Alkaline Magmatism Research Articles

Sources and Age of the Gold Mineralization of the Irokinda Deposit, Northern Transbaikalia: Evidence from Pb, S, Sr, and Nd Isotope-Geochemical and 39Ar–40Ar Geochronological Data

Numerous orogenic gold deposits of different age, scale, and mineralization type are located within Northern Transbaikalia. Among them, there is a large group of Early Permian deposits, whose sources and relationships with Late Paleozoic magmatism remain debatable. These issues were solved by the example of the middle-scale (~24 t, Au) Irokinda deposit, localized within the Precambrian rocks of the Baikal–Muya Terrane. 39Ar–40Ar geochronological dating of the ore-hosting altered rocks indicates that hydrothermal–metasomatic process took place about 270 myr ago. Gold mineralization has heterogeneous Pb-, S-, Sr-, and Nd-isotopic characteristics. Variations in the Pb, S, Sr, and Nd isotopic composition of ore and gangue minerals suggest that the mineral-forming components were involved in the hydrothermal system from different sources. Among them, the leading role belonged to the rocks of the Precambrian crust of the Baikal–Muya Terrane. Pb isotopic composition of the second identified source is close to that of the Early Permian alkaline and subalkaline rocks of the Baikal–Muya Terrane. This fact may indicate a genetic relationship between the Irokinda gold mineralization and intraplate alkaline magmatism, which developed in the region simultaneously with ore-forming processes.

Paragenetic relationships between low- and high-grade gold mineralization in the Cripple Creek Au-Te deposit, Colorado: Trace element studies of pyrite

The Cripple Creek alkaline igneous rock-related low-sulfidation epithermal gold telluride deposit is hosted in a 10 km wide Oligocene alkaline volcanic diatreme in Proterozoic rocks. Periods of phreatic eruptions and progressively more mafic alkaline magma emplacement created the diatreme and breccias that host the gold ore, followed by breccia pipe creation, and later by the emplacement of phonolite and later lamprophyre dikes throughout the diatreme. Pervasive potassic alteration affected much of the diatreme, and is spatially related to the late-stage veins containing native gold and precious metal tellurides. Previous studies have mainly focused on the high-grade gold veins primarily located toward the center of the diatreme. The current study evaluates the mineralogy and paragenesis of low-grade mineralization in the currently mined Wild Horse Extension (WHEX), Globe Hill, and Schist Island pits, and the Galena Embayment along the margin of the diatreme next to the WHEX pit, as well as high-grade mineralization in the WHEX and Cresson pits. Given the variable paragenesis of mineralizing stages in different locations in the Cripple Creek deposit, a simplified three stage paragenesis (stages 1, 2, and 3) is recognized here involving low- and high-grade gold mineralization.Scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analyses are used to compare the trace element compositions of pyrite in low- and high-grade gold mineralization. These analyses reveal a complex trace element pattern with variability in Ag, As, Au, Co, Ni, Sb, and Te in the rims, cores, and zones (area between the core and the rim) of stages 2 (Py2) and 3 pyrite (Py3) and spatially between the pits currently being mined. Trace element concentrations in stage 1 pyrite (Py1) are lower than those in Py2 and Py3 and the patterns are uniform. Trace elements reside within the lattice structure of pyrite and as micro- and nano-inclusions (e.g., up to 48,220 ppm As, 6983 ppm Co, 12,250 ppm Ni, and 10,860 ppm Sb). The trace element patterns from the final stage of pyrite growth in high-grade gold telluride veins indicate enrichment in Ag, As, Au, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Te.The paragenesis and compositional zoning of pyrite associated with high-grade ore contrast with those associated with pyrite from low-grade ore, which preceded the formation of high-grade gold telluride veins. This suggests that metallic mineralization occurred in multiple episodes and that low-grade ore did not form from the same hydrothermal fluids that precipitated the high-grade ore. Early pyrite formed under passive, non-boiling conditions, followed by a transition to vigorous boiling in Py2 and Py3, ending with non-boiling conditions recorded in the Au and As-rich rims of Py3. This enrichment in Au and As on the rims of pyrite is consistent with other alkaline igneous rock-related epithermal Au deposits, as are the concentrations of trace elements throughout the pyrite grains. The presence of As, Ag, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sb, Te, and Tl in pyrite are considered vectors to high-grade Au ore in the Cripple Creek deposit.

