I-type Granites Research Articles

Generation of Neoproterozoic granites of the Huangling batholith in the northern Yangtze Block, South China: Implications for the evolution of the Precambrian continental crust

Granites may contain critical information about composition and reworking of continental crust and are widely used to investigate continental crust evolution. Extensive Neoproterozoic granites in the northern Yangtze Block are significant to the Neoproterozoic continental evolution of the Yangtze Block. We investigated the petrology, mineralogy, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes of the Neoproterozoic Wuduhe biotite granites and Xiabaoping K-feldspar granites of the Huangling batholith in the northern Yangtze Block to determine their source characteristics and geological implications for the northern Yangtze Block. The Wuduhe biotite granites yielded zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 818–815 Ma. They displayed high SiO2 contents (70.19–74.23 wt%) and Na2O/K2O ratios (1.38–3.35) but low MgO (0.37–0.90 wt%) and CaO (1.49–2.97 wt%) contents, representing calc-alkaline Na-rich I-type granites. They exhibited enriched whole-rock εNd(t) (−19.8 to − 18.8) and zircon εHf(t) values (−41.3 to − 24.2), and had low CaO/Na2O (0.34–0.63), Al2O3/TiO2 (46.6–89.7), Rb/Ba (0.02–0.08), and Rb/Sr (0.04–0.12) ratios, as well as low zircon saturation temperatures (739 − 770 °C), indicating derivation from Na-rich metabasalts of the Archean Kongling complex. The Xiabaoping K-feldspar granites had zircon U − Pb crystallization ages of ca. 816–812 Ma. They displayed high SiO2 (70.82–74.80 wt%), K2O (4.41–6.35 wt%), and Al2O3 (13.46–16.31 wt%) contents, suggesting A2-type affinities. They showed enriched zircon εHf(t) (−44.3 to − 18.4) and whole-rock εNd(t) values (−23.4 to − 18.4) and high zircon saturation temperatures (869–912 °C), indicating formation by anhydrous melting of K-rich felsic rocks from the Archean Kongling complex. The geochemical diversity of these granites from the Huangling batholith was primarily controlled by source heterogeneity of the Kongling complex and distinct melting temperatures. We infer that the northern Yangtze Block underwent significant remelting of ancient continental crust in a subduction background during the Neoproterozoic, induced by continuous upwelling of mantle-derived mafic magmas.

Rubidium (Rb) enrichment processes in a highly evolved granitic system: Insights from the petrology and geochemistry of the Guobaoshan Rb deposit in eastern Tianshan, NW China

Highly fractionated granitoids are closely associated with Rb mineralization, yet the mechanisms that control Rb enrichment and details about the enrichment process have not been well constrained. The Guobaoshan Rb deposit in eastern Tianshan, NW China, is one of the largest granite-related Rb deposits; it preserves a series of gradual lithofacies ranging from biotite granite and muscovite granite to Rb-rich amazonite granite and pegmatite, and provides an excellent opportunity to constrain the Rb enrichment processes in granitic systems. The large Guobaoshan Rb deposit hosts 281,000 tons of Rb2O at a grade of 0.12% mainly in its amazonite-bearing granite and amazonite granite lithofacies. In this contribution, we integrate geochronology, bulk-rock geochemistry, and analysis of Nd and zircon Hf isotopes to characterize the evolution of the Guobaoshan granitic pluton and the mechanisms that generated Rb enrichment. The zircon U-Pb age of the biotite granite and columbite U-Pb age of the amazonite granite are 244.8 ± 1.8 Ma (1σ, mean square of weighted deviates [MSWD] = 1.1) and 241.9 ± 2.3 Ma (1σ, MSWD = 1.0), respectively. In situ Rb-Sr analysis of orthoclase, mica, and albite from the amazonite-bearing granite, amazonite granite, and pegmatite yields ages of 249.1 ± 7.3 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 1.6), 245.5 ± 16.8 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.63), and 245.8 ± 9.8 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 3.3), respectively. Together, these ages demonstrate that the Guobaoshan granitic pluton formed during the Triassic and underwent a protracted magmatic evolution. The Guobaoshan granitic pluton is characterized by high concentrations of SiO2, alkalis, and Al2O3, and low concentrations of MgO, Fe2O3, CaO, P2O5, and TiO2, with an Al saturation index (A/CNK) of 1.01−1.14. It is enriched in Rb, but depleted in Ba, Sr, P, and Eu, has low total rare earth element (REE) contents (83.1−221 ppm), and is characterized by significantly negative anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.01−0.44). The biotite granite is enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), whereas the muscovite granite, amazonite-bearing granite, amazonite granite, and pegmatite are depleted in LREEs, and exhibit a marked tetrad effect (TE1.3 = 1.05−1.50). These geochemical characteristics, combined with the non-CHARAC (charge-radius−controlled) ratios of Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, Y/Ho, and K/Rb, are indicative of melt-fluid interaction during the evolution of the Guobaoshan magma. Given that the biotite granite is the least-evolved rock, its petrological and geochemical characteristics suggest that it is an I-type granite. The slightly variable εHf(t) and consistently negative εNd(t) values indicate that the magma from which the Guobaoshan granitic pluton crystallized was likely sourced from the Mesoproterozoic crust, with limited mantle contributions. The coeval ages and coherent geochemical variations and mineral compositions of these rocks suggest that they formed via fractional crystallization of plagioclase, mica, quartz, and K-feldspar in the same magmatic system. This is supported by fractional crystallization simulations using the rhyolite-MELTS software package. Based on the petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of the muscovite granite, amazonite-bearing granite, amazonite granite, and pegmatite, as well as simulations using rhyolite-MELTS, high degrees of fractional crystallization of granitic magma and interaction of this evolving magma with F-rich fluids are suggested to have been the key mechanisms that caused enrichment of Rb, while the melt-fluid interaction was more critical for Rb mineralization.

