Assimilation Of Rocks Research Articles

Experimental Annealing of Zircon: Influence of Inclusions on Stability, Intracrystalline Melt Migration, Common Lead Leaching, and Permeability to Fluids.

Zircon derived from crustal rocks can survive dissolution into hot basalts during magma hybridization and rock assimilation if it is shielded as an inclusion phase in early-formed phenocrysts or in minerals from non-disaggregated xenoliths. Under these conditions, zircon can be thermally shocked, triggering recrystallization of metamict domains and reaction with its hosted mineral inclusions. This work simulates this process by performing thermal annealing experiments on zircon grains with variable degrees of metamictization. These were embedded in cristobalite powder under a N2 atmosphere at 1 bar and 1300 °C. The thermal annealing produces recrystallization of metamict domains, melting of multi-phase mineral inclusions, nanopore formation, and microcrack propagation by thermo-elastic stress. The porosity enhances intracrystalline melt mobility, leaching out trace-element and mineral impurities. Baddeleyite was formed at temperatures below the thermal decomposition of pure zircon by two mechanisms: (i) recrystallization of metamict domains assisted by silica migration from the reaction site and (ii) incongruent zircon dissolution into molten mineral inclusions with a high CaO/SiO2 ratio. Highly metamict zircons with elevated common Pb and radiogenic Pb loss, which were impossible to date with SHRIMP, lost all their common Pb and some radiogenic Pb upon annealing, producing well-fitted discordias with a significant upper intercept age.

Xeno-autolithic nodules from kimberlites of the “Nadiia” pipe (Eastern Azov region, Ukraine)

Xeno-autolithic nodules from kimberlites of the Nadiia pipe (the Eastern Azov region, Ukraine) have been investigated. Based on petrographic and petrochemical criteria it was concluded that the analyzed nodules were formed according to the principle of the “snowballs” formation in the apical parts of the penetrating magma column at various pressures and temperatures. Nodules originated around xenocrysts, xenoliths and viscous magmatic clots by overgrowing them with orbicular shells under conditions of a mobile medium and flotation gas-liquid differentiation. The nodule shells are represented by porphyric kimberlite, composed of porphyric pseudomorphs of diaphtoritic minerals after olivine, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, biotite and ilmenite, and a groundmass consisted of micron-sized crystallites of calcite, barite, serpentine, perovskite, phlogopite, amphibole, chlorite, formed by crystallization of kimberlite glass of heterogeneous composition. The groundmass also contains newly formed feldspar and quartz. Accessory minerals include zircon, apatite, and rutile. Ore minerals are represented by magnetite, titanomagnetite, ilmenite, nickel and copper sulfides. Due to the assimilation of carbonate rocks by the melt, the composition of the shells, in the direction from the center to the edge of the nodules, changes from serpentine, through chlorite-serpentine to silicate-carbonate. The initial portions of the melt with olivine and phlogopite megacrysts were successively transformed into a homogeneous one. The estimated depth of kimberlite magma generation did not exceed 150 km at the initial crystallization temperatures of the silicate component of 1300-900 °C. Vitrification of the nodules groundmass in the crater zone of diatreme, estimated using monomineral phlogopite geothermometer, occurred at temperatures of 650-550 °C. The absence of diamond paragenesis minerals in nodules, in combination with other mineralogical, petrological and petrochemical criteria indicates that kimberlites of the «Nadiia» pipe are diamond barren.

The Quaternary monogenetic Bayuda Volcanic Field, Sudan – Insights into mantle and crustal processes during magma petrogenesis

The Holocene Bayuda Monogenetic Volcanic Field (BMVF) is located at the Great Bend of the river Nile in the north of Sudan. The analysed volcanic rocks are of basanitic to hawaiitic composition, characterising the BMVF as a sodic-alkaline volcanic field. Petrographic evidence documents olivine and clinopyroxene as the main fractionating phases as well as FC processes that were accompanied by assimilation of mantle and crustal rocks in addition to mingling and mixing processes. Utilising systematic differences in trace element variations, two primary magmas of Series A and B can be distinguished. Uniform normalised incompatible element patterns, e.g. LREE enrichment accompanied by HREE depletion, negative anomalies of K and Pb, and modelling based on partition coefficients of La, Dy and Yb in mantle residues, suggest partial melting of an amphibole-garnet lherzolite. The presence of amphibole provides a constraint, implying that the melt was derived from a metasomatised lithospheric mantle. The presence of the Pb-depletion (documented by Ce/Pb ratios of >30) suggests that all magmas are of HIMU-OIB type. This is supported by their uniform 87Sr/86Sr (0.703010–0.703347), 143Nd/144Nd (0.512869–0.512995), 206Pb/204Pb (19.787–19.895), 207Pb/204Pb (15.656–15.653) and 208Pb/204Pb (39.560–39.678) isotope characteristics. Additionally, we can describe the HIMU character of the NE African mantle with respect to 176Hf/177Hf (0.283006–0.283026). The mantle source of the BMVF magmas appears to have the composition of the common mantle “C” with an overprint by a HIMU component, resulting in higher radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb ratios above 19.5 (FOZO-HIMU-OIB type). We attribute this to the metasomatic character of the lithospheric mantle. The Hf/Nd isotope characteristics of the BMVF suggest that this metasomatism in the mantle source is most probably late Pan-African in age. When compared to circum-Mediterranean and regional volcanic fields, the high radiogenic Pb character of the BMVF indicates that their genesis cannot be related to magmatism associated with the activity of the Afar plume event and consequential magmatism along the Main Ethiopian Rift and the Red Sea Rift, as they are all of low radiogenic character.

