Alkali-feldspar Syenite Research Articles

Correlation between the mantle and heterochronous crustal materials in the composition of Transbaikalia A-type granitoides: petrological and geodynamical implications

Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic alkaline A-type granitoids (anhydrous, alkaline, moderately aluminous, ferruginous) are widely distributed in the structures of the Central Asian Fold Belt. In Northern Mongolia and Transbaikalia, there are hundreds of massifs that formed from the end of the Permian to the Middle Jurassic inclusive. These massifs are composed of alkaline granites, alkaline and alkali-feldspar syenites, and located within crustal blocks (terranes) of different ages and origins. New geochemical data obtained for the Kruchininsky, Sherbakhtinsky, Shabartay and Khamney massifs, as well as earlier published materials (Bryansk and Kharitonovo plutons), demonstrate that despite the general petrogeochemical similarity of the main rock types composing these plutons, their isotopic composition (Nd) differs significantly. Our studies suggest that the isotopic composition of Transbaikalia A-type granitoids is caused, on the one hand, by the crust permeability for mantle magmas and, on the other hand, by the material heterogeneity of the crustal magma sources themselves, varying from the Early Precambrian crystalline blocks to ‘young’ island-arc terranes.

Early Devonian ultrapotassic magmatism in the North China Craton: geochemical and isotopic evidence for subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatism by subducted sediment-derived fluids

AbstractWe report new U–Pb zircon age data, zircon in situ oxygen isotope, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions from the Early Devonian ultrapotassic Gucheng pluton in the North China Craton, and discuss its petrogenesis. The Gucheng pluton is exposed in the northern part of the North China Craton and forms a composite intrusion, consisting of K-feldspar-bearing clinopyroxenite, clinopyroxene-bearing syenite and alkali-feldspar syenite. Mineral phases in these lithologies include clinopyroxene (Wo43–48En19–35Fs18–38), sanidine (An0Ab3–11Or89–97), and subordinate titanite, andradite and Na-feldspar. These rocks show homogeneous Sr but variable Nd isotopic compositions, and have relatively high zircon in situ oxygen isotopes (δ18O = 5.2–6.7). The Gucheng plutonic rocks formed through fractional crystallization and accumulation from ultrapotassic magmas, which were originated from partial melting of metasomatic vein systems in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the North China Craton. These vein networks developed as a result of the reactions of fluids derived from subducted pelitic sediments on the downgoing Palaeo-Asian ocean floor with the enriched, subcontinental lithospheric mantle peridotites. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb zircon dating has revealed a crystallization age of 415 Ma for the timing of the emplacement of the Gucheng pluton that marks the early stages of alkaline magmatism associated with the Andean-type continental margin evolution along the northern edge of the North China Craton facing the Palaeo-Asian Ocean.

Оценка комагматичности габброидов и сиенитов Арсентьевского массива (Западное Забайкалье)

Object . The results of geochronological and isotope-geochemical studies of the Arsentyevsky titaniferous gabbro-syenite massif of the Western Transbaikalia, which previously referred to the gabbro-syenite series of a two-phase structure are presented. The rocks of the massif contain an increased concentration of titanomagnetite, ilmenite, magnetite and in some cases apatite and are considered as complex iron-titanium ores. Methods. The studies were performed by silicate analysis me­thods, XRF and ICP-MS; age determination for zircons was carried out by LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP-II methods. The composition of minerals on the X-ray microarray analyzer MAP-3 and electron microscope LEO-1430 was studied. Results. In the basites, a standard trend is observed for the evolution of compositions from melanocratic to terminal leucocratic differen­ces with an increase in the content of silica, alumina, and sodium, and a decrease in magnesium and calcium. Syenites differ from anorthosites in the content of impurity elements including rubidium, niobium, strontium and REE The geochronological studies of rocks of Arsent’evsky gabbro-syenite massif, showed a significant time gap in the formation of gabbroids rela­tive to syenites. The U-Pb age of the gabbroids was 279.5 ± 2.0 Ma, alkali feldspar syenites have age 229.4 ± 2.8 Ma, and biotite syenites - 226 ± 2.4 Ma. Conclusion. The obtained results by age and data on the geochemical features of the rocks made it possible to conclude that there was no genetic relationship between basites and syenites. Petrochemical and geochemical features of biotite and alkali-feldspar syenites proved to be close to the rocks of the Mesozoic Kunaleisky complex.

