Paleoproterozoic vein graphite mineralization caused by decarbonation in the Ruby Range, Montana, USA

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Abstract

Hydrothermal graphite veins are a possible source for modern battery materials and require better understanding of their carbon source(s) and absolute timing to develop mapable criteria for exploration models. We present new observations of graphite vein and alteration paragenesis and U-Pb LA-ICP-MS titanite age data from the Ruby prospect, Montana, USA, that constrain mineralization timing and source. The graphite veins cut high-temperature metamorphic rocks of the lower Christensen Range suite  and are associated with intense diopside (Di0.69Hd0.27Jo0.04) alteration of marble. The oldest titanite ages in fresh marble and partially altered calc-silicate gneiss are ca. 2,500 – 2,450 Ma, show elevated REE values, and Eu/Eu* <1.5, consistent with growth during early regional metamorphism. Titanite in diopside-graphite alteration, interpreted as part of the hydrothermal vein-forming episode, cluster around 1,750 Ma, are characterized by lower REE values, and show Eu/Eu* >2; suggesting a low fO2 fluid generated from metamorphism during the Big Sky orogeny. Our paragenetic observations and titanite ages indicate graphite vein formation via skarnoid decarbonation reactions in marble late in regional orogenesis. Granulite-facies, carbonate-bearing, supracrustal rock terranes are thus favorable for hydrothermal graphite vein deposits. 

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Paleoproterozoic vein graphite mineralization caused by decarbonation in the Ruby Range, Montana, USA
Volume 1
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center Geology Minerals, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Description 4 p.
First page 197
Last page 200
Conference Title 18th SGA Biennial Meeting
Conference Location Golden, CO
Conference Date August 3-7, 2025
Country United STates
State Montana
Other Geospatial Ruby Range
Additional publication details