Trace element characteristics of magnetite from the Litun skarn iron deposits in eastern China and its Significance

• The composition of magnetite in the Litun deposit is controlled by various factors. • Non-carbonate wall rocks can lead to instability in the composition of magnetite. • Trace elements in magnetite can be used as an indicator for hidden carbonate formations at depth. The Litun deposit, a recently discovered skarn Fe deposit in eastern China, is hosted within Carboniferous mudstone-detrital rocks and exhibits distinctive mineralization characteristics. This study presents a systematic in- situ trace element analysis of magnetite from the Litun deposit. The Liutun deposit has undergone intense hydrothermal alteration, which can be divided into four stages: skarn (stage I), oxide (stage II), sulfide (stage III), and carbonate (stage IV). Magnetite primarily formed during stage II, co-existing with tremolite, chlorite, epidote, and phlogopite. The analysis reveals that most samples formed under medium to low temperature conditions (Ti + V＜1000 ppm). The concentrations of Mg, Al, and Si in magnetite are strongly influenced by coexisting minerals (tremolite, chlorite, epidote). Within the same drill hole, magnetite proximal to the wall rock commonly exhibits higher Ti and V contents, suggesting that the mineralizing fluid underwent replacement from both deep and shallow sides towards the central part. During the replacement process, the (Si + Al)/(Mg + Mn) ratio range increases, indicating that non-carbonate strata are unable to effectively buffer the fluctuations in fluid composition during mineralization. Most of the analysis points fall in the skarn region in the discriminant diagram. Combined with previous δ 34 S of pyrite studies, it is inferred that the mineralizing fluid was likely mixed with deep Ordovician marine sedimentary strata. This study demonstrates the significant indicative value of magnetite trace elements for identifying deep-seated hidden carbonate formations. The interface between non-carbonate and carbonate lithologies, particularly when associated with diorite intrusions, represents a promising exploration target for “Litun-type” skarn Fe deposits.