Isotopic Compositions Of Zircons Research Articles

Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf-O Isotope Evidence of the Taihua Complex on the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications for Its Magmatic Process During the Early Paleoproterozoic

The Xiaoqinling is the largest terrane of the Taihua Complex and records Paleoproterozoic silicic magmatism, which is one of the most potential areas for understanding secular changes in tectonic processes during the Tectono-Magmatic Lull (TML). In this study, we use zircon U–Pb dating, Lu–Hf and O isotopic analysis to constrain the age, provenance, and magmatic processes of the protoliths for the Paleoproterozoic granitic gneiss, tonalitic gneisses, and migmatitized tonalitic gneiss from the Xiaoqinling area. The isotopic composition of zircon provides a key proxy for querying the crustal record. Integration of our new U–Pb and Hf–O isotope data with available published data from other regions of the North China Craton (NCC), allows us to better assess the secular changes of the North China Craton during the magmatic lull at ∼2.3 Ga. This study shows that the protolith of the tonalitic gneisses in the study area have crust-like Hf–O isotopic compositions with slightly negative to positive εHf(t) (−3.0− +2.1) and low to moderately elevated δ18O values (2.71–7.87‰), indicating a mixed origin of continental crust assimilated by mantle-derived magmas.

Zircon trace-element and isotopes (U–Pb, Lu–Hf, δ 18 O) response to fluid-deficient metamorphism of a subducted continental terrane (North Muya, Eastern Siberia)

Abstract The orogenic continental crust of accretionary and collisional belts worldwide is dominated by felsic and metasedimentary rocks, which show variable responses to high-grade metamorphism. Transformation of felsic rocks is commonly limited as compared to that of the enclosed mafic rocks (including eclogites sensu stricto ), which is widely attributed to availability of H 2 O–CO 2 fluids, kinetically controlled growth of high-grade assemblages, and their preferential preservation in metabasites more competent to rehydration. We report on the results of studies of the geochemical behaviour of zircon (trace-element, U–Pb, Lu–Hf and δ 18 O) in three felsic samples (two metagranitoids and one paragneiss), which are spatially (geographically and at the outcrop-scale) juxtaposed with mafic eclogites within the North Muya block (Neoproterozoic Baikalides, northern Central Asian Orogenic Belt). The data imply that metagranitoids and metasediments within the buried continental lithosphere might follow a single subduction-related P – T – t trend, whereas contrasting degrees of mineralogical and zircon transformation were governed by mineral buffer reactions in the absence of external fluids. The latter was significant only in an H 2 O-enriched protolith of metasediments. The formation of 18 O-depleted zircon recrystallization rims together with Mn enrichment of garnet rims indicate a distinct metamorphic stage without or with minor localized fluid infiltration, most likely, related to peak temperature conditions during collision. Supplementary material: The data on the mineral composition, trace-element and U–Pb–Lu–Hf–O isotopic composition of zircon are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6794043

Apatite and Zircon Geochemistry in Yao’an Alkali-Rich Porphyry Gold Deposit, Southwest China: Implications for Petrogenesis and Mineralization

