LREE Enrichment Research Articles

The Petrology and Geochemistry of REE-Enriched, Alkaline Volcanic Rocks of Ambitle Island, Feni Island Group, Papua New Guinea

Ambitle in the Feni Island Group is located within the NW trending Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) volcanic island chain, Melanesian Arc, northeastern Papua New Guinea. The TLTF chain is renowned for its alkaline magmatism, geothermal activity, copper–gold mineralization, and world-class gold mining. Although its geochemical patterns indicate island arc signatures (i.e., high LILE and depleted HFSE), TLTF volcanism is not directly related to the older Melanesian Arc subduction system. However, it may have been influenced by source mantle metasomatism linked to the older subduction. The purpose of this study is to (1) present and interpret the petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical data from Feni within the context of the tectonic evolution of the TLTF and (2) propose a geodynamic, petrogenetic model for the Feni volcanic rocks. The key methodologies used in this study are field mapping and sampling, petrographic analysis using the optical microscope, whole-rock geochemical analysis via XRF and ICP MS, and mineralogical analysis using an electron microprobe. The main rock types sampled in this study include feldspathoid-bearing basalt, trachybasalt, phonotephrite, trachyandesite, and trachydacite. Minerals identified include forsteritic olivine, diopside, augite, labradorite, andesine, anorthitic plagioclase, nepheline, and leucite in the primitive mafic suites, whereas the more evolved intermediate and felsic hypabyssal suites contain amphibole, albite, orthoclase, biotite, and either rare quartz or feldspathoids. Amphibole composition is primarily magnesiohastingsite with minor pargasite formed under polybaric conditions. Accessory minerals include apatite, titanite, and Ti-magnetite. We propose that limestone assimilation followed by fractional crystallization are plausible dominant processes in the geochemical evolution of the Ambitle volcanics. Clinopyroxene fractionation is dominant in the mafic volcanics whereas hornblende fractionation is a major petrologic process within the intermediate suites proven by the enrichment of LREE and depletions in MREE and HREE. Feni magmas are also highly enriched in REEs relative to neighboring arcs. This study is globally significant as alkaline magmas are important sources of Cu, Au, and REE as critical elements for green energy and modern technology.

Provenance Indication of Rare Earth Elements in Lake Particulates from Environmentally Sensitive Regions

The provenance of lake particulate matter in environmentally sensitive areas is crucial to understanding regional environmental and climatic changes. This study investigated two regions in the Northeast Tibetan Plateau, China: Region I (Keluke, Tuosu, and Gahai Lakes) and Region II (Qinghai Lake and nearby rivers). The results showed that: (1) The two regions have greater differences in the enrichment of rare earth elements (REEs) and heterogeneity in spatial distribution, both of which are characterized by relative enrichment of LREE and depletion of HREE, but to different degrees; (2) the source and formation of particulate matter in two regions are consistent. Particulate matter in Region I (Keluke and Tuosu Lakes) predominantly originates from granite rocks, which undergo weathering and transportation through rivers. Region II (Qinghai Lake and nearby rivers) particulate matter is affected by chemical weathering and partial recycling of detrital material. Diagenesis had a minimal impact on the particulate REEs. (3) This study primarily provides a preliminary understanding of REEs in lake particles, assessing particle changes during the water-to-sediment process and their provenance indication. Future studies will incorporate the solid fugacity (solid speciation) of REEs in particles, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of rare earth element geochemical processes. This study provides valuable insights into REEs distribution, source, and geochemical behavior in the Tibetan Plateau, underscoring the importance of REEs in understanding provenance processes, and is indicative of provenance studies in other climate change-sensitive regions of the world.

The REY geochemistry of phosphorites during metamorphism of the Haizhou Group, NW Yangtze Block, China

Rare earth elements (REE including Y—REY) in phosphorites have been used widely as a proxy for seawater chemistry at the time of their formation. However, it is unclear whether metamorphism can lead to REE remobilization and alteration of primary seawater signatures recorded in phosphorites. In this study, we examine similarly aged metamorphosed phosphorite ore deposits from the northeastern margin of the Yangtze Block (Jinping and Xinpu ore sections), with contemporaneously deposited unmetamorphosed equivalents in the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block (Weng'an ore section). New insights have been provided into the migration of rare earth elements and the redistribution of Zn and O isotopes in metamorphosed phosphorite, which suggests that the varying degrees of metamorphic fluid–rock reaction during the metamorphism process significantly reduced the δ18O value of phosphate (13.7‰ ± 2.2‰ of Jinping phosphate and 7.3‰ ± 1.8‰ of Xinpu phosphate) and added light Zn isotope. These metamorphic fluids were likely generated by the metamorphic dehydration of upper slab uplift during the plate subduction in the Triassic. The negative correlation between the O (and Zn) isotope compositions and REY contents in P-rich rocks suggests that REY were likely re-enriched during the recrystallization process of apatite. Preferential migration of LREE led to significant LREE and MREE enrichment in Haizhou metamorphosed P-rich rocks compared to Weng'an unmetamorphosed phosphorites.

