Amphibole genesis in pyroxenites from the Beni Bousera peridotite massif (Rif, Morocco): Evidence for two different metasomatic episodes

Abstract

Abstract The presence of variable amounts of amphibole ± phlogopite in a garnet websterite and a garnet clinopyroxenite from the Beni Bousera peridotite massif provides evidence for post-formation metasomatism. Textural observations associated with major- and trace-element mineral compositions allowed us to distinguish two metasomatic episodes, which occurred at different stages of the Beni Bousera massif evolution. The garnet websterite has recorded interaction with LREE-rich silicate melts before the uplift of the massif. Amphibole/clinopyroxene and amphibole/garnet trace-element ratios closely approach partition coefficient values, indicating that chemical equilibrium was attained between amphibole and pyroxenite matrix minerals. The geochemical signatures of the putative alkaline interacting melts are similar to those of recent basaltic magmas erupted in Morocco, suggesting a common peridotite mantle source. In contrast, amphibole from the garnet clinopyroxenite is in chemical disequilibrium with the pyroxenite matrix minerals. In this clinopyroxenite the crystallization of amphibole and plagioclase occurred at lower T (and P) conditions, most probably during the ascent of the Beni Bousera massif and its emplacement into the crust. The melt responsible for this later metasomatic episode was LREE-depleted and HREE-enriched, suggesting that it resulted from decompression melting of a garnet-bearing source (with garnet as a melting phase), similar to the garnet-bearing pyroxenites outcropping in the Beni Bousera massif.