I-type Granites Research Articles

Mesoarchean charnockites from the Coorg Block, Southern India: Petrology, geochemistry and tectonic implications

• The charnockites from the Coorg Block formed from arc magmatic rocks. • The rocks were metamorphosed under granulite facies at P-T conditions of 760-800°C and 7.1-8.4 kbar. • A fertile mafic magma similar to hydrous basalt as source. • Charnockites represent vestiges of Mesoarchean arc magmatism and crustal building. Charnockites constitute the major rock type in the crustal blocks of Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT) in India. Here we present petrology, mineral chemistry, and geochemistry of the oldest charnockites in the SGT from the Coorg Block. The charnockites from this block are dominantly composed of orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, hornblende, biotite, K-feldspar, plagioclase, ilmenite, and minor garnet. Geochemical features of the charnockites indicate granitic to granodioritic protolith. In terms of aluminum saturation index, these rocks are metaluminous and represent magnesian, calc-alkaline to calcic series similar to fractionated I-type granites. They are characterized by high Mg#, enrichment of L.I.L.E. (Rb, Ba, Th, and K) and LREE (La, Ce, Nd), depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, Sr, P, and Ti), typical of volcanic arc granitoid. Their geochemical characteristics are consistent with crystal fractionation of the parental magma and chemically evolved magma. Mineral chemistry of orthopyroxene shows the trend of igneous pyroxene. The rocks were subjected to granulite facies metamorphism with estimated pressure-temperature conditions of 760-800°C and 7.1-8.4 kbar. The Coorg charnockites represent vestiges of Mesoarchean arc magmatism and crust building.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Devonian granitoids in the central Beishan orogen, NW China: geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic constraints

ABSTRACT The Devonian granitoids are widespread in the Beishan area of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, which provides key geological records for revealing the middle Palaeozoic evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. This study presents new zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock major and trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes of four granitic plutons in central Beishan. The Haergen muscovite monzogranites were emplaced in the Early Devonian (401 Ma) and are considered as S-type based on their peraluminous features and high P2O5 contents. They show high 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.7097 to 0.7141), low ℇNd(t) (−4.7 to −4.3) and variable ℇHf(t) (0 to 6.9), indicating an ancient crust source. The Balegentai, Haerteerdele, and Miaomiaojing plutons were intruded in the Late Devonian with ages of 381 Ma, 379 Ma, and 361 Ma, respectively. They are I-type granites, as indicated by their metaluminous to weakly peraluminous features and low zircon saturation temperatures. Furthermore, they present depleted 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.7042 to 0.7079), ℇNd(t) (−1.6 to 2.2) and ℇHf(t) (4.0 to 10.6), suggesting that they were derived from the partial melting of juvenile crustal rocks. The Early Devonian granitoids with an age peak of 410 Ma in central Beishan consist of I-S-A type granites with variable Nd-Hf isotopes, implying extensive interactions between juvenile and/or mantle-derived and ancient crust-derived magma. In contrast, the Middle-Late Devonian granitoids with an age peak of 370 Ma consist of I-A type granites with depleted Nd-Hf isotopes, implying the input of more juvenile materials. We conclude that a collisional event between the Mazongshan and Huaniushan units occurred during the Early Devonian. The Middle-Late Devonian magmatism was formed in an extensional setting, and the Huaniushan unit was also influenced by the northwards subduction of the Liuyuan Ocean.

Petrogenesis and tectonic settings of epithermal mineralization-related granites in the Xinchenggou area, NE China

The Xinchenggou area is located in the northeast part of the eastern segment of the Xingmeng orogenic belt (EXOB), NE China and has been demonstrated to be a promising exploration target for epithermal deposits. Although previous studies have shown that syenogranite and monzogranite occurring in the Xinchenggou area are promising in forming epithermal mineralization, the petrogenesis and geodynamic settings in which these granites were emplaced are still unclear. To address these problems, in this study detailed whole-rock major and trace element analyses for these granites were conducted. Combined with previously published data, we show that both syenogranite and monzogranite in the Xinchenggou area are high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous with high SiO2. Their rare earth element concentrations are low (ΣREE = 72.35 × 10−6–217.64 × 10−6) and show obvious differentiation between LREE and HREE (LaN/YbN=2.74–11.37), with apparent Eu negative anomalies (δEu = 0.14–0.83) and indistinctive Ce anomalies (δCe = 0.96–1.11). Combined with petrographical observations, it is suggested that both syenogranite and monzogranite are (slightly fractionated) I-type granite. Nb/Ta ratios of syenogranite and monzogranite range from 6.18 to 26.33, indicating that the granitic magma was derived from the upper mantle or the lower crust. Both syenogranite and monzogranite were emplaced in a continental arc setting, which was related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic.

