U-Pb Geochronology, Geochemistry and Geological Significance of the Yongfeng Composite Granitic Pluton in Southern Jiangxi Province

Abstract

The Yongfeng composite granitic pluton, located in the southern section of the Nanling area, is composed of the Yongfeng and Longshi biotite monzonitic granites. In order to reveal the genesis of this composite granitic pluton and its relationship with mineralization, this study conducted zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock major and trace element analysis, and biotite electron probe analysis. The results show that the Yongfeng composite granitic pluton is rich in silicon and alkali, weakly peraluminous, and poor in calcium and iron. It shows the enrichment of light rare earth elements and a significant fractionation of light and heavy rare earth elements. It also shows the enrichment of large ion lithophile elements and depletion of Ba, K, P, Eu, and Ti relative to the primitive mantle. The contents of TFe2O3, MgO, CaO, TiO2, and P2O5 are low and decrease with increasing SiO2 content. The Yongfeng composite granitic pluton does not contain alkaline dark minerals. Its average zircon saturation temperature is 776 °C, average TFe2O3/MgO is 4.81, and average Zr + Nb + Ce + Y is 280.6 ppm, which correspond to a highly fractionated I-type granite. The Yongfeng and Longshi granites were respectively formed at 152.0 ± 1.0 Ma–151.3 ± 1.1 Ma and 148.9 ± 1.2 Ma. They were formed in the extensional tectonic setting during the post-orogenic stage, under the control of the breakup or retreat of the backplate after the subduction of the Pacific Plate into the Nanling hinterland. The magmatic system of the Yongfeng composite granitic pluton is characterized by high fractionation, high content of F, high temperature, and low oxygen fugacity, which is conducive to mineralization of Sn, Mo, and fluorite.

Keywords

• Yongfeng composite granitic pluton
• highly fractionated granite
• zircon U-Pb dating
• granite petrogenesis
• tectonic setting
• southern Jiangxi Province