Geochronology and petrogenesis of Early Mesozoic Rb-mineralized granitic rocks from the Liuzhangshan Rb, West Qinling Orogen Belt, China

ABSTRACT The newly discovered Liuzhangshan (LZS) Rb deposit is a large granite-type deposit in the West Qinling Orogenic Belt (WQOB), spatially associated with biotite monzogranite. Previous research has focused on the geological characteristics and metallogenic conditions of the LZS Rb deposit; however, its geochronology and petrogenesis remain unclear. In this study, monazite U-Pb dating of biotite monzogranite in the LZS deposit yielded a U-Pb age of 200.8 ± 0.9 Ma via laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Combined with the age of magmatic rocks in the WQOB, we propose a potential mineralization event related to Rb around 200 Ma in the WQOB. The biotite monzogranite belongs to weakly peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline serious, containing high SiO2, Na2O, K2O, and low FeO, MgO, CaO, and P2O5. Compared with primitive mantle and relatively unfractionated granodiorites found in the WQOB, the biotite monzogranite enriched in Rb, Th, U, and Pb, deleted in Ba, Sr, and Ti, and showed negative Eu anomalies, a high Rb/Sr ratio, and a low K/Rb ratio, an ∑REE of 31.3 ppm, an LREE/HREE ratio of 6.48, a LaN/YbN ratio of 2.59, an Mg# of 4.15, and a crystallization temperature of 760°C, the biotite monzogranite also had a high differentiation index (DI = 98.2), apparent tetrad effect (TE 1,3 = 1.12 ~ 1.15), characteristic of highly fractionated I-type granite. Monzoite from the biotite monzogranite in the LZS deposit has negative εNd(t) values ranging from −12.45 to −11.17, and TDM1 of 1569 ~ 2018 Ma, indicating that the LZS biotite monzogranite originated from the partial melting of a Mesoproterozoic ancient basement material, with a minor contribution from mantle-derived melts. Highly differentiated, low Sr and Yb contents, Sr/Yb ratios, and low crystallization temperature magma facilitated the enrichment of Rb.

New results of the U/Pb dating of cretaceous igneous rocks of the Komsomolsk ore district (Middle Amur River area)

The Komsomolsk tin ore district is located at the Miaochan Ridge in the Middle Amur River area (Khabarovsk territory) within the Badzhal accretionary terrane of the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt. The paper presents new results of U-Pb zircon dating of tonalite of the Miaochan complex of the Silinka granitic pluton (99.7±1.1 Ma) and two rhyolites of the lower part of the Kholdami Formation (98.4±1.0 and 98.7±1.2 Ma) from the north-eastern part of the Komsomolsk district. The geochemical characteristics of rocks were also studied, which show that granitoids of the Miaochan complex are I-type granites, and coeval rhyolites of the Kholdami Formation are very peraluminous S-type rocks. New data on the geochemistry and early Cenomanian age of the igneous rocks allows us to consider the ore-magmatic system of the Komsomolsk ore district as part of the previously identified Albian-Cenomanian igneous province of Pacific Asia.

Reworking of a Caledonian (Early Paleozoic) granodiorite porphyry in a collisional zone in South China and its contribution for tungsten mineralization

A newly discovered ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry in the Chuankou tungsten (W) ore field is the largest W deposit formed during the Indosinian (Triassic) collision event in South China. As such, its genesis and relationship to W mineralization in the region remains ambiguous. Zircon U–Pb dating demonstrates that the Chuankou granodiorite porphyry was emplaced at 436.1 ± 0.8 Ma, predating the Triassic W mineralization in the ore field. The granodiorite porphyry is characterized by low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y concentrations (100–294 ppm), 10000 Ga/Al values (2.09–2.62), indicating that it is a weakly fractionated I-type granite. Variably negative εHf(t) values of −10.2 to −2.48 and TDM2 values of 2.06–1.06 Ga suggest crystallization from a partial melt of amphibolite, with minor contributions of metasedimentary rock in the middle–lower crust during the Caledonian collisional event. Given its low degrees of differentiation, the Chuankou granodiorite porphyry is inferred to have low mineralization potential. The presence of abundant fluorite in the granodiorite porphyry, coupled with elevated whole-rock F contents (0.4–4.1 wt%), suggests that volatile (F) involvement in Indosinian W mineralization might partially originate from the Caledonian granodiorite porphyry. Furthermore, the elevated whole-rock W contents, which exceeds those of granites related to W mineralization from regional (including Indosinian granites in the Chuankou W ore field), and other regions worldwide, indicate that W in the granodiorite porphyry was likely added to the ore-forming fluids during Indosinian magmatic–hydrothermal events. Consequently, we infer that W in the Caledonian Chuankou granodiorite porphyry was mobilized by F-rich fluids and potentially served as a partial source for the Indosinian mineralization.