REE and Y Mineralogy of the Krudum Granite Body (Saxothuringian Zone)

The Krudum granite body comprises highly fractionated granitic rocks ranging from medium-F biotite granites to high-F, high-P2O5 Li-mica granites. This unique assemblage is an ideal site to continue recent efforts in petrology to characterize the role of zircon, monazite, and xenotime as hosts to rare earth elements (REEs). The granitic rocks of the Krudum body analyzed in this study were found to contain variable concentrations of monazite and zircon, while xenotime was only found in the high-F, high-P2O5 Li-mica granites and in the alkali-feldspar syenites of the Vysoký Kámen stock. Intermediate trends between cheralite and huttonite substitutions are characteristic for analyzed monazite grains from all magmatic suites. The highest concentration of cheralite was found in monazite from the alkali-feldspar syenites (up to 69.3 mol %). The proportion of YPO4 in analyzed xenotime grains ranges from 71 to 84 mol %. Xenotime grains are commonly enriched in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs; 9.3–19.5 wt % HREE2O3) and thorite-coffinite and cheralite exchange was observed. Some xenotime analyses return low totals, suggesting their hydration during post-magmatic alterations. Analyzed zircon from granite suites of the Krudum granite body contains moderate Hf concentrations (1.0–4.7 wt % HfO2; 0.010–0.047 apfu Hf). The highest concentrations of HfO2 were found in zircon from the high-F, high-P2O5 Li-mica granites (1.2–4.7 wt % HfO2). Analyzed zircon grains from the high-F, high-P2O5 Li-mica granites and alkali-feldspar syenites are enriched in P (up to 8.29 wt % P2O5; 0.24 apfu P), Al (0.02–2.0 wt % Al2O3; 0.00–0.08 apfu Al), Ca (up to 3.9 wt % CaO; 0.14 apfu Ca), Y (up to 5.5 wt % Y2O3; 0.10 apfu Y), and Sc (up to 1.17 wt % Sc2O3; 0.03 apfu Sc). Zircon grains from the high-F, high-P2O5 Li-mica granites were sometimes hydrated and fluorized. The concentrations of F in zircon from partly greisenised high-F, high-P2O5 Li-mica granites reached up to 1.2 wt % (0.26 apfu F).

Relationships between magmatism and deformation in northern Yorke Peninsula and southeastern Proterozoic Australia

ABSTRACTThe ca 1600–1580 Ma time interval is recognised as a significant period of magmatism, deformation and mineralisation throughout eastern Proterozoic Australia. Within the northern Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, this period was associated with the emplacement of multiple phases of the Tickera Granite, an intensely foliated quartz alkali-feldspar syenite, a leucotonalite and an alkali-feldspar granite. These granites belong to the broader Hiltaba Suite that was emplaced at shallow crustal levels throughout the Gawler Craton. Geochemical and isotopic analysis suggests these granite phases were derived from a heterogeneous source region. The syenite and alkali-feldspar granite were derived from similar source regions, likely the underlying ca 1850 Ma Donington Suite and/or the ca 1750 Ma Wallaroo Group metasediments with some contamination from an Archean basement. The leucotonalite is sourced from a similar but more mafic/lower crustal source. Phases of the Tickera Granite were emplaced synchronously with deformation that resulted in development of a prominent northeast-trending structural grain throughout the Yorke Peninsula region. This fabric is associated with composite events resulting from folding, shearing and faulting within the region. The intense deformation and intrusion of granites within this period resulted in mineralisation throughout the region, as seen in Wheal Hughes and Poona mines. The Yorke Peninsula shares a common geological history with the Curnamona Province, which was deformed during the ca 1600–1585 Ma Olarian Orogeny, and resulted in development of early isoclinal and recumbent folds overprinted by an upright fold generation, a dominant northeast-trending structural grain, mineralisation, and spatially and temporally related intrusions. This suggests correlation of parts of the Gawler Craton with the Curnamona Province, and that the Olarian Orogeny also affected the southeastern Gawler Craton.

Metasomatic alkali-feldspar syenites (episyenites) of the Proterozoic Suomenniemi rapakivi granite complex, southeastern Finland