Late-orogenic potassic to ultrapotassic dykes from the central Grenvillian hinterland: Trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotopic perspective

New whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope data are combined with previously published results for Sr and Nd isotopes and major and trace element chemistry to examine the petrogenetic and tectonic environments of a suite of ca. 980 Ma potassic to ultrapotassic dykes (PUD) from the Canyon domain, central Grenville Province in Canada. The PUD suite can be divided into two geochemically distinct groups that exhibit characteristic source mineralogy, depth of partial melting, and multi-stage metasomatism of heterogeneous mantle sources. Major and trace element data suggest involvement of both fertile and depleted sources involving spinel and garnet peridotite, while trace element and isotope data indicate long-term LREE and LILE enrichments and HFSE depletions in ancient subduction settings. Low time-integrated Rb/Sr, Sm/Nd, and U/Pb ratios suggest enriched mantle EM-I metasomatized by ancient subduction of continental upper crust and/or carbonate sediments. A latest phase of fluid/melt metasomatism is attributed to a late-Grenvillian intracontinental subduction and limited lithospheric extension.The late-Grenvillian tectonic setting is proposed here to be characterized by shallow-angle underthrusting of the foreland beneath the Grenvillian hinterland, where SCLM, initially of Proterozoic age and eventually of Late Archean age, became transported beneath the orogenic core. The intracontinental collision was short-lived and probably terminated because of buoyancy constraints related to the refractory character of the subducted Archean lithospheric mantle.

Paleo-Pacific Plate rollback triggered Early Cretaceous intermediate-felsic magmatism in the northern North China Craton

Extensively developed Early Cretaceous intermediate-felsic rocks in the northern North China Craton (NCC), offer an opportunity to unravel the nature of Paleo-Pacific subduction and associated geodynamic processes by investigating their spatio-temporal characteristics and petrogenesis. Here we present geochemical and geochronological results of Early Cretaceous (118–115 Ma) trachyandesites and rhyolites from the eastern Hebei, northern NCC. The trachyandesites show low MgO (0.74–2.65 wt%) and Mg# (17–38), as well as enriched whole-rock Nd-Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = -17.1 to -13.3, εHf(t) = -12.9 to -10.8), suggesting a probable origin of the enriched mafic lower crust. They also exhibit relative enrichment in LREE and flat in HREE. Trace element geochemical modeling results indicate that the trachyandesites likely formed through partial melting of the mafic lower crust at 790–820 °C and ca. 10 kbar (30–33 km). The rhyolites, characterized by higher SiO2 contents and similar εNd(t) (-17.4 to -15.5) and zircon εHf(t) values (-14.4 to -7.6) compared to the trachyandesites, probably represent the magmatic derivates of the trachyandesites. MELTS modeling results suggest that the rhyolites likely formed through fractional crystallization of the trachyandesitic magmas at ∼ 775 °C and 1–3 kbar. Integrating with previous studies, our study confirms that the Early Cretaceous intermediate-felsic magmatism across the northern NCC became younger from northwest to southeast. We propose that the change of the migration direction of these Early Cretaceous intermediate-felsic rocks is primarily attributed to slab rollback of the subducting Paleo-Pacific Plate.

Magmatic controls on Pb-Zn and W-Sn metallogenic variations in the Nanling Metallogenic Belt, South China: Difference in sources, oxygen fugacity and differentiation degree

The Nanling Metallogenic Belt (NMB) in South China contains huge amounts of Middle to Late Jurassic granitoid-related polymetallic Pb-Zn and W-Sn deposits. Whether there is a link between granitoid genesis and mineral species and what specific factors control the metallogenic specialization remained unclear. Herein, we presented a systematic investigation on the Dafang Pb-Zn ore-causative intrusion, and then placed it into the compiled comprehensive dataset of the NMB ore-hosting granitoids aiming to reveal the magmatic control on the Pb-Zn and W-Sn metallogenic variations in South China. Our results illustrate that the Dafang granitoid is potassic, alkaline (Na2O + K2O: 5.84 % to 7.87 wt%) and meta-luminous (A/CNK: 0.75 to 1.01), with middle SiO2 content (60.59–65.15 wt%), displaying an analogous nature of I-type granitoids. Trace elements of all samples are characterized by a significant enrichment in LREEs, Pb, and K, and a strong depletion of HREEs, HFSEs as well as Ba. Further zircon U-Pb dating yields a concordant age of 157.0 ± 0.8 Ma (MSWD = 1.1), consisting with the Jurassic magmatic-hydrothermal activities in the NMB. Their negative εHf(t) values (−6.7 to −10.2) and two-stage Hf model ages (1.6 to 1.7 Ga) suggest that the Dafang granitoid intrusion was generated from the partial melting of a Paleoproterozoic middle-lower crust. By comparing the Dafang with other NMB ore-causative granitoids in the comprehensive dataset, we investigated two types of ore-causative granitoids, i.e., the Pb-Zn- and W-Sn-mineralized granitoids, with distinct magmatic source, redox state and evolution degree. The Pb-Zn-bearing granitoids predominantly generated from amphibolite with a high oxygen fugacity (Ce4+/Ce3+: average 104.8, n = 55) and low differentiation degree (Rb/Sr: average 0.8, n = 60; Nb/Ta: average 12.5, n = 62). In contrast, the W-Sn metallogenic granitoids originated from metasedimentary rocks with a relatively lower oxygen fugacity (Ce4+/Ce3+: average 46.7, n = 258) and higher differentiation degree (Rb/Sr: average 59.0, n = 139; Nb/Ta: average 5.3, n = 156). Collectively, we conclude the Pb-Zn and W-Sn metallogenic variations in the NMB (South China) are jointly determined by magmatic sources, oxygen fugacity and differentiation degree.

