Granitic pegmatite is one of the main sources for strategy critical metals. The classification of pegmatite based on the mineralized rare metals (Li, Be, Nb, Ta, REE, U and Cs) and minerals (spodumene, beryl, columbite, tantalite, monazite, uraninite) is useful and practical. Many granitic pegmatites display temporal decoupling (large gap of forming age) and different sources with their surrounding granites, indicating these pegmatites were not derived from the differentiated granitic melts. A reasonable genetic model is that there exists an anatectic discrete pegmatite magma. Most of the large-supper large rare metal pegmatite deposits have prolonged metallogenic periods, i.e., from magmatic-, magmatic- hydrothermal- to hydrothermal- stages. One important signature of the rare metal pegmatites is the enriched fluxing elements or components (Li, Na, B, F, H O, P, H2O, CO32−, HCO3−), and this should be an indicator for mineralized pegmatites. Lithium isotopic compositions (δ7Li) might discriminate spodumene-rich with spodumene-poor pegmatites, and can be used as a marker for mineralization and prospecting of granitic pegmatites. Alkaline carbonate –rich fluids or aqueous melts, and supercritical CO2 fluid might be important promoting agents for dissolution, extraction and transport of critical metals. More and thorough experimental studies should be carried out for the controls of CO2 on mineralization of rare metal pegmatites. High spatial resolution, high spectral and radar remote sensing technologies have provided a brand new technological method for the mineral source survey of strategic critical metals. © 2023 Science Press. All rights reserved.