Peralkaline to marginally metaluminous alkali-feldspar syenites and quartz alkali-feldspar syenites are hosted by subalkaline, ferroan rapakivi granites in the 1644Ma Suomenniemi complex of southeastern Finland. These alkali syenites form NW-oriented dikes and small (<10m in diameter) bodies that are distinguished from the surrounding granites by their color (violet-red), general lack of quartz, as well as pronounced interstitial character of mafic minerals. Microtextures of the syenites imply pervasive alkali metasomatism and growth of secondary sodic and oxidized ferromagnesian minerals. Both subsolvus (~Ab99 and Or90–100Ab0–10) and hypersolvus (Or40–60Ab40–60) feldspar assemblages are present and display red luminescence characteristic of alkali feldspar recrystallized in the presence of an oxidizing fluid. In the marginally metaluminous syenites, primary magmatic hastingsite has been metasomatized to ferro-actinolite or decomposed to ferro-ferri-hornblende and magnetite. In some of the peralkaline syenites, primary hastingsite was replaced by magnetite and feldspars and has been overgrown by aegirine-augite and riebeckite. Sodic clinopyroxene (sodic augite–aegirine) is the most common and, in many cases, the only ferromagnesian silicate in these syenites. Three peralkaline alkali-feldspar syenites analyzed for zircon U-Pb and O isotopic compositions by single-grain SIMS have zircon 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1645±5, 1642±4 and 1644±4Ma, and zircon δ18OVSMOW values of 8.04±0.18, 8.19±0.17 and 8.26±0.17‰. Whole-rock Nd isotope data imply an overall εNd(1644Ma) value of ca. −1.5 for the syenites. These ages and isotopic fingerprints are, within error, identical to those of the subalkaline granites of the complex. We propose that the Suomenniemi alkali-feldspar syenites are episyenites, formed as the result of pervasive local metasomatism of the subalkaline granites caused by high-temperature oxidizing peralkaline fluids. The process led to major geochemical changes, e.g., addition of Na, Al and Fe3+, depletion of Si and Fe2+, and partial to complete recrystallization of the granites along fluid pathways.

Petrochemistry of Granitoids in Sibolga and its Surrounding Areas, North Sumatra, Indonesia

AbstractPetrochemical studies were conducted on granitoids in Sibolga and surrounding areas in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The granitoids presented the characteristics of A‐ and I‐type ilmenite series. The syenogranites from Sarudik, the syenogranite, quartz syenite, and quartz alkali feldspar syenite from Sibuluhan Sihaporas, and the monzogranites from Sibolga Julu are A‐type granitoids that have high SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, Na2O + K2O, and Rb content, a high FeO/MgO ratio, and low Ba, Sr, and Zr content. The alkali feldspar syenite from Sarudik, the quartz alkali feldspar syenite from Tukka, and the quartz syenite from Adian Koting show I‐type characteristics. I‐type granitoids have lower SiO2, Na2O + K2O, Rb, Yb, and total REE (ΣREE) content and low FeO/MgO ratio. However, quartz syenite from the Sibolga Julu, which exhibits I‐type characteristics, has high ΣREE content but a low FeO/MgO ratio.The granitoids consisted mainly of K‐feldspar megacrysts, quartz, plagioclase, and biotite with hornblende in some cases. Accessory minerals were zircon, apatite, allanite, and titanite. Cordierite and corundum occurred as xenocrysts and inclusions in K‐feldspar in syenogranite (Sarudik) and quartz syenite (Adian Koting). SiO2 and ΣREE content and the Rb/Sr ratio are positively correlated to each other.The REE are enriched in quartz alkali feldspar syenites from Sibolga Julu and Sarudik, quartz syenite from Tarutung, and quartz alkali feldspar syenite, syenogranite, and quartz syenite from Sibuluhan Sihaporas. These highly‐differentiated granitoids were formed within the plate settings. In contrast, the ΣREE content of hornblende‐bearing granitoids that were formed in volcanic arc settings is low. The coexistence of cordierite and corundum with biotite and hornblende indicates that the metaluminous magma was contaminated by metasedimentary basement rocks.

Mianningite, ([], Pb, Ce, Na) (U4+, Mn, U6+) Fe3+ 2(Ti, Fe3+)18 O38, a new member of the crichtonite group from Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, southwest Sichuan, China