Metasediment-derived Melts in Subduction-zone Magmas and their Influence on Crustal Evolution

AbstractSubduction is a major process cycling material through Earth’s geochemical reservoirs. Although trends in chemical composition of arc magmas imply assimilation of metasediment, the degree of such assimilation and the loci of that metasediment contamination (whether via subducted sediment or country rock assimilation) are poorly understood. To address these issues, we explore compositional data of oceanic and continental arc systems from circum-Pacific subduction zones. We find that high-silica continental arc rocks of the circum-Pacific are associated with higher aluminium saturation indices interpreted to reflect higher degrees of metasediment assimilation, with Sr/Y suggestive of shallow emplacement levels within the crust. In contrast, high-silica oceanic rocks of the circum-Pacific display lower aluminosity and equilibrated at deeper levels within the crust. Continental arc basalts are often assumed to be the source of high-silica continental arc rocks. However, phase equilibrium modelling of partial melting and crystal fractionation of continental arc basalts yield results that question this assumption. Furthermore, continental arc rock compositions show that the assimilated metasediments have protoliths that are most probably felsic greywacke and pelite rather than mafic greywacke. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that high-silica rocks in continental arcs are directly influenced by anatexis of metasediment at shallow crustal levels (<20 km). Based upon a new method of discriminating the contribution of metasediment-derived melt, approximately one-third of felsic rocks in continental arcs have a demonstrable and unambiguous metasedimentary component. The degree of metasedimentary reworking in continental arc magmas plays an important role in the evolution of the continental crust and highlights the importance of using sediment-sensitive geochemical proxies and a magma’s petrological history when deconvolving the histories of magmatic arcs. This study also underlines the caveats associated with the calculation of depleted mantle model ages, where traditional techniques may lead to discrepancies of the order of 0·5 billion years.

Sulfide mineral chemistry and platinum-group minerals of the UG-2 chromitite in the northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa

ABSTRACT The UG-2 chromitite layer, with its elevated platinum-group element content, is a key marker horizon in the eastern and western limbs of the Bushveld Igneous Complex and the largest platinum-group element chromite-hosted resource of its kind in the world. In contrast, much less is known about its stratigraphic equivalent in the northern limb, the “UG-2 equivalent” (UG-2E) chromitite. Recent studies on chromite mineral chemistry show similarities between the UG-2 and sections of the UG-2E, but also that the UG-2E was partially contaminated by assimilation of local metasedimentary rocks. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of sulfide minerals and platinum-group minerals in a suite of samples from the UG-2E and compare the results with data obtained from a reference suite of samples from the UG-2. Results from petrographic observations, electron probe microanalysis, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, quantitative evaluation of materials by scanning electron microscopy, and δ34S isotopes show that: (1) sulfide minerals in the UG-2E and UG-2 consist mainly of pentlandite-chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite, but pyrrhotite is significantly more abundant in the UG-2E and almost absent in the UG-2; (2) iron contents in pentlandite from the UG-2E are significantly higher than in the UG-2; (3) platinum-group element contents within sulfide minerals are different between the two chromitites; (4) UG-2E platinum-group minerals are dominated by arsenides and bismuthotellurides, and by alloys and platinum-group element-sulfide minerals in the UG-2; (5) sulfide mineral chemistry and δ34S values indicate some crustal contamination of the UG-2E; and (6) sulfide mineral and secondary silicate mineral textures in both the UG-2E and UG-2 are indicative of minor, millimeter- to centimeter-scale, hydrothermal alteration. From our observations and results, we consider the UG-2E chromitite in the northern limb to be the equivalent to the UG-2 in the eastern and western limbs that has been contaminated by assimilation of Transvaal Supergroup footwall rocks during emplacement. The contamination resulted in UG-2E sulfide mineral elemental contents and platinum-group mineral types and abundances that are distinct from those of the UG-2 in the rest of the Bushveld.

