Alkaline Intrusions Research Articles

Mineralogy and geochemistry of triassic carbonatites in the Matcha alkaline intrusive complex (Turkestan-Alai Ridge, Kyrgyz Southern Tien Shan), SW Central Asian orogenic belt

Postorogenic intrusions of essexites and alkaline and nepheline syenites in the Turkestan-Alai segment of the Kyrgyz Southern Tien Shan coexist with dikes and veins of carbonatites dated at ∼220 Ma by the Ar–Ar and Rb–Sr age methods. They are mainly composed of calcite and dolomite (60–85%), as well as sodic amphibole, phlogopite, clinopyroxene, microcline, albite, apatite, and magnetite, with accessory niobate, ilmenite, Nb-rutile, titanite, zircon, baddeleyite, monazite-(Ce), barite, and sulfides. The rocks share mineralogical and geochemical similarity with carbonatites that originated by liquid immiscibility at high temperatures above 500 °C. Alkaline silicate and salt-carbonate melts are derived from sources with mainly negative bulk εNd(t) ∼ from −11 to 0 and high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (∼0.7061–0.7095) which may be due to mixing of PREMA and EM−type mantle material. Pb isotopic ratios in accessory pyrrhotite (206Pb/204Pb = 18.38; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.64; 208Pb/204Pb = 38.41) exhibit an EM2 trend. The intrusions bear signatures of significant crustal contamination as a result of magma genesis by syntexis and hybridism. Concordant isotope composition changes of δ13C (−6.5 to −1.9‰), δ18O (9.2–23‰), δD (−58 to −41‰), and δ34S (12.6–12.8‰) in minerals and rocks indicate inputs of crustal material at the stage of melting and effect of hot fluids released during dehydration of metamorphosed oceanic basalts or sediments. The observed HFSE patterns of the oldest alkaline gabbro may be due to interaction of the primary mafic magma with IAB-type material. The isotope similarity of alkaline rocks with spatially proximal basalts of the Tarim large igneous province does not contradict the evolution of the Turkestan-Alai Triassic magmatism as the “last echo” of the Tarim mantle plume.

Revisiting Mesozoic felsic intrusions in eastern South China: spatial and temporal variations and tectonic significance

Whole-rock and mineral geochemical data are used to place new constraints on the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Mesozoic granitoids (including syenites) in eastern South China. In the Early Mesozoic, granitoids of variable compositions were intruded in the Cathaysia Block which by this time had developed a thickened and highly differentiated Paleoproterozoic crust through the influence of subduction. Late Triassic (~225Ma) syenites are significantly different from Jurassic-Cretaceous syenites in South China and from most trachytes (GEOROC database) in terms of their high Th/U, La/Nb and Gd/Yb ratios. Their low Rb contents, coupled with their high K/Rb and Nb/Ta, and low 87Sr/86Sr and 206Pb/204Pb ratios suggest a source that had undergone granulite-facies metamorphism at the base of thickened (>45km thick) continental crust where garnet and rutile are stable. The Late Triassic alkaline intrusions thus appear not to be related to continental rifting. Compared with the Late Triassic syenites, contemporaneous syenogranites have higher Ga/Al and Rb/K ratios and ISr values. Their Ga/Al ratios are positively correlated with ISr values, and their higher Ga/Al ratios likewise do not appear to be related to a rift setting but reflect the composition of the source. New Pb isotopic data from Cretaceous magmatic rocks reveal that 120–100Ma I-type granitoids in Zhejiang Province were likely derived from mixing of three components: contemporaneous basaltic magma, an enriched crustal component and a depleted crustal component. Pb isotopes of both the I-type granitoids and the basalts become more radiogenic towards the coast, where the ca. 100Ma intrusions dominate. Furthermore, zircon-melt partition of Ce and hornblende oxygen barometries indicate that the Early Cretaceous intrusions also became more oxidized towards the coast. In addition, the ca. 100Ma granitoids have higher Gd/Yb and lower Fe/Mg ratios than those of the 120–110Ma suite, implying crustal thickening resulting from 120 to 100Ma basaltic underplating in the region.

