuashan Formation in Dayaoshan area were presented in order to constrain their provenance and sedimentary tectonic setting. The sandstones are composed of the predominated moderately sorted and rounded quartz and sedimentary lithic fragments, indicating a close detrital provenance. These samples have obviously high SiO2 contents ( 7 4. 19 % - 95. 35 % with an average of 85. 72%), low Al2 O3 contents 0. 23%-14. 73% with an average of 6. 48%), TiO2 contents (0. 09% -1. 05% with an average of 0. 38%) and Al2 O3 /SiO2 (0. 01- 0. 20). The sandstones have low REE contents ( (12. 48- 281. 10) X 10- 6 ) and are characterized by depletion in LILE, enrichments in HFSE and LREE ((La/ Yb)N is 3. 70- 29. 40) coupled with slightly negnative Eu anomaly (0. 66-1. 14 with an average of 0. 88). The high SiO2 /AlzO3 (5. 04-77. 28 with an average of 22. 30) implies the high grade of maturity. The wide ranges of ICV (0. 61- 2. 13 with an average of 1. 21) and high CIA ( 82. 13 - 91. 68) indicate that the source rocks contain recycled ancient sediments and first-cycle materials, which have experienced high degree of chemical weathering and alteration in the heat and humid climate environment of tropical or subtropical zone. Integrated with geochemistry, elastic zircon U-Pb geochronology, paleogeography and tectonic evolution, it is suggested that Lower Devonian Lianhuashan Formation is deposited in passive margin, and its provenance may be Dayaoshan-Damingshan area in the north, and Yunkai area in the south. The source rocks of Lower Devonian Lianhuashan Formation mainly comprise Cambrian Huangdongkou Formation, and minor Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks of Cathaysia block and the granitoids formed in Kwangsian orogeny (470-435 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The source and petrogenesis of peraluminous granitic rocks in orogenic belts can provide insights into the evolution, architecture, and composition of continental crust. Neoproterozoic peraluminous granitic rocks are sporadically exposed in the Tianshui area of the western margin of the North Qinling Terrane (NQT), China. However, the source, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of these rocks still remain unclear, which limits our understanding of the Precambrian tectonic and crustal evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB). Here, we determined the whole-rock geochemical compositions and in situ zircon U–Pb ages, trace-element contents, and Hf–O isotopic compositions of a series of peraluminous granitic mylonites and granitic gneisses in the Tianshui area at the west end of North Qinling. Zircon U–Pb dating revealed that the protoliths of the studied granitic mylonites and granitic gneisses crystallized at 936–921 Ma. The granitic rocks displayed high A/CNK values (1.12–1.34) and were enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, U, and K) and light rare earth elements, and they were depleted of high-field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). These rocks showed variable zircon εHf(t) (−12.2 / 9.7) and δ18O (3.56‰ / 11.07‰) values, suggesting that they were derived from heterogeneous crustal sources comprising predominantly supracrustal sedimentary rocks and subordinate igneous rocks. In addition, the U–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions from the core domains of inherited zircons were similar to those of detrital zircons from the Qinling Group, suggesting that the Qinling Group was an important crustal source for the granitic rocks. The lithological and geochemical features of these granitic rocks indicate that they were generated by biotite dehydration melting of heterogeneous sources at lower crustal depths. Combining our results with those of previous studies, we suggest that the NQT underwent a tectonic transition from syn-collision to post-collision at 936–874 Ma in response to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jinba deposit is an orogenic gold deposit located in the Markakuli shear zone, in the southern part of the Altay orogenic belt, northwestern China. Several granite and diorite dykes are present in the area of the mine, with ore bodies occurring in the diorite dykes. However, the diagenetic age, genesis, and evolution of these magmas, and the tectonic setting of the dyke emplacement process, remain unclear. The present study is based on a detailed geological survey, zircon U–Pb dating, Lu–Hf isotopes, and geochemical analysis of the granitic and diorite dykes. The crystallization ages of the granitic and diorite dykes are 384.5 ± 1.2 Ma and 393.9 ± 3.5 Ma, respectively, which indicates formation in the Early to Middle Devonian. Zircon εHf(t) values of the granitic and diorite dykes are 1.43 to 5.2 and −4.47 to −1.18, respectively, with a corresponding two-stage model