Chemical and isotopic investigation of the I-type Bega Batholith, southeastern Australia: Implications for batholith compositional zoning and crustal evolution in accretionary orogens

Cordilleran granitic batholiths represent significant episodes of crustal growth and differentiation, and commonly display lateral isotopic and chemical variations. Establishing the tectono-magmatic processes responsible for generating this compositional asymmetry is important for understanding crustal evolutionary processes throughout the Phanerozoic. The Bega Batholith, an example of a ‘Cordilleran style’ granite batholith, is the largest I-type Siluro-Devonian granite complex in the Lachlan Fold Belt (LFB) of southeastern Australia and comprises seven granite supersuites that display systematic lateral isotopic and chemical asymmetry. From west to east towards the present-day continental margin, an increase in the content of Na2O, Sr, Al2O3, and P2O5, with concomitant decreases in CaO, Sc, Rb, and V are observed. In the same direction, whole-rock initial 87Sr/86Sr decreases from 0.7098 to 0.7039, εNd values increase from −8.3 to +4.4, and δ18O decreases from 10.2 ‰ to 7.9 ‰. Depleted-mantle model ages also decrease from ca. 1800 Ma in the west to 600 Ma in the east. Here, we address whether these chemical and isotopic variations were generated by interaction between two distinct components (mantle-derived magmas and supracrustal sources) or were alternatively produced by partial melting of infracrustal source rocks formed sequentially by much earlier episodes of crustal underplating. Combined whole-rock Nd-Sr-O isotopic and geochemical analyses indicate that several I-type supersuites exhibit chemical and isotopic correlations consistent with two-component magma mixing. This new evidence challenges the long-held view that I-type granites derive exclusively from the melting of infracrustal sources, and that granite terranes represent wholesale crustal reworking rather than new crustal growth. Our results show that the compositional zoning within the Bega Batholith is multifaceted. Firstly, the presence of two discrete mantle sources endows chemically and isotopically distinct eastern and western segments in the batholith. Secondly, within these compositionally distinct regions the lateral compositional changes across supersuites derives from mixing between mantle-derived and supracrustal sources. Finally, progressive extension within a developing back-arc environment regulates the ratio of crust-mantle contributions and compositional architecture of each I-type supersuite.

Petrogenesis of REE-mineralized granitic plutons in central Thailand, Southeast Asian tin belt: New insights from geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology

Granitic rocks including biotite granite and biotite-muscovite granite exposed in the Uthai Thani area, central Thailand are located on the main eastern and central granitic belts of Southeast Asia. The biotite granites are characterized by an equigranular texture, whereas biotite-muscovite granites exhibit a porphyritic texture with K-feldspar megacrysts. Geochemically, biotite granites show metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline affinity, whereas biotite-muscovite granite exhibits strongly peraluminous and shoshonitic. The biotite granites and biotite-muscovite granites have trace element features consistent with formation in subduction and syn-collision settings, respectively. The pressure–temperature conditions of emplacement in biotite and biotite-muscovite granite types are 1.94–2.28 kbar/676 °C–713 °C and 1.39–2.00 kbar/669 °C–698 °C, respectively, indicating solidification in upper crustal paleo-depths. Positive εHf (t) values of zircon in the biotite granites indicate similarity to I-type granite of the Sukhothai Terrane, whereas negative εHf (t) values of zircon in the biotite-muscovite granites compare well with S-type granites form in the Inthanon zone. Zircon U–Pb geochronology indicates that biotite granites might have emplaced during the Late Triassic is related to Paleo-Tethys subduction beneath the Indochina terrane, whereas biotite-muscovite granites might have emplaced during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic period, probably as a result of collision between the Sibumasu and the Indochina Terranes. In the Uthai Thani area, the high total REE contents and the presence of primary REE minerals in granitic rocks reflect mineralization potential with respect to light REE, together with the magmatism related to Fe-Cu and Sn mineralization along the main granite belts in Thailand.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the Triassic monzogranite from the central segment of the East Kunlun Orogen, NW China