The role of axial discontinuities in oceanic crustal evolution: Evidence from elemental and Mo[sbnd]Sr[sbnd]Nd[sbnd]Pb[sbnd]Hf isotopic compositions of rock suites from the Southwest Indian Ridge (42°–53°E)

Various rocks have been recovered near axial discontinuities along mid-ocean ridges, which record a complex evolution of oceanic crust. However, the petrogenesis of these rocks and its relation with axial discontinuities remains hotly debated. Here we report whole-rock elemental compositions, together with MoSrNdPbHf isotopes, and mineral compositions for a suite of rocks from axial discontinuities along the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR, 42–53°E). The suite comprises greenstones, basaltic glasses and basaltic andesites. The greenstones include albite+quartz+chlorite+epidote, with olivine+plagioclase assemblages in basalts and basaltic andesites. The suite has a large variation in major element compositions and their trace elemental patterns are between enriched (E-) and normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) endmembers. The studied rocks show an elevated 143Nd/144Nd (0.51313–0.51321) and 176Hf/177Hf (0.28332–0.28344), and low 87Sr/86Sr (0.70301–0.70374) (except for the greenstones that have relatively high 87Sr/86Sr), and low δ98/95Mo (−0.76 to 0.11‰) values. The 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf of the basaltic glasses are lower than those of the basaltic andesites and greenstones, although there is no distinct difference in Pb isotopes. Results suggest that the greenstones are generated by the metasomatism of MORB by fluids near hydrothermal vents. The basaltic glasses probably result from low-degree focused melting of the garnet-free pyroxene-poor (harzburgite) mantle source without any contribution from a mantle plume. The basaltic andesites can be generated by a combination of crystal fractionation of a mantle-derived basaltic magma and assimilation of crustal rocks. We speculate that the presence of axial discontinuities along mid-ocean ridges is a key factor in the formation of heterogenous oceanic crust of the SWIR.

Cu and Ni Isotope Variations of Country Rock-Hosted Massive Sulfides Located Near Midcontinent Rift Intrusions

Abstract Previous Cu isotope work has documented a clear disparity between δ65Cu values of sheet-style (–0.5 to 0.5‰) and conduit-style (0.5–2.0‰) intrusions associated with the Midcontinent rift system. The application of metal isotopes to the study of magmatic Ni-Cu-platinum group element (PGE) deposits is in an early stage, and very little is known regarding isotope distributions and mechanisms of fractionation at high temperatures. In order to resolve the previously mentioned Cu isotope disparity, to determine metal sources for the intrusions, and to assess sources of high-temperature metal isotope fractionation, we have measured Cu and Ni isotope ratios from a suite of exceptionally well characterized Ni-Cu-PGE massive sulfides that occur in sedimentary country rocks near intrusions within the Midcontinent rift system in Michigan and Minnesota. Previous mineralogic and S, Pb, and Os isotope measurements indicate that the massive sulfides are of magmatic origin and provide a framework for the interpretation of the Cu and Ni isotope data in terms of magmatic processes, including assimilation of Proterozoic country rocks. Copper and Ni isotope ratios were determined for massive sulfides as well as local sedimentary sulfides, and these results were compared with available Cu and Ni isotope results of magmatic and sedimentary sulfides in the Midcontinent Rift and elsewhere. Nickel isotope ratios of the sulfides have been modeled in terms of the effects of variable silicate/sulfide ratios, or R-factors (the mass ratio of silicate magma to sulfide magma), crustal contamination, and olivine fractional crystallization. The near-zero and slightly negative δ60Ni values of country rock-hosted magmatic sulfides (–0.45 to 0.17‰) near Tamarack and Eagle can be explained by minor degrees of crustal contamination of a mantle-derived melt at variable R-factors. Igneous-sourced, Cu-poor sulfides from below the Partridge River intrusion generally have lower δ60Ni values (−0.77 to –0.52‰) that require substantially more contamination from a low δ60Ni source, similar to some of the local sedimentary rocks. Copper isotope ratios of country rock-hosted massive sulfides near Eagle and Tamarack are lower than those reported by previous workers and are mostly about 0‰, similar to those expected for unaltered mantle. Tamarack samples require very little crustal contamination to explain their isotope ratios, whereas Eagle samples require no contamination from local sedimentary rocks to explain their Cu isotope compositions. Copper isotope ratios of samples beneath the Partridge River intrusion are similar to those from previous analyses of igneous-hosted sulfides, supporting their origin from a magmatic sulfide liquid. The low δ65Cu values (–1.14 to 0.25‰) from samples below the Partridge River intrusion cannot be explained by contamination from the Virginia and Thomson Formations, which are characterized by mostly positive δ65Cu values (–0.33 to 3.12‰), unless a lighter reservoir remains to be discovered in the local Proterozoic rocks. We suggest these values may have been produced by a combination of incomplete sulfide melting during partial melt generation and fractionation related to sulfide segregation at variable R-factors.