Multiple intrusion stages and mantle sources of the Paleozoic Kuznetsk Alatau alkaline province, Southern Siberia: geochemistry and Permian U–Pb, Sm–Nd ages in the Goryachegorsk ijolite-foyaite intrusion

ABSTRACT In this work, we present new U–Pb, Sm–Nd geochronology, major and trace‐element and isotopic composition (Nd, Sr, Pb, O) for the Goryachegorsk alkaline-mafic igneous rocks from the Kuznetsk Alatau (Siberia, Russian Federation). The age obtained using U-Pb in zircon, ~ 265 Ma, is considered to represent the crystallization age of Goryachegorsk intrusion in Late Permian times. LILE and HFSE composition, and isotope signatures indicate the heterogeneity of magmatic sources and the mixing of IAB- and OIB- like magmas. We interpret that this intrusion is characterized by the superposition of PREMA + EM 2 mantle plume magmas and other magmas derived from the melting of accretion-collision complexes from the Paleo Asian ocean margin. Mixing of mantle sources and continental crust resulted in variations of Nd-isotope composition (εNd (t) ~ 1.7–6.8) and lead isotope composition (206Pb/204Pb in 19.29, 207Pb/204Pb in 15.58, 208Pb/204Pb in 37.74), as well as an increase of 87Sr/86Sr (t) ~ 0.7049–0.7068 and δ18О 8.5–9.6 ‰, SMOW in igneous rocks. Additional geochronological data on the Kuznetsk Alatau alkaline mafic province suggest its origin at different times during the Paleozoic: at the Cambrian-Ordovician boundary (~ 510–480 Ma); Early-Middle Devonian (~ 410–385 Ma); and Late Permian (~ 266–262 Ma). Geochemical similarity between the regional alkaline magmatism emplaced at different ages provides insights into periodic mantle plume – lithosphere interaction over a time span of ca. 250 Ma.

40Ar/39Ar Geochronology and New Mineralogical and Geochemical Data from Lamprophyres of Chompolo Field (South Yakutia, Russia)

The alkaline igneous rocks of the Chompolo field (Aldan shield, Siberian craton), previously defined as kimberlites or lamproites, are more correctly classified as low-Ti lamprophyres. The emplacement age of the Ogonek pipe (137.8 ± 1.2 Ma) and the Aldanskaya dike (157.0 ± 1.6 Ma) was obtained using 40Ar/39Ar K-richterite dating. The Chompolo rocks contain abundant xenocrysts of mantle minerals (chromium-rich pyropic garnets, Cr-diopsides, spinels, etc.). The composition of the mantle xenocrysts indicates the predominance of spinel and garnet–spinel lherzolites, while the presence of garnet lherzolites, dunites, harzburgites, and eclogites is minor. The Chompolo rocks are characterized by large-ion lithophile element (LILE) and Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) enrichments, and high field strength element (HFSE) depletions. The rocks of the Ogonek pipe have radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr (t) = 0.70775 and 0.70954), and highly unradiogenic εNd(t) (−20.03 and −20.44) isotopic composition. The trace element and isotopic characteristics of the Chompolo rocks are indicative of the involvement of subducted materials in their ancient enriched lithospheric mantle source. The Chompolo rocks were formed at the stage when the Mesozoic igneous activity was triggered by global tectonic events. The Chompolo field of alkaline magmatism is one of the few available geological objects, which provides the opportunity to investigate the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the south part of the Siberian craton.

Widespread silicic and alkaline magmatism synchronous with the Deccan Traps flood basalts, India

Deccan Traps (DT) volcanism and the Chicxulub bolide impact have been suggested as potential triggers of the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary (KPB) mass extinction. Recently published geochronology has established a timeline for the main basaltic sequence of the DT, showing that the majority of eruptions occurred within 700–800 kyr spanning the KPB. Silicic to alkaline magmatism linked to the DT, spatially associated with the Narmada lineament in central India, has been long known but not as well studied. Previous geochronology of some of the felsic magmatic centers has yielded dates that span many millions of years, making their temporal relationship with DT volcanism uncertain. We present zircon U-Pb ages from the Alech, Barda, Girnar, Rajula and Phenai Mata silicic–alkaline complexes, in addition to a series of trachytes on the coastal plain near Mumbai. While the trachytes are ∼64 Ma and mark the continental breakup of India ∼1.5 Myr after the main phase of DT eruptions, the silicic-alkaline complexes were all emplaced coevally with the main phase of DT volcanism ca. 66.2-65.7 Ma. Initial εHf in zircons (+10 to -20), whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr (0.702439-0.760932) and εNd (+1.11 to -35.7) for all five intrusive complexes suggest a hybrid origin involving juvenile sources as well as significant assimilation of older continental crust. Recognition that the silicic-alkaline complexes are coeval with basaltic magmatism and associated with a significant thermal imprint on the crust in and near the Narmada rift sedimentary strata supports the hypothesis that outgassing of organic-rich sediments may have contributed to the end-Maastrichtian warming and biologic crisis.