of depleted mantle (TDM2) ages of 1046 to 1285 Ma and 1242 to 2623 Ma, respectively. This indicates that the granitic and diorite dykes were formed by the mixing of mantle magma and crustal materials to varying degrees, and diorite dykes are more obviously contaminated by the lower crust. Geochemical analysis shows that the granite dykes have a high SiO2 (72.51%–74.87%) and moderate Al2O3 (12.88%–14.04%) content, a total alkali of (K2O + Na2O = 5.51%–6.44%), and aluminous (A/CNK = 1.0–1.02). Granite dykes are enriched in LREE and Th, U, and Pb, and depleted in P, Sr, and Nb elements, with clear Eu negative anomalies (δEu = 0.62~0.66). The SiO2 content of diorite dykes is 51.48%–53.71%, Al2O3 contents are high (14.70%–15.99%), K2O is 1.94%–2.54%, Na2O is 2.97%–3.96%, MgO contents are high (5.15%–6.46%), and TFe2O3 is (13.42%–15.13%), enriched Sr, U, Pb, deficient Th elements, rare earth fractionation is not obvious, and Eu anomaly is not obvious (δEu = 0.93~1.1). We conclude that the Early to Middle Devonian magmatism in the southern margin of Altay (which corresponds to the Jinba gold deposit) may have formed in an island arc-related subduction environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SHRIMP zircon ages, Hf-in-zircon isotopic compositions and whole rock geochemistry were analyzed on basement metamorphic rocks from drill cores collected from the northeastern margin of the Ordos Basin. Geochemical data from four metasedimentary rocks show large variations in major element compositions, but have similar REE patterns and trace element compositions, with ΣREE = 161.80 × 10−6~341.82 × 10−6, δEu = 0.26~0.63 and LaN/YbN = 3.44~25.38. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of granitic gneiss yielded the magmatic zircon ages between 1856 ± 14 Ma and 2188 ± 11 Ma, with the upper intercept age of 2229 ± 88 Ma. The cores have εHf(t) values of −5.46 to +6.57, and Hf model ages vary from 2869 Ma to 2300 Ma. The analyses of metamorphic overgrowths on zircon grains yield an average metamorphic age of 1865 ± 17 Ma (MSWD = 3.5). The zircon cores have εHf(t) values of −3.98 to 1.95, and Hf model ages vary from 2782 to 2416 Ma. Combined with data from earlier studies, we draw the conclusion that the metamorphic rocks in the borehole were formed during middle Paleoproterozoic time and were involved in a major late Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal event which might be attributable to the collision between the Western and Eastern Block along the TNCO (the Trans-North China Orogen). The basement rocks are petrologically, geochronologically and geochemically comparable with rocks from the Khondalite series. The fact that the material properties of basement rocks beneath the northeastern Ordos Basin are different from those of the Western Block indicates that the extent and exact boundaries of the Ordos Block need to be refined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magmatic rocks, deformed structures, and tin–polymetallic deposits are widely distributed in the western Jiangnan Orogenic Belt (JOB) of northern Guangxi Province, China. Magmatism and mineralization are believed to have occurred in the Neoproterozoic stage. Herein, we report the zircon U–Pb dating results of investigations on the Ping'an Pb–Zn–Cu polymetallic veins hosted in gabbro near Ping'an Village. Zircon U–Pb dating of the host gabbro yielded ages of 853.0 ± 7.8, 837.7 ± 7.2, and 450.4 ± 6.7 Ma. The younger age represents the emplacement of gabbros, whereas the older Neoproterozoic age reflects inherited zircons from the wall rocks or source regions. The formation of gabbros (Caledonian) is related to the subduction and collisions of microplates in the western JOB, which are controlled by movements of the Yangtze and Cathaysian plates. We consider that the late Caledonian regional shearing in the western JOB resulted in the fracturing and faulting of rocks (Neoproterozoic and early Caledonian), which provided conduits for the flow of hydrothermal fluids and accommodation for the associated mineralization. Geochemistry investigations show that the Caledonian basic magmatic activity provided a certain material source for the final mineralization. We propose that the tin–polymetallic deposits in the northern Guangx Province, and Neoproterozoic cassiterite crystallization, were subjected to Caledonian shear crushing and hydrothermal transformation with copper, lead, zinc, and other metal elements based on our comprehensive analysis, providing a new ideology for understanding the geology and mineralization in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Mesozoic granites are present throughout the Jiaodong Peninsula in eastern China, but the petrogenesis of these granites, the magma sources, and the geodynamic setting of the magmatism remain unclear. This paper presents new zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu–Hf isotopic and whole‐rock geochemical data for the Late Jurassic Queshan pluton in the Shandong Peninsula, an area that represents the boundary between the Jiaobei and Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) terranes. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating yields Late Jurassic ages from 158 ± 1 to 153 ± 1 Ma for the pluton in addition to a small number of inherited zircons that yield ages that cluster at 2410, 1831–1776, 750, and 209–202 Ma. Zircons from different samples have similar 176Hf/177Hf values (0.281926–0.282255) and variably negative εHf (t) values that range from −26.5 to −15.1 (weighted mean of −22.9 ± 0.9). The corresponding two‐stage Hf model ages range from 2,869 to 2,154 Ma, with a weighted mean value of 2,645 ± 54 Ma. These data indicate that the magmas that formed the Queshan pluton were derived from multiple sources, including the lower crust of the North China (NCC) and Yangtze (YC) cratons, as well as collision‐related alkaline rocks. The whole‐rock geochemical compositions of the samples indicate that the granites are weakly peraluminous, are high‐K and calc‐alkaline with I‐type affinities, and have high contents of Sr, low contents of Y and Yb, high (La/Yb)N and Sr/Y values, and positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 1.20–1.65), indicating an adakitic affinity. This indicates that the Queshan granites formed from magmas generated by partial melting of a thickened region of the crust (>50 km) associated with eclogite, garnet amphibolite, or amphibolite residual material. The genesis of the Late Jurassic granites are also likely to have been influenced by the collisional orogeny between the NCC and YC and continued subduction of the Izanagi Plate. Thickening of the lower crust associated with this continental collisional event occurred before the magmatism, with further compression and thickening of the lower crust caused by the low‐angle subduction of the Izanagi Plate beneath northeastern China being the main geodynamic driver of the formation of the granites in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise timing of granitoids and constraints of their magma sources are critical to understanding the subduction–collision tectonic evolution of the Altun orogenic belt (AOB), a vital part of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in northwestern China. We provide in-situ zircon U–Pb age, Hf isotopic composition and whole-rock geochemistry of the Yusupualeke granitic pluton in the South Altun orogenic belt (SAOB), an integral unit of the AOB, to determine the tectono-magmatic evolution of the SAOB at early Palaeozoic. The Yusupualeke granitic pluton comprises the medium-coarse grained porphyritic monzogranite and medium-fine grained granodiorite. The monzogranite sample yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 476.8 ± 3.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.59), while the granodiorite yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 453.2 ± 4.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.013). Zircon U–Pb ages suggest that the subduction–collision process of the SAOB remained from the middle stage of the early Palaeozoic to the end. Both of the studied granitoids belong to metaluminous to weakly peraluminous series and show typical I-type granite characteristics with depletions in Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti, and enrichments in light rare earth elements (LREEs), Rb, Th, K, and slightly negative Eu anomalies. Based on the geochronological data and regional geological background, we believe that the porphyritic monzogranites were formed during the northward subduction process of the South Altun ocean (SAO), while the granodiorites were formed during the tectonic regime transition stage. Besides, combing the previous research achievements with our newly obtained data, we put forward a new division and geodynamic model of the early Palaeozoic tectono-magmatic evolution for the South Altun orogenic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Magmatic–hydrothermal and hydrothermal alteration zircon are identified from the Weilasituo mineralized porphyry. • Magma and magmatic–hydrothermal transition stage CGMs are also identified from Weilasituo. • Two evolution stages at Weilasituo were continuous processes during Early Cretaceous. The Weilasituo Sn–polymetallic deposit, located in the southern portion of the Great Xing'an Range of Inner Mongolia, China, is a super-large Sn deposit associated with abundant Li, Rb, Nb, Ta, Zn, and Cu resources. Despite that previous studies have characterized the age, hydrothermal evolution, and genetic relationship between the alkali feldspar granite porphyry and