Chemical Characteristics of Ore-Bearing Intrusions and the Origin of PGE–Cu–Ni Mineralization in the Norilsk Area

The composition of the parental magmas of Cu–Ni deposits is crucial for the elucidation of their genesis. In order to estimate the role of magma in ore formation, it is necessary to compare the compositions of silicate rock intrusions with different mineralization patterns, as observed in the Norilsk region. The rock geochemistry of two massifs located in the same Devonian carbonate rocks—the Kharaelakh intrusion, with its world-class platinum-group element (PGE)–Cu–Ni deposit, and the Pyasinsky-Vologochansky intrusion, with its large deposit—was studied. Along with these massifs, the Norilsk 2 massif with noneconomic mineralization intruded in the Ivakinskaya-Nadezhdinskaya basalts was studied as well. Their settings allow the estimation of the parental magma composition, taking into account the possible assimilation of host rocks. Analyses of 39 elements in 97 samples demonstrated the similarity of the intrusions in terms of their major components. The Pyasinsky-Vologochansky intrusion contains the highest trace element contents compared with the Kharaelakh and Norilsk 2 massifs, evidencing its crystallization from evolved parental magma. No influence of host rocks on the silicate rock compositions was found, except for narrow (1–2 m) endo-contact zones. There is no correlation between the mineralization volume and the rock compositions of the studied intrusions. It is assumed that the intrusions were formed from one magma crustal source irregularly rich in sulfur (S). This source inhomogeneity in terms of the sulfur distribution resulted in deposits of varying sizes. The magmas served as a transporting agent for sulfides from deep zones to the surface.

Geochemistry and geochronology of intermediate volcanic rocks from the Compostela area, Nayarit, Mexico: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic setting

The Compostela area is located in the western Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, which consists of volcanic rocks that produced during the Pliocene to Recent volcanism. In this paper, we present petrography, whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element concentrations, Ar–Ar ages, and Sr–Nd isotopic data of volcanic rocks from the Compostela area in the south of the city of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. These volcanic rocks are of intermediate composition and belong to the transitional series: basaltic trachyandesites [52.72–53.94 wt% SiO2; 0.69–2.53 wt% MgO] and subalkaline series: low‐Si [55.11–60.94 wt% SiO2; 0.79–2.74 wt% MgO] and high‐Si [61.60–62.71 wt% SiO2; 0.36–0.80 wt% MgO] andesites. The 40Ar/39Ar dating of two basaltic trachyandesites yields plateau ages of 1.05 ± 0.15 Ma and 1.07 ± 0.17 Ma and the andesites yielded a plateau age of 2.42 ± 0.36 Ma. These results indicate that the studied rocks were formed during the Pleistocene in two discrete episodes. The basaltic trachyandesites show enriched light rare earth elements patterns relative to high rare earth elements [(La/Yb)N = 5.81–8.07] with negligible Eu anomalies. The andesites display enriched large‐ion lithophile elements (Ba, K) with anomalies of Nb (Th/Ce) and Ti in the three groups identified in the subalkaline series. The basaltic trachyandesites appear in a tight cluster of initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.703519–0.703882) as compared to the basaltic andesite 87Sr/86Sr (0.704073) and positive ɛNd(t) values of +5.6 to +3.4, respectively, indicating that the basaltic trachyandesites were derived from intermediate magmas from a shallow mantle source. Geochemical modelling reveals that both basaltic trachyandesite and andesite rocks were derived by a process of crystal fractionation accompanied by assimilation of crustal rocks at the lower or middle level. Geochemical ratios and multidimensional discrimination diagrams, combined with the cross‐section of the subduction zone indicates that basaltic trachyandesites were generated from a rift and/or Ocean Island Basalt‐type source, whereas andesites were generated from a slab‐derived source in a subduction environment.

Evidence for iron-rich sulfate melt during magnetite(-apatite) mineralization at El Laco, Chile

Abstract The origins of Kiruna-type magnetite(-apatite) [Mt(-Ap)] deposits are contentious, with existing models ranging from purely hydrothermal to orthomagmatic end members. Here, we evaluate the compositions of fluids that formed the classic yet enigmatic Mt(-Ap) deposit at El Laco, northern Chile. We report evidence that ore-stage minerals crystallized from an Fe-rich (6–17 wt% Fe) sulfate melt. We suggest that a major component of the liquid was derived from assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary rocks during emplacement of andesitic magma at depth. Hence, we argue that assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary strata played a key role in the formation of El Laco and likely Mt(-Ap) deposits elsewhere.

