Garnet Compositions Research Articles

Spatial Relationship between Eclogite and Copper-Nickel Mineralization in East Kunlun, China

In recent years, Cu-Ni deposits have been discovered at different localities in the Eastern part of the Kunlun orogenic belt such as Xiarihamu, Langmuri, Shitoukengde, and Wenquan. Eclogites are usually exposed in the areas associated with these deposits, thereby implying a certain coupling relationship between the Cu-Ni deposits and eclogite distribution. In this study, eclogite samples from the Xiarihamu and Langmuri areas were analyzed using petrogeochemistry, U-Pb zircon geochronology, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Further, eclogite protolith properties, the formation environment, and the metallogenic mechanism were also investigated. Geochemically, eclogite is rich in MgO and FeO and low in alkali and SiO2. Its m/f ratios are 0.72 to 1.53 and Mg# values of 42 to 61. Overall, the chondrite-normalized rare-earth elements (REE) patterns showed characteristics of weak enrichment with LREE, weak negative Eu anomalies, relative enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements such as K and Rb, active incompatible element Th, the depletion of high-field strength elements Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf, and V-shaped valleys caused by depletion in Sr, P, and Ti. These geochemical characteristics indicated that the protolith is highly differentiated Fe gabbro that formed in a continental margin type of rift environment. The EPMA analyses showed that the composition of garnet consists of almandite and grossularite, and omphacite often contains augite. Geochronological investigations showed that the peak metamorphic age of eclogite in Xiarihamu and Langmuri is 415.6 ± 2.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.43, n = 16) and 449.1 ± 8.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.88, n = 19), which are related to the early Paleozoic orogenic cycle and formed slightly earlier than the formation of the magmatic liquation type of Cu-Ni deposits in this area. On the basis of spatial coupling, formation age approximation, and geochemical correlation between eclogite and mafic rock masses, in combination with the previous research results of earlier work, it has been considered that the Cu-Ni ore deposits in the East Kunlun Range were formed in the post-collisional extension environment after the deep subduction of the continental crust. The ultra-high-pressure metamorphic melange formed by continental deep subduction or the enriched mantle formed by crust-mantle metasomatism was partially melted to form sulfur-rich mafic–ultramafic magmas in the post-collision extension environment. During the deep subduction of the continental crust, a large amount of crust-derived sulfur was brought into the mantle, which is the key factor for the mineralization of Cu-Ni ore in the region.

Refractive index and lattice parameter prediction for garnets (A3B2C3X12)

AbstractThe validity of prediction methods for garnet lattice parameters was tested, and a modified model with best fit to a lattice parameter database with over 1000 garnet compositions was developed. The lattice parameter predictions were used in Shannon and Fischer's model to predict garnet refractive indices. The predictions were compared to refractive index measurements reported for 143 garnet compositions. After calibration of electron overlap factors used in the model, the average prediction error was 1.13%. Sources of error in the models are discussed, as well as applications of the predictive methods.

Garnet composition from the Reflejos de Mar LCT-pegmatite, Ancasti district, Argentina and its implication for exploration of primary deposits of lithium

The Reflejos de Mar Li-pegmatite, located in northwestern Argentina, is part of the Villismán pegmatite group, Ancasti District, Pampean Pegmatite Province. Four garnet crystals from the outermost part of the pegmatite were analyzed by major and minor elements (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, MgO, CaO, MnO, FeO) using electron microprobe. The pegmatite belongs to the rare-element class, spodumene type, LCT (Li-Cs-Ta) petrogenetic family. Based on their Mn and Fe contents, the analyzed garnet can be assigned to the spessartine-almandine serie. The cores and rims of the analyzed garnets show significant differences for the divalent components in VIII-coordination, especially, Mn and Fe. The average MnO and FeO contents in the cores of the grains is 34.6 and 8.29 wt%, respectively, while in the rims is 29.31 and 12.95 wt%, respectively. The Fe/Mn ratio at the core of the grains is 0.24 while at the rims it is 0.44. Cr2O3 and TiO2 contents are very low (˂0.17 wt%) and the values of SiO2 and Al2O3 are ~36 and ~21 wt%, respectively. The mean chemical and molecular formulas of the core can be expressed: [(Mn2.40 Fe0.57 Ca0.02 Mg0.02)3.01 (Al1.99 Cr0.002)2.00 (Si2.99 Ti0.01)3.00 O12]; {Sps79.8 Alm18.9 Grs0.7 Prp0.5}; and the rim as: [(Mn2.04 Fe0.89 Ca0.05 Mg0.04)3.02 (Al2.00 Cr0.002)2.00 (Si2.98 Ti0.005)3.00 O12]; {Sps67.6 Alm29.5 Grs1.6 Prp1.3}. The chemical composition of garnet from the Reflejos de Mar pegmatite is similar to other worldwide examples in similar rocks, especially LCT pegmatites, which are highly evolved and associated with Li mineralization. Therefore, its composition could be used as an additional tool in the exploration of Li-bearing pegmatites in the Pampean Pegmatite Province. The differences in Fe-Mn contents between core and rim of the crystals would be controlled by variations in composition of the pegmatitic melt and, in addition, by the simultaneous precipitation of other mineral phases, for example, schorl and Mn-Fe-bearing phosphates.

