Metasomatic Fluids Research Articles

Geochemical, Sr-Nd isotopic and U-Pb zircon study of 1.88 Ga gabbro-wehrlite from north-eastern Singhbhum Craton, India: Vestiges of Precambrian oceanic crust?

Dismembered, kilometer-scale slices of gabbroid and serpentinized wehrlite rocks are found emplaced within metapelites of Chaibasa Formation, belonging to the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt, Singhbhum Craton, India. Zircon grains from the gabbroid body yield an average U-Pb crystallization age of 1881.1 ± 8.4 Ma. The undeformed gabbroid body exhibits modal and cryptic layering, and both units exhibit cumulate texture. The presence of dismembered cumulate and layered mafic–ultramafic rocks within a mobile belt assemblage is enigmatic and has potentially far-reaching implications. The gabbroid rocks are moderately evolved with Mg# (100 Mg/Mg + Fe) ranging from 48 to 63, low alkali, TiO2, U, Th, Zr, and high Al2O3, Pb, Ba, Rb, with unfractionated rare earth elements patterns. The serpentinized wehrlite (Mg# 65–71) hosts secondary minerals (clinopyroxene rims, amphibole blebs and interstitial Mg-chlorite) and has LREE enriched rare earth element patterns, which suggest complex fluid-rock interaction history. The gabbroid rocks have 87Sr/86Sr(t) 0.70600–0.71099, 143Nd/144Nd(t) 0.510130–0.510294, and ƐNd(t) 1.8 to −1.4. The serpentinized wehrlite displays extreme enrichment with 87Sr/86Sr(t) 0.71045–0.72640, 143Nd/144Nd(t) 0.509120–0.509706, and almost upper crust-like ƐNd(t) of −9.7 to −21.2. The cumulate nature of the mafic–ultramafic rocks with other petrographical and geochemical evidences suggest formation in a magma chamber. Additionally, their field characteristics, stratigraphic constraints and E-MORB like character of calculated equilibrium melts of the gabbroid rocks, indicates affinity towards formation in an oceanic magma chamber and possible emplacement by obduction. Mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and clinopyroxene trace elements of the serpentinized wehrlite reveal progressive fluid-rock interaction from very high-temperature to low-temperature regimes, and deep crustal affinity of the modeled metasomatic fluid. Isotopic character of the gabbroid rocks can be explained by 30%-50% mixing between a depleted and an enriched domain in the lithospheric mantle, whereas isotopic nature of the wehrlite has been perturbed by the prolonged metasomatic event. Their occurrence within the Chaibasa intra-continental rift basin indicates rift-drift transition and formation of incipient oceanic crust at 1.88 Ga. A 1.86 Ga orogenic event caused closure of the basin and obduction of these remnant oceanic fragments onto the mobile belt assemblage. This is the first discovery of oceanic crustal fragments in Singhbhum Craton, which fits into the model of rift-dominated tectonics, widespread continental amalgamation, and ophiolite emplacement during the Columbia supercontinent cycle in Paleoproterozoic.

A Preliminary Study on the Aghbolaq (Fe, Cu) Skarn Deposit, Oshnavieh, NW Iran: Constraints on Metasomatic Fluid Evolution

AbstractThe Aghbolaq skarn deposit is located in the Urumieh‐Golpayegan plutonic belt, NW Iran. The garnetite skarn (stage I) has been intensely cross‐cut by the magnetite‐garnet skarn (stage II) which were, in turn, cut and offset by the ore‐hosting quartz veins/veinlets (stage III). The predominance of andradite (Adr82.5–89.1) and its high Fe3+/Al ratio (up to 1685) apparently supports the high fO2, salinity and prevalence of magmatic/hydrothermal fluids involved, rather than meteoric waters, during the magnetite‐garnet skarn formation. Two major groups of fluid inclusions, namely aqueous (LV, LVS) and aqueous–carbonic (LVC, LLCVC), were recognized in garnet and quartz veins that, especially in growth zones and along intra‐granular trails, better display fluid inclusion assemblages (FIAs) than those in clusters. The prograde magnetite‐garnet skarn was formed by the metasomatic fluid at relatively high Th (209–374°C), under a lithostatic pressure of ∼200 bars. The retrograde mineralized quartz veins were formed at temperatures ranging from 124°C to 256°C, by dilute and less saline (2.57–11.93 wt% NaCl eq.) hydrothermal fluids under a hydrostatic pressure of ∼80 bars. The fluid evolution of the Aghbolaq skarn began with an earlier simple cooling of metasomatic fluid during the prograde stage, followed by the later influx of low salinity meteoric fluids during the retrograde stage.

