The geochronology of the rare metal pegmatite deposits: A case study in Nanping No. 31 pegmatite vein in northeastern Cathaysian block, China

•The age of apatite, cassiterite, columbite-tantalite (coltan) from five zones in Nanping No.31Li–Cs–Ta-rich type pegmatite deposit show remarkable two group ages (370–390 Ma and 145–160 Ma). The older age represents the emplacement time of this pegmatite vein, and the much younger age record this pegmatite experienced a severe thermal disturbance event.•Only coltan have a consistent age (380 ± 10 Ma) in five zones. The results show that the sequence of minerals suitable for Li–Cs–Ta-rich type pegmatite is as follows: coltan > cassiterite ≈ zircon > apatite.•The zone dominated by fine-grained sodic plagioclase (zone II in Nanping No.31 pegmatite vein) is more easily disturbed by later geological processes.