Granitoid Magmatism Research Articles

Fluid Inclusions and H-O-C-S-Pb Isotope Studies of the Xinmin Cu-Au-Ag Polymetallic Deposit in the Qinzhou-Hangzhou Metallogenic Belt, South China: Constraints on Fluid Origin and Evolution

Qinzhou-Hangzhou metallogenic belt is an important polymetallic (Cu, Mo, W, Sn, Pb, Zn, Au, and Ag) belt in South China. The Xinmin polymetallic deposit is located in the southwestern segment of this belt, which ore bodies hosted in the contact zone of granite and Lower Devonian sedimentary strata and in the structure fractured zone within the strata. Three hydrothermal stages can be distinguished: quartz+tourmaline+pyrite (early stage), tourmaline+pyrite+galena+bismuthinite+sphalerite+chalcopyrite+pyrrhotite (main stage), and quartz+calcite+dolomite (late stage). The mineralizing fluid system can be described as aqueous with medium-high salinity (2.7-50.7 wt.‰ NaCl equiv. in the main stage and 0.18-8.81 wt.‰ NaCl equiv. in the late stage) and medium-high temperature of 485°C to 205°C (main stage) and 300°C to 116°C (late stage). The trapping pressures varied from 2 MPa to 30 MPa (main stage) and 0.4 MPa to 9 MPa (late stage). The δ 18 O values of quartz range from 6.7‰ to 8.5‰, and the δ D values for fluid inclusions in quartz range from -45‰ to -52‰. The calcite has C-isotopes ranging from -5.8‰ to +0.7‰ and O-isotopes from +12.7‰ to 21.4‰. H-O-C isotope data are consistent with a hydrothermal fluid derived from the Cretaceous granitoid magma. The δ 34 S values of sulfides are -3.3‰ to +1.9‰. Sulfides have 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.377 to 18.473, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.606 to 16.684, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.613 to 38.902. The S-Pb isotope data suggest derivation of S and Pb mainly from the Cretaceous granitic magma. It is concluded that the Xinmin deposit is a medium-high temperature, medium-high salinity hydrothermal polymetallic deposit, related to the granitic magmatism and strictly controlled by the fault and shattered zones.

Late-Orogenic Juvenile Magmatism of the Mesoproterozoic Namaqua Metamorphic Province, South Africa, and Relationships to Granulite-Facies REE-Th and Iron Oxide Mineralizations

Abstract The Bushmanland Subprovince of the Mesoproterozoic Namaqua-Natal orogenic belt in southern Africa hosts numerous occurrences of monazite-magnetite-(biotite-apatite-sulfide)-bearing veins and granitoid dykes, including the Steenkampskraal vein system, which is one of the highest-grade REE-Th ore deposits in the world. Here, we provide whole-rock geochemical data along with zircon and monazite U-Pb dates and monazite Sm-Nd isotope analyses of these REE-Th-rich veins and granitoid dykes. The U-Pb geochronology indicates that the monazite-rich veins and granitoid dykes formed between 1050 and 1010 Ma, contemporaneously with late-Namaqua granulite-facies metamorphism. They are also coeval with the Koperberg Suite mafic magmas at 1060–1020 Ma and the late stage of a major event of A-type granitoid magmatism that occurred from 1100 to 1030 Ma (i.e. the Spektakel Suite). Similar to the mafic intrusive rocks from the Koperberg Suite, monazite-rich veins and granitoid dykes, located in the southern part of the Bushmanland Subprovince, have more radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions (ɛNd(t) ∼ −1 to zero) than equivalent dykes and veins to the north (ɛNd(t) ∼ −12 to −6). Mafic rocks of the Koperberg Suite reach Th and La concentrations of >400 ppm that significantly exceed those of other rock types from the region, except for the monazite-rich veins and granitoid dykes, which suggests a genetic link between these rocks. Within veins and granitoid dykes, monazite, biotite and magnetite are commonly anhedral and occur interstitially between the felsic minerals; they are, thus, late crystallizing phases. The whole-rock REE-Th concentrations of the granitoid dykes increase with Fe-Mg contents. Therefore, their incompatible element enrichment is not linked to assimilation-fractional crystallization processes. The Nd isotopic signature as well as Fe-Mg- and REE-Th-rich character of the Koperberg Suite and monazite-rich granitoid dykes might reflect partial melting of lithospheric mantle domains, metasomatized during previous Namaqua subduction events, and the mixing of mantle-derived melts with REE-Th-rich metamorphic fluids during their ascent through the crust. We propose that the monazite-magnetite vein mineralizations represent Fe-P-rich immiscible liquids that exsolved from mantle-derived magmas with compositions similar to the most mafic and monazite-rich granitoid dykes. Within this petrogenetic model, conjugate silicate-rich immiscible liquids formed the more felsic granitoid dykes characterized by lower modal abundances of biotite, magnetite and monazite. Although they do not reach similarly high REE-Th concentrations, other A-type granitoids from the region, represented by the Spektakel Suite, also share geochemical affinities with mafic igneous rocks from the Koperberg Suite; they may have originated by melting of underplated equivalents of these late-orogenic mafic rocks.

