Fluids and Geochronometers: Charting and Dating Mass Transfer During Metasomatism and Metamorphism

Abstract

Many REE- and actinide-bearing minerals can act as both geochronological markers and recorders of geochemical processes. These include some of the most common REE- and actinide-bearing minerals found in igneous and mid- to high-grade metamorphic rocks such as monazite, xenotime, apatite, zircon, garnet, baddeleyite, huttonite, thorite, allanite, and titanite. The goal of this review is to describe the most recent research developments regarding these minerals, their interaction with each other, as well as their role as geochronometers.