Cassiterite U-Pb dating and micro-XRF analysis constraint on the formation of Xinlu Sn-Zn deposit, South China

This study presents rock slab and thin section reflection mapping, element mapping by Micro-XRF (μ-XRF) analysis, in situ cassiterite U-Pb laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) ages of the Xinlu Sn-Zn deposit, Nanling Sn-W belt, South China. The new results provided constraints on age processes Sn mineralization thus further discussed role Paleo-Pacific plate formation belt. Based mineralogy μ-XRF four episodes are distinguished Baimianshan segment, including 1) prograde skarn stage characterized mineral assemblages garnet, pyroxene, marble, hornfels; 2) retrograde skarn-sulfide composed massive pyrrhotite, sphalerite with parts epidote, cassiterite; 3) quartz sulfide vein consisting arsenopyrite, pyrite, quartz, 4) barren calcite crosscutting former episodes. time is dated LA-ICP-MS at 168.7 ± 1.3 Ma. These ages, combined previous geochronological studies, support one event associated 159.5–168.7 Ma magmatism Guposhan-Huashan district. Middle-Late Jurassic China genetically related to asthenospheric upwelling crust-mantle interaction caused subduction plate. Our demonstrate that powerful tools for determining paragenesis ore deposits highly effective guide selection analytical positions dating. method may also be applicable in-situ geochronology other minerals.