Texture, trace elements, sulfur and He-Ar isotopes in pyrite: Implication for ore-forming processes and fluid source of the Guoluolongwa gold deposit, East Kunlun metallogenic belt

The Gouli goldfield is the most important gold producers of the East Kunlun metallogenic belt. Gold mineralization in this region is enigmatic, primarily because of uncertainties as to the mineralization processes, and the nature and sources of ore-forming fluids. Here, we investigate the ore-forming fluids and processes through a comprehensive study of the texture and geochemistry (LA-(MC)-ICPMS trace element analysis, mapping, S isotopes, and He-Ar isotopes) of pyrite from the Guoluolongwa gold deposit, the largest deposit in the Gouli goldfield. Four types of pyrite with distinct textures, trace element contents and sulfur isotopes were identified, and provide evidence for a multi-stage hydrothermal fluid evolution. The sedimentary-diagenetic Py0, representing the pre-ore stage, is characterized by high contents of Co and Ni, and negative δ34S values (−11.6‰ to −4.0‰), which are notably different from the subsequent hydrothermal Py1 to Py3. Hydrothermal Py1, comprising subtypes Py1a and Py1b, was deposited in pyrite-quartz veins during stage I. The Py1a subtype shows characteristic Co-Ni-As oscillatory zoning that replaced Py0 via dissolution-reprecipitation, and hence inherited high concentrations of Co and Ni from Py0. In contrast, the Py1b subtype was devoid of Py0 influence and represented the initial ore-forming fluid with low concentrations of Co and Ni, moderate Cu, Pb, Zn, Sb, and Bi, but high As, Au, and Ag. The next stage, Py2, formed in the quartz-pyrite veins during stage II and showed clear textural and compositional contrasts to Py1. Specifically, Py2 has elevated Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, and Bi contents and somewhat lower δ34S values (+1.5‰ to +3.2‰) compared to Py1 (+1.6‰ to +5.6‰). In addition, Py2 shows irregular compositional zones, which we attribute to fluid phase separation caused by pressure fluctuation. Abundant Py2 precipitation triggered native gold deposition due to desulfidation of the ore-forming fluid. The next stage, Py3 in polymetallic sulfides-calcite-quartz veins at stage III, implies a new pulse of Cu-Pb-Zn-As-Au-Ag-rich and Bi-poor ore-forming fluid. This latter pyrite is characterized by inclusion-rich cores (Py3c), which contain abundant inclusions of chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and native gold, and inclusion-free rims (Py3r). The cores, Py3c, likely represent abrupt destabilization of metal complexes and rapid precipitation during vigorous phase separation, whereas the euhedral Py3r rims formed under steadier physico-chemical conditions, contributing to lower δ34S values of Py3c (+0.5‰ to +3.0‰) than Py3r (+1.9‰ to +3.6‰). Noble gas isotopes of Py1-Py3 have crust-dominated 3He/4He (0.04–0.4 Ra) and 40Ar/36Ar (623–2081), mixed with minor mantle components. Sulfur isotopes and low Co and Ni contents of hydrothermal pyrite, and He-Ar isotopes of fluid inclusions in pyrite, are consistent with a model in which multiple pulses of ore-forming fluids were exsolved during sequential episodes of primarily crustal-derived felsic magmatism with lesser mantle influences. This model is also supported by previous H-O isotope analyses, as well as widespread granitoid magmatism in the eastern Central East Kunlun Belt.

Genetic relations between enclaves and their host granitoids from Doumer Island, northern Antarctic Peninsula: Evidence from mineral chemistry, Sr–Nd and Li isotopes

Dark enclaves in the late Paleocene granitoids of Doumer Island, northern Antarctic Peninsula, were examined by field investigations, zircon U–Pb geochronology, mineral chemistry, whole-rock major- and trace-elements, and Sr-Nd-Li isotopes to elucidate their origins and genetic relationships with host granitoids. The enclaves and host granitoids have similar zircon U–Pb ages of 54.6–55.7 Ma and indistinguishable Nd–Sr isotopes of εNd(t) = 4.7–6.1, ISr = 0.7036–0.7039, indicating a cogenetic relationship. A pyroxene-dioritic enclave (WA16–06-3) is a cognate restite with peritectic phases that resulted from amphibole-dehydration melting at temperatures above 800 °C and at low-P (7–10 kbar). Two other enclaves (WA16–07-2 and WA15–27-3) are fragments of the chilled margins of the conduits entrained in the later insurgent felsic magma. The flat, right-leaning REE patterns are accompanied by positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.07–1.16) in the dark enclaves and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–0.88) in the host intrusions. The accumulation of restitic plagioclase and peritectic pyroxene could have induced the positive Eu anomalies in the dark enclaves. The P–T conditions estimated from cummingtonite rims on pyroxene in the pyroxene-dioritic enclave suggest near-isothermal decompression in an environment of fast exhumation. Enclave WA16–07-2 is part of an intense swarm of enclaves near the pluton margin, and crystallized from a less evolved melt that was mechanically eroded by the host magma, indicating a transient state of magma flow. The dioritic enclaves were transported in the form of ductile crystal–melt mushes that were rotated in the insurgent viscous granitoid magma. The enclaves become rounder and sparser towards the interior of the host pluton. Dehydration melting of metabasalt could have produced these melts that are rich in δ7Li while leaving a lighter δ7Li pyroxene-rich residue at the source. The underlying cause of these events was the retreat of the subducting proto-Pacific (Phoenix) oceanic slab beneath the western Antarctic Peninsula that triggered melting of asthenospheric mantle, with basaltic magma underplating and melting a juvenile metabasaltic lower crust.