Mianningite (IMA 2014-072), ideally (□,Pb,Ce,Na)(U4+,Mn,U6+)Fe3+2(Ti,Fe3+)18O38, is a new member of the crichtonite group from the Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, Sichuan province, China. It was found in fractures of lamprophyre veins and in the contact between lamprophyre and a later quartz–alkali feldspar syenite dyke with REE mineralization, and is named after its type locality. Associated minerals are microcline, albite, quartz, iron-rich phlogopite, augite, muscovite, calcite, baryte, fluorite, epidote, pyrite, magnetite, hematite, galena, hydroxylapatite, titanite, ilmenite, rutile, garnet-group minerals, zircon, allanite-(Ce), monazite-(Ce), bastnasite-(Ce), parisite-(Ce), maoniupingite-(Ce), thorite, pyrochlore-group minerals and chlorite. Mianningite occurs as opaque subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals, up to 1–2 mm in size, black in color and streak, and with a submetallic luster. Mianningite is brittle, with a conchoidal fracture. Its average micro-indentation hardness is 83.8 kg/mm2 (load 0.2 kg), which is equivalent to ~6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its measured and calculated densities are 4.62 (8) g/cm3 and 4.77 g/cm3, respectively. Under reflected light, mianningite is grayish white, with no internal reflections. It appears isotropic and exhibits neither bireflectance nor pleochroism. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 38 O atoms per formula unit ( apfu ), is [□0.322(Pb0.215Ba0.037Sr0.036Ca0.010)Σ0.298(Ce0.128La0.077Nd0.012)Σ0.217 (Na0.127K0.036)Σ0.163]Σ1.000(U4+0.447Mn0.293U6+0.112Y0.091Zr0.023Th0.011)Σ0.977(Fe3+1.224Fe2+0.243Mg0.023P0.008Si0.006 □0.496)Σ2.000(Ti12.464Fe3+5.292V5+0.118Nb0.083Al0.026Cr3+0.017)Σ18.000O38. Mianningite is trigonal, belongs to the space group ![Formula][1] , and has unit-cell parameters a = 10.3462(5) A, c = 20.837(2) A, V = 1931.65 (20) A3, and Z = 3. The structure was solved ( R 1 = 0.070) using reflections with I > 2σ( I ) on a heated crystal; it is isostructural with the other members of the crichtonite group. Mianningite can be considered as the analogue of mapiquiroite with the M0 site preferentially vacant. Its eight strongest X-ray powder-diffraction lines [ d in A( I / I )( hkl )] are 2.627(100) (125), 2.144 (100) (135), 3.065(75) (025), 2.254 (70) (028), 1.545(60) (336), 2.883(55) (116), 2.476 (55) (027), and 1.705 (55) (146). [1]: /embed/mml-math-1.gif

Age and origin of the Cannon Point syenite, Essex County, New York: southernmost expression of Monteregian Hills magmatism?

Two syenite sills intrude the local Paleozoic strata of eastern New York State and are exposed along the western shore of Lake Champlain. The sills are fine-grained, alkali feldspar syenites and quartz syenites, with phenocrysts of sanidine and albite. The two sills are compositionally distinct, with crossing rare earth element profiles and different incompatible element ratios, which eliminates the possibility of a simple petrogenetic relationship. Zircon extracted from the upper sill yields a U–Pb age of 131.1 ± 1.7 Ma, making the sills the youngest known igneous rocks in New York State. This age is similar to that of the earliest intrusions in the Monteregian Hills of Quebec, &gt;100 km to the north. Sr and Nd radiogenic isotope ratios are also similar to those observed in some of the syenitic rocks of the eastern Monteregian Hills. The Cannon Point syenites have compositions typical of A-type, within-plate granitoids. They exhibit unusually high Ta and Nb concentrations, resulting in distinct trace element signatures that are similar to those of the silicic rocks of the Valles Caldera, a large, rift-related magmatic system. We suggest that the Cannon Point syenites were melts derived primarily by anatexis of old, primitive, lower crustal material in response to Mesozoic rifting and to the intrusion of mantle-derived magmas. The sills indicate that the effects of continental rifting were spatially and temporally extensive, resulting in the reactivation of basement faults in the Lake Champlain Valley hundreds of kilometers west of the active rift boundary, and crustal melting &gt;50 Ma after the initiation of rifting.

Petrogenesis of cogenetic silica-oversaturated and -undersaturated syenites of Abu Khruq ring complex, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The upper Cretaceous Abu Khruq ring complex (ARC) is located in the South Eastern Desert of Egypt displays concentric zonation of syenitic rocks from quartz-rich syenite at the margin, through alkali feldspar syenite to nepheline syenite in the centre. The syenitic rocks occur with nepheline monzogabbro, volcanic rocks (phonolite and trachyte) and the quartz- and nepheline-bearing pegmatites. Rocks of contrasting composition (mafic and salic) exhibit sophisticate geometric relationships. The nepheline monzogabbroic rocks have pillowy xenoliths forms within the salic (nepheline syenite and quartz alkali feldspar syenite) rocks, suggesting synchronous emplacement of the mafic and salic magmas. Clinopyroxene analysis of mafic and salic plutonic rocks of the ARC revealed that the overall pyroxene trend suggesting that fractionation involved a late, progressive increase in Na, in a reaction of the type Ca Mg Fe2+↔Na Fe3+. The chemistry of the analysed amphiboles are compositionally similar to those from typical differentiated peralkaline suites. Geochemically, the complex is enriched in the LILE, HFSE and REE. The concentrations of the compatible elements (V, Sr and Ba) generally decrease with increasing silica, consistent with fractional crystallization. A generalised increase in the Nb/Ta from the nepheline monzogabbro to nepheline syenite compositions is attributed to titanite fractionation. All the rock samples show relative increment of the LREE content than the HREE indicating weak to steep fractionated REE patterns (La/Yb) from 9.43 to 10.86, and thus retaining the geochemical characteristics of anorogenic suites. The magma sources of ARC are not derived from normal primitive mantle. The early stages of differentiation involved extensive olivine and pyroxene fractionation, the fractionation of amphibole, titanite, magnetite, apatite and feldspar may have been involved in the genesis of the salic differentiated compositions. The deviation towards silica-oversaturated members attributed to crustal assimilation and associated with fractional crystallization of the basic magma at a relatively early stage during the development of the complex. The whole complex is deduced to have originated from alkali basaltic to basanitic magma of OIB-like character. The general increasing of the amphibole and biotite among the different rocks of the complex reflects the hydrous nature of ARC magmas.

