Chromian Spinel Research Articles

Vliv diagenetických procesů na asociaci těžkých minerálů v pískovcích z lokality Slivotín (ždánická jednotka, flyšové pásmo Vnějších Západních Karpat, Česká republika)

An electron microprobe study of polished sections prepared from a sample of fine-grained sandstone from the locality Slivotín (Ždánice-Hustopeče Formation, Ždánice Unit, Flysch Belt of the Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic) allowed to yield in addition to data on chemical composition also the detailed information on in situ textural relationships of individual minerals. During our study, emphasis was given to accessory phases belonging to the translucent heavy mineral fraction. The detrital garnet (Alm36-82Grs2-45Prp2-22Sps0-15) was extensively dissolved and replaced by calcite cement from its margins and along the cracks. Detrital fluorapatite was dissolved in a similar way, however, dissolution episode was followed by growth of authigenic rims composed of carbonate-fluorapatite. Other observed heavy minerals (zircon, chrome spinel, TiO2 phase, monazite, tourmaline) probably remained unaltered by diagenetic processes. The chemical composition of chrome spinels varies mostly between magnesiochromite and chromite, whereas spinel is very rare. The chemical composition of garnets and chrome spinels is comparable with published data from Czech, Polish and Slovak parts of the Flysch Belt of the Western Carpathians, and indicates the primary source of detrital material in rocks of deeper parts of orogen, characterized especially by the presence of catazonal metamorphites and almost lacking volcanic rocks. Redeposition of heavy minerals from older sediments cannot also be ruled out. The pronounced diagenetic alteration of garnet, if not very scarce in the area of Flysch Belt, could help to explain the earlier observations of wide fluctuations of contents of garnet in heavy mineral concentrates.

Типоморфизм хромшпинелидов из голоценовых псефитов Кыввожского золотороссыпного поля (Вольско-Вымская гряда, Средний Тиман)

The results of the study of accessory chrome spinels from heavy mineral concentrates of gold-bearing psephites of the Kyvvozhsky gold-placer field (Volsko-Vymskaya ridge, Middle Timan) are presented. As a result of the study of the typochemistry of chromspinelides, their genetic relationship with rocks of mainly alkaline-ultrabasic composition — analogues of Timanian Late-Riphean-Vendian ultramafites and Early-Middle Devonian alnoites is substantiated. The formation of magmatic sources of chrome spinels occurred in a wide range of geotectonic settings — from passive (platform) to active (island-arc subduction zones), which are more characteristic of the bulk of chrome spinels. The crystallization of chrome spinels, found as microinclusions in lherzolite pyropes in the same shlich samples of the Kyvvozhskaya gold-bearing area, is associated with the conditions of rift zones (spreading of the seabed). We made a conclusion about probable local (intra-valley) position of main magmatic sources of chrome spinels. The revealed chrome spinels, containing microinclusions of nickel and copper sulfides, are considered by the authors as indicators of igneous rocks containing platinum group minerals.

Slab‐fluid metasomatism in the Early Paleozoic forearc mantle deduced from the Motai serpentinites, South Kitakami Belt, northeast Japan

AbstractThe present study examines the petrology and geochemistry of the Early Paleozoic Motai serpentinites, the South Kitakami Belt, northeast Japan, to reveal the subduction processes and tectonics in the convergent margin of the Early Paleozoic proto‐East Asian continent. Protoliths of the serpentinites are estimated to be harzburgite to dunite based on the observed amounts of bastite (orthopyroxene pseudomorph). Relic chromian spinel Cr# [=Cr/(Cr + Al)] increases with decreasing amount of bastite. The compositional range of chromian spinel is similar to that found in the Mariana forearc serpentinites. This fact suggests that the protoliths of the serpentinites are depleted mantle peridotites developed beneath the forearc regions of a subduction zone. The Motai serpentinites are divided into two types, namely, Types 1 and 2 serpentinites; the former are characterized by fine‐grained antigorite and lack of olivine, and the latter have coarse‐grained antigorite and inclusion‐rich olivine. Ca‐amphibole occurs as isolated crystals or vein‐like aggregates in the Type 1 serpentinites and as needle‐shaped minerals in the Type 2 serpentinites. Ca‐amphibole of the Type 1 serpentinites is more enriched in LILEs and LREEs, suggesting the influence of hydrous fluids derived from slabs. By contrast, the mineral assemblage, mineral chemistry, and field distribution of the Type 2 serpentinites reflect the thermal effect of contact metamorphism by Cretaceous granite. The Ca‐amphibole of the Type 1 serpentinites is different from that of the Hayachine–Miyamori Ophiolite in terms of origin; the latter was formed by the infiltration of melts produced in an Early Paleozoic arc–backarc system. Chemical characteristics of the Ca‐amphibole in the ultramafic rocks in the South Kitakami Belt reflect the tectonics of an Early Paleozoic mantle wedge, and the formation of the Motai metamorphic rocks in the forearc region of the Hayachine–Miyamori subduction zone system, which occurred at the Early Paleozoic proto‐East Asian continental margin.

