Alkaline-carbonatitic Magmatism Research Articles

MINERALOGY AND ZIRCON AGE OF CARBONATITES OF THE SREDNYAYA ZIMA COMPLEX (EASTERN SAYAN)

The Srednyaya Zima alkaline-ultramafic carbonatite complex is located in the Eastern Sayan and is a part of the area of manifestation of Neoproterozoic rare-metal alkaline-carbonatite magmatism along the southern and southeastern margins of the Siberian craton. Mineralogical studies of calciocarbonatites of the Srednyaya Zima complex have shown the presence of primary magmatic mineral phases of calcite, biotite (annite-phlogopite), ilmenite, and fluorapatite. Pyrochlore, zircon, burbankite, magnetite, rutile, titanite, strontianite, and barite were identified of the accessory minerals. The chemical composition of the magmatic minerals of the Srednyaya Zima carbonatites is similar to the mineral composition of the closely aged carbonatite complexes Belaya Zima and Arbarastakh. The rare-element and structural analysis of zircon from carbonatites showed the presence of two zones – a magmatic core and areas of recrystallization. U-Pb dating of igneous zircon showed the age interval of its crystallization – 637±4 Ma, which coincides with the geochronology of the formation of alkali-ultramafic rare-metal complexes along the southern margin of the Siberian craton. The formation of Neoproterozoic alkaline-carbonatite complexes is associated with tectonic events of the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.

Genetic model of carbonatite hosted rare earth elements mineralization from Ambadongar Carbonatite Complex, Deccan Volcanic Province, India

Carbonatites and associated alkaline rocks are the primary sources for REE mineralization. The Ambadongar Carbonatite Complex (ADCC) from NW Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) constitutes the largest Carbonatite Associated REE Deposits (CARD) in India. ADCC belongs to the final stages of the Late Cretaceous alkaline-carbonatite magmatism associated with main Deccan basalt volcanic activity. The ADCC is an envisioned diatreme structure in which four carbonatitic phases are recognized, mainly calcio-carbonatites and ferro-carbonatites. Each successive carbonatite phase shows higher REE enrichment. The primary REE mineralization with bastnäsite as the dominant REE phase is hosted by pervasive hydrothermally altered ferro-carbonatite plugs. The secondary mineralogy formed with barites in the main orebody during late- to post-magmatic hydrothermal fluid alteration is fluorite, quartz, ankerite, and other REE-bearing minerals like bastnäsite, parisite, synchysite, strontianite, florencite, monazite and columbite.Carbonatite samples contain 18.61% to 52.42% of CaO, and the LOI varies from 5.28% to 38.79%. Most can be classified as calcio-carbonatites. Since all the samples also contain an appreciable amount of Fe2O3 (4.13% to 20.20%) and MnO (0.07% to 5.46%), some may be classified as ferro-carbonatites. Total REE content varies from 0.6 to 4%, with a high Ce concentration and LREE/HREE ratio. The highest values for La, Ce, Pr, and Nd are 1.95%, 1.56%, 0.16%, and 0.45%, respectively.Metasomatism of SCLM from asthenospheric melts followed by the low degree partial melting of the SCLM region is responsible for fertile carbonatite generation in ADCC. The multiphase liquid immiscibility of carbonatite melts from carbonate-silicate magma followed by immiscibility of REE rich carbonatite melt and REE deficient fluoride-rich aqueous fluids explain the higher level of REE enrichment in each successive phases of carbonatites in ADCC.The mineralizing fluids were probably the result of residual magmatic volatiles that brought mainly REE and later SiO2 into the overprinted rocks. Ambadongar carbonatites' stable isotopic compositions agree with a magmatic origin (δ13C = −4.1 ± 1.9‰ [PDB] and δl8O = 10.3 ± 1.7‰ [SMOW]). The C–O stable isotopic modeling indicates re-equilibration under hydrothermal conditions between 180 °C and 70 °C. Significant amounts of REE fluorocarbonate minerals, relatively Sr- and Th-rich, were deposited during re-equilibration. The REE fluorocarbonate bastnäsite-(Ce) occurs as late individual crystals, overgrown on the synchysite and parisite polycrystals. Textural and chemical reactions between the REE fluorocarbonates provide insights into rare-earth elements' mobility during fluid-rock interaction. Early crystallization of synchysite/parisite indicates the high activity of Ca2+, OH−, (SO4)2−, Al and Si in the fluid. Later, the fluid was characterized by increased activity of F−, (SO4)2−, REE and Si, and decreased activity of Ca2+ as reflected in the association of barite, fluorite, quartz, and bastnäsite typical of strongly overprinted ferro-carbonatites.Re-equilibration and recrystallization of the primary minerals in the presence of OH−, (SO4)2−, F−, REE, Al, and Si carried in solution by the hydrothermal fluid is the leading cause behind the refixing of REE in the form of REE fluorocarbonate in REE rich ferro-carbonatites.