Multistage Evolution of Proterozoic Crust of East Antarctica by the Example of the Filla Terrane (Rauer Islands): New Geological and Isotope Data

Abstract —The paper presents new data on the Rauer Islands, one of the unique objects of the East Antarctic Shield. The interest in this area is triggered by its complex geologic structure, including both Archean and Proterozoic fragments of the Earth’s crust, and by its multiphase formation. A detailed scheme of the geologic structure of the area is proposed, new petrologic complexes are revealed, and the stages of tectonomagmatic activity at ~1400–1320 Ma and 1150 Ma are reliably dated. This serves as a factual basis for comparison the study area with other regions of East Antarctica. Based on the geological and isotope data obtained, the Meso–Neoproterozoic Filla Terrane in the area of the Rauer Islands is recognized. It is composed of metamorphic and primarily intrusive rocks, whose protoliths formed in the time interval 1400–950 Ma. Three periods of tectonothermal activity have been established in the Filla Terrane: Mid-Mesoproterozoic (1400–1320 Ma), Meso–Neoproterozoic (1150–886 Ma), and early Cambrian (536–504 Ma). The first period is the formation time of Mesoproterozoic crust, and it is time-correlated with the tectonogenesis phase in the adjacent Rayner province. The second period corresponds to the later phase of tectonothermal activity in the Rayner province. In the Filla Terrane, this period can be divided into two intervals, 1150–1100 Ma and 1010–886 Ma. The former interval is treated as intense crustal growth in the course of granitoid and mantle magmatism. The latter interval is a period of tectonothermal processes accompanied by intense deformations, high-temperature metamorphism, and intrusion of porphyritic granitoids. Apparently, the gap between the first and the second intervals is the time of deposition of the sedimentary protolith of paragneisses, which, together with the surrounding rocks, underwent high-temperature metamorphism and deformations at 950–914 Ma. The synchronous evolution of the Archean block and the Filla Terrane began at least within 1100–1000 Ma. The youngest, early Cambrian period of tectonic activity coincides with the development of local low-temperature mylonite zones and the intrusion of synkinematic pegmatite veins. Thus, the tectonothermal evolution of the Filla Terrane includes almost the same main phases of crustal growth and transformation as the Rayner province. This indicates that the Filla Terrane is a fragment of the Rayner province, which accreted to the Archean terrane at least in the late Mesoproterozoic.

Antiquity and tectonic lineage of Japanese Islands: New discovery of Archean–Paleoproterozoic Complex

A new rock complex has been discovered from the Tsuwano area of Southwest Japan. This granitic rock complex namely, Tsuwano Complex contains foliated granitic gneiss, massive granitoids, and metaquartzite, forming a distinct unit at the westernmost end of the east-west elongate Maizuru Terrane. The above-mentioned litho-assemblage is characteristically different in appearance from the typical rocks of the Maizuru Terrane as well as the surrounding Jurassic and Permian accretionary rocks. We report here the zircon U-Pb LA-ICP-MS geochronological data of the rocks of this Tsuwano Complex. The comprehensive geochronological data indicate that this complex is much older than the surrounding rocks of the Maizuru Terrane. Zircon cores of the granitic gneiss yield possible magmatic age at ca. 2700 and 2500 Ma, while rim parts show a possible metamorphic age of ca. 1850 Ma. Associated dioritic to tonalitic granitoids also show a comparable age of crystallization at ca. 1850 Ma, indicating Neoarchean granitic rocks suffering a thermal overprinting and associated granitoid magmatism at Paleoproterozoic era. The exposed metaquartzite also yielded Neoarchean detrital zircon grains with the calculated maximum age of deposition at ca. 2430 Ma. While, all the other studied rocks including the grayish granitoids, felsic tuff, and metagabbro yield Paleozoic to Mesozoic ages. This is the first discovery of a Precambrian basement rock complex from the Japanese main islands. Based on the present geochronological dataset, we propose for a correlation and paleo-positioning of these basement rocks on the East Asian cratonic margin and a possible tectonic model of its evolution.