The Triassic granitoids in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) are crucial for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. This study presents zircon U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf isotopes, whole-rock major and trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotope compositions from monzogranite plutons in the central segment of EKOB to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic evolution. These monzogranites are dominant composed of mineral assemblages of K-feldspars, plagioclase, minor biotite and accessory minerals. U–Pb dating of zircons from the Xinle South (XLS), Nanshankou (NSK) and Changgou South (CGS) plutons yield ages of 251 Ma, 232 Ma and 221 Ma, respectively. The studied monzogranites have relatively high SiO2 and Al2O3, but have low contents of TiO2, Fe2O3T, MgO relative to the coeval granodiorites. These monzogranites are classified as fractionated I-type granites, ranging from calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline compositions. Their negative εNd(t) values (−4.2 to −6.3) and zircon εHf(t) values (−6.1 to −9.3) suggest that magma generation occurred through partial melting of ancient lower crust, followed by extensive fractional crystallization. Integrating our new data with regional geological evidence, we propose that the Early Triassic XLS monzogranite emplaced in a localized extensional environment linked to the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic plate. In contrast, during the post-collisional extensional phase of the Late Triassic, the formation of the NSK and CGS monzogranite plutons was directly influenced by asthenospheric upwelling, lower crust delamination, and subsequent continental rifting.

Chemistry of biotite as petrogenetic discriminators of plutonic and volcanic granitoids from south-central Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

Chemical compositions of biotite have been used to understand the petrogenesis of intrusive and extrusive magmatic rocks. Central southern Côte d’Ivoire is home to a wide variety of lithologies, including granodiorites, tonalites, and dacites. In this paper, we compare biotites from intrusive rocks with those from extrusive rocks. We used the composition of the mineral to describe the nature of the granitic magma and estimate the temperature at which the studied rocks were emplaced. Grano- diorite and tonalite are composed of biotite, hornblende, plagioclase, apatite, magnetite, and ilmenite. Dacite contains the minerals biotite, muscovite, quartz, and plagioclase. This work has shown contrasts in composition between biotites. The biotites in the intrusive rocks are muscovite-free. Some of these biotites coexist with amphiboles, while others are not accompanied by other ferromagnesian minerals. Some biotites in extrusive rocks are not accompanied by ferromagnesian minerals, while others coexist with muscovite. Extrusive rock biotites do not contain amphiboles. The major elements of the biotites show that they are located between the annite and siderophyllite poles. However, biotites in granodiorites and tonalites are rich in AlIV, giving them a siderophyllite tendency, while biotites in extrusive rocks, which are low in AlIV, converge towards the annite pole. The biotites in the intrusive rocks studied are rich in Mg (Mg-biotite) and Ti, while the biotites in the extrusive rocks studied appear to be rich in Fe (Fe-biotite) and Mn. Plutons could have formed in an orogenic setting from calc-alkaline magma in a subduction environment. Volcanic rocks are peraluminous. The intrusive rocks derive from I-type granites, while extrusive rocks appear to derive from S-type granites. Based on the incorporation of Ti into biotites, the rocks studied were emplaced in a temperature range estimated at 550-650°C at a pressure of 4-6 kbar.

Transcrustal magmatic systems in NE China: Insights from Early Cretaceous metaluminous–peraluminous–peralkaline rock associations in the southern Great Xing’an Range

The generation and evolution of crustal-scale magmatic systems are important in revealing the continental crust differentiation. In the Bayangeer-Aliwula area of Inner Mongolia, metaluminous–peraluminous–peralkaline rock assemblages provide a rare opportunity to evaluate Early Cretaceous magmatic systems. This study presents new geochemical data, including whole-rock and zircon geochemistry, zircon U–Pb dating, and Hf–O isotopic analysis of rocks formed between 132 and 121 Ma. The metaluminous rocks exhibit low SiO2 (55.35–65.65 wt%), low Rb/Sr (0.08–0.24) and (La/Yb)N (4.88–7.58) ratios, and positive εHf(t) values (+4.9 to +8.7). These features, along with enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and depletion in Nb and Ta, suggest formation via partial melting of fluid-metasomatised lithospheric mantle. By contrast, peraluminous rocks have high SiO2 (69.37–80.58 wt%), a high differentiation index (DI = 88–95), and Fe-index (0.84–0.95), resembling highly fractionated I-type granites. They show high Rb/Sr (0.77–3.35) and (La/Yb)N (5.79–22.75) ratios, and positive εHf(t) values (+6.7 to +10.8), combined with the modelling results, indicating origin from partial melting of K-rich mafic lower crust followed by magma fractionation. Peralkaline rocks display typical ferroan A-type granite characteristics (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 906–4292 ppm; Fe-index = 0.96–0.99), with high SiO2 (74.02–77.50 wt%), high Rb/Sr (6.17–121.38), and (La/Yb)N ratios (2.19–17.72), and positive εHf(t) values (+3.1 to +9.6). Zircon geochemistry characteristics suggest that peralkaline and peraluminous felsic melts are different batches extracted from the same magma reservoir. Further analysis, including hyperbola diagrams and zircon oxygen isotope compositions, suggests peralkaline magma formation through the mixing of altered oceanic crust fluids and peraluminous melts after melt extraction. During Early Cretaceous, the transcrustal magmatic system provides a reasonable explanation for the petrogenesis of various contemporaneous rocks in the study area in southern Great Xing’an Range.