Evolution of Syenite Magmas: Insights from the Geology, Geochemistry and O-Nd Isotopic Characteristics of the Ordovician Saibar Intrusion, Altai-Sayan Area, Russia

In this paper, we provide insight into the evolution of syenite magmas based on geological data and petrographic, geochemical, and O-Nd isotope parameters of rocks of the Saibar intrusion located within the Minusinsk Trough, Altay-Sayan area. The intrusive suite includes predominant syenites, few bodies of melanocratic and leucocratic nepheline syenites (foyaites), and granites. In addition, dykes of granites and mafic rocks are present. The U-Pb zircon age from the melanocratic foyaites was determined to be 457 ± 10 Ma? Examined rocks show fractionated light rare earth element patterns, normalized to chondrite, with (La/Sm)n varying from 4 to 9, and a weakly fractionated distribution of medium and heavy rare elements, with (Dy/Yb)n from 0.35 to 1.23 and (Sm/Yb)n from 0.63 to 2.62. The spidergram normalized to the primitive mantle shows negative Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Eu anomalies (Eu* = 0.48–0.60) and positive Rb, Th, and U anomalies. The δ18O values vary within 6.3 to 10.2‰, and εNd(t) from +4.1 to +5.0. We observe gradual transitions from syenites to foyaites. Assimilation by syenite magma of the host carbonate rocks was followed to transition from silica-saturated to silica-undersaturated conditions and removal of anorthite from the melt, which then led to nepheline. Granites of the main phase show depleted lithophile incompatible elements in comparison with syenites and foyaites. They originate via interaction of magmas at the marginal part (endocontact zone) of the intrusion, corresponding to north contact of the granites with the host felsic rocks. In comparison, the rock composition of granite dykes is enriched in lithophile incompatible elements, except for Zr, Hf, and Ti. These rocks are formed due to the differentiation of syenite magma without a significant effect of host rock assimilation. Mantle magmas must be used as parent magmas for syenites based on analysis of the formation model of other alkaline intrusions, which are similar in age to the Saibar intrusion. In the line of syenite intrusions of the Altai-Sayan province, the Saibar intrusion is no exception, and its origin is related to the evolution of mafic magmas that arose during the melting of the mantle under the influence of a mantle plume.

Hybridization of Alkali Basaltic Magmas: a Case Study of the Ogol Lavas from the Laetoli Area, Crater Highlands (Tanzania)

AbstractThe southern part of the eastern branch of the East African Rift is characterized by extensive volcanic activity since the late Miocene. In the Crater Highlands, part of the North Tanzanian Divergence zone, effusive and pyroclastic rocks reflect nephelinitic and basaltic compositions that formed between 4·6 and 0·8 Ma. The former are best represented by the Sadiman volcano (4·6–4·0 Ma) and the latter occur in the giant Ngorongoro crater (2·3–2·0 Ma), the Lemagarut volcano (2·4–2·2 Ma) and as a small volcanic field in the Laetoli area (2·3 Ma), where basaltic rocks known as Ogol lavas were erupted through fissures and several cinder cones. Compositionally, they are alkaline basalts with 46·0–47·9 wt% SiO2, 3·0–4·3 wt% of Na2O + K2O, Mg# of 61 to 55, and high Cr and Ni content (450–975 and 165–222 ppm respectively). Detailed textural and compositional analysis of the major minerals (olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase and spinel-group minerals) reveals the heterogeneity of the rocks. The primary mineral assemblage that crystallized from the Ogol magmas comprises macro- and microcrysts of olivine (Fo89·5–84·2), Cr-bearing diopside to augite, magnesiochromite–chromitess, magnetite–ulvöspinelss, andesine–oligoclasess and fluorapatite, with glass of phonolitic composition in the groundmass. All samples contain appreciable proportions of xenocrystic minerals of macro- and microcryst size, with large variations in both concentration and mineral populations between samples. Xenocrysts include olivine with reverse zonation (Fo84·1–72·5), rounded and embayed clinopyroxene cores of variable composition, anhedral Cr-free magnetite–ulvöspinelss and embayed oligoclase. These xenocrysts as well as variations in major and trace element contents, 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0·70377–0·70470) and 143Nd/144Nd(i) (0·51246–0·51261) ratios provide evidence of multi-stage magma mixing and mingling between Ogol and adjacent Lemagarut volcano basaltic melts with only very minor contamination by Precambrian granite–gneisses. Elevated alkalinity of Ogol lavas, which positively correlates with isotope ratios, and the presence of xenocrystic green core clinopyroxene, perovskite, schorlomite and titanite indicate additional mixing and mingling with evolved nephelinitic magmas and/or assimilation of nephelinitic Laetolil tuffs or foidolitic rocks related to the Sadiman volcano. Owing to their heterogeneity, estimates on the crystallization conditions for the Ogol rocks are difficult. Nevertheless, clinopyroxene–liquid thermobarometry indicates crystallization temperatures of around 1150–1220 °C and records upper-crustal depths of 3–12 km (1–4 kbar). Despite the fact that Ogol basalts are hybrid rocks that formed under open-system conditions with well-documented mixing and mingling processes, they seem to be the best examples closest to primary basaltic melts within the Crater Highlands.

