Bauxitization of allochthonous laterite in karstic depressions

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.8.33

Abstract

Abstract:

Bauxite, composed of aluminum oxides, hydroxides, and clay minerals, is the primary source for aluminum and critical metals such as gallium. Unlike lateritic bauxites overlying aluminosilicate rocks—formed through continuous sedimentation and in-situ weathering—karst-type bauxites overlying carbonate bedrock exhibit unique genetic characteristics. Through comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution, tectonic settings, provenance, mineral transformation, and thermodynamic conditions of Chinese karst-type bauxites, this study demonstrates that: (1) Their stratigraphy is predominantly restricted to the Carboniferous and Permian; (2) Ore distribution was jointly controlled by paleogeography (intracontinental basins, passive-margin depressions, isolated carbonate platforms) and paleo-karst topography; (3) Allochthonous provenance correlated with Wilson cycle stages (continental extension, oceanic subduction, continental collision); (4) Bauxite formation resulted from coupling between Late Paleozoic glaciation, Paleo-Tethys closure, and large igneous province (LIP) activities; (5) Within karst depressions, syndepositional processes and vertical zonation in hydrology and pH-Eh conditions controlled mineral transformations and Al-Si-Fe segregation. We propose an allochthonous lateritic bauxitization model wherein volcanic arc ashes or weathered aluminosilicate debris were transported into karst depressions. Effective Al-Si-Fe segregation occurred as redox/pH conditions transitioned from an acidic/oxidizing vadose zone to an alkaline/reducing phreatic zone, resulting in stratified enrichment of aluminum (oxy) hydroxides via ionic release and crystallization. This bauxitization was ultimately driven by tectonic-climatic-karstic coupling.

Key words: karst-type bauxite, laterite, weathering, allochthonous provenances, tectonic-climatic drive

CLC Number:

P611.2

WANG Qingfei, YANG Shujuan, MA Huan, LIU Xuefei, ZHANG Qizuan, LI Zhongming, ZHAO Jun, CUI Yinliang, YU Wenchao, CHEN Fangge, DENG Jun. Bauxitization of allochthonous laterite in karstic depressions[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2025, 32(5): 345-360.

Figures/Tables 15

Fig.1 The distribution map of global bauxite metallogenic belts. Modified after [23].

Fig.2 Distribution map of karst-type bauxite in China. Modified after [34].

Fig.3 Stratigraphic column of the karst bauxite-bearing sequences from Early Carboniferous to Late Triassic, China

Fig.4 Field geological profile of karst-type bauxite in China. a modified after [18,46]; b modified after [18]; (c, d) modified after [18].

Fig.5 Mineralogical and geochemical vertical variations in a typical bauxite profile. (a-c) data are derived from supplementary tables S1-S3 and supplementary figure S1.

Fig.6 Thermodynamic conditions for metallogenesis of Karst-type bauxite. a modified after [50]; b modified after [51,52].

Fig.7 Paragenetic sequence of major minerals in karst-type bauxite. (a-e) modified after [23,52].

Fig.8 Detrital zircon age distribution and morphological characteristics in Chinese bauxites generated in different tectonic settings. (a-c) modified after [17,63-64].

Fig.9 Tectonic-metallogenic model for karst-type bauxite deposits. (a-c) modified after [23].

Fig.10 Detrital zircon age distribution and morphological characteristics in chinese bauxites from different tectonic settings. a modified after [72-73]; b adapted from [21].

Fig.11 Tectonic setting and paleogeographic environment of bauxite mineralization in china. a modified after [23]; b modified after [63,65].

Fig.12 Karst geomorphology-controlled mineralization model of bauxite deposits

Fig.13 Thickness distribution and thickness-grade correlation of ore bodies in the north china platform

Fig.14 Drill hole locations in the Yushan mining area, Henan Province

Fig.15 Genetic model diagram of karst lateritization mineralization. Modified after [34].

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