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Shanagen hydrothermal vein-type Mo deposit in Derbugan metallogenic belt of the NE China and their geological significance

The Shanagen hydrothermal vein-type Mo deposit belongs to the Derbugan metallogenic belt, which is located in the Ergun block, NE China. The Mo mineralization is mainly developed in sericitized quartz siltstone around alkali-feldspar granite. In this paper, we present Molybdenite Re–Os dating, zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical data with the aim of determining metallogenic epoch and tectonic setting. Molybdenite Re–Os and zircon U–Pb dating of the alkali-feldspar granite indicate that the ore-formation and alkali-feldspar granite emplacement occurred at 143.1 ± 3.8 Ma, and 144.7 ± 0.7 Ma. Both were formed in the early Cretaceous. Chemically, the alkali-feldspar granites are enriched in L rare earth element and LILEs, depleted in H rare earth element and HFSEs, and pronounced negative Eu anomalies, are metaluminous and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and highly differentiated I-type granite. Geochemical features and concave upwards rare earth element pattern imply that alkali-feldspar granites were formed from magma generated by partial melting of lower crust. Combining the geochemistry, chronology, and the regional tectonic evolution, we infer that Shanagen hydrothermal vein-type Mo deposit was formed the extensional environment after the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean.

ГЕОХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА И КЛАССИФИКАЦИЯ ГРАНИТОВ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ РЕНТГЕНОВСКОЙ СПЕКТРАЛЬНОЙ ФЛУОРЕСЦЕНЦИИ

The primary goals of this research are the geochemistry and identification of granite rocks. The granitic rocks are part of the Syrostan massive, which is located in southern Ural. Understanding the magma process and probable mineralization deposition can be gained by classifying granite and determining geochemical characteristics. X-ray spectral fluorescence analysis was used to collect samples from outcrops for geochemical analysis. The results indicate that the rocks belong to the high-k calc alkaline to calc alkaline series. The granites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous and are classified as I-type granites, with A/CNK values ranging from 0.73 to 1.01. The majority of the rock samples are trondhjemite to slightly tonalite in composition. The most observable samples in the normative Na2OkO-CaO scheme have defined a continuous range, ranging from tonalite/trondhjemite to granodiorite. The implications of the findings provide valuable information about the petrogenesis of the rocks and their composition.

Carboniferous mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Eastern Pontides (Pulur Complex): Implications for the source of coeval voluminous granites

This study deals with the age and petrogenesis of mafic-ultramafic intrusions ranging in size from a few meters to 10 km within the Early Carboniferous high-grade gneisses of the Pulur Complex in the Eastern Pontides. The intrusions comprise dunite, wehrlite, gabbronorite, leucogabbro, anorthosite and ilmenite-bearing gabbronorite of cumulus origin, and are crosscut by dikes of ilmenite-bearing gabbronorite, leucogranite and microdiorite. U Pb dating on zircons from gabbronorite, anorthosite and leucogranite yielded igneous crystallization ages of 322–326 Ma, indicating that the intrusions were emplaced ca. 5–7 Ma after the peak of high-grade metamorphism, and form part of the Late Carboniferous high-volume magmatism in the region. In most cumulate rocks, Cr Al spinel, olivine and plagioclase were early crystallizing phases, followed by orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and hornblende. Whole rock geochemical data suggest that wehrlite, gabbronorite, leucogabbro and anorthosite stem from a common magma, and ilmenite-bearing gabbronorite and dikes of leucogranite and microdiorite from different magmas. Application of mineral/melt partition coefficients to trace element compositions of clinopyroxene and hornblende in cumulate rocks suggests that the main cumulate body was derived from middle- to high-K calc-alkaline basic melts, and relatively late ilmenite-bearing gabbronorites from hypersthene-normative Ca-rich melts. All the rock types display radiogenic Sr and Pb isotopic signatures, and unradiogenic Nd isotopic ratios, which are indistinguishable from those of the coeval voluminous high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites in the region; the isotopic ratios are probably related to the metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle by sediment-derived melts. We suggest that the parental melts of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions and those of the high-K calc-alkaline granites were genetically related, and melts of the high-K calc-alkaline granites were probably derived from the melting of newly underplated calc-alkaline basic material at lower crustal depths, that were compositionally comparable to the parental magmas of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions. • The Pulur mafic-ultramafic intrusions (NE Turkey) formed at 326–322 Ma. • They are part of the Late Carboniferous high-volume magmatism. • Parental melts of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions were middle- to high-K calc-alkaline basic melts. • The high-volume magmatism probably resulted from the convective thinning of the lithosphere.

Genesis and evaluation of heavy minerals in black sands: A case study from the southern Eastern Desert of Egypt

