Alkaline Syenites Research Articles

MINERALOGICAL, PETROGRAPHIC AND GEOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE FOR ZIRCON FORMATION CONDITIONS WITHIN THE BURPALA MASSIF, NORTHERN BAIKAL REGION

This paper reports investigation on zircons from quartz syenite, alkaline and foid syenite, as well as metasomatic rock from the fenitization zone hosted by the Burpala massif. It is performed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), cathodoluminescence (CL), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA ICP MS), and Raman spectroscopy. Generally, all zircons from igneous rocks show rhythmic, crystal growth zoning or sector zoning (type I) except for some zircons from alkaline syenites (type II) showing patchy zoning. They systematically contain pores or cavities. The REE patterns of magmatic zircons share similar features: e.g. depletion of LREE ((Yb/La)N up to 35000), large positive Ce (Ce/Ce* 6–427) and small negative Eu (Eu/Eu* 0.37–0.93) anomalies. Zircons crystallized from quartz syenites at 830±30 °C at the early stage of rock formation, while zircons from alkaline and foid syenites crystallized at the later stage of rock formation (680–750 °C). Meanwhile, crystallization of zircons with rhythmic zoning (type I) occurs at later magmatic stage, while the formation zircons of type II is probably related to the separation of the highly fluorinated aqueous fluid from the residual melt.Zircons from fenites have a bipyramidal habit holding a heterogeneous mosaic core and a homogeneous (or rhythmic zoning) rim. The cores of zircon show flat REE patterns without significant anomalies, while the rims are characterized by noticeable fractionation of REE ((Yb/La)N 85–615) and show a positive Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce* 4–18). The Raman spectra of the cores show a higher degree of crystallinity than the rims, and their flat REE spectra are probably related to the contamination by micro inclusions. The discordant U-Pb age of 295±3 Ma was obtained for zircon rims, which is consistent with the age of formation of igneous rocks of the Burpala massif (298–291 Ma). The latter supports the syngenetic origin of metasomatic ore mineralization with the main stage of massif formation.

Patterns distribution, concentrations and sources of radioactive elements from black sand in the Red Sea coast, Egypt

In Egypt, the distribution of black sand in various coastal regions has been readily apparent by thorough research. Unfortunately, these investigations did not measure radioactivity in black sand, particularly in the vicinity of the Red Sea. Gamma-ray spectroscopy was used to detect the naturally occurring radioactivity from 238U, 232Th, 40K, and 226Ra in black sand samples from eight locations along the Red Sea coast: Ras Elbehar, Gemsa, Hurghada Elahiaa, Hurghada Titanic, Safaga, Qusier Elsharm Alqbly, Gabal Alrosass, and Marsa Alam. The resultant data were interpolated to represent the spatial distribution. Additionally, the potential rocks sources of radionuclides were geologically mapped to elucidate the relationship between rock components and radioactivity. The results showed that 226Ra, 232Th and238U were higher at samples collected from Ras Elbehar, Hurghada Elahiaa and Hurghada Titanic compared to the other sites. On the other hand, 40K showed the lowest mean value (75.3 ± 3.8 Bq/kg) in Hurghada Titanic samples, while it peaked (563 ± 28 Bq/kg) in Qusier Elsharm Alqbly samples. The interpolated results show notable differences in radioactive amounts between the north and south, which are indicative of several environmental conditions and human activities. Alkaline syenite, syenogranite, older granites (tonalite and granodiorite), and minor acidic volcanic/metavolcanic rocks make up the upstream area of the basin area draining into, for example, the Ras Elbehar locality (highest activity concentrations for 238U (1596 ± 80 Bq/kg) and 226Ra (886 ± 44 Bq/kg)), while alkali-feldspar granite, schist, and shale rocks make up the mid-stream area. The findings provide a basis for scientific forecasting on the impact of synthetic or naturally occurring radioactive isotopes introduced into aquatic environments.

New Uranium-lead (U-Pb) Zircon Geochronology of Sholayar Alkaline Syenite Complex, Kerala: Significance of Cryogenian Magmatism from the Southern Granulite Terrane of the Indian Shield

ABSTRACT U-Pb age data from the leuco-syenite from the Sholayar Alkaline Syenite Complex (SASC) (10°17′59.9″N: 076°47′26.3″E) is presented in this study. The present sample contains alkali feldspar (orthoclase), oligoclasic plagioclase, diopsidic pyroxene, biotite and opaque minerals (magnetite and ilmenite). The modal data of constituent minerals is plotted over the IUGS classification diagram and the data plots fall within the syenite field. Obtained age (mean age 706.7 ± 8.4 Ma) largely corresponds to the Cryogenian period. In chondrite-normalized diagrams, the syenite shows some affinity towards well-studied silica over-saturated syenites of the Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT). The Ti-in zircon thermometry indicates the crystallization temperature in the range of 613° to 755°C. The reported zircon U-Pb age suggests evidence for Cryogenian alkaline magmatism in the SGT associated either with asthenospheric upwelling in an extensional setting or subduction related continental rifting.