Zircon U-Pb Ages of the Granitoids in Shanxi and Its Significance for Tectonic Evolution of North China Craton in Mesozoic

Mesozoic granitoid formations offer crucial insights into the tectonic history of the North China Craton. New zircon U-Pb ages of two Mesozoic granitoids in the Huai’an terrane yield ages of 226.4 ± 1.1 Ma for the Yihe (YH) granite and 156.3 ± 2.9 Ma for the Zhujiagou (ZJG) granodiorite. The negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies; high Nb/Ta ratios (20.4 to 24.1); high (La/Yb)N (30–84); low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.707725–0.708188); and negative ƐNd(t) values of the Yihe complex suggest that it originated from the partial melting of the lower crust and lithospheric mantle. However, the geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic results of the ZJG granodiorite are characterized by I-type granites: Na2O + K2O values of 7.27 to 7.94 wt%, negative Nb anomalies, positive Pb anomalies, higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.710979–0.714841), and much lower ƐNd(t) values (−27.1 to −30.1). The Late Jurassic Zhujiagou complex was derived from partial melting of a thickened low crust, and during the Late Triassic, magmatic rocks were formed under a post-collisional extensional regime. Multiple upwellings of the asthenosphere facilitated the mixing of magmas derived from partial melting of the lithospheric mantle and lower crust. These mixed magmas then ascended to the upper crust after undergoing fractional crystallization, leading to the formation of the YH complex. In the Late Jurassic, the tectonic regime of the NCC shifted from compression to extension. The Late Jurassic intrusion identified in this study developed within a compressional setting linked to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean.

Geochronology and Geochemical Characteristics of Granitoids in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Range: Petrogenesis and Implications for the Early Jurassic Tectonic Evolution of the Mudanjiang Ocean

This article focuses on zircon U-Pb isotope dating and a whole-rock elemental analysis of granodiorites, monzonitic granites, granodioritic porphyries, and alkali feldspar granites in the Yangmugang area of the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Range. The zircon U-Pb isotope-dating results revealed that these granitic rocks formed during the late Early Jurassic period (182.9–177.2 Ma). Their geochemical characteristics and zircon saturation temperatures suggest that the granodiorites are moderately differentiated I-type granites and the monzonitic granite, granodioritic porphyries, and alkali feldspar granites are highly differentiated I-type granites. The degree of magma differentiation progressively increased from granodiorites to alkali feldspar granites. By combining the regional Nd and Hf isotope compositions, it was inferred that the magma source involved the melting of lower crustal material from the Mesoproterozoic to the Neoproterozoic eras. By integrating these findings with contemporaneous intrusive rock spatial variations, it was indicated that the late Early Jurassic granitoids in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Range formed within an extensional tectonic setting after the collision and closure of the Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range and Jiamusi blocks. Additionally, this study constrains the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean to the late Early Jurassic period (177.2 Ma).

The presences of water in the generation of calc-alkaline I-type granitic magmas at continental arc: Insight from Neoproterozoic Ailaoshan magmatism at the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, South China

Water is crucial in generating granitic systems; however, its role (i.e., dehydration, low to high water-fluxed melting) in granitic magmatism in continental arcs remains unsettled and poorly understood. Neoproterozoic arc-related igneous rocks are uncovered along the western margin of the Yangtze Block, presenting a complex compositional array ideal for deciphering the influence of water content within the continental arc and its geodynamic significance. The Jinping granites, in the Ailaoshan zone, are emplaced at 750 ± 4 Ma, as determined by zircon U-Pb dating. These medium to coarse-grained granites consist predominantly of plagioclase, quartz, K-feldspar, muscovite, and biotite. Characterized by high SiO2 (71.2–73.5 wt%), alkalis (K2O+Na2O=7.54–9.56 wt%) and low Fe2O3T (1.01–1.66 wt%), MgO (0.53–0.85 wt%), and CaO (0.15–0.93 wt%) concentrations, they exhibit high-K calc-alkaline signatures. The negative correlation between P2O5 and SiO2, alongside the positive correlation between Rb and Y, typifies the Jinping granites as I-type granites. Low La/Nb (1.96–3.43) and Nb/Ta (8.57–11.3) ratios, but high Th/La (0.28–0.46) and Zr/Sm (30.5–47.7) ratios, as well as whole rock εNd(t) (−0.4 to +1.3) and zircon εHf(t) values (+5.25 to +8.53) of the studied granites are similar to synchronous mafic rocks at the western margin of the Yangtze Block. These features suggest partial melting origin from the mafic lower crust. Thermodynamic modeling posits that the Neoproterozoic Ailaoshan I-type granitic rocks may have formed through water-fluxed melting (2.0–3.5 wt% H2O) under medium pressure conditions (9 kbar). It is postulated that slab rollback could have prompted water (as hydrous melt or fluids) release from hydrous minerals in the underlying cumulate mafic rocks, subsequently triggering water-fluxed melting in the lower crust. In contrast, high water-fluxed melting-generated adakitic granites with low K2O/Na2O ratios (<0.8) in the region, spatially and temporally associated with the Jinping granites, reflect higher water content in the deeper crust. This supports the notion that water was conveyed from depths to surface, facilitating the conversion of adakitic rocks into I-type granites as water content diminished. Thus, water content within the lower crust plays a pivotal role in the genesis of granitic rocks with varied compositions in a continental arc setting.