Black sands in the southern Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt contain substantial reserves of heavy minerals (up to 5 %), and are found mainly in three basins namely: Hodein, Ibib and Diit between Shalateen and Halayeeb cities. The heavy minerals in these black sands include ilmenite-leucoxene (31 %–44 %), magnetite (15–18 %), zircon (11–21 %), garnet and green silicates (11–15 %), rutile (6–12 %) and monazite (2–4 %). Cassiterite, thorite, uranothorite, gold, xenotime and chromian spinel are minor quantities (<1 %). Magnetite (FeO: 75–93.5 wt%) and ilmenite (TiO2: 42.7–56.9 wt%), hosting high Mn, V, Zr, Zn, Cr, Nb and Co, were probably derived from gabbroic rocks. The detrital chromian spinel composition (Cr#, 0.51–0.61; Mg#, 0.5–0.63; TiO2 < 1.0 wt%) and its morphology are similar to those of spinels in fore-arc peridotites from the SED of Egypt, suggesting dominance of fore-arc basins for peridotite emplacement. These basins were formed during arc-arc or arc-oceanic crust collision and encolsed ophiolites, gabbroic rocks and I-type granites as sources of the SED black sands. The studied garnets are mostly almandine in composition with few grossularite and spessartine; they might have been derived from I-type granites and gneisses sources. The rutile and monazite show enriched LREE relative to HREE, and display marked defeciency in Eu, suggesting highly fractionated granitic rocks as a main source. Two distinct types of zircon are recorded: radioactive (Hf: 1578–8770, Y: 319–1335, U: 36–114 and Th: 40–64 ppm) and non radioactive (Hf: 427, Y: 44, U: 2 and Th: 2 ppm); they were probably derived from different granitic sources. Compositions and P-T conditions (T: 655–970 °C, P: 1.18–9.53 kbar) of magmatic amphiboles are similar to those derived from I-type granitoids. Bulk analyses of the economic heavy mineral assemblages show significant concentrations of Fe (393 kg/ton), Zr (183 kg/ton) and Ti (129 kg/ton) with minor Cr (14 kg/ton), Ba (7 kg/ton), Hf (4.9 kg/ton), Th (up to 3.34 kg/ton) and U (0.29 kg/ton). The elevated contents of Th and U could be related to the occurrence of monazite and zircon with subordinate thorite, uranothorite and xenotime. The total REE contents of these bulk analyses range from 1 to 4 kg/ton, where LREEs form 80–90 % of total REEs. Monazite (ΣREEs: 443604 ppm on average), garnet, zicon (ΣREEs: 421 ppm) and rutile (ΣREEs: 309 ppm) are the main host of REEs in the investigated black sands. Tonnages of raw sands, to a depth of one meter, are estimated per 10 km2 in each basin, giving 18 million tons for Ibib basin and 19 million tons for both Diit and Hodein basins. Economic heavy minerals constitute 6–26 % of the total heavy minerals and around 1.0 % of total raw sands. Calculated reserves of these economic minerals, per 10 km2 of black sands, range from 0.1 million ton in Ibib and Hodein basins to 0.2 million ton in the Diit basin.

Tectonic Evolution of Granitoid Rock Granit Garba Based on Major Element in Tanjung Beringin, Muaradua, South OKU, South Sumatra

Granit Garba is one of the basements that make up the Garba Hills. Research on granitoid rocks that make up Granit Garba was carried out in the village of Tanjung Beringin and its surroundings, Muaradua District, South OKU Regency, South Sumatra Province. The formation of Granit Garba occurs due to the double subduction between Meso – Tethys with Woyla Arc and West Sumatra Block. The complete subduction of the Meso-Tethys plate then caused the collision between the two plates. The characteristics and tectonic evolution of the granitoid rocks were analyzed by conducting an XRF geochemical analysis of the major elements. The results of the analysis of the major elements of granitoid rocks have SiO2 content values ​​ranging from 63.71% to 69.55% it showing that Granit Garba is composed of quartz monzonite and granodiorite. The magma affinity of the two rocks is included in the calc-alkaline series with alumina saturation levels in the form of peraluminous and showing I-type granite.

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Ahetala Granodiorite in South Tianshan Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang: New Constraints on the Tectonic Evolution of the South Tianshan Ocean

The Ahetala granodiorite is located in the western section of the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt (STOB), which is of great significance regarding the dispute on the closing date of the South Tianshan Ocean (STO) and the tectonic evolution of STOB. To determine the tectonic setting and petrogenesis, the study of petrography, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology, and major and trace elements analyses are carried out for Ahetala granodiorite. Based on LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating, the granodiorite was emplaced at 282.1 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.11). Geochemically, Ahetala granodiorite is characterized by metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.86–0.87), rich alkali (K2O + Na2O = 6.80–7.13), which belongs to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. They are enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE (LREE/HREE = 9.02–13.89) and exhibit insignificant Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.94–0.97). Ahetala granodiorite is enriched in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Sr, Ba) and depleted in high field-strength elements (e.g., Ta, Ti, Nb, P). The Nb/Ta values (10.97–18.10), Zr/Hf values (39.41–40.19), and Mg# (54.87–56.02) of the granodiorite and the MgO content of biotites (13.42–14.16), the M value (M = Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)) of amphiboles (0.68–0.75), suggest that granodiorite originates from the crustal contamination of the mantle-derived magmas. Combined with regional geological background, previous research, and the nature of the Ahetala granodiorite, we suggest that Ahetala granodiorite was emplaced at a transitional stage of the volcanic arc (syn-collision) to post-collision setting and the South Tianshan Ocean was closed in the Early Permian.

