Lanthanum Diffusion in Fluorapatite at 400 °C, 50 MPa and 4-16 wt %

Apatite is an important carrier of rare earth elements (REEs) and phosphorite is a potential REEs resource. However, the influence of hydrothermal fluids on the migration and enrichment of REE in apatite remains controversial. The experimental study of the interaction between REE-bearing fluid and apatite is one of the essential ways to understand the chemical behavior of rare earth elements in apatite. In this study, we conducted the fluid-mineral reaction experimental study (at 400 degrees C, 50 MPa and 4-16 wt %) between high lanthanum (La) content hydrothermal solution and low REE content to reveal the influence of different salinities on the diffusion of rare earth elements in fluorapatite. Based on in situ geochemical analyses of experimental products, we show that the diffusion coefficients of La in fluorapatite are between 3.24 x 10(-15) and 5.88 x 10(-15) m(2)/s. The salinity of the fluid has a great influence on the diffusion coefficient, with the increase of salinity, the diffusion coefficient increase.

Automated summary

Experimental study was conducted to investigate the interaction between high La content hydrothermal solution and low REE content to reveal the influence of different salinities on the diffusion of rare earth elements in fluorapatite at 400 degrees C, 50 MPa and 4-16 wt %. Diffusion coefficients of La in fluorapatite ranged from 3.24 x 10(-15) to 5.88 x 10(-15) m(2)/s, showing that salinity of the fluid significantly impacts the diffusion coefficient.