The Yao’an gold deposit is located in the middle of the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan alkali-rich metallogenic belt, and this belt hosts many porphyry-type Cu-Au-Mo deposits formed at 46–33 Ma. Yao’an porphyry gold-mineralization is intimately associated with biotite syenite porphyry, whereas the contemporaneous quartz syenite porphyry is barren. In this study, we compared the major and trace elements of apatite and zircon and isotopic compositions of zircon from the biotite syenite porphyry and quartz syenite porphyry, to explore their geochemical differences that may affect their mineralization potential. The results show that both porphyries were derived from the partial melting of the thickened lower crust, which has been modified by slab-derived fluids, but has different mineral crystallization sequences, magma fluid activities, and magma oxidation states, respectively. REE contents in apatite and zircon can be used to reveal the crystallization sequence of minerals. A rapid decrease of (La/Yb)N ratio in apatite from both porphyries may be caused by the crystallization of allanite. Large variation of Cl contents and negative correlation between F/Cl and (La/Yb)N in apatite from fertile porphyry indicate that it has experienced the exsolution of Cl-bearing hydrothermal fluid. Higher Y/Ho and lower Zr/Hf in zircon from fertile porphyry indicate a stronger fluid activity than barren porphyry. The high S, V, As contents, δEu, low δCe in apatite, as well as high Ce4+/Ce3+ and log(fO2) estimated from zircon geochemistry from fertile porphyry, indicate high a oxidation state of fertile porphyry, similar to other fertile porphyries in this metallogenic belt. High fluid activity and fluid exsolution are conducive to the migration and enrichment of metal elements, which are very important for mineralization. High oxygen fugacity inhibits the precipitation of metal in the form of sulfide, thereby enhancing the mineralization potential of rock. Therefore, the exsolution of Cl-bearing hydrothermal fluid and high oxygen fugacity are the key factors promoting mineralization in Yao’an area.

Study of Lu/Hf isotopic composition of zircons using a Neptune Plus multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer with an NWR 213 laser ablation attachment

A technique of analyzing the isotopic composition of Lu and Hf and for determining the Lu/Hf and Hf/Hf isotopic ratios in zircons is presented using a Neptune Plus (Thermo Scientific) mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma with an NWR 213 (ESI) laser ablation attachment. On the example of Mud Tank, GJ-1, 91500, Plesovice and Temora-2 standard zircon samples, the uncertainty of a single measurement of the 176Hf/177Hf ratio has been obtained in the range of 0.002-0.008% in the form of 2σ (with a crater diameter of 50 μm; when it decreased to 25 μm the measurement uncertainty of the 176Hf/177Hf ratio increased by 1.5-2 times). Under the optimum parameters of the NexION 300S with NWR213 with the aim of increasing the locality of the sequential study of U/Pb and Lu/Hf isotope systems, a comparative characteristic of the application of two approaches has been obtained: in adjacent grain areas (approach 1) and in one crater (approach 2). The metrological characteristics of analyzing the isotopic composition of Lu and Hf and for determining the Lu/Hf and Hf/Hf isotopic ratios in zircons have been determined. To establish the application limits of the developed technique, the factor planning of the experiment has been developed. It was established that with a Lu/Hf ratio of 1/50 or more, the technique is not recommended to be applied due to the incorrect allowance of the isobaric effect. The procedures for measuring and calculating the Lu/Hf isotopic ratios of the isotope system in zircon have been tested on zircon grains (samples NP-46 and NP-47) of the Neplyuevsky pluton (South Urals). The data obtained was in satisfactory agreement with the data of the A. P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI).

In-situ elemental and isotopic compositions of apatite and zircon from the Shuikoushan and Xihuashan granitic plutons: Implication for Jurassic granitoid-related Cu-Pb-Zn and W mineralization in the Nanling Range, South China