Carbonatites from the southern Brazilian Platform: A review. II: Isotopic evidences

Abstract Early and Late Cretaceous alkaline and alkaline–carbonatitic complexes from southern Brazil are located along the main tectonic lineaments of the South America Platform. Calcium-, magnesium-, and ferrocarbonatites are well represented and frequently associated even in the same complex. Primary carbonates present significant variations in C–O isotopic compositions, which are mainly due to isotope exchange with H2O–CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids, whereas fractional crystallization or liquid immiscibility probably affects the δ18O and δ13C values by no more than 2δ‰. Our isotope exchange model implies that the most significant isotopic variations took place in a hydrothermal environment, e.g., in the range 400–80°C, involving fluids with the CO2/H2O ratio ranging from 0.8 to 1. Sr–Nd–Pb isotope systematics highlight heterogeneous mixtures between HIMU and EMI mantle components, similar to the associated alkaline rocks and the flood tholeiites from southern Brazil. In spite of the strong variation shown by C–O isotopes, Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotopic systematics could be related to an isotopically enriched source where the chemical heterogeneities reflect a depleted mantle “metasomatized” by small-volume melts and fluids rich in incompatible elements. These fluids are expected to have promoted crystallization of K-rich phases in the mantle, which produced a veined network variously enriched in LILE and LREE. The newly formed veins (enriched component) and peridotite matrix (depleted component) underwent a different isotopic evolution with time as reflected by the carbonatites. These conclusions may be extended to the whole Paraná–Etendeka system, where isotopically distinct parent magmas were generated following two main enrichment events of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle at 2.0–1.4 and 1.0–0.5 Ga, respectively, as also supported by Re–Os systematics. The mantle sources preserved the isotopic heterogeneities over a long time, suggesting a nonconvective lithospheric mantle beneath different cratons or intercratonic regions. Overall, the data indicate that the alkaline–carbonatitic magmatism originated from a locally heterogeneous subcontinental mantle.

Ar-Ar geochronology and petrogenesis of the Mushgai–Khudag alkaline‑carbonatite complex (southern Mongolia)

The Mushgai-Khudag alkaline‑carbonatite complex, located in southern Mongolia within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), comprises a broad range of volcanic and subvolcanic alkaline silicate rocks (melanephelinite-trachyte and shonkinite-alkaline syenite, respectively). Magnetite-apatite rocks, carbonatites, and fluorite mineralization are also manifested in this area. The complex formed between 145 and 133 Ma and is contemporaneous with late Mesozoic alkaline–carbonatite magmatism within the CAOB. Major and trace element characteristics of silicate rocks in the Mushgai-Khudag complex imply that these rocks were formed by the fractional crystallization of alkaline ultramafic parental magma. Magnetite-apatite rocks may be a product of silicate-Ca-Fe-P liquid immiscibility that took place during the alkaline syenite crystallization stage. The Mushgai-Khudag rocks have variable and moderately radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70532–0.70614), ƐNd(t) = −1.23 to 1.25) isotopic compositions. LILE/HFSE values and SrNd isotope compositions indicate that the parental melts of Mushgai-Khudag were derived from a lithospheric mantle source that was affected by a metasomatic agent in the form a mixture of subducted oceanic crust and its sedimentary components. The δ18OSMOW and δ18CPDB values for calcites in carbonatites range from 16.8‰ to 19.2‰ and from −3.9‰ to 2.0‰, respectively. CO covariations in calcites of the Mushgai-Khudag carbonatites can be explained by the slight host limestone assimilation.