Spatially and Geochemically Anomalous Arc Magmatism: Insights From the Andean Arc

AbstractWhile most volcanic arcs show a distinctive spatial relationship to subducting plates, there are many examples where volcanoes occur in anomalous locations. These are commonly also geochemically anomalous relative to the composition of more typical subduction‐related rocks. Using Holocene volcanoes in South America as a case study, we document the spatial and geochemical patterns along the Andean volcanic belt. To determine whether spatial variations are also geochemically anomalous, we assess a series of geochemical indices that provide information on the depth and degree of melting, and the role of metasomatic subduction inputs in melt generation. We use these parameters to develop a scoring system, with the lowest and highest scores indicating “typical” and “anomalous” arc melting processes, respectively. Typical arc magmatism is defined as melts generated in the sub‐arc mantle wedge through slab‐derived fluid metasomatism, with or without contributions from subducted sediments. In contrast, we show that anomalous volcanism in South America appears to relate to geometric anomalies in the subducting Nazca plate (e.g., beneath Sumaco, Laguna Blanca and Payun Matru), or to areas affected by variations in mantle flow due to the proximity to the slab edge (Crater Basalt Volcanic Field). By establishing relationships between anomalous magmatism and slab structure, we propose that similar geochemical fingerprints could be used to explore the magmatic response to slab deformation and/or tearing in older arc systems, particularly in cases where the three‐dimensional slab structure is no longer detectable.

Rodingitization records from ocean-floor to high pressure metamorphism in the Xigaze ophiolite, southern Tibet

Abundant rodingite was found within serpentinized peridotite and spatially close to gabbro and diabase dykes in the Xigaze ophiolite of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. Two types of rodingite are identified based on field- and textural relationships as well as on mineral- and bulk-rock compositions. Type I rodingite with porphyroblastic texture occurs along extensional fractures within massive serpentinized peridotite and contains two subtypes representing the early stage of rodingitization. Type II rodingite is associated with a foliated serpentinized host rock and contains three subtypes, characterized by prehnite-absent mineral assemblages with fine-grained porphyritic to aphanitic texture. All rodingite II subtypes experienced a higher degree of rodingitization than Type I. Type I rodingite was formed by metasomatism of CaO-rich fluids from serpentinized peridotite during ocean floor metamorphism at ~120–130 Ma. Thermodynamic modeling shows that Type I rodingite originated at low P-T conditions of <~4 kbar and ~200–300 °C during limited desilication and calcium enrichment. within a highly reducing environment (logƒO2 < −35.3). Type II rodingite originated during subduction starting at ~120 Ma with most intense desilication and calcium increase under peak P-T conditions up to ~13.5–21.5 kbar and ~450–550 °C. Modeled values of logƒO2 for the formation of rodingite II subtypes vary from highly oxidized conditions of logƒO2 = −19.7 to −18.6 to relatively reducing conditions of logƒO2 < ~−26. P-XCO2 pseudosection modelling predicted Type II rodingite to have formed under CO2-poor conditions at XCO2 < ~1 × 10-4 during subduction to the maximum depth. Hence the rodingite of the Xigaze ophiolite provides important fingerprints recording events during ocean floor spreading and different stages of subduction as well as late exhumation.

Petrogenesis of the peralkaline Flowers River Igneous Suite and its significance to the development of the southern Nain Batholith

AbstractThe Flowers River Igneous Suite of north-central Labrador comprises several discrete peralkaline granite ring intrusions and their coeval volcanic succession. The Flowers River Granite was emplaced into Mesoproterozoic-age anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite (AMCG) -affinity rocks at the southernmost extent of the Nain Plutonic Suite coastal lineament batholith. New U–Pb zircon geochronology is presented to clarify the timing and relationships among the igneous associations exposed in the region. Fayalite-bearing AMCG granitoids in the region record ages of 1290 ± 3 Ma, whereas the Flowers River Granite yields an age of 1281 ± 3 Ma. Volcanism occurred in three discrete events, two of which coincided with emplacement of the AMCG and Flowers River suites, respectively. Shared geochemical affinities suggest that each generation of volcanic rocks was derived from its coeval intrusive suite. The third volcanic event occurred at 1271 ± 3 Ma, and its products bear a broad geochemical resemblance to the second phase of volcanism. The surrounding AMCG-affinity ferrodiorites and fayalite-bearing granitoids display moderately enriched major- and trace-element signatures relative to equivalent lithologies found elsewhere in the Nain Plutonic Suite. Trace-element compositions also support a relationship between the Flowers River Granite and its AMCG-affinity host rocks, most likely via delayed partial melting of residual parental material in the lower crust. Enrichment manifested only in the southernmost part of the Nain Plutonic Suite as a result of its relative proximity to multiple Palaeoproterozoic tectonic boundaries. Repeated exposure to subduction-derived metasomatic fluids created a persistent region of enrichment in the underlying lithospheric mantle that was tapped during later melt generation, producing multiple successive moderately to strongly enriched magmatic episodes.