The Nanling Range, South China, was world-famous for hosting abundant granitoid-related copper-lead-zinc (Cu-Pb-Zn) polymetallic ore deposits and quartz vein-type wolframite (W) ore deposits, both of which have roughly similar formation ages predominately between 150 and 160 Ma with a peak of ca. 156 Ma. In this study, accessory minerals from typical Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granitic rocks are compared in terms of elemental and isotopic compositions. Apatite from W-bearing granites in the Xihuashan pluton has lower εNd(t) value (−11.9 to −8.6) than that from Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing granitic rocks in Shuikoushan with εNd(t) value of −8.7 to −4.2 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7097–0.7109. Zircon grains in Xihuashan, yielded εHf(t) value from −14.9 to −11.4, δ18O value from 8.6‰ to 10.4‰, and highly variable and negative δ7Li value (−45.8‰ to −3.8‰), whereas those in Shuikoushan have relatively higher εHf(t) value (−10.6 to −8.1), lower δ18O value (8.4‰–9.7‰), and highly variable δ7Li values from −12.7‰ to +17.6‰. In situ Hf-O-Li isotopic compositions of zircon and Sr-Nd isotopes of apatite, suggesting that the Shuikoushan granitic pluton was likely generated from dehydration melting of amphibolite from a metal-fertile mafic source in the middle-to-lower crust, whereas the Xihuashan granitic pluton could be derived from partial melting of metapelite with minor amphibolite in the middle to upper crust. The geochemical records in accessory minerals fingerprint that the Shuikoushan granitic magma was characterized by high Cl content (0.11–1.44 wt%) and logfo2 value (>ΔFMQ+1), whereas the Xihuashan granitic magma have elevated F (3.51–4.80 wt%) and Li (3.49–42.4 ppm) contents with low logfo2 value (<FMQ+0), which suggested moderately oxidized magmas with high Cl contents are in favor of the formation of magmatic-hydrothermal Cu-Pb-Zn deposits, whereas weakly reduced magmas with high F and Li contents could be involved in the formation of the quartz vein-type wolframite deposits. In conclusion, different source rocks and magmatic evolution processes are the key to the understanding of the Jurassic diverse granitoid-related mineralization in the Nanling Range.

Late Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal event in the northwestern North China Craton: Evidence from U-Pb dating and O-Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from metasedimentary rocks north of Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia, northern China

The Khondalite Belt is located in the northwestern North China Craton and contains late Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks that generally underwent high-grade metamorphism. Only a few supracrustal sequences experienced low-grade metamorphism such as the Meidaizhao sequence in the Daqingshan area. The Erdaowa sequence north of Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia, is another late Paleoproterozoic supracrustal unit showing relatively low-grade metamorphism compared with the adjacent metapelitic khondalites. It is composed of metavolcanic as well as clastic metasedimentary rocks and marble. It was traditionally subdivided into the Halaqin and Hongshangou Formations. We undertook an integrated study of U-Pb zircon dating and O-Hf isotopic analysis, combined with whole-rock chemistry, on metasedimentary rocks of the Erdaowa sequence in order to understand the relationship between the low- and high-grade rocks and their tectono-thermal history in the Khondalite Belt. Cores and metamorphic domains of detrital zircons from a two-mica schist of the Halaqin Formation have 207Pb/206Pb ages of 2.0 and 1.86Ga, δ18O values of 6.69–9.45‰ and 6.68–12.15‰, and ɛHf(t) values of +7.7 to +16.2 and +3.3 to +20.9, respectively. A recrystallized core, fir-tree domain and altered domain of zircon from a Grt-St-Ky two-mica gneiss have 207Pb/206Pb ages of >2.0Ga, 1.88Ga and 1.86Ga, δ18O values of 12.10–12.75‰, 11.57–12.65‰ and 11.57–12.27‰, and ɛHf(t) values of +0.7 to +5.4, −2.0 to +4.7 and −2.0 to +0.5, respectively. These data limit the time of deposition of the sedimentary rocks between 2.0 and 1.88Ga and show a high maturity, similar to khondalites of the same sequence. Compared with previous studies, we infer that the Erdaowa sequence consists of rocks of different origins and metamorphic grades (including khondalites), which were brought up to the same crustal level as tectonic slices due to late Paleoproterozoic tectonic processes.

Triassic magmatism and Mo mineralization in Northeast China: geochronological and isotopic constraints from the Laojiagou porphyry Mo deposit

The Laojiagou Mo deposit is a newly discovered porphyry Mo deposit located in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt, Northeast China. Mo mineralization mainly occurred within the monzogranite and monzogranite porphyry. Re–Os isochron dating of molybdenites indicate a mineralization age of 234.9 ± 3.1 Ma. Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb analysis for monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite yield 206Pb/238U ages of 238.6 ± 1.8 and 241.3 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating that Laojiagou Mo mineralization is related to Middle Triassic magmatism. Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from both monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite are characterized by positive εHf(t) values [εHf(t) = 2.9–7.3 and 1.5–7.9, respectively] and young TDM2 model ages, which implies that the magma was derived from juvenile crust created during accretion of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Identification of the Laojiagou Mo deposit adds another important example of Triassic Mo mineralization in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt where most Triassic Mo deposits in northeast China cluster around the northern margin of North China Craton. Based on the regional geological setting and geochronological and Hf isotope characteristics, we propose that Triassic Mo deposits and related magmatic rocks in northeast China formed during the last stages of evolution of the CAOB. These deposits formed during post-collisional extension after the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean and amalgamation of the North China–Mongolian Block with the Siberian Craton.