Investigation of the Potential of Potassium-Containing Additives Based on Mineral Raw Materials and Industrial Waste on the Quality and Yield of Potatoes

The soils of the Komi Republic are characterized as sod-podzolic. It is known that agricultural cultivation of such soils requires the introduction of various mineral and organic fertilizers, liming, deepening of the arable layer, and erosion control. The soils of the region are depleted of potassium, part of which is carried out by agricultural crops, therefore potash fertilizers, where potassium is in an affordable form, are among the most in demand in agriculture. This paper presents the results of a study of the material composition and textural characteristics of analcime-containing siltstones, potassium alkaline syenites and bark ash and their possible use as potash additives to improve potato productivity.

Age, Conditions and Sources of Igneous Rocks of Gora Rudnaya (Southern Yakutia)

The paper presents the results of a complex petrogeochemical and isotope-geochemical (Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd systems) study of alkaline syenites and ore-bearing metasomatites (beresites) of the Gora Rudnaya (Southern Yakutia, Russia), as well as a comparison with compositionally similar massifs of the Aldan Mesozoic igneous province. The Gora Rudnaya, together with the recently discovered Morozkinskoye deposit, is located within the Central Aldan ore region. The massif is composed predominantly of alkaline syenites with a minor amount of alkaline porphyritic syenites, which are intruded by later dikes and sills of alkaline syenite porphyries and calc-alkaline lamprophyres. Industrial gold mineralization is confined to beresitization zones (Qz–Ser– Ank–Py) in areas of intense metasomatic reworking of rocks along steeply dipping fault structures within the intrusion. The obtained Rb–Sr age values for ore-bearing metasomatites (132±1 Ma) indicate subsynchronism of the ore process and crystallization of alkaline syenites, which corresponds to the time of manifestation of the main stage of magmatism in the Aldan Mesozoic igneous province (150–115 Ma). The rocks of the Gora Rudnaya do not differ in petrogeochemical and isotope-geochemical characteristics from rocks of similar composition from other massifs of the Aldan Mesozoic igneous province, indicating a wide lateral distribution of enriched EM I type mantle beneath the studied region. Variations in the initial isotopic composition of neodymium ((143Nd/144Nd) : from 0.511375 to 0.511636) in the studied samples are probably due to the heterogeneity of the source composition. At the same time, the calculated model ages indicate that the enriched mantle source was formed no later than 2.0–2.5 Ga.

Spinel chromianowy z dunitów masywu Inagli i ich termobarometria tlenowa (tarcza ałdańska, platforma syberyjska)

The Inagli dunite-peridotite-shonkinite zonal-ring intrusive with platinum-chromite mineralization is located on the Aldan shield of the Siberian Platform. Considering the structure, rock composition and ore mineralization, it is similar to the platinum-bearing zonal massifs of the "Ural-Alaskan" type, but this intrusive differs from the latter in its geological position. In order to clarify the physical and chemical conditions of formation of the Inagli massif, the mineral composition of rocks, especially сhromite-containing dunites, peridotites and shonkinites, as well as platinum-chromitite ore segregations, has been studied in detail. The rocks of the Inagli massif, from dunites to shonkinites, including peridotites, clinopyroxenites, and alkaline syenites, form a single continuous series. This is confirmed by a clear dependence of the composition of olivine, pyroxene, phlogopite and chromian spinel on the content of MgO in rocks. They were formed from the initial high-potassium picrite melt, which, during rising, underwent gradual decompression solidification and formed a cylindrical diapir-like body at the near-surface level in the Early Cretaceous. This occurred as a result of subduction processes related to the formation of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt along the southern framing of the Siberian craton. The values of oxygen volatility (lgfO2) for dunites, peridotites, shonkinites, chromitites and olivine-chromite inclusions in the isoferroplatinum of the Inagli massif, calculated using the method of the olivine-spinel oxygen thermobarometer of Ballhaus-Berry-Green (BBG), form a single trend FMQ+(2-4) in the range 620-11400C, i.e. along the band by 2-4 units of lgfO2 exceeding the fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) buffer. Such a rather narrow range of variation in the values of O2 fugacity in a wide interval of temperature indicates good comparability and reliability of the data obtained. At the same time, there is a natural decrease in temperature intervals for the formation of olivine-chromite parageneses (in 0С): with isoferroplatinum – (1140-680); in chromitite segregations – (980-710); in dunites – (930-620); peridotites – (890-770) and shonkinites – (840-710). The results obtained almost completely coincide with the field of values for dunites and chromitites from the Platinum-bearing belt of the Urals, given by other researchers. In terms of redox parameters, platinum-bearing zonal ultramafic-mafic massifs of the Ural-Alaskan and Aldanian types are close to more oxidized peridotites with a long history in the lithosphere. They differ significantly from the peridotites of the Beni-Bousera massif, as well as abyssal peridotites of the oceanic ridge systems, and others, which are formed under more reduced conditions corresponding to the range between FMQ, carbon-oxygen-CO (ССО) and iron-wustite (IW) buffers.

