Low Degrees Of Partial Melting Research Articles

Carbonatite and ultrabasic magmatism at Toro Ankole and Virunga, western branch of the East African Rift system

The western branch of the East African Rift hosts four main Neogene-Quaternary volcanic provinces, characterized by products with wide chemical and mineralogical variability. This study focuses on the two northernmost volcanic provinces, Toro Ankole where ∼0.2 Ma-old carbonatites, melilitites and kamafugites, erupted together with foidites, and Virunga where ∼13–9 Ma-old strongly and mildly alkaline rocks, from nephelinite up to trachytes crop out. Petrographic and whole/rock geochemical characteristics (low SiO2, high CaO and K2O, coupled with LILE enrichment) of 49 samples from Toro Ankole and 5 samples from Virunga (tephrites, trachybasalts and trachyandesites) point out enriched and heterogeneous sub-lithospheric mantle sources. The nature of the ultramafic nodules occasionally associated to the investigated samples highlights the presence of metasomatic veins variably enriched in clinopyroxene, phlogopite, carbonate, apatite, Ti-magnetite and titanite. 143Nd/144Nd ratios of Toro Ankole rocks are below ChUR (0.51249–0.51260), and all but two carbonatite lavas have 87Sr/86Sr ˃ BSE (0.7046–0.7056). Virunga lavas display less radiogenic 143Nd/144Nd (0.51235–0.51249) and more radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7058–0.7071). Lead isotopes are all above the NHRL (206Pb/204Pb mostly in the range 19.12–19.63). δ11B values cover the whole OIB range (−8.3 to −3.3 ‰), but with the exception of some Toro Ankole samples with notably heavier compositions (−1.9 to 6.6), here linked to the carbonate enrichment. The differences in the isotopic features observed between Toro Ankole and Virunga products may reflect a north to south change of the lithospheric mantle source in terms of composition, mineralogy and depth of melting. Toro Ankole phlogopite-bearing mantle is more intensely metasomatized by a 87Sr- and 11B-rich component (as altered oceanic crust or subducted carbonates) compare to that one beneath Virunga, in which the metasomes might contain amphibole rather than phlogopite. Low degree of partial melting of the metasomatized mantle produces magmas of carbonatitic and ultrabasic/ultrapotassic compositions of the western rift branch.

Physico-mechanical properties and shielding efficiency in relation to mineralogical and geochemical compositions of Um Had granitoid, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The current work aims to describe the physico-mechanical characteristics and shielding efficiency with reference to the mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the Neoproterozoic Um Had composite granitoid pluton in order to deduce their favorability as dimension stones. The Um Had granitoid pluton has an elliptical outline with a mean diameter of about 10 km. This pluton is a composite (ranging from white to reddish pink color), hard, massive, and medium- to coarse-grained granitoid body. It is classified as syenogranite according to their modal and bulk chemical compositions. Geochemically, the granitoid pluton is a highly calc-alkaline, peraluminous granite, formed by low degree partial melting of tonalitic source rock in a post-collisional tectonic setting. The physico-mechanical properties of the granitoid pluton under study satisfy the requirements of dimension stone in terms of their bulk density (from 2561 to 2564 kg/m3), and to some extent water absorption capacity (from 0.38% to 0.55%). However, their compressive strength values (50.4–113.4 MPa) do not achieve the minimum requirement for interior use and light duty exterior use. This study delves into the potential of some of our syenogranite samples (I, IIA, IIS, and 10) as gamma radiation shielding materials. We have assessed the mass attenuation coefficient (GMAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), exposure build-up factor (EBF), and energy absorption build-up factor (EABF) for each of these samples. The GMAC and Zeff calculations were performed using the Phy-X online software, across a photon energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. Our findings suggest an inverse relationship between photon energy and GMAC, with the highest values observed for the (I) granite sample (∼18). This study shows the promising radiation shielding capacity of our samples. The insights derived from GMAC, Zeff, EBF, and EABF can serve as a guide for the development of effective, naturally sourced radiation shielding materials.

Magmatic and post-magmatic evolution of the Newania carbonatite complex, Rajasthan, north-western India

AbstractThis work describes the mineralogy of dolomite carbonatite occurring at the Newania carbonatite complex, Rajasthan, north-western India. The mineralogy records the textural and compositional features of magmatic and post-magmatic stages of carbonatite evolution. Ferroan dolomite is the principal constituent and displays variable degrees of deformation, ranging from brittle-to-ductile deformation regimes. Apatite exhibits textural and compositional evolutionary trends from early-to-late stages of carbonatite evolution. Two varieties of amphibole are reported for the first time from this complex, ferri-winchite and cummingtonite; the former is magmatic and the latter is metamorphic in origin. The columbite–tantalite-series minerals are columbite-(Fe), and their paragenesis evolves from composite grains with pyrochlore to individual crystals. Pyrochlore is magmatic with U–Ta–Ti-rich compositions and shows evolution from calciopyrochlore to kenopyrochlore, followed by alteration during late-stages of carbonatite evolution. Monazite and baryte constitute the post-magmatic mineral assemblage; the former is hydrothermal and crystallised after precursor apatite, whereas the latter is associated exclusively with columbite–pyrochlore composites. On the basis of the mineralogy of the carbonatite, it is concluded that the parent magma was generated by low-degree partial melting of magnesite–phlogopite-bearing peridotite.