Melt sources for alkaline carbonate-bearing rocks of the Terskiy Coast (Kola Alkaline Carbonatitic Province)

We investigate relationships between melt sources for lamprophyres, kimberlites and other alkaline carbonate-rich melts by studying rocks of the Terskiy Coast (Northwest Russia) situated between the coeval Devonian Kola Alkaline Carbonatite (KACP) and Archangelsk Kimberlite Provinces (AKP). This study reports Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systematics of lamprophyres, carbonatites, turjaite and foidite dykes, Turij Mys massif turjaites, perovskite and garnet from the dykes, and the Ermakovskaya-7 kimberlite, the only kimberlite of the Terskiy Coast. Principal Components Analysis was used to classify the data by five isotopic variables into rock groups T1, T2 and T3. A factor analysis technique was then applied to new Sr-Nd-Pb data and the KACP literature data to portray the analyses as three clusters on a planar 2-dimentional array. The first of these clusters, T1 is characterized by high combined parameter f(Nd, Pb) > 0.5137 and moderately radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr)375. T1 rocks are mostly ultramafic and plot along the Kola Carbonatite Line in Sr-Nd space. Group T2 is recognized by the presence of a linear correlation between Sr isotope compositions and f(Nd, Pb); the extended span of εNd is combined with a moderately radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr)375, and this group includes the least radiogenic Pb compositions. T2 rocks are petrographically diverse, ranging from kimberlites to phonolites. T3 rocks form a cloud of points with elevated (87Sr/86Sr)375 > 0.7041 and widely varying f(Nd, Pb); they are mostly alkaline lamprophyres. All three groups of studied rocks record a contribution from the depleted mantle, while the mantle beneath the AKP kimberlites that was metasomatized just prior to eruption contributed to T1 rocks, and the Paleoproterozoic metasomatized lithospheric mantle contributed to T2 rocks. T3 rocks record 10% contamination by the lower crust, as recorded by the Sr-Nd isotopic shift between the whole rock and garnet compositions. A geographic position of Ermakovskaya-7, Zolotitsa and Mela kimberlites within the adjoining areas of the KACP and AKP stretched along the strike of the Lapland-Kola belt results in their distinct low ɛNd(375) signatures highlighting a local control on melt generation by the ancient metasomatized mantle. The repeated generation, over billions of years, of melts in spatially restricted areas explains the observed contribution of ancient fеnitized crust and metasomatized mantle to magmas from large alkaline or kimberlite provinces.

A Study on the Raman Spectral Characteristics of Garnet from the Jiama Copper Polymetallic Deposit in Tibet

Raman spectroscopy is an important method to analyze and measure mineral composition and structure, which has the advantages of being non-destructive and rapid. This study considered garnet from the Jiama copper polymetallic deposit in Tibet to carry out micro-Raman spectrum and electron microprobe research to analyze the Raman spectrum characteristics of garnet with different components to reveal its indicative significance for garnet composition and skarn mineralization. The results showed that the Raman peaks T, X, A1, A2, and A3 shift toward lower wavenumber with the increase in andradite (And) content. The variations in T, X, and A2 are more obvious than those of A1 and A3. When And > 50%, the three Raman peaks (T, X, and A2) range are 173–174, 234–239, 513–525 cm−1; when And < 50%, they are 177–178, 240–244, 527–543 cm−1. The Raman peaks also shift with the cation radius and relative atomic mass. Different peaks moved in the low-frequency direction with the increase in the X2+ and Y3+ radius, and the X2+ atomic mass. The Raman spectrum can indicate the composition change in garnet. Raman spectrum analysis of garnet is of great significance for skarn zoning and prospecting.

