Work

Origin of Deep Lithium–Potassium-Rich Brines in the Triassic of the Sichuan Basin: Insights from Hydrochemical Characteristics and Water–Rock Reaction Experiments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Deep brines represent important sources of strategic resources such as lithium and potassium, characterized by low exploration costs and high utilization rates. The Triassic strata in the Sichuan Basin contain abundant lithium- and potassium-rich brines, and understanding their origin is essential for exploring similar deposits. This study integrated field sampling and published data to systematically analyze the brines through hydrochemical testing, statistical methods, and water–rock reaction experiments, providing a comprehensive genetic interpretation based on hydrochemical features, element correlations, and characteristic coefficients. The results indicated that the brines are of the Cl–Na type, and both the sodium–chloride and chloride–bromide coefficients are consistent with a marine origin. Evapo-concentration was identified as the main controlling factor for ion enrichment, with subordinate influence from atmospheric precipitation. The common source of Ca2+ and Mg2+ likely includes the widespread marine carbonate rocks and/or the alteration of Ca–Mg-bearing silicate minerals (e.g., in green bean rocks or detrital layers) during brine–rock interaction. The desulfation coefficient indicated that lithium enrichment depends on a closed reducing environment, while potassium enrichment shows minimal correlation with brine confinement. Leaching experiments confirmed that green bean rocks serve as a key effective source rock for lithium and potassium, with elemental leaching efficiency positively correlated with fluid salinity. Based on these findings, a “dual-recharge” genetic model is proposed: paleo-marine brines undergoing deep circulation and meteoric water infiltrating along tectonic fractures collectively leached lithium and potassium from the green bean rocks, providing abundant lithium and potassium to the deep brines. This study refines the metallogenic mechanism of lithium- and potassium-rich brines in the Triassic Sichuan Basin and provides guidance for regional brine mineral exploration.

Source: Minerals

DOI: 10.3390/min16040372