Formation process of REE minerals in Benjamin River apatite deposit, Canada

Abstract

We also focused on a textural and mineralogical study of apatite and allanite to provide new insights into REE mineralizing processes and understand the formation process of Benjamin river deposit. Rock samples from Benjamin River deposit were divided into three types as follows: apatite-augite-magnetite ore, feldspar porphyry and gabbro pegmatite. The whole rock chemical compositions of the samples from Benjamin River show the REE content correlated with Ca and P contents. This abundance suggests that crystallization of apatite affects significantly the enrichment of REE. Total REE content and F/Cl in apatite from apatite-augite-magnetite ore is similar to those from gabbro pegmatite. This result suggests that formation of apatite-augite-magnetite ore from Benjamin River deposit is related to Ca-rich mafic rock such as gabbro pegmatite.