Tectonomagmatic setting and magmatic Cu-PGE metallogeny during the late Neoproterozoic in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen, NW China: Insights from the Hatu Cu-Pt-Pd-bearing mafic-ultramafic intrusion

The Hatu Intrusion is the first late Neoproterozoic Cu-PGE-bearing mafic–ultramafic intrusion in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen. The No. I intrusion with the largest scale and best mineralization delineated six Cu-Pt-Pd ore/mineralized bodies with Cu and Pt + Pd grades of 0.44–1.10% and 0.30–1.00 g/t, respectively. Chalcopyrite-bornite-(pyrrholite) is a common sulfide assemblage that disseminates in ultramafic rocks (e.g., olivine websterite, liherzolite) enriched in chrysolyte (Fo = 76–81) and orthopyroxene (En = 68–69). Zircons from the gabbro show magmatic zircons with blurred oscillatory zoning and Th/U ratios of 0.31–0.71 and yield a weighted mean age of 556 ± 4 Ma, indicating mafic–ultramafic magmatism with Cu-PGE mineralization in the late Neoproterozoic. The Hatu Intrusion exhibits the properties of continental basalt (e.g., 87Sr/86Sr = 0.71317–0.72541, 143Nd/144Nd = 0.51202–0.51246, and Ta/Hf = 0.19–1.16), indicating the geodynamic setting of terminal continental rift-related extension in response to continuous magmatism under the Rodinia supercontinent break-up in the late Neoproterozoic. The primary magma originated from low-degree (∼15–20%) partial melting of slightly metasomatized depleted mantle without accumulating sufficiently radiogenic isotopes, resulting in zircon positive εHf(t) values (5.2–15.0) and some geochemical properties of arc magma. The mafic–ultramafic rocks have Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions between depleted mantle and II-type enriched mantle with negative εNd(t) values (-12.4 – −1.7), and their S/Se ratios are 1628–7189, among which most samples (S/Se = 4534–7189) are higher than that of mantle (S/Se = 2850–4350); the δ34S values of sulfide are 0.7–2.6 ‰ and slightly greater than that of depleted mantle (δ34S = -1.8‰). The above geochemical and isotopic signals reveal the contribution of crustal sulfur to the Hatu Intrusion, which is enough to trigger sulfide saturation of Cu-Pt-Pd.

Geochemistry, petrology, and isotopic characteristics of the Enseada da Caieira intrusions: Insights from mineral chemistry and Nd and Sr isotopes from Fernando de Noronha, South Atlantic, Brazil

The alkaline magmatism found in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (BEM) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, such as that observed in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, poses intriguing questions about its origin and its relationship to guyots and onshore magmatism of similar alkaline compositions in northeast Brazil. The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA) exhibits a broad spectrum of alkaline magmatism, ranging from foiditic to phonolitic/trachytic compositions. At the Enseada da Caieira, a group of intrusions reflects this wide variety from FNA. This paper presents a complete description of these intrusions based on petrography, lithogeochemistry, and mineral and isotopic chemistry, as well as thermobarometry and petrogenetic modeling. The new data are compared with data compiled from the FNA, BEM onshore and offshore magmatism, and the Vitória-Trindade Ridge (VTR). The intrusions are classified as trachyte, alkali-basalt/basanite, phonotephrite, and picrobasalt. The compositional diversity of dikes outcropping in a relatively small area suggests a complex petrogenetic evolution for the feeding system of the Fernando de Noronha Island. This is supported by the presence of porphyritic clinopyroxenes (for example) with compositional zoning, indicating multistage crystallization processes. Flow, resorption, and glomeroporphyritic textures are common. Skeletal crystals also occur as phenocrysts of olivine and clinopyroxene due to supercooling. Secondary minerals such as zeolites and carbonate commonly occur as fillers in amygdules. Values for ƐNd range from +0.2 to +3.1. The Sr–Nd isotopic signatures suggest a mixture between an enriched component (EMII) and a depleted mantle component (DMM). A multi-approach thermobarometer using clinopyroxene, amphibole, and zircon mineral chemistry reveals different stages for crystallization, with pressure and temperature ranging from 320 to 1300 MPa and 750 to 1240 °C, respectively. The whole-rock lithogeochemistry modeling suggests a low degree of partial melting (around 2% or less) of an enriched source with variable proportions from spinel and garnet-lherzolite melting zones.