Age and compositions of garnet in a magnesian skarn Au-Cu deposit, Tibet, implications for ore-fluid evolution

Compared to calcareous skarn Au-Cu deposits, magnesian skarn (Mg-skarn) Au-Cu deposits are scarce; hence the early evolution of the ore-fluids to late mineralization for the kinds of deposits has been inadequately investigated. Located at the southern margin of the Bangong-Nujiang metallogenic belt, the Galale Au-Cu deposit contains 32.59 tonnes of gold (average grade 2.04 g/t) and 105,600 tonnes of copper (average grade 0.66 %). The orebodies are hosted in an Mg-skarn with associated minerals, including olivine, pyroxene, garnet, and serpentine, which developed in the contact zone between the granodiorite and dolomite of the Jiega Formation. However, the genetic relationship between the Mg-skarn, granodioritic magma, and Au-Cu mineralization remains unclear. The contribution of early stage ore-forming fluids to late Au-Cu mineralization is still vague. In this study, we present the major and trace element compositions, and U–Pb isotope data for garnets obtained from the Galale deposit. We used the data to define the timing, nature, and evolution of early ore-forming fluid and described the genesis of the deposit. The color, at macro- and micro-scales, and chemical composition of the garnets can be used to divide them into two categories, namely early Al-rich Grt-I type garnets, and late stage Fe-rich Grt-II type garnets. In practice, Grt-I (And29.5∼56.1Gro41.3∼68.0Pra1.6∼2.8) and Grt-II (And96.7∼99.9Gro0∼2.7Pra0.1∼0.7) are grossular-andradite solid solution system garnets. Based on the chondrite-normalized REE patterns, Grt-I can be further divided into two sub-classes: Grt-I-1 domain in the core, enriched in HREEs and U, and Grt-I-2 material in the rim, relatively depleted in HREEs. Grt-II is enriched in LREEs and depleted in HREEs. Eu anomalies are slightly negative for the Grt-I-1 domain, weakly positive for the Grt-I-2 domain, and strongly negative for the Grt-II type garnets. The variations in texture and composition in garnets indicated that the formation of Grt-I garnets occurred during diffusive metasomatism in a relatively closed system, in a moderately oxidized ore-forming fluid setting. The formation of Grt-II occurred in a strongly oxidized setting during advective metasomatism in an open system. The enrichment of REE and U in Grt-I garnets was mainly controlled by a “menzerite” type substitution mechanism, partially explaining the strong positive correlation between Mg and REE concentrations. In the Grt-II type garnets, enrichment may also have been co-controlled by coupling substitution and adsorption. In situ U–Pb dating of garnet shows that Grt-I-1 and Grt-I-2 material has isotopic ages of 92 ± 2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.85) and 91 ± 2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.96), respectively. The results were consistent with the previous ages obtained from the granodiorite and Molybdenite using Re–Os isotopic dating within error. This indicates that magma, skarn alteration, and mineralization were spatially and temporally related. In addition, it indicates that the Galale deposit is a typical Mg-skarn Au-Cu deposit. In the earliest stages of deposit development, ore-forming fluids with a high oxygen fugacity (fO2) have inherited their characteristics from the magma. The crystallization of many magnetites during the oxide stage has decreased oxygen fugacity in the metallogenetic system. This has resulted in a relatively low fO2 fluid for Au-Cu precipitation. The study demonstrates that the ore-fluid fO2 plays a vital role in metal migration, hence Au-Cu mineralization in Mg-skarn deposits.

Garnet mineralization associated with late magmatic and hydrothermal-metasomatic processes in dunites of the Nizhny Tagil clipyroxenite-dunite massif, Central Urals

The miarolitic dunites of the Nizhny Tagil massif (Central Urals), the structure of miaroles and the principles of co-occurrence of minerals are studied. Garnets from miaroles are characterized in details and are compared with those from chromitites and metasomatites after dunites. The structure of miarolitic dunites and miaroles is described using ontogenic approaches. The structure and composition of garnets are studied by SEM and LA-ICP-MS. Three assemblages of garnets are established in rocks of the Nizhny Tagil massif: Cr-andradite in miarolitic dunites, uvarovite in massive veined chromitites and demantoid in metasomatites after dunites. Garnets from all assemblages belong to the ugrandite group and are characterized by specifc features of chemical composition including higher Cr2O3 content. Garnets are also characterized by contrasting concentrations of trace elements, such as V, Mn and Ti, as well as differences in REE pattern. A paragenetic sequence of formation of major rock-forming minerals is suggested for dunites, chromites and metasomatites after dunites of the Nizhny Tagil massif.