Минералого-геохимическая специфика углеродистых пород окружения Усть-Карской астроблемы (Пай-Хой)

We studied Upper Paleozoic (P1pt-ng) carbonaceous shales and siltstones from the area of the Ust'-Kara astrobleme (PayKhoy). We analyzed mineralogical and geochemical features of carbonaceous rocks of the target in the vicinity of the Ust'-Kara astrobleme event using a complex of modern methods to identify possible mobilization, redeposition and concentration of ore substance under intensive post-impact hydrothermal activity. Geochemical features of carbon deposits, altered by post-impact hydrothermal processes in the vicinity of the Ust'-Kara impact structure, have been determined. We found anomalous contents of Ti, Mn, Cr, Zr, Ni, Li, Co, Sc and REE. Inherent rare metal and rare earth minerals (monazite, florensite), sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, marcasite, sphalerite), apatite, barite, anatase, chrome spinels were diagnosed.

The Haidbach deposit in the Central Tauern Window, Eastern Alps, Austria: a metamorphosed orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralization in the Polymetallic Ore District Venediger Nappe System – Hollersbach Complex

Abstract Cu-Ni-Co-PGE mineralization occurs at Haidbachgraben in the Early Palaeozoic, Subpenninic Hollersbach Complex of the Central Tauern Window, Austria. Massive sulfide ore formed from sulfide melt segregated from silicate melt during intrusion of pyroxenite into magmatic rocks formed in an MORB-type environment. Relics of magmatic minerals include chromian spinel and polyphase sulfide droplets composed of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite preserved in recrystallized pyrite. Both ore and host rocks were multiply deformed and metamorphosed, leading to hornblendite carrying the ore, enveloped by chlorite-epidote schist. Conditions of – likely Variscan – amphibolite facies metamorphism are documented by relict pargasitic cores in hornblende and actinolite-tremolite, and by ternary sulfarsenide compositions in the Co-Ni-Fe solid solution series that are the most common accessory minerals found in the sulfide ore. Pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite and pyrite are the major sulfide minerals. Chalcopyrite is Cd-rich and retains a high-temperature magmatic signature. High Co/Sb and moderate Se/As ratios in pyrite also point to a magmatic environment of mineralization. The accessory mineral assemblage of small grain size (mostly <10 µm) comprises native Au-Ag alloy and petzite as Au-Ag minerals, sperrylite, a variety of Pd tellurides and bismuthotellurides with elevated Sb, irarsite, and Re sulfides such as tarkianite and a Pb-Re sulfide. In addition, minor molybdenite, bournonite, scheelite and selenides have been identified. Two precious metal assemblages are present in individual samples: (1) hessite associated with Pd tellurides, often accompanied by sphalerite and chalcopyrite; (2) tarkianite forming euhedral inclusions in pyrite. Sperrylite and Au-Ag native alloys are present throughout and were also detected in silicate matrix. Most of the precious metal-bearing phases must have formed during recrystallization of base metal sulfides after the magmatic, and probably during later metamorphic events terminating in the Neoalpine Tauern crystallization.

Chrome Spinels in Carbonate Veins of the Onguren Complex, Western Baikal Region

Chrome spinels in carbonate veins of the Onguren Complex, East Siberia, Western Baikal region are predominantly ferrichromite and chrommagnetite (MgO ≤ 0.3 wt %, Mg# ≤ 0.04, Al2O3 ≤ 2.5 wt %; Cr# 0.91–1.00, Fe2+/Fe3+ 0.8–1.4) with a high ZnO content (0.9–4.6 wt %). In the calcite vein, titanian chrome-magnetite is transformed into Cr-bearing titanomagnetite, which decomposes into Ti-depleted magnetite and ilmenite at temperature of 970–1000°С and $${{f}_{{{{{\text{O}}}_{{\text{2}}}}}}}$$ approximately of +0.5…+0.7 QFM. In the dolomite vein, ferrichromite and chrome-magnetite grains contain relict cores of subferrialumochromite (Al2O3 10.6–14.4 wt %, Cr# 0.63–0.73, Fe2+/Fe3+ 4.1–5.2, MgO ≤ 0.52 wt %) with elevated ZnO (3.7–5.1 wt %), TiO2 (3.2–4.1 wt %), and MnO (0.6–1.1 wt %). Ferrichromite and chrome-magnetite are formed during the high-temperature (>600°C) metamorphism of the vein. Superimposed deformations under greenschist facies conditions lead to the formation of magnetite rims around chrome-magnetite grains.