Granitoids of the western Himalaya and Karakoram as potential geothermal reservoirs – A petrological, geochemical and petrophysical study

Hot springs in various granitoid and gneissic complexes in northern Pakistan indicate elevated geothermal gradients, which warrants their evaluation for geothermal applications. Evaluation of such prospects requires extensive knowledge of rock properties and their interaction with reservoir fluids. Our contribution provides first-order information on petrophysical, geochemical, and petrographic descriptions derived from outcrop analogs. About seventy samples of (mostly) granitoids and gneisses from the Nanga Parbat Massif (NPM), the Kohistan-Ladakh Batholith (KLB), and the Karakoram Batholith (KB) were collected. Biotite, K-feldspar, and plagioclase in the granitoid and gneiss show weak to moderate alteration, which increases in shear zones, suggesting fracture-assisted fluid interaction. Geochemical results indicate that the gneisses and granites of the NPM are mostly peraluminous S-type and show enrichment in most LREEs and depletion in HREEs. In addition, depleted Sr and Ba and enriched Rb and U in granites indicate partial melting and high fractionation. On the contrary, granitoids from the KLB are of calc-alkaline I-type and characterized by the depletion of REEs and the enrichment in Ba and Sr. The granitoids of the KB, due to their different magmatic histories, are more diverse, ranging from older I-type calc-alkaline granodiorite, and younger I-type alkaline syenite and S-type calc-alkaline granite. They show an overall enrichment in HREEs along with Ba, Th, Ta, Sr, and Lu. Allanites from syenite of the KB show significant concentrations of Th and U.Petrophysical measurements reveal low matrix porosities (0.6–3.5 %), with primarily average thermal conductivities (1.48–3.37 W m−1K −1) and thermal diffusivities (0.68–1.95 ∙10–6 m2 s−1), with minor variation in specific heat capacities (744–767 J kg−1 K−1). The NPM displays higher average thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and lower porosity than the KB, while the petrophysical properties of the KLB range between these two domains.The geothermal systems in the area operate due to the thickening of a granitoid-dominant crust, which is enriched with radiogenic elements. The fault zones provide channels for meteoric water to access deeply these hot and thermally conductive rocks in the subsurface. After heat exchange, the water is discharged back to the surface as hot springs. The present data set provides a better understanding of regional geothermal regimes from petrological, geochemical, and petrophysical perspectives and assists in numerical modeling for potential geothermal assessment.

Early Triassic Episode of the Kresty Volcano–Plutonic Complex Formation in the Maymecha-Kotuy Alkaline Province, Polar Siberia: Geochemistry, Petrology and Uranium–Lead Geochronology

The Kresty volcano–plutonic complex (KVPC) is one of the representatives of the alkaline–ultrabasic magmatism in the Maymecha-Kotuy Alkaline Province in Polar Siberia. The geological structure of the KVPC consists of intrusive formations of olivinite–pyroxenite and melilitolite–monticellitolite bodies, a series of rocks that break through dikes of trachydolerites, syenites, granosyenites, alkaline picrites and lamprophyres. This paper summarizes the results of the authors’ long-term research on the geological structure and features of the material composition of the intrusive magmatic rocks, including geochemistry, mineralogy, distribution of rare earth elements (REE), as well as the results of isotope studies. The multielement composition of the KVPC intrusions demonstrates a complex geodynamic paleoenvironment of the formation as plume nature with signs of subduction and collision. For the ultrabasic series with normal alkalinity from the first phase of the KVPC, a Sm-Nd isochron age yielded an Early Triassic (T1) result of 251 ± 25 Ma. Here, we present U-Pb dating of zircons and perovskite of high-calcium intrusive formations and a dyke complex of alkaline syenites. Thus, for the intrusion of kugdite (according to perovskite), the age determination was 249 ± 4 Ma, and for the crosscutting KVPC dykes of syenites (according to zircon) 249 ± 1 Ma and 252 ± 1 Ma. The age of the most recent dike is almost identical to the age of the main intrusive phases of the KVPC (T1), which corresponds to a larger regional event of the Siberian LIP—251 Ma. According to isotopic Sr-Nd parameters, the main source of KVPC magmas is a PREMA-type material. For dyke varieties, we assume there was an interaction of plume melts with the continental crust. The new age results obtained allow us to further constrain the episodes of alkaline–ultrabasic intrusions in Polar Siberia, taking into account the interaction of mantle plume matter and crustal material.