Controlling the chemical composition of garnet with hydroxy groups for humic acid removal

The removal of humic substances from aqueous solutions is a pivotal component in protecting water from environmental and health hazards. In this study, we successfully prepared garnet containing hydroxy groups with excellent adsorption properties for humic acid. The effects of the chemical composition of garnet on the adsorption properties were investigated. Heat treatment controlled the chemical composition by the dehydration of garnet and formation of silica-rich amorphous phase around the surface owing to the partial collapse of garnet. Compared to the untreated garnet, the treated garnet exhibited approximately seven times the adsorption properties for humic acid. The enhanced adsorption properties were related to the dramatic increase in pH owing to the amorphous phase and surface exposure of garnet with adequate hydroxyl groups as adsorption sites after soaking the treated garnet in a solution with humic acid.

Determination of skarn garnet compositions using Raman spectroscopy

AbstractGarnet is a key and defining mineral of skarns and associated metalliferous deposits. Variation in garnet composition, commonly expressed by the proportions of different end‐members, is widely used to determine the physical–chemical features of hydrothermal fluids. Skarn garnets from the Fujiashan W‐Cu‐Mo deposit, eastern China, were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and electron probe microanalysis to assess the quantitative correlation between Raman band positions and proportions of garnet end‐members. Compositions and Raman band positions of so‐called “grandite” garnet (Adr18–98Grs0–79), where Adr and Gr are the end‐members andradite and grossular, respectively, display a spatial zonation at Fujiashan that correlates with the distance from the contact between skarn and causative intrusion. Raman band positions determined in the ranges 234–246, 351–368, 369–375, 515–544, 814–826, and 873–882 cm−1 demonstrate moderate to very strong (R2 up to 0.99) linear correlations with mol% andradite and grossular components. This is attributed to homovalent substitution between Fe3+ and Al3+ in the octahedral site, which has an indirect effect on bond lengths and angles of Si‐O vibration, resulting in linear variation of Raman band positions. The band between 515 and 544 cm−1 is the most sensitive to compositional variation, and its position enables robust estimation of end‐member proportions within 10% of results calculated from electron probe microanalysis. This research highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a rapid, powerful method to assess the composition of skarn garnet, enabling accelerated construction of spatial zonation models for skarns during skarn deposit exploration.

Structural and Metamorphic History of the Leech River Shear Zone, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

AbstractThe Leech River Shear Zone (LRSZ) on southern Vancouver Island separates the metasedimentary schists of the Leech River Complex (LRC) from the accreted oceanic plateau of the Siletz‐Crescent terrane. The juxtaposition of these rock units suggests a possible origin as a subduction plate boundary but tectonic context of the LRSZ has yet to be fully established. We present field, microstructural, petrological, and geochronological observations that constrain the structural and metamorphic history of LRSZ. The mylonite zone of the LRSZ straddles the lithologic contact between the schists of the LRC and basalts of the Siletz‐Crescent terrane. Foliation orientations, a steeply plunging stretching lineation, and kinematic indicators all suggest reverse‐sinistral motion. Compositions of garnet in the schist and amphibole in the metabasalt record synkinematic growth at temperature and pressure conditions of 550°C–570°C and 450–490 MPa. These metamorphic conditions require elevated geotherms that are consistent with plate models that position the Kula‐Farallon Ridge and Yellowstone Hotspot in the region in the Eocene (∼50 Ma). Detrital zircon U‐Pb age distributions for the Leech River Schist have Paleocene maximum depositional ages and are similar to the Upper Nanaimo Group that unconformably overlies the Wrangellia terrane. Our ages support early Paleocene deposition of the schist in a subduction trench/slope environment followed by underthrusting and underplating. These results establish the exhumed mylonite zone of the LRSZ as a paleo‐plate interface that was active during Eocene subduction.

A genetic model of the giant Sangdong W–Mo skarn deposit in the Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea

The Sangdong deposit is a giant W–Mo skarn deposit located in the southern Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea. It consists of stratabound orebodies hosted by intercalated limestones of the Myobong Formation and massive limestones of the Pungchon Formation, part of the Cambrian–Ordovician Joseon Supergroup. The Cretaceous Sangdong granite is associated with the W–Mo mineralization. This highly evolved calc-alkaline S-type granite intruded the Precambrian basement and is currently concealed ∼1 km below the surface. F-rich ore-forming fluids exsolved from the Sangdong granite and infiltrated the intercalated limestone of the Myobong Formation via a NE–SW-striking fault system within the Taebaeksan Basin, where the magmatic and meteoritic fluids caused multiple stages of skarn formation, ranging from the early prograde skarns to the final vein stages. Regarding the spatial distribution of the Sangdong deposit, a prograde skarn appears in the outer part of the orebody while a retrograde skarn is observed in the central part of the orebody. This spatial distribution of the multiple-stage skarn is produced by the effect of multiple hydrothermal injections in the Sangdong deposit. Slates of the Myobong Formation prevented the escape of ore-forming fluids toward the surface, and channelized the fluid flow within the intercalated limestone layers. The skarns comprise prograde skarn stages I and II, retrograde skarn stages I and II, and vein stages. Prograde stage I is represented by wollastonite–garnet–clinopyroxene zones with the lowest scheelite contents at the margins of the orebody. The pyroxene–garnet assemblage of prograde stage II replaces the wollastonite–garnet–clinopyroxene assemblage. An amphibole–biotite assemblage (retrograde stage I) replaces the pyroxene–garnet assemblage, and is replaced by a quartz–mica assemblage (retrograde stage II) in the center of the orebody. The vein stage is represented by scheelite and/or wolframite-bearing quartz veins (W vein) and molybdenite-bearing quartz veins (Mo vein) that crosscut the earlier skarns. The final vein stage is also subdivided into two stages: early scheelite–wolframite quartz veins and late molybdenite–quartz veins, with both the vein stages crosscutting the prograde and retrograde skarns. The scheelite contents are the lowest in the marginal wollastonite–garnet–pyroxene zone and the highest in the central retrograde quartz–mica zone and veins. The mineral assemblages and clinopyroxene and garnet compositions within the prograde skarns indicate the mineralizing environment evolved from oxidizing to partly reducing conditions during prograde stage I. The carbon and oxygen isotope compositions indicate the prograde stage skarn mineralization occurred at about 400 °C, within an open system with a fluid XCO2 of 0.1. The growth of fluorite and muscovite during retrograde stage II and that of wolframite during the vein stage, as well as the negative Eu anomalies recorded by the skarns, reflect an ore-forming fluid with high F contents, which enhanced the capacity of hydrothermal fluids to transport and deposit ore metals during skarn formation and greisenization at the Sangdong deposit.

Multistage growth of garnet fingerprints the behavior and property of metamorphic fluids in a Paleotethyan oceanic subduction zone

Metamorphic fluids released from the subducting crust are of great importance to understand the recycling of volatile materials at convergent plate margins. Garnet in metamorphic rocks can retain chemical zonation and crystal inclusions produced during crustal subduction, providing the record of geochemical recycling in subduction zones. This paper presents a combined study of mineralogy and geochemistry for metamorphic garnets in oceanic-type eclogite from the Paleotethyan subduction zone in the Hong'an orogen, east-central China. The results show distinct zonation of major and trace elements, crystal inclusions, water contents, and oxygen fugacity in garnet. Five stages of garnet growth were recognized based on the garnet composition and phase equilibrium modelling. Growth of Stage I to IV garnets occurs during prograde metamorphism of the Paleotethyan oceanic crust from blueschist to eclogite facies along low geothermal gradients of 7.8–9.7 °C/km. Stage V garnet was formed through dissolution and reprecipitation during mineral-fluid reaction in the early exhumation stage. Garnet grains exhibit a decrease of water content from core to rim, indicating a gradual decrease of bulk water content in host eclogite during the garnet growth. Combined with the theoretical calculation based on the mineral modes and mineral water contents, it is suggested that the subducting oceanic crust would release reduced amounts of fluids during prograde metamorphism from greenschist to eclogite facies. The different garnet zones have f O 2 values varying from ΔFMQ+1.77 to ΔFMQ+3.26, suggesting that the fluids released from the subducting oceanic crust were oxidizing during subduction to peak eclogite facies and its early exhumation stage. These garnet f O2 values are correlated with the water contents of water-saturated garnet, implying that the water content of metamorphic garnet is a potential means to recover the redox state of its host eclogite. The increase of f O2 values during prograde metamorphism of the eclogite indicates the breakdown of chlorite and possible fluid influx from serpentinite, whereas the significant drop of f O2 values during the early exhumation stage indicates the breakdown of lawsonite to release the oxidized fluid. This study demonstrates that a combined study of water content, major and trace elements, and mineral inclusions in metamorphic garnet can potentially provide a new perspective into the behavior and property of fluids released from the subducting oceanic crust. • Garnet exhibits zoning in inclusions, major-trace elements, water content and oxygen fugacity. • Multiple stages of garnet growth were recognized along the P-T path of Hong'an eclogite. • Garnet water contents reflect decrease of fluid release from subducting oceanic crust. • Garnet water contents are correlated with redox conditions of its host eclogite. • Oxidized fluid is released during the dehydration of the subducting oceanic crust.