Paleogene magmatism and gold metallogeny of the Jinping terrane in the Ailaoshan ore belt, Sanjiang Tethyan Orogen (SW China): Geology, deposit type and tectonic setting

The Jinping terrane is situated in the southern segment of the Ailaoshan ore belt, Sanjiang Tethyan Orogen (SW China). The Paleogene intrusions in Jinping consist of syenite porphyry, fine-grained syenite and biotite granite stocks/dikes, and contain relatively low TiO2 (0.21–0.38wt%), P2O5 (0.01–0.35wt%), and high Na2O (2.00–4.62wt%) and K2O (4.48–7.06wt%), belonging to high-K alkaline series. Paleogene gold mineralization in Jinping comprises four genetic types, i.e., orogenic, alkali-rich intrusion-related, porphyry and supergene laterite. The NW–NNW-trending faults and their subsidiaries are the major ore-controlling structures. The orogenic Au mineralization, dominated by polymetallic sulfide-quartz veins, occurs in the diorite and minor in Silurian-Devonian sedimentary rocks. It contains a CO2-rich mesothermal fluid system generated from the mixing of mantle-derived fluids with crustal-derived metamorphic fluids, and the ore-forming materials were upper crustal- or orogenic-derived. The alkali-rich intrusion-related Au mineralization is hosted in the Ordovician-Silurian sedimentary rocks and minor in the Paleogene alkaline intrusions, and the Au orebodies occur predominantly in the alteration halos. It contains a CO2-bearing, largely metamorphic-sourced mesothermal fluid system, and the ore-forming materials were derived from the ore-hosting rocks and minor from the alkali-rich intrusions. The porphyry Cu-Mo-Au mineralization occurs in the granite/syenite porphyries and/or along their contact skarn, with the mineralizing fluids being magmatic-hydrothermal in origin. The former two hypogene Au mineralization types in Jinping were mainly formed in the late Eocene (ca. 34–33Ma) and slightly after the porphyry Cu-Mo-Au mineralization (ca. 35–34Ma), which is coeval with the regional Himalayan orogenic event. Subsequent weathering produced the laterite Au mineralization above or near the hypogene Au orebodies.

ALKALINE COMPLEXES AS POTENTIAL AREAS FOR INSTALLATION OF REPOSITORIES OF NUCLEAR WASTE: CRETACEOUS INTRUSIONS IN BRAZIL

Brazil initiated its nuclear program in the decade of 70 with the installation of the Thermonuclear Plant Angra I. The implantation of this type of enterprise involves activities which generate environmental risks manly due to disposal of nuclear waste. The storage of nuclear waste must follow strict international standards and faces the resistance of the civil society. Thus, complex technical and politically procedures are required to find a suitable place for this end. The use of geologic bodies that fit the required features for the installation of nuclear repositories is described in literature. This kind of geological units must be deep, structuralized and with low infiltration. These aspects should to be identified through geologic, hydrologic and geophysical studies and structural models as well.This study aims to report the results of the regional geophysical survey performed to delimit the gneissic host rocks of Ribeira Belt and the characterization of their magnetic characteristics main textural variations. This work also includes the analysis of the structural features of rocks (faults and fractures), in addition to how these structures change within the massif coupled with mineralogy and chemistry signatures.The magnetic anomaly map displays a series of semi-circular magnetic highs, following the general configuration of the alkaline intrusions. In Brazil, the intrusive bodies with potential to function as repository are the alkaline complexes, once they are isotropic, massive, have well defined geometry, compatible depth and with low or no human occupation. However special attention to the possible occurrence of water percolations in fractures and faults must be given. In this way, detailed studies of alkaline bodies that fit the expected features comprise the following intrusions: Mendanha, Tinguá, Tanguá, Soarinho, Rio Bonito and Morro de São João. This study intends to be a contribution for the knowledge of the properties of alkaline bodies with potential to be used for storage of nuclear waste, in the near future, in Brazil.

Ca. 820–640 Ma SIMS U-Pb age signal in the peripheral Vijayan Complex, Sri Lanka: Identifying magmatic pulses in the assembly of Gondwana

