Scapolite pegmatite from the Nordøyane ultra-high pressure domain, Western Gneiss Region, Norway: Partial melting driven by infiltration of mantle-derived fluid

Abstract

Scapolite, a volatile-bearing framework silicate, is found in pegmatites and leucosomes spatially associated with (ultra)-high pressure ((U)HP) eclogites in the Nordøyane domain of the Western Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway. The field relationships, petrology, and stable isotope geochemistry of scapolite-bearing rocks offer insights into the role of fluids in partial melting of WGR gneisses during the Scandian orogeny. Three types of scapolite pegmatite are distinguished based on mineralogy, texture, and scapolite chemistry. The most abundant Type 1 pegmatites are associated with dioritic to granodioritic migmatites, including local diatexite, developed in dioritic to granitoid orthogneisses. They are zoned from scapolite+quartz cores to hornblende+plagioclase rims, and concentrated in low-strain areas including boudin necks between disaggregated eclogite bodies. They are interpreted as late-stage differentiates of the (grano)dioritic migmatites, which also contain accessory scapolite in leucosomes. Type 2 and 3 pegmatites also contain coarse-grained scapolite but lack hornblende-rich selvages; Type 2 scapolites are texturally and chemically distinct from other varities. Type 1 and 3 pegmatites and host rock migmatites contain meionitic scapolite with high S- and C– contents, whereas Type 2 pegmatites contain marialitic scapolite with high Cl-contents. The pegmatites crystallised at amphibolite-facies conditions, ca. 750–800 °C and 1 GPa. Scapolites in Type 1, 2, and 3 pegmatites and host rock leucosomes share similar δ13C (−7.9 to −2.2‰) and δ34S (−1.1 to 5.7‰) compositions, interpreted to indicate a common source of volatile components. Comparison with literature data suggests a mantle source for the S and C in the scapolite-forming fluids. We propose that infiltration of mantle-derived fluids into the Baltican continental slab during subduction or the early stages of exhumation drove partial melting in subducted Baltican crust.