Garnet geochemistry of the giant Beiya gold–polymetallic deposit in SW China: Insights into fluid evolution during skarn formation

The Beiya deposit in the central Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan metallogenic belt of SW China is the country’s largest gold skarn and third largest gold deposit. In this study of the Beiya deposit, we use garnet mineralogy and geochemistry to delineate three skarn alteration zones (i.e., contact, proximal and distal skarn). We investigate the possible controls on the rare earth element (REE) incorporation into skarn-type garnet, the ore-fluid evolution, and metasomatic dynamics. Garnet in the Beiya deposit belongs to the grossular–andradite solid solution series, and comprises three types: (1) Grt1 andradite (Adr67–88Grs9–32) in the contact skarn, exhibiting light REE (LREE) enrichments, heavy REE (HREE) depletions, and positive Eu anomalies; (2) Oscillatory-zoned Grt2 andradite (Adr55–98Grs1–44) in proximal skarn, which has moderate to low LREE/HREE enrichments and varying Eu anomalies; (3) Grt3 andradite (Adr29–76Grs22–69) in distal skarn with low LREE/HREE enrichments and minor negative Eu anomalies. Grt1, Grt2 and Grt3 yielded lower intercept U–Pb ages of 36.4 ± 1.8 Ma (MSWD = 0.87, n = 67), 34.8 ± 0.7 Ma (MSWD = 1.8, n = 31) and 33.4 ± 1.0 Ma (MSWD = 1.2, n = 25). Garnet shows compositional changes from Grt1 to Grt3 due to the fluid-wallrock reactions. With decreasing andradite and increasing grossular contents, the (La/Yb)N ratio decreases. Ore-forming fluids changed from diffusive metasomatism to infiltration metasomatism, and then again to diffusive metasomatism. Meanwhile, the ore-fluid physicochemical conditions changed from acidic to near-neutral (both oxidised), whilst the water/rock ratio first increased and then decreased. The proximal skarn recorded high water/rock ratio with intermittent boiling events, leading to fluctuating oxygen fugacity, which is conducive to ore deposition. Therefore, the skarn-type garnet composition from the various alteration zones can reveal the fluid activity and physicochemical fluid evolution path, preserving rich information about the mineralisation process.

Calibration of Infrared Absorption Coefficients for Structural Hydroxyl in Garnet by a Combined Study of Isotope Ratio Spectrometry and Vibrational Spectroscopy

An accurate determination of water content in garnet is critical to quantify the transport of water to the deep mantle by the subducted oceanic crust beyond the breakdown of hydrous phases. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is the most widely used approach to determine the species and contents of water in garnet. Accurate quantification of OH in garnet requires independent calibration using an external method, as OH absorbance is mineral and composition specific. To obtain the infrared absorption coefficients of structural hydroxyl in garnet, a combined study of spectrometric analyses by FTIR and a method combining a thermal conversion elemental analyser with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (TC/EA‐MS) was carried out for fourteen gem‐quality natural garnet crystals with variable compositions. The obtained molar absorption coefficients were 9322 ± 338 and 240 ± 26 l mol−1 cm−2 for grossular‐ and spessartine‐rich garnet and pyrope‐almandine garnet, respectively. These results are within the range of previous studies. A new molar absorption coefficient of 689 ± 177 l mol−1 cm−2 was obtained for pyrope‐spessartine garnet. The large variation in the absorption coefficient indicates it is controlled by both garnet composition and OH‐absorption bands. The obtained absorption coefficients are only appropriate for certain types of eclogitic garnet, and more studies should be carried out on eclogitic garnets.

Development of Open Transport of Aqueous Fluid from Pegmatite Revealed by Trace Elements in Garnet

