Characterization of ion-adsorption clay rare earth elements (REEs) in weathered granite rock in North-Western area of Pahang state, Malaysia

Abstract This study characterised the weathered granite profiles in a selected area in northwestern Pahang State and determined the content of ion-adsorption clay rare earth elements (REEs). The geochemical study analyzed the REE elements and major elements in the samples, while the XRD analysis identified the clay mineral known to adsorb REEs. Quantification of REE concentration by ICP-MS analysis revealed significant differences between samples, with sample C1 from upper horizon C and sample B2 from lower horizon B (ΣREE+Y: 915.98 and 454.52 ppm respectively) from moderately weathered granite. Lower REE content was observed in sample C2 (lower horizon C and sample B1 (upper horizon B). Kaolinite and halloysite in XRD analysis, provide a higher ionic adsorption of REEs. These results emphasize the potential of REEs deposit in this area and call for a follow-up study to explore the ion-adsorption clay REEs in the whole weathered granitic profiles of Pahang State.