Early Devonian Ultrapotassic Magmatism in the North China Craton: Geochemical and Isotopic Evidence for Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle Metasomatism by Subducted Sediment–Derived Fluid

AbstractThe North China Craton (NCC) represents one of the oldest and largest cratons in the earth with a nearly complete record of Precambrian history. In the northern part of the NCC, the earliest phase of alkaline magmatism occurred in discrete pulses in the Early and Middle Devonian; whereas the next episode of alkaline magmatism took place in the early Mesozoic. The Gucheng pluton is exposed in the northern part of the NCC 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 NCC. 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. 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 NCC facing the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean.

Zircon U–Pb dating, Lu–Hf isotopic composition and geological significance of granites in the Haobugao Pb–Zn deposit, southern Great Xing’an Range, China

The Haobugao Pb–Zn deposit located in the southern Great Xing’an Range (SGXR) is one of the most important deposits within the Huanggangliang–Ganzhuermiao polymetallic metallogenic belt. Xiaohanshan quartz monzonite porphyry and Wulandaba granodiorite are present in the ore area and are assumed to be closely related to the mineralization. In this study, a new isotopic dating technique, zircon U–Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer analysis, was applied to the granites; the analyses indicate that the Xiaohanshan quartz monzonite porphyry and Wulandaba granodiorite were emplaced at 143.9 ± 1.1 Ma and 151.3 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, these A-type granites are characterized by relatively high SiO2 and K2O contents, low Al2O3 content, and negative Eu anomalies. Additionally, both granites display strong Rb, Th, U, and Ce enrichment and Ba, K, Sr, and Ti depletion. Their relatively high eHf (t) values (with averages of 7.13 and 7.87, respectively) and young two-stage Nd and Hf model ages indicate that the two granites may have predominantly derived from the partial melting of a juvenile lower crust, followed by fractional crystallization during magma ascent. The geological, elemental, and isotopic evidence shows that the Xiaohanshan quartz monzonite porphyry and Wulandaba granodiorite formed due to the upwelling of mantle-derived alkaline magma and partial melting of the crust, with a certain degree of mixed dyeing, under a tectonic background of asthenosphere upwelling and lithosphere extension via the subduction of the ancient Pacific plate.

Paleogeothermal Gradients Across an Inverted Hyperextended Rift System: Example of the Mauléon Fossil Rift (Western Pyrenees)

AbstractThe fossil rift in the North Pyrenean Zone, which underwent high temperature‐low pressure metamorphism and alkaline magmatism during Early Cretaceous hyperextension, was studied to explore the geothermal regime at the time of rifting. In this work, we combined Raman lab analysis and thermal numerical modelling to shed light on the distribution of geothermal gradients across the inverted hyperextended Mauléon rift basin during Albian and Cenomanian time, its period of active extension. Data were acquired from a set of 155 samples from densely spaced outcrops and boreholes, analyzed using Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material. The estimated paleogeothermal gradient is strongly related to the structural position along the Albian‐Cenomanian rift, increasing along a proximal‐distal margin transect from ~34°C/km in the European proximal margin to ~37–47°C/km in the two necking zones and 57–60°C/km in the hyperextended domain. This pattern of the paleogeothermal gradient induced a complex interaction between brittle and ductile deformation during crustal extension. A numerical model reproducing the thermal evolution of the North Pyrenees since 120 Ma suggests that mantle heat flow values may have reached 100 mW/m2 during the rifting event. This model reveals that above the thermal pulse, the temperature gradient varied within a small range of 55 to 62°C/km, as inferred from RSCM peak temperatures. We demonstrate that the style of reactivation during subsequent convergence influenced the thermal structure of the inverted rift system.