Amphibole as a witness of chromitite formation and fluid metasomatism in ophiolites

Abstract Here we present new occurrences of amphibole in a suite of chromitites, dunites, and harzburgites from the mantle sequence of the Lycian ophiolite in the Tauride Belt, southwest Turkey. The amphibole occurs both as interstitial grains among the major constituent minerals and as inclusions in chromite grains. The interstitial amphibole shows generally decreasing trends in Na2O and Al2O3 contents from the chromitites (0.14–1.54 wt% and 0.04–6.67 wt%, respectively) and the dunites (0.09–2.37 wt%; 0.12–11.9 wt%) to the host harzburgites (&amp;lt;0.61 wt%; 0.02–5.41 wt%). Amphibole inclusions in chromite of the amphibole-bearing harzburgites are poorer in Al2O3 (1.12–8.86 wt%), CaO (8.47–13.2 wt%), and Na2O (b.d.l.–1.38 wt%) than their counterparts in the amphibole-bearing chromitites (Al2O3 = 6.13–10.0 wt%; CaO = 12.1–12.9 wt%; Na2O = 1.11–1.91 wt%). Estimated crystallization temperatures for the interstitial amphibole grains and amphibole inclusions range from 706 to 974 °C, with the higher values in the latter. A comparison of amphibole inclusions in chromite with interstitial grains provides direct evidence for the involvement of water in chromitite formation and the presence of hydrous melt/fluid metasomatism in the peridotites during initial subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere. The hydrous melts/fluids were released from the chromitites after being collected on chromite surfaces during crystallization. Different fluid/wall rock ratios are thought to have controlled the crystallization and composition of the Lycian amphibole and the extent of modification of the chromite and pyroxene grains in the peridotites. Considering the wide distribution of podiform chromitites in this ophiolite, the link between chromitite formation and melt/fluid metasomatism defined in our study may be applicable to other ophiolites worldwide.

Detachment faulting in the Xigaze ophiolite southern Tibet: New constraints on its origin and implications

The structure and lithological sequences of ophiolites provide critical information for reconstructing their tectonic setting and thus, the history of the paleo-oceanic basins in which they formed. Our systematic mapping of three of the best-preserved massifs in the Xigaze ophiolite from the middle segment of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone (YZSZ) in South Tibet, revealed a nearly intact structure of the ophiolitic sequence that has largely escaped emplacement and post-emplacement dismemberment. One of the most important results is the identification of a nearly E-W striking, serpentinized shear zone (SPSZ) preserved within the sequence. The SPSZ is rooted in the serpentinized front of the upper mantle and is mainly composed of meta-gabbroic and rodingite lenses floating in a serpentinite matrix. Extensive talc-serpentinite metasomatism, shearing and cataclastic deformation in the SPSZ reveal a complex interplay of fluid metasomatism and progressive ductile-brittle deformation in hundreds of meters of shear zone between the mantle and the crust. The structural and petrological features of the SPSZ are very similar to those of detachment faults within modern in situ oceanic core complexes (OCCs) in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Southwest Indian Ridge. Zircon UPb ages from the footwall of the fault, and the age of radiolarian chert overlying it suggest that the detachment faulting took place between ca. 125 to 123 Ma. Combined with the stratigraphic and geochronological relationships between the ophiolite and the overlying sediments, we suggest that the Xigaze ophiolite developed in the supra-subduction zone on the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane during rollback of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab. Recognition of detachment faulting in the Xigaze ophiolites, along with other features, suggest that the Xigaze ophiolite formed at a spreading ridge, whereas the other large ultramafic massifs in YZSZ, may have formed in an off-axis location on the slow-spreading ridge.

Constraining carbonation freezing and petrography of the carbonated cratonic mantle with natural samples

Peridotite xenoliths from the Cretaceous Chidliak kimberlite province (SE Baffin Island, Canada) were recently studied by Kopylova et al. (2019). Here, we focus on rare textures, with orthopyroxene grains invariably rimmed by 3–20 μm coronas of clinopyroxene, while all clinopyroxenes are rimmed by equally thin monticellite coronas. Thicker, 0.1–0.5 mm texturally equilibrated clinopyroxene also mantles garnet, and there is a gradual transition from micron- to millimeter-thick clinopyroxene mantles. We investigated the origin of these rarely preserved textures using major and trace element zoning in minerals, and measured and reconstructed bulk compositions of xenoliths. Fluxes of major elements were identified based on the conserved element ratios while accounting for the closure effect due to normalization of bulk compositions to 100%. Ca dominates the absolute elemental gain, expressed in moles per 1000 mol of Fe. The observed mineralogical and compositional changes are associated with the significant metasomatic removal of Na (70% of its budget) Al, and Cr (35% loss), minor removal of Si, Mn, Mg and Ni and the gain of Ca (~ 20%), Ti, K and incompatible trace elements. The metasomatic fluid addition beneath Chidliak was likely below 10%. The fluid was very enriched and fractionated resembling volatile-rich low-degree melts like carbonatites or kimberlites. The Chidliak peridotites were affected by “carbonation freezing”, i.e. immobilization of a carbonate-rich metasomatic agent via reactions with pyroxenes. Clinopyroxene and monticellite coronas formed in decarbonation reactions, whereby ephemeral carbonatitic fluid readily gave away Ca to silicate minerals and exsolved CO2. Chidliak peridotites highlight that it would be deceptive to imagine “carbonated peridotites” storing carbon in a normal assemblage of peridotite plus carbonate. “Carbonated peridotites” are coarse peridotites with elevated modes of clinopyroxene, garnet and olivine, and with thin rims of calcic silicate minerals storing incompatible elements. The CO2-rich magmatism on cratons and the match between the temporal Ca addition to the cratonic mantle and the observed fluxes from the carbonate-rich metasomatism underscores the importance of the latter process in shaping up the lithospheric mantle and its melts.

