Petrogenesis of the Xihuashan granites in southeastern China: Constraints from geochemistry and in-situ analyses of zircon UPbHfO isotopes

The Xihuashan tungsten deposit, located in the Nanling tungstentin province, is renowned for being one of the largest and the earliest exploited deposits of tungsten worldwide. It is a vein‐type deposit genetically associated with the Xihuashan granite pluton. The granite was emplaced in four phases, and representative samples from each phase were analyzed using SIMS zircon UPb techniques, and the results indicate ages ranging from 161 ± 3 Ma to 158 ± 2 Ma (2σ). Whole rock analyses show the Xihuashan granitic rocks have high contents of SiO2 (74.5 wt.%–78.1 wt.%) and total alkali (7.68 wt.%–8.86 wt.%), and their aluminum saturation index (ASI) values have a narrow range of 1.01–1.16. The second and third phases of the Xihuashan granite are enriched in heavy rare earth elements and are depleted in Eu, Ba, Sr, P and Ti. P2O5 vs SiO2, zirconium saturation temperatures and zircon δ18O values indicate that the Xihuashan granites are highly evolved I–S transformation-type. Whole rock εNd(t), zircon εHf(t) and δ18O values fall into the ranges − 11.3 to − 10.4, –14.0 to − 4.8, and 6.93‰–11.23‰ respectively, and the Nd and Hf two-stage model ages (TDM2) are 1.63–1.88 Ga and 1.51–2.09 Ga, respectively. The data indicate a primary reworking of Late Paleoproterozoic to Early Mesoproterozoic lower crust without any obvious participation of mantle material. The Xihuashan intrusion was emplaced at the same time as the widespread 165–150 Ma I-type and A-type granites and syenites of the Nanling region, following the initiation in adjacent areas of intraplate basaltic activity, gabbros, bimodal volcanic rocks, and A-type granites from 190 to 165 Ma. It can be inferred that the Nanling Range and neighboring regions were subjected to lithospheric extension during the Early Jurassic.

► SIMS zircon UPb ages are 157 ± 1 Ma, 161 ± 3 Ma, 159 ± 2 Ma and 158 ± 2 Ma respectively.
► The Xihuashan granites are high evolved I–S transformation-type.
► Granites were derived from Late Paleo proterozoic to Early Mesoproterozoic lower crust.
► Fluid/melt interaction produces REE tetrad effect in the second and third phases.
► Late Jurassic WSn deposits in SE China responded to extension/rifting regime.