Polygenetic titanites constraining the genesis of Neoproterozoic leucocratic-dyke-hosted U mineralization at the western margin of the Yangtze Block

Accurately constraining the age and source of primary U mineralization is commonly difficult as diverse U minerals are affected by α-recoils and subjected to overprints of multi-stage fluids. Titanite has a good potential in revealing rock-forming and metallogenic information, and widely occurs in magmatic, metamorphic, and hydrothermal U deposits. However, the textural and chemical characteristics of titanite from these U deposits are poorly documented and little is known about the relationship between titanite and U mineralization. At the western margin of the Yangtze Block, a series of U occurrences and uraninite-predominant ores are hosted in the leucocratic dykes, ranging from fine-grained (albitised) monzogranite to pegmatitic quartz vein. The genesis of U mineralization remains unclear largely because of the uncertainties as to the timing of mineralization and the origin of metals.