Permian–Triassic highly fractionated I‐type granites in the Baituyingzi Mo–Cu area, southeastern Inner Mongolia, NE China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

The Permian–Triassic plutons along the Chifeng‐Bayan Obo Fault, southeastern Inner Mongolia, help to provide important constraints on the craton–orogenic boundary of the North China Craton (NCC) and the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the regionally coeval Mo–Cu mineralization environment. New LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb data indicate that two granites from the Baituyingzi Mo–Cu area in Chifeng city were emplaced at ca. 274 Ma and ca. 242 Ma. They have high SiO2 (73.44–77.82 wt%) and Na2O + K2O (8.49–10.28 wt%) contents and are high‐K calc‐alkaline, with very high differentiation indexes (DI = 97.1–98.3) and low Zr saturation temperatures of whole rocks (703–738°C). They are also characterized by (La/Yb)N ratios of 4.09–9.30 and enrichments in Rb and Th relative to Nb and Ta, with pronounced negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.14–0.50), Ba, Sr, P, and Ti anomalies. Comparatively, the Permian granite has slightly higher zircon εHf(t) values (+1.7 to +4.6) than those of the Triassic granite (εHf(t) = −3.4 to +0.1) and is less alkaline‐rich. These results, combined with petrographic data, indicate that they are highly fractionated I‐type granites. The granites were likely derived from Mesoproterozoic juvenile crust that had experienced subduction‐related fluid metasomatism, and the resulting magmas then underwent extensive fractional crystallization. In combination with regional geology, we propose that: (a) the granites have tectonic affinity with the CAOB and serve as spatial markers for monitoring the juxtaposition of the NCC and the CAOB, and (b) the studied granites and coeval porphyry deposits likely formed in a syn‐ to post‐collisional setting.

Petrogenesis of Mesoproterozoic Granites of the Swartoup Hills Region, Kakamas Domain, Namaqua Belt, South Africa

The Swartoup and Polisiehoek plutons in the Swartoup Hills (South Africa) formed during an episode of significant magma emplacement in the Mesoproterozoic Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Metamorphic Province. They intruded into mid-crustal metasedimentary rocks of the metapelitic Koenap and mafic to carbonate-bearing Bysteek Formations during and shortly after the ∼1,200–1,220 Ma regional metamorphic peak that reached ultrahigh temperatures. Subsequent to pluton emplacement, the crust underwent regional high-temperature deformation during slow near-isobaric cooling. A further episode of pluton emplacement associated with fluid circulation truncated the first-order regional tectonic structures at ∼1,100 Ma. Based on their petrography, the Swartoup pluton is subdivided into leuco-granitoids with biotite as the sole mafic phase, pyroxene granitoids, and garnet-bearing granitoids, which may contain significant biotite. These subgroups display distinctive geochemical variations from one another, and from the Koenap Formation migmatites and the Polisiehoek granites, which are exposed nearby. Incompatible trace element distributions suggest that the Swartoup and Polisiehoek granitoids represent modified A-type granite magma, consistent with derivation from partial melting of quartzo-feldspathic crust. The magmas incorporated significant amounts of juvenile mantle-derived magma (εNd1200 of ∼−5, and LREE-depleted), but do not require older, early to late Paleoproterozoic crust. Particularly close to contacts to the calcic Bysteek Formation, localized contamination of the Swartoup granites by supracrustal carbonates is evident. A relatively pervasive alkali metasomatic effect is manifested strongly in the initial 87Sr/86Sr and LILE profiles of the Polisiehoek granites in particular, as well as in some of the Swartoup pyroxene granitoids, which could be either a symptom of CO2 metasomatism related to the Bysteek Formation carbonates, or to post-magmatic fluid metasomatism, perhaps linked to regional shearing. The comparison of our results with literature data suggests that similar sources, A-type granitic, Meso- to Paleoproterozoic crustal, and enriched mantle, have contributed, in locally differing proportions, to granites in most parts of the Namaqua Sector. Most likely, these plutons were generated during crustal and mantle melting in a long-lived hot continental back-arc environment.