associated Sn–polymetallic mineralization, the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution and ore–forming processes remain ambiguous. To address these ambiguities and bridge this knowledge gap, this contribution characterizes the texture, geochemistry, and U–Pb isotope composition of zircon and columbite–tantalite group minerals (CGMs) from amazonitized alkali feldspar granite (AMG) and albitized alkali feldspar granite (ABG) in the Weilasituo deposit. Type-I zircon (Zr1) is inclusion-poor, translucent, and is characterized by low light rare earth element (LREE) contents, high (Sm/La) N ratios (mean = 655.7), and low Th/U (mean = 0.21 < 0.3), Zr/Hf (mean = 5.46), and Y/Ho ratios (mean = 4.42), indicating that it formed during the magmatic–hydrothermal transition. Type-II zircon (Zr2) is inclusion-rich, porous, has a low CL response, and is characterized by low Th/U ratios (0.08–0.32, mean = 0.17), high LREE contents, weakly positive Ce anomalies, and low (Sm/La) N ratios (mean = 20.7), indicating that it formed via hydrothermal alteration of Zr1 (i.e., magmatic–hydrothermal zircon). Type-I CGM (CGM1) generally lacks oscillatory zoning, and has similar and positively correlated Ta/(Nb + Ta) and Mn/(Mn + Fe) values (AMG: R2 = 0.93; ABG: R2 = 0.75), indicative of a magmatic origin. Type-II CGMs (CGM2) occur as rims on CGM1 and are characterized by higher Ta/(Nb + Ta) and lower Nb/Ta ratios than CGM1, indicative of precipitation from a hydrosilicate liquid during the magmatic–hydrothermal transition. Based on the characteristics of CGMs, two stages are evident in the evolution of the Weilasituo granite porphyry: an earlier magmatic differentiation stage and a later magmatic–hydrothermal transition stage. Furthermore, the magmatic–hydrothermal transition stage can be subdivided into the AMG and ABG substages within the porphyry system based on petrological and mineralogical characteristics. The U–Pb ages for zircons and CGMs from the alkali feldspar granite porphyry range from 137.2 ± 2.0 Ma to 129.8 ± 1.4 Ma, without a notable age gap. The similarity in U–Pb ages between CGM1–CGM2 and Zr1–Zr2 indicates that the magmatic stage and the magmatic–hydrothermal transition at Weilasituo were continuous processes that occurred during the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Higher silica, K, and lower Al contents of musovites prove the involvement of shallow magmatic fluids. • High Mg-Ti contents of muscovites and core-rim variations of muscovites-beryls show the existence of deep magmatic fluids. • Be mineralization was achieved under the co-contribution of shallow magmatic fluids and deep magmatic fluids. Vein-type and greisen-type beryllium (Be) mineralization is closely associated with the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution in highly fractionated granites. However, the source of ore-forming fluids and their role in the migration and enrichment of Be is poorly understood. Although whole rock Ba-Rb isotope researches highlight that even deep magmatic fluids beneath the shallow magmatic-hydrothermal systems could provide rare metals and promote mineralization, it is still challenging to determine the influences of such fluids via using conventional geochemical indicators. Here we present zircon-monazite-xenotime-wolframite U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry, monazite Nd isotopes, as well as muscovite and beryl geochemistry for the Zhujiayingzi quartz vein-type Be mineralization in the southern Great Xing'an Range (SGXR), Northeast (NE) China, and introduce the neighboring Nasigatu gresien-type Be mineralization for comparison. Geochronological results reveal that the Zhujiayingzi beryl-wolframite-bearing quartz veins formed in the Early Cretaceous (149–147 Ma), much younger than the host Permian (270–267 Ma) crystal tuffs, but coeval with the Nasigatu highly fractionated alkali-feldspar granite (144–139 Ma). Similar muscovite-beryl compositions and monazite Nd isotopes, combining with their close temporal-spatial relationships indicate that the Zhujiayingzi and Nasigatu Be mineralization have consistent hydrothermal assemblages and enrichment processes. Higher silica, K, and lower Al contents of muscovites from Be-rich veins (M2) and greisens (M4) than those recorded in barren crystal tuffs (M1) and alkali-feldspar granite samples (M3) at both Zhujiayingzi and Nasigatu are consistent with the evolution of the Early Cretaceous granitic magma, proving the involvement of shallow magmatic fluids exsolved from the Nasigatu-like highly evolved granitic melts. However, ore-related M2 and M4 samples have higher Mg (>1 wt%) and Ti contents than those of M1 and M3 samples, which violates the conventional hydrothermal evolution trend. Trace element compositions as well as K/Rb, K/Cs, and Rb/Sr ratios