Late Ediacaran post-collisional A-type syenites with shoshonitic affinities, northern Arabian-Nubian Shield: a possible mantle-derived A-type magma

The Abu Rumeil syenitic rocks represent the inner ring dyke of the Katherina Ring complex, southern Sinai, Egypt. They are divided petrologically into two types, alkali feldspar syenite and quartz syenite. The mineralogy and geochemistry of the syenites indicate an alkaline nature with a shoshonitic affinity. Although rare mafic xenocrysts overgrown by primary K-feldspars and overlapping rare earth element (REE) patterns indicate some role for crustal contamination, the trace element chemistry shows a dominant mantle contribution. The geochronology and field relations imply that the Abu Rumeil syenites were emplaced in a post-collisional, within-plate tectonic setting, yet they express the enrichments in large-ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements generally characteristic of subduction influence. We suggest that this signature is inherited from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source previously affected by subduction during assembly of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Little evidence of the early evolution of the suite is preserved; there are no associated mafic rocks. We therefore restrict our attention to a petrogenetic model that can explain the relations among the observed felsic composition. The REE patterns of all samples are enriched in light REE and fractionated, but it is notable that there are small positive Eu anomalies in the alkali-feldspar syenites contrasting with small negative Eu anomalies in the quartz syenites. Positive Eu anomalies suggest a cumulate nature for the alkali-feldspar syenites; there are also breaks in the slopes of most variation trends between the alkali-feldspar syenites and the quartz syenites. The general trends in all major oxides and trace elements within the suite can be modeled by fractional crystallization of feldspars—with smaller roles for pyroxene, biotite, apatite, and Fe-Ti oxides—from an intermediate liquid to form the quartz syenites and by assimilation of the near-liquidus phases into the same starting liquid to form the alkali feldspar syenites. The geothermobarometry of pyroxenes and amphiboles suggests shallow emplacement (<10 km depth) and crystallization temperatures ranging from 1100 °C down to 800 °C.

Origin of Baotoudong syenites in North China Craton: Petrological, mineralogical and geochemical evidence

Baotoudong syenite pluton is located to the east of Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, the westernmost part of the Triassic alkaline magmatic belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). Zircon U-Pb age, petrological, mineralogical and geochemical data of the pluton were obtained in this paper, to constrain its origin and mantle source characteristics. The pluton is composed of nepheline-clinopyroxene syenite and alkali-feldspar syenite, with zircon U-Pb age of 214.7±1.1 Ma. Diopside (cores)-aegirine-augite (rims), biotite, orthoclase and nepheline are the major minerals. The Baotoudong syenites have high contents of rare earth elements (REE), and are characterized by enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Rb, Ba, Sr), depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and high field strength elements (HFSE). They show enriched Sr-Nd isotopic compositions with initial 87Sr/86Sr ranging from 0.7061 to 0.7067 and e Nd( t ) values from –9.0 to –11.2. Mineralogy, petrology and geochemical studies show that the parental magma of the syenites is SiO2-undersaturated potassic-ultrapotassic, and is characterized by high contents of CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O and fluid compositions (H2O), and by high temperature and high oxygen fugacity. The syenites were originated from a phlogopite-rich, enriched lithospheric mantle source in garnet-stable area (>80 km). The occurrence of the Baotoudong syenites, together with many other ultrapotassic, alkaline complexes of similar ages on the northern margin of the NCC in Late Triassic implies that the lithospheric mantle beneath the northern margin of the NCC was previously metasomatized by melts/fluids from the subducted, altered paleo-Mongolian oceanic crust, and the northern margin of the craton has entered into an extensively extensional regime as a destructive continental margin in Late Triassic.