The Aksug Porphyry Cu–Mo Ore-Magmatic System (Northeastern Tuva): Sources and Formation of Ore-Bearing Magma

Abstract ––Two stages are recognized in the evolution of the Aksug ore-magmatic system (OMS): (1) formation of the Aksug granitoid pluton and (2) emplacement of small ore-bearing intrusions. Intrusive bodies of the two stages are composed of rocks of the same type and bear copper mineralization: poor dispersed and large-scale veinlet-disseminated, respectively. The pluton and small intrusions are formed by gabbroid and granitoid rocks, with similar petrogeochemical characteristics of igneous rocks of the same type. The plutonic gabbroic association includes gabbro, gabbrodiorites, and pyroxene–amphibole diorites/quartz diorites. The small subvolcanic gabbroic intrusions are gabbrodiorite and diorite porphyrites. The trace element patterns of the gabbroids are similar to those of igneous rocks in subduction zones. The gabbroids are characterized by isotope parameters εNd(500) = +6.1 to +7.2 and (87Sr/86Sr)500 = 0.7022–0.7030 and model age TNd(DM) = 0.85–0.74 Ga. As follows from the geochemical parameters, the depleted mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids was the source of basaltic magma. The plutonic granitoid association includes tonalites, plagiogranites, and amphibole diorites/quartz diorites; the small subvolcanic granitoid intrusions are tonalite porphyry and quartz diorite porphyrites. The trace element patterns and Nd and Sr isotope compositions of the granitoids are much similar to those of the gabbroids. According to the geochemical parameters, tonalitic and plagiogranitic magmas formed through the melting of juvenile mafic crust, and dioritic magma resulted from the mixing of basaltic and tonalitic/plagiogranitic magmas. In the course of the OMS formation, metals and volatiles were introduced by basaltic and granitoid magmas from the metasomatized mantle and juvenile mafic crust. The compression setting during the pluton formation hampered the separation of ore-bearing fluids, which led to poor dispersed mineralization. The extension setting during the emplacement of small intrusions favored the intense separation of ore-bearing fluids. The interaction of magma and fluids of the small intrusions with rocks of the pluton was accompanied by the removal of metals from the latter and their involvement in the ore-forming process. This increased the ore potential of the magmatic system and favored the formation of rich mineralization at the final stage of its evolution.

Protracted intra- and inter-pluton magmatism during the Acadian orogeny: evidence from new LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon ages from northwestern Maine, USA

Devonian granitoid plutons comprise a major part of the bedrock of northwestern Maine representing the magmatic expression of the Acadian orogeny in this part of the northern Appalachian orogen. They are petrographically diverse with minerals characteristic of both I- and S-type granites, in some cases within the same intrusion, and some are compositionally zoned. New LA-ICP-MS ages presented here elucidate the timing and duration of this magmatism. The earliest phase of granitoid magmatism began around 410–405 Ma with the emplacement of the Flagstaff Lake Igneous Complex, and the presence of contemporaneous mafic rocks suggests that mantle-derived magmas were also produced at this time. Late Devonian ages, ca. 365 Ma, for many intrusions, such as the Chain of Ponds and Songo plutons, reveal that magmatism continued for 45 million years during which compositionally diverse I- and S-type magmas were produced. In addition, there is evidence that intrusive activity was prolonged within some plutons, for example the Rome-Norridgewock pluton and the Mooselookmeguntic Igneous Complex, with 10–15 myr between intrusive units. The new ages suggest a break in magmatism between 400 Ma and 390 Ma apparently separating Acadian magmatism into early and late pulses. The production of lower crustal I-type magmas appears to have been concentrated later, ca. 380–365 Ma, although several S-type granitoids were also emplaced during this period. These Late Devonian plutons display abundant zircon inheritance with ages around 385 Ma, which suggests that the crust was experiencing enhanced thermal perturbations during this extended timeframe. The new data for granitoid plutons in northwestern Maine are consistent with tectonic models for other parts of Ganderia which propose initial flat slab subduction followed by slab breakoff and delamination.

Structural and geochronological constraints on the magmatic and tectonic events in the pre-Alpine basement of the central parts of the Balkan fold–thrust belt (Central Stara Planina Mountains, Bulgaria)

The north-vergent Balkan fold–thrust belt of the Balkanide orogen, extending from northeast Serbia to the Black Sea region, was formed during at least two Alpine compressional events. However, remnants of the Variscan orogen are still preserved in its western and central parts. In the central part (Central Stara Planina Mountains), two pre-Permian metamorphic complexes of contrasting metamorphic degrees, the low-grade Stara Planina and high-grade Sredna Gora complexes, are juxtaposed along a major Variscan tectonic zone and intruded by voluminous granitoids of previously unknown age. Here, we present an extensive structural and U–Pb (TIMS and LA-ICP-MS) geochronological analysis, constraining several magmatic and tectonic events in the pre-Alpine evolution of the area. For the first time, early Cambrian magmatism (531.7 ± 1.5 Ma/519.4 ± 2 Ma) is reported from a granite intruding the low-grade Stara Planina complex. The juxtaposition of the metamorphic complexes before 314 Ma was followed by a transpressional stage between 313 and 306 Ma. The last Variscan penetrative ductile deformation was associated with the final emplacement stages of the Ambaritsa sheet-like pluton at about 306 Ma under still ongoing compression. In addition, at least two post-Variscan magmatic pulses of granitoid magmatism (at ca. 306–304 Ma and 250 Ma) have been distinguished in the studied area. Later, Alpine ductile to brittle deformational events led to an additional reworking of the Variscan edifice.