Petrogenetic evolution of Cretaceous Samchampi-Samteran Alkaline Complex, Mikir Hills, Northeastern India: Implications on multiple melting events of heterogeneous plume and metasomatized sub-continental lithospheric mantle

The Samchampi (26° 13′N: 93° 18′E)-Samteran (26° 11′N: 93° 25′E) alkaline complex (SSAC) occurs as an intrusion within Precambrian basement gneisses in the Karbi-Anglong district of Assam, Northeastern India. This intrusive complex comprises a wide spectrum of lithologies including syenite, ijolite-melteigite, alkali pyroxenite, alkali gabbro, nepheline syenite and carbonatite (nepheline syenites and carbonatites are later intrusives). In this paper, we present new major, trace, REE and Sr-Nd isotope data for different lithologies of SSAC and discuss integrated petrological and whole rock geochemical observations with Sr-Nd isotope systematics to understand the petrogenetic evolution of the complex. Pronounced LILE and LREE enrichment of the alkaline-carbonatite rocks together with steep LREE/HREE profile and flat HREE-chondrite normalized patterns provide evidence for parent magma generation from low degree partial melting of a metasomatized garnet peridotite mantle source. LILE, HFSE and LREE enrichments of the alkaline-silicate rocks and carbonatites are in agreement with the involvement of a mantle plume in their genesis. Nb-Th-La systematics with incompatible trace element abundance patterns marked by positive Nb-Ta anomalies and negative K, Th and Sr anomalies suggest contribution from plume-derived OIB-type mantle with recycled subduction component and a rift-controlled, intraplate tectonic setting for alkaline-carbonatite magmatism giving rise to the SSAC. This observation is corroborated by enriched 87Sr/86Srinitial (0.705562 to 0.709416) and 143Nd/144Ndinitial (0.512187 to 0.512449) ratios for the alkaline-carbonatite rocks that attest to a plume-related enriched mantle (~EM II) source in relation to the origin of Samchampi-Samteran alkaline complex. Trace element chemistry and variations in isotopic data invoke periodic melting of an isotopically heterogeneous, metasomatized mantle and generation of isotopically distinct melt batches that were parental to the different rocks of SSAC. Various extents of plume-lithosphere interaction also accounts for the trace element and isotopic variations of SSAC. The Srinitial and Ndinitial (105Ma) isotopic compositions (corresponding to εNd values of −6.37 to −1.27) of SSAC are consistent with those of Sung Valley, Jasra, Rajmahal tholeiites (Group II), Sylhet Traps and Kerguelen plateau basalts.

Age of the Siberian craton crust beneath the northern kimberlite fields: Insights to the craton evolution

Comprehensive studies of zircon xenocrysts from kimberlites of the Kuoika field (northeastern Siberian craton) and several kimberlite fields of the eastern Anabar shield, along with data compilation on the age of kimberlite-hosting terranes, reveal details of the evolution of the northern Siberian craton. The age distribution and trace element characteristic of zircons from the Kuoika field kimberlites (Birekte terrane) provide evidence of significant basic and alkaline–carbonatite magmatism in northern Siberia in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic periods. The abundance of 1.8–2.1Ga zircons in both the Birekte and adjacent Hapchan terranes (the latter hosting kimberlites of the eastern Anabar shield) supports the Paleoproterozoic assembly and stabilization of these units in the Siberian craton and the supercontinent Columbia. The abundance of Archean zircons in the Hapchan terrane reflects the input of an ancient source other than the Birekte terrane and addresses the evolution of the terrane to west (Magan and Daldyn terranes of the Anabar shield). The present study has also revealed the oldest known remnant of the Anabar shield crust, whose 3.62Ga age is similar to that of another ancient domain of Siberia, the Aldan shield. The first Hf isotope data for the Anabar shield coupled with the U–Pb systematics indicate three stages of crustal growth (Paleoproterozoic, Neoarchean and Paleoarchean) and two stages of the intensive crustal recycling in the Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean. Intensive reworking of the existing crust at 2.5–2.8Ga and 1.8–2.1Ga is interpreted to provide evidence for the assembly of Columbia. The oldest Hf model age estimation provides a link to Early Eoarchean (3.7–3.95Ga) and possibly to Hadean crust. Hence, some of the Archean cratonic segments of the Siberian craton could be remnants of the Earth's earliest continental crust.