Silurian alkaline magmatism in the Saur area, northern West Junggar: Evidence for the Middle Palaeozoic amalgamation of the Kazakhstan Block at the south‐west of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Although it is generally accepted that the Kazakhstan Block is an assemblage of Precambrian microcontinents and Early Palaeozoic island arcs, the details and timing constraint of the collage process need to be precisely studied in local regions. Thus, we conducted combined studies of geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes upon the Awusiqi alkali‐feldspar granite and volcanic rocks from the Saur area in northern West Junggar. The Awusiqi volcanic rocks are mainly composed of andesites, rhyolites, and pyroclastic rocks. The alkali‐feldspar granite directly intrudes into the surrounding volcanic strata. Zircon U–Pb ages of the Awusiqi andesites, rhyolites, and alkali‐feldspar granite are 431 ± 3 Ma, 428 ± 5 Ma, and 426 ± 6 Ma, respectively. These new age data imply for the existence of Silurian magmatism in the Saur area. The alkali‐feldspar granite and rhyolites with high silica and alkali contents belong to metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and alkaline series and show seagull‐type REE patterns with strongly negative Eu anomalies. They are relatively enriched in the light rare earth elements (LREEs), K, Rb, Ba, Cs and other large‐ionic lithophile elements (LILEs), and are poor in P, Sr, and Eu, geochemically similar to those of A2‐type granites. The alkali‐feldspar granites have positive zircon εHf(t) values varying from +11.03 to +16.87 and young Hf model ages (TDM2 = 686 – 425 Ma). These features suggest that the Awusiqi alkali‐feldspar granite and rhyolites (except sample 18XJSF22C) were generated by partial melting of the juvenile lower crust with fractional crystallization, whereas sample 18XJSF22C shows mantle‐derived features. Awusiqi andesites show typical sanukitic high‐Mg andesites characteristics(Mg# = 48.08 – 65.52). The andesites are enriched in LREEs and LILEs, and are depleted in Nb, Ta, and Ti. They also have relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70543 – 0.70547), positive εNd(t) values (+2.5 – +5.7), and ancient Nd model ages (TDM1 = 1,093 – 815 Ma). These features suggest the andesites were likely derived from partial melting of a depleted mantle source previously metasomatized by slab‐derived fluids and melts. The discovery of Silurian magmatism in the Saur area has further confirmed the existence of Early Palaeozoic Tarbagtay arc basement and widespread Middle Palaeozoic A2‐type granitoids. We favor a post‐collisional setting in the Silurian in northern West Junggar, which also is the local embodiment of the Middle Palaeozoic amalgamation of the Kazakhstan Block.

Mineralogy, mineral chemistry and thermobarometry of post-mineralization dykes of the Sungun Cu–Mo porphyry deposit (Northwest Iran)

Abstract The Sungun copper–molybdenum porphyry deposit is located in the north of Varzaghan, northwestern Iran. The Sungun quartz-monzonite is the oldest mineralized intrusive body in the region and was emplaced during the Early Miocene. Eight categories of the late and unmineralized dykes, which include quartz diorite, gabbrodiorite, diorite, dacite, microdiorite and lamprophyre (LAM), intrude the ore deposit. The main mineral phases in the dykes include plagioclase, amphibole and biotite, with minor quartz and apatite and secondary chlorite, epidote, muscovite and sericite. The composition of plagioclase in the quartz diorite dykes (DK1a, DK1b and DK1c) varies from albite-oligoclase to andesine and oligoclase to andesine; in the diorite, it varies from andesine to labradorite; in the LAM, from albite to oligoclase; and in the microdiorite (MDI), it occurs as albite. Amphibole compositions are consistent with classification as hornblende or calcic amphibole. Based on their AlIV value (less than 1.5), amphibole compositions are consistent with an active continental margin affinity. The average percentage of pistacite (P s) in epidotes formed from alteration of plagioclase and ferromagnesian minerals is 27–23% and 25–30%, respectively. Thermobarometric studies based on amphibole and biotite indicate approximate dyke crystallization temperature of 850–750℃, pressure of 231–336 MPa and high fO2 (>nickel-nickel-oxide buffer). The range of mineral compositions in the postmineralization dyke suite is consistent with a genetic relationship with the subduction of the Neotethys oceanic crust beneath the continental crust of the northwest part of the Central Iranian Structural Zone. Despite the change from calc-alkaline to alkaline magmatism, the dykes are likely related to the late stages of magmatic activity in the subduction system that also generated the porphyry deposit.

Geochronology, mineral chemistry and genesis of REE mineralization in alkaline rocks from the Kohistan Island Arc, Pakistan

Alkaline igneous-related rare earth element (REE) deposits constitute a major global economic resource of REE. However, our understanding of their geodynamic settings and magmatic-hydrothermal processes remains uncertain. Here, we present an investigation of petrography, geochronology and mineral chemistry of newly discovered REE mineralization in the alkaline syenite and pegmatite from the Kohistan Batholith in the Kohistan Island Arc, Pakistan. The pegmatite contains abundant chevkinite and monazite (up to 10–35% in volume), which formed from crystallization of a REE-oversaturated evolved melt and are the main REE-bearing phases. U-Th-Pb isotopic dating of zircon from the syenite yields the emplacement age of 31.2 ± 0.3 Ma, which closely matches the ages of zircon and monazite from the pegmatite (30.1 ± 0.3 Ma and 30.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively). Zircons from the syenite and the pegmatite have similar ɛHf(t) values, ranging from + 0.2 to + 2.5, indicating that the syenite and the pegmatite are co-magmatic in origin. The alkaline magma likely formed by partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle induced by the asthenospheric upwelling, which was related to slab break-off at the post-collisional stage following the collision of the Kohistan Island Arc with the Indian Plate. Zircons show the evolutional trend in trace element compositions from the syenite to the pegmatite, marked by increases in REE, Hf, Y, U, volatiles and fo2. These changes reflect prolonged fractional crystallization processes of the alkaline magma, which were responsible for the REE enrichment in the residual pegmatitic melt. Post-collisional alkaline magmatic rocks are widely distributed in many places along the Tethyan orogenic belt. These observations suggest that these post-collisional alkaline rocks may be good targets for REE exploration.