Mantle refertilization at high-pressure conditions of continental subduction channel: Evidence from orogenic peridotites in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China

Refertilization of depleted peridotites widely occurs in lithospheric mantle but is poorly understood in a continental subduction channel. The Sulu orogenic belt is a typical ultra-high pressure (UHP) terrane formed by continental subduction and collision. To understand the complex metasomatic processes on peridotites during continental subduction, we combined detailed petrographic and geochemical studies for fertile garnet lherzolites (Chijiadian) from the Sulu UHP terrane, as well as refractory peridotites (Xugou and Lijiatun) for comparison. The fertile garnet lherzolites (Chijiadian) are not residues of low-degree partial melting, but they formed from refertilization processes during peak-UHP metamorphic stages (garnet-facies) in a continental subduction channel, as reflected by abundant clinopyroxene (12 vol%) and garnet (12 vol%), low bulk-rock Mg# of 91 and high Al2O3 of 2.4–3.3 wt%. Garnet, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene display secondary poikilitic textures and often contain early phases of olivine, spinel, and garnet inclusions, indicating later precipitation of these minerals into depleted peridotite protoliths. The clinopyroxenes show enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and high 87Sr/86Sr of 0.7061–0.7084. The estimated pressure-temperature are 720–770 °C at 4.4–4.8 GPa, consistent with previous constraints on UHP conditions. These features suggest strong refertilization processes at UP-UHP conditions (garnet-facies) in continental subduction channels. The metasomatic agents for refertilization would be basaltic-intermediate melts which incorporated continental materials. Similarly, Xugou harzburgites and Lijiatun dunites also record the subducted continental signatures with enrichment of LILE and high Sr isotopes on clinopyroxenes (87Sr/86Sr: 0.7050 to 0.7065). However, Xugou harzburgites and Lijiatun dunites overall do not display the same typical refertilization features as for Chijiadian, as reflected by low abundances of clinopyroxene and high Mg# of 92–93. Consequently, continental subduction could lead to diverse types of metasomatism of refractory peridotites, including refertilization at UP-UHP metamorphic stages in subduction channels, as in other tectonic settings.

The relationship between δ18O values and incompatible element and radiogenic isotope enrichment in the Mashikiri nephelinites, of the Karoo LIP, southern Africa

The Mashikiri nephelinites (MN) are the earliest and most incompatible element-enriched magmas of the Karoo LIP. Their Zr/Nb ratios of ∼1.8 are distinct from most Karoo LIP mafic rocks, which have Zr/Nb from 10 to 18 (average ∼ 16). Low εNd (−6 to −22) with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7046 to 0.7073 have previously been explained as due to their derivation from ancient metasomatized mantle lithosphere by low degrees of partial melting. Olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts from the MN have δ18O values ranging from 5.30 to 5.96‰, and 5.50 to 6.61‰, respectively, and crystallization was from magmas having δ18O values that vary from 6.0 to 6.6‰, up to 0.9‰ higher than magmas derived from a depleted mantle source. There is no correlation between δ18O value and indications of either crustal contamination, such as SiO2 and Pb content, or fractional crystallization, such as Mg-number and Ni and Zr content. High δ18O values are, therefore, a feature of the mantle source. There is no relationship between δ18O value and indicators of mantle metasomatism such as εNd, alkalinity, or incompatible trace element concentrations and processes that enriched the magma in 18O are, therefore, unrelated to mantle metasomatism.High δ18O values in the mantle are most likely to be due to the presence of recycled crust e.g. eclogite or pyroxenite. A mixed peridotite-eclogite mantle source could have been formed by emplacement of oceanic crust into the base of the craton during Archaean subduction. Subsequent metasomatic veining that variably infiltrated the mantle, including the high-δ18O component, before eruption of the lavas would allow extremely negative εNd values to develop.

An isotopically enriched mantle component in the source of Rodrigues, Réunion volcanic hotspot