A Special Issue (Part-II): Mafic-ultramafic rocks andalkaline-carbonatitic magmatism and associated hydrothermalmineralization - dedication to Lia Nikolaevna Kogarko

Abstract This is the second part of a two-volumespecial issueof Open Geoscience (formerly Central European Journalof Geosciences) that aims to be instrumental in providingan update of Mafic-Ultramafic Rocks and Alkaline-Carbonatitic Magmatism and Associated HydrothermalMineralization. Together, these two volumes provide a detailedand comprehensive coverage of the subjects thatare relevant to the research work of P.Comin-Chiaramonti(Italy) and LiaN. Kogarko (Russia) towhomPart-I and Part-II have been respectively dedicated.To a significant extent, the development of advanced samplingtechnologies related to alkaline and carbonatiticmagmatism by Lia N. Kogarko, has allowed geoscientiststo measure and sample the deep crust of the planet notonly for the exploration for the mineral deposits, but alsoto answer basic scientific questions about the origin andevolution of alkaline rocks (kimberlites, lamproites and relatedrocks associated with carbonatites). The papers presentedin this Part-II of the special issue cover the petrologyand geochemistry of the rocks collected from the surfaceand penetrated by drilling. Lia Kogarko proposed anew theory for the evolution of alkaline magmatism in thegeological history of the Earth – that the appearance of alkalinemagmatism at the Archaean-Proterozoic boundary(~2.5 – 2.7 Ga), and its growing intensity, was related tochanges in the geodynamic regime of the Earth and oxidationof the mantle due to mantle-crust interaction.

Mafic-ultramafic rocks and alkaline-carbonatitic magmatism and associated hydrothermal mineralization: A special issue (Part-I) dedicated to Piero Comin-Chiaramonti

Mafic-ultramafic rocks and alkaline-carbonatitic magmatism and associated hydrothermal mineralization: A special issue (Part-I) dedicated to Piero Comin-Chiaramonti

Preface — A special issue (Part-I): Mafic-ultramafic rocks and alkaline-carbonatitic magmatism and associated hydrothermal mineralization — Dedication to piero comin-chiaramonti

Awarded with the degrees of a B.Sc. in Human Sciences (1961) and a Ph.D. in Petrology (1967) by the University of Trieste in Italy, Piero Comin-Chiaramonti (Figure 1) eventually spent most of his academic career in this institution, holding the positions of Assistant Professor (1967-1983) and Associated Professor (1983-1986). He was inducted as a full Professor in the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Palermo in 1986, where he remained until assigned to the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Trieste in 1993. There he initially worked as a Professor of Petrology (Faculty of Sciences) and later as a Professor of Environmental Geology and Environmental Geochemistry (Faculty of Enginnering). It was through the efforts and innovations of Professor Comin-Chiaramonti, both in the teaching process and in the development of research facilities, that the Engineering Department of the University of Trieste has ∗E-mail: lgwalani@gmail.com, http://lggwalani.jimdo.com/ †E-mail: cgomes@usp.br today attained world-wide recognition. In 2009, he was granted the award of Eminent Scientist by the Faculty of Engineering, and retired from active service in the following year. He is now devoting part of his time to research activites. With his remarkable skill, greater efficiency, resolute determination and untiring efforts, Professor CominChiaramonti nursed and actively participated as a member and critical reviewer of several international scientific journals and as a consultant reviewer of some organizations such as COFIN (Co-Financial support from the Italian Ministry for University and Scientific Research), CNR (National Research Council, Italy), MIUR (Ministry of University and Research) and the Georgian National Science Foundation. We take this opportunity to assure him that we shall keep his example always before us duty before self and shall do everything possible to keep up the progress he has initiated. Professor Comin-Chiaramonti has always been a strong proponent of international collaboration in research and the transfer of knowledge and skills in geosciences. He

