Rare earth elements cluster near alkaline magmatism due to fractional crystallization and volatile enrichment
Multiple geological and geochemical studies confirm that rare earth element deposits are closely associated with alkaline magmatism due to processes involving fractional crystallization and volatile or alkali enrichment.
The retrieved literature consistently supports the claim that rare earth elements (REEs) cluster near alkaline igneous rocks and carbonatites, and that fractional crystallization combined with volatile/alkali-rich fluid transport are primary mechanisms for their enrichment. Papers [0], [1], [2], [5], [6], and [8] emphasize the role of protracted fractional crystallization in alkaline and peralkaline magmas. Papers [3] and [10] highlight the necessity of alkalis and volatiles (such as carbonates and sulfates) in mobilizing and concentrating REEs within these settings. None of the papers refute the claim.
Jaroslav Dostal. Rare Earth Element Deposits of Alkaline Igneous Rocks. 2017. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources6030034
Protracted fractional crystallization of alkaline magmas leads to REE enrichment in late stages.
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Xu Zheng, Yan Liu, Martin P. Smith, J. Kynický, Z. Hou. Carbonatitic magma fractionation and contamination generate rare earth element enrichment and mineralization in the Maoniuping giant REE deposit, SW China. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egad037
Carbonatitic magma fractional crystallization significantly concentrates REE contents.
Jaroslav Dostal. Rare Metal Deposits Associated with Alkaline/Peralkaline Igneous Rocks. 2016. https://doi.org/10.5382/rev.18.02
Peralkaline magmas undergo extensive fractional crystallization, concentrating rare earth elements into late-stage mineralization.
Anenburg M, Mavrogenes JA, Frigo C, Wall F. Rare earth element mobility in and around carbonatites controlled by sodium, potassium, and silica.. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abb6570
Alkali complexing is required for substantial REE transport and mineralization in and around alkaline carbonatites.
Saif M. Abo Khashaba, N. H. El-Shibiny, Safaa M. Hassan, Kirsten Drüppel, M. Azer. Remote sensing and geochemistry of A-type granites, North Arabian-Nubian shield: Insights into the origin and evolution of the granitic suites and processes responsible for rare metals enrichment. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2024.106391
A-type alkaline magmas enrich rare metals and rare earth elements via fractional crystallization in the crust.
K. Qiu, J. Deng, Shanshan Li, S. Jowitt, C. Hetherington, D. Balen. Roles and perspectives of A- and I-type magmas in rare earth element and gold mineralization. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1130/b36802.1
Alkaline magmas generated by lithospheric mantle interactions yield high concentrations of REEs.
K. E. Watts, D. M. Miller, D. A. Ponce. Mafic Alkaline Magmatism and Rare Earth Element Mineralization in the Mojave Desert, California: The Bobcat Hills Connection to Mountain Pass. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023gc011253
Mafic alkaline magmatism in the Mojave Desert shows high REE concentrations linked to intrusive alkaline systems.
Allen K. Andersen, Danielle A. Olinger, Mitchell M. Bennett. Rare Earth Element-Mineralized Carbonatite in the Bear Lodge Alkaline Complex, USA—Ore Genesis Implications From Fluid Inclusion Characterization. 2025. https://doi.org/10.2475/001c.143992
Alkali bicarbonate-sulfate brines and alkaline fluid evolution drive REE enrichment in the Bear Lodge Alkaline Complex.
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