New Porphyry Copper–Molybdenum Ore Occurrence in Arganaty Granites of the Eastern Balkhash (Kazakhstan): Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy

In the Balkhash region of Kazakhstan, there are numerous copper and copper–molybdenum deposits, including superlarge Aktogay, Aidarly, Kounrad, and large Sayak deposits. Despite the proximity to these ore districts, the Arganaty district of the Eastern Balkhash region has not attracted significant interest in terms of exploration for many years. Our recent work has identified previously undetected copper–molybdenum mineralization in the granites of the Arganaty massif and has provided a new perspective on the economic potential of this area. In this study, based on the geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the Arganaty granites using data from XRF and ICP-MS methods, we reassessed the geological structure and prospectivity of this area. Our investigations have found that the intrusive rocks of the Arganaty massif belong to I-type granites and were formed in a subduction setting rather than a collision setting, as was previously believed. This also indicates the high prospects of the territory in the context of the possible discovery of large Cu or Cu–Mo deposits.

Geochemical features and radiological risk assessment of Wadi El-Regeita granites, South Central Sinai, Egypt

The exposed rocks in the Wadi El-Regeita area are quartz monzonite, granodiorite and monzogranite intruded by andesite and diorite dikes. The monzogranites studied show a marked enrichment in Rb, Ba and Sr (large ion lithophile elements, LILE) and Zr, Nb and Y (high field strength elements, HFSE), but depletion in P and Ti. The genetic characteristics of the granites revealed calc-alkaline affinity, metaluminous and/or peraluminous characteristics. The studied quartz monzonite, granodiorite, and diorite rocks represent I-type granites that were emplaced in a volcanic arc tectonic environment. The monzogranite falls into post-collisional A-type granite that was emplaced within a plate environment under extensional regime. The calculated isovalents LREE/HREE, La/Yb, La/Sm and Tb/Yb show a relative enrichment of the lighter ones in the monzogranite. The quantities of 238U, 232Th and 40K in diorite samples have been investigated by gamma-ray spectroscopy. The measured radioisotope activity concentrations in Wadi El-Regeita varied from 100 to 1604 Bq.kg−1, with a mean of 370 ± 341 Bq.kg−1 for 238U. For 232Th, the range was from 35 to 140 Bq.kg−1, with a mean of 68 ± 27 Bq.kg−1. Finally, for 40K, the range was 501–3067 Bq.kg−1, with a mean of 1355 ± 570 Bq.kg−1. The levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K detected in the diorite samples examined were found to exceed the worldwide limits of 35, 45, and 412 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The primary radiological hazards associated with these diorite dikes were attributed to the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive elements. Estimates of the radiological hazards in the granites were made and statistical methods were used to demonstrate the relationships between radionuclides and radiological factors. The statistical evaluation confirmed that uranium and its associated minerals in the diorite dikes were the main factors contributing to the radiological risks. Consequently, the study concluded that the diorite dikes found in the study area were unsuitable for construction purposes due to their elevated levels of radioactivity.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of Granodiorite Porphyry in the Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn Deposit, South China: Insights into Petrogenesis and Metallogeny

The Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn deposit is situated at the intersection of the Qin-Hang Cu polymetallic and Nanling W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belts. The age, lithology, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of granodiorite porphyry within the deposit remain subjects of debate. Additionally, there is a lack of comparative studies with the W-Sn-related granites in the region. This study conducted whole-rock major and trace element analysis, Sr-Nd isotope analysis, and zircon U-Pb dating on the Baoshan granodiorite porphyry. The zircon U-Pb age of the granodiorite porphyry is 162 ± 1 Ma. The whole-rock SiO2 and K2O contents range from 65.87 to 68.21 wt.% and 3.42 to 5.62 wt.%, respectively, indicating that the granodiorite porphyry belongs to high-potassium calc-alkaline I-type granite. The granodiorite porphyry is characterized by enrichment in LREE and depletion in HREE (LREE/HREE ratio = 6.2–21.2). The samples of granodiorite porphyry generally exhibit weak negative Eu anomalies or no Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.62–1.04, mean = 0.82). The (87Sr/86Sr)i and εNd(t) values are 0.707717–0.709506 and −7.54 to −4.87, respectively. The whole-rock geochemical composition and Sr-Nd isotopic values indicate that the magma originated from the partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic ancient crust and Neoproterozoic mafic juvenile lower crust, with the addition of high oxygen fugacity and water-rich lithospheric mantle melts. The source of the granodiorite porphyry in the Baoshan deposit is significantly different from the crust-derived metapelite source of the W-Sn-related granite in the area, indicating that different magma sources might be the main reason for the co-spatial and nearly contemporaneous development of Cu-Pb-Zn and W-Sn mineralization in the southern Hunan region.

