Extensive Fractional Crystallization Research Articles

Systematic and Temporal Geochemical Changes in the Upper Deccan Lavas: Implications for the Magma Plumbing System of Flood Basalt Provinces

AbstractLarge Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are unusual volcanic events in which massive amounts of melt (∼106 km3) erupt in relatively short time periods (<106 years). Most LIP magmas have undergone extensive fractional crystallization and crustal contamination, but the crustal magmatic plumbing systems and the processes triggering eruptions are poorly understood. We present new major and trace element and radiogenic isotope data for 43 individual lava flows from a continuous 1,200 m thick stratigraphic profile through the upper, most voluminous part of the Deccan LIP (Bushe to Mahabaleshwar Formations). Eruption rates for this section are constrained by published paleomagnetic directions and absolute U‐Pb ages for zircons from weathered flow tops exposed in the profile. We find four magmatic sequences each lasting ∼104–∼105 years during which major and trace element compositions change systematically, followed by an abrupt change in geochemistry at the start of a new sequence. Within each sequence, the MgO content and proportion of crustal contamination decrease progressively, indicating a continuous replenishment of the associated magma reservoirs with less contaminated but more evolved melts. These geochemical signatures are best explained by repeated episodes of melt recharge, mixing, and eruption of variably evolved magmas originating from relatively small magma reservoir located in different crustal levels.

Rutile Ages and Thermometry Along a Grenville Anorthosite Pathway

AbstractThe Grenville Orogen, in North America, contains a belt of Proterozoic anorthosite massifs with an episodic emplacement history. These distinctive magmas reflect extensive fractional crystallization of plagioclase from a mafic magma and contain layers dominated by Ti‐bearing minerals including ilmenite and rutile. U‐Pb geochronology and Zr‐in‐rutile analyses from the Lac Malbaie complex in the Saint Urbain area of Quebec help to constrain the tectonothermal history of repeated anorthosite emplacement into the crust. Geologically significant dates were obtained from low‐U (<2 ppm) rutile in anorthosite drill cores and a boulder. Rutile ages of c. 1158, 1069–1056, and 936–910 Ma are interpreted to reflect variable modification of cooling ages during later intrusion and fluid mobilization events. Zr‐in‐rutile temperatures track higher apparent temperatures of >800°C in earlier events. Apparently younger rutile grains, and those influenced by fast pathway diffusion, record lower apparent temperatures. The Grenville Orogen comprises major trans‐lithospheric structures that facilitate the repeated bottom‐up transit of mantle‐derived magmas. At depth this led to the emplacement of anorthositic magmas whose thermal pathway is tracked by rutile passing through their Pb blocking temperature during crustal unroofing. This same broad crustal architecture, in the comparatively shallow crust, provided a favorable pathway for top‐down hydrothermal fluids to interact with younger rutile as successive anorthosites were emplaced. Rutile demonstrates that the current crustal section represents the juxtaposition of minerals preserving information from different thermal regimes, retaining vestiges of a protracted history due to incomplete re‐equilibration with subsequent chemical or thermal conditions.

The Andaluca plutonic unit, Vinquis Intrusive Complex, Argentina: An assessment of mantle role in the genesis of Early Carboniferous weakly peraluminous A-type granites in the pre-Andean SW Gondwana margin

During the Early Carboniferous, significant intracontinental magmatism was developed in the retro-arc region of the SW margin of Gondwana between ca. 27° and 31°S. This magmatism consisted of metaluminous to weakly peraluminous A-type granites, strongly peraluminous A-type granites (A- to S- hybrid granitoids) and, in a lesser extent, (sub-)volcanic felsic (rhyolites and trachytes) and mafic (alkaline basalts and lamprophyres) rocks. The Vinquis Intrusive Complex (VIC) registers these two compositional varieties of A-type granites: the Vinquis Unit (VU) represents the strongly peraluminous granites and the Andaluca Unit (AU) the weakly peraluminous granites. The adjacent Zapata Intrusive Complex (ZIC) also contains metaluminous to weakly peraluminous A-type granites. The AU is a semi-elliptical plutonic body of approximately 60 km 2 located in the southwestern part of the VIC, intruding the Vinquis Unit. The AU comprises three dominant rock types: i) quartz monzonite, ii) syenogranite and iii) alkali feldspar granite that can be classified as F-rich (calculated F content: 1950–5700 ppm), ferroan (FeO t /(FeO t + MgO) = 0.86–0.95) and weakly peraluminous (ASI = 1.03–1.10) A-type (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 364–570 ppm; Ga = 20–23 ppm) granitoids (SiO 2 wt% = 67.8–75.4% wt%). This unit was emplaced in early Carboniferous time (U Pb zircon crystallization ages of 346 ± 3 Ma and 342 ± 3 Ma). The AU has 87 Sr/ 86 Sr t , εNd t and εHf t values ranging from 0.7092 to 0.7140, −2.6 to −3.6 and − 16.5 to −3.3, respectively. These isotopic suggest that the parental magma of AU dominantly involved variable mixtures of mantle-derived components (magmas/fluids) and peraluminous continental crust. The extremely felsic granites of the AU (SiO 2 > ~72%) with a strongly fractionated composition (Rb > 336 and Sr < 70 ppm and Eu/Eu* < 0.22) supports extensive fractional crystallization. The high contents of fluorine and HFSE in AU could be explained as derived from an F- HFSE- and alkali-rich parental mafic magma plus contributions from F-bearing minerals assimilated from the country rock. Likewise, the magmatic differentiation processes from these reduced mafic magmas could explain the ferroan character of the AU granitoids. We envision three stages in the origin of these rocks: (1) fluids and magmas from the asthenospheric mantle metasomatize and melt the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), the alkali-rich mafic melts produced are emplaced at the base of the crust, transfer heat to the crust and melt it, generating strongly peraluminous A-type magmas; (2) continued introduction of alkali-rich mafic magmas into the deep crust produce extensive assimilation of the preheated crust in equilibrium with mafic cumulates (generated by reaction and/or fractionation); (3) the hot magmas so produced migrate into the middle-upper crust to produce ferroan weakly peraluminous A-type granitoids. • The Andaluca plutonic unit of the Vinquis Intrusive Complex crystallized between 346 ± 3 Ma and 342 ± 3 Ma. • Andaluca Unit shows a F-rich weakly peraluminous ferroan A 2 -type affinity. • The high contents of fluorine and HFSE in Andaluca Unit can be explained from an F-rich parental alkaline mafic magma. • The Andaluca Unit granitoids can be generated through combined crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization of magmas derived from the metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle.

Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of Oligocene A-type granite in the Guadalcazar area, San Luis Potosi, central Mexico

The Guadalcazar is located in the Mesa Central (MC) province, which is mainly composed of granitic rocks and is known for its metallogenetic. The granitic rocks contain complex Sn-Hg-Ag-F mineralization and were emplaced during Eocene to Oligocene. However, the source, origin, and evolution of magma and the tectonic setting of this magmatic area have never been explained. In this study, we have conducted petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, and U–Pb zircon geochronology on granitic rocks from the Guadalcazar to constrain the petrogenesis and tectonic environment. LA-ICP-SF-MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Guadalcazar granite was emplaced ca. 31 Ma. These rocks are characterized by high (SiO2) contents (64–75 wt%), low CaO (0.28–1.78 wt%), with relatively high (FeOt)adj/(FeOt + MgO) values ranging from 0.90 to 0.98. The geochemical diagrams of SiO2 vs [(FeOt)/(FeOt + MgO)] and SiO2 vs [(Na2O + K2O) − CaO] show the ferroan and mostly alkali-calcic nature of these rocks. The granite shows an A2-type affinity and is strongly peraluminous, with ASI (molar Al2O3/[CaO + Na2O + K2O]) values of 1.13 to 2.60. These granitic rocks are characterized by enrichments in rare earth elements (REE) and high field strength elements (HFSE), and depletion in Ba, Nb, Sr, Ti, and Eu. These features suggest that these A-type granites were derived from the metasedimentary rocks and evolved through extensive fractional crystallization. The multidimensional discrimination diagrams showed a continental rift or within-plate setting. By combining previous and new data, we proposed a new magmatic evolution model that supports an extension during ca. 34–28 Ma in the Guadalcazar, central Mexico.

Petrogenesis of Chang’E-5 mare basalts: Clues from the trace elements in plagioclase

AbstractThis study focuses on using the chemical compositions of plagioclase to further investigate the petrogenesis of Chang’E-5 young mare basalts and constrain its parental melt composition. Together with previously published data, our results show that the plagioclase in mare basalts overall displays large variations in major and trace element concentrations. Inversion of the plagioclase data indicates that the melt compositions parental to Chang’E-5 basalts have high rare earth elements (REE) concentrations similar to the high-K KREEP rocks (potassium, rare earth elements, and phosphorus). Such a signature is unlikely to result from the assimilation of KREEP components, because the estimated melt Sr shows positive correlations with other trace elements (e.g., Ba, La), which are far from the KREEP end-member. Instead, the nearly parallel REE distributions and a high degree of trace element enrichment in plagioclase indicate an extensive fractional crystallization process. Furthermore, the estimated melt REE concentrations from plagioclase are slightly higher than those from clinopyroxene, consistent with its relatively later crystallization. Using the Ti partition coefficient between plagioclase and melt, we estimated the parental melt TiO2 content from the earliest crystallized plagioclase to be ~3.3 ± 0.4 wt%, thus providing robust evidence for a low-Ti and non-KREEP origin for the Chang’E-5 young basalts in the Procellarum KREEP terrane.

