Zircon and Garnet U–Pb Ages of the Longwan Skarn Pb–Zn Deposit in Guangxi Province, China and Their Geological Significance

Garnet is the most common alteration mineral in skarn-type deposits, and geochronological research on it can limit mineralization age. The Longwan Pb–Zn deposit, situated within Fozichong ore field Guangxi, lacks precise data, limiting in-depth comprehension of its genesis tectonic setting. This study employs LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating garnets developed skarn orebody zircons associated granitic porphyry to determine deposit’s Backscatter electron images probe microanalysis reveal zonation characteristics from with dominant end-member compositions Andradite Grossular. values U concentrations range 1.8 ppm 3.7 ppm, a garnet age 102.6 ± 1.9 Ma was obtained, consistent zircon 102.1 1.2 granite deposit. deposit formed during late Early Cretaceous as resulting contact metasomatism between host rock. likely response Neo-Tethys plate subducting beneath South China continent Cretaceous, followed by retreat Late Cretaceous. Cenxi-Bobai Fault experienced reactivation under extensional regime induced Ocean’s retreat, leading series magmatic activities along NE-trending direction Fault. processes magma emplacement metasomatic reactions country