Pan-African and Early Paleozoic Orogenic Events in Southern Tibet: Evidence from Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Kangbuzhenri Gneissic Granite in the Zhegu Area

The Zhegu area in southern Tibet is situated in the central and eastern part of the Tethys Himalayan tectonic belt, with the Kangbuzhenri area being abundant in gneissic granites. This study examines the petrology, chronology, and geochemistry of the Kangbuzhenri gneissic granite, providing insights into its Pan-African and Early Paleozoic geological evolution. The zircon U-Pb chronology indicates an upper intercept age of ~539 Ma, reflecting Pan-African orogenic events in the eastern part of the Tethys Himalayan tectonic belt, and a lower intercept age of ~144 Ma, representing a late tectonic–thermal event. Geochemically, the gneissic granites are calc-alkaline peraluminous rocks with high SiO2 and Al2O3 contents and low TiO2, P2O5, MgO, and FeOT contents. The gneissic granites are enriched in LREE and LILEs (Rb, Pb, Th, U, etc.), but relatively depleted in HREE and HFSEs (Nb, Ti, P, etc.). Most of them show a weak negative δEu anomaly, except for two samples which show a significant negative δEu anomaly due to the crystallization of plagioclase. Based on the above study, most of the gneissic granites exhibited the characteristics of an I-type granite, while two of the samples were a highly differentiated I-type granite with S-type affinities. All the above characteristics indicate that the gneissic granite likely originated from the partial melting of crustal materials and sediments with a minor involvement of mantle-derived materials. Combined with the previous chronological studies, the Kangbuzhenri gneissic granites were formed in an extensional tectonic environment during post-collision orogeny and then they were influenced by the Kerguelen mantle plume tectonic–thermal event around ~144 Ma and the subsequent Southern Tibet Detachment System (STDS).

The origin of Gangjiang adakite-like intrusions and associated porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization in the central Gangdese porphyry Cu belt, southern Tibet

The Gangjiang Cu–Mo deposit is located in the central Gangdese porphyry Cu belt (GPCB), south Tibet. Geological investigation reveals that the Gangjiang deposit is characterized by early potassic alteration, followed by late phyllic and argillic alteration. Late alteration has different degrees of overprinting over the potassic alteration zone. Copper-Mo orebodies are predominantly hosted in the potassic and phyllic alteration zones of the Miocene monzogranite porphyry (MGP) and granodiorite porphyry (GDP). In this study, we present the chemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotope compositions of fertile MGP and GDP, barren tonalite porphyrite (TP), and microgranular mafic enclaves (MMEs). Chemical compositions indicate that these intrusions are I-type granites that show high–K calc-alkaline signatures. The negative correlation between Dy/Yb and SiO2 indicates that the intrusions experienced fractionation of amphibole. They have high Sr/Y (>70) and La/Yb (>38) ratios, strong negative Nb–Ta–Ti anomalies, and positive Pb anomalies are typical for arc magma. The high Mg# of various porphyry intrusions (43–65) and MMEs (47–58) indicate the input of mafic components. Various intrusions have whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(t=13Ma) ratios of 0.70529 to 0.70674, negative εNd(t=13Ma) (−5.0 to −1.2), positive zircon εHf(t) (1.2–9.8), and homogeneous δ18O (5.8–7.1 ‰, mean 6.6 ‰). The MMEs have similar Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotopic compositions with their host rocks. The features reveal that the Gangjiang adakite-like intrusions and MME samples were derived from the partial melting of the Lhasa Paleoproterozoic crust, with contributions from the juvenile mantle that has been metasomatized by subducted sediments-derived melts. Note, the MGP, GDP, and two types of MMEs have slightly lower δ18O values (down to 4.76 ‰) but higher εNd(t) (up to −1.2) than barren TP, indicating their formation involves more mantle components. Furthermore, the MMEs in the TP and MGP have high Cu contents (up to 1485 ppm), similar to the phenomenon occurs in the Qulong deposit. The Cu-rich MME is probably formed by Cu-refertilization by the underplate arc magma in the juvenile crust. The εHf(t) and εNd(t) values of fertile porphyries increased from the Jiru, Gangjiang, to Qulong deposit indicating increased mantle material additions from the west to the east section of the GPCB. These variations in mantle components have led to an increase in the size of the porphyry Cu deposits from Jiru to Gangjiang, and then to Qulong.