Petrogenesis of the Permian granitoids in the western Gonghe basin, NE Tibetan Plateau (China): Implications for the Late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean

The western Gonghe basin in the NE Tibetan Plateau, witnessed extensive magmatism during the Triassic, whereas only few magmatic flare-up events occurred during the Permian. Understanding the geodynamic setting of these magmatic pulses is important in the reconstruction of the Paleo-Tethys tectonic history. In this contribution, we present in-situ zircon U Pb geochronological and Lu Hf isotopic data, as well as whole-rock major and trace elements data from monzogranite and syenogranite dyke in the western Gonghe region to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. Zircon U Pb data show that the monzogranite (253–260 Ma) and syenogranite dyke (247-261 Ma) were formed during the Late Permian, rather than the Jurassic as presumed in previous studies. Mineralogical characteristics and geochemical affinities reveal that these rocks are high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (ASI = 0.95–1.02), moderately-highly fractionated (DI = 81–95) I-type granites. The major and trace element characteristics (including Mg#, Ni, Cr, Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and Th/U contents), together with the zircon ε Hf ( t ) values (−5.90 to 1.22, T DMC = 845–1250 Ma) and 176 Hf / 177 Hf ratios (0.282481 to 0.282674) suggest that the magmas were derived through partial melting of the Early Mesoproterozoic metagreywacke in the lower crust with minor juvenile crust addition. Extensive fractional crystallization of plagioclase and subordinate K-feldspar as well as apatite is inferred. Our findings in this study, in conjunction with those from previous studies, suggest that the magmatic flare-up event during the Late Permian in the western Gonghe area is related to local extension concomitant with the break-off of the subducting slab associated with the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere. • Monzogranite and syenogranite dyke were emplaced at 253–260 Ma and 247–261 Ma. • Highly to moderately fractionated, arc-related I-type granites. • Magma derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metagreywacke. • Magmatism correlated to slab break off of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.

Geochemistry of impact glasses in the Chang’e-5 regolith: Constraints on impact melting and the petrogenesis of local basalt

Lunar impact glasses can provide important information on the bulk compositions of their sources and the impact history of the Moon. Here, we report the chemical composition of fifty-four clean glass spherules containing neither relict clasts nor crystals from the Chang’e-5 (CE5) regolith. They can be subdivided into three compositional groups: (1) mid-Ti basaltic (TiO2 = 4.1 ∼ 6.5 wt%), (2) low-Ti basaltic (TiO2 = 1.3 ∼ 3.9 wt%), and (3) high-Al (Al2O3 > 15 wt%). Fifty-one glasses (∼94 %) are mid-Ti basaltic, which form a loose compositional cluster for most major and trace elements. These glasses exhibit considerable variations in SiO2 (35.3 ∼ 45.3 wt%). Their TiO2, Al2O3, MgO and CaO show negative correlations with SiO2, while the Na2O, K2O and P2O5 positively correlate with SiO2, also yielding a positive correlation between the CIPW normative plagioclase and olivine. These variations likely result from differential vaporization of SiO2, strongly suggesting an impact origin of these glasses. Their major and trace element compositions are averagely similar to the bulk-rock, in turn indicating that they were formed from the local regolith. The remaining three glasses, including two low-Ti basaltic and one high-Al variety, exhibit distinct major and trace elements from the regolith, indicating an exotic source. In addition, the mid-Ti basaltic glasses provide another approach for estimating the average composition of the CE5 basalt other than directly measuring the small basalt fragments assuming that the exotic materials in the CE5 regolith were limited. This estimation reveals critical trace element characteristics of the CE5 basalt, e.g., it has higher La/Yb (3.71), Sm/Yb (1.76), Sr/Yb (31.6), and (Eu/Eu*)N (0.45) than KREEP, indicating that CE5 basalt must derive from a non-KREEP source. Chemical modeling indicates that the contribution of KREEP-rich materials in the mantle source should be less than 0.3 %. The trace element characteristics of the CE5 basalt can be reproduced by extensive (80 %) fractional crystallization after low-degree (2 %) melting. We propose that this fractional crystallization process might occur at depth, implying vast igneous underplating (7,250 ∼ 11,750 km3) beneath the CE5 landing area. This study also suggests that the high Th concentration (5.43 ppm) is an inherent property of the CE5 basalt resulting from extensive fractional crystallization. Thus, high Th detected by remote sensing may not be associated directly with a KREEP component but rather with highly fractionated basalts.

Tracing Volatiles, Halogens, and Chalcophile Metals during Melt Evolution at the Tolbachik Monogenetic Field, Kamchatka