The Mascarene Islands in the western Indian Ocean, encompassing La Réunion, Mauritius, and Rodrigues, are the recent (<10 Ma) surface expressions of the Réunion hotspot. Ocean island basalts (OIB) from these islands exhibit a remarkably homogeneous long-lived radiogenic isotopic composition, coinciding with the convergence field of many global OIB trends in the mantle array. Réunion plume-related OIB therefore provide one of Earth’s most pristine representations of this “focal zone” component, which may have a primordial heritage. Besides this signature, Mascarene lavas have been suggested to retain contributions from sources with distinct compositions, including: (1) Archaean-aged zircons assimilated from continental crust within the oceanic lithosphere by trachytic magmas from Mauritius; (2) more deeply recycled continental crust components preserved by elevated 87Sr/86Sr and 208Pb/206Pb in lavas from the Piton des Neiges volcano of Réunion; and (3) an isotopically depleted mantle component resulting from interaction with Central Indian Ridge material.In this study we use Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systematics, along with major and trace element compositions of basaltic lavas from all three Mascarene Islands to investigate the relationship of their sources to well-characterized mantle endmembers. Among the Mascarene Islands, Rodrigues lavas are the most enriched in highly incompatible elements, likely reflecting shallower and lower degrees of partial melting than Réunion or Mauritius. Combined Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions indicate that lavas from the Older Series of Mauritius resemble those from Réunion, whereas lavas from the Younger and Intermediate Series, together with Rodrigues, are consistent with contributions from an isotopically depleted component. In addition, the Pb isotopic compositions of Rodrigues samples require an additional contribution from a component with a long-term enrichment in its Th/U ratio. Based on isotope mixing models, direct assimilation of continental crust embedded within the oceanic lithosphere is unlikely to account for the Pb isotopic variation of Rodrigues. A metasomatized mantle component, previously envisaged as a “fossil” Réunion plume near the Central Indian Ridge, is partially able to reproduce the trace element signature, but not the observed Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of Rodrigues. Instead, small proportions (<5%) of an EM1-like component provide a preferred endmember. The composition and origin of this component, which is exclusively reflected within Rodrigues lavas, may constitute a new geochemical feature of the Mascarene Islands and is consistent with geodynamical predictions that small-scale enriched mantle domains may be widespread in the source regions of hotspot volcanoes.

Disclosing the most intense magmatic flare-up in southern Tibet: Insights from study of the Pangduo volcanic-plutonic complex

The Gangdese arc underwent the most intense magmatic flare-up of southern Tibet in the early Eocene (peaked at ∼50 Ma), generating widespread plutonic and volcanic rocks both along and across the arc. However, the dynamic mechanism for the magmatic flare-up is mysterious. This paper systematically analyzed the petrology, mineralogy, geochronology, and geochemistry of the early Eocene volcanic and intrusive rocks in the Pangduo basin in the eastern Gangdese arc. These rocks yielded identical zircon UPb ages of ∼50 Ma and similar isotopic compositions. The low-silica (< 60 wt%) rocks, including basalt andesite and trachyandesite, result from low degree (2–3%) partial melting of garnet-bearing lithospheric mantle. Based on textural observations and geochemical studies, coupled with Rhyolite-MELTS modeling and zircon trace elements Rayleigh fractionation models, the following research results were obtained. The high-silica rhyolite, ignimbrite, and granite porphyry are the product of limited melt extraction, while the quartz monzonite belongs to the associated residual silicic cumulates. The quartz monzonitic porphyry and trachydacite show a widespread dissolution structure and high formation temperature of ∼850 °C. Whole-rock geochemical mixing model results indicate that they are generated by mixing products of mafic magma, high-silica melts, and remelting melts of quartz monzonite. The volcanic and intrusive rocks in the Pangduo basin are considered as a volcanic-plutonic complex, resulting from the synergistic effect of melt extraction and cognate magma mixing. Both the complex magmatic processes and the early Eocene magmatic flare-up are attributed to mafic magma injection.

Episodic intraplate magmatism fed by a long-lived melt channel of distal plume origin.

In the past decade, marine geophysical observations have led to the discovery of thin channels at the base of oceanic plates with anomalous physical properties that indicate the presence of low-degree partial melts. However, mantle melts are buoyant and should migrate toward the surface. We show abundant observations of widespread intraplate magmatism on the Cocos Plate where a thin partial melt channel was imaged at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. We combine existing geophysical, geochemical, and seafloor drilling results with seismic reflection data and radiometric dating of drill cores to constrain the origin, distribution, and timing of this magmatism. Our synthesis indicates that the sublithospheric channel is a regionally extensive (>100,000 km2) and long-lived feature that originated from the Galápagos Plume more than 20 Ma ago, supplying melt for multiple magmatic events and persisting today. Plume-fed melt channels may be widespread and long-lived sources for intraplate magmatism and mantle metasomatism.

Implication of deformation fabrics of schist-migmatite-gneiss and granite in understanding regional tectonics: Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC), India

