Multiply exsolved clinopyroxene megacrysts from the Frank Smith Mine, Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Two clinopyroxene megacrysts from the Frank Smith kimberlite show multiple exsolution of garnet, orthopyroxene and oxide phases. In one of the megacrysts the lamellar texture has partly recrystallized to a granular one. The chemical compositions of the exsolved phases are similar to those of discrete nodules and of granular pyroxenites found in the same kimberlite. Conditions of formation of the original homogeneous clinopyroxene solid solution are estimated to be ∼1500°C and 37 kb, whereas the re-equilibration conditions are closer to 900°C and 35 kb. The megacrysts may have belonged to the Karroo age magnetism which predated kimberlite activity and have been brought to the surface as accidental xenocrysts by the Frank Smith kimberlite.