Characteristics of trace and rare earth elements of fluorite ore in Shaowu area, Fujian Province and its indication to ore-forming materials

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

Objective Shaowu area in Fujian Province is an important fluorite mineralization prospect area in China. There are many fluorite chemical enterprises in this area. In recent years, the problem of insufficient reserves of fluorite follow-up resources has become increasingly obvious. We carry out research on the geological and geochemical characteristics of fluorite deposit, study the genesis of fluorite and the source of ore-forming materials to guide the prospecting of fluorite ore in this area, and ensure the supply of fluorite resources in this area.

Methods This paper summarizes the geological characteristics and distribution of fluorite deposit in the study area systematically based on rare earth and trace elements of fluorite and surrounding rocks of typical fluorite deposits.

Results The fluorite and surrounding rock are relatively enriched in LREE and relatively depleted in HREE with similar rare earth partition curve.

Conclusions Based on the geology, trace and rare earth elements characteristics of fluorite ore and La/HO-Y/Ho and Tb/Ca-Tb/La relationship diagram, and combined with previous studies on hydrogen and oxygen isotope characteristics of fluorite gas-liquid inclusions in South China, it is concluded that the fluorite deposit in the Shaowu area of Fujian Province is a medium-low temperature hydrothermal filled fluorite deposit along fault structure; (2) The ore-forming materials (F and Ca elements) are derived from the leaching and extraction of early Yanshanian biotite syenite granite by fresh water.