Sri Lanka comprises three roughly north-south trending amphibolite- to granulite-facies lithotectonic complexes, from west to east the Highland Complex, the Wanni Complex, and the Vijayan Complex. These terranes were correlated with other East Gondwana continental terranes with similar lithologies forming at similar ages. The Wanni Complex and the Vijayan Complex have been interpreted as volcanic arc terranes brought together by a double-sided subduction. The Highland Complex represents the metamorphosed accretionary prism within the suture when the Wanni and Vijayan Complexes were juxtaposing against each other. In contrast to the Wanni and Highland Complexes, the Vijayan Complex has yielded only a few geochronological data with satisfactory precision. Previous studies suggested that the Vijayan Complex comprises ∼1100–924Ma granitic gneisses, which were metamorphosed during ∼590–456Ma. More recently, ∼772–617Ma mafic intrusions have been identified. This study divides the Vijayan granitic gneisses and the associated melt products geochemically into a low-Nb series and a more primitive high-Nb series. Our SIMS U-Pb zircon data suggested that both series have protolith magmatic ages of ∼1062–935Ma, and metamorphic ages of ∼580–521Ma, which is consistent with previous work. However, some of the Vijayan granitic gneisses and granitic anatectic melt products at the Highland-Vijayan tectonic mixed zone preserve an additional Tonian-Cryogenian (∼820–630Ma) age signal. This age signal suggested that felsic magmatism also occurred when mafic granulites were emplaced along the Highland-Vijayan boundary, which is broadly coeval with to the bimodal magmatism occurring along the Highland-Wanni boundary. This study also suggests that charnockitisation in the Vijayan Complex occurred at 562±6Ma during the Neoproterozoic regional metamorphism. The Tonian-Cryogenian signal preserved in the Highland-Vijayan tectonic mixed zone can also be found in the alkaline intrusion hosted by the Namuno Terrane and the Lurio Belt in Mozambique. This indicates a relationship between the Vijayan granitic gneisses and the Lurio foreland metagranitic basement, while the Namuno Terrane and the Lurio Belt are correlated with the Highland-Vijayan tectonic mixed zone. The ages and the isotope signatures of these granitic bodies further suggest a genetic relationship of these granitic bodies with various magmatic intrusions in East Antarctica.

Experimental study of the apatite–carbonate–H2O system at P = 0.5 GPa and T = 1200°C: Efficiency of fluid transport in carbonatite

Partitioning of more than 35 elements between coexisting phases in the apatite (Apt)–carbonate (Carb)–H2O system was studied experimentally at P = 0.5 GPa and T = 1200°C for estimation of the efficiency of fluid transport during the formation of carbonatite in platform alkaline intrusions. The interphase partition coefficients of elements (D) range from n × 10–2 to 100 and higher, which provides evidence for their effective fractionation in the system. The following elements were distinguished: (1) Apt-compatible (REE, Y, Th, Cu, and W), which are concentrated in apatite; (2) hydrophile (Na, K, Mg, Ba, S, Mn, Pb, U, W, and Re), which are preferably distributed into fluid or the carbonate melt. The high hydrophilicity of alkali metals controls the alkaline character of postmagmatic fluids and related metasomatic rocks, whereas the high D(Fl/Apt) and D(Fl/LCarb) for S, Zr, W, Re, and U show their high potential in relation to U–W–Re mineralization.

Magmatic hydrothermal origin of the Hadamengou-Liubagou Au-Mo deposit, Inner Mongolia, China: Constrains on geology, stable and Re-Os isotopes

The Hadamengou-Liubagou Au-Mo deposit is the largest gold deposit in Inner Mongolia of North China. It is hosted by amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphic rocks of the Archean Wulashan Group. To the west and north of the deposit, there occur three alkaline intrusions, including the Devonian-Carboniferous Dahuabei granitoid batholith, the Triassic Shadegai granite and the Xishadegai porphyritic granite with molybdenum mineralization. Over one hundred subparallel, sheet-like ore veins are confined to the nearly EW-trending faults in the deposit. They typically dip 40° to 80° to the south, with strike lengths from hundreds to thousands of meters. Wall rock alterations include potassic, phyllic, and propylitic alteration. Four distinct mineralization stages were identified at the deposit, including K-feldspar-quartz-molybdenite stage (I), quartz-pyrite-epidote/chlorite stage (II), quartz-polymetallic sulfide-gold stage (III), and carbonate-sulfate-quartz stage (IV). Gold precipitated mainly during stage III, while Mo mineralization occurred predominantly in stage I. The δDH2O and δ18OH2O values of the ore-forming fluids range from −125‰ to −62‰ and from 1.4‰ to 7.5‰, respectively, indicating that the fluids were dominated by magmatic water with a minor contribution of meteoric water. The δ13CPDB and δ18OSMOW values of hydrothermal carbonate minerals vary from −10.3‰ to −3.2‰ and from 3.7‰ to 15.3‰, respectively, suggesting a magmatic carbon origin. The δ34SCDT values of sulfides from the ores vary from −21.7‰ to 5.4‰ and are typically negative (mostly −20‰ to 0‰). The wide variation of the δ34SCDT values, the relatively uniform δ13C values of carbonates (typically −5.5‰ to −3.2‰), as well as the common association of barite with sulfides suggest that the minerals were precipitated under relatively high fo2 conditions, probably in a magmatic fluid with δ34SƩS≈0‰. The Re-Os isotopic dating on molybdenite from Hadamengou yielded a weighted average age of 381.6±4.3Ma, indicating that the Mo mineralization occurred in Late Devonian. Collectively, previous 40Ar-39Ar and Re-Os isotopic dates roughly outlined two ranges of mineralizing events of 382–323Ma and 240–218Ma that correspond to the Variscan and the Indosinian epochs, respectively. The Variscan event is approximately consistent with the Mo mineralization at Hadamengou-Liubagou and the emplacement of the Dahuabei Batholith, whereas the Indosinian event roughly corresponds to the possible peak Au mineralization of the Hadamengou-Liubagou deposit, as well as the magmatic activity and associated Mo mineralization at Xishadegai and Shadegai. Geologic, petrographic and isotopic evidence presented in this study suggest that both gold and molybdenum mineralization at Hadamengou-Liubagou is of magmatic hydrothermal origin. The molybdenum mineralization is suggested to be associated with the magmatic activity during the southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean beneath the North China Craton (NCC) in Late Devonian. The gold mineralization is most probably related to the magma-derived hydrothermal fluids during the post-collisional extension in Triassic, after the final suturing between the Siberian and NCC in Late Permian.

