Zircon U-Pb dating, mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of the gabbro and gabbro-diorite bodies, Boein–Miandasht, western Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Boein–Miandasht Complex (BMC) is a part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic basement and is cut by gabbroic to granitoid bodies. These intrusive bodies comprise gabbro, gabbro–diorite associated with fine-grained, in part porphyritic leucocratic granitoids. Zircon U–Pb dating of representative gabbro–diorite samples yielded ages of 166.4 ± 1.8 Ma and 163.5 ± 6.3 Ma (Callovian, the latest stage of the Middle Jurassic). Mineral chemistry of the gabbro–diorites shows a homogeneous composition of the main minerals, main augite to diopside clinopyroxene and plagioclase (~An17–59). Moreover, low AlZ/TiO2 ratios of the clinopyroxene grains suggest that the rocks were generated in a within-plate tectonic regime. The SiO2 contents of the gabbro-diorite rocks are between 46.36 and 55.61 wt. %, Al2O3 ranges from 7.57 to 17.98 wt. %. The TiO2 contents vary from 1.18 to 3.65 wt. %, Fe2O3 from 7.41 to 12.95 wt. %, the MgO ranges between 3.49 and 15.75 wt. %, Na2O from 0.65 to 5.08 wt. % and K2O from 0.48 to 1.08 wt. %. These rocks mostly plot in the alkali-gabbro field. Compared to chondrite are characterized by enrichment of LREEs over HREE, enrichment of LIL elements (e.g. Rb, Sr and Ba) and obvious positive anomalies of Nb and Ti. Based on the chemical composition, and mineral composition, this complex was generated in an extensional tectonic regime by partial melting of the hot asthenospheric mantle which is not more consistent with previous models which have suggested for SaSZ evolution in before.