Interaction between mafic dike rocks and salt deposits in the Rhine Graben, southwest Germany

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dikes of primitive olivine melilitites and monchiquites intruded into an Oligocene (Rupelian) potash salt deposit near Buggingen (SW Germany). Ocelli and amygdules reveal distinct mineral assemblages depending on whether the dike rocks are in direct contact with the potash layer or with bituminous shales (Fish Shale). Samples in contact with the potash salt layer show roundish textures that contain smectite ± talc ± chlorite, calcite, and in cases anhydrite and halite, while those close to the bituminous shale mainly comprise smectite, calcite, zeolite group minerals, and analcime. No textural or mineralogical evidence for high-temperature (magmatic) interaction between the dike rocks and the evaporites was observed. This is presumably related to (1) a very low magmatic water activity in the magma, which prevented exsolution of aqueous fluids and appreciable dissolution of the salt, and (2) fast cooling of the magmas, inhibiting melting of the salt deposits and potential liquid mingling and/or assimilation processes. Halite formation in the dike rocks is, rather, related to later, post-magmatic hydrothermal fluids that previously interacted with the salt-rich host rocks. Alteration of the initially glassy groundmass to smectites and zeolites caused an enrichment of Na in the residual fluid, but halite saturation was not attained, as indicated by the absence of groundmass halite. Only fluid–rock interaction in millimeter-sized vugs caused halite precipitation via desiccation by swelling of previously formed clay minerals. Locally, the boron silicate datolite formed in pseudomorphs after olivine. Its precipitation was controlled by the Si and B supply provided by the breakdown of serpentine and smectite.