Structure of the Assynt window, Moine Thrust Zone and relationship of thrusts to alkaline igneous complexes, Caledonian orogeny, NW Scotland

AbstractThe Moine Thrust Zone forms the Caledonian orogenic thrust front where the Moine Supergroup metamorphic rocks have been thrust westward across the Laurentia plate stable foreland, comprising Archean-Proterozoic granulite and amphibolite facies rocks (Lewisian gneisses), with unconformably overlying Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Torridonian clastic sediments and Cambrian-Ordovician passive margin sedimentary rocks. Four major thrusts beneath the Moine thrust in the Assynt window include the (i) Ben More Thrust, which places the Loch Ailsh syenite intruded into Lewisian basement and Cambrian-Ordovician sedimentary rocks over the Sole thrust sheet, (ii) Glencoul thrust, which places Lewisian basement and folded cover rocks over Cambrian-Ordovician sedimentary rocks, (iii) Borralan thrust, which carries a large alkaline syenite intrusion beneath the Ben More roof thrust and (iv) the Sole thrust sheet, which carries imbricated Cambrian-Ordovician sedimentary rocks and lamprophyre sills over the stable foreland. Three further thrust sheets within the Lewisian basement gneisses are now recognised through restoration of balanced cross-sections, which were responsible for doming of the Assynt window. Although the Moine thrust is mapped as a single line on the map it encompasses, (a) deep ductile shear zone formed of mylonites derived from hangingwall Moine schists, footwall Cambrian quartzites and Ordovician limestones, and basement Lewisian gneisses, (b) roof thrust of the Glencoul and Ben More Thrust sheets and (c) brittle out-of-sequence motion where the Moine schists have been thrust over mylonites, which directly overlie the stable foreland (Knockan Crag).

Geochronology and in-situ apatite geochemistry of late Paleoproterozoic A-type granites in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

A-type granite shows unique geochemical characteristics and refers to specific formation conditions and tectonic environments, and therefore plays an important role in reconstructing orogenic events. In this paper, we systematically investigated the zircon UPb, whole-rock geochemistry, in-situ zircon Hf, apatite trace elements, and in-situ Nd data of the Huanren monzogranite to discuss its petrogenesis and the tectonic evolution of Jiao-Li-Ji belt. The studied zircon and apatite grains show typical oscillatory zoning and subhedral texture as well as obvious internal structure without any fluid/mineral inclusions, referring to a magmatic origin. Therefore, zircon UPb dating results suggest that the Huanren monzogranite was formed in the late Paleoproterozoic (1863–1842 Ma). The studied rocks show typical A-type granite affinities as high SiO2 (64.54–69.06 wt%), Na2O + K2O (8.00–9.34 wt%), and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (381–598 ppm) concentrations, and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) (0.82–0.85) and 10000Ga/Al (2.37–2.65) ratios. Their high whole-rock Zr temperature (812–866 °C, generally >840 °C), and low whole-rock Sr (109–157 ppm), apatite Sr (43.4–79.3 ppm) contents, whole-rock Sr/Y (4.79–8.22) and apatite Sr/Y (0.014–0.033) ratios, combined with slightly depleted in-situ zircon Hf (−1.62 to +2.50) and in-situ apatite Nd (−3.22 to −1.65) isotopic compositions, and ancient zircon Hf two-stage model ages (TDM2; 2606–2351 Ma), apatite Nd-TDM2 (2576–2451 Ma), suggest that the studied rocks were formed by partial melting of Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic granitic gneiss in a high temperature and low-pressure condition. The studied A-type granite, together with regional A-type granite and alkaline syenite in the North China Craton, record the post-collisional event between the Nangrim and Longgang blocks, which combined with coeval worldwide A-type granite magmatisms, representing a response of the initial breakup of Columbia supercontinent.