Mesozoic mafic dykes in the North China Craton: magmatic evolution and implications for gold mineralization

ABSTRACT The North China Craton (NCC), which underwent multiple subduction and lithospheric destruction during the Mesozoic, is well known for hosting some of the world-class gold deposits. In many cases, Mesozoic mafic dykes are associated with the gold deposits, although there has been no systematic studies aimed to integrate the characteristics of these dykes in different regions of the NCC. Here we investigate diabase and lamprophyre dyke suites in the Xiaoqinling region along the southern margin of the NCC, and compile the published geochronological, geochemical and isotopic data for regional mafic dykes and gold deposits from the major gold belts including Jiaodong, Xiaoqinling and central NCC. Zircon U-Pb data show the mafic dykes in Xiaoqinling were emplaced in two episodes at 219–227 Ma and 121–137 Ma, and their εHf(t) values (ranging from −2.1 to 3.8 and −13.6 to 1.6 respectively) suggest increasing input of lithospheric materials in the Early Cretaceous dykes. The compiled geochemical data on the mafic dykes from different regions in the NCC show that the magmatic evolution involved olivine and clinopyroxene fractional crystallization with limited crustal contamination and subduction-related fluid metasomatism. The geochemical and isotopic signature suggests multiple sources for the parent magma of the mafic dykes ranging from convective asthenospheric mantle to ancient lithospheric mantle, with the magma source characterized by enriched mantle (EM2 or EM2+ EM1), and that signatures might be potential for gold mineralization. Further, most dykes are coeval and cospatial with gold deposits in the NCC. The geochronological data show that small amount of both Mesozoic dykes and gold deposits formed in Triassic whereas the peak formed in Cretaceous following slab roll back of the Pacific plate subducting from the east during 145–110 Ma. We envisage that the tectonic extension associated with Pacific slab subduction contributed to the magmatism and gold mineralization in the NCC.

Temporal and spatial mineralogical changes in clasts from Mariana serpentinite mud volcanoes: Cooling of the hot forearc-mantle at subduction initiation

Mafic and ultramafic clasts (mostly ~1–5 cm in size) were recovered from three different serpentinite mud volcanos in the Mariana forearc during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 366. Mafic clasts from drill sites distant from the trench bear lawsonite, Al-rich riebeckite, jadeitic pyroxene (~80 mol% jadeite), and aragonite as metamorphic minerals. In contrast, mafic clasts from drill sites closer to the trench are characterized by prehnite–pumpellyite-facies mineral associations and/or the presence of analcime and natrolite. An occurrence of antigorite-bearing ultramafic clasts becomes progressively more frequent with distance from the trench. One amphibolite clast from a mud volcano near the trench also has prehnite filling veins, and it also occurs as pseudomorphs after plagioclase. Amphibolite clasts at other mud volcanoes distant from the trench are partially overprinted by blueschist-facies minerals. The apparent metamorphic grades increase with distance from the trench; these metamorphic conditions represent the increasing depth from zeolite- to lawsonite–blueschist-facies conditions in a subduction zone. Considering the consistency of the low-temperature metamorphic grade of mafic and ultramafic clast mineralogy in each mud volcano, they likely reflect the thermal structure of the slab-mantle interface before the ascent. As a result, these clasts were brought up to the seafloor en masse by the serpentinite mudflow. The polymetamorphosed amphibolite clasts suggest cooling of the hot forearc-mantle at the initiation of Mariana subduction in the Eocene. The ultramafic clasts in the mud volcanoes distant from the trench frequently contain Ca amphibole and talc, which indicates hot mantle hydration by metasomatic fluids released from the slab at subduction initiation.

Fingerprinting REE mineralization and hydrothermal remobilization history of the carbonatite-alkaline complexes, Central China: Constraints from in situ elemental and isotopic analyses of phosphate minerals

Abstract Carbonatites and related alkaline rocks host most REE resources. Phosphate minerals, e.g., apatite and monazite, commonly occur as the main REE-host in carbonatites and have been used for tracing magmatic and mineralization processes. Many carbonatite intrusions undergo metamorphic and/or metasomatic modification after emplacement; however, the effects of such secondary events are controversial. In this study, the Miaoya and Shaxiongdong carbonatite-alkaline complexes, in the South Qinling Belt of Central China, are selected to unravel their magmatic and hydrothermal remobilization histories. Both the complexes are accompanied by Nb-REE mineralization and contain apatite and monazite-(Ce) as the major REE carriers. Apatite grains from the two complexes commonly show typical replacement textures related to fluid metasomatism, due to coupled dissolution-reprecipitation. The altered apatite domains, which contain abundant monazite-(Ce) inclusions or are locally surrounded by fine-grained monazite-(Ce), have average REE concentrations lower than primary apatite. These monazite-(Ce) inclusions and fine-grained monazite-(Ce) grains are proposed to have formed by the leaching REE from primary apatite grains during fluid metasomatism. A second type of monazite-(Ce), not spatially associated with apatite, shows porous textures and zoning under BSE imaging. Spot analyses of these monazite-(Ce) grains have variable U-Th-Pb ages of 210–410 Ma and show a peak age of 230 Ma, which is significantly younger than the emplacement age (440–430 Ma) but is roughly synchronous with a regionally metamorphic event related to the collision between the North China Craton and Yangtze Block along the Mianlue suture. However, in situ LA-MC-ICP-MS analyses of those grains show that they have initial Nd values same as those of magmatic apatite and whole rock. We suggest these monazite-(Ce) grains crystallized from the early Silurian carbonatites and have been partially or fully modified during a Triassic metamorphic event, partially resetting U-Pb ages over a wide range. Mass-balance calculations, based on mass proportions and the REE contents of monazite-(Ce) and apatite, demonstrate that the quantity of metasomatized early Silurian monazite-(Ce) is far higher than the proportion of monazite-(Ce) resulting from the metasomatic alteration of the apatite. Therefore, Triassic metamorphic events largely reset the U-Th-Pb isotopic system of the primary monazite-(Ce) and apatite but only had limited or local effects on REE remobilization in the carbonatite-alkaline complexes in the South Qinling Belt. Such scenarios may be widely applicable for other carbonatite and hydrothermal systems.