AbstractMelt storage and supply beneath arc volcanoes may be distributed between a central stratovolcano and wider fields of monogenetic cones, indicating complex shallow plumbing systems. However, the impact of such spatially variable magma storage conditions on volatile degassing and trace element geochemistry is unclear. This study explores magma generation and storage processes beneath the Tolbachik volcanic field, Kamchatka, Russia, in order to investigate the evolution of the magmatic volatile phase and, specifically, the strong enrichment of chalcophile metals (in particular, Cu) in this system. We present new geochemical data for a large suite of olivine- and clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions (and host phenocrysts) from five separate monogenetic cones within the Tolbachik volcanic field. These high-Al composition magmas likely reflect the homogenised fractionation products of primitive intermediate-Mg melt compositions, stored at shallow depths after significant fractional crystallisation. Boron isotope compositions and incompatible trace element ratios of the melt inclusions suggest a deeper plumbing system that is dominated by extensive fractional crystallisation and fed by melts derived from an isotopically homogeneous parental magma composition. Volatile components (H2O, CO2, S, Cl, F) show that magmas feeding different monogenetic cones had variable initial volatile contents and subsequently experienced different fluid-saturated storage conditions and degassing histories. We also show that melts supplying the Tolbachik volcanic field are strongly enriched in Cu compared with almost all other Kamchatka rocks, including samples from the Tolbachik central stratocones, and other volcanoes situated in close proximity in the Central Kamchatka Depression. The melt inclusions record Cu concentrations ≥450 μg/g at ca. 4–5 wt.% MgO, which can only be explained by bulk incompatible partitioning behaviour of Cu, i.e. evolution under sulphide-undersaturated conditions. We suggest that initial mantle melting in this region exhausted mantle sulphides, leading to sulphide undersaturated primitive melts. This sulphide-free model for the high-Al cone melts is further supported by S/Se and Cu/Ag values that overlap those of the primitive mantle and MORB array, with bulk rock Cu/Ag ratios also overlapping other with other global arc datasets for magma evolution prior to fractionation of a monosulfide solid solution. We therefore demonstrate that the combination of novel chalcophile metal analyses with trace element, isotopic, and volatile data is a powerful tool for deciphering complex magmatic evolution conditions across the entire volcanic field.

Sulfur Isotopic Fractionation of the Youngest Chang'e‐5 Basalts: Constraints on the Magma Degassing and Geochemical Features of the Mantle Source

AbstractThe unusually prolonged volcanism at the Chang'e‐5 (CE‐5) landing site remains a mystery. To constrain the geochemical features of the CE‐5 mantle source, we performed in situ sulfur isotope analysis on sulfides of the CE‐5 basalts. The modal abundance of sulfides is ∼0.1 wt%, dominated by troilite with trace cubanite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite, yielding a S‐abundance of ∼360 ± 180 ppm for the bulk CE‐5 basalts. Our analysis shows a decreasing trend of δ34S in the magma with crystallization and degassing, suggesting ∼40% degassing loss of S, and accordingly the maximum S‐abundance in CE‐5 primitive magma was calibrated to approximately 600 ± 300 ppm. Considering an extensive fractional crystallization following a low‐degree partial melting of the CE‐5 basalts, the estimated sulfur abundance in the mantle source is ∼1–10 ppm. This result suggests a strong depletion of volatiles in the CE‐5 mantle source, which may be caused by prolonged magmatic activity.

Petrogenesis of Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic Granites and Pegmatites in the Yuechengling Pluton of South China

Abstract Although pegmatites are volumetrically minor in the upper continental crust, these rocks host abundant rare metal deposits (e.g., Li, Be, Rb, Ta, and Nb). Pegmatites can be formed either by extensive fractional crystallization of granitic magmas or by low-degree partial melting of metasedimentary rocks. The Mao’ershan–Yuechengling composite batholith in the Nanling Range in the South China Block (SCB) is of early Paleozoic–Triassic age (440–381 and 236–204 Ma, respectively). Recently, hundreds of pegmatites associated with Nb, Ta, Be, Rb, and Li mineralization have been identified in this batholith. These pegmatites are hosted by granitic wall rocks. However, the relationships between the pegmatites and granitic wall rocks are not well constrained. To address this, we investigated the Mao’antang (MAT) and Tongzuo (TZ) pegmatites and their biotite granite wall rocks in the middle part of the Yuechengling pluton. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb ages revealed that the MAT pegmatites formed during the Permian (269 Ma) and Triassic (231 Ma) and that the MAT biotite granite wall rock records two stages of magmatic activity (271 and 231 Ma) that are coeval with the pegmatites. The TZ pegmatites probably formed during the Triassic (235 Ma), and the TZ biotite granite wall rock formed during the Silurian (435 Ma). The MAT biotite granite and pegmatites (εNdt=−12.0 to −10.6; εHft=−8.0 to −1.0), TZ pegmatites (εNdt=−10.4 to −6.1), and TZ biotite granites (εNdt=−9.1 to −8.7; εHft=−7.7 to −4.1) have enriched whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions that are similar to those of early Paleozoic and Triassic S-type granites in the SCB. In addition, the whole-rock Pb isotopic compositions of the MAT and TZ pegmatites and granites are distributed along the upper crust evolution line. We suggest that the MAT and TZ biotite granites were mainly derived from Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks in the middle crust. The MAT pegmatites are fractional crystallization products of the MAT biotite granites, whereas the TZ pegmatites were formed by fractional crystallization of hidden parental S-type granites. We propose that the MAT and TZ pegmatites have potential for rare metal (Nb, Ta, Be, and Li) mineralization, as they record high degrees of fractional crystallization. The MAT and TZ areas in the middle of the Yuechengling pluton are promising targets for rare metal exploration.