Origin of Northeast Fujian Basalts and Limitations on the Heterogeneity of Mantle Sources for Cenozoic Alkaline Magmatism across SE China: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Dating, Petrological, Whole-Rock Geochemical, and Isotopic Studies

Cenozoic alkali basalts in Southeast (SE) China generally are genetically related to intracontinental rifting. Hence, they can be used to probe the nature of their underlying mantle sources and aid studies of the tectonic background in this region. This paper focuses on the Shanhoujian alkali basalts located in Bailing County, northeastern Fujian, SE China. We herein report their petrology, whole-rock major, and trace element geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotopic composition and provide a new zircon U-Pb age for the basalts (~40 Ma, Eocene). These data help to constrain the petrogenesis of alkali basalts, their mantle source, and tectonic settings. The basalts are characterized by high Mg# (58.21–63.52) with Na2O/K2O > 1. MgO content is weakly correlated with CaO and Cr content but shows no correlation with Ni and Fe2O3 (total). Such features suggest that fractionation of clinopyroxene rather than olivine was important. In terms of trace elements, the alkali basalts display: (1) enrichment in La, Ce, Rb, Ba, Nb, and Ta and depletion in K, Pb, Zr, Hf, and Ti and (2) notable fractionation of light rare earth elements from heavy rare earth elements. Determined (87Sr/86Sr)i is in the range of 0.7041–0.7040 and εNd (t) is between +3.2 and +3.3. The Shanhoujian alkali basalts show a notable affinity to oceanic island basalts (OIBs) with little assimilation of crustal materials. They were derived from a pyroxenite and carbonated peridotite mantle source metasomatized by sediments carried by the subduction plate at different depths. The primary magmas of these basalts were derived from partial melting of this metasomatized mantle source during upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle as an intracontinental rift formed through extension in this part of SE China.

Geochemistry of Paleozoic Dolerite Dikes in the Northeastern Kola Peninsula and Their Relations to Flood-Basalt and Alkaline Magmatism

The paper presents data on dolerite dikes in the Murmansk block in the northeastern Kola Peninsula. The dikes belong to a Middle Paleozoic flood-basalt association, which is a principal element of the large-scale plume–lithospheric process in the area of the Barents Sea. According to their geological, petrological, and geochemical features, the dolerite dikes are classified into two groups: older and younger, which pertain to the initial and final evolution of the large igneous province produced under the effect of the Barents Sea plume at 450–340 Ma. One of the results of the plume–lithosphere interaction was the origin of the Eastern Barents Basin, which is filled with large volumes of basalts, and this predetermined the further subsidence of the area in Meso-Cenozoic time and the accumulation of thick sedimentary sequences with significant hydrocarbon resources. The peripheries of the area with products of basaltic magmatism are marked by alkaline rock complexes. The largest of the latter are the intrusions of the Kola Province and kimberlites in Archangelsk oblast. The dolerites of the dikes abound in xenogenic grains of zircon, which were dated at 2.7, 1.8, 1.3, 0.7 Ga. These age values suggest that the parental melts may have been derived in the lower crust and that the magma-generating processes may have evolved in the root zone of an ancient rift system.

Constraining Ancient Magmatic Evolution on Mars Using Crystal Chemistry of Detrital Igneous Minerals in the Sedimentary Bradbury Group, Gale Crater, Mars

AbstractUnderstanding magmatic processes is critical to understanding Mars as a system, but Curiosity's investigation of dominantly sedimentary rocks has made it difficult to constrain igneous processes. Igneous classification of float rocks is challenging because of the following: (1) the possibility that they have been affected by sedimentary processes or weathering, and (2) grain size heterogeneity in the observed rock textures makes the small‐scale compositions measured by rover instruments unreliable for bulk classification. We avoid these ambiguities by using detrital igneous mineral chemistry to constrain models of magmatic processes in the source region for the fluvio‐deltaic Bradbury group. Mineral chemistry is obtained from X‐ray diffraction of three collected samples and a new stoichiometric and visual filtering of ~5,000 laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spots to identify compositions of individual igneous minerals. Observed mineral chemistries are compared to those produced by MELTS thermodynamic modeling to constrain possible magmatic conditions. Fractionation of two starting primary melts derived from different extent of adiabatic decompression melting of a primitive mantle composition could result in the crystallization of all minerals observed. Crystal fractionation of a subalkaline and an alkaline magma is required to form the observed minerals. These results are consistent with the collection of alkaline and subalkaline rocks from Gale as well as clasts from the Martian meteorite Northwest Africa 7034 and paired stones. This new method for constraining magmatic processes will be of significant interest for the Mars 2020 mission, which will also investigate an ancient volcaniclastic‐sedimentary environment and will include a LIBS instrument.

