TITLE
Types and Metallogenic Mechanism of Rubidium Deposits in Mainland China
AUTHOR(S)
Yin, J. Z.
ABSTRACT
Mainland China holds a dominant global position in terms of rubidium resources; while rubidium mineralization of various types has been discovered across many regions, most occurrences are low-grade associated/paragenetic deposits that are difficult to develop and process. Genetically, the country’s known rubidium deposits fall into three categories: endogenic, exogenic, and those formed by the superposition of endogenic and exogenic processes. The endogenic category encompasses types such as pegmatites (broadly defined), granites (broadly defined), magmatic-hydrothermal systems, crypto-explosive breccias, alkaline igneous rocks, porphyries, skarns, and volcanic rocks. Deposits formed by the superposition of endogenic and exogenic mineralizations include brines, Quaternary hot springs, and coal-hosted deposits. Exogenic deposits consist of weathered granite crusts and minor placer-type occurrences. Rubidium mineralization is closely linked to tectono-magmatic activity. Key ore-controlling factors include, but are not limited to: magmatic fractional crystallization and hydrothermal metasomatism; the degree of magmatic differentiation; the intensity of magma melt-fluid interaction and crustal contamination; oxygen fugacity and the remelting of crustal material; alteration intensity; the involvement of fluxing and incompatible elements; and the influx of mantle-derived material (including its quantity and/or extent). For liquid-phase deposits—specifically brine types—additional ore-controlling factors include hot spring temperatures, etc.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.62252/NSS.2026.1043
PAGES: 777-802
How to cite this article
Yin, J.Z. 2026. Types and metallogenic mechanism of rubidium deposits in Mainland China. Naturalis Scientias, 3: 777-802. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62252/NSS.2026.1043. www.naturalisscientias.com.