Neoproterozoic alkaline intrusive complex in the northwestern Yangtze Block, Micang Mountains region, South China: petrogenesis and tectonic significance

ABSTRACTVoluminous Neoproterozoic mafic–ultramafic, felsic, and alkaline intrusions are found in the northern Yangtze Block, South China. Here, we present whole-rock major and trace element, and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, together with zircon U–Pb ages, for syenite and gabbro samples from the Shuimo–Zhongziyuan alkaline intrusive complex in the Micang Mountains region at the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. Zircon U–Pb dating yields crystallization ages for the Na- and K-rich Shuimo syenites of 869 ± 4 (MSWD = 0.85, 2σ) and 860 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.47, 2σ), respectively, and for the Zhongziyuan gabbros of 753 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 0.23, 2σ), indicating that the syenites and gabbros represent different stages of magmatism. The syenites include both Na- and K-rich types and have high values of the Rittman index (σ), and high SiO2 and Na2O + K2O contents. These syenites are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE), with high (La/Yb)N values and small negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.74–1.17). In contrast, the gabbros have lower SiO2 and Na2O + K2O contents, are only slightly enriched in LREEs, are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSEs, and have small negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.86–1.37). The syenites have low initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.703340) and ɛNd(t) values (+1.9 to +7.7). The gabbros have relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.703562–0.704933) and positive ɛNd(t) values (+1.6 to +4.5). These data suggest that the syenites and gabbros are isotopically similar and were largely derived from melts of depleted mantle. The syenites underwent significant fractional crystallization and small amounts of crustal contamination during magma evolution. In contrast, the gabbros were formed by partial melting (>15%) of a garnet lherzolite source and might also have experienced crustal assimilation. Taking into account the geochemical signatures and magmatic events, we propose that the Shuimo syenites formed in an intra-arc rifting setting, however, the Zhongziyuan gabbros were most likely produced in a subduction-related, continental margin arc setting during the Neoproterozoic, thus suggesting that the alkaline intrusive complex were formed by the arc-related magmatism in the Micang Mountains.

Stages in the formation of uranium mineralization in the Salla-Koulajarvinskaya zone (Northern Karelia): Geological and isotope geochronological data

On the basis of U–Pb, Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopic data, it is shown that formation of uranium mineralization in the Paleoproterozoic Salla-Koulajarvinsky belt (Northern Karelia) was a long-lasting mult-stage process that developed over more than 1 Ga: from the Paleoproterozoic to the Paleozoic. The first stage, 1.75 Ga ago, corresponds to the Svekofennian metamorphic event—regional albitization. The process was dated by the Rb–Sr (isochronic age of albitites is 1754 ± 39 Ma) and U–Pb methods (the age of rutile is 1756 ± 8 Ma). At this stage, with a lower temperature limit of 400–450°C, conditions were favorable for the mobilization and migration of uranium, but not for its deposition in minerals. The second stage, 1.62 Ga ago, was a time of alteration of rocks at the regressive stage of the Svekofennian metamorphic event, when carbonate and chlorite rocks formed after albitites. The age of this stage was estimated as 1627 ± 42 Ma according to ThO2, UO2, and PbO contents in uraninite. Probably, the deposition of uraninite took place at this stage at temperature not higher than 300–350°C. The final, third stage, 385 Ma ago, corresponds to the Paleozoic tectonic activation and formation of Caledonian alkaline intrusions. Uranium minerals were probably redeposited at this stage; the U–Pb age of brannerite is 385 ± 2 Ma.