We investigated the fluid flow and elemental transport from a granitic body to the middle crust by determining the trace element compositions of garnet in pegmatites related to a quartz diorite intrusion and metamorphic rocks on Kinkasan Island, northeast Japan. Garnet in the pegmatites and biotite schists is characterized by spessartine– (Sps–) almandine- (Alm-) rich compositions of Sps14–69Alm22–70Prp2–14Grs1–13 and Sps16–30Alm54–66Prp9–16Grs3–6, respectively. A garnetite pod in the metamorphic unit has grossular- (Grs-) rich compositions (Sps1–4Alm8–11Prp0.1–0.4Grs80–87Adr3–4). The peak temperature ( T ) and pressure ( P ) conditions of the biotite schist during contact metamorphism were 600–650°C and 0.27–0.41 GPa, respectively. The primary fluid inclusions in quartz crystals within the pegmatites hosted by the quartz diorite and hosted by the metamorphic rocks have a wide range of homogenization temperatures (200–380°C). These correspond to the trapping temperature of 500–700°C, assuming a salinity of 4 wt.% NaClequivalent at pressure of the crystallization of the quartz diorite. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of garnets in the pegmatites in the quartz diorite and metamorphic unit are generally characterized by enrichment of heavy REEs and negative Eu anomalies with the REE contents in the schists which are systematically lower than in the pegmatites. However, garnet in the biotite schists close to the pegmatites has similar REE contents to garnet in the adjacent pegmatites. These geochemical features suggest that garnet in the biotite schists grew in response to fluid infiltration from the pegmatites. Besides, the Grs-rich garnet in the garnetite pod and its host quartz schist have flat heavy REE patterns and no Eu anomalies, which probably reflect a metasomatic process related to plagioclase replacement that produced Ca-Al-rich fluids. Our results suggest that the infiltration of pegmatitic fluids enhances elemental transport and metamorphic reactions in the middle crust.

XENOLITH GARNETS FROM MIR KIMBERLITE PIPE: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND EVIDENCE OF METASOMATIC PROCESSES IN THE LITHOSPHERE MANTLE

This paper reports the results on the composition of lithosphere mantle under the Mirny kimberlite field. The authors investigated 57 samples of the mantle xenoliths collected from the Mir pipe. The samples were represented by peridotites (Grt lherzolites) and pyroxenites (Grt websterite, Grt clinopyroxenite and eclogite). The composition of minerals (garnet, clinopyroxene) and various rocks in the lithosphere mantle under the Mirny kimberlite field were analyzed based on petrographic features and chemical data. Besides, PT conditions of rock crystallization were calculated using different geothermobarometers. Garnets from peridotites and websterites show relatively high Mg# (75–83) and low TiO2 contents (up to 0.2 wt. %). Since the eclogite has high-Ca (3.78–9.46 wt. %) and high-Fe (7.77–17.20 wt. %) garnet composition, it lies in the area of wehrlite paragenesis. In general, garnets from the lithosphere mantle under the Mirny kimberlite field have low-Ti garnet composition (up to 0.7 wt. %). Thus, the lithosphere mantle under the Mirny kimberlite field differs from the lithosphere mantle under other diamondiferous fields in a widespread development of eclogite and pyroxenite (up to 50 %), low-Ti composition of rocks, as well as virtual absence of deformed lherzolites. These signs probably indicate minor alteration of silicate metasomatism in the lithospheric mantle under the Mirny field (in contrast to the center of the Siberian craton).

METATERRIGENIOUS ROCKS OF THE OLKHON TERRANE OF THE CENTRAL ASIAN OROGENIC BELT: U-Pb ZIRCON AGE, GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND FORMATION MODELS OF SEDIMENTARY PROTOLITHS

The paper presents a petrographic, geochemical, and Sm-Nd isotopic data on the gneisses from different tectonic zones of the Olkhon terrane of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, as well as the composition of garnets and the age of zircons in these metaterrigenous rocks. The garnet-biotite gneisses of the Anga-Sakhurta zone, as well as the garnet-bearing and garnet-free gneisses (granulites) of the Chernorud zone may result from metamorphism of immature terrigenous rocks of polymictic or greywacke compositions similar in geochemical characteristics to rocks of continental arcs. At the same time, the gneisses of these zones show both similarities and some differences in geochemical and isotopic characteristics, including variations in ɛNd(T) values from –0.2 to –9.0, which may indicate different proportions of one or another source in their protoliths. The age of most detrital zircons in the gneisses of the Chernorud and Anga-Sakhurta zones corresponds to 530–1000 Ma, and the youngest detrital zircons have an age of 522–537 Ma. The geochemical and geochronological data on the gneisses of the Chernorud and Anga-Sakhyurta zones suggests that the protoliths of these gneisses could be formed from the same sources of predominantly Neoproterozoic age. We assumed that gneiss protoliths could initially be sediments of the continental slope of Neoproterozoic composite terrane assembled to the Siberian Platform at 600‒610 Ma. The transport of clastic material being gneiss protoliths from this composite terrane, took place towards the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The youngest zircons with an age of about 530 Ma could be generated from igneous complexes intruding the Neoproterozoic composite superterrane. The garnet-biotite gneisses of the Krestovskaya zone are similar in chemical composition to immature graywacke sandstones, The ɛNd(T) value in these gneisses is –3.7. Detrital zircons in the gneisses of the Krestovskaya zone form age peaks at 780–820 and 498–515 Ma. Based on geochemical and geochronological data we assume that these gneisses could be formed in an intracontinental basin formed at the orogenic stage during accretionary-collisional events at the amalgamation the Orso block and the Birkhin island arc into the Krestovskaya zone.All terrigenous rocks being gneiss protoliths were metamorphosed at 460–510 Ma under granulite or amphibolite facies associated with accretionary and collisional events, which led to the formation of the Early Paleozoic Olkhon composite terrane.