An occurrence of the post-orogenic Triassic strata on Deokjeok Island, western Gyeonggi massif, Korea

The U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon from a metasandstone cobble and a granitic dyke in Deokjeok Island, western Gyeonggi massif, Korea, were measured using a SHRIMP-II ion microprobe to constrain the depositional age of cobble-bearing metasedimentary strata. The metasandstone cobble, collected from a metaconglomerate of the slighltly-metamorphosed sedimentary unit (SMU), yielded 50 to 200 μm long zircon crystals showing variable internal structures together with rounded corners. Sixty spots were analysed from 60 detrital crystals, including two spots of Permian metamorphic overgrowth dated at 255 ± 4 Ma (1σ) and 263 ± 4 Ma (1σ), respectively. Except for the Permian ages, their U-Pb age distribution pattern is characterized by a few major populations at ~400 Ma, ~1.0 Ga and ~2.5 Ga, and several minor peaks between 400 Ma and 2.5 Ga. This pattern is identical to that of the Devonian Taean Formation widespread along the western Gyeonggi massif. On the other hand, the ~260 Ma overgrowth age in the cobble could represent the zircon fraction formed in the sedimentary protolith of the cobble during the Permo-Triassic collisional orogeny. Zircon crystals from a granitic dyke intruding the SMU generally showed the oscillatory zonation, and yielded the weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 225 ± 3 (tσ), corresponding to its intrusion age. It is thus likely that the cobble-bearing strata might have deposited during the Triassic prior to 225 Ma. Moreover, the SMU unit may represent post-orogenic sediementary strata filling the extensional basin developing along the suture at the western margin of the Gyeonggi massif.

Contrasting zircon Hf–O isotopes and trace elements between ore-bearing and ore-barren adakitic rocks in central-eastern China: Implications for genetic relation to Cu–Au mineralization

The petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous adakitic intrusions in the Lower Yangtze River belt (LYRB), central-eastern China, and their genetic association with Cu–Au mineralization have recently been debated. This study presented integrated in-situ zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic and trace elemental data for the LYRB adakites, and a comparison with ore-barren adakites from the south Tan-Lu fault (STLF) adjacent to the LYRB. Magmatic zircons from these two series of intrusions have U–Pb ages of 145–132Ma and 136–132Ma respectively. The STLF zircons have δ18O ranging from 5.6 to 6.7‰ and εHf(t) from −28.8 to −16.4, plotted within the range of global lower crustal metabasaltic xenoliths, consistent with low-radiogenic Pb of the host adakitic rocks. In contrast, both Hf and O isotopic compositions of zircons from the LYRB are greatly variable with heavier δ18O (4.7 to 9.6‰) and higher εHf(t) values (−25.5 to +2.0) compared with the STLF series. The co-variations of Hf–O isotopes in the LYRB series reflect source heterogeneity as a result of mixing of basaltic oceanic crust with sediments (10–20%), consistent with high-radiogenic Pb and enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the host adakites. The high La, U and low Ti concentrations in the LYRB zircons also imply a volatile (perhaps, CO32−-rich, carbonatite-like) source. Combined with whole-rock geochemical data, the new results further suggest contrasting origins of the LYRB and STLF adakites from subducted oceanic crust and foundering lower continental crust, respectively.The LYRB zircons have much higher ratios of Ce4+/Ce3+ (avg.417) and Eu/Eu* (avg. 0.67) than the STLF zircons (avg. 84 and 0.44). This difference confirms that the ore-bearing adakitic magmas are more oxidized relative to the ore-barren ones. There is roughly a positive correlation between zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ and δ18O in the LYRB series, probably indicating that the elevated fO2 was related to components enriched in heavy oxygen isotopes. A possible candidate is sediments, carried by subducting slabs. The involvement of sediments may significantly promote oxidation of the resulting adakitic melts, a key factor for generation of Cu–Au mineralization, e.g., in the LYRB. This study also indicates that combined in-situ analysis of zircon REEs and δ18O could be a powerful tool to decipher the intrinsic links of fO2 with sediment components in subduction zones.