Zircon geochronological and geochemical insights into pluton building and volcanic-hypabyssal-plutonic connections: Oki-Dōzen, Sea of Japan—A complex intraplate alkaline volcano

Abstract The relationship between plutonic and volcanic components of magmatic plumbing systems continues to be a question of intense debate. The Oki-Dōzen Islands, Sea of Japan, preserve outcrops of temporally associated plutonic, hypabyssal, and volcanic rocks. Post-intrusion uplift juxtaposed Miocene syenites in inferred faulted contact with volcanic trachytes that are cut by rhyolite hypabyssal dikes. This provides a window deep into the timing and origins of magma storage architecture and dynamics. Zircon is ubiquitous in all samples; our aim is to determine what its age and composition can reveal about the plutonic-volcanic connection. Here we show magma source characteristics are recorded in zircon Hf isotopes; source composition and assimilation of heterogeneous hydrothermally altered crust in zircon O isotopes; and extensive fractional crystallization in zircon trace elements. Combined with new UTh-Pb SHRIMP zircon ages, 6.4–5.7 Ma, compositional data show pluton formation was by protracted amalgamation of discrete magma pulses. The rhyolite dike preserves an evolved fraction segregated from these discrete magmas. Synchronous with plutonism was a volcanic eruption of trachyte magma derived from the same source, which may have stalled at a relatively shallow depth prior to eruption. Stalling occurred at least above the amphibole stability zone because amphibole-compatible Sc and Ti were not depleted in the trachyte melt resulting in elevated values of these in volcanic compared to plutonic zircon. Identifying smaller episodic magma pulses in a larger magmatic complex places constraints on potential magma fluxes and eruptible volumes. High-flux, large volume, plume-related ocean island magmatic systems may have extensive vertically distributed multi-stage magmatic reservoirs and subduction-related systems transcrustal magma reservoirs. By contrast, Oki-Dōzen was a low-flux system with incremental pluton growth and small- to moderate-scale eruptions.

Alkaline-Silicate REE-HFSE Systems

Abstract Development of renewable energy infrastructure requires critical raw materials, such as the rare earth elements (REEs, including scandium) and niobium, and is driving expansion and diversification in their supply chains. Although alternative sources are being explored, the majority of the world’s resources of these elements are found in alkaline-silicate rocks and carbonatites. These magmatic systems also represent major sources of fluorine and phosphorus. Exploration models for critical raw materials are comparatively less well developed than those for major and precious metals, such as iron, copper, and gold, where most of the mineral exploration industry continues to focus. The diversity of lithologic relationships and a complex nomenclature for many alkaline rock types represent further barriers to the exploration and exploitation of REE-high field strength element (HFSE) resources that will facilitate the green revolution. We used a global review of maps, cross sections, and geophysical, geochemical, and petrological observations from alkaline systems to inform our description of the alkaline-silicate REE + HFSE mineral system from continental scale (1,000s km) down to deposit scale (~1 km lateral). Continental-scale targeting criteria include a geodynamic trigger for low-degree mantle melting at high pressure and a mantle source enriched in REEs, volatile elements, and alkalies. At the province and district scales, targeting criteria relate to magmatic-system longevity and the conditions required for extensive fractional crystallization and the residual enrichment of the REEs and HFSEs. A compilation of maps and geophysical data were used to construct an interactive 3-D geologic model (25-km cube) that places mineralization within a depth and horizontal reference frame. It shows typical lithologic relationships surrounding orthomagmatic REE-Nb-Ta-Zr-Hf mineralization in layered agpaitic syenites, roof zone REE-Nb-Ta mineralization, and mineralization of REE-Nb-Zr associated with peralkaline granites and pegmatites. The resulting geologic model is presented together with recommended geophysical and geochemical approaches for exploration targeting, as well as mineral processing and environmental factors pertinent for the development of mineral resources hosted by alkaline-silicate magmatic systems.

Petrogenesis of the quartz diorite from the Lietinggang-Leqingla Pb-Zn-Fe-Cu-(Mo) deposit in southern Tibet: Implications for the genesis of a skarn-type polymetallic deposit in the Tibetan-Himalayan collisional orogen

