Rare-earth-element enrichment in post-Variscan polymetallic vein systems of the Harz Mountains, Germany

Carbonate gangue in historically important post-Variscan polymetallic Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag vein systems in the Upper Harz Mountains has elevated rare earth element contents (ΣREE+Y, 1500 ± 340 ppm; n = 16) in bulk samples. This enrichment is due to the occurrence of abundant micrometer-sized synchysite inclusions in calcite, identified via Raman spectroscopy. Calcite bulk analyses have roof-shaped PAAS-normalized REE patterns with a Eu peak but without...