Origin of Cretaceous alkaline annular structures in the peri-cratonic terranes of the Reguibat Rise in Morocco: New constraints from carbonatite–silicate pairs and subsolidus processes

We report an integrated field, petrographic, and geochemical study of three major Cretaceous carbonatite annular occurrences from the Oulad Dlim massif (Adrar Souttouf, NW margin of the West African Craton, south Morocco): Twihinate, Lamlaga, and Lahjayra. These complexes are commonly considered isolated carbonatite structures partially to completely overlain by silica breccias and iron oxide rocks. The carbonatites include two calcio‑carbonatites facies with distinct textural features and bulk-rock and mineral geochemistry: the “white” facies present characteristics consistent with a primary magmatic stage, while the “grey” facies likely resulted from hydrothermal alteration of the white carbonatites. We provide evidence that the annular structures include ultrapotassic alkaline syenites, probably derived from the same primary carbonated/silicated melt as the carbonatites, after partial melting of a K-rich lithospheric mantle source. The overlying silica breccias retain sandstone/quartzite-like stratifications, whereas their trace element signature is analogous to those of the carbonatites, suggesting that they were subjected to intense hydrothermal activity during carbonatite magmas emplacement. The iron-oxide rocks are chemically comparable to worldwide references of carbonatite-related laterite profiles, indicating a similar origin. All subsolidus (hydrothermal and weathering) alteration stages were accompanied by significant REE-Nb concentration resulting in high-grade deposits of monazite, synchysite, apatite and pyrochlore. Like other peri-Atlantic alkaline occurrences, the investigated Cretaceous alkaline‑carbonatite occurrences are likely related to the Atlantic Ocean opening and reactivation of pre-existing Pan-African tectonic structures.

Structural relationships of the younger granites of Tirmini (Damagaram south-east, Niger)

The Tirmini anorogenic ring complex is located approximately 25 km west of the town of Zinder, in the pan-African province of Damagaram-Mounio, the southeastern terminus of the Benin-Nigeria Shield. The aim of this study is to characterise the anorogenic deformation affecting the Tirmini younger granites. The petrography of Tirmini evolves from rhyolites to microgranites, granites and quartz alkaline syenite emplaced during anorogenic magmatism in the Permian (295 Ma). Very little structural data is available on the Tirmini complex. Only a cursory study of deformation has been carried out, without characterisation of the stages of anorogenic deformation or structural interpretation. The aim of this study is to characterise the structural evolution of the Tirmini younger granites. The methodology used is based on the exploitation of satellite imagery and mapping, supported by an analysis of deformation carried out in the field using Canvas software. The geological structures revealed include 360° schistosities, fracture schistosities, detachments (dexter and sinistral) anµ diaclases. The rheology of these structures has revealed two chronologically marked stages of anorogenic deformation (i) semi-ductile to brittle, Sd1, and (ii) frankly brittle, Sd2. The first stage of deformation is contemporaneous with magmatic activity, producing 360° schistosities linked to magma swelling and fracture schistosities (S1: N45°-N60° and S2: N75°-N95°) associated with the emplacement of granites and syenite. The second brittle stage, Sd2, is characterised by a system of conjugate dextral and sinistral detachments and two families of diaclases (F1: N45°-N60° and F2: N120°-N150°) associated with the emplacement of the pluton and the cooling of the magma.

Enrichment of Incompatible Elements in Alkaline Syenites in Large Igneous Provinces Due to Magma Replenishment and Reactive Porous Flow in a Mush Reservoir

AbstractUnderstanding the petrogenesis of alkaline syenites is important for constraining the mechanisms of rare earth element (REE) and rare-metal mineralization. Here we report a detailed petrological and geochemical study of early Permian syenitic rocks from the southwestern Tarim large igneous province (TLIP) in the Wajilitag area (China). We use these data to investigate the complex magmatic processes responsible for the enrichment of incompatible elements (e.g. REEs and rare metals) in these rocks. The Wajilitag syenitic rocks comprise early hornblende syenite (281 Ma) and later nepheline syenite (278 Ma), both of which are spatially and temporally associated with mafic intrusions (i.e. gabbro and diabase). These syenitic rocks show continuous variations in major elements with the mafic rocks. They also have similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions with the nearby mafic rocks, denoting that the Wajilitag syenitic rocks should be derived from the melts represented by these mafic rocks. However, these syenitic rocks, particularly the nepheline syenites, are typically characterized by extreme enrichment of incompatible elements, which is hard to be accounted by simple fractional crystallization of mafic magmas. Some clinopyroxene phenocrysts in the Wajilitag nepheline syenites show oscillatory zoning with strikingly increasing and then gradually decreasing MgO contents, which recorded replenishment of mafic magma at the interval. Low-MgO clinopyroxene mantles and/or rims have much higher incompatible element contents (e.g. Nb, Ce, and Zr) and ratios (e.g. Ce/Y) than their cores, which could reflect melt injection controlled by reactive porous flow in a mush reservoir of a crustal magma chamber. Such processes may also cause the high Ce and/or Nb contents of the mantles and/or rims of zoned titanite and apatite phenocrysts. The injection of reactive porous flow melts is the key process that produces the extreme enrichment of incompatible elements in the alkaline syenites from the western TLIP, as well as other plume-related alkaline syenites that host world-class REE and rare-metal deposits.

