Mantle derived lherzolite nodules associated with kimberlite, carbonatite and basalt magmatism: A review

Abstract

Occurrences, petrography and major element chemistry of lherzolite nodules are reviewed. Spinel-garnet stability relationships in these nodules are discussed and are shown to be controlled by chemical as well as physical (P/T) considerations. On the basis of a survey of spinel compositions it is proposed that three classes of spinel bearing lherzolite nodules should be recognised: namely Al-spinel lherzolites [spinel 100 Cr/(Cr + Al)<25], Cr-spinel lherzolites [spinel 100 Cr/(Cr + Al) 25–65] and chromite lherzolites [spinel 100 Cr/(Cr + Al)>65]. All lherzolite nodules yield sub-solidus P/T equilibration estimates and are interpreted as fragments of upper mantle wall rocks incorporated during the volatile charged eruptions. Depths of derivation increase from < 60 kms for most nodules in alkali basaltic magmas to > 150 kms for some nodules in kimberlites. The fact that Al-spinel lherzolites are the most common nodule type in magmas of the alkali basalt suite whilst garnet lherzolites are dominant in kimberlites is attributed to the combined effects of a typically steeper geotherm in the mantle beneath areas of alkali basaltic volcanism and a shallower depth of origin for this type of magmatism. Al-spinel lherzolites do, however, occur in the kimberlites of the western U.S.A. and south-west Greenland in contrast to their apparent absence in the kimberlites of southern Africa and Yakutia, U.S.S.R. This suggests that the uppermost mantle beneath these latter regions (as represented by nodules of chromite lherzolites and chromite or Cr-spinel harzburgites) has a more refractory residual type composition with a higher Cr/(Cr + Al) ratio—although the evidence indicates an overall decrease in the level of depletion in ‘basaltic’ magma yielding constituents with depth. Lherzolite nodules generally have chemical compositions which are depleted in such constituents relative to the pyrolite model compositions for primitive or pristine mantle; nevertheless their composition range is thought to encompass both highly ‘depleted’ and essentially ‘undepleted’ upper mantle compositions. The fact that consistent temperature estimates can be obtained from the various calibrated element exchange reaction geothermometers for some lherzolite nodules but not for others (notably those with strikingly porphyroclastic textures) may indicate that some lherzolite nodules comprise mantle derived rocks which failed to totally re-equilibrate following the diapiric movements which immediately preceded their incorporation and rapid transportation to the surface.