Tin isotope heterogeneity and baseline of the upper continental crust

Stable Sn isotope ratios are emerging as a novel tracer for a wide range of geological processes; however, the Sn isotopic baseline of the upper continental crust (UCC) is not yet well-constrained. Here, we report high-precision Sn isotope data of a wide range of UCC samples, including granites, pegmatites, and sediments, to document the Sn isotopic composition of UCC. Significant variations in δ122/118Sn3161a (per mil deviation in 122Sn/118Sn relative to NIST 3161a) values are revealed for I-type (δ122/118Sn3161a = 0.025 ± 0.026‰ to 0.495 ± 0.046‰, n = 20) and S-type (δ122/118Sn3161a = 0.156 ± 0.018‰ to 0.501 ± 0.075‰, n = 22) granites. More extreme Sn isotope variability is observed for pegmatites, which have δ122/118Sn3161a from 0.256 ± 0.047‰ to 0.930 ± 0.049‰ (n = 13). The δ122/118Sn3161a of I-type granites decrease with decreasing TFe2O3 (total Fe as Fe2O3) and MgO contents and are attributed to the segregation of Fe-bearing minerals. Conversely, the Sn isotope variation of S-type granites appears to reflect source heterogeneity, whereas the Sn isotope variability of pegmatites may reflect fluid activity. In contrast, the loess samples display homogeneous δ122/118Sn3161a values (0.132 ± 0.034‰ to 0.239 ± 0.020‰, n = 20) that show no correlation with the degree of chemical weathering, suggesting that loess is representative of the average Sn isotope composition of UCC. The δ122/118Sn3161a values of modern sediments and sedimentary rocks range from 0.080‰ to 0.490‰ (n = 25) and the Sn isotope variations may be related to chemical weathering or sediment provenance. Based on the lithology-weighted average δ122/118Sn3161a of UCC samples (41 granites and 45 sediments) in this study, the δ122/118Sn3161a value of UCC is estimated to be 0.233 ± 0.099‰, providing a reference point for further investigations. Tin is isotopically lighter in UCC compared to the mantle, owing to magmatic differentiation and crustal evolution processes.

On the Age-Old Problem of Dating a Granite: Combined Zircon, Apatite, and Titanite Petrochronology in an I-Type Granite from Mt Stirling, Australia

Abstract To address the limitations of current dating methods, it is crucial to not only enhance existing techniques like U–Pb zircon dating but also explore alternative tools. This study focuses on three common mineral phases—zircon, apatite, and titanite—in an I-type granite. The goal is to assess their reliability as dating tools and propose improved methods for dating granitic rocks. In the case study of the Mt Stirling pluton within the Mt Buller igneous suite in Southeastern Australia, significant variability in laser ablation U–Pb zircon ages (around 100 million years) was observed. To improve the reliability of zircon age data and reduce non-magmatic-related variabilities, a data filtering protocol is applied. This protocol involves several steps such as trimming zircons with excessive K and Ca, excluding zircons with unusual core–rim age relationships, removing zircons with excessive non-formula elements (Al, Fe, and Mn), identifying hydrothermally altered zircons, and applying a 10% discordance threshold. The filtered Concordia Age (406 ± 1 Ma; mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) = 0.7, n = 80) of the host rock exhibits improved precision and reduced error compared to the unfiltered data (399 ± 2 Ma; MSWD = 9.3, n = 240). The filtered individual dates show less scatter and a mean that is different (i.e. outside statistical uncertainty), noting that their total still spans a considerable time range of ~50 million years, exceeding the individual zircon analytical reproducibility of 2 standard errors (~15 million years of 2 SE). Caution is advised when using the proposed error for the pooled analyses as a definitive precision. Similarly, trace element filtering approaches were applied to apatite and titanite samples from Mt Stirling, two phases that arguably cannot be inherited. For apatite, monitoring Ca and P as well as Zr/Y and Th/U ratios, along with identifying age groupings based on Sr concentrations, was effective in eliminating outliers and enhancing dating precision. In the case of titanite, monitoring Ca and Ti, Sr/Zr and Sr/Th ratios, and Sr/Ca and Zr/Ti ratios successfully enhanced dating precision. Notably, apatite and titanite grains were grouped in distinct Sr concentrations (high-, mid-, and low-Sr), with these groups corresponding to different date groups: high-Sr apatite and high- and low-Sr titanite returned c. 403 Ma, while low-Sr apatite and mid-Sr titanite returned c. 420 and 393 Ma, respectively. The spuriously younger or older dates may indicate an open system and influences from various common-Pb sources. The 403 Ma date coincides with the filtered zircon data, placing further confidence in the coupled approach, and is interpreted here as the igneous intrusion age. Notable is that this age is 25 Myr older than previously reported K–Ar age data, thus far considered to be the age of the intrusion. This study underscores the potential for erroneous zircon dates due to cryptic chemical influences. To enhance the reliability of age interpretation using laser ablation analyses, employing a petrochronological approach using split-stream combined age and trace element data is recommended in addition to the combination of multiple geochronometers. In the case of Mt Buller, it has proven crucial to carefully verify chemical closure of all applied geochronometers by monitoring concomitant trace element concentrations. Applied to other intrusions, petrochronology can play a critical role in obtaining reliable age information, even for igneous rocks that appear pristine. With this, we emphasise the importance of a careful approach towards individual age data interpretation, which can be produced fast and in abundance with modern analytical approaches.