Abstract
The late Variscan (327–318 Ma) Western Krusne hory/Erzgebirge pluton (Czech Republic and Germany) represents a multiply emplaced intrusive sequence ranging from low-F biotite monzogranites (with rare minor bodies of gabbrodiorites and granodiorites) to high-F topaz-zinnwaldite alkali-feldspar granites. This granite suite is characterized by progressively increasing concentrations of incompatible elements (Li, Rb, F), monotonous decrease in mafic components and compatible elements (FeOtot, MgO, TiO2, CaO, Sr) with increasing silica. Consequently, this leads to extreme variations in the Rb/Sr ratios (0.52 to 59), which impose highly variable 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr signatures. The low-F biotite monzogranites represent isotopically heterogeneous mixture with (87Sr/86Sr)323 = 0.707–0.709 between partial melts from the Saxothuringian metasediments and mantle-derived mafic precursors. The medium-F two-mica microgranites show variable (87Sr/86Sr)323 = 0.708–0.714, indicating involvement of multiple precursors and more mature crustal protoliths. The evolved high-F topaz-zinnwaldite alkali-feldspar granites were derived from a precursor with (87Sr/86Sr)320 = 0.707–0.708 at 324–317 Ma by differentiation, which produced the extreme Rb/Sr enrichment and variations. The Li/Rb ratios remain nearly constant (~0.5), thus insensitive to the degree of geochemical differentiation. In comparison to terrestrial variations, the high Li/Rb values indicate derivation of granitic magmas from predominantly sedimentary precursors, in accord with 7Li-6Li and 143Nd-144Nd isotope composition reported previously. The Rb-Sr element variations in each granite unit are sligthly different and indicate ascent and emplacement of separate magma batches, which do not form a single liquid line of descent. We consider the enrichment of granites in incompatible elements (Li, Rb, F) and compatible depletion of ferromagnesian components, CaO and Sr as a combined effect of multiple precursors, changes in the chemical composition of crustal sources, in the degree of fractional melting and fractional crystallization, and of possibly repeated postmagmatic hydrothermal events.
Published Version
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