Application of the Lu-Hf isotopic system to ore geology, metallogenesis and mineral exploration

The Lu-Hf isotopic system, much like the Sm-Nd isotopic system, can be used to understand crustal evolution and growth. Crustal differentiation processes yield reservoirs with differing initial Lu/Hf values, and radioactive decay of 176Lu results in diverging 176Hf/177Hf between reservoirs over time. This chapter outlines the fundamentals of the Lu-Hf isotopic system, and provides several case studies outlining the utility of this system to mineral exploration and understanding formation processes of ore deposits. The current, rapid, evolution of this field of isotope science means that breadth of applications of the Lu-Hf system are increasing, especially in situations where high-precision, detailed analyses are required. <b>Citation:</b> Waltenberg, K. (2023). Application of the Lu–Hf Isotopic System to Ore Geology, Metallogenesis and Mineral Exploration. In: Huston, D., Gutzmer, J. (eds) <i>Isotopes in Economic Geology, Metallogenesis and Exploration</i>. Mineral Resource Reviews. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27897-6_7