Mantle-Derived Corundum-Bearing Felsic Dykes May Survive Only within the Lower (Refractory/Inert) Crust: Evidence from Zircon Geochemistry and Geochronology (Ivrea–Verbano Zone, Southern Alps, Italy)

Corundum-rich (up to 55 vol.%) felsic dykes formed with albite, ±K-feldspar, ±hercynite and ±biotite-siderophyllite cut the lower crustal rocks exposed in the Ivrea–Verbano Zone (NW Italy). Zircon is an abundant accessory mineral and its investigation through laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma (multi-collector)-mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-(MC)MS) has allowed results to directly constrain the timing of emplacement, as well as petrology and geochemistry of parental melts. Zircons are characterized by very large concentration in rare earth elements (REE), Th, U, Nb and Ta, and negative Eu anomaly. U–Pb analysis points to Norian emplacement ages (223 ± 7 Ma and 224 ± 6 Ma), whereas large positive εHf(t) values (+13 on average) indicate a derivation from depleted to mildly enriched mantle source. The mantle signature and the corundum oversaturation were preserved thanks to limited crustal contamination of the host, high-temperature refractory granulites and mafic intrusives. According to the geochemical data and to the evidence of the development of violent explosions into the conduits, it is proposed that dykes segregated from peraluminous melts produced by exsolution processes affecting volatile-rich differentiates during alkaline magmatism. This work provides robust evidence about the transition of the geochemical affinity of Southern Alps magmatism from orogenic-like to anorogenic during Norian time, linked to a regional uprising of the asthenosphere and change of tectonic regime.

Numerical modeling of post-collisional carbonated alkaline magmatism: Variscan style Orogeny (the Ivrea Zone as natural laboratory)

The Ivrea Zone of northwest Italy exposes a section of the lower crust and lithospheric mantle deformed during the Variscan Orogeny, where a series of carbonated alkaline pipes was emplaced over a time span of ca. 40 Ma, following a crustal underplating event at ca. 288 Ma. We use a coupled 2D petrological-thermomechanical approach to geodynamically model the processes that led to the Variscan continental collision and subsequent emplacement of the alkaline pipes with application to craton margin metasomatic events. The following criteria are assessed to develop a generic model: 1) closure of Rheic Ocean through subduction of oceanic crust and subduction-related metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle, 2) high-temperature metamorphism of the lower crust associated with continental collision, preceding the 3) emplacement of a crustal underplating event, and 4) partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle domains during gravitational collapse of the orogen to source the alkaline pipes. Our model investigates the collision process by varying thermal ages of the intervening oceanic crust (40, 60, and 80 Ma) and by changing the rheological strength of the lower crust. We employ two ideal end-member cases, wet quartzite and plagioclase An75, an intermediate dry quartz case to represent a migmatized lower crust, and two polymineralic cases of felsic granulite and mafic granulite as possible representations to the Ivrea Zone specifically. We discuss the results through three scenarios controlled by the age of the oceanic crust and rheology of the lower crust that can reproduce tectonic scale features that are observed in the Ivrea Zone. Scenario 1: the wet quartzite 40 Ma model features widespread H2O and CO2 fluxes within the continental lithospheric mantle. The model displays little melt productivity due to the presence of an overthickened crust and the continental lithospheric mantle decouples and peels off beneath the lower crust of the colliding terrane. Scenario 2: the plagioclase An75 60 Ma model shows high-temperature metamorphism in the lower crust and reproduces the metasomatism of the continental lithospheric mantle that is a precursor to the genesis of the alkaline pipes. The model is permissive for the emplacement of the crustal underplating event, but the relative timings are misplaced. Scenario 3: the mafic granulite 80 Ma model recreates the tectonic relationships between lower crustal high-temperature metamorphism followed by initiation of the magmatic underplating event, and lastly by localized melting of metasomatized domains of the lithospheric mantle. This model can potentially explain two of the prevailing hypotheses for the formation of the alkaline pipes. Whereas all models reproduced different stages of the tectono-magmatic evolution of continental collision, only scenario 3 could sufficiently recreate the relative sequence of events observed in the Ivrea Zone. Scenarios 1 and 2 may provide precious information about the nature and timing of metasomatic processes in the lithospheric mantle, with implications for the enhanced prospectivity for a wide range of ore systems in specific domains along the margins of lithospheric blocks.