of four-type muscovites, together with the core-rim geochemical variations of muscovites at Zhujiayingzi and beryls at Nasigatu, indicate the existence of deep magmatic fluids rather than fluid-rock interaction to account for the anomalous mineralogical evidence. Such deep magmatic fluids were exsolved from large silicic magmatic reservoirs beneath the shallow magmatic-hydrothermal system, and thus likely display low evolution degrees and high Mg-Ti contents. They can not only provide heat and promote fluid-mineral interactions, but also can efficiently extract and transport Be enriched in deep crystal mushes at different depths. Thus we invoke that the Early Cretaceous Be mineralization in the SGXR was achieved under the combined action of both shallow and deep magmatic fluids derived from the crystal mush-dominated transcrustal magmatic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Monazite and bastnäsite U-Th-Pb dating demonstrate that the Boziguoer deposit formed at ∼ 290–280 Ma. • Post-magmatic hydrothermal processes play a significant role in the mineralization process at Boziguoer deposit. • The alkaline rocks and associated Nb-Ta-Rb-Zr-REE mineralization of the South Tianshan formed in a Tarim mantle plume setting. The Boziguoer alkaline intrusion is located in the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt on the northern margin of the Tarim Craton. The intrusion is entirely mineralized and forms a super-large rare metal (RM) and rare-earth element (REE) deposit dominated by Nb-Ta-Rb, accompanied by Zr-REE. The primary RM minerals include pyrochlore, astrophyllite, and zircon, while the main REE minerals consist of fluocerite, monazite, xenotime, and bastnäsite, which are commonly present as granular aggregates or singularly filling the interstices between gangue minerals. Through a combination of geochronological and geochemical analyses of different types of monazite and bastnäsite in the mineralized alkaline rocks, this study elucidates the role of magmatic-hydrothermal evolution on the Boziguoer RM-REE mineralization and reconstructs the geochronological framework of alkalic magmatic-hydrothermal evolution and mineralization processes, as well as establishing mechanisms responsible for RM-REE enrichment. Petrographic observations and back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging revealed several types of monazite and bastnäsite with different characteristics as follows: (1) type Ia monazite (Mnz-Ia) experienced intense hydrothermal alteration, forming residual cores of monazite mantled by apatite and allanite coronas; (2) type Ib monazite (Mnz-Ib) was partially eroded, forming concentric zoning patterns with a core of monazite, a mantle of apatite, and an outer rim of allanite coronas; (3) type II monazite (Mnz-II) is slightly modified, and commonly associated with fluorite; (4) bastnäsite and fluocerite exhibit a core-rim structure, with the core of fluocerite being brighter than the rim of bastnäsite in BSE images. According to the paragenetic relationships and compositional variations, all two types of monazite are of primary magmatic origin, while bastnäsite is of hydrothermal origin. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) results indicate that Mnz-Ia and Mnz-Ib belong to the same group, different from Mnz-II. The latter has higher (Ce/Gd) N and (Th/U) N ratios, indicating relatively low-temperature crystallization of Mnz-II at late stages. In-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb dating of monazite and bastnäsite show that Mnz-Ia and Mnz-Ib have ages of ca. 290 Ma, consistent with the zircon age of the intrusion, whereas the Mnz-II and bastnäsite have younger ages of ca. 280 Ma, representing a post-magmatic hydrothermal mineralization event at Boziguoer. These new ages indicate that both magmatic and subsequent hydrothermal processes played critical roles in the RM-REE mineralization in this deposit. The latest findings also support the model that the formation of the alkaline belt where the Boziguoer ore-bearing intrusion was temporally and spatially linked to the Tarim Large Igneous Province that is genetically related to a mantle plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Nanling tectono-magmatic belt of South China, the geodynamic settings and tectonic style of Indosinian and Yanshanian magmatism remain debatable. Hereby, an integrated study of zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopes as well as whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions was carried out on the Yunlougang (Late Permian) and the Wucun (Late Jurassic) granitic plutons in the Hetai area, located to southwest of the Nanling region. Zircon U-Pb dating yielded emplacement ages of 255 Ma for the Yunlougang biotite monzogranite, 240 Ma for the Yunlougang granodiorite