The genetic relationship between Habo alkaline intrusion and its surrounding deposits, Yunnan Province, China: geological and S–Pb isotopic evidences

The Habo alkaline intrusion, which is located in the south of the Sanjiang area, Yunnan Province, China, is a typical Cenozoic alkaline intrusion. There are a series of small to medium-sized Au and Pb–(Zn) deposits around this intrusion. Those deposits are spatially associated with the Habo alkaline intrusion. (1) The δ34S values of sulfides from Au deposits range from −1.91 ‰ to 2.69 ‰, which are similar to those of Pb–(Zn) deposits (−3.82 ‰ to −0.05 ‰) and both indicate a much greater contribution from magma. (2) The Habo alkaline intrusion has relatively homogeneous Pb isotopic compositions with 206Pb/204Pb ranging from 18.608 to 18.761, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.572 to 15.722 and 208Pb/204Pb from 38.599 to 39.110. These Pb isotope ratios are similar to those of Au deposits, whose 206Pb/204Pb range from 18.564 to 18.734, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.582 to 15.738 and 208Pb/204Pb from 38.592 to 39.319. Pb ratios in both the intrusion and Au deposits suggest that Pb mainly derived from the depth, probably represents a mixture of mantle and crust. Pb–(Zn) deposits, however, show a decentralized trait, and most of them are similar to that of the alkaline intrusion with 206Pb/204Pb ranging from 18.523 to 18.648, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.599 to 15.802, and 208Pb/204Pb from 38.659 to 39.206. (3) In the plumbotectonic diagram 207Pb/204Pb versus 206Pb/204Pb, almost all of Au and Pb–(Zn) deposits have the same projection area with the Habo alkaline intrusion, which indicates that those deposits almost share the same source with the alkaline intrusion. (4) Isotopic age of the Habo alkaline intrusion is 36–33 Ma, which is similar to that of Beiya, whose ore-related alkaline porphyries age is 38–31 Ma and molybdenite Re–Os age is 36.9 Ma. Therefore, along with S–Pb isotope traits, we suggest that the Habo Au and Pb–(Zn) deposits should be typically Ailaoshan-Red RiverCenozoicalkaline-related deposits and ore-forming ages of these deposits should be later than that of the Habo alkaline intrusion.

The magnetic signature of Neoarchean alkaline intrusions and their related gold deposits: Significance and exploration implications

Exploration for Neoarchean intrusion-related gold deposits in the Abitibi greenstone belt of the Superior Craton, Canada, is of increasing interest as the two most recent Abitibi gold mines are intrusion-related. Late-Archean alkaline intrusions in the Abitibi Subprovince are separated into three groups based on their geophysical and geochemical signatures: (1) large, heterogeneous, unmineralized plutons; (2) small magnetite rich-syenites with magmatic gold, which is often remobilized along fault arrays; (3) small magnetite poor-quartz-syenites to alkali granites with magnetite-rich halos and magmatic gold mineralization. The positive, aeromagnetic high centred signature of some gold-bearing intrusions is related to the high content in magnetite of the more ferromagnesian intrusions resulting from their magmatic evolution. Intrusions with an annular shape record a lower Fe2O3t content in their less magnetite-rich cores and gold mineralization occurs within their magnetite-rich metasomatized host-rocks. If the aeromagnetic signature has an annular-shape, the lower-magnetic zones in the magnetic aureole are the more favourable zones. For those with a positive magnetic signature, the intrusion itself is the target.

