Abstract

A study of the nature of trace element distribution within and between igneous plutonic rocks of like and unlike rock type, and of possible regional relationships was made in selected areas of Arizona. Two hundred and twenty-three rock samples were collected along three roughly linear traverses from seven major intrusive bodies, several smaller plutons and dikes, and from one dominantly migmatitic complex. The ferromagnesian phases (chiefly biotite) were separated from each sample and analysed spectrochemically for Pb, Sn, Ga, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mo, V and Ag, and by X-ray fluorescence for Ti, Fe, Mn, Ca, K, Cu and Zn. The analytical results, coupled with petrographic and field data, indicate: 1. (1) the minorelement content of the ferromagnesian phases within a given pluton is relatively uniform, and no systematic trends are apparent; 2. (2) a significant difference exists between plutons with respect to the minor-element content of the ferromagnesian phases; 3. (3) the differences in content of certain minor elements may be as great between plutons of like rock type as between different rock types in the range diorite to granite; 4. (4) variations in the content of other minor elements more sensitive to rock type (Zn, Ga, V, Pb) are superimposed on variations between plutons; 5. (5) the Fe Ti and Fe Mn ratios in the bulk rock appear to be unaffected by differences in rook type; 6. (6) virtually all the Cu and Zn in the bulk rock are accounted for in the ferromagnesian. oxide, and sulphide phases; 7. (7) areas of known copper mineralization are reflected in anomalously high copper contents of samples from the associated plutonic bodies.

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