The mineralogy of the Kokchetav ‘lamproite’: implications for the magma evolution

Abstract

Kokchetav ‘lamproite’ occurs in the east end of Kokchetav massif and consists of phenocryst (mainly clinopyroxene) and matrix (mainly feldspar). The compositions of clinopyroxene, magnetite and biotite phenocryst were determined using wavelength dispersive spectrometry on a JEOL Super-probe 8900 electron microprobe for the purpose of revealing the process of magma evolution. Analyses revealed a core–rim variation, which is consistent with three stages of magmatic evolution: Mg-rich clinopyroxene cores (diopside) and biotite cores (phlogopite) crystallized in a deep magma chamber (stage I); Fe-rich clinopyroxene rim (salite) and biotite rim crystallized at low pressure in a shallow magma chamber (stage II); Magnetite phenocryst core also crystallized in a shallow magma chamber, and co-exists with Fe-rich clinopyroxene rim and biotite rim. The magnetite rims probably formed during magma eruption at the same time when groundmass crystallized (stage III). The calculated temperatures for ilmenite–magnetite pair range from 679 to 887°C, log fO 2 values range from −11.1 to −14.9 log units. These values represent the latest conditions of magma as ilmenite exsolution in magnetite probably occurred during magma eruption from the shallow chamber to surface.