Integration of Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Mineral Chemistry Data for the Petrogenesis of A-Type Ring Complex from Gebel El Bakriyah Area, Egypt

El Bakriyah Ring Complex (BRC) is a prominent Neoproterozoic post-collisional granite suite in the southern part of the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. The BRC bears critical materials (F, B, Nb, and Ta) in appreciable amounts either in the form of rare-metals dissemination or in the form of fluorite and barite vein mineralization. The complex consists of inner syenogranite and outer alkali feldspar granite that have been emplaced in a Pan-African assemblage made up of granitic country rocks (granodiorite and monzogranite), in addition to post-collisional fresh gabbro as a part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) in northeast Africa. Granites of the BRC are characterized by enrichment in silica, alkalis, Rb, Y, Ga, Nb, Ta, Th, and U and depletion in Sr, Ba, and Ti. Geochemical characterization of the BRC indicates that the magma is a crustal melt, which originated from the partial melting of metasedimentary sources. Concentrations of rare-earth elements (REEs) differ in magnitude from the ring complex and its granitic country rocks but they have similar patterns, which are sub-parallel and show LREEs enrichment compared to HREEs. The presence of a negative Eu anomaly in these rocks is related to plagioclase fractionation. The abundance of fluorine (F) in the different granite varieties plays an important role in the existence of a tetrad influence on the behavior of REEs (TE1, 3 = up to 1.15). Geochemical parameters suggest the crystallization of the BRC granite varieties by fractional crystallization and limited assimilation. Mn-columbite and Mn-tantalite are the most abundant rare-metals dissemination in the BRC granite varieties. We present combined field, mineralogical and geochemical data that are in favor of magma originating from a metasedimentary source for the BRC with typical characteristics of A-type granites. Our geodynamic model suggests that the Gebel El Bakriyah area witnessed the Neoproterozoic post-collisional stage of the ANS during its late phase of formation. This stage was characterized by the emplacement of fresh gabbros followed by the syenogranite and alkali-feldspar granite of the BRC into an arc-related assemblage (granodiorite and monzogranite). It is believed that the mantle-derived magma was interplated and then moved upward in the extensional environment to a shallower level in the crust owing to events of lithospheric delamination. This presumably accelerated the processes of partial melting and differentiation of the metasedimentary dominated source (Tonian-Cryogenian) to produce the A-type granites building up the BRC (Ediacaran).

Accumulation, translocation, and fractionation of rare earth elements (REEs) in fern species of hyperaccumulators and non-hyperaccumulators growing in urban areas

The issue of ion-adsorption type rare earth deposits (IADs) in urban areas of South China has garnered significant attention due to its environmental implications. Hyperaccumulator-based phytoremediation is a potentially effective solution for reducing the environmental impact of IADs in urban areas, particularly using ferns as they are known to be REE hyperaccumulators. However, the ability of different fern species to accumulate REEs in urban areas remains unknown. In this study, four fern species, including known hyperaccumulators (Dicranopteris linearis and Blechnum orientale) and other ferns (Pteris ensiformis and Cibotium barometz), were studied to investigate their REE accumulation abilities in the Guangzhou urban area. The aboveground parts of Dicranopteris linearis (848.7 μg g−1) and Blechum orientale (1046.8 μg g−1) have been found to accumulate high concentrations of REEs, demonstrating they probably can be applied for phytoremediation in the natural environments. Despite having lower REE concentrations than REE hyperaccumulators, Pteris ensiformis and Cibotium barometz still probably have the function as phytostabilizers in urban areas, as REEs can be enriched in their roots beyond the normal levels of plants. The enrichment of REEs in ferns is influenced by the availability of various nutrients (K, Ca, Fe, and P), which probably can be associated with different growth processes. The four fern species show LREE enrichment, moderate Eu anomalies and different Ce anomalies. It is difficult to absorb and transfer Ce to the aboveground parts of Blechnum orientale and Cibotium barometz. The study also identified selective enrichment of Ce in Pteris ensiformis, which has potential for comprehensive extraction of REEs when combined with other REE hyperaccumulators. REE fractionations are probably determined by the specific characteristics of different fern parts. Overall, these findings provide insights for addressing potential environmental problems related to IADs and offer guidelines for phytoremediation technology in addressing high REE levels in urban areas.

