Niobium mineralization of sedimentary carbonates, Lewisian Complex, UK

Proterozoic limestone in a north British terrane contains newly recognised occurrence of Nb-REE minerals. The mineralized Loch Shin Limestone is the Lewisian Complex Northern Highlands Scotland, intruded by alkaline plutons above Caledonian (∼0.43 Ga) subduction zone. mineral assemblage includes columbite, calcium niobate minerals, and niobian rutile also W- Sn-bearing phases. interval between deposition mineralization was over billion years. Other limestones that were not affected are Nb. indicates there may be exploration potential for Nb hydrothermal activity zones with intrusions.