Nitrogen and noble gases reveal a complex history of metasomatism in the Siberian lithospheric mantle

The Siberian flood basalts (SFB) erupted at the end of the Permian period (∼250 Ma) in response to a deep-rooted mantle plume beneath the Siberian Sub-Continental Lithospheric Mantle (SCLM). Plume-lithosphere interaction can lead to significant changes in the structure and chemistry of the SCLM and trigger the release of metasomatic material that was previously stored within the stable craton. Here, we investigate the nature of the Siberian-SCLM (S-SCLM) by measuring nitrogen abundances and isotopes (δ15N) in 11 samples of two petrologically-distinct suites of peridotitic xenoliths recovered from kimberlites which bracket the eruption of the SFB: the 360 Myr old Udachnaya and 160 Myr old Obnazhennaya pipes. Nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values range from -5.85 ± 1.29‰ to +3.94 ± 0.63‰, which encompasses the entire range between depleted Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB) mantle (DMM; -5 ± 2‰) and plume-derived (+3 ± 2‰) endmembers. In addition, we present neon (n=7) and argon (n=8) abundance and isotope results for the same two suites of samples. The 20Ne/22Ne and 21Ne/22Ne range from atmospheric-like values of 9.88 up to 11.35 and from 0.0303 to 0.0385, respectively, suggesting an admixture of DMM and plume-derived components. Argon isotopes (40Ar/36Ar) range from 336.7 to 1122 and correlate positively with 40Ar contents. We show that volatile systematics of Siberian xenoliths: (1) exhibit evidence of ancient metasomatic and/or recycled signatures, and (2) show evidence of subsequent plume-like re-fertilization, which we attribute to the emplacement of the SFB. Metasomatic fluids are highly enriched in radiogenic gases and have elevated Br/Cl and I/Cl values, consistent with an ancient subducted crustal component. The metasomatic component is marked by light N isotope signatures, suggesting it may be derived from an anoxic Archean subducted source. Taken together, these N2-Ne-Ar isotope results suggest that mantle plume impingement has profoundly modified the S-SCLM, and that N, Ne and Ar isotopes are sensitive tracers of metasomatism in the S-SCLM. Metasomatic fluids that permeate the S-SCLM act to archive a “subduction-fingerprint” that can be used to probe relative volatile-element recycling efficiencies and thus provide insight into volatile transport between the surface and mantle reservoirs over Earth history.

Geoquímica dos diques máficos da região leste da Província Aurífera Alta Floresta: inferências sobre a fonte mantélica e implicações geodinâmicas

O enxame de diques máficos de Peixoto de Azevedo e Nova Guarita, região Leste da Província Aurífera Alta Floresta (PAAF), compõe-se de basaltos toleíticos evoluídos. Tais rochas provêm de fonte enriquecida por fluidos originados durante a subducção de crosta oceânica recoberta por significativa quantidade de sedimentos de composição semelhante à média global de sedimentos subductados (global subducting sediment composition — GLOSS). O enxame de diques intrude granitos e gnaisses paleoproterozoicos dos arcos magmáticos Cuiú-Cuiú e Juruena, e possui idade de 1419 Ma. No Cráton Amazônico, suas características geoquímicas relacionadas à sua origem mantélica são muito semelhantes às dos diques máficos de Carajás e da Suíte Máfica Vespor, ambos paleoproterozoicos. São semelhantes em idade quando comparados aos diques de Nova Lacerda, assim como de outras regiões do Supercontinente Columbia, como os diques Bas Drâa Inlier, a W do Cráton da África, a soleira Midsommerso, a NE da Groenlândia, e os diques Michael Gabbro, na Província Grenville, no Canadá. Essas intrusões ocorreram entre 1,42 e 1,33 Ga, durante as fases finais de fragmentação do Supercontinente Columbia.