Neoproterozoic slab window in the western Yangtze Block, South China: Evidence from adakitic granodiorites, gabbro-diorites and high-K granites in the Panxi arc belt

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widespread along the margins of the Yangtze Block and record key information on the tectonic evolution of the South China Craton. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes on the Neoproterozoic granodiorites, gabbro-diorites, and high-K granites in the western Yangtze Block. The granodiorites, gabbro-diorites and high-K granites were dated at 848 ± 5.3 Ma, 824 ± 5.1 Ma and 819 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. The granodiorites have high Sr (567 ∼ 607 ppm) contents and Sr/Y (84.4 ∼ 88.0) ratios and low alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 4.3 ∼ 4.9 wt%) and Y (6.6 ∼ 7.1 ppm) and Yb (0.7 ∼ 0.9 ppm) contents, similar to typical adakitic rocks. They show low MgO (0.9 ∼ 1.3 wt%), Cr (15.2 ∼ 26.7 ppm) and Ni (3.6 ∼ 4.4 ppm) contents and positive εNd(t) (+1.7 to + 4.2) and εHf(t) (+3.0 to + 8.2) values. The parental magmas for granodiorites were generated by partial melting of thickened juvenile mafic lower crust. The gabbro-diorites are characterized by the enrichment in LREEs, significantly negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, and positive εNd(t) (+2.2 to + 4.2) and εHf(t) (+5.8 to + 10.4) values. They are inferred to be derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle modified by subduction-related fluids. The high-K granites display high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (208 ∼ 366 ppm) and alkali (Na2O + K2O = 7.6 ∼ 8.4 wt%) contents, high 10000*Ga/Al (2.31 ∼ 2.64) ratios and zircon saturation temperatures, similar to A-type granites. We suggest that these granites were formed by the partial melting of felsic crustal materials under low pressure and high temperature conditions. The association of granodiorites, gabbro-diorites and high-K granites indicates Neoproterozoic oceanic slab subduction in the western Yangtze Block. We suggest that a subducting oceanic slab window can account for Neoproterozoic magmatism in the western Yangtze Block.

REE + Y distribution in Tremadocian shelly phosphorites (Toolse, Estonia): Multi-stages enrichment in shallow marine sediments during early diagenesis

Sedimentary phosphorites in Cambrian-Ordovician boundary beds in Estonia are among Europe's most extensive phosphate rock reserves, with a tonnage of approximately three billion tonnes. In addition, they are potential sources of rare earth elements and yttrium (REE + Y). The ore consists of sandstone rich in phosphatic brachiopod fragments deposited in a shallow marine peritidal environment of the Baltic Paleobasin. A detailed geochemical and mineralogical investigation was conducted on the northern part of the Toolse deposit based on three drill core cross-sections. The REE sequestration model was developed based on the correlation of the sedimentary facies of the members of the Kallavere formation. Analyses were conducted on 140 whole-rock samples and 14 discrete black shale samples. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed for each sample. Textural analyses were conducted with field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and quantitative wavelength dispersive spectrometer (WDS) analysis of major and trace elements was performed with an emission electron probe microanalyser (EPMA).The PAAS normalised REE + Y patterns were relatively homogeneous throughout the deposit except for the cerium and yttrium contents. The REE + Y contents of the phosphorites indicate a distinctive ‘bell-shaped’ pattern enriched with middle-REE (MREE) enriched. In the lower part of the deposit, the ∑REE + Y concentration is enriched up to 12-fold, compared to the average shale, reaching up to 1234 ppm. LREE enrichment is observed in these horizons, with a 9-fold peak at neodymium. In terms of absolute values, the most prevalent REEs are, in order, Ce, Y, Nd, and La, which respectively reach maximum mean values of 296 ppm, 248 ppm, 164 ppm and 135 ppm.The profiles indicate multistage uptake during transport, deposition, and early diagenesis of brachiopod detritus. The sedimentation was associated with a steep redox gradient in the porewater in a coastal environment during the beginning of marine transgression. The near-shore upwelling of oxygen-poor deeper water rich in dissolved nutrients and Mn, combined with the input of lithogenic Fe, helped create favourable conditions for REE sequestration. Positive Y anomalies indicate an initial uptake of REE + Y by hydroxyapatite through Ca substitution in an oxic environment near the sediment–water interface. The sediment burial induced the formation of carbonate fluorapatite (CAF) and a shift to the REE adsorption uptake mechanism, reinforced by the significant intercrystalline porosity of the shells. The transition to a suboxic environment below the surface layers resulted in the reductive dissolution of Mn-(oxyhydr)oxides and the release of LREE in the porewater system, resulting in an overprint of the original REE pattern to the point of inducing positive Ce anomalies. A late enrichment in MREE occurred during early diagenesis as a result of desorption of REE from the Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides and organic-rich particles under relatively anoxic conditions.

Polymetamorphism during the Grenvillian Orogeny in SE Ontario: Results from trace element mapping, in situ geochronology, and diffusion geospeedometry