Petrology and geochemistry of high-Al chromitites from the MedellÍn Metaharzburgitic Unit (MMU), Colombia

The Medellin Metaharzburgitic Unit (MMU), emplaced onto the western continental margin of Pangea during Triassic time, is located in the Central Cordillera of Colombia and consists of metaharzburgites, minor metadunites and chromitite bodies (Patio Bonito and San Pedro ore deposits). The ultramafic rocks contain relicts of mantle-derived olivine, chromian spinel and minor orthopyroxene, and a later metamorphic mineral assemblage composed by tremolite, chlorite, talc, fine-grained recrystallized olivine, serpentine-group minerals, magnetite, and secondary chromian spinel, formed during the thermal evolution of the unit. The Cr# [Cr/(Cr+Al) atomic ratio] of the accessory primary chromian spinel in the metaperidotites ranges from 0.58 to 0.62 and overlaps those of supra-subduction peridotites from ophiolites. According to textural and compositional variations, the accessory chromian spinel in the metaperidotites can be classified into three groups: i) partially altered chromian spinel with an Al-rich core, ii) porous, Cr-Fe2+-enriched and Al-Mg-depleted chromian spinel, and iii) homogeneous Fe3+-rich chromian spinel. These variations can be related to superimposed medium-T metamorphism that reached amphibolite facies (ca. 600 ºC). Chromitite bodies associated with the metaperidotites have massive and semi-massive textures, and mainly consist of chromian spinel crystals, which show large unaltered cores surrounded by thin alteration rims of ferrian chromian spinel and chlorite. Chromitites are Al-rich (#Cr <0.6) and strongly depleted in platinum group elements (ΣPGE <41 ppb). The primary petrological and geochemical characteristics preserved in the metaperidotites and chromitites indicate that the MMU formed at shallow levels of a suboceanic lithospheric mantle related to a supra-subduction zone (back-arc basin/incipient arc scenario), and that the chromitites crystallized from a tholeiitic magma (back-arc basin basalt type).

Magmatic haggertyite in olivine lamproites of the West Kimberley region, Western Australia

Abstract We report the first occurrence of magmatic haggertyite (BaFe6Ti5MgO19) from the Miocene lamproites of the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. This contrasts with the metasomatic formation reported in an olivine lamproite host at the type locality, Prairie Creek, Arkansas. Haggertyite occurs in the groundmass of a diamondiferous olivine lamproite pipe in the Ellendale field, and within the large zoned Walgidee Hills lamproite where it forms part of an extensive suite of Ba- and K-bearing titanate and Ti-rich silicate minerals. The haggertyite co-exists with chromian spinel, perovskite, and ilmenite in the Ellendale lamproite, and with priderite and perovskite and, in one locality, with priderite, jeppeite, ilmenite, and perovskite, in the Walgidee Hills lamproite. Unlike priderite and perovskite, which are common groundmass phases in the Ellendale olivine lamproites and present throughout the Walgidee Hills lamproite, haggertyite appears restricted in its occurrence and crystallization interval, with sparse ilmenite apparently mostly crystallizing as an alternative phase. In the Walgidee Hills lamproite the haggertyite-bearing assemblage is succeeded by the Ba-titanate assemblage priderite plus jeppeite in the evolved central part of the body. The haggertyite in the main zone of the Walgidee Hills lamproite has an average composition of (Ba0.7K0.3)1.0(Ti5.0Fe2.13+Cr0.1Fe3.82+Mn0.2Mg0.6Na0.1)12O19 and is thus very similar to the original haggertyite described from xenoliths in the Prairie Creek lamproite apart from being poorer in Cr and Ni. Haggertyite in the groundmass of the Ellendale olivine lamproite and the central zone of the Walgidee Hills lamproite, in addition to variations in Mg and Cr, show significant variation in Ti and Fe contents and in calculated Fe3+ and Fe2+. A linear inverse relationship between Ti and Fe, and Ti and Fe3+, indicates that Fe3+ is accommodated by the coupled substitution Ti4+ + Fe2+ ⇆ 2 Fe3+. A marked trend to higher Fe3+ in the haggertyite in Ellendale 9 olivine lamproite is ascribed to increasing oxidation during crystallization, with fO2 estimated from the olivine-spinel thermometer and oxygen barometer at Dlog FMQ = –1 to +3 at temperatures of 790–660 °C. The haggertyite in the central zone of the Walgidee Hills lamproite, in contrast, shows a marked trend to Fe2+ enrichment, which is associated with decreasing Fe in perovskite. This is inferred to indicate formation under more reducing conditions, but sufficiently oxidized to permit Fe3+ in co-existing priderite and jeppeite. Trace-element analysis by LA-ICP-MS shows the Walgidee Hills haggertyite contains minor amounts of Na, Si, Ca, V, Co, Zn, Sr, Zr, Nb, and Pb, and only traces of Al, P, Sc, Rb, REE, Hf, and Ta. Moreover, the haggertyite is preferentially enriched in certain lithophile (Ba, Sr), siderophile (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), and chalcophile (Zn, Pb) elements relative to co-existing priderite. Haggertyite crystallization appears to be a consequence not only of the very high Ba, Ti, and K contents of the lamproite, but of relatively high-Fe concentrations and low temperatures in evolved olivine lamproite magma with the Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio determined by the prevailing fO2. The new data suggest that haggertyite might also be present but previously unrecognized in the evolved groundmass of other olivine lamproites. Haggertyite is one of an increasing number of new minerals in upper mantle rocks and volcanics derived from the upper mantle hosting large-ion-lithophile and high field strength cations.