Isotopic age and paleogeodynamic position of ultrapotassic magmatism of Central Chukotka

The 40Ar/39Ar dating of ultrapotassic rocks from Central Chukotka shows that these rocks are Early Cretaceous, and yields a narrow range of age variations (109 to 107 Ma), which correlates fairly well with the range of age variations of granitoids typical of the study area (117–105 Ma). There are thus grounds to suggest that the ultrapotassic magmas and granitoids resulted from the same geological process that can be identified from the material characteristics of the ultrapotassic magmas.In the modern concepts of the regional geological development, the formation of the granitoid and ultrapotassic magmas can be related to the continental lithosphere extension due to the collision of Eurasian plate and the Chukotka – Arctic Alaska continental block.Using modern genetic models based on the interpretations of the material characteristics of ultrapotassic magmas, it is possible to limit the number of genetic hypotheses and to relate the continental lithosphere extension to the processes that took place in the upper mantle of the study area.

Early crustal evolution of the Yangtze Block: Constraints from zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope systematics of 3.1–1.9 Ga granitoids in the Cuoke Complex, SW China

The newly identified Cuoke Complex preserves voluminous early Precambrian granitoids, bearing key information for the early evolution of the Yangtze Block, South China. Here, we report new field observations, petrology, zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes and trace elements for eight granitoids from this complex. The analyzed zircon domains are of magmatic origin, as evidenced by their oscillatory zoning, high Th/U ratios and magmatic rare earth element patterns. Three trondhjemitic gneisses yield crystallization ages of 3.11–3.06 Ga, documenting the oldest known rocks in the southern Yangtze Block. Their εHf(t) values vary from −3.2 to + 2.6 with depleted mantle two-stage (TDM2) model ages of 3.6–3.3 Ga, indicating reworking of Paleoarchean crustal materials. Three gneissic granitoids crystallized at 2.86–2.85 Ga and reveal a significant episode of granitoid magmatism in the late Mesoarchean. They possess positive εHf(t) values (+0.2 to +5.0) and slightly older TDM2 model ages (3.3–3.0 Ga), suggesting that these granitoids were most likely derived from remelting of juvenile continental crust. Two monzogranites with crystallization ages of 1.94 and 1.89 Ga display negative εHf(t) values (−13.0 to −8.1) and older TDM2 model ages (3.3–3.1 Ga), indicating substantial involvement of ancient crustal materials. Available zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic data from the Cuoke Complex have revealed that the earliest crustal growth probably occurred in the early Paleoarchean, with significant crustal growth and reworking during the early Mesoarchean, followed by multistage crustal reworking during the late Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic. Integrating the results of this study with records from other Archean basement complexes in the Yangtze Block (i.e., Kongling, Zhongxiang, Douling, Yudongzi and Phan Si Pan), we propose that these complexes have diverse formation histories and generally experienced tectonothermal events at ca. 2.0–1.9 Ga, probably responding to the global-scale assembly of the Nuna supercontinent.

The role of mantle and the ancient continental crust in the generation of post-collisional high-K calc-alkaline and alkaline granites, with main reference to the Arabian-Nubian Shield

Continental-scaled magmatic activity occurs after the end of collision-orogenic stages of the Wilson cycle. This post-collisional magmatism is widely exhibited, from 635 to 540 Ma, in a series of large Neoproterozoic (Pan-African) orogenic belts throughout North Africa. Special reference is given to the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) and the LATEA metacraton (Tuareg shield). For comparison, two Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic transcontinental belts, the Variscan in Western Europe and the east Central Asian Orogenic Belt, are briefly discussed. Two main types of consecutive magmatic suites characterize the Late Neoproterozoic (Ediacaran) and Late Paleozoic-Early Triassic (Variscan) post-collisional magmatic events despite their different formation age and geographic location: (a) Early post-collisional suites composed of dominant HKCA monzogranite, with secondary quartz monzonite, granodiorite, and related high-K calc-alkaline gabbro, diorite; (b) Late post-collisional to intra-continental suites of Alk syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite, in places with Na-rich pyroxene and amphibole; volcanic activity and numerous dike swarms are abundant. The mafic rocks related to Alk granite suites are monzogabbro and monzonite (shoshonitic series). Granitoids of the same type, HKCA or Alk, are very similar in mineral and chemical composition throughout the belts and in different belts. This similarity is observed in regions with very distinct types of crust, e.g. the dominant juvenile oceanic island arc crust in the ANS, and Archean-Paleoproterozoic continental crust in the LATEA metacraton. The isotope U-Sr-Nd-Hf-O signatures suggest that HKCA granite magmas in these regions were produced from different crustal sources with varying contribution of mantle-derived basic materials to the granitoid magma generation. For HKCA granites, a model of crustal anatexis, accompanied with a limited influx of H2O, K, LILE, HFSE from underplated basalt magmas (convective diffusion in the contact of silicic and mafic liquids) is suggested. The most likely model of the Alk silicic magma generation is partial melting of related mantle-derived mafic rocks (monzogabbro, monzonite in the lower crust. Data on the enhanced temperature of A-type silicic magmas, more than 1000 °C, suggest that magma-generation could occur even at the depth of uppermost lithospheric mantle.

