Distinctive Features of the Major and Trace Element Composition of Biotite from Igneous Rocks Associated with Various Types of Mineralization on the Example of the Shakhtama Intrusive Complex (Eastern Transbaikalia)

Abstract

This article presents data on the composition of biotite from igneous rocks of the Shakhtama complex, which are associated with various types of mineralization in Eastern Transbaikalia: Au-Cu-Fe-skarn, skarn-porphyry, Mo-porphyry, rare-metal–greisen, Au-polymetallic and Au-Bi. The major element and halogen contents were determined by EPMA. The content of trace elements was determined by means of LA-ICP-MS. As a result, the specific traits of the composition of the biotite of igneous rocks associated with specific types of mineralization of the Eastern Transbaikalia were determined. The biotites of rare-metal–greisen deposits are characterized by the maximum content of fluorine (>2 wt. %) and low chlorine content (Fe (>0.47). Within Eastern Transbaikalia, igneous rocks developed at the Bystrinsky deposit are potentially ore-bearing for the “classic” porphyry type of mineralization. They have the highest values of IV(F/Cl) (4.9–7.1) and IV(F) (2–2.8) and the lowest values of Log(XMg/XFe) (0.1–0.4). The trace element composition clearly distinguishes biotites from rare-metal–greisen deposits and is identified by the highest contents (ppm) Ga > 65, Li > 600, Sn > 20, Mn > 2000, Cs > 50, Zn > 600. Biotites of Au-polymetallic and Au-Bi deposits occupy an average position between rare-metal–greisen and Mo-porphyry ones. Biotites of Mo-porphyry deposits differ in minimum values (ppm) of Sn < 3, Zn < 160, and low values of Li (150–290), V (290–440), and Ga (39–48). In general, the chemical composition of biotites shows that the degree of igneous rock fractionation of deposits increases in the series: porphyry–skarn–polymetallic–rare-metal.

Keywords

• chemical composition of biotite
• ore-bearing and barren igneous rocks
• geochemical specialization of deposits
• Eastern Transbaikalia