Evolution of Mineral Composition during Eclogite Metamorphism in the Belomorian Mobile Belt: Data from Vichennaya Luda Island

Abstract

The detailed mineralogical-geochemical study of eclogites and their retrograde products (amphibolites in a rim of eclogite boudin) from Vichennaya Luda Island (Keret Archipelago, White Sea) revealed systematic variations in major-, trace and rare-earth element composition of rock-forming minerals, which should be taken into account in geochronological and thermobarometric studies. Garnets from garnet–amphibole interlayers in the eclogites demonstrate a prograde zoning. In addition, garnet rims differ from their cores in a “hump-like” REE pattern owing to the elevated Sm, Eu, Gd and Dy contents and a negative slope of HREE pattern, as well as in an increase of Sm/Nd and a decrease of Lu/Hf ratio. It has been established that the eclogites contain clinopyroxene with depleted (to chondritic level) REE content, a positive Eu anomaly, and lowered Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr, and Hf contents. Based on these geochemical features, the Cpx can be ascribed to relict that have preserved during peak eclogite metamorphism. Amphiboles in amphibolite rim of boudin differ sharply from amphiboles in eclogite in the lowered contents of LREE and some HREE. In addition to almost a two-fold decrease of Ti content in the eclogite–amphibolite sequence, amphiboles demonstrate a significant decrease of V, Sr, Y, Nb, and Hf contents. All biotites have sinusoidal REE pattern, which is typical of minerals formed through fluid-induced disequilibrium processes. Biotite from eclogites has higher Ti content and elevated contents of REE, Nb, V, Cr, Ba, and Hf as compared to biotites from the amphibolization rim. The eclogites and amphibolites developed after them are similar in major, trace, and rare-earth element composition.