Tourmaline as a potential mineral for exploring porphyry deposits: a case study of the Bilihe gold deposit in Inner Mongolia, China

Tourmaline is widespread at the Bilihe porphyry gold deposit in Inner Mongolia, China. Five types of tourmaline are recognized based on their occurring locations and microscopic structures: (1) Tur-A in quartz–magnetite ± K-feldspar veins and related potassic-altered rocks, (2) Tur-B in auriferous quartz veinlets, (3) Tur-C in the intermediate argillic shell, (4) Tur-D in late quartz–carbonate–tourmaline–pyrite veins, and (5) Tur-HB in hydrothermal breccia pipes, consisting of three sub-generations (Tur-HB1, -HB2, and -HB3). Almost all these tourmalines have a schorlitic–dravitic composition and belong to the alkali group. Most of the tourmalines contain high Al contents, which may suggest that the fluids are Al-enriched, and that (□Al)(NaFe)-1 and (AlO)(R2+)-1(OH)-1 exchanges have dominated their elemental substitutions. Tur-A and -B yield similar REE patterns with no strong fractionation of LREE and HREE, whereas LREE-enrichment and HREE-depletion characterize Tur-C and Tur-D; Tur-HB1 and -HB2 have flat REE patterns. Tourmalines in hydrothermal veins always show negative Eu anomalies, whereas the ones replacing plagioclase in the altered rocks yield positive Eu anomalies. The mineral precipitation and assimilation of host rocks probably both contributed to the variable compositions of Bilihe tourmaline. Tur-A−D from the main orebody all yield positive δ11B values ranging from +0.7 to +6.3‰, whereas Tur-HB1−HB3 from the hydrothermal breccia pipe show negative δ11B values of −8.8 to −3.5‰. Magmatic hydrothermal fluids enriched in isotopically light boron could have dominated the formation of Tur-HB. In contrast, the heavy boron in Tur-A−D was probably leached from the widespread marine carbonates around the deposit. Systematic contrasts in the trace element compositions of tourmaline from different mineralization types and granitic rocks suggest that (Sn + Li) vs. (Ni + V + Zn), (∑REE + Y + Zr) vs. (Ni + V + Zn) and V vs. Zn are potential elemental groups for distinguishing tourmaline from different environments.

Oxygen isotope record of magmatic evolution of alkaline volcanic rocks at The Pleiades, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Oxygen isotopes are used to examine the well-documented magmatic evolution of alkaline volcanic rocks at The Pleiades in northern Victoria Land (NVL), Antarctica. Oxygen isotopes were measured in olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase phenocrysts to better understand the origin and evolution of the sodic and potassic differentiation lineages. The volcanic rocks at The Pleiades evolved from a parental basanite by fractional crystallization in crustal magma chambers. Olivine which crystallizes first in the mafic magmas provides the initial oxygen isotope composition of the magmatic lineages. The δ18OOL values for the mafic lavas in the sodic lineage are lower than the potassic lineage. The primary melt derived from the metasomatized lithospheric mantle may have consumed a low-δ18O amphibole metasome. Subsequently, the melt would have evolved to the normal-δ18O potassic lineage magma by a large contribution from surrounding peridotite. In contrast, the sodic lineage magma might preserve low-δ18O characteristics because of insufficient reaction with the surrounding mantle peridotite. Intermediate rocks of the potassic lineage exhibit a wide variation in their oxygen isotope compositions and it deviates from the theoretical normal-δ18O trend. Hence, variable δ18OOL values of the intermediate rocks suggest that high-δ18O recorded in olivine could be reconciled with an assimilation of crustal rocks in NVL, and hydrothermally altered material may have contributed to low-δ18O signature of the olivines.

Genesis and rare metal potential of pegmatites around Makarfi area, North Western Nigeria

• The pegmatites belong to the LCT family, rare element class, beryl subtype, peraluminous, highly differentiated, fractionated and enriched in rare metals. • The rare metal mineralization of the pegmatites is comparable to other mineralized pegmatites in Nigeria but low when compared to highly mineralized Tanco mine. • Fractional crystallization in combination with varying degree of wall rock assimilation is the dominant process involved in the differentiation of the magma . • Prospects for rare metal mineralization is associated with the NW – SE trending pegmatites in the area.

Petrogenesis of the Xingluokeng W-bearing granitic stock, western Fujian Province, SE China and its genetic link to W mineralization

