Rare earth elements in Silurian pelitic schists from N.W. Maine

Abstract

Thirty-two samples of a series of metamorphosed Silurian (?) pelitic schists in the greenschist and amphibolite facies from N.W. Maine have been analyzed for their rare-earth element (REE) content. The REE contents of these samples do not change as a function of metamorphic grade. Two different metasedimentary formations have been sampled, and they differ significantly in their light REE content. The absolute and relative distribution of the REE in the Bangeley Formation are quite similar to the composites of N. American, European and Russian shales that have been determined thus far (e.g. median La/Lu ratio of the Bangeley Formation normalized to chondrites = 8.7 ± 3.0). Samples from the Perry Mt. Formation show large depletions in the light REE compared to the Bangeley Formation and previously analyzed shale and metamorphosed shale samples, but heavy REE concentrations that are quite similar to the other samples (e.g. median La/Lu ratio of the Perry Mt. normalized to chondrites = 1.2 ± 0.6). These differences in light REE content between the Perry Mt. Formation and other sedimentary rocks are probably due to differences in the original clay mineral compositions as modified by weathering and/or depositional environments.