청주 화강암의 SHRIMP 저어콘 U-Pb 연대, 지구화학 및 Sr-Nd 동위원소 연구

The emplacement ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of granitoid rocks from Cheongju area, South Korea, were investigated for delineating their petrogenetic link to the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks. Zircon crystals were collected from the diorite, biotite granite and acidic dyke samples in a single outcrop. Cross-cutting relationships show that the emplacement of diorite was postdated by the intrusion of biotite granite. Both rocks have been subsequently intruded by acidic dyke. The U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon from the diorite, biotite granite, and acidic dyke were measured using a SHRIMP-II ion microprobe, yielding the crystallization ages of , , and , respectively, with 95% confidence limits (). The emplacement ages are consistent with those determined from the above relative ages. The major and trace element patterns of the rocks are consistent with those of the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks, possibly suggesting a subduction-related I-type granite. The geochemical signature is, however, betrayed by the Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of these rocks. The isotopic signatures suggest that the rocks were produced either by the partial melting of lower-crust or by the mantle-derived magma contaminated by the basement rocks during its ascent and/or emplacement. In addition, the inherited ages of zircons of the rocks (ca. 2.1, 1.8, 0.8 and 0.4 Ga) suggest a possible assimilation with crustal rocks from the Gyeonggi massif and Ogcheon metamorphic belt.

Tectonic affinities of the Houghton Inlier, South Australia: U – Pb and Hf-isotope data from zircons in modern stream sediments

The integrated in situ microanalysis of Pb and Hf isotopic compositions of zircon (TerraneChron® methodology) has been applied to detrital zircons from locally derived stream sediments in the South Para River, which samples the Houghton Inlier, South Australia. The zircons record two major events: an igneous event at 1718±8 Ma and a metamorphic event at 1625±9 Ma. The igneous event is of broadly similar age to syndepositional magmatism associated with the lower Willyama Supergroup of the Curnamona Province and syn-Kimban Orogeny intrusives of the eastern Gawler Craton. The later metamorphic event is of comparable age to the Olarian Orogeny in the Curnamona Province and to magmatic and metamorphic events in the central to western Gawler Craton. The combination of U – Pb dating and Hf-isotope data provides an additional tool to overcome ambiguities in correlating terranes with similar U – Pb ages. The Hf-isotopic compositions of the Houghton Inlier zircons and their model ages of 2.5 – 2.4 Ga suggest a closer match with the rocks of the Gawler Craton.

The isotopic composition of zircon and garnet: A record of the metamorphic history of Naxos, Greece