Phlogopite-Olivine Nephelinites Erupted During Early Stage Rifting, North Tanzanian Divergence

The North Tanzanian Divergence (NTD, eastern branch of the East African Rift) corresponds to an early stage of continental breakup. In the southern NTD, two quaternary volcanoes of the Manyara-Balangida rift (Labait, Kwaraha) have erupted primary nephelinite lavas (Mg# = 79–57) that allow characterization of their deep mantle source and the alkaline magmas that percolated through the lithosphere during rift initiation. Nephelinites are olivine- and clinopyroxene-rich, and contain up to 4 vol% magmatic phlogopite that crystallized as a liquidus phase with olivine and clinopyroxene. The presence of hydrous mineral (phlogopite) phenocrysts in Kwaraha and Labait lavas strongly suggests that the alkaline melts were H2O-bearing at the time of phlogopite crystallization (1.57–2.12 wt% H2O in phlogopite), demonstrating that phlogopite may have influenced the partitioning of water between the silicate melt and anhydrous silicate minerals (<1 ppm wt H2O clinopyroxene, 1–6 ppm wt H2O in olivine). Geochemical modeling indicates that the nephelinite magmas resulted from a low degree of partial melting (0.2–1%) of a carbonate-rich (0.3%) garnet peridotite containing ∼2 vol% phlogopite. We estimate the depth of partial melting based on primary melt compositions and empirical relations, and suggest that melting occurred at depths of 110–130 km (4 GPa) for craton-edge lavas (Kwaraha volcano) and 150 km (5 GPa) for on-craton lavas (Labait volcano), close to or below the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in agreement with the presence of deep refractory mantle xenoliths in Labait lavas. The depth of melting becomes gradually deeper toward the southern NTD: highly alkaline magmas in the north (Engaruka-Natron Basin) are sourced from amphibole- and CO2-rich peridotite at 75–90 km depth, whereas magmatism in the south (south Manyara Basin) is sourced from deep phlogopite- and CO2-rich garnet-peridotite beneath the Tanzania craton (e.g., at the on-craton Labait volcano). Percolation of deep asthenospheric CO2-rich alkaline magmas during their ascent may have produced strong heterogeneities in the thick sub-continental lithospheric mantle by inducing metasomatism and phlogopite crystallization in glimmerite lithologies.

The Neoproterozoic alkaline rocks from Fangcheng area, East Qinling (China) and their implications for regional Nb mineralization and tectonic evolution

An integrated study was carried out on samples from the Fangcheng alkaline complex so as to establish the origin and evolution of the Nb-rich alkaline felsic magmas. The Fangcheng complex is composed of nepheline syenites, biotite syenites, alkali-feldspar syenites, quartz syenites and syenogranites. Titanite and zircon U-Pb dating reveals that these rocks were simultaneously emplaced between 867 and 833 Ma. They are strongly enriched in HFSEs (e.g., Nb and Zr) and LREEs, with obvious depletions of Ba, Sr and Eu. Notably, all Fangcheng alkaline rocks are enriched in Nb, and this is particularly true for the nepheline syenites (Nb = 161–461 ppm). The nepheline syenites and biotite syenites yield relatively high εNd(t) values (−0.7 to −1.5) and initial 208Pb/204Pb ratios (36.12–37.61) as compared to the quartz syenites and syenogranites (−4.5 to −4.9 and 23.40–36.72, respectively). Likewise, lower zircon εHf(t) values (−4.2 to −6.9) are recorded by the quartz syenites and syenogranites. Based on our results, we suggest that the Fangcheng alkaline rocks were generated via low degrees of partial melting of an enriched mantle during which the fractionation of an alkali basaltic melt generated a nepheline syenite magma. An ongoing segregation of sodic minerals caused the parent melt to evolve towards a potassium-rich composition, leading to the generation of the biotite syenites and alkali-feldspar syenites. Ultimately, the quartz syenites and syenogranites represent the end products of a highly evolved alkaline magma containing a significant degree of contamination by siliceous-rich crustal materials. The enrichment of Nb in all lithologies was controlled by both magmatic and hydrothermal processes. In an initial F- and HFSE-rich magmatic system, prolonged fractionation of Nb-poor minerals led to the concentration of both F and Nb in the residual melts, as is recorded by the Nb-rich titanite. Hydrothermal metasomatism by Na- and F-rich fluids induced further remobilization and subsequent precipitation of Nb to form secondary titanite, pyrochlore, euxenite and rutile in a post-magmatic stage. We infer that the Neoproterozoic Fangcheng alkaline rocks were emplaced in a post-collisional extensional regime, implying that the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent might have been completed prior to ca. 833 Ma.

