Ore formation at the Washan iron oxide–apatite deposit in the Ningwu Ore District, eastern China: Insights from in situ LA-ICP-MS magnetite trace element geochemistry

Iron oxide–apatite (IOA) deposits are an important type of iron deposit that may host large reserves of iron and other elements. The Washan deposit in the Ningwu Ore District is a classic giant IOA deposit hosted by porphyritic diorite. At Washan, four Fe mineralization stages have been identified with clear crosscutting relationships, forming four types of ores: disseminated ores, breccia ores, and magnetite–actinolite and...