Petrogenesis of the ca. 2.32 Ga low-δ18O gabbroic diorites and granites in the Xiaoshan area, southern North China Craton: Implications for the early Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution

The database of global zircon ages shows a marked age gap at 2.45–2.2 Ga, which was postulated associated with the global magmatic and plate tectonic “shutdown” or “slowdown”. But in recent years, a great deal of ∼ 2.3 Ga magmatism has been identified in the North China Craton (NCC). Nevertheless, tectonic evolutionary scenario of the NCC during early Paleoproterozoic is still in hot debate. This study focuses on the gabbroic diorites and biotite granites in the Xiaoshan area, southern margin of the NCC. They were emplaced at ∼ 2.32 Ga. The gabbroic diorites have low SiO2, high Mg#, Cr, Ni values, and characterized by LREE-enriched, HREE-depleted trends, slightly positive Eu anomalies with pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies. Meanwhile, the samples have low-δ18O value of 2.05–5.35 ‰, they show negative zircon εHf (t) (−5.8 to − 4.1) and whole-rock εNd (t) (−2.36 to − 1.77) values, with TDM1 ages of 2.81–2.88 Ga and 2.80–2.86 Ga respectively, and crustal assimilation was limited during magma ascent, indicating a lithospheric mantle (CLM) source, which has been refertilized by metasomatic processes. The biotite granites have low 10000 Ga/Al ratios, Zr, Zr + Nb + Ce + Y concentrations, and calculated zircon saturation temperature (697–776 °C), belonging to metaluminous I-type granite. Their highly fractionated REE patterns, high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, low Dy/Yb and Gd/Yb ratios indicating that they were derived from partial melting of a lower crust source with both garnet and amphibole in the residue. Besides, they have δ18O values ranging from 2.41 ‰ to 5.11 ‰, variable zircon εHf (t) (−1.1 to + 1.4) and whole-rock εNd (t) (−0.76 to + 0.29) values, implying they were formed mainly by reworking of the pre-existing ancient crust, which was probably triggered by underplated mantle-derived mafic magmas. In combination with previous studies on the great diversity 2.45–2.2 Ga mafic-felsic rock assemblages and their geochemical features, we prefer that the extensional tectonic regime, which can result in thermal anomaly to account for the lithospheric mantle and crustal melting, is reasonable in the early Paleoproterozoic Era, at least for the southern NCC.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of Late Carboniferous Intrusions in the Tuwu-Yandong Porphyry Cu Belt (NW China): Constraints from Geochronology, Geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf Isotopes

The Tuwu-Yandong porphyry Cu belt is located on the southern margin of the Dananhu island arc in eastern Tianshan, constituting the largest Cu metallogenic belt in Northwest China. Two episodes (~334 Ma and ~317 Ma) of porphyry Cu-Mo mineralization in the belt have been recognized, associated with Early and Late Carboniferous felsic intrusions, respectively. The Carboniferous intrusions, therefore, provide a unique opportunity to investigate tectono-magmatic-metallogenic evolution of the belt. New LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the mineralization-related and post-mineralization intrusions (granodiorite porphyry, gabbro, and granite porphyry) were formed at 321.8 ± 3.1 Ma, 313.5 ± 1.2 Ma, and 309.8 ± 2.5 Ma, respectively. The zircon trace element shows that the granodiorite porphyry (Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios, avg. 129, median = 112, n = 15) was likely derived from a more oxidized (and hydrous) magma source than that of the gabbro (Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios, avg. 74, median = 40, n = 15) and granite porphyry (Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios, avg. 100, median = 91, n = 15), being favorable for porphyry copper mineralization. The granodiorite porphyry shows an adakitic affinity (e.g., high Sr/Y ratios and low Y contents) and has high εNd(t) (6.4–6.7), εHf(t) (11.4–14.3), and Mg# values (47.4–58.1) and low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.703804–0.703953), suggesting that the melt was derived from partial melting of a subducted oceanic slab followed by mantle peridotite interaction. The gabbro exhibits higher Al2O3 (16.5–17.4 wt.%), Cr (107–172 ppm), and Ni (37–77 ppm) contents and εNd(t) (6.6–7.2), εHf(t) (11.6–15.9), and Mg # (53.3–59.9) values, while it has lower (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.703681–0.703882) than the granodiorite porphyry, indicating a depleted mantle source. The granite porphyry exhibits an affinity with non-fractionated I-type granites and possesses higher SiO2 (71.1–72.0 wt.%) contents, lower but positive εNd(t) (4.8–5.2), εHf(t) (10.3–13.0), and Mg # (38.7–41.0) values, and higher (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.704544–0.704998) than the granodiorite porphyry and gabbro, together with young Nd and Hf model ages, suggesting that the parental magmas originated from the partial melting of a juvenile lower crust. The enrichment in LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Ba, U, K and Sr) and depletion in HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) indicate that these intrusive rocks formed in the subduction zone. With the integration of previous studies, it can be inferred that the northward flat subduction of the Kangguer ocean slab at ca. 335–315 Ma caused the formation of the adakites and associated porphyry Cu mineralization in the Tuwu-Yandong belt. After the prolonged flat subduction, slab rollback may have occurred at ca. 314–310 Ma, followed by a “quiet period” before the final closure of the ancient Tianshan Ocean along the Kangguer Fault in this belt.