Petrology of Granites of the Tommot Rare-Earth Ore Field (Verkhoyansk–Kolyma Orogenic Belt)

The article presents the results of studying the aegirine–arfvedsonite granites of the Somnitelnyi massif within the Tommot ore field located in the Verkhoyansk–Kolyma orogenic belt (NE Asia). Along with the crustal signatures, the rocks display features of mantle contamination at their origin. Their affinity for A-type granites characteristic of continental rifts and hot spots is shown. The associated Tommot REE deposit is the only one discovered in NE Russia. New data are presented for the previously studied Tommot massif within the same ore field, with a wide compositional range from alkaline-ultrabasic rocks to alkaline syenites. It is established that despite a common geochemical enrichment of both massifs’ rocks with REEs, the Somnitelnyi massif granites cannot be interpreted as the final phase of the Tommot massif emplacement. Specific REE mineralization and high crystallization temperatures (up to 1045 °C) of the Somnitelnyi granites may be explained by the existence within the study area of an undepleted mantle source (“hot spot”), whose maximum activity occurred during the granitic melt generation. The ore bodies of the Tommot deposit consist of fenitized albitites, granite gneisses, and, more rarely, the cross-cutting pegmatite veins. They are confined mostly to exocontacts of the Somnitelnyi massif, are less often in its endocontacts, and are not found in the host rocks and in the inner part of the massif away from the contacts. Principal ore minerals are chevkinite, yttrialite, gadolinite, and fergusonite. Based on the data obtained, the deposit is classified as a metasomatic complex Ce–Y–Nb–Zr deposit associated with the alkaline granites.

Mafic dikes of the Mariinsky Taiga Alkaline Province, Kuznetsk Alatau terrane, southwestern Siberia: Intraplate alkaline magmatism in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Mariinsky Taiga Alkaline Province (MTAP) is located in the Kuznetsk Alatau terrane of southwestern Siberia, which is part of Altai-Sayan orogenic system, of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The MTAP consists of a wide distribution of Paleozoic alkaline-basite magmatism (volcanic, subvolcanic and intrusive), which has been recently characterized with the recognition of at least two main timings, ca. 500 and ca. 400 Ma (herein labeled MTAP-1 and MTAP-2, respectively). We newly characterize the petrology, geochemistry, and age constraints of NNW and NNE trending alkaline dikes which cross-cut the alkaline intrusions and host volcanogenic and carbonate units and which are inferred to belong to MTAP-2. The dikes consist of ultrabasic foidolites (urtites, urtite-porphyry, ijolite-porphyry, microijolites), basic foidolites (plagioclase ijolites), alkaline basites (gabbro-diabase, labradorite porphyrites, camptonites and tamaraites), and nepheline, analcime and alkaline syenites. Their chemical composition is characterized by a wide range in silica (SiO 2 = 38.7–60.7 wt%), and alkalinity (Na 2 O + K 2 O = 4–18.7 wt%; Na 2 O/K 2 O = 0.5–8.3 wt%), low titanium (TiO 2 = 0.07–2.15 wt%) and high alumina content (Al 2 O 3 = 11.1–28.5 wt%), which corresponds to the K-Na differentiates of the basic alkaline magmatic series. The sum of rare-earth elements (ΣREE) increases from alkaline basite (ΣREE = 103.58–218.94 ppm), to the main foidolites (ΣREE = 137.74–217.61 ppm), and then to the ultrabasic foidolites (ΣREE = 55.56–268.88 ppm). Maximum REE content occurs in nepheline syenites and microsyenites (ΣREE = 73.24–1566.96 ppm) and they are the final product of the differentiation of foidite and basite melts. All dike varieties are characterized by low concentrations of the most highly charged elements (Th, Nb, Ta, Hf, and Y), which, according to their concentrations, plot between oceanic island basalt (OIB) and island arc basalt (IAB). The presence of a negative Nb-Ta anomaly and the relative enrichment of Rb, Ba, Sr and U indicate probable interaction of a mantle plume melts with lithospheric mantle metasomatized in an earlier subduction event. The primary isotope ratio 87 Sr/ 86 Sr(t) = 0.705388–0.706025 and the range of ɛNd(t) from +3.5 to +6.53 in the rocks indicate interaction of mantle derived melts with crustal components. Sm-Nd and U-Pb dating of the alkaline-basite dikes matches the boundary of the Early-Middle Devonian (406–389 Ma) and indicates membership in MTAP-2, which can be linked to the regional ca. 400 Ma Altai-Sayan Large Igneous Province/Rift System. Both the NNW and NNE trending dikes are associated with, and probably fed from, nearby alkaline intrusions such as i.e. Kiya-Shaltyr pluton which are also ca. 400 Ma (part of MTAP-2), but are independent of older ca. 500 Ma intrusions (which belong to MTAP-1) such as the University pluton and which are suggested to belong to a older plume-generated regional event. • Characterization of NNW and NNE trending dike belts in the MTAP, western Siberia. • They formed in the Middle Paleozoic (406–389 Ma) in a plume-rifting event. • Isotopic parameters ɛSr(t) indicate a strong contamination by crustal components. • The dike represent intraplate magmas emplaced in a shear setting.

