Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Alkaline igneous complexes host deposits of rare earth elements (REE), which represent one of the most economically important resources of heavy REE and Yttrium (Y). The hosts are differentiated rocks ranging from nepheline syenites and trachytes to peralkaline granites. These complexes usually occu...
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MDPI AG
2017-07-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/6/3/34 |
| _version_ | 1818008458104930304 |
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| author | Jaroslav Dostal |
| author_facet | Jaroslav Dostal |
| author_sort | Jaroslav Dostal |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Alkaline igneous complexes host deposits of rare earth elements (REE), which represent one of the most economically important resources of heavy REE and Yttrium (Y). The hosts are differentiated rocks ranging from nepheline syenites and trachytes to peralkaline granites. These complexes usually occur in continental within-plate tectonic settings associated with rifts, faults, or hotspot magmatism. The REE mineralization is found in layered alkaline complexes, granitic stocks, and late-stages dikes and rarely trachytic volcanic and volcaniclastic deposits. The bulk of REE is present in accessory minerals, which can reach percentage levels in mineralized zones. The mineralization contains various REE-bearing minerals that can display complex replacement textures. Main REE minerals present in these deposits are bastnäsite, eudialyte, loparite, gittinsite, xenotime, monazite, zircon, and fergusonite. The parent magmas of alkaline igneous complexes are derived from partial melts of mantle sources. Protracted fractional crystallization of the magma led to an enrichment in REE, particularly in the late stages of magma evolution. The primary magmatic mineralization is commonly overprinted (remobilized and enriched) by late magmatic to hydrothermal fluids. Elevated abundances of U and Th in the deposits make a gamma-ray (radiometric) survey an important exploration tool, but also represent a significant environmental challenge for exploitation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-14T05:29:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c8bbf60617cc4669bf62e531ecf5909b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2079-9276 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-14T05:29:30Z |
| publishDate | 2017-07-01 |
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| spelling | doaj.art-c8bbf60617cc4669bf62e531ecf5909b2022-12-22T02:09:52ZengMDPI AGResources2079-92762017-07-01633410.3390/resources6030034resources6030034Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous RocksJaroslav Dostal0Department of Geology, Saint Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, CanadaAlkaline igneous complexes host deposits of rare earth elements (REE), which represent one of the most economically important resources of heavy REE and Yttrium (Y). The hosts are differentiated rocks ranging from nepheline syenites and trachytes to peralkaline granites. These complexes usually occur in continental within-plate tectonic settings associated with rifts, faults, or hotspot magmatism. The REE mineralization is found in layered alkaline complexes, granitic stocks, and late-stages dikes and rarely trachytic volcanic and volcaniclastic deposits. The bulk of REE is present in accessory minerals, which can reach percentage levels in mineralized zones. The mineralization contains various REE-bearing minerals that can display complex replacement textures. Main REE minerals present in these deposits are bastnäsite, eudialyte, loparite, gittinsite, xenotime, monazite, zircon, and fergusonite. The parent magmas of alkaline igneous complexes are derived from partial melts of mantle sources. Protracted fractional crystallization of the magma led to an enrichment in REE, particularly in the late stages of magma evolution. The primary magmatic mineralization is commonly overprinted (remobilized and enriched) by late magmatic to hydrothermal fluids. Elevated abundances of U and Th in the deposits make a gamma-ray (radiometric) survey an important exploration tool, but also represent a significant environmental challenge for exploitation.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/6/3/34rare earth elementsalkaline igneous rocksdepositsREE-bearing mineralsore genesispetrogenesisexploration |
| spellingShingle | Jaroslav Dostal Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks Resources rare earth elements alkaline igneous rocks deposits REE-bearing minerals ore genesis petrogenesis exploration |
| title | Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks |
| title_full | Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks |
| title_fullStr | Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks |
| title_full_unstemmed | Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks |
| title_short | Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks |
| title_sort | rare earth element deposits of alkaline igneous rocks |
| topic | rare earth elements alkaline igneous rocks deposits REE-bearing minerals ore genesis petrogenesis exploration |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/6/3/34 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jaroslavdostal rareearthelementdepositsofalkalineigneousrocks |