Mantle contribution to the generation of the giant Jinduicheng porphyry Mo deposit, Central China: New insights from combined in-situ element and isotope compositions of zircon and apatite

Identifying crust–mantle interaction is important for understanding the genesis of granite-hosted mineral deposits in post-collisional or intracontinental settings. We have used combined zircon-apatite trace element compositions, zircon HfO isotopes and apatite SrNd isotopes, which were all acquired by in-situ techniques, to evaluate the mantle contribution to the formation of a giant porphyry Mo deposit, the Jinduicheng deposit in the East Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt, Central China. Zircons from the host granites yielded a UPb age of ∼139 Ma, suggesting a post-collisional setting for the ore-related intrusion. Most magmatic zircons from the granites have Ti-in-zircon temperatures lower than 830 °C, moderate Zr/Hf ratios (25–55), and mantle-like δ18O values (peaking at ∼5.6‰), similar to typical I-type granites worldwide. The magmatic zircons have variable εHf(t) values (−26.7 to −7.2) and Ti-in-zircon temperatures (646–894 °C, peaking at ∼740 °C). The coexisting igneous apatites have initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70694–0.71027, and variable εNd(t) values (−16.0 to −9.3), Sr contents (132–663 ppm), and Eu/Eu* values (0.12–0.47). The Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the apatites and zircons, along with the positive correlations between apatite Sr contents, Eu/Eu* values, and εNd(t) values, a positive correlation between Ti-in-zircon temperatures and zircon εHf(t) values, as well as mixing modeling using SrNd isotopes, suggest that at least two end-member melts were involved in the formation of the host granites: one is the ancient lower crust-derived melt, and the other is the metasomatized lithospheric mantle-derived melt, which have relatively enriched and depleted Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, respectively. We suggest that the post-collisional lithospheric thinning, asthenospheric upwelling and underplating of the mantle-derived mafic magmas may have triggered the crustal melting, magma mixing, and generation of the host granites of the Jinduicheng deposit. We postulate that, besides the heat, the metasomatized lithospheric mantle-derived magmas likely supplied additional volatiles (e.g., Cl, S), facilitating the porphyry Mo formation. Our study highlights that, combined in-situ element and isotope compositions of accessory minerals can provide multidimensional insights into petrogenetic tracing, and enhance the genetic interpretations of granites and related mineral deposits.

Indosinian magmatism and mineralization in the Banjiaoyuan tin deposit, middle Nanling Range, South China: Constraints from zircon and cassiterite U-Pb ages, geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions

Indosinian W-Sn metallogeny associated with granites in South China has been reported in recent years by many researchers. However, the refined genetic relations between these deposits and the related granites remain unclear in most areas, and the tectonic setting of Indosinian magmatism and W-Sn mineralization are still widely controversial. The Banjiaoyuan tin deposit is located in the east vicinity of Yangmingshan pluton in the middle Nanling Range, South China. The granitic stocks in this deposit comprise two intrusive episodes, i.e., the first episode of medium-coarse-grained porphyritic tourmaline-biotite monzogranite (G1), and the second episode of micron-fine-grained tourmaline-muscovite monzogranite (G2). LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating gives weighted ages of 226.9 ± 1.6 Ma to 223.8 ± 1.9 Ma for G1, and 224.3 ± 2.0 Ma for G2, respectively. LA-MC-ICP-MS cassiterite U-Pb dating yields Tera-Wasserburg concordia age of 216.7 ± 2.4 Ma for tin mineralization. These ages indicate that both the granitic magmatism and related mineralization were initiated in the late Indosinian period. All the granites have high SiO2, Al2O3, P2O5 contents, and low TFeO, CaO, MgO, TiO2 contents, indicating that the granites are highly differentiated S-type granites, and furthermore, the high DI and Rb, K, U, Hf, Sm, low SI and Ba, Sr, Ti, TREE further show that the granites have undergone high extent of differentiation and evolution. High Rb/Nb and K/Nb ratios, low Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios, widely varying CaO/Na2O ratios, low and uniform εNd(t) values, and dominantly negative and relatively dispersed εHf(t) values jointly indicate that the granites were derived from a heterogeneous mixture of calcium-poor mudstone and calcium-rich psammite (or metamorphic igneous rocks) in the crust. The known Indosinian W-Sn deposits in South China are more closely related to S-type granites than to I-type granites, suggesting that their ore-forming materials are mainly derived from the crust. In addition, individual positive εHf(t) values indicate that a small amount of newborn crustal components were involved in the formation of granitic magma. Compared with G1, G2 differs distinctly in petrological, chemical and isotopic characteristics, especially it is more richer in F content and contains magmatic cassiterite and wolframite crystals, suggesting that G2 have undergone higher extent of differentiation and evolution, and are much more closely related to the Sn-W mineralization than G1. The late Indosinian granites in this deposit were formed in post-collisional extensional tectonic environment, while the early Indosinian granites intruded in the Yangmingshan area were formed in syn-collision compression environment. Based on the statistics, the metallogenic ages of Indosinian W-Sn deposits in South China are between 212 and 230 Ma, and the petrogenetic ages of related granites are between 211 and 230 Ma, both age groups belong to the late Indosinian period, representing a regional large-scale granitic magma intrusion and mineralization event that initiated in post-collisional extensional tectonic environment.