Metallogeny of Serpentinite‐hosted Magnetite Deposits: Hydrothermal Overgrowth on Chromite or Metamorphic Transformation of Chromite?

AbstractPeculiar and rare occurrences of serpentinite‐hosted magnetite deposits with mineable sizes are found in the Mesozoic ophiolites of Greece (Skyros), Iran (Nain and Sabzevar) and Oman (Aniba). These deposits have diverse thickness (from a few centimeters up to 50 m) and length (2 to >500 m). Magnetite ores show variable textures, including massive, nodular and banded ores, veins, net and fine‐grained disseminations in serpentinites. Intriguingly, the investigated magnetite deposits can be mistaken for chromitite pods. Serpentinite‐hosted magnetite deposits show three modes of occurrences including: (i) boulders strewn across the serpentinites (i.e. Skyros Island); (ii) ore bodies along the nonconformity contacts between serpentinites and limestones (i.e. Aniba); (iii) irregular and discontinuous trails of massive and semi‐massive ore bodies within highly sheared serpentinite masses (i.e. Nain; Sabzevar). In all of these magnetite ore bodies, relicts of chromian spinel grains are occasionally enclosed in magnetite crystals. The chemistry of Cr‐spinel relics found in these magnetite bodies are comparable to those of accessory Cr‐spinels in the surrounding serpentinized peridotites. BSE images and elemental mapping revealed that magnetite occurs as a nucleation on chromian spinels but not being involved in reaction either with chromite or ferritchromite. Low‐grade metamorphic transformation of chromite into Fe‐chromite is documented along the cracks and fractures of a few chromite grains. Generally, magnetite has typical hydrothermal compositions, characterized by low Cr, V and Ti and high Mg and Mn. It is crucial to note that a few magnetite grains with metamorphic origin are characterized by high Cr and low Ti and Ni. The potential source of iron is essentially the Fe‐rich olivine. We believe that multi‐episodic serpentinization of peridotite systems at high fluid‐rock ratios is the main process responsible for precipitation of magnetite at ore levels whereas low‐grade metamorphic transformation of chromite to magnetite has minor contribution. Cumulative factors in generation of these deposits are modal volume of mantle olivine, peridotite composition, fluid chemistry, fluid‐rock ratio, mechanisms of transportation and precipitation, structural controls such as cracks and shear zones.

The Ryonchon podiform chromitite from the Chongjin ophiolite, northern Korea Peninsula

Ryonchon chromitite is located structurally in the Chongjin area, the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, which crops out at Chongjin terrane, the eastern end of the Jilin-Yanbian-Hambuk Fold Belt. We made on-site geological survey of this deposit and conducted the analyses on the investigated chromitite by means of microscopes, single crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) to elucidate the phase composition, the chemical composition and the texture and structure of the chromitite. The chromian spinels from the study area are separated into four groups according to chemical composition of spinel as ordinary spinel-group minerals are. The studied chromites have different compositions according to their occurrences, which is not owing to the precipitation of different pararental melts but the subsolidus re-equilibration during the hydrous alternation.The massive/semi-massive unaltered chromite in chromitite from dunite have consistently low Cr (Cr# < 0.6) and low Al (Al2O3 23–26 wt%), whereas Al2O3melt and (FeO/MgO)melt values range 14.58–15.43, 0.40–0.52, respectively, which have been contrasted with that of the typical podiform chromitite. By comparing present analyses with previous works, the parental melt of the Ryonchon chromitite from the Chongjin ophiolite is similar in chemical compostion to Island arc tholeiitic melts rather than boninitic melt, whose tectonic setting corresponds to a forearc environment of a suprasubduction zone. In addition, both cumulus texture and euhedral crystal shapes of the chromite grains in massive/semimassive chromitite from dunite support their magmatic origin. We found that the chromitite from this area have undergone the hydrothermal alteration as appearance of fluidal ferritchromit, Cr# of ferritchromites higher than 0.8, the high MgO content of the ferritchromit, occurrence of typical hydrothermal minerals such as heazlewoodite and the differences in the products formed during several metamorphic processes.

The importance of trace element analyses in detrital Cr‐spinel provenance studies: An example from the Upper Triassic of the Barents Shelf