The Lietinggang-Leqingla deposit is a representative skarn-type polymetallic deposit in the eastern of the central Lhasa subterrane. It comprises Pb-Zn and Fe-Cu-(Mo) mineralization that are part of the same metallogenic system. Garnet-skarn hosting Fe-Cu-(Mo) mineralization distributed in the contact zone between the Jubuzhari complex intrusions and carbonate strata of the Mengla Formation. The Pb-Zn mineralization is hosted in distal garnet-pyroxene and pyroxene-actinolite skarns, which formed in the strata of Mengla Formation. Here, we investigate quartz diorites (61.06 ± 0.93 Ma) that are related to Fe-Cu mineralization in the northern part of the mining area. The quartz diorites are characterized by low SiO2 (61.57–65.88 wt%), low K2O (2.53–3.07 wt%), and high total alkali (Na2O + K2O) contents (5.69–6.35 wt%). They are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, but depleted in high field strength elements and heavy rare earth elements. The quartz diorites yield variably low (La/Yb)N ratios (4.29–7.07, the average value is 6.36) with moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.49–0.72). Furthermore, they exhibit a narrow range in (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.706355–0.706807) and weakly negative εNd (t) (−2.08 to −1.57), and positive εHf (t) (+0.14 to +3.46) values. Based on the geochemical characteristics presented in this study and previously published data, we propose that the ore-forming rocks related to Fe-Cu and Pb-Zn mineralization were formed at the same time. The intermediate intrusions associated with Fe-Cu mineralization were derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle mixed with the rejuvenated lower crustal melts, after which the mixed magma underwent minor fractional crystallization during upwelling. The felsic intrusions associated with Pb-Zn mineralization were formed by melting of mantle-derived basaltic magmas with old lower crust component contributions and which underwent extensive fractional crystallization.

Highly evolved rare-metal bearing granite overprinted by alkali metasomatism in the Arabian Shield: A case study from the Jabal Tawlah granites

Jabal Tawlah granites represent a post-collisional composite stock of late Ediacaran age, exposed in the Midyan district of northwest Arabian Shield. The stock is extended in the northwest and tapers southeastward due to structural control by a NW-SE-striking fault, and a southern master fault exhibits dextral movement by an ENE-WSW fault trend. Two main phases of magmatic activity are recognized in the Jabal Tawlah stock. The early phase (rim) includes albite granite and quartz syenite, which was intruded by a late phase of microgranite. Most of the Tawlah granites are highly mineralized, which can be attributed to the Najd fault system and/or shear zones. The mineralization is represented by small fluorite veins and disseminated minerals such as columbite-tantalite, xenotime, thorite, cassiterite, fergusonite, pyrochlore, allanite, monazite, samarskite, zinnwaldite and bastnaesite. The Tawlah granites show some degree of alteration including silicification and albitization. Textural and geochemical data indicate that the Tawlah granites developed from a magmatic source, and were then overprinted by later sodic metasomatism. Ore minerals crystallized under both magmatic and hydrothermal conditions. The parent magma of Tawlah stock was generated through partial melting of a juvenile continental crust, followed by extensive fractional crystallization. The Tawlah granites should be considered as a potential resource to warrant exploration for REEs and other rare metals.

Genetic link between the Late Mesozoic granitic magmatism and W mineralization in NE China: Constraints from in-situ U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry of wolframite, and whole-rocks geochemistry analyses of W-bearing granites from the Sansheng W-Mo deposit

The Sansheng quartz-vein type W-Mo deposit is located on the southern margin of NE China. Tungsten mineralization occurs mainly in veins and veinlets within the Early Cretaceous granitic pluton. In-situ U-Pb dating of hydrothermal wolframite yields a W mineralization age of 137.3 ± 2.0 Ma (1σ, MSWD = 4.4), which provides evidence for an Early Cretaceous W mineralization event in the Sansheng area. W-bearing granites show petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of highly fractionated A-type granites. The rocks belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and are characterized by the enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Th, U, and K) and significant negative Eu, Ba, Sr, P, and Ti anomalies. They also have higher W concentrations, Rb/Sr and U/Th ratios, and lower (La/Yb)N, LREE/HREE, Eu/Eu*, K/Rb, Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and Y/Ho ratios than the contemporary W-barren granitoids in NE China. The geochemical signatures of the W-bearing granites indicate that the primary magmas were derived from partial melting of the lower crust and subsequently underwent extensive fractional crystallization. The W mineralization in the Sansheng is genetically related to the W-bearing granites, and extreme fractional crystallization was critical for W enrichment in granitic magma. The trace element compositions of the wolframite show similar enrichments in HREEs, Nb, Ta, and U, as well as depletion in LREEs, Rb, Ba, Th, Pb, Sr, and Ti, compared to those of the upper continental crust. We demonstrate that isovalent substitution mechanisms could have played critical roles in the formation of hydrothermal wolframite in the Sansheng deposit, and the chemical composition of wolframite is controlled by both the crystallochemical parameters and composition of the primary hydrothermal fluids. In the context of the regional geology, the new data suggest that the Sansheng W-bearing granites and corresponding mineralization formed in a post-collisional extensional setting controlled by the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and the rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean plate during the Early Cretaceous.

