The REE-composition and petrography of apatite in 2Ga Zaonega Formation, Russia: The environmental setting for phosphogenesis

The first significant P-rich deposits appear in the global rock record during the Paleoproterozoic around 2Ga, however the specific triggers that led to apatite precipitation are still under debate. The ca. 2Ga Zaonega Formation, Karelia, Russia contains P-rich intervals in its upper part with abundantly occurring apatite. These apatites have been studied for their Rare Earth Element (REE) composition using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) with an emphasis on the environmental condition during phosphogenesis. Petrographic observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) integrated with LA-ICP-MS results allow recognition of variously recrystallized apatite, and distinction of best-preserved diagenetic apatite which presumably records syn-depositional REE characteristics. Diagenetic apatite exhibits moderately negative Ce anomalies that indicate an at least partially oxygenated water column. A variable but typically positive Eu anomaly is consistent with geologic evidence suggesting intensive magmatic activity and hydrothermal influence during apatite precipitation. We conclude that phosphatic sediments in the Paleoproterozoic Zaonega Formation record phosphogenesis in a vent/seep influenced setting that experienced fluctuating redox conditions at the sediment–water interface. •Rare earth element patterns of apatite were studied using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.•Best preserved apatite rare earth element signatures were used to evaluate precipitation environment.•Negative cerium anomaly suggest partially oxygenated water column.•Positive europium anomaly associates with hydrothermal influence.•Apatite precipitation near sediment water interface occurred in a basin experiencing fluctuating redox conditions.