Source nature and magma evolution of I-type granites from the North Qinling orogen, China, revealed by zircon morphology and grain-scale variations in Hf O isotope composition

The North Qinling orogen, central China, formed above an ancient ocean-continent subduction zone and contains widespread early-Paleozoic I-type granites . Previous studies have shown that the mantle wedge beneath the north Qinling unit was significantly metasomatized and isotopically enriched relative to the lower crust in the early-Paleozoic. Therefore, material contributions from the mantle wedge and the lower continental crust can be readily distinguished in this geological setting. In this study, we show that the early-Paleozoic Zaoyuan I-type granite was emplaced at c. 417 Ma and zircon antecrysts are preserved. Our geochemical and isotopic results demonstrate that there is no evidence of a mantle source contribution in the Zaoyuan granite. Instead, it is argued that the granites formed solely by low-temperature fluid-fluxed melting of a mixture of lower and upper crustal material, in a continental arc setting. Cathodoluminescence images of magmatic zircons from the Zaoyuan granite reveal core to rim domains. Zircons from both domains are isotopically uniform and have consistent morphology. Increasing Th and U contents and δ 18 O zir and decreasing ε Hf (t) values from core to rim domains are explained by contamination of the melt during crystallization. Two granite samples have different Hf isotope compositions indicating some source heterogeneity during the formation process. Our results provide evidence for partial melting of a mixed crustal source and subsequent minor assimilation with upper crustal metasediments during crystallization. We further conclude that the suggested magma formation mode might be more common process for the generation of I-type granites in order to acquire their isotope mixing characteristics. • The Zaoyuan granite was of I-type affinity and emplaced at 417 ± 3.3 Ma. • They were formed by low-temperature fluid-fluxed melting of a mixture of different crustal sources in continental arc setting. • Zircon morphology and grain-scale Hf O isotope variations indicate contamination of upper crustal material.

Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic granitic rocks in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia: New insights for the subduction and evolution of the Paleo-Tethys

• The granitoids in East Malaya were emplaced at 289–244 Ma. • The granitoids were formed in response to the Paleotethyan subduction . • The slab roll-back of the Eastern Paleotethyan initially occur at ∼ 270 Ma. • Subduction-related granitoids in East Malaya can extend to SW China and W Borneo. Well-preserved Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic igneous rocks in Peninsular Malaysia are important for investigating the Paleotethyan tectonic evolution. This study presents new zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic data for granitoids identified from the East Malaya. By utilizing all available data, the Permian–Middle Triassic granitoids in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia can be divided into three groups. Group A (289–270 Ma) I-type granites have higher ε Nd (t) values of − 6.6 to − 2.6 and zircon ε Hf (t) values of − 7.1 to + 4.9 than Group B S-type granites (285–272 Ma) with ε Nd (t) = − 10.1 and zircon ε Hf (t) = − 23.1 to + 1.5. Group C (254–244 Ma) with A-type characteristics, has ε Nd (t) and zircon ε Hf (t) values ranging from − 7.3 to − 3.8 and − 8.9 to + 2.2, respectively. The Pb isotopic values for three groups are similar with ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb) i = 18.71–19.43, ( 207 Pb/ 204 Pb) i = 15.66–15.71 and ( 208 Pb/ 204 Pb) i = 38.27–39.43. Group A was derived from metaigneous rocks with a juvenile mafic component, while Group B was from metasedimentary rocks. Group C had a mixed source of “ancient” meta-mafic rocks with a juvenile mafic component. This study proposes that the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic granitoids were formed in response to the subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean, and that a tectonic transition from subduction to slab roll-back might occur at ∼ 270 Ma. Subduction-related granitoids in East Malaya can northernly extend to the Tachileik Batholith in eastern Myanmar and Jinghong in SW China, and southernly link with W Borneo.

Permian ridge subduction-related magmatism in the Eastern Tianshan: Implications for the evolution of the southern Altaids

