REE Distribution in Scheelite from the Yubileinoe Porphyry Gold Deposit, South Urals: Evidence from LA-ICP-MS Data

Abstract

Zoned scheelite crystals from the Yubileinoe porphyry gold deposit were studied by EMPA and LA-ICP-MS. The MoO₃ content decreases from 10–13 wt % in the crystal center to less than 2 wt % in the rim. Scheelite is enriched in LREE with respect to HREE and has negative Eu and Ce anomalies. Early scheelite has a flat REE distribution pattern with a negative slope, while the latter has asymmetrical convex REE spectra due to the lower La content and higher Nd, Sm, and Gd concentrations. The REE distribution in early scheelite has been established as inherited from ore-bearing granitic rocks, while this distribution in later generations of the mineral was determined by hydrothermal fluid.