Distribution and occurrence of Cs and other rare elements in contact metamorphic rocks of X03 supergiant deposit in Jiajika, Sichuan and its comprehensive utilization suggestion

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

Objective The Jiajika rare metal mining area is the largest granite pegmatite-type rare metal deposit in China. The recently discovered Vein X03 is an supergiant rare metal deposit dominated by lithium. The tourmaline and cordierite contact metamorphic zones have been developed in the surrounding rocks of Vein X03, and mineralization of rare metals such as Li, Rb, and Cs occurs in the altered rocks. Cs is one of the important rare metal elements, and it is imperative to find more available cesium resources.

Methods In this research, the content of rare elements in the contact metamorphic rock samples in drilled cores, such as tourmaline cornerstone and cordierite schist, was analyzed. The monomineral microanalysis of tourmaline, cordierite, biotite and white mica was conducted using LA-ICP-MS.

Results High contents of Li, Rb, and Cs in the contact metamorphic rocks were observed, and the average values were 0.296%, 0.067%, and 0.052%, respectively. The contents of these elements reach the boundary grade or the lowest industrial grade for comprehensive utilization, and its characteristics are very similar to those of altered rock cesium mica deposits. Cs element mainly occurs in biotite in the form of isomorphism, which is the main reason for the enrichment of Cs in the contact metamorphic rocks.

Conclusions In the further exploration of Vein X03, the rare metal resources, especially Cs resources, in the contact metamorphic rocks should be evaluated and comprehensively utilized.