Structural fabrics of schist belt, gneiss, migmatites and younger granitoids are different. Various morphology of migmatites is recognized for the first time in the southern part of EDC along with gneiss. The younger granite plutons are examined from northern through central to southern part of EDC. The paleosome-dominated portions of migmatite were possibly formed from low degree partial melting of older rocks and identified as metatexites. Whereas, the neosome dominated parts were developed by complete melting and marked as diatexites. There is a link between diatexite and granite in the southern part, which is chracterized as catazone segment. The four sub-types of metatexites are observed (viz, patch, dilatant, net and stromatic). The diatexites are dominated by two major structures (viz, schollen or raft and schlieren). Gneisses show lit-per-lit as well as fold and leucocratic material flow features. The litho-structural variation from north to south connotes systematic changes from epizone through mesozone to catazone. The qualitative study of mineral content and textural aspects from rocks at different localities suggest preserved portions of different parts of a pressure–temperature path. However, exact quantification should be possible after thermo-barometry and pseudo section study. The present contribution focuses on documentation of classic representative outcrops and petrographic features of gneissic and migmatitic rocks of EDC. It is observed that the six (6) major ductile deformation stages of Kenoran orogeny implies ductile signature before granite plutonism. Subsequently post granite emplacement deformation phenomenon indicates a transition from ductile to brittle regime and entrance into Hudsonian orogeny.

Timing of Transition from Proto- to Paleo-Tethys: Evidence from the Early Devonian Bimodal Volcanics in the North Qaidam Tectonic Belt, Northern Tibetan Plateau

The transition from the Proto- to the Paleo-Tethys is still a controversial issue. This study reports a new petrology, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and whole-rock geochemistry of volcanic rocks from the Maoniushan Formation in the Nankeke area, northern Qaidam (NQ) of the Tibetan Plateau, to provide new evidence for the transition from the Proto- to the Paleo-Tethys oceans. The volcanic suite consists mainly of rhyolitic crystal lithic tuff lavas and minor basalts. Zircon U–Pb data indicate that the bimodal volcanic rocks were formed during the Early Devonian (ca. 410–409 Ma). Geochemically, the basalts have low contents of SiO2 (48.92 wt.%–51.19 wt.%) and relatively high contents of MgO (8.94 wt.%–9.99 wt.%), TiO2 (1.05 wt.%–1.29 wt.%), K2O (2.35 wt.%–4.17 wt.%), and K2O/Na2O ratios (1.04–2.56), showing the characteristics of calc-alkaline basalts. Their rare earth element (REE) patterns and trace element spider diagrams are characterized by enrichments in LREEs (LREE/HREE = 18.31–21.34) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; Rb, Th, and K) and depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; Nb, Ta, P, and Ti), with slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.82–0.86), which are similar to Etendeka continental flood basalts (CFB). These features suggest that the basalts were most likely derived from low degree (1%–5%) partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle, contaminated by small volumes of continental crust. In contrast, the felsic volcanics have high SiO2 (68.41 wt.%–77.12 wt.%), variable Al2O3 (9.56 wt.%–12.62 wt.%), low MgO, and A/CNK ratios mostly between 1.08 and 1.15, defining their peraluminous and medium-K calc-alkaline signatures. Their trace element signatures show enrichments of LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Th, U, K, and Pb), depletion of HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ti, Ta, and P), and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.22–0.66). These features suggest that the felsic volcanics were derived from partial melting of the middle crust, without interaction with mantle melts. Considering all the previous data and geochemical features, the Maoniushan Formation volcanic rocks in NQ formed in a post-collisional extensional setting associated with asthenospheric mantle upwelling and delamination in the Early Devonian. Together with the regional data, this study proposed that the Proto-Tethys Ocean had closed and evolved to the continental subduction/collision orogeny stage during the Middle to Late Ordovician, evolved to the post-collisional extensional stage in the Early Devonian, and finally formed the Zongwulong Ocean (branches of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean) in the Late Carboniferous, forming the tectonic framework of the Paleo-Tethys Archipelagic Ocean in the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.

Origin of Alkaline Basaltic Intrusive Rocks in an Exhumed Accretionary Complex: Implications for Past Petit‐Spot Volcanism in the Ocean

AbstractAccreted basaltic rocks are expected to provide information on intraplate volcanism in the oceans. Basaltic rocks, originating from mid‐ocean ridges, plateaus, and seamounts, have been reported from exhumed accretionary complexes. However, basaltic rocks related to petit‐spot volcanism remain poorly documented. We examined basaltic intrusive rocks in an exhumed accretionary complex on Amami‐Oshima Island, Ryukyu Arc. Basaltic sills intruded mélange composed of seamount‐derived micritic limestone and basaltic rocks, which deformed together with the mudstone‐dominated mélange in the subduction zone. A separate basaltic sill intruded pelagic chert before being incorporated as a mélange block in the mudstone matrix during deformation in the subduction zone. Geochemical discrimination diagrams and trace element patterns indicate that the accreted dolerites and nonintrusive basalts likely originate from mid‐ocean ridges and hotspots, respectively. On the other hand, the geochemical characteristics of basaltic sills are compatible with alkaline basalt with enriched in incompatible trace elements relative to other basaltic rocks of hotspot origin and may represent a low degree of partial melting from a deeper mantle source (&gt;90 km). A higher ratio of gadolinium to ytterbium in the basaltic sills relative to hotspot or mid‐ocean ridge‐related basalt indicates both a deeper melting depth, and a magma source which upwelled through thick oceanic lithosphere far from the mid‐ocean ridge. Based on the timing of basaltic intrusion and geochemical features, we suggest that the basaltic intrusive rocks could record past petit‐spot volcanism in the oceanic plate.