The genesis of Zr–Nb–REE mineralisation at Khalzan Buregte (Western Mongolia) reconsidered

The sources and formation conditions of unconventional Zr–Nb–REE mineralisation (REE=rare earth elements) presently found in increasing number worldwide are still poorly constrained. One particular problem is the specific role of magmatic and hydrothermal processes active in various geological settings. Investigation of Zr–Nb–REE mineralisation at Khalzan Buregte and Tsakhir, Western Mongolia, enables to evaluate magmatic processes preceding economic mineralisation and, in a second step, to compare similar ore-forming processes developing in host rocks of contrasting rock composition (low- vs. high-silica rocks). The genesis of the Zr–Nb–REE mineralisation is re-assessed using field observations, whole rock analysis (chemical composition, quantitative modal analysis by X-ray diffraction) and by the application of various transmitted light and electron microscopic techniques. Coarse-grained intrusive bodies, dikes and volcanic rocks of alkaline, silica-saturated composition were found to be contemporarily emplaced at subvolcanic to volcanic levels forming four alkaline massifs within the Khalzan Buregte area. The whole rock composition of weakly altered magmatic rocks ranges from syenite to quartz monzonite and alkaline granite (alkali feldspar syenite to alkali feldspar granite according to their modal composition). Magmatic and at least two subsequent hydrothermal processes contributed significantly to the formation of economic concentrations of high field strength elements (HFSE) such as Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, REE and Y in the Khalzan Buregte deposit and in the nearby Tsakhir prospect. Mixing of magma from at least three sources and the formation of potassium feldspar cumulates resulted in local enrichment of Zr, Nb and light rare earth elements (LREE) in the rocks up to sub-economic levels. There was no significant increase in Y and heavy rare earth elements (HREE) during magmatism.Multistage metasomatic alteration resulted in a pronounced chemical and mineralogical heterogeneity of associated alteration assemblages. The main hosts of Zr and Hf in the ores are zircon and other zirconium silicates (gittinsite, catapleiite-(Ca) and elpidite). The rare metals Nb and Ta are mainly contained in various types of pyrochlore (Khalzan Buregte) and, to a lesser extent, in fergusonite and other minerals (Tsakhir). A large variety of REE- and Y-bearing minerals have been identified, including oxides, fluorocarbonates and silicates. Early hydrothermal alteration by silica- and carbonate-rich fluids yielded extreme concentrations of Zr, Nb and LREE. Later alteration resulted in enrichment of Y and HREE. In the latter case, fluids were very rich in fluorine. Our preliminary genetic model assumes a carbonatite-related fluid system responsible for the early alteration that occurred late during or postdating the intrusion/extrusion of the silica-saturated magmas. A “Li-F granite-type” fluid system was active during the late alteration. The interplay of all these processes resulted in the formation of a complex, economic Zr–Nb–REE mineralisation at Khalzan Buregte.

The Geochemical and Zircon Trace Elements Characteristics of A‐type Granitoids in Boziguoer, Baicheng County, Xinjiang

AbstractThe Boziguoer A‐type granitoids in Baicheng County, Xinjiang, belong to the northern margin of the Tarim platform as well as the neighboring EW‐oriented alkaline intrusive rocks. The rocks comprise an aegirine or arfvedsonite quartz alkali feldspar syenite, an aegirine or arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite, and a biotite alkali feldspar syenite. The major rock‐forming minerals are albite, K‐feldspar, quartz, arfvedsonite, aegirine, and siderophyllite. The accessory minerals are mainly zircon, pyrochlore, thorite, fluorite, monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime, and astrophyllite. The chemical composition of the alkaline granitoids show that SiO2 varies from 64.55% to 72.29% with a mean value of 67.32%, Na2O+K2O is high (9.85%–11.87%) with a mean of 11.14%, K2O is 2.39%–5.47% (mean = 4.73%), the K2O/Na2O ratios are 0.31–0.96, Al2O3 ranges from 12.58% to 15.44%, and total FeOT is between 2.35% and 5.65%. CaO, MgO, MnO, and TiO2 are low. The REE content is high and the total SREE is (263–1219) ppm (mean = 776 ppm), showing LREE enrichment and HREE depletion with strong negative Eu anomalies. In addition, the chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the alkaline granitoids belong to the “seagull” pattern of the right‐type. The Zr content is (113–1246) ppm (mean = 594 ppm), Zr+Nb+Ce+Y is between (478–2203) ppm with a mean of 1362 ppm. Furthermore, the alkaline granitoids have high HFSE (Ga, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) content and low LILE (Ba, K, and Sr) content. The Nb/Ta ratio varies from 7.23 to 32.59 (mean = 16.59) and the Zr/Hf ratio is 16.69–58.04 (mean = 36.80). The zircons are depleted in LREE and enriched in HREE. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the zircons are of the “seagull” pattern of the left‐inclined type with strong negative Eu anomaly and without a Ce anomaly. The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids share similar features with A1‐type granites. The average temperature of the granitic magma was estimated at 832–839°C. The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids show crust–mantle mixing and may have formed in an anorogenic intraplate tectonic setting under high‐temperature, anhydrous, and low oxygen fugacity conditions.