New insights into the genesis of IOCG deposits: From a case study of the Yinachang deposit in SW China

The Yinachang Fe-Cu-Au-U-REE deposit is hosted by the lower part of the Paleoproterozoic Kunyang Group in the central Yunnan Province of SW China in an area known to contain iron-oxide Cu-Au mineralisation. The deposit includes: (i) the sulphide assemblage chalcopyrite – pyrite – magnetite – cobaltite – molybdenite – cassiterite; (ii) Rare Earth Element assemblage bastnaesite – parasite – fergusonite – xenotime – monazite; (iii) the uranyl hydroxide mineral vandendriesscheite; (iv) gold commonly hosted by ankerite; and (v) the gangue mineral assemblage apatite – biotite – fluorspar – quartz – calcite. The ore is commonly massive, disseminated, banded, or in calcite veins. The banded mineralisation contains high concentration of Au, Co, Mo, U, Fe, Cu and REE, and the vein-type mineralisation has abundant REE minerals of bastnaesite, parisite, fergusonite and xenotime. Monazite exists as inclusions in apatite or as discrete grains on the surface of magnetite, and the uranium is associated with chalcopyrite. The mineralising process can be divided into an initial Na-alteration followed by the ore-forming assemblages of Fe-REE and Cu-Au-U-REE mineralisation. The average δ18OH2O values in the quartz and calcite change are between 3.5 and 10.7‰, with δDV-SMOW values ranging between −98.2 and −47.7‰. The calcite, siderite and ankerite have δ13C isotope composition ranges from –14 to +1‰ and δ18O compositions of +6.9 to +22‰. The H–O–C isotope systematics indicate that the mineralising fluids have mixed magmatic and metamorphic sources, whereas the carbon is sourced from marine carbonate, and the low temperature alternation of polyphase mantle material. In situ δ34S sulphide value ranges between 1.1 and 11.9‰, and the bulk δ34S value ranges between −4.7 and 10.5‰. In situ Pb isotopes of sulphide samples have 206Pb/204Pb values of 18.58–18.76, 207Pb/204Pb values of 15.51–15.66 and 208Pb/204Pb values of 37.47–38.06. These values plot in the upper crust Pb-evolution curve, indicative of a complex source of Pb in the deposit. The Pb is interpreted to have a deep-seated magmatic source with a contribution from the crust. It is also proposed that the REE-mineralised fluids are derived from a late stage of alkaline magma differentiation. The 40Ar-39Ar biotite date indicates that the Precambrian rocks in the Kangdian region were regionally metamorphosed at ca. 900 Ma. The Yinachang Fe-Cu-Au-U-REE deposit is interpreted as an IOCG deposit based on geological and isotopic studies. The banded ore and vein type ore are the main exploration targets for uranium, gold and REE. This study helps us better understand IOCG deposits in China.

A Reconstitution Approach for Whole Rock Major and Trace Element Compositions of Granulites from the Kapuskasing Structural Zone

Current estimates for the composition of the lower continental crust show significant variation for the concentrations of the highly incompatible elements, including large uncertainties for the heat-producing elements. This has consequences for models of the formation of lower crust. For example, is lower continental crust inherently poor in incompatible elements or has it become so after extraction of partial melts caused by thermal incubation? Answering these questions will require better agreement between estimates for the chemistry of the lower crust. One issue is that granulite samples may have been altered during ascent. Xenoliths often experience contamination from the entraining alkaline magma, potentially resulting in elevated concentrations of incompatible trace elements when analysed by conventional bulk rock techniques. To avoid this, we assessed an in situ approach for reconstructing whole rock compositions with granulites from the Kapuskasing Structural Zone, Superior Province, Canada. As terrain samples, they have not been affected by host magma contamination, and as subrecent glacial exposures, they show minimal modern weathering. We used scanning electron microscope electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) phase mapping to establish the modal mineralogy. Major and trace element concentrations of mineral phases were determined by electron microprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), respectively. These concentrations were combined with the modal mineralogies to obtain reconstructed whole rock compositions, which were compared to conventional bulk rock analyses. The reconstructed data show good reproducibility relative to the conventional analyses for samples with massive textures. However, the conventional bulk rock chemistry systematically yields higher K concentrations, which are hosted in altered feldspars. Thus, even in terrain samples, minor alteration can lead to elevated incompatible element estimates that may not represent genuine lower continental crust.