AbstractInvestigations of sandstone provenance often involve U–Pb dating and chemical/mineralogical investigations of detrital minerals that are stable in sediments. As most stable detrital minerals are from felsic–intermediate rocks, investigations of the only mafic–ultramafic mineral considered stable in sediments, chromian spinel (Cr‐spinel), can reveal contributions from mafic–ultramafic sources. Cr‐spinel chemical compositions are tied to petrogenesis, making it possible to identify the nature of, and differentiate between, potential sources. Earlier detrital Cr‐spinel studies have focused on major and minor element compositions, however, the advent of laser‐ablation analytical techniques now allow routine mineral trace element analyses. Here, we integrate major, minor and trace element compositions of detrital Cr‐spinel from sandstones with a well‐characterised provenance from the Triassic (Anisian to Early Norian) Snadd and De Geerdalen formations of the Barents Shelf. The analysed Cr‐spinel compositions are depleted in the major element cations Fe3+, Al and Mg and enriched in Cr and Fe2+. Relative to MORB chromite, the minor and trace element data show high concentrations of Zn, Co and Mn, low concentrations of Ni and Ga and variable concentrations of Ti, V and Sc. The major element compositions of the detrital Cr‐spinel are similar to ophiolite‐associated Cr‐spinel, while the trace element compositions indicate a more complex petrogenesis influenced by metamorphic alteration. The compositional variations between sample locations are small, suggesting similar source rocks for the detrital Cr‐spinel throughout the study area. The most likely sources of the Cr‐spinel grains are metamorphosed ophiolite complexes in the Uralian Orogen, in accordance with earlier provenance studies. The novel addition of trace element compositions to detrital Cr‐spinel studies adds significant source‐sensitive information.

Mineral chemistry of high-Al chromian spinel from ultramafic rocks of the Babina–Prithvipur transect, Bundelkhand Craton, central India: Implication for petrogenesis and tectonic setting

Bundelkhand Craton is an important Archaean cratonic nuclei of the Central Indian Shield and comprises two greenstone complexes, i.e., the Babina–Mauranipur Greenstone Belt and the Girar–Madawara Greenstone Belt. The E–W trending Babina–Mauranipur Greenstone Belt in the central part of the craton, encloses several isolated lensoid shaped ultramafic bodies which has suffered various degrees of alteration and metamorphism. As per modal mineral analysis, the ultramafic rocks of the Babina–Prithvipur section belong to harzburgite and also contain high-Al chromian spinel along with olivine, ortho-pyroxene and amphibole. Mineral chemistry reveals that the spinels are of high Al and Cr poor variety, where Al2O3 and Cr2O3 contents range from 40.06 to 54.34 wt.% and 9.05 to 14.89 wt.%, respectively. The TiO2 content is extremely low (average ≈0.07 wt.%). The Cr# value of the spinel is <0.2, whereas Mg# ranges from 0.495 to 0.633. The forsterite contents of the olivine ranges from 86.088 to 88.105 wt.%. Average CaO and NiO contents of the olivine stand 0.03 and 0.24 wt.%, respectively. Composition of the analyzed ortho-pyroxene belongs to En84.20–87.75Wo0.15–0.39 with low CaO content of 0.080 to 0.207 wt.%. As per mineral chemistry, these harzburgite rocks of the Babina–Prithvipur section belong to mantle peridotite. Melt calculation for the spinel also suggests a least differentiated magmatic product, which is also supported by the olivine spinel mantle array diagram as all the samples are plotted within the mantle array field very close to the fertile mantle source. Low TiO2 and high Al contents of spinel also reflect the MORB type peridotite characteristics for these ultramafic rocks which probably originated from least differentiated plagioclase free mantle derived harzburgite/lherzolitic magma in a rift related spreading centre. As a whole these ultramafic rocks appear to be the remnant of the early crust that existed during the Archaean time.

The Cyclops Ophiolite as a Source of High-Cr Spinels from Marine Sediments on the Jayapura Regency Coast (New Guinea, Indonesia)

The first detailed mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of heavy minerals in marine sediments along the Jayapura Regency coast on the Indonesian part of New Guinea Island are reported as part of a larger set of investigations conducted since 2009. In these sediments, the following heavy minerals were identified: high-Al and high-Cr spinels, chromian andradite, Mg-olivine, magnetite, mixture of iron (III) oxyhydroxides (limonite) and minerals from serpentine-group minerals (lizardite, antigorite). The heavy mineral fraction of marine sediments contains increased concentrations of metals, including W (up to 257.72 ppm) and Ag (up to 1330.29 ppb) as well as minor amounts of Ni (7.1–3560.9 ppm) and Cr (68.0–5816.0 ppm). The present state of geological knowledge suggests that there are no known prospects for rich Ti, Ni, Co, Cr, Au deposits along the examined part of the Jayapura coast. However, the average content of Ag and W is high enough to provide an impulse for suggested further deposit research. The source of marine sediments is Cyclops ophiolite, which contains a typical ophiolite sequence. Cyclops Mountain rocks have undergone intense chemical weathering processes and the resulting eroded material has been deposited on the narrow continental shelf. The chemical composition of chromian spinels indicates that their source is depleted peridotites from the SSZ (supra-subduction zone) environment of the Cyclops ophiolite. A detailed geochemical examination indicates that the evolution of parental melt of these rocks evolved towards magma with geochemical parameters similar to mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB).

