Palaeoweathering Type Rare Earth Element Deposit in Shanxi Determined by Solid Isotope Mass Spectrometry

The extraordinary concentrations for Sm, Nd and other rare earth elements from Carboniferous bauxite in Shanxi massif were investigated by chemical preparations and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. The palaeoweathering type rare earth deposit was discovered by solid isotope mass spectrometry. Especially, the strong concentration of ΣREE make it possible to form the weathering crust absorption-type LREE deposit in the area. The result showed the amount of rare earth in Dayu, Qinyuan and Caochuan, Pinglu in Shanxi province was up to the industrial level of weathering crust absorption-type LREE mineral deposits and REE-bauxite deposits. According to the national and international reports, Palaeoweathering type rare earth element deposits from Shanxi was first discovered in North China.