AbstractThe Flinton Group is a metasedimentary succession of the Grenville Province in SE Ontario, potentially allowing insight into the tectono‐thermal evolution of continental crust during the Mesoproterozoic. At its Green Bay locality, Flinton Group metapelites of the staurolite zone contain abundant, post‐kinematic garnet porphyroblasts. Whereas the larger garnet crystals are typically impinged, smaller crystals are isolated from each other, occasionally exhibiting elongated shapes with apparently trigonal morphology. Central sections of the garnet population of a representative sample reveal that garnet is composed of different compositional and microstructural domains. In the largest crystals of the population, garnet contains rectangular to rhombic domains, marked by sharp increases in the concentrations of Nb, V, Ti, and Cr. These domains are associated with irregularly shaped patches, characterized by spatially heterogenous enrichments of Ca and LREE, and depletions in the contents of P, Y, MREE, and HREE, accompanied by increased densities of comparatively coarse‐grained quartz inclusions hosting apatite. Microstructural relationships indicate that these domains correspond to portions of garnet that pseudomorphed biotite, with the enrichments of Nb, V, Ti, and Cr outlining the original biotite shapes. The compositional patterns formed by Ca, P, Y, and REE indicate that apatite participated in the grain‐fluid interactions that operated during the metasomatic replacement of biotite by garnet. The statistical analyses of the garnet number and size distributions confirm that garnet initially nucleated on biotite, controlled by the kinetics of attachment and detachment processes at the garnet/biotite interface, resulting in the typical impingement habit. In situ Lu–Hf garnet geochronology applied to garnet that did not pseudomorph biotite, and hence is enriched in HREE, points to a first metamorphic event at c. 1080 31 Ma. Subsequent pseudomorphism of staurolite by white mica in a Al2O3‐ and FeO‐mobile system resulted in the concomitant crystallization of a new garnet generation, forming overgrowths on the first garnet generation and nuclei in the fine‐grained matrix. Garnet that nucleated during this event grew to isolated and elongated crystals with apparently trigonal morphology, aligned in a direction c. perpendicular to the rock matrix foliation. The open‐system behaviour during this event limits the use of whole‐rock‐based geochronological and thermobarometrical applications. However, previously published in situ U–Pb ages of monazite included in the rims of the garnet crystals and in the rock matrix indicate that this event took place at c. 976 4 Ma, likely associated with a period of increased hydrothermal activity late in the metamorphic history of the Grenvillian Orogeny. Diffusion geospeedometry calculations indicate that garnet growth during this hydrothermal event lasted for less than 6 Myr.

Post-collisional ultrapotassic volcanic rocks and ultramafic xenoliths in the Eslamieh Peninsula, NW Iran: Petrological and geochemical constraints on mantle source and metasomatism

The Eslamieh Peninsula in NW Iran exposes Miocene potassic to ultrapotassic volcanic rocks that are often associated with a variety of ultramafic xenoliths. Based on geochemical features, the rocks investigated in this study can be subdivided into two main groups: 1) MgO-rich (8.0–13.9 wt%) basic (SiO2 = 46.1–50.9 wt%) rocks, which comprise mafic lamprophyres and pyroxenite xenoliths, and 2) MgO-poor (1.5–6.4 wt%) basic to intermediate (SiO2 = 48.2–61.2 wt%) rocks, mainly consisting of trachytes, felsic lamprophyres, and analcime-bearing tephriphonolites and phonotephrites. Rocks in both groups have variable but generally low Ni (10–115 ppm; mostly <60 ppm) and Cr (6–628 ppm; mostly <200 ppm), and display enrichment in LREE over HREE (e.g., La/Yb = 17–55), with a large overlap between the MgO-rich and MgO-poor types. These features are coupled with enriched LILE/HFSE ratios (e.g., Ba/Nb mostly 16–116), negative Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies and positive Pb peaks in primitive mantle-normalised diagrams (e.g., Nb/Nb* mostly <0.7). Both high-and poor-MgO samples have strongly radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.7078–0.7086), (143Nd/144Nd)i below the Chondritic Uniform Reservoir (CHUR) = 0.51235–0.51244, and ɛHfi ranging from −3.1 to −11.1‰, suggesting involvement of a lower continental crust component in their genesis. The major oxide and trace element contents the high-MgO and high-CaO rocks indicate derivation from a subcontinental lithospheric mantle source, variably metasomatised by fluids and melts released by a subducted slab in a mantle wedge. Primitive melts evolved via mafic mineral fractionation and possible assimilation of lower crust, generating the SiO2 higher and CaO-MgO-poorer group. We suggest that small degree partial melting of the enriched mantle sources could have been triggered by Neo-Tethys slab roll-back during the Arabian-Iranian collision.

Neoproterozoic potassic andesitic and lamprophyric rocks in the tupanci area, southernomost Brazil: Petrology and associated mineralization

Au and sulfide mineralizations occur in the Sul-Rio-Grandense Shield, and important occurrences of these metals are reported and attributed to the Lavras do Sul Shoshonitic Association (LSSA). Several authors point to a significant participation of andesitic and lamprophyric rocks in the formation of these deposits. The Tupanci area has the presence of andesites and lamprophyres, stratigraphically correlated to LSSA volcanic rocks (Hilário Formation), representing the northernmost exposures of this magmatism. The LSSA is one of the most complete Neoproterozoic Shoshonitic associations (ca. 592-590 Ma) in southern Brazil, containing plutonic, volcanic and hypabyssal rocks, related to the post-collisional stage of the Brasiliano/Pan-African orogeny. The andesitic rocks of the Tupanci area occur in the form of the lava flows, overlayed by volcanoclastic deposits, product of the reworking of the volcanic unit. Lamprophyres occur in the form of dykes, with N-NW direction, which are intruded in rocks of the metamorphic basement and in andesitic lava flows, being texturally separated and classified as spessartite and lamprophyric lapilli-tuff. The singular occurrence of the lamprophyric lapilli-tuff stands out, is analogous to Kimberley-type pyroclastic kimberlitic intrusions, depicting explosive manifestations linked to LSSA lamprophyres. The andesites and lamprophyres that ocour in Tupanci area show characteristics of high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks, evidenced by LILE and LREE enrichment, negative Ti and Nb anomalies, plus positive Pb anomalies and the absence of Eu anomalies. These attributes reinforce the relationship of andesitic and lamprophyric rocks with related LSSA rocks. The presence of Au and Pt grains in the matrix of lamprophyric lapilli-tuff, highlights the economic importance of these rocks for the mineral occurrences in the region, where future studies can better define the metallogenetic potential for the rocks of the Tupanci area.