Evolution of the Kolyvan-Tomsk granitoid magmatism (Central Siberia): Insights into the tectonic transition from post-collision to intraplate settings in the northwestern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Late Paleozoic – early Mesozoic geological evolution of the Kolyvan-Tomsk Fold Zone (KTFZ) located in the northwestern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is significant to understanding the tectonic transition from post-collision to intraplate settings. We present new whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic data, and in situ zircon U-Pb ages for granitic rocks from the KTFZ basement to constrain their petrogenesis and to characterize changing of the tectonic setting and geodynamic evolution. Zircon U-Pb ages reveal extended multi-stage emplacement of the KTFZ granitoids for about 20 Ma from ~260 to ~240 Ma, that can be divided into two stages: the Permian-Triassic (~260 to 250 Ma) and the Triassic (~250 to 240 Ma). The Permian –Triassic granitic rocks with SiO2 between 63% and 74% have high LREE, HFSE (except Nb and Ta), Sr, Mg#, Cr, Ni concentrations, Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios and remarkably low Y and Yb contents and 87Sr/86Sr(T) values (0.704682 and 0.703368). They are magnesian and show metaluminous to weakly peraluminous natures, indicating their formation through high degree fractionation of mantle-derived magmas. The Triassic granitoids exhibit extremely high SiO2 (73–77%), HFSE, HREE, Rb contents, Rb/Sr ratios and elevated negative Eu and Sr anomalies, low Mg#. They are ferroan and have a peraluminous nature with the absence of aluminium-rich minerals, all of which indicate the presence of the crustal substance in the magma source. Isotopic Nd compositions show that the both the Permian –Triassic and Triassic granitoids have uniform magma's, which were derived from partial melting of juvenile Neoproterozoic sources.These two stages of granitoid magmatism are interpreted as reflecting the transition from post-collisional magmatism, related to the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean due to collision between the Baltica and Siberian paleocontinents during the Late Permian – Early Triassic and hence, to the intraplate magmatism. The formation of the KTFZ granitic rocks was induced by an upwelling asthenosphere in an extensional geodynamic setting. During the post-collisional process, the large-scale lithospheric delamination plays a key role in the genesis of the Permian-Triassic granitoids and provide the magma generation for them. In the Triassic, we propose additional source of heat from mantle plume beneath the KTFZ, which promote extending of the granitoid magmatism in intraplate setting.

Granitoid magmatism and tectonic evolution in the eastern part of the West Qinling: Constraints from geochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology and Hf isotopic

西秦岭造山带东段发育大量印支期花岗岩，由北向南贯通整个西秦岭造山带。本文选取西秦岭东段的柴家庄、太白、周家山和迷坝4个花岗质岩体进行岩石学、地球化学、锆石U-Pb定年和Lu-Hf同位素研究。这些花岗质岩体的岩性主体为石英闪长岩-花岗闪长岩-二长花岗岩，属高钾钙碱性系列，形成时代在237~219Ma之间，并显示出两期岩浆活动的特点，早期柴家庄岩体形成于236.6±2.9Ma，晚期的太白、周家山和迷坝岩体形成于220.12~218.9Ma。早期柴家庄二长花岗岩显示出类似埃达克岩的一些地球化学特点，如高含量的Sr（578×10-6~661×10-6）和高的（La/Yb）N比值（37.44~41.73），低含量的Y（3.48×10-6~5.50×10-6）和Yb（0.3×10-6~0.5×10-6），以及弱的负Eu异常（δEu=0.85~1）；在晚期花岗岩中，迷坝和周家山岩体同样表现高Sr含量（Sr>400×10-6）、低Yb含量（Yb < 2×10-6）的特点，但太白花岗岩则类似于喜马拉雅型花岗岩（Sr < 400×10-6，Yb < 2×10-6）。锆石Hf同位素组成显示，柴家庄、太白、周家山和迷坝岩体的eHf（t）值分别为-5.1~2.2、-4.8~-0.9、-6.0~-2.7和-6.3~-3.9，对应的二阶段模式年龄（tDM2）依次为2153~1495Ma、2120~1767Ma、2227~1932Ma、2249~2033Ma，表明西秦岭东段花岗质岩体的源区主要为古元古代-中元古代壳源物质，柴家庄岩体可能有部分新生下地壳物质加入，并且整体表现出结晶基底组成由北向南逐渐变老的趋势。显示埃达克岩特点的花岗岩可能形成于加厚下地壳的部分熔融，而其喜马拉雅型的花岗岩则是正常下地壳部分熔融的产物。三叠纪时期发生的陆陆碰撞导致地壳加厚，加厚下地壳在不同深度发生的部分熔融，形成本区具有埃达克或者喜马拉雅型地球化学特点的花岗质岩体。

