Immiscible silicate-carbonate liquids as evidenced from ocellar diabase dykes, southeast Sinai

Abstract

Diabase dykes containing spherical patches of carbonate intrude the Tarr albitite complex of SE Sinai. The morphology of these dykes indicates a highly gas-charged magma. Petrographic evidence points toward equilibrium during cooling of immiscible carbonate ocelli and silicate matrix. Dolomite is the main component of these ocelli, which are geochemically and isotopically similar to carbonatite. However, the low total REE content, and the presence of considerable marble in the country rock, suggest a process of stoping and melting of carbonate, followed by the “in situ” development of silicate-carbonate immiscibility.