Provenance, weathering, climate and tectonic setting of Padma River sediments, Bangladesh: A geochemical approach

The major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) compositions of sediments from the Padma River, Bangladesh have been examined using XRF and INAA analysis to determine their geochemical compositions, provenance, climate, weathering intensity and tectonic setting. The Padma River sediments from the region were remarkably comparable, demonstrating elemental depletion and pointing to a low geochemical maturation. Sediment samples are classified as arkose which are considered as chemically immature sediments, deposited under semi-arid to semi-humid climatic conditions due to the weakening of Indian summer monsoon. The low CIA values (48.6–58.8), PIA (48.1–63.4) and Rb/Sr ratios of the river sediments suggest low intensity of chemical weathering in the source area. The Padma River is originated from the Higher Himalaya and the sediments derived from metasediments (Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series) as are evident by major, trace elements discriminate diagram and REE pattern. Most of the sand samples were derived from felsic source rock (granite) whereas some samples are plotted in the intermediate rock types (granodiorite) in the A-CNK-FM and discriminant function diagrams. High LREE enrichment and relatively flat HREE fractionation in chondrite-normalized REE patterns (LaN/YbN = 7.50–13.20) demonstrated felsic source origin. TiO2 versus Zr plot shows that Padma River sediments have felsic to intermediate provenance. According to Log (K2O/Na2O) vs. SiO2 discriminant diagram and La–Th–Sc, Th–Sc–Zr/10 ternary plot, the Padma River sediments were deposited in passive continental margin. The Padma River sediments have been compared with Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR), Brahmaputra-Jamuna River (BJR), Ganges River (GR) and Upper Meghna River (UMR), which results suggest that there is contrast among the sediments of different Himalayan Rivers in relation to provenance, weathering intensity and tectonic setting.

Petrographic and Geochemical Characteristics of the Djabatoure Massif Metamagmatites from the Pan-African Orogen in Central Togo, West Africa

The Dahomeyide orogen, in Togo and adjoining parts of southeast Ghana and Benin, represents the suture of West Africa Craton (WAC) into northwest Gondwana. The suture zone corresponds to a narrow and lithologically diverse area with high pressure granulite complexes. The Djabatoure massif, located in the central part of Togo, belongs to the suture zone. The aim of this paper is to present the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of the Djabatoure massif in order to better understand the geodynamic evolution of the Dahomeyide belt in Togo. The methodology implemented is based on a synthesis of previous works, a petrographic study of 20 thin sections, and a geochemical study through discrimination diagrams of 15 rock samples. Results show that the Djabatoure massif is composed of granulites, pyroxenites, amphibolites, talcschists and gneisses. These rocks were equilibrated under granulite facies conditions and subsequently partially retrogressed to the amphibolite facies. The Djabatoure massif rocks also display tholeiitic affinity, enriched LREE, and negative anomalies in Nb, Zr and Ti; all these characteristics indicate subduction zone magmtism. These features are consistent with protoliths of tholeiites, N-MORB, and volcanic arc basalts affinities. The Djabatoure massif rocks were emplaced in an oceanic environment and likely originated from a metasomatized mantle.

Petrology, geochemistry and U–Pb zircon geochronology of Fe–Ti oxide ore‐bearing mafic sill from Saltora‐Mejia area of Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex, eastern India: Implication for late tectonic emplacement of mafic rock of E‐MORB nature in an orogenic belt

An east–west‐trending medium‐grained mafic sill containing co‐genetic Fe–Ti oxide ore lenses is found disposed within granite gneisses around Saltora‐Mejia area in the eastern part of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC) of eastern India. CGGC is considered as a Proterozoic mobile belt as it witnessed multiple phases of deformation and high‐ grade metamorphism during 1.8–0.8 Ga. Occurrence of such Fe–Ti oxide ore‐bearing mafic sill is unique in the entire CGGC which is a vast Proterozoic orogenic belt and has witnessed many phases of voluminous mafic and felsic magmatisms. The mafic rock is of gabbronorite composition which contains plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene as major constituent primary minerals and amphibole as late magmatic mineral. The rock shows sub‐ophitic, intergranular, mosaic and poikilitic texture (defined by larger pargasitic grain). The gabbronorite shows iron enriched tholeiitic character, low Mg#, low abundances of Ni and Cr, slight enrichment in LILE, LREE and slight depletion in HFSE like Nb and Ti. The computed melt in equilibrium with the studied gabbronorite shows transitional orogenic to anorogenic, within‐plate and E‐MORB‐like geochemical character. In this study, the U–Pb zircon crystallization age (~960 Ma) of the Saltora‐Mejia gabbronorite is reported for the first time which coincides with the late tectonic stage of the most pervasive orogenic activity in the CGGC around 1.2–0.9 Ga. Transitional orogenic to anorogenic geochemical character, late tectonic evolution and other field and laboratory evidences together suggest evolution of the Saltora‐Mejia gabbronorite sill in a late tectonic extensional environment which might have been facilitated by delamination of a subducted plate and upwelling of asthenospheric mantle during the waning stage of a major orogeny in the CGGC.