Геология и геохимия щелочно-сиенитовых массивов Сыдо-Ербинской впадины (Минусинский прогиб)

This research work is devoted to the study of the chemical composition of the alkalinesyenite massifs of the Sydo-Erba depression based on the available geological and geochemical data. For about 100 years, the massifs have attracted the attention of various scientists not only from the practical point of view, as possible sources of aluminum raw materials, but also as objects for research, in particular, to determine the shape of the bodies of nepheline syenites occurring in them and models of the formation of alkaline magmas. The studied intrusions are composed mainly of syenites and alkaline syenites, as well as a few bodies of nepheline syenites. The paper will present and compare the geochemical data of alkaline nepheline syenites (foyaites) and nepheline syenites (tensbergites), which compose such massifs as Saibarsky, Burovsky, Vysokoy, Kosmatoy, in order to identify the influence of granite-diorite complexes on their composition. To achieve this goal, it is supposed to study the geological and petrographic features of the structure of the massifs, as well as to analyze the chemical composition of rocks of geochemical data presented in the form of contents of petrogenic and rare elements.

New geochemical and isotopic (Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd) data for the rocks of the alkali-ultrabasic massif Kondyor of the Aldan Shield (Khabarovsk Territory, Russia)

The chemical composition and Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotope characteristics of various rocks that make up the alkali-ultramafic Kondyor massif of the Aldan Shield were studied: dunites, clinopyroxenites, gabbro, kosvites, alkaline syenites. Ultrabasic rocks of the early stage (dunites, clinopyroxenites) have a significant metasomatic alteration associated with the intrusion of a dike complex of alkaline rocks. The petrochemical features of dunites and clinopyroxenites indicate that these rocks are cumulative phases that successively crystallized from picritic melt at an early stage of the formation of the massif. Gabbro and kosvites of the marginal series were formed from the residual melt after the crystallization of dunites and clinopyroxenites. The Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic characteristics in the rocks of the early intrusion stage (dunites, clinopyroxenites, gabbro) indicate that these rocks were formed with the participation of the host rock contamination processes. The isotope-geochemical characteristics of the rocks of the dike complex (kosvites and alkaline rocks of the dunite core) indicate that these rocks crystallized from a deep melt that was not significantly contaminated by the continental crust. Differences in isotopic characteristics between ultramafic rocks and rocks of the dike complex of the dunite "core" - kosvites and alkaline rocks, suggest at least two sources of melts that participated in the formation of the Konder massif: (1) an early, deep-seated melt that formed ultrabasic rocks at the upper level, and also kosvites, plagioclase pyroxenites and gabbro of the outer “ring” with a significant degree of contamination; (2) late, differentiated (monzonite and alkaline-syenite) deep-seated melt (far from the contaminant) that became the source of kosvite and alkaline rock dikes in the central part of the Konder massif.

Magmatic origin and petrogenesis characterization of syenite rock from Pakkanadu alkaline complex, Southern Granulite Terrain, India: Implication on emplacement and petrogenetic history