as dyke crosscutting the former, and 155 Ma for the Wucun two-mica granite. The biotite monzogranite and the two-mica granite are strongly peraluminous S-type granites (A/CNK ratios of 1.06–1.21) with a relatively low zircon saturation temperature (631–741 °C). The high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71733 to 0.73383) and low ε Nd (t) values (−14.6 to −8.69) suggest a crustal protolith. However, the Wucun biotite granite is highly fractionated I-type one (most samples are metaluminous with A/CNK < 1.1) with a relatively high zircon saturation temperature (762–770 °C). Additionally, they exhibit less radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr i ratios (0.70724–0.70786) and higher ε Nd (t) values (−5.34 to −4.94) as well as zircon ε Hf (t) values of −5.67 to −2.44, suggesting an origin of a crustal source with extra input from mantle. Based on the tectonic history of South China, we infer that the Yunlougang granite occurred in a compressive setting and might be produced by partial melting of a thickened ancient crust during the collision between the South China and the Indochina blocks, while the Wucun complex granites generated in an extensional environment that was influenced by the paleo-Pacific tectonic regime. Combined with previous studies, a NE-oriented I-type granite belt probably existed along the juncture belt of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, which was respond to the foundering rather than rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate that led to the rapid change of the temperature of granite precursor and the involvement of mantle components into the Hetai region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present zircon U–Pb–Hf and whole-rock major and trace element studies of eastern Ningzhen W-Mo-ore-related magmatic rocks, Yushan and Longwangshan granitic rocks, to constrain their form timing, magma sources, and tectonic settings. The results showed that the two plutons were formed in the Early Cretaceous with 206Pb/238U ages of 107.8 ± 1.2 and 105.2 ± 1.5 Ma (206Pb/238U), respectively. The trapped/residual zircons are mainly distributed in 2.0–2.5 Ga. The two intrusions are characterized by high silicon (68.60–73.99%), high aluminum (13.56–15.02%), high Mg# (47–55), high Sr, Sr/Y, LaN/YN, and low Yb, falling into high Mg# adakitic rock region. The zircon εHf (t) values of the two intrusions range from −24.8 to −13.2, indicating an ancient continental crust in their magma sources. The average Ti-in-zircon temperature is 689 °C, slightly higher than those of other high-Mg adakitic rocks in the lower Yangtze River belt, but lower than those of high-Mg adakitic rocks in the Southern Tanlu Fault (STLF). Zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ show low oxygen fugacity (LWS-1: 3–400, average 92; sample ZYS-4: 9–382, average 93). These geochemical features indicate a thickened lower continental crust in the Eastern Ningzhen region in a subduction setting. Comparing the geochemical characteristics of the eastern Ningzhen to the western Ningzhen and other areas in the Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (LYRMB) and the high-Mg ore-barren adakitic rocks of the STLF, we propose that the magmatic rocks from eastern Ningzhen may be mainly from a thickened lower continental crust that hybridized with a very small part of mantle sources, while the west Ningzhen magmatic rocks may have experienced a higher degree of mantle contaminations in their source. The metallogenic differences between the eastern (W–Mo) and western (Cu–Fe–Pb–Zn) parts of Ningzhen also indicate different proportions of crustal materials in their magma source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the provenance and variation characteristics of sandstone-type uranium deposits located in the southwest Ordos Basin, U−Pb geochronology and Hf isotope analyses were conducted on detrital zircons from the Late Mesozoic strata of the SD01 well in the Zhenyuan area. The detrital zircon U−Pb ages of four samples exhibited four main peaks at 250–330, 420–500, 1 720–2 000, and 2 340–2 580 Ma, with a small number of zircons dated at 770–1 100 Ma. The detrital zircon age spectrum and further restriction provided by the in-situ Hf isotopic data suggest that the provenance of each stratum was mainly derived from the crystalline basement rock series (Khondalites, intermediate-acidic intrusive rocks, and metamorphic rocks) of the Alxa Block to the northwest and the Yinshan Block to the north, with minor amounts of Caledonian magmatic rocks and Jingning Period rocks from the western part of the northern Qilian orogenic belt to the west and the northern Qinling orogenic belt to the south. The provenance of the sandbody has not changed significantly and is of the Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. The clear variations in the zircon ages of the samples from the Zhiluo and Anding formations were likely influenced by climate change during the Middle-Late Jurassic. The Triassic zircon age (<250 Ma) first appeared in Early Cretaceous strata, suggesting that tectonic activity was relatively strong in the northern Qinling orogenic belt during the Late Jurassic and produced extensive outcrops of Indo-Chinese granite, which were a source of basin sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neoproterozoic granites along the western margin of the Yangtze Block are crucial for understanding the evolution of the Rodinia supercontinent and crust–mantle interaction. Based on a regional geological survey, this study analyses the zircon U–Pb geochronology, Lu–Hf isotope, whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopes, and geochemistry of the Maoniushan granites along the western margin of the Yangtze Block and discusses the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution history of the Mianning–Maoniushan belt. The results show that the Maoniushan granites belong to calc‐alkaline weak peraluminous monzogranite. The granites are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (i.e., Rb, Sr, Cs, and Ba) but relatively depleted in high‐field‐ strength elements (i.e., Nb, Ta, U, and Th). The zircon saturation temperature (TZr) ranges from 628 to 766°C, and the weighted average 206Pb/238U ages of zircon range from 771 ± 30 to 759 ± 26 Ma. The εHf(t) values range from −2.0 to +7.2, with TDM2 model ages ranging from 1,797 to 1,208 Ma. The whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopic data show (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7039–0.7093, and the εNd(t) values range from +1.25 to +1.76 with TDM2 model ages ranging from 1,303 to 1,344 Ma. These findings indicate the presence of deep Mesoproterozoic crustal materials in the source area. The Maoniushan monzogranites belong to I‐type granite, which is formed by the partial melting of the basic rocks and pelites in the ancient lower crust due to the metasomatism of fluids from the subducted oceanic crust. The Maoniushan monzogranites may be formed in the process of transformation from regional thickening to thinning under the oceanic crust subduction setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guide Basin, located in the West Qinling orogen of central China, is a typical geothermal field. However, the granodiorites occurring in the Zhacanggou area have been poorly restricted. Herein, we report new isotopic compositions of whole‐rock major‐trace elements, zircon U–Pb, and Lu–Hf, on the host granodiorites and their microgranular enclaves (MEs) in the Zhacanggou area. Zircon U–Pb dating for the host rocks (porphyritic granodiorite and granodiorite) revealed ages of 230.5 ± 1.4 Ma and 229.0 ± 1.6 Ma, similar to those (230.5 ± 1.5 Ma and 231.4 ± 1.4 Ma) of the MEs. Zircon Hf isotope analyses for the granodiorite and MEs yielded εHf(t) values from −11.0 to −1.5 and from −7.8 to −0.7, with corresponding TDM2 ages of 1,355–1,959 and 1,304–1,755, respectively. The MEs possess plagioclase phenocrysts, acicular apatites, and chilled borders. They were characterized by relatively low SiO2 (58.39–65.24 wt%) and high Cr, Ni, and MgO contents, leading to relatively high Mg# values (44–59) and low Sr/Y (14.23–19.84) ratios. The host granodioritic rocks show similar adakitic geochemical characteristics with SiO2 = 64.23–68.57 wt%, MgO = 1.29–2.22 wt%, Mg# = 48–53, Sr = 340–596 ppm, Y = 11.3–13.7 ppm, Sr/Y = 28.39–47.89, and no obvious Eu anomalies. These geochemical and isotopic data, combined with the mineralogical features, indicate that the granodiorites in the Zhacanggou area were produced by the mixing of high‐Mg# melts originating from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, and felsic magmas deriving by the partial melting of the normal lower continental crust with the tectonic regime transition from a syn‐collision to a post‐collision setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The xenoliths in host rocks of hydrothermal gold deposits can generally provide much geochemical information of the deep rocks, which may have an implication for the sources of ore‐forming materials. Geochronology and geochemical characteristics are reported for a granite xenolith, which is enclosed by the lamprophyre in the Zhenyuan gold deposit (Yunnan Province, SW China). This granite xenolith mainly consists of K‐feldspar, quartz, and plagioclase with trace amounts of magnetite, titanite, apatite, zircon, and sulfides. Zircons from the granite xenolith yield a weighted average U‐Pb age of 281.1 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 2.1), which could represent the crystallization age of this