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REE and Fluorite Mineralization Characteristic in Ryongpho Alkaline Intrusion of the Sakju Complex, DPR Korea

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Abstract

Alkaline intrusions of the Sakju Complex distributed in the western area, DPR Korea were formed in mid-Proterozoic era. The REE and fluorite mineralization occurs in Ryongpho alkaline intrusion of the Sakju Complex. In general, the most important REE resources are associated with alkaline igneous rocks and carbonatites, although REE deposits are also known from a range of other geological settings. REE deposits associated with alkaline igneous rocks are typically lower grade but with larger tonnage and a higher content of the most critical HREE. The Sakju Complex mostly consists of alkaline pyroxenite, alkaline gabbro, alkaline amphibole syenite and alkaline feldspar syenite which reflect well the magmatic differentiation, and their metasomatic rocks. The contents of REEs in intrusions of the Sakju Complex are much higher than the average contents of the earth’s crust and those in alkaline rocks. The study of the REE and fluorite mineralization characteristic of Ryongpho alkaline intrusion indicates that the contents of REEs and fluorite gradually decrease in the order from alkaline pyroxenite, alkaline gabbro, alkaline amphibole syenite to alkaline feldspar syenite. The constituent rocks have the similar chondrite-normalized REE distribution patterns, i.e., rich in LREE and deficient in HREE, and no or weak negative anomaly of Eu. The REE distribution curves are rightward inclined, indicating LREE > HREE as a whole. REEs are concentrated in the fluorite zone experienced Ca-F metasomatism in alkaline pyroxenite and alkaline gabbro to form a medium-high grade REE ore body. Fluid inclusion data of fluorites in the constituent rocks indicates that the metasomatic temperature is 250–450°C. Also, the total of rare earth element contents in the fluorites range from 1807 to 5201 ppm. The Tb/Ca and Tb/La ratios of fluorites in the constituent rocks varies respectively between 5.68 × 10–6 and 0.277 × 10–6, and between 0.0491 and 0.0074, and these ratios indicate a formation from a hydrothermal and less pegmatite stage. Also, the results suggest that the darker the fluorite color becomes, the stronger the intensity of REE mineralization and fluorite mineralization, and the higher the total REE contents in the rocks become.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank researchers in the Analytical Research Institute of Kim Il Sung University and Sukchon Analytical Institute and anonymous reviewers for very constructive and helpful comments.

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  1. Department of Geochemistry, Faculty of Geology, Kim Il Sung University, Ryongnamdong, Taesong District, Pyongyang, Korea

    Hyon Chol Won & Po Hyon Hwang

  2. Department of Structural Geology, Faculty of Geology, Kim Il Sung University, Ryongnamdong, Pyongyang, Korea

    Kum Chol Chon

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Hyon Chol Won, Hwang, P.H. & Chon, K.C. REE and Fluorite Mineralization Characteristic in Ryongpho Alkaline Intrusion of the Sakju Complex, DPR Korea. Geochem. Int. 60, 1452–1461 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016702922130109

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