Permian large-scale transcurrent tectonics and syn -kinematic ultramafic–felsic magmatism are prominent features in the Eastern Tianshan of the southern Altaids. However, the genetic relationship between coeval Ni Cu mineralized mafic-ultramafic intrusions and felsic intrusions, and the geodynamics of the region remains equivocal. To assess these topics and improve our understanding of this geologically complex and economically significant region, zircon Hf isotope and bulk-rock geochemical data from Permian granitoids along the Kanggur–Huangshan Shear Zone (KHSZ) in the Eastern Tianshan are determined and interpreted in the context of previous geochronological–geochemical data. The Kungurian Longdong (ca. 278 Ma) and Hongshi (ca. 273 Ma) granitoids are high-K, calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous I-type granitoids, whereas the Capitanian Shuangchagoubei (ca. 262 Ma) granitoids are calc-alkaline, peraluminous, adakitic I-type granitoids. All of the granitoid samples are enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, U, and K), and depleted in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), similar to arc magmas, indicating that subduction-related magmatism was still active in the late Permian. Taking into account the regional geology, and the presence of Permian high-temperature metamorphism, adakites, I-type granites, Alaskan-type Ni Cu sulfide and orogenic Au mineralization, and EW-trending N-MORB type gabbro and mélange along the KHSZ, we suggest that subduction of a spreading center during the Permian generated a slab window, allowing the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle. This permitted the generation and migration of mantle-derived magmas to shallower crustal levels along translithospheric faults (e.g., Kanggur and Yamansu faults), forming the mafic–ultramafic intrusions and associated Ni Cu sulfide deposits. The continuous migration of magma provided the necessary heat to induce partial melting of juvenile crust, generating the Permian high-K to calc-alkaline I-type granitoids. Ridge subduction-induced juvenile crustal reworking likely played a central role in the formation of the granitoids during the late Paleozoic accretionary orogenesis of the southern Altaids. • Subduction-related magmatism was active in the Eastern Tianshan in the late Permian. • Crustal growth and reworking processes must have occurred simultaneously in the Eastern Tianshan during the Permian. • Ridge subduction-induced juvenile crustal reworking likely played an important role in the formation of the granitoids in the southern Altaids.

Ca. 800 Ma I-type granites from the Hong’an Terrane, central China: New constraints on the mid-Neoproterozoic tectonic transition from convergence to extension in the northern margin of the Yangtze Block

The northern margin of the Yangtze Block was thought to have witnessed the tectonic shift from a compressional setting to an extensional setting at ca. 820 Ma, or to have remained as a subduction-related setting until ca. 700 Ma. Our new geochronological, isotopic, and geochemical data for the Daleishan granitic Pluton, which is the largest batholith in the Hong’an Terrane of the Qinling-Tongbai-Dabie Orogen, central China, provide new constraints on the Neoproterozoic magmatic and tectonic evolution of the Yangtze Block. Four representative samples from the Daleishan Pluton yield consistent zircon U–Pb ages within analytical errors of ca. 800 Ma. Samples from the pluton exhibit evolved compositions, including high SiO2 (71.53–77.05 wt%) and K2O (3.93–5.00 wt%) contents, low Zr/Hf (22–37) and Nb/Ta (7.9–16.4) ratios, enrichment in Rb, Th and U, and depletion in Ba, Sr, Eu, and Ti, with rare earth element tetrad effects in the chondrite-normalized element patterns. The studied samples have slightly elevated zircon δ18O values (+5.64 ‰ to + 7.11 ‰) relative to the mantle value but negative zircon εHf(t) (mostly of −12.0 to −5.5) and bulk rock εNd(t) (−9.6 to −7.9) values. Our new geochemical data classify the rocks as moderately to highly-fractionated I-type granite, rather than A-type granite as previously thought. These rocks may have been derived from the partial melting of mafic rocks in the region and the magma underwent fractional crystallization. Integrating the new and published data, we propose that the emplacement of the Daleishan Pluton was associated with the final stage of early Neoproterozoic oceanic-crust subduction along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block. Accordingly, a mid-Neoproterozoic tectonic transition from convergence to extension in response to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent may have occurred at 800–780 Ma.

Generation of aluminous A-type granite by partial melting of felsic restite: Evidence from Mesozoic granitoids in the southern margin of the North China Craton

Aluminous A-type granites generally show high SiO 2 contents of >70 wt%, and their petrogenesis is still hotly debated with respect to source nature, magmatic processes and tectonic setting . This paper presents a comparison of petrography , geochronology and geochemistry between a Mesozoic syenogranite and its adjacently contemporaneous granitoids in the Xiong'ershan area, the hanging wall of the Paleozoic continental collision zone between the North China Craton and the North Qinling microcontinent. Syenogranites at Taishanmiao are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and belong to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series. They contain embayed bipyramidal quartz crystals , quartz-feldspar intergrowths and high Fe biotite species as well as accessory fluorite , magnetite and ilmenite . They exhibit significantly negative Ba, Sr and Eu anomalies with most δEu values of <0.5, and relatively high contents of Nb, Ta and Zr. They are weakly magnesian to ferroan in lithochemistry and mostly fall into the field of aluminous A-type granite in terms of their high Zr contents and 10,000 × Ga/Al ratios. Furthermore, they have low Y/Nb ratios of <1.20, falling into the A1-type field of the Nb-Y-Ce ternary diagram. The geochronological results indicate that the Taishanmiao syenogranites were emplaced into the late Paleoproterozoic Xiong'er Group volcanics at 119 ± 1 Ma, consistent with emplacement ages of the late stage non-adakitic granitoids at Funiushan in the same area. Whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf O isotope compositions are similar between the two types of granitoids, indicating that they share a common magma source that is composed of the ancient crustal basement in the southern margin of the North China Craton and the juvenile crust of the North Qinling microcontinent. According to their petrographic and geochemical features, the syenogranites are categorized into aluminous A-type whereas the non-adakitic granitoids belong to I-type. Therefore, they were produced by partial melting of felsic restites after extraction of hydrous granitic melts to form the Funiushan I-type granites. As such, the composition of these granitoids is primarily dictated by both source composition and magmatic processes at the ancient convergent plate margin. Although the granitic magmatism would take place in the post-collisional period, the aluminous A-type granite was formed in the terminal stage of post-collisional magmatism. In addition, the post-collisional granites record reactivation of the hanging wall in the continental collision zone. • The Taishanmiao syenogranites belong to aluminous A1-type granite. • The syenogranites were derived from partial melting of the felsic restite. • The felsic restite was produced by extraction of hydrous granitic melts. • The syenogranites are petrogenetically associated with calc-alkaline granitoids. • Granite composition is also dictated by crustal anataxis and melt extraction.