granite xenolith. The Ti‐in‐zircon geothermometer and the Mn concentration in apatite calculate that this granite xenolith formed at 685 ± 43°C with the logfO2 values ranging from NNO + 3.7 to NNO + 6.4. The zircons in the granite xenolith have a restricted range of positive ∊Hf(t) values ranging from +9.4 to +10.8, and the corresponding Hf TDM2 model ages range from 588 to 678 Ma. The zircon U‐Pb age and the Hf isotopic compositions indicate this granite xenolith within the lamprophyre is mainly derived from partial melting of juvenile crustal rocks before the completed closure of the Ailaoshan Ocean. The pyrites in the granite xenolith have higher Bi concentrations, and lower As, Sb, and Tl concentrations than the gold‐bearing pyrites of the ores in the Zhenyuan gold deposit. The low Au concentrations of the pyrites together with the ore‐forming age of the Zhenyuan gold deposit (Oligocene) indicate the granite xenolith may have limited contribution to the gold mineralization of the Zhenyuan gold deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshui-Sunjiaxia area is located in the connection zone of West Qinling Orogen and North Qilian Orogen, which could provide great insights into the amalgamation processes between the northern and southern blocks of China. Three subduction- and rift-related rocks gneissic granite from North Qilian arc-interarc belt (NQAI) granite and metabasalt from North Qinling back-arc basin (NQBA) are distinguished across the connection zone. The gneissic granite was generated by melts from older crustal materials of Longshan Group with the addition of a relatively juvenile basaltic source from the lower crust during the collision process. The Liwanxincun metabasalt reflects the mixing of the partial melting of the shallow asthenospheric mantle and the metasomatized mantle in a back-arc extension setting. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of gneissic granite (068, 069) yields crystallization ages of 457.0 ± 1.6 Ma and 445.9 ± 2.1 Ma. The study area is divided into six tectonic units in Early Paleozoic time involving NQAI (Yanjiadian-Xinjie) continental arc, interarc rift basin (Maojiamo-Xiwali), continental arc (Chenjiahe-Wangjiacha); NQBA back-arc rift basin (Huluhe-Hongtubao), island arc and ophiolitic melange belt (North Qinling-Shangdan). A tectonic model is proposed in which the NQAI continental arc (Yanjiadian-Xinjie) might represent the early period of subduction of North Qilian Ocean (NQO) and the interarc rift is the product of the extension triggered by southward subduction of NQO. The ongoing subduction of NQO then leads to the formation of Chenjiahe-Wangjiacha continental arc, as well as the Hongtubao back-arc spreading ridge in NQBA back-arc basin (Huluhe). The tectonic evolution of the connection zone is closely associated with the closure of the North Qilian Ocean and North Qinling-Shangdan Ocean in the context of the convergence process of micro-continental blocks, including North China block, Longshan group and North Qinling Terrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesozoic granitic magmatism in Northeastern Jiangxi, China is of tectonic significance for the evolution of the South China Block. Whole-rock geochemical and zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu–Hf isotopic data for Mesozoic Zhuxi granites in the Jingdezhen area of Northeastern Jiangxi were presented. The Zhuxi granites are composed of granodiorite, biotite granite, and two-mica granite. Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb isotopic analyses indicated emplacement at 159–147 Ma. The granites are characterized by a strongly peraluminous nature with high A/CNK values (>1.1), high SiO2 (66.09–74.46 wt.%) and K2O (3.50–5.52 wt.%) contents, depletion in Ba, Nb, Ce, Sr, and Ti, moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.40–0.63), enrichment in LREE, and depletion in HREE ((La/Yb)N > 7.43). The A/CNK > 1.1, widespread aluminum-rich minerals (e.g., muscovite and tourmaline), indicating they are S–type granites and belong to muscovite–bearing peraluminous granites (MPG). The Zhuxi granites exhibited negative εHf(t) values (−9.9 to −3.7) and the TDM2 model ages of 1840–1442 Ma indicated derivation from ancient crustal sources. The magma is possibly caused by the subsequent process of intracontinental subduction. It is inferred that the Mesozoic magmatism in Northeastern Jiangxi was associated with oceanic–continental convergence of the Paleo–Pacific and Eurasian plates as well as the intracontinental subduction of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks. The Zhuxi granites highlight the primary role of oceanic–continental convergence and intracontinental subduction in early Yanshanian granitoid magmatism in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]