The Composition and Distribution of Nodular Monazite in the Lower Palaeozoic Rocks of Great Britain

D. Read*, D. C. Cooper and J. M. McArthur
University of Wales, Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 13, Cardiff CF1 3XF
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
*Present address: W. S. Atkins and Partners, Longcross Court, Newport Road, Cardiff CF2 1AD.

Abstract: Millimetric, ellipsoidal monazite nodules found within Lower Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks in Wales, south-west England and Brittany are characterised by a pronounced zonation of light and heavy REE, an inclusion fabric of low-grade metamorphic minerals indistinguishable from the host rock and a low Th content. They are interpreted as the product of in situ recrystallization of detrital monazites derived from pegmatitic or granitic source rocks and are potentially useful as indicators of Lower Palaeozoic sedimentary rock provenance.

Keywords: monazite • nodules • Lower Palaeozoic rocks • rare earth elements • Great Britain

Mineralogical Magazine; June 1987 v. 51; no. 360; p. 271-280; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1987.051.360.09
© 1987, The Mineralogical Society
Mineralogical Society (www.minersoc.org)