Alkali feldspar syenites with shoshonitic affinities from Chhotaudepur area: Implication for mantle metasomatism in the Deccan large igneous province

Two petrologically distinct alkali feldspar syenite bodies (AFS-1 and AFS-2) from Chhotaudepur area, Deccan Large Igneous Province are reported in the present work. AFS-1 is characterized by hypidiomorphic texture and consists of feldspar (Or55Ab43 to Or25Ab71), ferro-pargasite/ferro-pargasite hornblende, hastingsite, pyroxene (Wo47, En5, Fs46), magnetite and biotite. AFS-2 exhibits panidiomorphic texture with euhedral pyroxene (Wo47-50, En22-39, Fs12–31) set in a groundmass matrix of alkali feldspar (Or99Ab0.77 to Or1.33Ab98), titanite and magnetite. In comparison to AFS-1, higher elemental concentrations of Ba, Sr and ∑REE are observed in AFS-2. The average peralkaline index of the alkali feldspar syenites is ∼1 indicating their alkaline nature. Variation discrimination diagrams involving major and trace elements and their ratios demonstrate that these alkali feldspar syenites have a shoshonite affinity but emplaced in a within-plate and rifting environment. No evidence of crustal contamination is perceptible in the multi-element primitive mantle normalized diagram as well as in terms of trace elemental ratios. The enrichment of incompatible elements in the alkali feldspar syenites suggests the involvement of mantle metasomatism in their genesis.

Field relationships, petrology, age, and tectonic setting of the Late Cambrian–Ordovician West Barneys River Plutonic Suite, southern Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada

The West Barneys River Plutonic Suite consists of gabbro, syenite-monzonite, alkali-feldspar syenite to quartz alkali-feldspar syenite, and alkali-feldspar granite outcropping in an area of ∼100 km2 in the southern Antigonish Highlands. Magma mixing and mingling textures indicate a comagmatic relationship between some of the mafic and intermediate–felsic lithologies. However, nine U–Pb (zircon) ages, three by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and six by laser-ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS), from the West Barneys River suite and the lithologically similar Cape Porcupine Complex located 60 km to the east range from ca. 495 to 460 Ma, indicating that emplacement occurred over a significant span of time. Intermediate to felsic rocks consist mainly of perthitic K-feldspar and variable amounts of quartz; interstitial granophyre is present in some samples, consistent with shallow emplacement. Mafic phases are Fe-rich amphibole and clinopyroxene, and in some units, fayalite. Intermediate and felsic samples have chemical characteristics of within-plate ferroan A-type granitoid rocks. Gabbroic rocks consist of plagioclase (oligoclase–labradorite) and augite/diopside with less abundant orthopyroxene, olivine, biotite, and ilmenite/magnetite. Their chemical compositions are transitional from tholeiitic to alkalic and characteristic of continental within-plate mafic rocks. The εNd values are similar in gabbroic, syenitic, and granitic samples, ranging between 0.9 and 4.9, consistent with a co-genetic origin for the mafic and intermediate/felsic components of the suite, and derivation from Avalonian subcontinental lithospheric mantle in an extensional environment.

중국 신장 위그루자치구 바이청현 보즈구얼의 A형화강암류의 지화학 및 지르콘 미량원소특징에 대한 연구

The Boziguoer A-type granitoids in Baicheng County, Xinjiang, belong to the northern margin of the Tarim platform as well as the neighboring EW-oriented alkaline intrusive rocks. The rocks comprise an aegirine or arfvedsonite quartz alkali feldspar syenite, an aegirine or arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite, and a biotite alkali feldspar syenite. The major rock-forming minerals are albite, K-feldspar, quartz, arfvedsonite, aegirine, and siderophyllite. The accessory minerals are mainly zircon, pyrochlore, thorite, fluorite, monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime, and astrophyllite. The chemical composition of the alkaline granitoids show that varies from 64.55% to 72.29% with a mean value of 67.32%, is high (9.85~11.87%) with a mean of 11.14%, is 2.39%~5.47% (mean

