REE and fluid inclusions in zoned fluorites from Eastern Transbaikalia: Distribution and geochemical significance

Special methodology was used to study the distribution of REE and some other elements in zoned fluorites from the different deposits of Eastern Transbaikalia. Fluorites from the uranium and polymetallic ore fields sharply differ in their REE distribution pattern and the composition of fluid inclusions, which reflects the geochemical specifics and indicates the possible sources of parental solutions. A gradual change in REE distribution patterns established in the successive growth zones of fluorites clearly coincides with the gradual decrease of temperature and mineralization of fluid inclusions. It is suggested that a change in the REE distribution pattern was provoked by the crystallochemical differentiation related to the formation of nano-sized mineral admixtures of REE phosphates and/or fluorcarbonates, which possess an ability to the selective accumulation of different REE groups. It was found that the zoned fluorites from the Streltsovka and Garsonui deposits show an opposite trends in the change of REE pattern with zonation. With a general decrease in total REE contents, fluorite from the Streltsovka deposit shows a change from positive parabolic to subchondritic pattern, while that from the Garsonui deposit, varies from the negative via subchondritic to the positive patterns.