Dados aeromagnéticos e Propriedades físico-químicas de alguns complexos da Província Alcalina de Goiás

The Goias Alkaline Province (GAP), located on the north edge of the Parana Basin, has alkaline complexes with strong magnetic signatures. The 3D inversion of magnetic signal was performed on the aeromagnetic data. Since the intrusions present a strong remnant magnetization, as measured in the laboratory, a careful analysis of this component was also realized. The sum vector of the remnant and induced components were used as a virtual induced magnetic field during the 3D inversion process. The geometric parameters were obtained from the quantitative analysis of magnetic data, using Total Gradient Direction and Analytical Signal Phase, performed over magnetic signal reduced to the pole. Magnetic susceptibility and density were measured in laboratory. All this information were used as the initial model in the inversion. The results of 3D inversion show that the alkaline intrusions have roots up to 10-12 km depth. The magnetic susceptibility is distributed in almost spherical and cylindrical shapes. The possibility of spherical shapes arise the hypothesis that the GAP intrusions at the northern part of the province represent magmatic chambers. The alkaline magma ascends from the lithosphere, and used two main fault systems as space for emplacement. These faults systems appear in the magnetic signal analysis as linear magnetic features. Chemical analysis confirmed the alkaline and subalkaline character of the magmas. The high MgO content shows the primitive character of these intrusions but the Ba anomaly indicates a possible crustal contamination.

Geological characteristics and origin of the Hadamengou gold deposit in Inner Mongolia, China

The Hadamengou gold deposit is located in the western segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). It is hosted by Archean metamorphic rocks of the Wulashan Group. The main ore types include gold-bearing quartz vein type, gold-bearing quartz-potassic feldspar vein type, and gold-bearing altered rock type. Gold mineralization is closely related to K-feldspathization. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data indicate that ore-forming fluids were dominated by magmatic water mixed with minor meteoric water. Sulfur and lead isotope data indicate that metallogenic materials were mainly supplied by the magmatic and Archean Wulashan Group. The gold mineralization was mainly formed during the Early Indosinian tectonic movement, which drove ore-forming fluids to the favorable depositional environment. The northern margin of the NCC is a prospective area for gold exploration. Gold deposits hosted by or related to alkaline intrusions have become one of the most important mineral exploration targets in northern China.

The provenance of Borneo's enigmatic alluvial diamonds: A case study from Cempaka, SE Kalimantan

Gem-quality diamonds have been found in several alluvial deposits across central and southern Borneo. Borneo has been a known source of diamonds for centuries, but the location of their primary igneous source remains enigmatic. Many geological models have been proposed to explain their distribution, including: the diamonds were derived from a local diatreme; they were brought to the surface through ophiolite obduction or exhumation of UHP metamorphic rocks; they were transported long distances southward via major Asian river systems; or, they were transported from the Australian continent before Borneo was rifted from its northwestern margin in the Late Jurassic. To assess these models, we conducted a study of the provenance of heavy minerals from Kalimantan's Cempaka alluvial diamond deposit. This involved collecting U–Pb isotopic data, fission track and trace element geochemistry of zircon as well as major element geochemical data of spinels and morphological descriptions of zircon and diamond. The results indicate that the Cempaka diamonds were likely derived from at least two sources, one which was relatively local and/or involved little reworking, and the other more distal which records several periods of reworking. The distal diamond source is interpreted to be diamond-bearing pipes that intruded the basement of a block that: (1) rifted from northwest Australia (East Java or SW Borneo) and the diamonds were recycled into its sedimentary cover, or: (2) were emplaced elsewhere (e.g. NW Australia) and transported to a block (e.g. East Java or SW Borneo). Both of these scenarios require the diamonds to be transported with the block when it rifted from NW Australia in the Late Jurassic. The local source could be diamondiferous diatremes associated with eroded Miocene high-K alkaline intrusions north of the Barito Basin, which would indicate that the lithosphere beneath SW Borneo is thick (~150km or greater). The ‘local’ diamonds could also be associated with ophiolitic rocks that are exposed in the nearby Meratus Mountains.

The Study of Major Element Geochemistry of Migmatites in and Around Melur Region, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India

The study investigating the exposed Archean lower continental crust of the Southern Granulite Terrain, India, shield important constraints on the nature and evolution of the deep crust, including the formation and exhumation of Granulites. The source for the high temperature granulite metamorphism for the southern granulite terrain may be attributed to high temperature carbonatite and alkaline intrusives in an extensional setting which followed an initial crustal thickening. The Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT) in India is one of the largest exposed Precambrian deep continental crustal sections in the world consisting of multiply deformed Archean and Neoproterozoic high grade metamorphic and magmatic rock.

