Trace element evolution of magnetite in iron oxide-apatite deposits: Case study of Daling deposit, Eastern China

•The magnetite forming process of the Daling deposit can be divided into three sub-stages;•The trace element characteristics of Daling magnetite are mainly controlled by magmatic-hydrothermal evolution;•The IOA deposit can form “skarn-like” magnetite through multi-stage and long-distance fluid evolution process without the participation of external strata.