Geochemistry and origin of metabasites from the granulite-gneiss complex of the Angara-Kan block, southwestern Siberian craton

Abstract

In this paper, we present data on major and trace elements in highly metamorphosed mafic rocks from the granulite-gneiss complex of the Angara-Kan block (southwestern Siberian craton), identify igneous protoliths of the metabasites, and assess the mobility of elements during metamorphism. Two types of rocks with different geologic relations and compositions were recognized. Garnet-bearing two-pyroxene granulites (Cpx + Pl + Grt + Opx) occur as sheet- and boudin-like bodies, which were folded and deformed with their host paragneisses. Dikes, which in most cases underwent only brittle deformation, are composed of metabasites characterized by the assemblage Cpx + Hbl + Pl + Grt. The major element compositions of igneous protoliths for the mafic granulites and metabasite dykes correspond to variously differentiated basaltic magmas. The protoliths of the metabasites are depleted in K2O, LILE, Zr, Nb, and LREE and were derived from a depleted mantle source. The major and trace element compositions of the dike metabasites are similar to those of low-K tholeiitic basalts of oceanic island arcs. Continental intraplate basalts derived from an enriched mantle source are possible igneous protoliths for the mafic granulites enriched in Ba, LREE, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf. It is assumed that lower Rb, Th, and U contents in the mafic granulites compared with continental flood basalts, high K/Rb and La/Th, and moderate Th/U ratios reflect the loss of Rb, Th and U during granulite-facies metamorphism.