Spinel and Ti-rich schorlomite from the Wajrakarur kimberlites, southern India: Implications for metasomatism, diamond potential and orangeite lineage

Kl-4 and P-5 mesoproterozoic kimberlite pipes along with several other well-known diamondiferous (ca. 1110 Ma) kimberlites in the Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF) intruded into the cratonic roots of Eastern Dharwar craton (EDC) in southern India. The groundmass minerals of the kimberlites exhibit inequigranular texture contain spinel, Ti-rich schorlomite garnet, two generations of olivine (macrocrysts and groundmass microphenocrysts), phlogopite, perovskite, clinopyroxene (diopside), ilmenite (low Mn) and rare apatite. We identified three distinct spinel associations in Kl-4 and P-5: (i) fine-grained (<50 μm) microcrysts in the groundmass; (ii) resorbed euhedral atoll spinel, consisting of titanomagnetite (magnesian-ulvospinel-magnetite to titanian-chrome-magnetite) which is isolated from the rim of magnetite by spongy lagoon phase of schorlomite, and (iii) larger chrome spinel macrocrysts/xenocrysts (>500 μm). The schorlomite garnet in both P-5 and Kl-4 represents solid solution of schorlomite-pyrope-almandine-grossular. Additionally, Kl-4 contains another Cr-rich schorlomite-pyrope-almandine-uvarovite solid solution. Macrocrystic spinel exhibits distinct composition of chromium (Cr2O3 up to 59.62 wt%), and poor in TiO2 (<1.19 wt%). The high chromium spinel macrocrysts from Kl-4 are confirmed to be fragments of mantle xenocrysts and their composition falls within the diamond stability field. Atoll-textured epitaxial mantled resorbed spinel associated with schorlomite suggests that they formed through the replacement of spinel possibly through interaction of late residual fluids/melts in the final stages of crystallization of the kimberlite magma. The significant enrichment of Fe and Ti in schorlomite suggests the involvement of metasomatized sub-continental lithospheric mantle. It is also inferred that spinel immiscibility played an important role in the metasomatic replacement. The Ti-rich minerals have orangeitic affinity, similar to those in the Kaapvaal craton of South Africa, and suggest the high Ti-, high Ca- and the low Al-bearing nature of the parent magma (Group II kimberlites). The groundmass tetraferriphlogopite is Al- and Ba-poor and spinel show compositions straddling between magnesian ulvöspinel (Group I kimberlite) and titanomagnetite (Group II kimberlite) comparable with orangeite and lamproites. The results presented in this study suggest that the P-5 and Kl-4 has orengeitic or lamproitic affinity. Our findings can be useful as an indicator mineral in diamond prospecting.

Olivine and Clinopyroxene Phenocrysts as a Proxy for the Origin and Crustal Evolution of Primary Mantle Melts: a Case Study of 2.40 Ga Mafic Sills in the Kola–Norwegian Terrane, Northern Fennoscandia

New petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic (Sr, Nd, and δ18О) data on olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts provide constraints on the composition and crustal evolution of primary melts of Paleoproterozoic (2.40 Ga) picrodoleritic sills in the northwest Kola province, Fennoscandian Shield. The picrodolerites form differentiated sills with S-shaped compositional profiles. Their chilled margins comprise porphyritic picrodolerite (upper margin) and olivine gabbronorite (bottom) with olivine and clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Analysis of the available data allows us to recognize three main stages in the crystallization of mineral assemblages. The central parts of large (up to 2 mm) olivine phenocrysts (Ol–1–C) crystallized at the early stage. This olivine (Mg# 85–92) is enriched in Ni (from 2845 to 3419 ppm), has stable Ni/Mg ratio, low Ti, Mn and Co concentrations, and contains tiny (up to 10 μm) diopside–spinel dendritic lamella that probably originated due to the exsolution from high Ca- and Cr- primary magmatic olivine. All these features of Ol–1–C are typical of olivine from primitive picritic and komatiitic magmas (De Hoog et al., 2010; Asafov et al., 2018). Ol–1–C contains large (up to 0.25 mm) crystalline inclusions of high-Al enstatite (Mg# 80–88) and clinopyroxene (Mg# 82–90), occasionally in association with Ti-pargasite and chromian spinel (60.4 wt.% Al2O3). These inclusions are regarded as microxenoliths of wall rock that were captured by primary melt at depths more than 30 km and preserved due to the conservation in magmatic olivine. The second stage was responsible for the crystallization of Ol–1 rim (Ol–1–R), small (up to 0.3 mm) olivine (Ol–2, Mg# 76–85) grains, and central parts of large (up to 1.5 mm) clinopyroxene (Cpx–C) phenocrysts in the mid-crustal transitional magma chamber (at a depth of 15–20 km) at 1160–1350°C. At the third stage, Cpx–C phenocrysts were overgrown by low-Mg rims (Mg# 70–72) similar in composition to the groundmass clinopyroxene from chilled picrodolerite and gabbro-dolerite in the central parts of the sills. This stage likely completed the evolution of picrodoleritic magma and occurred in the upper crust at a depth of about 5 km. All stages of picrodoleritic magma crystallization were accompanied by contamination. Primary melts were contaminated by upper mantle and/or lower crust as recognized from xenocrystic inclusions in Ol–1–C. The second contamination stage is supported by the negative values of eNd(2.40) = –1.1 in clinopyroxene phenocrysts. At the third stage, contamination likely occurred in the upper crust when ascending melts filled gentle fractures. This caused vertical whole-rock Nd heterogeneity in the sills (Erofeeva et al., 2019), and difference in Nd isotopic composition of clinopyroxene phenocrysts and doleritic groundmass. It was also recognized that residual evolved melts are enriched in radiogenic strontium but have neodymium isotopic composition similar to other samples. It could be explained by the interaction of the melts with fluid formed via decomposition of biotite from surrounding gneisses under the effect of high-temperature melts.