DOKLAD AKTIVITY NÍZKOTEPLOTNÍCH Ca-Na-Cl SOLANEK VE FELDSPATITIZOVANÝCH GRANITECH ŽIVCOVÉHO LOŽISKA KRÁSNO (MASIV KRUDUM)

The quartz-fluorite NNW–SSE trending vein mineralization hosted by alkali-feldspar syenites and leucocratic topaz-albite granites of the Vysoký Kámen stock (Krudum granite body) formed from low-salinity (0–5 wt. % NaCl eq.) and low-temperature (Th =90–132 °C) aqueous fluids. Both quartz and fluorite host secondary fluid inclusions which contain high-salinity (16–26 wt. % NaCl eq.) low-temperature (Th = 89–138 °C) Ca-Na-Cl brines. Two compositional subtypes of brines can be identified (Na-rich hosted by FI in fluorite and Ca-rich hosted by FI in quartz). The microthermometric parameters of brine-bearing fluid inclusions are fully comparable to the high-salinity fluids that participated during formation of many types of vein mineralizations during the post-Variscan period in the Bohemian Massif. The brines probably migrated along the adjacent NNW–SSE trending Vysoký Kámen fault.

Electrical conductivity of alkali feldspar solid solutions at high temperatures and high pressures

The electrical conductivities of alkali feldspar solid solutions ranging in chemical composition from albite (NaAlSi3O8) to K-feldspar (KAlSi3O8) were measured at 1.0 GPa and temperatures of 873–1,173 K in a multi-anvil apparatus. The complex impedance was determined by the AC impedance spectroscopy technique in the frequency range of 0.1–106 Hz. Our experimental results revealed that the electrical conductivities of alkali feldspar solid solutions increase with increasing temperature, and the linear relationship between electrical conductivity and temperature fits the Arrhenius formula. The electrical conductivities of solid solutions increase with the increasing Na content at constant temperature. At 1.0 GPa, the activation enthalpy of solid solution series shows strong dependency on the composition, and there is an abrupt increase from the composition of Or40Ab60 to Or60Ab40, where it reaches a value of 0.96 eV. According to these results in this study, it is proposed that the dominant conduction mechanism in alkali feldspar solid solutions under high temperature and high pressure is ionic conduction. Furthermore, since the activation enthalpy is less than 1.0 eV for the alkali feldspar solid solutions, it is suggested to be a model where Na+ and K+ transport involves an interstitial mechanism for electrical conduction. The change of main charge carriers can be responsible for the abrupt increase in the activation energy for Or60Ab40. All electrical conductivity data were fitted by a general formula in order to show the dependence of activation enthalpy and pre-exponential factor on chemical composition. Combining our experimental results with the effective medium theory, we theoretically calculated the electrical conductivity of alkali feldspar granite, alkali feldspar quartz syenite, and alkali feldspar syenite with different mineral content and variable chemical composition of alkali feldspar at high temperatures at 1.0 GPa, and the calculated results are almost in agreement with previous experimental studies on silicate rocks.

The Late Paleozoic fold-thrust structure of the Tunka bald mountains, East Sayan ( southern framing of the Siberian Platform)

According to the new geological, geochronological, and structural data, the Tunka bald mountains (East Sayan) have a nappe structure, which formed in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian. The deformations have been dated by the 40Ar– 39Ar method on the basis of syntectonic micas and amphiboles, whose structural and spatial positions have been determined in oriented thin sections. The geometrical analysis of macro- and microstructures has revealed three development stages of the structures, which followed one another in progressive deformation. The first (thrust-fault) stage (316–310 Ma) comprised a group of N-verging thrust sheets. In the second (fold deformation) stage (305–303 Ma), they were folded. The third (strike-slip fault) stage (286 Ma) comprised high-angle shears, along which V-shaped blocks were squeezed westward from the most compressed areas. All the structures developed under near-N–S-trending compression. The thrusting in the Tunka bald mountains was coeval with the major shear structures in the eastern Central Asian Fold Belt (Main Sayan Fault, Kurai, Northeastern, and Irtysh crumpled zones, etc.). Also, it was simultaneous with the formation of continental-margin calc-alkalic and shoshonite series (305–278 Ma) as well as that of the alkali and alkali-feldspar syenites and granites (281–278 Ma) of the Tarim mantle plume in the Angara–Vitim pluton, located near and east of the studied region. Thus, the simultaneous development of the Late Paleozoic structures, active-margin structures, and plume magmatism in southern Siberia might have resulted from the global geodynamic events caused by the interaction between the tectonic plates which formed the Central Asian Fold Belt.