Zircon from the East Orebody of the Bayan Obo Fe–Nb–REE deposit, China, and SHRIMP ages for carbonatite-related magmatism and REE mineralization events

Extremely U-depleted (<1 ppm) zircons from H8 banded ores in the East Orebody of the Bayan Obo REE–Nb–Fe deposit are presented, with mineral compositions, textures, 232Th–208Pb SHRIMP ages and petrological context. Cores of East Orebody zircon contain up to 7 wt% HfO2 and are zoned, depicting bipyramidal crystal forms. A distinct generation of patchy, epitaxial rim zircon, similarly depleted in U, is intergrown with rare earth ore minerals (bastnasite, parisite, monazite). Overprinting aegirine textures indicate paragenetically late, reactive Na-rich fluids. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns without Eu anomalies match closely with those from the Mud Tank and Kovdor carbonatitic zircons. Increased HREE in rims ((Lu/Gd)N 43–112) relative to cores ((Lu/Gd)N 6–7.5) and the localized presence of xenotime are attributable to reactive, mineralizing fluid compositions enriched in Y, REE and P. Cathodoluminescence further reveals HREE fractionation in rims, evidenced by a narrow-band Er3+ emission at 405 nm. The extreme depletion of U in core and rim zircon is characteristic for this mineral deposit and is indicative of a persistent common source. U depletion is also a characteristic for zircons from carbonatitic or kimberlitic systems. 232Th–208Pb (SHRIMP II) geochronological data reveal the age of zircon cores as 1,325 ± 60 Ma and a rim-alteration event as 455.6 ± 28.27 Ma. The combined findings are consistent with a protolithic igneous origin for zircon cores, from a period of intrusive, alkaline–carbonatitic magmatism. Fluid processes responsible for the REE–Nb mineralizations affected zircon rim growth and degradation during the widely reported Caledonian events, providing a new example in a localized context of HREE enrichment processes.

The age of unusual xenogenic zircons from Yakutian kimberlites

Several spindle-shaped grains of zircon, which have a small size (<0.25 mm) and a distinct purplish pink coloration were found in the crushed samples of kimberlites from the Aykhal, Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya, Botuobinskaya (Siberian platform), and Nyurbinskaya (Yakutia) pipes and olivine lamproites of the Khani massif (West Aldan). U-Pb SHRIMP II zircon dating performed at the VSEGEI Center for Isotopic Research yielded the ages of 1870–1890 Ma for the pipes of the Western province (Aykhal and Komsomolskaya) and 2200–2750 Ma for the pipes of the eastern province (Nyurbinskaya and Botuobinskaya), which allowed us to consider these zircons to be xenogenic to kimberlites. Although these zircons resemble in their age and color those from the granulite xenoliths in the Udachnaya pipe [2], no other granulite minerals are found there. Thus, major geological events in the mantle and lower crust, which led to the formation of zircon-bearing rocks, happened at 1800–1900 Ma in the northern part of the kimberlite province, whereas in the Eastern part of the province (Nakyn field) these events were much older (2220–2700 Ma). It is known that the period of 1800–1900 Ma in the Earth’s history was accompanied by intense tectonic movements and widespread alkaline-carbonatite magmatism. This magmatism was related to plume activity responsible for overheating the large portions of the mantle to the temperatures at which some diamonds in mantle rocks would burn (northern part of the kimberlite province). In the Nakyn area, the mantle underwent few or no geological processes at that time, and perhaps for this reason this area hosts more diamondiferous kimberlites. The age of olivine lamproites from the Khani massif is 2672–2732 Ma. Thus, these are some of the world’s oldest known K-alkaline rocks.

Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Kovdor phoscorite–carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, NW Russia

The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions for the Kovdor phoscorite–carbonatite complex (PCC), Kola Peninsula, NW Russia, have been determined to characterize the mantle sources involved and to evaluate the relative contributions of a plume and subcontinental lithospheric mantle in the formation of the complex. The Kovdor PCC is a part of the Kovdor ultramafic–alkaline–carbonatite massif, and consists of six intrusions. The initial isotopic ratios of the analyzed samples, calculated at 380 Ma, display limited variations: ε Nd, + 2.0 to + 4.7; 87Sr/ 86Sr, 0.70319 to 0.70361 ( ε Sr, − 12.2 to − 6.2); 206Pb/ 204Pb, 18.38 to 18.74; 207Pb/ 204Pb, 15.45 to 15.50; 208Pb/ 204Pb, 37.98 to 39.28. The Nd and Sr isotope data of the Kovdor PCC generally fit the patterns of the other phoscorites and carbonatites from the Kola Alkaline Province (KAP), but some data are slightly shifted from the mixing line defined as the Kola Carbonatite Line, having more radiogenic 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios. However, the less radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions and negative Δ7/4 values of Pb isotopes of the analyzed samples exclude crustal contamination, but imply the involvement of a metasomatized lithospheric mantle source. Isotopic variations indicate mixing of at least three distinct mantle components: FOZO-like primitive plume component, EMI-like enriched component and DMM-like depleted component. The isotopic nature of the EMI- and DMM-like mantle component observed in the Kovdor samples is considered to be inherited from metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle. This supports the previous models invoking plume–lithosphere interaction to explain the origin of the Devonian alkaline carbonatite magmatism in the KAP.

New data (U–Pb, K–Ar) on the geochronology of the alkaline-carbonatitic association of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

Zircons from a nepheline-syenite of the Fuerteventura Basal Complex were dated by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The age obtained from a total of 21 U–Th–Pb analyses is 25.4 ± 0.3 Ma (2 σ) indicating a late Oligocene–early Miocene crystallization. This age is consistent with new K–Ar ages on nepheline-syenites and pyroxenites, and contradicts previously published 39Ar– 40Ar (feldspar) ages that were interpreted to represent a late Cretaceous–early Paleocene, pyroxenitic–syenitic magmatic episode. These new geochronological data are consistent with both field observations and most of the previously published ages on alkaline silicate rocks and associated carbonatites of Fuerteventura. Therefore, they strongly support the existence of a single, late Oligocene–early Miocene event of alkaline–carbonatitic magmatism in the Basal Complex of Fuerteventura, taking place at approximately 25 Ma and comprising: alkaline-pyroxenites, melteigites-ijolites, nepheline-syenites and carbonatites, as well as their volcanic equivalents and associated dykes. These new data provide an estimate for the length of time that it took the island to grow, thus eliminating one of the major problems in explaining its development by a hot-spot model.

Geochemistry of Early Cretaceous Alkaline Ultramafic-Mafic Complex from Jasra, Karbi Anglong, Shillong Plateau, Northeastern India

An early Cretaceous alkaline ultramafic-mafic complex is emplaced within the Proterozoic rocks of Shillong plateau at Jasra, Karbi Anglong district of Assam. It is associated to the fracture system of Barapani-Tyrsad shear zone, Kopali faults, and Um Ngot lineaments and mainly comprises pyroxenite, gabbro and nepheline syenite. Few small mafic dykes, emplaced within pyroxenitic and granitic plutons, are also reported. No such dyke is reported to cut gabbros or nepheline syenites. Nepheline syenites occur either in the form of small dykes in pyroxenites or as differentiated bodies in the gabbros. Mineralogical and chemical composition of pyroxenite and gabbro clearly indicate their affinity to the alkaline magmatism. Syenitic samples show miaskitic character (agpaitic index <1), also indicates affinity with alkaline-carbonatite magmatism. Calcite is encountered in a number of pyroxenite samples. From the presented petrological and geochemical data it is difficult to establish any significant genetic relationship through simple differentiation process between these rocks. These data probably suggest that these rocks are derived from a primary carbonatite magma, generated by the low-degree melting of a metasomatized mantle peridotite. CO 2 released by this process also progressively metasomatizes the lherzolite to an alkaline wehrlite and melts derived from alkaline wehrlite (ultrabasic alkaline silicate magma) may be responsible for crystallization of Jasra alkaline ultramafic-mafic rocks.