Formation of a Late Jurassic carbonate platform on top of the obducted Dinaridic ophiolites deduced from the analysis of carbonate pebbles and ophiolitic detritus in southwestern Serbia

In the Inner Dinarides of southwestern Serbia, Tithonian polymictic carbonate turbidites, deposited in a deep-water foreland basin below overthrust ophiolites, contain Kimmeridgian–Tithonian shallow-water clasts, Triassic open-marine limestone and radiolarite clasts, and chrome spinels of a harzburgitic source (suprasubduction and MOR ophiolites). The results from the component analysis of these Tithonian polymictic carbonate turbidites constrain a Middle to Late Jurassic orogeny in the Western Tethys realm with following geodynamic evolution: (1) The closure of the western part of the Neo-Tethys Ocean caused west- to northwestward-directed ophiolite obduction onto the wider Adriatic shelf from Middle Jurassic times onwards. The former Triassic–Middle Jurassic outer passive continental margin of the Neo-Tethys imbricated and a nappe stack in lower plate (wider Adriatic) position was formed in front of the propagating obducting ophiolites. (2) During a period of relative tectonic quiescence, formation of a Late Jurassic carbonate platform started around the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary on top of the obducted ophiolites. This detection of a Late Jurassic carbonate platform formed above the obducted Dinaridic ophiolites close an important gap in knowledge about the geodynamic evolution of the Inner Dinarides. (3) From the Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary onwards uplift of the imbricated rocks below the obducted ophiolites triggered unroofing. During Tithonian times the obducted ophiolites were transported west-directed along low-angle fault plains near to its present position in the Dinarides. Mountain uplift and unroofing caused the partly erosion of the Late Jurassic carbonate platform, the underlying ophiolites and the Triassic–Jurassic nappe stack consisting of outer shelf sedimentary rocks.

In-Situ Crystallization and Continuous Modification of Chromian Spinel in the “Sulfide-Poor Platinum-Group Metal Ores” of the Norilsk-1 Intrusion (Northern Siberia, Russia)

Layers rich in chromian spinel (Cr-spinel) occur in numerous differentiated and layered intrusions. These layers are often characterized by elevated and even economic concentrations of platinum-group-elements (PGEs), but only scarce sulfide mineralization. One particular type of such lithology occurs in the roof parts of the Norilsk-type differentiated intrusions (Russia) and is referred to as the “sulfide-poor PGE ores”. We investigated rocks containing variable enrichments in Cr-spinel, sulfides, and platinum-group minerals (PGMs) from two sections of the upper zone of the Norilsk-1 intrusion, with a focus on Cr-spinel. The rocks are dominated by two lithological types: (1) leucogabbro/troctolitic and (2) olivine-gabbro. Fine-grained (5–100 μm) disperse disseminations with varying modal abundances of Cr-spinel are characteristic for the rocks studied. Those abundances range from scarce mineralization through to very dense (up to 30 vol. % Cr-spinel) cloud-like accumulations. However, compact-grained accumulations and cumulate-like textures, which are typical for chromitites of layered intrusions, are not characteristic for the studied rocks. Instead, the disseminations exhibit chain- and trail-like alignments of Cr-spinel grains, which cross the boundaries between enclosing silicates, and sub-circular arrangements. The study revealed millimeter-scaled patchy distribution of Cr-spinel compositions within a given dissemination with Cr-spinel chemistry being strongly correlated with a kind of the enclosing silicate. (1) In unaltered rocks, plagioclase hosts more magnesian Cr-spinel (Mg# 30–60), while Cr-spinel in mafic minerals is less magnesian (Mg# 18–35). (2) In altered rocks, more magnesian Cr-spinel is hosted by less altered silicates, while strongly altered silicates mainly host less magnesian Cr-spinel. Systematics of trivalent cations exhibits divergent trends, even on a scale of a thin section, and depends on a kind of hosting lithology. Leucogabbro/troctolite lithologies contain Cr-spinel with anomalously low Fe3+ and extremely high Ti contents, whereas Cr-spinel from olivine-gabbro lithologies have moderate Fe3+ and moderately-high Ti contents. It is envisaged that crystallization of Cr-spinel and their host rocks occurred from viscous mingled magmas, which had different compositions and redox state. Subsequent processes involved (1) high-temperature re-equilibration of Cr-spinel with enclosing silicates and (2) post-magmatic alteration and partial recrystallization of Cr-spinel. During these processes, Cr-spinel was losing Mg and Al and gaining Fe and Ti. These chemical trends are generally coincident with those established for other intrusions worldwide, but the upper zone of the Norilsk-1 intrusion seems to possess an exceptional variety of Cr-spinel compositions, not recorded elsewhere.

