Magnetite: research methods and applications to ore deposit research

As an ubiquitous mineral in nature, the diagenetic and mineralization studies on magnetite have attracted much attention. This article systematically summarizes recent years' research progress on magnetite, introduces magnetite research method system and its application in mineral deposit research. Magnetite research methodologies involve geochronology, microtexture, elemental and isotopic composition. On the basis of magnetite methodology, we discussed the application of magnetite Re-Os isotope dating in geochronology, magnetite-related thermometers and oxygen fugameters, as well as deposit type discrimination. In addition, taking iron oxide-copper-gold and iron oxide-apatite deposits as examples, the authors explored how trace elements in magnetite constrain their genesis, and summarized the participation of magnetite trace element in mineral exploration. As an important object in mineral deposit study, magnetite has been promoting ore genesis research and mineral exploration with much practical potential, involving its U-Pb geochronology and nontraditional stable isotopes(such as V isotopes). Nevertheless, the occurrence and partition behavior of trace elements in magnetite, and the magnetite geochemical database are still weak aspects which need enhancement in magnetite research.