Petrogenesis of metavolcanics and detrital zircon geochronology of the Mesoarchean western Iron Ore Group supracrustals, Singhbhum Craton (India): Evidence for an intracontinental extension setting

The Singhbhum Craton of eastern India, consisting of well-preserved Paleo- to Mesoarchean granitoids, volcanic and sedimentary rocks, is an excellent archive of early earth processes. In this contribution, we investigated the geological evolution of the Noamundi-Jamda-Koira IOG Basin (WIOG) using detrital zircon U-Pb ages, whole rock geochemical and Nd isotopic data on metavolcanic rocks from this belt including the Jagannathpur volcanics. The metavolcanics of the WIOG and Jagannathpur are compositionally basaltic andesites with enriched LREE and negative anomalies of Nb-Ta and Ti. The ratios of crustal contamination sensitive elements such as La/Sm, Sm/Nd, Nb/La, Th/Yb and Nb/Yb are close to that of bulk continental crust. The Nd isotopic composition of these basaltic andesites are broadly chondritic (εNdt = +0.93 to −1.20). The geochemical and isotopic signatures are consistent with significant assimilation of Paleoarchean granitoids of the Singhbhum Craton. The overlapping geochemical and isotopic compositions support the view that Jagannathpur volcanics is an eastward extension of the ∼3.04 Ga WIOG metavolcanics and shouldn’t be considered as a separate stratigraphic unit. The presence of pillowed structures, vesicularity, absence of volcanic breccia, and their association with clastic sediments clearly indicate a subaqueous and shallow marine eruption for the WIOG basaltic andesites. The deposition of clastic sediments before basaltic magmatism points towards lithospheric thinning and basin opening. The detrital zircon ages from the WIOG ranges from 3.51 to 2.96 Ga and the detritus was mainly sourced from the adjacent Singhbhum granite and Bonai granite. The petrogenesis of the WIOG metavolcanics can be attributed to assimilation-fractional crystallisation of a depleted mantle derived tholeiitic mafic-ultramafic magma in an intracontinental extension setting.

Characteristics of early Paleozoic granite-pegmatite and associated lithium-beryllium mineralization in the Tugeman area, Altun orogenic system, northwestern China

The Altun Orogenic Belt (AOB) is located on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. We report the petrography, zircon U-Pb ages, Hf isotopic compositions, and whole-rock geochemistry of the Tugeman pegmatitic and granitic rocks from the AOB to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating of the pegmatitic and granitic rocks yielded ages of 500–440 Ma, which we interpret as the emplacement ages of the granites and formation age of pegmatite. The granites are weakly peraluminous to peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.01–1.26), and they have high SiO2 (63.9–74.2 wt%) and Al2O3 (13.7–17.6 wt%) and low CaO (0.72–3.80 wt%) and P2O5 (0.06–0.44 wt%) contents. They show marked depletion in HREEs, enrichment in LREEs, and pronounced negative Eu anomalies, and they are enriched in Th, U, K, Pb, Nd, and Sm and depleted in Ba, Nb, Ce, Sr, P, and Ti. Zircon εHf(t) values vary from − 12.0 to + 3.3, with two-stage Hf model ages of 2.2–1.2 Ga, implying that the granites were derived mainly from ancient crust with a minor contribution from juvenile crust. Weakly peraluminous pegmatitic rocks have geochemistry characters of SiO2 (74.4–79.9 wt%) and Al2O3 (12.3–14.9 wt%) and low CaO (0.08–0.69 wt%) and P2O5 (0.05–0.33 wt%), depletion in HREEs, enrichment in LREEs, depletion in Ba, La, Ce and Ti, enriched in U, K, Pb and P. Granitic pegmatite can be formed at different stages of crystallization differentiation of granitic magma, but the pegmatite associated with highly differentiated granites is favorable to the Li and/or Be mineralization, while the pegmatite associated with low differentiated granites (such as biotite granites) is unfavorable to the Li and/or Be mineralization. Based on our findings, we propose that the Tugeman granitic magmas originated from partial melting of crustal metagreywacke and metabasalt. Furthermore, we suggest that the early Paleozoic magmatism in the Central Altun Block (CAB) can be categorized into three groups, which correspond to different tectonic events. These events include the northward subduction of the Central Altun Ocean (CAO) beneath the CAB around 520 Ma, the closure of CAO at 490–480 Ma, and post-collisional extension at 480–440 Ma induced by slab breakoff and delamination of the subducted CAO.