Pre‐Oxfordian (&gt;163 Ma) Ophiolite Obduction in Central Tibet

AbstractThe timing of Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolite obduction between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes in central Tibet is important for understanding the closure history of the Meso‐Tethys but remains poorly constrained. We investigated subaerial to shallow marine strata of the Dongqiao Formation that sit unconformably on Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolites that crystallized in a supra‐subduction zone setting at 189–181 Ma. Based on foraminiferal and coral studies, the depositional age of the Dongqiao Formation is constrained to be Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic). Provenance analyses including detrital modes, geochemistry of detrital chromian spinels, and U‐Pb age populations of detrital zircons suggest the Dongqiao Formation was sourced from uplifted Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolites and sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of Lhasa terrane affinity to the south. We conclude that Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolites were obducted soon after crystallization (prior to Oxfordian time; &gt;163 Ma) onto the Lhasa terrane or a microcontinent of Lhasa terrane affinity.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of peridotites and chromitites in the Jijal Complex ophiolite along the Main Mantle Thrust (MMT or Indus Suture Zone) North Pakistan

The Jijal Complex, one of the largest Neo-Tethyan ophiolites (ca. 150 km2) in Pakistan, occupies a deep-level section of the Cretaceous Kohistan Arc that was obducted along the Main Mantle Thrust or Indus Suture Zone. Peridotites of the Jijal Complex consist mainly of harzburgite and dunite with numerous podiform chromitites. In this paper, we present new mineral compositions, whole-rock major elements, trace elements, rare earth elements (REEs) and platinum group elements (PGEs) to evaluate the melt evolution and petrogenesis of these rocks. Chromian spinel in the chromitites is fairly uniform in composition with Cr#s ranging from 75 to 81, Mg#s from 59 to 63 and TiO2 < 0.2 wt%, which suggest crystallization from boninitic magmas. Chromian spinel in the peridotites has relatively lower Cr#s of 71–74, Mg#s of 38–48 and very low TiO2 contents (averaging 0.09 wt%). The Fe3+#s of chromian spinels both in the chromitites and peridotites are very low (maximum 0.02), reflecting crystallization under low oxygen fugacity (fO2). The harzburgites and dunites have low average CaO, Al2O3 and REE values and contain Al-poor clinopyroxene and high-Cr spinels. Mantle-normalized trace element patterns of the harzburgite, dunites and chromitites reflect high-degrees of partial melting (25%–30%). The high-Cr chromitites all show similar chondrite-normalized platinum group element patterns characterized by enrichment in Os, Ir, Ru and Rh relative to Pt and Pd. The mineral chemistry, whole-rock compositions and PGE geochemistry indicate that the chromitites in the Jijal Complex were generated from a boninitic parental magma generated under low to high fO2 in a supra-subduction zone environment. The calculated compositions of the parental melts of the Jijal chromitites are consistent with differentiation of arc-related magmas.

Prospects for the titanium carrying Triassic formations of the Bolshaya Synya depression of the Pre-Uralian marginal flexure

It was established potentially industrial titanium-containing terrigenous rocks from the Lower and Middle Triassic formations of the southern part of the Bolshaya Synya depression, Pre-Uralian marginal flexure. Sandstones contain the bulk of productive mineralization and makeup about 80% of the Triassic section. Sandstones are represented by weakly lithified, finely grained lithoclast greywackes scattered in the hands with weakly rounded unsorted fragments, with pore, film, and contact type of cement form by hydrogetite and illite and chlorite. The proportion of relatively strong sandstones with calcite-siderite cement does not exceed 10% of the studied section. The deposits are formed in alluvial and pluvial, lacustrine depositional environments within the wide alluvial plain. The rocks belong to the upper part of the thick Permo-Triassic continental molasses formed in compensated depressions as a result of the destruction of the Paleo Uralian Orogeny. The main minerals of the heavy fraction are epidote, ilmenite, titanomagnetite, and amphibole; the minor minerals are chlorite, goethite, martite, pyroxene, chrome spinel and a group of garnets. The share of zircon does not exceed the first percent. The main mineral concentrator of titanium is ilmenite, the minor minerals are manganilmenite, titanomagnetite, titanite, leucoxene aggregates, rutile, and pyrophanite. The hypothetical primary source of ilmenite was epidote and amphibole contains shale or epidote containing amphibolite formed from a mafic substrate. The thickness of titanium contains layers is 1–4 m with an ilmenite content of more than 30 kg/m3. At the local level, ilmenite and titanomagnetite mineralization is concentrated in the form of small jets, lenses, puffs, and interlayer bodies. The average contents of ilmenite are comparable with those of the well-known titanium and zirconium placer deposits in Russia. The data presented in the article make it possible to predict the existence of new titanium contains region in the Triassic deposits of the south part of the Bolshaya Synya depression. The productivity of the region should be associated with continental ilmenite placers.