Hybridization and the petrogenesis of composite intrusions: the dyke at An Cumhann, Isle of Arran, Scotland

Abstract

AbstractThe composite dyke at An Cumhann, Arran consists of a central unit of quartz-feldspar porphyry flanked by narrow marginal dolerites containing xenocrysts of quartz, plagioclase and alkali feldspar identical to the phenocrysts in the porphyry. The chemistry of the marginal dolerites indicates that they formed by the crystallization of a hybrid magma produced at depth by the incorporation of the porphyritic acid magma in a basic liquid. During the intrusion of the hybrid magma, flow caused a differential distribution of the xenocrysts across the initial basic dyke. Subsequent intrusion of the quartz-feldspar porphyry magma along the still unconsolidated centre of the basic dyke produced the wide central unit. A similar origin is proposed for other composite intrusions of the same type in the region. Whilst it is unlikely that the coexistence of the highly contrasting magmas necessary for the formation of these intrusions is entirely coincidental there is little likelihood that the two liquids were related as members of the same fractionation series.