Contrasting Group I and Group II Eclogite Xenolith Petrogenesis: Petrological, Trace Element and Isotopic Evidence from Eclogite, Garnet-Websterite and Alkremite Xenoliths in the Kaalvallei Kimberlite, South Africa

Abstract

Eclogite xenolith varieties at Kaalvallei include accessory-free bimineralic xenoliths, diamond-bearing eclogite, corundum-bearing eclogite, garnet-websterite, alkremite and spinel-bearing eclogite. The xenoliths can be accurately classified into previously defined Group I and Group II varieties on both petrographic and geochemical principles. Kaalvallei Group I eclogites (including diamond-bearing eclogite) are considered to derive from a heterogeneous protolith. Eclogite genesis might have been by residue formation associated with the dehydration and partial melting of a protolith consisting of variably mixed, subducted ocean floor basalt and sediment. Kaalvallei Group II eclogite xenoliths are likely to have formed through crystallization of small-volume melts within conduits in old, enriched subcontinental lithosphere. Kaalvallei websterite xenoliths might be petrogenetically related to Group II xenoliths. Isotopic data for Kaalvallei corundum-bearing eclogite and alkremite xenoliths do not provide constraints on petrogenesis. Spinel-bearing eclogite xenoliths are ultradepleted in virtually all trace elements, with very low light rare earth element contents, relatively high heavy rare earth element concentrations, extreme 87Sr/86Sr (∼0·915) and extreme 143Nd/144Nd (0·517) isotopic compositions. These xenoliths are considered to be the residues of a partial melting event.