Metamorphic effect on zircon Lu–Hf and U–Pb isotope systems in ultrahigh-pressure eclogite-facies metagranite and metabasite

Abstract

Abstract The Hf isotope composition of original igneous or detrital zircons in high-grade metamorphic rocks can be used to trace protolith origin, but metamorphic effect on the Hf isotope composition of newly grown domains remains to evaluate. We report a detailed in situ combined study of intragrain U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from granitic gneiss and eclogite in the Dabie orogen of China that experienced ultrahigh-pressure eclogite-facies metamorphism. The results show correlations in 206Pb / 238U age, initial Hf isotope composition, and Th / U and Lu / Hf ratios between the domains of different origins. The metamorphic domains are characterized by low Th / U and Lu / Hf ratios but high ɛHf(t) values relative to the igneous core and mantle of pre-metamorphic ages. Positive correlations are observed between Th / U and Lu / Hf ratios, pointing to the similar effect of metamorphism on both U–Th–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope systems. Thus the metamorphic domains are distinguished from the igneous core and mantle by their low Lu / Hf ratios that are less than 0.001 for the granitic gneiss and less than 0.0001 for the eclogite. Despite differences in both protolith age and geochemical source between granitic gneiss and eclogite, rim ɛHf(t) values are variably 3.1 to 13.5 greater than core ɛHf(t) values when calculated at timing of protolith formation. This indicates that the zircon overgrowth was associated with a metamorphic medium that has high 176Hf / 177Hf but low 176Lu / 177Hf ratios. While the metamorphic domains contain more radiogenic Hf isotopes than the original igneous core and mantle, their Lu / Hf ratios are significantly lower than those of core and mantle. Therefore, the metamorphic zircons acquired their initial Hf isotope ratios from metamorphic fluids that have high 176Hf / 177Hf ratios but low Lu / Hf ratios with sound variability depending on the Lu–Hf isotope compositions of pre-existing and co-precipitating phases.