Phanerozoic denudation across the Kola Peninsula, Northwest Russia: implications for long-term stability of Precambrian shield margins

Contrasting views exist on the stability of the Earth’s shield regions over the last 1 Ga that have major implications for reconstructing erosion patterns on shields and the supply of sediment to intra-cratonic and marginal basins. This paper explores Phanerozoic denudation rates and patterns on the northern part of the Fennoscandian Shield in the Kola Peninsula, Northwest Russia. This shield region was intruded by magmatic rocks of the Kola Alkaline Province (KAP) in the Devonian and Early Carboniferous. The KAP comprises a varied suite of alkali–ultramafic plutonic and hypabyssal intrusions, diatremes and dykes that was emplaced at various depths in the crust and allows assessment of depths and rates of erosion during and since the KAP magmatic episode. Further evidence of long-term denudation is provided by Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic cover rocks found around the margins of the Kola Peninsula and in the White Sea. The burial and exhumation history is compared to available Apatite Fission Track (AFT) data for the Kola Peninsula and adjacent areas. Post-Devonian denudation rates on the shield rocks of the Kola Peninsula have varied in space and time. Around the periphery of the Kola Peninsula, low long-term denudation of shield rocks is indicated by the survival of Riphean cover rocks and Late Devonian lavas, kimberlite crater facies and near-surface emplacement of dykes. In contrast, in the main belts of KAP intrusions, 4–6 km of rock was removed in response to doming between 460 and 360 Ma. Deep denudation is indicated by the emplacement depths of alkaline intrusions and Phoscorite–Carbonatite pipes (PCPs). Erosion on the Kola Peninsula since 360 Ma has been far more limited. Extensive, shallow, late-stage magmatism associated with PCPs, dykes and the large alkaline intrusions in the KAP indicates that erosion depths nowhere exceeded 2 km. Post-Devonian denudation has removed <1 km of rock from the margins of the Kola Peninsula and from the backslope of the Saariselka–Karelia scarp in northern Finland. AFT data point to an important phase of erosion in the early Mesozoic but depths of unroofing of 3–5 km based on AFT cooling ages for this later phase are in conflict with the evidence of lesser erosion provided by the late-stage KAP intrusions and also require unrealistic depths of former Devonian to Triassic cover rocks. Mean denudation rates were greatest (up to 40 m/Myr) during the KAP magmatic phase. Post-Devonian rates across the Kola Peninsula and adjacent shield areas were much lower (<3–6 m/Myr) and are compatible with low long-term denudation rates for other cratons. Further resolution of longterm denudation patterns and rates on the Kola Peninsula requires the application of low-temperature thermochronometry, detailed examination of the regional geomorphology and firmer dating of ancient weathering episodes.

Geocronologia U-Pb em zircão de rochas intrusivas e de embasamento na região do Vale do Jacurici, Cráton do São Francisco, Bahia

RESUMO O Complexo Jacurici, NE do Cráton do São Francisco, é constituído de vários corpos máficos-ultramáficos N-S mineralizados a Cr, possivelmente fragmentos de um único sill rompido durante deformação. Alguns trabalhos sugerem que está intruso no Bloco Serrinha, enquanto outros o inserem no Cinturão Salvador-Curaçá. O embasamento nessa região é dividido informalmente em paragnaisses e ortognaisses, o último supostamente mais jovem, considerando-se estar menos deformado. Petrografia revelou que alguns dos paragnaisses são álcali-feldspato granitos fortemente milonitizados. Os ortognaisses ocorrem no norte e consistem, ao menos em parte, de monzogranitos com deformação heterogênea, localmente de baixa temperatura. Datações U-Pb em zircão foram realizadas para cinco amostras representativas. Apenas três resultaram em boas idades concórdias. Uma rocha máfica produziu idade de 2102 ± 5 Ma e é petrograficamente similar aos metanoritos do Complexo Jacurici, sendo interpretada como registro dos primeiros pulsos do magmatismo máfico. Um monzogranito gerou idade de 2995 ± 15 Ma, sendo mais antigo do que o esperado, relacionado ao Bloco Serrinha. Álcali-feldspato granito produziu idade de 2081 ± 3 Ma. O Sienito Itiúba e os pegmatitos que cortam o Complexo Jacurici têm idades semelhantes. Considerando a falta de informações sobre a sequência supracrustal que hospeda as rochas alcalinas e máficas-ultramáficas intrusivas nas áreas de Ipueira e Medrado, é possível que parte do terreno pertença ao Cinturão Salvador-Curaçá. Sugerimos que o Complexo Jacurici possa ter sido intrudido após a colagem tectônica entre o Bloco Serrinha e a parte mais antiga do Cinturão Salvador-Curaçá e, portanto, poderia ser hospedado por ambos.