The geochemistry of the Barra do Itapirapuã carbonatite (Ponta Grossa Arch, Brazil): a multiple stockwork

The Early Cretaceous Barra do Itapirapuã carbonatite, in southern Brazil, belongs to the initial stages of the alkaline carbonatitic magmatism in the Ponta Grossa Arch Province, as related to the opening of the south Atlantic Ocean. The magmatic evolution of the complex comprises four phases of intrusive carbonatite that are composed of medium- to coarse-grained Mg and Fe carbonatites with small volumes of late fine- to very fine-grained Mg carbonatites and show evidence of pervasive hydrothermal events. Drill core samples reveal the existence of silicate rocks of syenitic composition of two different origins. Among the silicate rocks, there are syenites of a likely magmatic origin, as well as fenites derived from the granitic protolith, which constitutes the wall rock of the complex. Fenitization around the Barra do Itapirapuã complex is mainly potassic, and fenites are Ca- and LOI-enriched in comparison with the magmatic syenites. Furthermore, the two types of silicate rocks differ in terms of REE and other trace elements. Associated syenites and carbonatites have similar Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, close to the Bulk Earth at 120Ma. Mixing curves indicate that the carbonatite–syenite association may be accounted for by assimilation of up to 20% crustal material, whereas the late carbonatite composition is consistent with less than 10% assimilation of crustal rocks. An origin by liquid immiscibility for the carbonatite–syenite association can be considered, followed by magmatic differentiation through fractional crystallization of calcite and dolomite in the carbonatite magma. C–O stable isotopic data indicate further reequilibration under hydrothermal conditions at temperatures between 375 and 80°C.

Geochemistry and geodynamic implications of the anitápolis and lages alkaline-carbonatite complexes, Santa Catarina state, Brazil

The Early Cretaceous (~132 Ma) Anitapolis stock is made up of cumulate pyroxenites, minor nepheline syenites and ijolites and scarce dykes of nephelinitic composition. Carbonatites form a small body, but are also widespread as dykes and veins. The complex is entirely surrounded by Late Proterozoic granitic-gneissic rocks (570–630 Ma). The Late Cretaceous (70–77 Ma) Lages complex constitutes a proeminent dome structure underlined by a concentric arrangement of Permian to Triassic sediments. It consists mainly of peralkaline phonolites and nepheline syenites with subordinate ultramafic rocks (melilitite, olivine nephelinite, basanite and tephrite). Other important rock-types are kimberlitic breccias and carbonatites as a minor intrusion. Chemical data suggest that the Anitapolis carbonatites are essentially Ca-carbonatites and the Lages ones Fecarbonatites. Normalized IE and REE diagrams for both carbonatites display different patterns. d 18 O and d 13 C isotopes for the Anitapolis carbonatites plot near the primary carbonatite box, whereas the Lages rocks point to a large spreading of d 18 O values. Radiogenic isotope data indicate that the carbonatites and the associated silicate rocks present similar Sr i and Nd i values, spanning from time integrated depleted to enriched types. Nd-model ages for the Early (Anitapolis) and Late Cretaceous (Lages) carbonatites are 1.3 ± 0.1 Ga and 1.2 ± 0.2 Ga, respectively, but the Lages rocks seem to have been affected by two different Proterozoic mantle metasomatic events. Considerations on the geodynamic implications of the alkaline and alkaline-carbonatitic magmatism are made on the basis of models other than mantle plume.