Age and Genesis of the Pokrovskoe Gold–Silver Deposit (Russian Far East)

Abstract ––We present results of geochronological studies of rocks from different igneous complexes and of hydrothermally altered volcanics with Au–Ag mineralization from the Pokrovskoe deposit. The age of the ore-hosting granites of the Sergeevsky pluton of the Upper Amur complex is estimated at ~129 Ma. The primary age of dacites of a sill-like body is within 128–125 Ma and is close to the age of volcanics of the Taldan complex. Propylitization processes superposed on these dacites are dated at ~122–119 Ma. Taking into account the commercial contents of gold and silver in these rocks, we believe that the age of the hosted orebodies is in the same interval. The period 122–119 Ma is also the time of formation of the Gal’ka volcanic complex in the Umlekan volcanic zone, which was accompanied by granitoid magmatism. This suggests that the formation of the Pokrovskoe deposit was associated with the accumulation of the Gal’ka complex.

Geochronology and geochemistry of granitoids from the Mongolian Altai

Granitoid magmatism is widespread in the Mongolian Altai, and it provides critical information to understand the crustal formation, evolution, and growth. This study reports newly investigated petrography, whole–rock geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb geochronology of granites and quartz syenites emplaced in the Mongolian Altai to investigate their sources and petrogenesis. Our results allow that granitoids, five petrological groups, and four geochronological stages from this study provide new information to understand the crustal formation and evolution of the Mongolian Altai. Geochemically, the group–I (Bt–Ms granite) and –II (Crd–Bt granite) have high–K calc–alkaline and peraluminous affinity, whereas group–III (Hbl–Bt granite) has calc–alkaline and metaluminous affinity. Group–IV (Bt quartz syenite) and –V (Kfs–porphyritic granite) show shoshonitic– to high–K calc–alkaline and metaluminous characteristics. The zircon U–Pb dating constraints the Devonian magmatic ages of 387–361 Ma for group–I, 369–353 Ma for group–II, and 366–356 Ma for group–III granites, whereas ~ 315 Ma for group–IV quartz syenite and 208–200 Ma for group–V granite. Groups–I and –II peraluminous granites have high–Th/Nb, and low–Ba/Th reflecting sources might be derived from sedimentary rocks, whereas group–III metaluminous granite has low–Th/Nb and high–Ba/Th reflecting a source that might be derived from gabbroic crustal material. Groups–I and –II peraluminous granites have similar geochemical characteristics, but their emplacement ages are different, which suggests they were formed from different magmas. Group–II peraluminous and group–III metaluminous granites were contemporaneous, and their Rb/Ba versus Rb/Sr correlation define a linear trend of the magma mixing process. It demonstrates that group–III metaluminous magma would carry heat to the crust, inducing partial melting of sedimentary rocks to produce group–II peraluminous granite. Finally, geochemical and geochronological data of groups–I, –II, and –III granites demonstrate that they were formed during the main orogenic activity in the Mongolian Altai, which is consistent with the timing of the main metamorphic event at Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous. Subordinated group–IV quartz syenite and group–V granite were probably formed in extensional to post–collisional environments after main orogenic activity in the Mongolian Altai.

ІНТРУЗИВНО-МАГМАТИЧНІ УТВОРЕННЯ АРХІПЕЛАГУ ВІЛЬГЕЛЬМА ЗАХІДНОЇ АНТАРКТИКИ (ЧАСТИНА 1 – ІНТРУЗИВИ ГАБРОЇДІВ, ДІОРИТІВ ТА ГРАНІТОЇДІВ)

The Wilhelm Archipelago and the adjacent coast of Graham Land are typical areas of calc-alkaline magmatism associated with the protracted evolution of the Antarctic Peninsula igneous belt. The authors studied intrusive complexes of the Wilhelm Archipelago (WA) in order to characterize their geographical distribution, geological occurrence and age, mineralogical and petrographical features. Geological surveys revealed that gabbro, diorite, and granitoid intrusions are widespread on the WA. Due to the processes of tectonic uplift and exhumation, both apical and bottom parts of individual intrusive bodies can be exposed on the modern erosion level. Recent geological observations have shown that plutons of different ages intersect each other in a complex sequence. This made it possible to determine their relative geological age and reconstruct the general direction of the deep magmatic development from the Early Cretaceous to the Early Paleogene, inclusive. It has been proved that the oldest massifs of gabbroids are parts of much larger intrusive bodies. They were formed in the period between the Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous periods. Crystallization differentiation of basaltic magmas gave them various scale layering. In the bottom parts of gabroid intrusions there were conditions for the formation of Fe-Ti-V and Cu-Ni-EPG mineralization. Diorite and granitoid intrusions occupy much larger areas compared to gabbroids. The formation of diorite intrusions took place in the period between the Early Cretaceous and the Paleocene. Although the oldest gabbroids were formed much earlier than diorites, the phenomena of magmatic mingling in the latter indicate that magmas of basic and intermediate composition could also synchronously intrude in common magmatic chambers. Granitoid magmatism on the WA covers the Late Cretaceous and the Paleogene periods. Most granitoid intrusions formed in the Paleocene after the main phase of tectonic deformations. Cu-Mo mineralization may be associated with these intrusions.

