Geochemical features of ilmenites from the alkaline complexes of the Ukrainian Shield: LA-ICP MS data

Abstract

LA-ICP MS data are presented for ilmenites from different rocks of the alkaline complexes of the Ukrainian Shield (Chernigovka carbonatite, Oktyabr’skii, Malaya Tersa, and Southern Kal’chinskii gabbrosyenite massifs). Ilmenites from the early intrusive phases (alkaline pyroxenites, gabbroids, and ultramafic rocks) have the elevated contents of Cr, Co, Ni, and V, while ilmenites from later alkaline and nepheline syenites, monzonites, and carbonatites are significantly enriched in Nb and Ta, which is caused by change in the alkalinity of the mineral-forming medium. Zr shows the more intrinsic behavior: its content is higher in the ilmenites from basic and ultrabasic rocks than in those from the nepheline syenites and carbonatites. This is mainly caused by temperature conditions of the formation of differentiated alkaline complexes. The carbonatites contain magnesian ilmenite (up to 22 mol % MgTiO3). Variations of Mg contents in ilmentes are correlated with Mg number of mafic minerals and depend also on the iron oxidation state (amount of magnetite) in the carbonatites. In the alkaline massifs of the Ukrainian Shield, ilmenites usually have the low contents of hematite end member (3–7 mol %). Ilmenite serves as a sensitive indicator of temperature, oxygen fugacity, and alkalinity of the mineral-forming medium during crystallization.