Explosive Activity on Kīlauea's Lower East Rift Zone Fueled by a Volatile‐Rich, Dacitic Melt

AbstractMagmas with matrix glass compositions ranging from basalt to dacite erupted from a series of 24 fissures in the first 2 weeks of the 2018 Lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) eruption of Kīlauea Volcano. Eruption styles ranged from low spattering and fountaining to strombolian activity. Major element trajectories in matrix glasses and melt inclusions hosted by olivine, pyroxene and plagioclase are consistent with variable amounts of fractional crystallization, with incompatible elements (e.g., Cl, F, and H2O) becoming enriched by 4–5 times as melt MgO contents evolve from 6 to 0.5 wt%. The high viscosity and high H2O contents (∼2 wt%) of the dacitic melts erupting at Fissure 17 account for the explosive Strombolian behavior exhibited by this fissure, in contrast to the low fountaining and spattering observed at fissures erupting basaltic to basaltic‐andesite melts. Saturation pressures calculated from melt inclusion CO2‐H2O contents indicate that the magma reservoir(s) supplying these fissures was located at ∼2–3 km depth, which is in agreement with the depth of a dacitic magma body intercepted during drilling in 2005 (∼2.5 km) and a seismically imaged low Vp/Vs anomaly (∼2 km depth). Nb/Y ratios in erupted products are similar to lavas erupted between 1955 and 1960, indicating that melts were stored and underwent variable amounts of crystallization in the LERZ for &gt;60 years before being remobilized by a dike intrusion in 2018. We demonstrate that extensive fractional crystallization generates viscous and volatile‐rich magma with potential for hazardous explosive eruptions, which may be lurking undetected at many ocean island volcanoes.

Magmatic evolution and architecture of an arc-related, rhyolitic caldera complex: The late Pleistocene to Holocene Cerro Blanco volcanic complex, southern Puna, Argentina

Abstract Through the lens of bulk-rock and matrix glass geochemistry, we investigated the magmatic evolution and pre-eruptive architecture of the siliceous magma complex beneath the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex, a Crater Lake–type caldera complex in the southern Puna Plateau of the Central Andes of Argentina. The Cerro Blanco volcanic complex has been the site of two caldera-forming eruptions with volcanic explosivity index (VEI) 6+ that emplaced the ca. 54 ka Campo Piedra Pomez ignimbrite and the ca. 4.2 ka Cerro Blanco ignimbrite. As such, it is the most productive recent explosive volcano in the Central Andes. The most recent eruptions (younger than 4.2 ka) are dominantly postcaldera effusions of crystal-rich domes and associated small explosive pulses. Previous work has demonstrated that andesitic recharge of and mixing with rhyolitic magma occurred at the base of the magma complex, at ~10 km depth. New isotopic data (Sr, Nd, Pb, and O) confirm that the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex rhyolite suite is part of a regional southern Puna, arc-related ignimbrite group. The suite defines a tight group of consanguineous siliceous magmas that serves as a model for the evolution of arc-related, caldera-forming silicic magma systems in the region and elsewhere. These data indicate that the rhyolites originated through limited assimilation of and mixing with upper-crustal lithologies by regional basaltic andesite parent materials, followed by extensive fractional crystallization. Least squares models of major elements in tandem with Rayleigh fractionation models for trace elements reveal that the internal variations among the rhyolites through time can be derived by extensive fractionation of a quartz–two feldspar (granitic minimum) assemblage with limited assimilation. The rare earth element character of local volumes of melt in some samples of the Campo Piedra Pomez ignimbrite basal fallout requires significant fractionation of amphibole. The distinctive major- and trace-element characteristics of bulk rock and matrix of the Campo Piedra Pomez and Cerro Blanco tephras provide useful geochemical fingerprints to facilitate regional tephrochronology. Available data indicate that rhyolites from other neighborhood centers, such as Cueros de Purulla, share bulk chemical characteristics with the Campo Piedra Pomez ignimbrite rhyolites, but they appear to be isotopically distinct. Pre-eruptive storage and final equilibration of the rhyolitic melts were estimated from matrix glass compositions projected onto the haplogranitic system (quartz-albite-orthoclase-H2O) and using rhyolite-MELTS models. These revealed equilibration pressures between 360 and 60 MPa (~10–2 km depth) with lowest pressures in the Holocene eruptions. Model temperatures for the suite ranged from 695 to 790 °C. Integrated together, our results reveal that the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex is a steady-state (low-magmatic-flux), arc-related complex, standing in contrast to the flare-up (high-magmatic-flux) supervolcanoes that dominate the Neogene volcanic stratigraphy. The silicic magmas of the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex were derived more directly from mafic and intermediate precursors through extensive fractional crystallization, albeit with some mixing and assimilation of local basement. Geochemical models and pressure-temperature estimates indicate that significant volumes of remnant cumulates of felsic and intermediate composition should dominate the polybaric magma complex beneath the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex, which gradually shallowed through time. Evolution to the most silicic compositions and final equilibration of some of the postcaldera domes occurred during ascent and decompression at depths less than 2 km. Our work connotes an incrementally accumulated (over at least 54 k.y.), upper-crustal pluton beneath the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex between 2 and 10 km depth. The composition of this pluton is predicted to be dominantly granitic, with deeper parts being granodioritic to tonalitic. The progressive solidification and eventual contraction of the magma complex may account for the decades of deflation that has characterized Cerro Blanco. The presently active geothermal anomaly and hydrothermal springs indicate the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex remains potentially active.