The present study mainly focused on understanding the magmatic origin and petrogenesis characterization based on the Petrography, major, trace and Rare Earth Element (REE) signatures in the alkaline syenite from Pakkanadu alkaline carbonatite complex. The alkaline plutons from South Indian granulite terrain are intruded along with Archaean epidote-hornblende gneisses. The study area was carbonatite complexes of Tamil Nadu and is characterized by a group of rock associations Carbonatite-Syenite-Pyroxenite - Dunite. From Harker various patterns Pakkanadu alkaline complex syenite showed increasing trends of SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O + K2O opposite to decreasing order of CaO, Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2, P2O5 and MnO trend, suggest fractionation of clinopyroxene, hornblende, sphene, apatite and oxide minerals and feldspar that ruled the fractionation. The concentration of trace elements enriched in Large Ion lithophile elements (LILE) (Ba, Sr, and Rb) elements and High Field Strength Elements (HFSEs) indicated that the dyke intrusion by differentiation of magma from a mantle source. Rare earth element (REE) distribution of Light rare earth element (LREE) enriched and High rare earth element (HREE) depleted pattern show strongly fractionated pattern with moderate Eu anomalies. Plots of tectonic discrimination diagrams of Pakkanadu samples fall in the field of syn-COLG field to the VAG syn- COLG field. For the first time, this type of study was carried out in the study region in a detailed manner. The present study significantly exposed the petrography, petrogenesis and magmatic origin process in the Pakkanadu alkaline carbonatite complex.

Mineralogical Criteria for Genetic Relationship of Igneous and Carbonatite Rocks of the Tomtor Massif (Siberian Platform)

The Tomtor massif, located in the north-east of the Siberian Platform, is a polychronous zonal-ring complex of alkaline ultrabasic rocks and carbonatites containing a unique deposit of Nb and REE. A comparative analysis of the typomorphic features of minerals of different types of silicate rocks and carbonatites of the Tomtor massif is given in order to establish their convergent features. In order to exclude the mutual influence of rocks formed at different times on each other, samples were taken from different dispersed independent pipe-like bodies of melteigites, a sheet body of alkaline picrites and a transverse dike of carbonatite located south of the Tomtor massif, as well as from alkaline syenites from the southern margin of the massif. It is shown that interesting convergent features are identified in the rock-forming and accessory minerals, including rare-metal ore minerals of different silicate igneous rocks and carbonatite formations. Rock-forming minerals - pyroxenes, micas, feldspars, feldspathopids, garnets, as well as basic and rare carbonates, oxide ore minerals, including Cr-containing spinelides, and sulfide and other exotic phases have such features. The confirmation of the convergence of a group of obvious high-temperature early magmatic elements-MgO, Cr, and Ni - with a group of CaO, CO2, H2O, P2O5, and Y components forming carbonatite derivatives was the most interesting nuance in this regard. Existence of such polychromous complicated ore-magmatic ring complexes as Tomtor massif indicates occurrence of intraplate deep large magma-generating hearths in lithosphere mantle. Such easily fusible hearths, conserved in lithosphere mantle of residual melts of kimberlite, alkali-picrites, carbonatite compositions, under the subsequent favorable geodynamic settings, are subject to rapid flotation, undergoing decompression melting and forming concentric-zonal platform complexes of alkali ultrabasic rocks with carbonatites

Geochronology and C-O-Sr-Nd isotopic study of the Ulgii Khiid carbonatite from the Southern Mongolian alkaline Province and its implications for the mantle sources

The Ulgii Khiid carbonatite-alkaline rock complex is located within the well-known Alkaline Province of Southern Mongolia, Central Asia. However, the complex's origin is poorly constrained, and its tectonic environment remains controversial (i.e., mantle plume vs. subduction-related post-collision). Here, we report apatite U-Pb dating, major and trace elements, and C-O-Sr-Nd isotopic data to constrain the origin and mantle source of the carbonatite and associated alkaline syenite rocks. The apatites yield an age of 166 ± 25 Ma, coeval to the related alkaline syenite's age reported previously. The carbonatite show higher P2O5, Sr, and REE but lower alkalis and HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) contents. The carbonatite and alkaline syenite show restricted and similar Sr [(87Sr/86Sr)i: 0.7041–0.7049 and 0.7044–0.7048] and Nd [εNd(t): 4.1–4.8 and 4.2–4.7, respectively] isotopic compositions, indicating a common mantle source. Combined with the previous melt inclusion data, it is, therefore, suggested that the Ulgii Khiid carbonatite was formed by carbonate–silicate liquid immiscibility from a carbonated mantle source. The δ13CVPDB and δ18OVSMOW values of the carbonatites vary from −2.6 to −9.4‰ and 10.6 to 23.2‰, respectively and show a positive C-O linear correlation between the mantle and sedimentary carbonates, which imply the incorporation of the subducted sedimentary carbonates into the mantle source. We, therefore, propose that the Ulgii Khiid, and other carbonatite complexes in the Alkaline Province of Southern Mongolia, were produced via low-degree melting of the underlying carbonated lithospheric mantle, which is heterogeneously modified by the subducted Paleo-Asian Ocean.