The 2 Ga peraluminous magmatism of the Jacobina — Contendas Mirante Belt (Bahia) Brazil): Major and trace-element geochemistry and metallogenic potential

Abstract

The Jacobina — Contendas Mirante belt represents a Transamazonian (2 Ga), N-S, 500-km long, elongated orogenic domain in the central part of the São Francisco craton, Bahia state. Numerous syntectonic to post-tectonic peraluminous leucogranites were emplaced along the major structures of the belt. Their mineralogical and geochemical and some of their metallogenetic characteristics are very similar to their Hercynian and Himalayan equivalents. However, their average peraluminous index varies from one granitic pluton to another and biotite is, on average, slightly more magnesian in the Transamazonian leucogranites. Higher oxygen fugacity is indicated by the general occurrence of magnetite, the stability of allanite and sometimes epidote in most of the plutons and by biotite chemistry. The peraluminous magmatism of the Jacobina-Contendas Mirante belt results from crustal partial melting during a continental collision event at 2 Ga. Trace-element geochemistry implies variable source composition and/or melting conditions for the different granitic plutons and some different facies within the same plutonic unit. The scarcity of ilmenite, the general occurrence of magnetite, and the relatively low peraluminous index of some of these granites suggest that graphite-beating sediments are not a significantly source material. From their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, acid meta-igneous rocks such as the Sete Voltas TTG suite of presumed Archaean age, seem to represent a suitable source for these granites. Sn, W, Li, F and Be enrichment of most Transamazonian leucogranites is much weaker than in the mineralized Variscan equivalents. The Caetano-Aliança and Riacho das Pedras granites represent the most specialized granitic bodies. Beryl (emerald), molybdenite and scheelite mineralizations are related to some of these granites which intrude ultrabasic formations: the Campo Formoso and the Carnaiba granites. In many of these granites, uranium content is comparable to values measured in mineralized Hercynian leucogranites. The occurrence of hexavalent uranium minerals, mineralization and episyenitic alteration are favourable criteria for finding Variscan-type uranium ore deposits.