Vesuvianite—a New U–Pb Mineral-Geochronometer for Determining the Age of Ore Formation: First Results and Prospects for Application

Abstract The results of U–Pb (ID-TIMS) geochronological studies of vesuvianite group minerals are presented. The fundamental possibility of their application for dating contact-reaction processes is demonstrated. Based on the results of detailed crystallochemical and isotope-geochemical studies, it has been established that boron-containing varieties of vesuvianite (wiluite) have the highest potential as U–Pb geochronometer minerals. This is demonstrated by the example of vesuvianite samples from akhtarandite rocks of the Wilui River and contact-reaction rocks of the Quebec province (Templeton ore occurrence, Canada).