| Citation: |
Qiong-wen Liang, Yong-shen Li, Ying-cai Sun, De-gao Zhai, Hai-rui Sun, Shi-xu Zhou, Bang-lu Zhang, Xin Lü, Jin-chi Xu, Xue-feng Li, Yi-lun Du, 2025. Distribution, types, metallogenic regularity and exploration potential analysis of zirconium deposit in China, China Geology, 8, 408-430. doi: 10.31035/cg2023098
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Distribution, types, metallogenic regularity and exploration potential analysis of zirconium deposit in China
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Abstract
Zirconium, prized for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high melting point, and unique nuclear properties, plays a critical role in multiple industrial sectors globally. Zirconium deposits are categorized into endogenetic and exogenetic types in China. Endogenetic deposits – including alkaline rock-, alkaline granite-, and pegmatite-type mineralizations – predominantly occur along the Tarim Craton’s northern margin, the North China Craton, the southern Greater Khingan metallogenic belt, and the Yangtze Craton’s western margin. Exogenetic deposits, comprising clastic sedimentary, weathering crust, and fragmentation types, are concentrated in South China’s coastal zones. Endogenetic mineralization formed during Permian-Cretaceous magmatic-hydrothermal events linked to evolved alkaline granitic systems, while exogenetic deposits developed in Quaternary periods through weathering of zirconium-rich protoliths. However, economic extraction of endogenetic deposits remains constrained by rare earth element (REE) associations and radioactive complexities. Currently, China’s most economically significant reserves derive from clastic sedimentary systems, particularly coastal placer deposits. This study systematically synthesizes the spatial distribution and metallogenic mechanisms of Chinese zirconium deposits, offering strategic insights for resource exploration and sustainable utilization.
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References
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Qiong-wen Liang, Yong-shen Li, Ying-cai Sun, De-gao Zhai, Hai-rui Sun, Shi-xu Zhou, Bang-lu Zhang, Xin Lü, Jin-chi Xu, Xue-feng Li, Yi-lun Du, 2025. Distribution, types, metallogenic regularity and exploration potential analysis of zirconium deposit in China, China Geology, 8, 408-430. doi: 10.31035/cg2023098
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Figure 1.
Demand, import and external dependence of Zircon in China (data of import, consumption, external dependence from GACPRC, General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, 2017‒2023; data of production from Joseph G, 2018‒2024).
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Figure 2.
Distribution map of Zirconium deposits in China (after Wang RC et al., 2020).
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Figure 3.
Mineralization model map of the Strange Lake REE-Zr-Nb deposit (after Gysi AP et al., 2016); a‒magmatic stage, highly saline aqueous fluids released from the magma chamber, infiltrating the structural weak zones; b‒interaction of fluids with the intrusive rocks; c‒high-temperature hydrothermal alteration; d‒low-temperature hydrothermal alteration.
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Figure 4.
Model diagram of upward migration of Zr, Nb, REE and other elements (after Yang WB et al., 2014).
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Figure 5.
Mineralization model map of Baerzhe Nb-Zr-REE deposit (after Yang WB et al., 2020). a‒During the magmatic stage, granite crystals contain volatile elements such as F and Cl, which form complexes with HFSE to facilitate melting and upward migration; b‒hydrothermal fluid rich in HFSE interact with groundmass resulting in alteration and precipitation of zircon. c‒present Baerzhe Nb-Zr-REE deposit.
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Figure 6.
Metallogenic model map of Boziguo’er deposit (after Huang H et al., 2014)
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Figure 7.
Comprehensive geological profile of littoral placers in Hainan Dao (modified from Tong CL et al., 2018).
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Figure 8.
Schematic diagram of placer metallogenic model on the east coast of Wanning, Hainan (modified from Roy P et al., 1999); a‒mineralization pattern of littoral placers; b‒composition of weathering crust type deposit and migration mode of rare metal ions; c‒change of sea level causes the retrogression or transgression to transform the early deposited coastal placer.
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Figure 9.
Most likely provenance areas for the Namakawa Sands deposit. The schematic arrows delineate the sediment transport pathway from the Namakwa Sands provenance through the Sout-Olifants fluvial system to its terminal depocenter in the Atlantic Ocean basin (modified from Philander C and Rozendaal A, 2015a).
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Figure 10.
Mineralization model map of the Namakawa Sands deposit (modified from Philander C and Rozendaal A, 2015a).
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Figure 11.
Prospect area of zirconium deposits in China.