Tin enrichment in a highly fractionated A-type granite: Origin and mineralization potential of the Dayishan granite batholith in the Shi–Hang magmatic zone, South China

A-type granite intrusions in the southern Shi–Hang magmatic zone, South China, contain several world-class W–Sn deposits. The Dayishan granite batholith is located in the north of the southern Shi–Hang magmatic zone, and contains potential Sn mineralization. The batholith contains three intrusive phases, which are the Guankou, Tangshipu, and Nibantian phases. The Guankou phase consists mainly of biotite–K-feldspar granite (G1). The Tangshipu phase consists of three secondary units, which are coarse-grained biotite monzogranite (G2) that cut monzogranite (G3) and fine-grained two-mica monzogranite (G4). The Nibantian phase consists of coarse-grained two-mica monzogranite (G5). Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the G1 to G4 granites were emplaced at ca. 160 Ma and the G5 granites formed at ca. 144 Ma. All the granites are silica-rich (SiO2 = 69.24–77.02 wt%) A2 sub-type granites, among which G1 granites are metaluminous and G2 to G5 granites are peraluminous. High εNd(t) (−6.9 to − 5.2) and zircon εHf(t) (−6.2 to − 1.9) values suggest that the parental magma was probably derived by partial melting of lower crust, which was induced by input of mantle-derived basaltic magmas. Oxygen fugacity determinations show that the G2 to G5 granitic magmas were reduced, but the G1 granitic magmas were relatively oxidized.From the G1 to G4 granites, Ba, Th, Nd, Zr, Hf, and rare earth element contents decrease, while Rb and Ta contents increase, indicative of extensive fractional crystallization of K-feldspar, plagioclase, and accessory minerals. This suggests that the G1 granites represent the least fractionated magmas, while the G2 to G4 granites are the highly fractionated products of the G1 granitic magma, with the G4 granites being the most fractionated. The G5 granites were formed during a later magmatic activity, though they show similar geochemical features with the G2 and G3 granites.Due to this continuous fractionation process, Sn was efficiently and progressively enriched in the G2 to G4 granites, as indicated by the good correlations between Sn contents and TiO2 contents, Eu/Eu*, Rb/Sr, Rb/Ba, K/Rb, Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and Y/Ho ratios, and TE1,3 values. Furthermore, the G2 to G4 granites crystallized at the magmatic–hydrothermal transition. These data indicate that the G2 to G4 granites underwent Sn mineralization, but the G4 granites are the best target for exploration. The G5 granites might also have Sn mineralization potential considering the similar geochemical features with G2 and G3 granites. Given the reduced nature of the magmas, the potential economic mineralization types are greisen and skarn.

Non-KREEP origin for Chang\u2019e-5 basalts in the Procellarum KREEP Terrane

Mare volcanics on the Moon are the key record of thermo-chemical evolution throughout most of lunar history1–3. Young mare basalts—mainly distributed in a region rich in potassium, rare-earth elements and phosphorus (KREEP) in Oceanus Procellarum, called the Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT)4—were thought to be formed from KREEP-rich sources at depth5–7. However, this hypothesis has not been tested with young basalts from the PKT. Here we present a petrological and geochemical study of the basalt clasts from the PKT returned by the Chang’e-5 mission8. These two-billion-year-old basalts are the youngest lunar samples reported so far9. Bulk rock compositions have moderate titanium and high iron contents with KREEP-like rare-earth-element and high thorium concentrations. However, strontium–neodymium isotopes indicate that these basalts were derived from a non-KREEP mantle source. To produce the high abundances of rare-earth elements and thorium, low-degree partial melting and extensive fractional crystallization are required. Our results indicate that the KREEP association may not be a prerequisite for young mare volcanism. Absolving the need to invoke heat-producing elements in their source implies a more sustained cooling history of the lunar interior to generate the Moon’s youngest melts.

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous volcanic rocks from islands off Fujian Province, East China Sea, and implications for episodic slab rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate

This study constrains the petrogenesis and regional tectono-magmatic evolution of volcanic rocks from Fuying and Dayushan Islands, northeast Fujian Province, southeast (SE) China, using petrological, zircon U–Pb geochronological, whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data. New zircon U–Pb data show that volcanism occurred between 118 and 99 Ma. The volcanic rocks are dominantly alkalic to alkali-calcic, ferroan, and peraluminous in composition, and are characterized by strongly fractionated LREE and HREE, with depletion in Nb, Ta, Sr, and Eu. These features, together with their relatively enriched Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, imply that the volcanic rocks were derived from ancient lower crust and experienced extensive assimilation and fractional crystallization in the shallow crust. Taking into account previously published data, we conclude that the Fuying and Dayushan volcanic rocks were generated in a back-arc extensional setting in response to episodic slab rollback after flat subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate during the Cretaceous.