REE Geochemistry and Mineralogy in Ores of the Talgan Cu–Zn Massive Sulfide Deposit, Southern Urals

Abstract

The high REE concentrations (57.23–561.2 ppm) in thin-layered sulfide ores of the Talgan Cu–Zn massive sulfide deposit (Southern Urals) are related to the presence of REE minerals: galgenbergite, parisite, bastnaesite, synchysite, and xenotime, which were found in massive sulfide deposits of the Urals for the first time. These minerals occur in a quartz–carbonate–chlorite matrix of sulfide layers, pyrite nodules, and in the form of sub- and euhedral crystals. The chondrite-normalized REE distribution spectra characterized by the enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs and the presence of weak negative Ce and positive Eu anomalies. The LREE concentrations decrease by an order of magnitude, and the LREE and HREE concentrations become similar with a decrease in the amount of hyaloclastic material in the sulfide layers. The carbonate–hyaloclastic material mixed with ore fragments during the formation of layered sulfide ores was considered to be a source of matter for the formation of REE minerals.