Deformation Termination of the Kanggur Ductile Shear Zone in Eastern Tianshan, NW China: Insights from U-Pb Dating of Zircon and Apatite

The Kanggur ductile shear zone (KDSZ), located in the south margin of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt (CAOB), plays a critical role in the tectonic evolution and mineralization in eastern Tianshan. Although different isotopic chronologies have been reported, the termination of the KDSZ deformation remains controversial. Here, we provide new data obtained by U-Pb dating of zircon and apatite from Huangshandong synkinematic granite (HSG) and Huludong deformed granite (HDG) to constrain the termination of the KDSZ deformation. The U-Pb age of apatite from HSG (249.1 ± 1.8 Ma) is identical to that of zircon (256.5 ± 2.1 Ma) within the error range. In contrast, the U-Pb age of apatite from HDG (248.1 ± 4.0 Ma) is significantly younger than that of zircon (347.3 ± 2.5 Ma). The HDG and HDG have the geochemical characteristics of I-type granites petrogenesis, including high SiO2 (up to 75.47%), high alkaline (K2O + Na2O = 6.39%–8.05%), low FeOT/MgO (2.4–3.4), and peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.01–1.08). Combined with previous Sr-Nd isotope compositions, the positive zircon εHf(t) values and TDM2 ages indicate that the ca. 347 Ma HDG originated from the re-melting of juvenile crust crustal-derived magma in a volcanic arc environment during the northward subduction of the Kanggur oceanic basin, and the ca. 257 Ma HSG originated from the partial melting of thickened juvenile crust in a post-collisional environment. Although trace elements of zircon show typical magmatic characteristics, apatite does not. With the presence of distinct major and trace elements in apatite, the apatite from HSG is characterized by high Mn (&gt;2500 ppm), slight enrichment in the middle rare earth elements (MREEs), and obvious negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.09–0.21), indicating that it is related to magmatic apatite. In contrast, the apatite from HDG, with low Mn (&lt;860 ppm), depleted light rare earth elements (LREEs), and variable Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.30–1.34), demonstrated fluid metasomatism with metamorphic overprinting. Combined with the regional geology and published geochronology data, the HSG is interpreted to be derived from the magma experiencing cooling crystallization in the plastic state from 256.5 to 249.1 Ma, while the HDG is considered to have experienced metamorphism and deformation between 347.3 and 248.1 Ma. Owing to the relatively low closure temperature of the U-Pb isotopic system, the apatite U-Pb ages are interpreted as Early Triassic tectono-magmatism events, corresponding to the end of deformation of the KDSZ. This is inferred to be related to the continuous evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean in the Late Permian to Early Triassic.

Mineralogical Characteristics of Biotite and Chlorite in Zuluhong Polymetallic Deposit: Implications for Petrogenesis and Paragenesis Mechanisms of the Tungsten and Copper

The Zuluhong quartz-vein-type polymetallic deposit, located in the Alatau area of Western Tianshan, China, is a particular and typical tungsten deposit associated with copper. This paper presents major and trace element analyses of magmatic and altered (i.e, chloritized) biotite from the deposit, in order to identify the source of the magmas and characterize the mineralization physical-chemical condition. Magmatic biotite is Fe-rich and has high Rb/Ba ratios (0.27–9.14), indicative of extensive differentiation of granite. Moreover, magmatic biotite has total rare earth element (∑REE) contents that are 5–10% of the whole-rock contents, shows slight light REE depletion, and negative Ce anomalies. Magmatic biotite is enriched in some large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Rb and K) and depleted in some high-field-strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Th and Nb). These geochemical features, coupled with geological evidence, indicate that the Zuluhong intrusion is a highly fractionated I-type granite derived from lower crustal melting. During ore formation, magmatic biotite was partially to totally altered to chlorite due to interaction with ore-forming fluids. The temperature and oxygen fugacity decreased during alteration. The mineralization in the Zuluhong polymetallic deposit can be divided into at least two stages. In the early stage, quartz-vein-type wolframite mineralization formed from Si- and volatile-rich fluids that were derived from fractionated granitic magma. In the later stage, W–Cu ores formed as metal sulfides were dominated by chalcopyrite. The later ore-forming fluids experienced a decrease in temperature and oxygen fugacity as they reacted (i.e, chloritization and lesser silicification) with reducing wall rocks around the contact zone of the intrusion.