Late Neoprotherozoic Granitoid Magmatism of the Baikal-Muya Fold Belt, Ophiolite and Post-Ophiolite Plagiogranites

Three different-age series of granitoid veins and dikes of the Baikal–Muya fold belt were studied. Two of them, plagiogranites of the ophiolite complex and the first postophiolitic plagiogranites, are associated with the suprasubduction ophiolites of the eastern Baikal–Muya belt. The third series is represented by hypabyssal tonalite–plagiogranite–leucogranite complex of the Kichera zone in the western Baikal–Muya belt. The composition and isotope-geochemical characteristics (eNd(T) = –0.9; –1.3) of the plagiogranite veins no more than 60 cm thick, and eNd(T) values (–1.8…+ 0.2) of host layered leucocratic gabbros in the Sredne-Mamakan ophiolitic complex are consistent with the previously established suprasubduction nature of the ophiolite association. Tonalites and plagiogranites of the dyke system of the post-ophiolitic magmatic series intersect the dunite–pyroxenite–gabbro banded series of the Sredne-Mamakan ophiolites of the eastern Baikal–Muya fold zone. High Sr/Y ratios and low concentrations of Y and heavy REE indicate that these granitoids are ascribed to the adakite series. LA-ICP-MS study of zircon from post-ophiolitic plagiogranites yields the crystallization age of 629 ± 5 Ma. Sm–Nd isotope-geochemical characteristics of plagiogranitoids (eNd(T) = +2.5; +4.0) in combination with geochemical data confirm their origin during partial melting of a mafic protolith corresponding to the Neoproterozoic oceanic crust. The adakitic granitoids in the Kichera zone of the western Baikal–Muya belt belong to the tonalite–leucogranite differentiated series of the hypabyssal complex, which has no a direct spatial relationship with unambiguous ophiolite associations. The chemical composition and Sm–Nd isotope-geochemical characteristics of these rocks (eNd(T) = +3.2…+7.1) indicate the heterogeneity of the predominantly juvenile island-arc or oceanic Neoproterozoic crust, which experienced partial melting at 595 ± 5 Ma.

Early Neoproterozoic (~920 Ma) Granite–Gneiss of the Junggar Alataw, South Kazakhstan: Age Substantiation Based on the Results of U–Th–Pb (SIMS) Dating

Based on the results of U–Th–Pb (SIMS) dating, an Early Neoproterozoic (924 ± 4 Ma) age was obtained for granite–gneiss of the Sarychabyn Complex, which is one of the oldest complexes in the Junggar Alataw Range. This value constrains the minimum age of the metasedimentary rocks of the Sarychabyn Group hosting granite–gneiss as well. The most likely age of metasediments is Late Mesoproterozoic–Early Neoproterozoic, which is consistent with the age of lithologically similar complexes in the adjacent regions of Kazakhstan and China. The age of the gneiss of the Sarychabyn Complex coincides with the ages of anorogenic granitoids and felsic volcanic rocks from the Aktau-Mointy massif of Central Kazakhstan and the ages of granitoids in the Wenquan Complex in China. An episode of granitoid magmatism at ~920 Ma, widespread in the Aktau-Junggar microcontinent, is a characteristic feature that distinguishes it from other Precambrian crustal blocks of Kazakhstan and the Northern Tianshan.

The First Evidence for Late Devonian Granitoid Magmatism in the Northeastern Flank of the South Mongolia–Khingan Orogenic Belt

This paper reports the geochemical, U–Pb geochronological, and Sm-Nd isotopic–geochemical data on granites of the Medvedka Massif in the northern part of the Nora–Sukhotino terrane. It has been found that these granites have an age of 378 ± 3 Ma. They contain ferruginous silicates, have high iron index (FeO*/(FeO*+MgO)), low concentrations of Al2O3, CaO, MgO, high contents of Nb, Ga, Y, a deficiency of Sr and Eu, positive values of eNd(t) (+3.0…+4.1), and a high Y/Nb ratio. All these data indicate that the granites of the Medvedka massif are A2-type granites. The Late Devonian hastingsite–biotite granites of the Medvedka massif most likely reflect a transform continental margin setting in the evolution of the South Mongolian–Khingan orogenic belt.