Ultrahigh-pressure peridotites record Neoarchean collisional tectonics

It is debated when plate tectonics first operated on Earth. One of the arguments against the Archean (> 2.5 Ga) operation of plate tectonics is the lack of rock records that can be best explained to be formed at convergent plate boundaries, such as continental lithosphere metamorphosed at ultrahigh-pressures (> 2.7 GPa or 80–100 km). Here we report Archean ultrahigh-pressure peridotites in Eastern Hebei, the North China Craton. Bulk-rock and mineral compositions suggest that these peridotites are likely cumulates or slivers of metasomatized continental lithospheric mantle. Garnet pseudomorphs and pyroxene exsolution textures are preserved in these Archean peridotites, indicating decompression-induced breakdown of the original garnet and pyroxene from high pressures. We reintegrate the original garnet and clinopyroxene based on mass proportions and compositions of decompression-induced breakdown products. The reconstructed garnet and clinopyroxene compositions of these Archean peridotites indicate that they were brought up from mantle depths of 110–130 km. We propose that these ultrahigh-pressure peridotites are tectonic slivers of a collisional complex, possibly subducted to mantle depths and then exhumed to crustal levels during Neoarchean subduction and subsequent arc/continental collision, similar to those from Phanerozoic continental collisional zones. The Archean ultrahigh-pressure peridotites in the North China Craton provide direct evidence for operation of continental collisional plate tectonics since at least 2.5 billion years ago.

Crystallization and photoluminescence properties of Er-doped microspheres with ytterbium-aluminium garnet composition

The ytterbium-aluminate microspheres with yterbium-aluminium garnet composition doped by 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 mol.% of Er2O3 were prepared by combination of sol-gel method and flame synthesis. The prepared systems were mostly X-ray amorphous with the presence of traces of ytterbium-aluminium garnet phase (YbAG), and ytterbium oxide. The thermal analysis of prepared systems shows crystallization of the prepared systems in the temperature interval 914–984 °C in one or two steps, depending on the Er content. Ytterbium aluminate garnet was found to crystallize as the prevailing phase in all heat-treated samples. An almost pure red up-conversion photoluminescence emission with the intensity influenced by the Er2O3 content was observed in prepared systems.

Distinctive Sedimentary Evolution at the East Edge of the Central Yellow Sea Mud Over the Past 45 kyr: Evidence From Detrital Mineralogy

The central Yellow Sea Mud (CYSM) is a vital part of the coastal sand and distal mud depositional system in the South Yellow Sea (SYS). Previous studies concerning the sedimentary evolution of this area have almost exclusively concentrated on its interior during the Holocene instead of its periphery. In this study, we used a sediment core (H10), with a significantly slow sedimentary rate, to reconstruct the sedimentary evolution at the east edge of the CYSM since MIS3a (∼45 kyr). This mainly involved using detrital minerals, the chemical compositions of garnet, and grain size. The provenance of coarser sediments has remarkable Yellow River-derived characteristics, especially during MIS2 and MIS1. The sedimentary evolution was primarily controlled by hydrodynamic regimes accompanied by changes in relative sea levels (RSLs) and climates. During MIS3a, frequent RSL fluctuations and powerful tidal current erosion were responsible for two facie shifts from the neritic sea to the shore and the lower sedimentary rate in the study area. A paleo-cold water mass and muddy deposition occurred during the high RSL stages with authigenic pyrite enrichment. During MIS2, the paleo-Yellow River was distributed on the SYS and flowed through the study area. Fluvial deposition on the shelf may be eroded by the strong winter monsoon, with an extremely dry and cold climate. Since ∼9.6 kyr, intense hydrodynamic regimes, which were induced by tidal current and upwelling, were responsible for the very much thin deposition, and coarser sediments remained in the study area. Notably, combined with previously studied cores, a much more detailed and intuitional cognition for CYSM formation can be obtained via our special perspective: mud periphery. This study elucidates the sedimentary system evolution and mud area formation of continental shelf seas.