Highly fractionated Late Triassic I-type granites and related molybdenum mineralization in the Qinling orogenic belt: Geochemical and U-Pb-Hf and Re-Os isotope constraints

Abstract We present new data on the highly fractionated Late Triassic I-type Liyuantang granite, which is located in the middle segment of the South Qinling Subzone of central China and is associated with molybdenum mineralization. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the granite was emplaced at 210.1 ± 1.9 Ma, with a single zircon containing an inherited core that yielded an age of 449.8 ± 7.1 Ma. Magmatic zircons from the granite have e Hf (t) values of − 4.0 to + 1.5, whereas the inherited zircon core has a e Hf (t) value of − 5.3. Calculated Hf model ages of crust formation are indicative of substantial contributions from melting of Proterozoic crust that ranges in age from 1501 to 1155 Ma. The granite contains high concentrations of Si, Al, Na, and K, is enriched in Rb, Th, and U, has elevated Rb/Sr and Ga/Al ratios, and is depleted in Ti, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, and P, with significantly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.33–0.50), similar to other highly fractionated I-type granites. These data indicate that the magmas that formed the Liyuantang pluton were produced during partial melting of Proterozoic garnet-absent quartz amphibolites. The magmas then fractionated apatite, feldspar, Ti-bearing phases, biotite, and hornblende prior to emplacement. Re–Os isotope analysis of molybdenite from the study area yields a mineralization age of 200.9 ± 6.2 Ma, suggesting that the Liyuantang molybdenum deposit formed during a previously unrecognized mineralization event. The present results, together with previous data, demonstrate that highly fractionated I-type granites associated with the second pulse of magmatism in the South Qinling subzone should be considered highly prospective for mineral exploration, focusing on Triassic–Early Jurassic granitoids.