Sodalita Cancrinita Nefelina Sienito do Maciço Mendanha, RJ, Chamado Comercialmente de Granito Cinza Azul Guanabara, e sua Origem de Metassomatismo Deutérico

This article reports field observations, petrographic descriptions, and genetic consideration on the sodalite cancrinite nepheline syenite, called commercially Blue Guanabara Granite, which is found in southwest contact of Mendanha felsic alkaline intrusion, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This natural stone occurs along the central axis of a syenitic dyke of 15 m in width. The whole-rock macroscopic colour is characterised by low saturation (S=5~7) and medium brightness (B~62). The opaque minerals colour has relatively high brightness (B~28). The alkaline feldspar is often altered into muscovite. The feldspathoids occur in the interstitial frameworks of alkaline feldspar. The amphibole and biotite are altered into opaque minerals and vermiculite, showing pseudomorph. The accessory minerals are primary magnetite and titanite. There is a significant amount of modal carbonates of 6.8%. The macroscopic colour of the feldspathoid aggregates ranges from deep blue to light blue according to the relative contents of sodalite. The sodalite and cancrinite are originated from nepheline and formed through Cl-rich fluid deuteric metasomatism.

Petrological and geochemical characteristics of Mesoproterozoic dyke swarms in the Gardar Province, South Greenland: Evidence for a major sub-continental lithospheric mantle component in the generation of the magmas

AbstractThe Mesoproterozoic Gardar Province in South Greenland developed in a continental rift-related environment. Several alkaline intrusions and associated dyke swarms were emplaced in Archaean and Ketilidian basement rocks during two main magmatic periods at 1300–1250 Ma and 1180–1140 Ma. The present investigation focuses on mafic dykes from the early magmatic period ('Older Gardar') and the identification of their possible mantle sources.The rocks are typically fine- to coarse-grained dolerites, transitional between tholeiitic and alkaline compositions with a general predominance of Na over K. They crystallized from relatively evolved, mantle-derived melts and commonly show minor degrees of crustal contamination. Selective enrichment of the large ion lithophile elements Cs, Ba and K and the light rare-earth elements when compared to high field-strength elements indicate significant involvement of a sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) component in the generation of the magmas. This component was affected by fluid-dominated supra-subduction zone metasomatism, possibly related to the Ketilidian orogeny ∼500 Ma years prior to the onset of Gardar magmatism. Melt generation in the SCLM is further documented by the inferential presence of amphibole in the source region, negative calculated εNd(i) values (–0.47 to –4.40) and slightly elevated87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.702987 to 0.706472) ratios when compared to bulk silicate earth as well as relatively flat heavy rare-earth element (HREE) patterns ((Gd/Yb)N= 1.4 –1.9) indicating melt generation above the garnet stability field.The dyke rocks investigated show strong geochemical and geochronological similarities to penecontemporaneous mafic dyke swarms in North America and Central Scandinavia and a petrogenetic link is hypothesized. Considering recent plate reconstructions, it is further suggested that magmatism was formed behind a long-lived orogenic belt in response to back-arc basin formation in the time interval between 1290–1235 Ma.

U–Pb geochronology of the Eocene Kærven intrusive complex, East Greenland: constraints on the Iceland hotspot track during the rift-to-drift transition

AbstractSeveral major tholeiitic (e.g. the Skaergaard intrusion) and alkaline (e.g. the Kangerlussuaq Syenite) intrusive complexes of the North Atlantic Large Igneous Province are exposed along the Kangerlussuaq Fjord in East Greenland. The Kærven Complex forms a satellite intrusion to the Kangerlussuaq Syenite and includes early tholeiitic gabbros and a series of cross-cutting alkaline intrusions ranging from monzonite to alkali granite. The alkaline intrusions cut the gabbros, and are cut by the outer nordmarkite zone of the Kangerlussuaq Syenite. This study presents the first U–Pb zircon ages from the alkaline units of the Kærven Complex. Fourteen multi-grain zircon fractions have been analysed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). Absolute age differences could not be resolved between the different units, suggesting a relatively rapid succession of intrusions betweenc. 53.5 and 53.3 Ma. Our compilation of precise radiometric age data shows that most of the alkaline magmatism in the Kangerlussuaq Fjord occurred prior to 50 Ma. Moreover, pre-50 Ma alkaline intrusions and lavas show a SSE-younging trend, which is interpreted as the track of the Iceland hotspot during the rift-to-drift transition of the North Atlantic.