Genesis of the Kuh-Panj porphyry copper deposit, Kerman, Iran: Constraints from mineralization, geochemistry, fluid inclusion, and zircon U[sbnd]Pb isotope systematics

The Miocene Kuh-Panj porphyry copper deposit, with reserve estimated at about 100 Mt. at 0.21 % Cu, is located 120 km SW of Kerman in the southern part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc. The Eocene host rocks consist of tuff, lithic tuff, breccia tuff, and lava flows, ranging in composition from rhyodacite to andesite. A late Miocene granodiorite porphyry stock (8.57 ± 0.49 Ma, U/Pb zircon) intruded into the Eocene sequence. Subvolcanic dykes cut the Eocene rocks and porphyry stock. The Kuh-Panj porphyry system has an extensive and typical hydrothermal alteration zoning pattern, which is comprised of potassic, phyllic, argillic, and propylitic alteration types from inner proximal to outer distal zones. Copper mineralization occurs in potassic and to some extent in phyllic zones. Mineralization is mostly observed as disseminated, stockwork, and vein-veinlets forms in the porphyry stock. Vein paragenesis includes barren quartz, M-type (magnetite+biotite), A1-type (quartz+magnetite+chalcopyrite±chlorite±biotite), A2-type (quartz+chalcopyrite±pyrite), D-type (quartz+pyrite±chalcopyrite), and L-type (galena+sphalerite±chalcopyrite±pyrite) veins. The I-type granitoids with calc-alkaline affinity have enrichments of LILE (Pb, K, U, Sr, and Cs), depletion of HFSE (P, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Ti), and enrichment in LREE displaying geochemical similarity to arc-related magmatic rocks. The high SiO2 (ave. 68.9 wt%), high Al2O3 (ave. 14.5 wt%), low MgO (ave. 1.3 wt%), low P2O5 (< 0.2 wt%), high Sr (ave. 365 ppm), high Sr/Y (ave. 45), relatively high LaN/YbN (ave. 28), relatively high Th (ave. 8 ppm), low Y (ave. 8 ppm), and low Yb (0.5 ppm) contents are similar to those of fertile porphyries and lower crust-derived adakites. The most dominant type of fluid inclusions in quartz from mineralized veins are liquid-vapor-halite-solid (LVHS), liquid-vapor-halite (LVH), liquid-vapor (LV), and vapor-liquid (VL) fluids. Homogenization temperatures of LVHS, LVH, LV, and VL fluids range from 306 to 574 °C, 141–566 °C, 215–422°, and 349–571 °C, respectively. Salinities of LVHS, LVH, LV, and VL fluid inclusions range from 30 to 69, 29.0–65.5, 0.35–22.0, and 0.7–13.0 wt% NaCl eq., respectively. The extreme variations in salinities of fluid inclusions represent the combined effects of varying salinity of the magmatic fluid, aqueous fluid-phase immiscibility (boiling), and mixing with lower salinity meteoric water later in the cooling history of the porphyry system. Normal cooling, water-rock interaction, surface fluid dilution, and boiling are dominant factors that control both the distribution and abundance of mineralization. Zircon from the Kuh-Panj system has high Th/U (0.53 to 0.83), low Dy/Yb (<0.3) ratios, positive Eu/Eu* (1.28–1.85), strong positive Ce/Ce* (1.36 to 197) reflecting high Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios, and enrichment in HREEs relative to LREEs, which indicate the magmatic origin of zircon, oxidized, and hydrous conditions of the primary magma. This magma with adakitic affinities is favorable for producing fertile porphyry systems. Based on these multidisciplinary studies, the Kuh-Panj deposit is classified as a continental arc-related porphyry copper system hosted predominantly at the transition zone between potassic and phyllic alteration zones due to decreasing temperature, boiling, and fluid-rock reaction that all enhance CuFe sulfide saturation.

Cadomian Iron ore bodies in the Bafq-Saghand metallogenic province, Iran: genetic constraints from field observations and laser ablation ICP-MS mineral studies

ABSTRACT The volcano-sedimentary unit in the Bafq-Saghand metallogenic province (BSMP) of Central Iran hosts various types of iron ore bodies including Fe-oxides with jaspilite beds, Mn-dominated iron lenses, magnetite-apatite lenses, and massive magnetite-apatite deposits. The Fe-oxides with jaspilite beds and Mn-dominated iron lenses have limited outcrops and show volcano-sedimentary features in the field. The main features are the presence of syngenetic submarine rhyolite-hosted magnetite, lamination and bedding of iron ore body, jaspilite and dropstone. Volcano-sedimentary origin is testified by magnetite composition showing affinity to BIF and positive Eu and negative Ce anomaly. Magnetite-apatite lenses and massive magnetite-apatite deposits that having spatio-temporal correlation form the main economically important deposits. They have magmatic to high-temperature hydrothermal field characteristics (lava flow-like ore bodies, the presence of degassing tubes in ore bodies, occurrence of brecciated texture and developed Na-Ca metasomatism). Mineral composition (enrichment of LREE, magnetite and apatite negative Eu anomaly and Co/Ni < 1 in pyrites) is in agreement with magmatic and high temperature hydrothermal origin. We propose a hydrous and oxidizing mantle derived iron-rich basic magma that formed in an extensional post-collisional setting for origin of Kiruna-type IOA ore bodies of the BSMP. Fe-oxides with jaspilite beds and Mn-dominated iron lenses resulted from degassing or eruption of iron-rich magma during Ediacaran in a submarine environment. However, magnetite-apatite lenses and massive magnetite-apatite deposits formed from an Early Cambrian magmatic-hydrothermal transition system from a magnetite-crystal mush zone.