The Xingluokeng deposit is the largest tungsten deposit discovered in the Wuyi metallogenic belt, with 30.43 Mt WO3 reserves averaging at 0.23%. The main orebody mainly occurs in an altered granitic stock, comprising veinlet-disseminated and vein-type scheelite and wolframite mineralization. A comprehensive study of field investigations with whole-rock and in-situ geochemical and isotopic compositions was conducted on different intrusive phases of the Xingluokeng ore-bearing granitic stock, aiming to constrain the petrogenesis and its genetic link to W mineralization. The Xingluokeng stock is mainly composed of the porphyritic biotite granite (G1) as the upper part of the stock, intruded by the medium- to fine-grained biotite granite (G2) in the deep. Petrographic observations suggest that the stock experienced intense fractional crystallization as well as assimilation of country rocks close to stock margins. Zircon U − Pb geochronology and trace element analyses indicate that G1 and G2 were emplaced coevally at ~152 Ma at a relatively lower oxygen fugacity condition (Ce4+/Ce3+ = 44 ± 18 for G1, and 104 ± 41 for G2). Ti-in-zircon thermometer and AlT-in-biotite geobarometer reveal average crystallization temperature and depth at 762 ℃−740 ℃ and 7.3–7.0 km, respectively. Geochemically, obvious negative correlation between SiO2 and P2O5 and low A/CNK values (mostly < 1.1) indicate that they belong to the weakly peraluminous I-type granite, rather than S-type granite as proposed previously. Whole-rock geochemical compositions from G1 to G2 display systematic variations, with a general decrease in major oxides (such as Al2O3, TiO2, FeOT, MgO, CaO) and Zr/Hf ratio, but a gradual increase in DI value, Rb/Sr ratio and δEu with increasing SiO2, suggesting fractional crystallization is the major factor that controls the compositional variations between G1 and G2. They have consistent initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.71170 to 0.71477 and εNd(t) values of −12.5 to −10.8, as well as zircon εHf(t) values of −17.4 to −9.2 with Paleoproterozoic Nd − Hf model ages (1783–2081 Ma), suggesting a mixed crustal source of about 88% Paleoproterozoic meta-basaltic rocks and about 22% Paleoproterozoic gneissic granites, with minor assimilation of country rocks. These results favor that the Xingluokeng granites were formed by co-magmatic evolution via K-feldspar-dominated fractionation. High degrees of fractional crystallization have immensely enriched W in reduced magma, then intensive fluid-rock interaction liberated Ca from the G1 to form the scheelite and some Fe might come from the country rocks (biotite hornfels) to precipitate the wolframite.

Mg–Sr–Nd Isotopic Insights into Petrogenesis of the Xiarihamu Mafic–Ultramafic Intrusion, Northern Tibetan Plateau, China

AbstractTo characterize the integrated magmatic processes for magma plumbing systems from mantle sources to magma chambers, we present Mg–Sr–Nd isotopic data for a representative mafic–ultramafic intrusion in Xiarihamu, northern Tibetan Plateau, China. The intrusion hosts the largest magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposit in an orogenic setting in the world and is composed predominantly of harzburgite, orthopyroxenite, websterite, and gabbronorite. The cumulate harzburgites have relatively low δ26Mg of orthopyroxene (–0·49 to –0·34‰) and moderately high (87Sr/86Sr)i and positive εNd(t) values (0·7067–0·7080 and +0·4 to +1·8, respectively). Most of the orthopyroxenites, websterites, and gabbronorites have slightly higher δ26Mg of orthopyroxene (–0·34 to –0·21‰) and higher (87Sr/86Sr)i and lower εNd(t) values (0·7087–0·7118 and –4·0 to –1·4, respectively) than the harzburgites. On the other hand, marginal facies (i.e. a few centimeters to meters from the contact between the intrusion and country rocks of schist, gneiss, and marble) including websterite and gabbronorite are marked by low δ26Mg of orthopyroxene (–0·44 to –0·33‰) and extremely high (87Sr/86Sr)i and negative εNd(t) values (0·7127–0·7172 and –5·4 to –4·8, respectively). The relatively low δ26Mg, moderately high (87Sr/86Sr)i, and positive εNd(t) of the harzburgites are best interpreted by inheritance from the mantle source, which was previously metasomatized by subducted Mg-rich carbonates. Given the fact that the solidus of carbonated mantle is significantly lower than that of volatile-free mantle, mantle metasomatism by carbonates may be critical to generate voluminous mafic magmas and to form the giant Xiarihamu Ni–Cu deposit and other magmatic sulfide deposits in convergent settings worldwide. The relatively high δ26Mg, high (87Sr/86Sr)i, and low εNd(t) of most orthopyroxenites, websterites, and gabbronorites were produced by extensive contamination of isotopically heavy crustal rocks in a deep-seated magma chamber. The slightly low δ26Mg, extremely high (87Sr/86Sr)i and negative εNd(t) of the marginal facies, compared with other websterites and gabbronorites, were governed by assimilation of local low-δ26Mg country rocks (e.g. gneiss and marble) at the Xiarihamu magma chamber during emplacement. These observations indicate that mafic–ultramafic cumulates away from marginal facies can preserve their primitive Mg–Sr–Nd isotope signatures inherited from deep magma chambers, even from mantle sources, with negligible crustal contamination during magma ascent and emplacement. These findings for the first time, to our knowledge, provide observational evidence to characterize the integrated magmatic processes of a single magma plumbing system from deep mantle source to magma chambers, which sheds light on the petrogenesis and mineralization of mafic–ultramafic intrusions.