Geochemical evidence for forearc metasomatism of peridotite in the Xigaze ophiolite during subduction initiation in Neo-Tethyan Ocean, south to Tibet

Subduction initiation is one of the key processes in the operation of plate tectonics. Our understanding of this process is largely derived from geochemical studies of basaltic rocks in ophiolites at continental margins. Because of the petrological inheritance in forearc basalts, it is important to acquire geochemical signatures for fluid metasomatism of the nascent mantle wedge at forearc depths. This may be provided by the study of peridotite in ophiolites, which is least affected by tectonic emplacement of the ophiolites onto continental margins. For this purpose, we have carried out a comprehensive study of whole-rock and mineral geochemical compositions for harzburgites from the Xigaze ophiolites in the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, southern Tibet. The results provide insights into the forearc metasomatism during subduction initiation before the closure of Neo-Tethyan Ocean for the India-Asia continental collision in the Cenozoic. The harzburgites show high spinel Cr# values and strong whole-rock depletion in CaO, Al2O3 and REE, suggesting high degrees of melt extraction (~10–20%) during seafloor spreading to form the Neo-Tethyan mid-ocean ridge basalts. They exhibit positive LILE anomalies in trace element distribution patterns, indicating metasomatism by subduction zone fluids. This is supported by the occurrence of tremolite and dolomite in some of the harzburgites. Based on the presence or absence of carbonate minerals, two types of metasomatic fluids are distinguished. One is the aqueous solutions, leading to the formation of tremolite and the enrichment of LILE in clinopyroxene. The other is the carbonate-bearing fluids, resulting in the formation of dolomites, tremolite and low Mg# (79–82) olivine. The metasomatism also results in the high contents of structural hydroxyl in pyroxenes and elevated δ18O values for the harzburgites. It is inferred that the fluid metasomatism was induced by incipient subduction of the juvenile Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab to forearc depths shortly after conversion of the Neo-Tethyan mid-ocean ridge into the trench. During this period of subduction initiation, the fluids were produced by heating dehydration of the sinking ridge crust to the forearc depths. It is these fluids that would metasomatize the overlying nascent mantle wedge, leading to superimposition of the geochemically enriched signature on the lithochemically depleted harzburgites in the ophiolites. Therefore, the forearc metasomatism of peridotite in ophiolite can be used as a geochemical proxy for subduction initiation. Furthermore, the Xigaze ophiolites were produced by the ridge-trench conversion for subduction initiation in the Mesozoic and they were emplaced onto the southern margin of the Asian continent in the Cenozoic.

Garnet Geochemistry of Reduced Skarn System: Implications for Fluid Evolution and Skarn Formation of the Zhuxiling W (Mo) Deposit, China

A newly discovered tungsten ore district containing more than 300,000 tons of WO3 in southern Anhui Province has attracted great attention. The Zhuxiling W (Mo) deposit in the district is dominated by skarn tungsten mineralization. This paper conducted in suit EPMA and LA-ICPMS spot and mapping analysis of the skarn mineral garnet to reveal the evolution of fluids, metasomatic dynamics, and formation conditions of skarn. Two generations of garnet have been identified for Zhuxiling W (Mo) skarn: 1) Gt-I generation garnet is isotropic, Al-rich grossular without zoning. As a further subdivision, Gt-IB garnet (Adr19-46Grs49-77 (Sps+Pyr+Alm)4-5) contains significantly high content of Ti and Mn compared with Gt-IA garnet (Adr3-42Grs53-96 (Sps+Pyr+Alm)1-5). 2) Gt-II generation garnet is anisotropic, Fe-rich andradite with oscillatory zoning. Gt-II garnet displays compositional changes with a decrease of Fe and an increase of Mn from proximal skarn (Gt-IIA) to distal skarn (Gt-IIB) with the presence of subcalcic garnet for Gt-IIB type (Sps+Pyr+Alm = 56–68). The presence of pyrrhotite associated with subcalcic garnet indicates a relatively reduced skarn system. Gt-I grossular is overall enriched in Cr, Zr, Y, Nb, and Ta compared with the Gt-II andradite, and both W and Sn strongly favor Fe-rich garnet compared with Al-rich garnet. Gt-IA grossular garnet presents a REE trend with an upward-facing parabola peaking at Pr and Nd in contrast to low and flat HREE, and Gt-IB grossular garnet has a distinct REE pattern with enriched HREE. Gt-IIA andradite garnet displays a right-dipping REE pattern (enriched LREE and depleted HREE) with a prominent positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 3.6–15.3). In contrast, Gt-IIB andradite garnet shows depleted LREE and enriched HREE with a weak positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0–6.0). The incorporation and fractionation of REE in garnet are collectively controlled by crystal chemistry and extrinsic factors, such as P–T–X conditions of fluids, fluid/rock ratios, and mineral growth kinetics. Major and trace elements of two generations of garnet combined with optical and textural characteristics suggest that Gt-I Al-rich grossular garnets grow slowly through diffusive metasomatism under a closed system, whereas Gt-II Fe-rich andradite represent rapid growth garnet formed by the infiltration metasomatism of magmatic fluids in an open system. The Mn-rich garnet implies active fluid–rock interaction with Mn-rich dolomitic limestone of the Lantian Group in the district.