Carbonatite formation in continental settings via high pressure – high temperature liquid immiscibility

The goal of this study is to compare compositions of high temperature silicate-carbonatite immiscible melts, known from melt inclusions and experiments, to compositions of silica-undersaturated volcanic rocks from continental settings, in order to improve understanding of the formation of calcite carbonatite rocks worldwide. Melt inclusions in this study are abundant in perovskites crystals from magnetite-perovskite cumulates sampled at the Kerimasi volcano in the East African Rift System. The temperature of complete dissolution of daughter minerals in the melt inclusions and the high CO2−content of the silicate melt (5.4–9.8 wt%) support early formation of the rock and entrapment of melts at high temperatures (∼1100 °C) and pressures (≥1 GPa). Heated-quenched melt inclusions indicate the presence of immiscible mafic-melilitite and Ca-Na-K-carbonatite melts together with a fluid phase at entrapment. Melilitite melts are low in SiO2 (29.4–33.5 wt%), moderate in MgO (4.0–5.9 wt%) but high in CaO (16.3–24.4 wt%), FeOT (9.0–13.5 wt%), Na2O (6.8–12.7 wt%) and K2O (1.8–3.2 wt%). Coexisting carbonatite melts also show high CaO-content (28.4–39.0 wt%), along with moderate-to-high Na2O (8.2–20.2 wt%) + K2O (4.1–6.6 wt%) compositions (total alkalis ranges between 13.1 and 24.3 wt%).We compared the studied silicate melts in the inclusions with a global dataset of 146 continental melilitite and 640 nephelinite compositions (GEOROC database). We argue that the studied calcite-saturated melilitite melts formed in a continental rift setting and were able to exsolve carbonatite melts that crystallized voluminous calcite carbonatite rocks during their evolution. In contrast, magnesian melilitite and nephelinite volcanic rocks from intracontinental settings are compositionally far away from any immiscibility field at feasible pressures and were only able to unmix carbonatite melts during late-stage evolution, leaving little opportunity for calcite crystallization. CaO- and alkali-rich, but extremely SiO2-undersaturated melilitite melts play a key role in early silicate-carbonatite immiscibility, can only be preserved in melt inclusions and cannot be represented by volcanic rocks. The parental melts of the studied melilitite-carbonatite melts probably formed via low-degree partial melting of modally metasomatized continental lithosphere.

Subducted carbonates not required: Deep mantle melting explains stable Ca isotopes in kimberlite magmas

Ca isotope geochemistry has great potential for improving our understanding of magmatic systems and for tracing the deep Earth carbon cycle. There are still many open questions, however, regarding the proper application of this relatively novel proxy to the study of mantle-derived magmas, including (i) the possible effects of pressure on mineral-melt Ca isotope fractionation factors, and (ii) the potential for Ca isotopes to be used as tracers of recycled marine carbonates in mantle-derived magmas. Kimberlites are mantle-derived melts that are highly enriched in CO2 and are the deepest-sourced magmas (>200 km depth) known to erupt at Earth’s surface, providing an excellent opportunity to explore these questions. We present Ca isotope data combined with detailed petrographic observations, bulk-carbonate C-O isotope data, and bulk-rock major element analyses, for a suite of 23 well-characterized kimberlite samples from their type-locality (Kimberley, South Africa). These kimberlites have abundant previous evidence for recycled surface materials in their mantle source, including low S isotope and moderately radiogenic Sr isotope compositions, yet display only limited variations in their Ca isotope compositions (δ44CaBSE of −0.08‰ to −0.27‰), with an average of −0.17 ± 0.02‰ (2SE, n = 21). This composition is indistinguishable from average carbonatites [−0.19 ± 0.03‰ (2SE, n = 106)] and OIB from recent studies [−0.16 ± 0.01‰ (2SE, n = 41)], and slightly lower than average MORB [−0.11 ± 0.02‰ (2SE, n = 31)]. Although our samples display a wide range of emplacement styles, alteration conditions, extents of magmatic differentiation, and degrees of mantle-cargo entrainment (i.e., xenocryst accumulation), we find no correlations between Ca isotopes and any of these factors. Instead, we find that low-degree partial melting of the likely kimberlite source lithology (i.e., carbon-bearing garnet lherzolite) yields modelled melt δ44CaBSE values ranging between −0.12‰ and −0.16‰ (at 1400–1500 °C), in agreement with the measured Ca isotope compositions of the Kimberley kimberlites. This observation, and the lack of heavy carbon isotope signatures in the examined samples, indicates that kimberlites do not require subducted carbonates in their mantle sources, despite their very high CO2 contents. Although several recent studies have suggested that equilibrium mineral-melt Ca isotope fractionation factors (e.g., 1000lnαgrt-melt) could be significantly different at higher pressures (i.e., due to pressure-induced changes in CaO bond lengths and coordinations), our models successfully reproduce the kimberlite data using pressure-independent predictions for mineral-melt fractionations. It remains possible, however, that differences in isotopic fractionation due to the peculiar composition of kimberlite melts (e.g., high CO2, low SiO2) are effectively cancelled out by competing pressure effects, and future work independently targeting these factors will be especially important for our understanding of Ca isotope fractionation in mantle-derived melts and the Ca isotope systematics of Earth’s mantle.