Shear-assisted water-fluxed melting and AFC processes in the foreland of the Early Paleozoic Famatinian orogen: petrogenesis of leucogranites and pegmatites from the Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina

In the Comechingones pegmatitic field, central Argentina, leucogranite and pegmatite bodies crop out in a relatively narrow (25 × 10 km) belt, and were emplaced synkinematically with the main deformational event of the crustal-scale Guacha Corral shear zone during the Early Ordovician (~ 475 Ma). These leucogranites and pegmatites are geochemically evolved rocks with high silica and alkalis, low Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2 and CaO, and high ASI values. The leucogranites display quite variable Sr and Nd isotope compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.7048 to 0.7170, and εNd values from + 2.0 to − 3.1), some of which do not overlap with almost any other pre-Famatinian rock from the Sierras de Córdoba. The major and trace element geochemistry and the particular Sr and Nd isotope compositions of the leucogranites are here explained by the following processes: (1) water-fluxed partial melting of amphibolites at relatively low P–T conditions generating currently unexposed granodioritic melts with unradiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios and radiogenic εNd values; (2) fractionation of mostly plagioclase and monazite leading to compositions close to the leucogranite melts; and (3) assimilation of metasedimentary rocks with crustal isotopic signatures, modelled by assimilation and fractional crystallization processes. The major, trace and isotope compositions of the pegmatites suggest a derivation from partial melting of the same metasedimentary protoliths of the Sierras de Córdoba that were assimilated by leucogranite melts. We propose a feedback relationship among deformation, anatexis, magma evolution and mass transfer in the context of such a crustal-scale shear zone in the foreland of the Famatinian orogen.

Petrological and Geochemical Studies on the Si-Undersaturated Rocks of the Mount Cameroon: Genesis of the Camptonite and Nephelinite at the Cameroon Hot Line

The Cameroon hot line is dominated by magmatic rocks. The variations of magma and chemistry are generally due to the difference of physical conditions and chemistry in the magma source region during the ascent of magma. The Mt Etinde and the Mt Cameroon, both edifices belong to the Cameroon Hot line, have a particularity some rare rocks such as camptonite and nephelinite. The relationship between the silica undersaturated rocks in the both edifices is characterized by the lateral variation appear through the petrography of the different rocks. The concerned geochemical data allow to compare the Mount Etinde nephelinite and Mount Cameroon camptonite where the differentiation process reflects geochemical affinities from a basaltic magma source on the Cameroon hot line. The compatible elements between the Mount Etinde nephelinite and the Mount Cameroon camptonite and basalt correlate with the difference in modal compositions of mineral phases. The lateral variation of major and trace element contents in the Mount Cameroon camptonite and Mount Etinde nephelinite seem to be related to the difference in the fractional crystallization processes of mineral phases, the difference in the partial melting processes and the metasomatism source rich in volatile. The silica-undersaturated character of the camptonite and nephelinite could be attributed to assimilation of carbonate rocks within depth-level magma chambers. Trace element AFC modelling revealed that the parental magmas of both edifice volcanic rocks were mostly affected by fractional crystallisation coupled with metasomatism process in Ca rich source.

Rancho Seco monogenetic volcano (Michoacán, Mexico): Petrogenesis and lava flow emplacement based on LiDAR images

Given the high eruption recurrence in the Michoacán-Guanajuato volcanic field (MGVF) in central Mexico, the birth of a new monogenetic volcano can be expected in the future. It is important, therefore, to reconstruct the past eruptions of its many different volcanoes, including estimates of lava flow emplacement times and their rheological properties. These studies define the range of possible future eruptive scenarios and are necessary to evaluate potential risk. The Rancho Seco monogenetic volcano, located in the central part of the MGVF (19°37′03”N, 101°28′21”W), was radiocarbon-dated at ~27,845 years BP. Its eruption initiated with a violent-Strombolian phase that produced a scoria cone and was followed by the effusion of at least seven associated andesitic lava flows, reflecting drastic changes in the eruptive dynamics. Effusive activity probably involved decreases in the magma ascent and discharge rates linked to efficient degassing in an open system. Lava chemical composition suggest an origin of partial melting of a subduction-modified hydrated heterogenous mantle wedge and textural and mineralogical analysis indicates significant crystal fractionation and minor assimilation of granodioritic basement rocks. High-resolution LiDAR imagery was used to estimate lava flow viscosities and emplacement times by following a morphology-based methodology. Results indicate that lava flow viscosities ranged from 105 to 109 Pa·s and emplacement durations between 32 and 465 days for the flow units considered (F5 and F6). The entire eruption may have lasted from 2 to 6 years with a mean effusion rate of 4 to 15 m3/s. Our results are also pertinent to archaeologists studying the architectural remains of Angamuco, a large urban pre-Hispanic site built on Rancho Seco's lava flows.