Phosphate mineral associations from the Tres Arroyos aplite-pegmatites (Badajoz, Spain): Petrography, mineral chemistry, and petrogenetic implications

ABSTRACTIn the Tres Arroyos granite-pegmatite system (Badajoz, Spain) a zoned aplite-pegmatite field occurs, with poorly evolved, intermediate, and Li-rich dikes intruded into metasediments, close to the contact with the Nisa-Alburquerque granitic batholith. A large variety of Fe-Mn phosphate minerals occur in the poorly evolved aplite-pegmatites; Al-phosphates occur mainly in the intermediate and Li-rich dikes. The Fe/(Fe + Mn) ratio of the Fe-Mn phosphates is the highest reported for aplite-pegmatite fields in the Central Iberian Zone, suggesting a low degree of fractionation for the poorly evolved aplite-pegmatites that host these minerals. In contrast, the high F contents observed in crystals of the amblygonite–montebrasite series from the intermediate and Li-rich aplite-pegmatites indicates a higher fractionation degree for these dikes. The relatively common occurrence of phosphate minerals in the three types of aplite-pegmatites from Tres Arroyos attests to a significant availability of P in the pegmatitic melt. In this granite pegmatite system, P first started behaving as a compatible element, thus favoring the crystallization of discrete phosphates, during the crystallization of the poorly evolved aplite-pegmatites. In more fractionated melts, where Fe-Mn-(Mg) contents were extremely depleted, P was still available, allowing the crystallization of the Al-phosphates, mainly of the amblygonite–montebrasite series, in the more evolved intermediate and Li-rich aplite-pegmatites. Subsolidus replacement of the early phosphate phases, such as those of the amblygonite–montebrasite series, by lacroixite, together with the presence of late Ca- and Sr-bearing phosphates such as jahnsite-(CaMnFe), whiteite-(CaFeMg), mitridatite, and goyazite, attest to a high activity of metasomatic fluids in the Tres Arroyos granite-pegmatite system. Consequently, variations in the phosphate mineral associations and in their chemical compositions reflect well the fractional crystallization processes suffered by the pegmatitic melts from the poorly evolved up to the Li-rich dikes, as well as the subsolidus history of the Tres Arroyos system.

Two stages of crust-mantle interaction during oceanic subduction to continental collision: Insights from mafic-ultramafic complexes in the North Qaidam orogen

Subducted sedimentary rocks contribute to different reservoirs in the mantle, which results in crust-mantle interaction; however, the metasomatic processes involved in this sedimentary contribution to the mantle still remain poorly understood. Chromite is a robust mineral and together with its inclusions, occurring in orogenic peridotite, it is an important candidate for decoding both the petrogenetic and tectonic settings as well as crust-mantle interaction. This study presents an integrated petrological and geochemical study of the chromitite-bearing Luofengpo mafic-ultramafic complex (CLMC) in the North Qaidam orogen, China. The CLMC consists of amphibole pyroxenite, serpentinized peridotite, and serpentinized pyroxenite. Electron probe micro-analysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the studied chromite grains display compositional zoning with the cores preserving primary igneous compositions. Chromitites with high Cr#(100*Cr/(Cr+Al)) signatures are enriched in IPGE (Os, Ir, and Ru) and depleted in PPGE (Rh, Pt, and Pd) indicating that they formed in the supra-subduction zone mantle wedge. Core compositions of chromite grains indicate that the parental melts of the chromitites were similar to typical boninitic melts, formed in a forearc setting related to subduction initiation. Petrographic, geochronological, and mineralogical analyses suggest that the CLMC underwent at least two stages of crust-mantle interaction. The first stage (metasomatic agent) occurred at 483.1 ± 3.5 Ma. The metasomatic agent was a hydrous melt derived from a mixed source of carbonates and sediments, subducted with the south Qilian oceanic slab. The second stage (metasomatic fluids) occurred at 434.2 ± 2.1 Ma and the metasomatic fluids originated from subduction and exhumation of the deeply subducted continental crust. These results suggest that the CLMC represents a supra-subduction zone mantle wedge slice, metasomatized by at least two stages of subduction crustal fluids during the transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision in the North Qaidam ultrahigh pressure metamorphic belt.

On the formation of magmatic sulphide systems in the lower crust by long‐lived mass transfer through the lithosphere: Insights from the Valmaggia pipe, Ivrea Verbano Zone, Italy

AbstractThe lower crustal domain of the Ivrea‐Verbano Zone (NW Italy) hosts five ~300‐m‐wide pipe‐like ultramafic intrusions that are metasomatized and exhibit Ni‐Cu‐PGE sulphide mineralization. To better constrain the role of metasomatism in the ore genesis, we studied the best‐preserved pipe at Valmaggia which was emplaced 249 Myrs ago. Phlogopite 40Ar/39Ar analyses show that the pipe was infiltrated by metasomatic fluids derived from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) in two pulses at ~208 Ma and ~189 Ma which introduced sulphides into the pipe. Consequently, the pipe repeatedly acted as a preferred path for mass transfer from the SCLM into the lower crust over &gt;60 Myrs (i.e., emplacement to second metasomatic pulse). Uplifted block margins, such as the Ivrea‐Verbano Zone, are potentially important exploration targets for magmatic sulphides. We argue that exploration strategies should focus on structures such as pipes that can focus metasomatic agents during ascent through the lithosphere.