Neoproterozoic Aksu Diabase Dyke, Chinese South Tianshan: Magma Sources and Implications for Regional Gold Metallogeny

Tianshan is one of the world’s largest gold provinces; however, the relationship between gold mineralization and metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) remains poorly understood. To improve our understanding, we present new bulk-rock geochemistry and platinum group element (PGE) concentrations of the SCLM-sourced Aksu Neoproterozoic diabase dykes in Chinese South Tianshan. These data, combined with in situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of hydrothermal pyrite grains in the diabase dykes, are used to discuss the SCLM source characteristics in the region and their potential links to formation of gold deposits. The diabase dykes exhibit high Th/Yb (0.47–0.62) and low Nb/U (13.4–16.3) ratios, indicating that magma evolution involves subduction-related fluid metasomatism and limited contamination of the continental crust. This is consistent with little variation in whole-rock Pd/Zr, Cu/Zr, and Ni/MgO ratios, suggesting that no sulfide segregation was caused by crustal contamination and magma mixing. In addition, the diabase dykes show low PGE and Au contents, with high Cu/Pd (&gt;105) and low Cu/Zr (&lt;0.5) ratios, indicating that magmas were derived from low-degree partial melting of the SCLM under S-saturated conditions. Such source characteristics indicate residual sulfides and chalcophile elements (e.g., PGEs, Au, and Cu) were concentrated at the SCLM reservoir in South Tianshan. Hydrothermal pyrite in the studied dykes has similar Au/Ag ratios and trace element distribution patterns to gold-bearing pyrite of lode gold deposits in Chinese South Tianshan, indicating that metasomatized SCLM may have contributed ore metals during the formation of these gold deposits. Adding to the available data, our study highlights that the SCLM may be a potential metal source reservoir, and it may have contributed to formation of the lode gold deposits in Chinese South Tianshan.

Geochemistry, geochronology, and tectonic setting of the Cretaceous volcanic rocks in east Mongolia

Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in East Mongolia exhibit high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic series and display features of bimodal-like volcanic with a mafic and felsic members. The mafic member is composed mainly of trachybasalt and basaltic trachyandesite, with a minor amount of trachyandesite. The mafic rocks have elevated incompatible trace element concentrations and significantly negative Nb-Ta and Ti anomalies, features of typical subduction-related magmas, distinguished from OIBs. The mafic magmas have undergone fractional crystallization dominated by pyroxene and/or olivine and crustal contamination. The mafic magma was derived from low-degree partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle source that might have been metasomatized by subduction-derived fluids. The felsic member consists of trachydacite and rhyolite. The geochemical data indicate they produced from partial melting of a crustal source that is dominated by juvenile mafic rocks. Our new K-Ar dating and previous age data demonstrated that the late Mesozoic volcanism in East Mongolia took place during Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous at between 156-99 Ma. The model of the arc‒back-arc extension possibly induced by slab roll-back of the westward (paleo) Pacific-subduction can explain the geodynamic setting and the eastward young trend of the late Mesozoic volcanism in East Mongolia and its adjacent NE China.

Melt migration in rubble-pile planetesimals: Implications for the formation of primitive achondrites

Primitive achondrites represent residual mantle material of planetesimals from which up to 20% partial melts were extracted. Melting experiments on chondritic compositions suggest that melts produced by ≲20% partial melting are rich in silica and alkali elements. Such melts are highly viscous (≳103Pa⋅s), and percolation models predict that they would only migrate negligible distances over timescales of 1–10Myr. After these timescales, a planetesimal would either be melted into a magma ocean by radiogenic heating from Al26, if it formed early; or it would cool below solidus, if it formed relatively late. However, melt migration is also controlled by permeability, which could be high for aggregates of rock boulders (compared to those of mineral grains). Specifically, the theory of planet formation suggests that collisions occurred frequently between planetesimals in the early solar system. These collisions may have shattered the planetesimals into fragments with sizes of meters to tens of meters, which would have accreted gravitationally into one or more daughter bodies. We develop a model to investigate melt migration in “rubble-pile” planetesimals; in particular, the melt exchange between partially molten rock boulders and the void space between them. The results suggest that, with typical properties of primitive achondrite materials at the conditions of low-degree partial melting, melts may have been squeezed into the voids between boulders, and migrated rapidly through these channels. Therefore, primitive achondrites may record melt migration in rubble-pile bodies reaccreted from fragments of partially molten planetesimals.