Growth of zircon with respect to that of garnet has been studied using a combination of petrography, U–Pb dating and oxygen isotope analysis. The aim is to document the mechanism and pressure–temperature conditions of zircon growth during metamorphism in order to better constrain the Tertiary metamorphic history of Naxos, Greece. Two metamorphisms are recognised: (1) an Eocene Franciscan metamorphism (M1) and (2) a widespread Miocene Barrovian metamorphism (M2) that increases from greenschist facies up to partial melting. An amphibolite sample contains zircon crystals characterised by a magmatic core and two metamorphic rims, denoted as A and B, dated at 200–270, 42–69, and 14–19 Ma, respectively. The first metamorphic rim A ( δ 18O = 7 ± 1‰) preserves the δ 18O value of the magmatic core (6.2 ± 0.8‰), whereas rim B is characterised by higher δ 18O values (7.8 ± 1.8‰). These observations indicate the formation of A rims by solid-state recrystallisation in a closed system with regard to oxygen and those of B in an open system. Compositional zoning in garnet is interpreted as the result of decompressional heating. Zircon B rims and garnet rims display similar δ 18O values which indicates a contemporaneous growth of garnet and zircon rims during the Miocene Barrovian event (M2). Calcic gneiss and metapelite samples contain zircon crystals with single metamorphic overgrowths aged 41–57 Ma. δ 18O values measured in zircon overgrowths (11.8 ± 1.4‰) from the calcic gneiss are similar to those measured in garnet rims (11.4 ± 1.1‰) from the same rock. This suggests that garnet rims and zircon overgrowths grew during the high pressure–low temperature event in equilibrium with prograde fluids. In the metapelite sample, δ 18O values are similar in garnet cores (14.8 ± 0.2‰) and in zircon metamorphic overgrowths (14.2 ± 0.5‰). As zircon overgrowths have been dated at ca. 50 Ma by U–Pb, garnet cores and zircon overgrowths are interpreted to have grown during the high pressure event. As demonstrated here for the island of Naxos, correlating the crystallisation of zircon with that of metamorphic index minerals such as garnet using stable isotope composition and U–Pb determination is a powerful tool for deciphering the mechanism of zircon growth and pin-pointing zircon crystallisation within the metamorphic history of a terrain. This approach is potentially hampered by an inability to verify the degree of textural equilibrium of zircon with other mineral phases, and the possible preservation (in metamorphic rims) of isotopic signatures from pre-existing zircon when they form by recrystallisation. Nevertheless, this study illustrates the application of this approach in providing key constraints on the timing and mechanism of growth of minerals important to understanding metamorphic petrogenesis.

Oxygen isotopic compositions of zircons from pyroxenite of Daoshichong, Dabieshan: Implications for crust-mantle in-teraction

Oxygen isotopic compositions of zircons from pyroxenite (∼145 Ma) of Daoshichong, Dabieshan have been measured by an ion microprobe. Both within the single grain and among different grains, oxygen isotopic ratios are homogeneous, δ18O = (7.66‰±0.46) & (1 SD, 1 σ = 0.10, n = 22). High δ18O values indicate that the mantle-derived parent magma of Daoshichong pyroxenite have undergone interaction with crustal materials. Combing with other geochemical constraints, the way of crust-mantle interaction is suggested to be source mixing other than crustal contamination. The time interval between crust-mantle interaction and formation of the parent magma of Daoshichong pyroxenite is less than several million years. The crustal component involving in crust-mantle interaction is mafic lower crust, and the parent magma of pyroxenite possibly contain large proportion (>37%) of such lower crust.

Polymetamorphic evolution of the Lewisian complex, NW Scotland, as recorded by U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon, titanite and rutile

U-Pb isotopic relations in zircon and titanite of granulite and amphibolite gneisses in the Lewisian complex and bordering Laxford Front reveal complex discordance patterns indicating multiple Late Archean and Early Proterozoic crystallization, overgrowth and Pb-loss events. The earliest stages in the evolution of the complex remain poorly resolved. Zircon ages of ≥2710 Ma date high-grade metamorphism and magmatism probably related to tectonic and magmatic accretion in a continental arc setting. A distinct event at 2490–2480 Ma, possibly initiated by metamorphism and deformation at high-grade conditions, caused amphibolitization of the granulites and emplacement of granitic pegmatites. This event can be correlated with development of Inverian shear zones and formation of granitoid layers along the Laxford Front. The emplacement of a younger generation of granitoid sheets during the Laxfordian event fromed hydrothermal titanite at ≥1754 Ma in gneisses south of the Laxford Bridge and partially reset older titanite at Scourie. Growth of secondary titanite and rutile also occurred during subsequent low-grade metamorphism at 1690–1670 Ma.