Middle Miocene forearc alkaline magmatism in Amami-Oshima Island, central Ryukyu Arc: implications for paleoreconstruction of Shikoku Basin

During the middle Miocene, forearc alkaline magmatism occurred in the Outer Zone of Southwest Japan and the northern Ryukyu Arc, resulting in the formation of forearc alkaline basaltic rocks with ocean island basalt (OIB)-like chemical signatures. In contrast, subduction-related magmatism was present in the central Ryukyu Arc. However, the southwestern margin of the forearc alkaline magmatism was poorly constrained in the Ryukyu Arc. We examined two basaltic dikes in the Chichibu accretionary complex of Amami-Oshima Island, the central Ryukyu Arc. The dikes cut massive basalt, reddish chert, varicolored shale, and grey chert. The chemical compositions of basaltic dikes are characterized by the enrichment of incompatible trace elements, possibly representing a low degree of partial melting from a deep mantle source. 40Ar/39Ar dating analyses indicate that the basaltic dikes yield ages of 16.37 ± 0.14 Ma and 16.51 ± 0.10 Ma. The paleomagnetic analyses on stepwise thermal demagnetizations allowed extracting the direction of stable magnetizations with unblocking temperatures of 450–575 °C for the two dikes [(Dec, Inc) = (138.1°, − 13.3°), (124.0°, − 24.9°)]. The magnetization could be primary, acquired either as part of a secular variation or a geomagnetic excursion during reversed polarity chron/subchron. The 40Ar/39Ar ages and paleomagnetic directions within the error range imply that they intruded almost simultaneously during C5Cn.2r (16.532–16.434 Ma). The age and trace element patterns of the basaltic dikes are comparable to those of Miocene alkaline basaltic rocks, which resulted from forearc alkaline magmatism during the initial subduction of the young and warm Shikoku Basin. The discovery of alkaline basaltic dikes on Amami-Oshima Island suggests that the distribution of middle Miocene forearc alkaline magmatism may extend to the central Ryukyu Arc. Hence, the northern end of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (i.e., southern end of Shikoku Basin) could have been located south of Amami-Oshima Island around 16.5–16.4 Ma, then moved eastward to the current location.Graphical

Mineralogy of K-Rich Rocks from the Jharia Basin in Jharkhand: Indications for Cretaceous Lamproite Magmatism in Eastern India

AbstractPotassic dikes of early Cretaceous age (ca. 115 Ma) are emplaced in the Gondwana sedimentary basins of the Damodar valley in eastern India. Two potassic dikes in the Jharia basin (Ena and Moonidih) are characterized by the presence of olivine macrocrysts and phenocrysts, together with microphenocrysts of olivine, phlogopite–biotite, ilmenite, and apatite. These are set in a groundmass of phlogopite, apatite, ilmenite, spinel, and K-feldspar. Microphenocrystal and groundmass Al-Na-poor diopside and Al-poor Ti-rich amphibole are present in the Ena dike, whereas rutile, pyrite, galena, Zr-Ti-rich garnet, and quartz are minor phases occurring in the Moonidih dike. Two populations of relatively fresh olivine (I and II) are found in the Ena dike, in contrast to the Moonidih dike, where olivine macrocrysts and microphenocrysts are completely replaced by secondary magnesite, serpentine, and talc. The occurrence of fresh olivine in the Ena dike is reported for the first time in the Jharia basin. High forsterite (Fo) and Ni together with low Ca and Mn contents of the olivine-I macrocrysts suggest a mantle-derived xenocrystic origin. In contrast, the olivine-II population has high Ca and Mn, but relatively low Fo and Ni, suggesting a magmatic origin. Rimward decreasing Al and increasing Fe contents in zoned phlogopite crystals, plus the presence of groundmass spinel with compositions along the titanomagnetite trend (T2), indicate the lamproitic affinity of the K-rich dike rocks. Using a mineralogical-genetic classification scheme, the Ena and Moonidih dikes are classified as olivine-phlogopite-diopside-apatite-amphibole-feldspar lamproite and olivine-phlogopite-apatite-feldspar lamproite, respectively. We use the compositional variations of phlogopite, amphibole, apatite, and spinel to understand better the magmatic evolution and crystallization history of these potassic dikes. The Cretaceous lamproite magmatic event in eastern India was sourced from ancient metasomatized lithospheric mantle, with low-degree partial melting either triggered in the periphery of the impinging Kerguelen mantle plume head or induced by distant subduction.