Metasomatism Of Lithospheric Mantle Research Articles

A heterogeneous mantle and crustal structure formed during the early differentiation of Mars.

Highly siderophile element abundances and Os isotopes of nakhlite and chassignite meteorites demonstrate that they represent a comagmatic suite from Mars. Nakhlites experienced variable assimilation of >2-billion-year-old altered high Re/Os basaltic crust. This basaltic crust is distinct from the ancient crust represented by meteorites Allan Hills 84001 or impact-contaminated Northwest Africa 7034/7533. Nakhlites and chassignites that did not experience crustal assimilation reveal that they were extracted from a depleted lithospheric mantle distinct from the deep plume source of depleted shergottites. The comagmatic origin for nakhlites and chassignites demonstrates a layered martian interior comprising ancient enriched basaltic crust derived from trace element-rich shallow magma ocean cumulates, a variably metasomatized mantle lithosphere, and a trace element-depleted deep mantle sampled by plume magmatism.

Distinct mafic magmatism of the northeastern Longgang Block: Evidence for coexisting mantle plume and subduction during the Neoarchean North China Craton

The question of which specific tectonic regimes played an essential role in shaping the Neoarchean evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) has been a contentious and controversial topic. Mafic rocks, containing valuable geochemical information from the mantle and deep crust, serve as an important source of data to provide essential constraints on above issue. This study presents bulk-rock geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf-Nd isotopes for the Neoarchean mafic rocks in the core area of the Longgang Block of the NCC. Petrographically, these mafic rocks are composed of the amphibolite and metadiabase. Zircon U-Pb dating results revealed that they were synchronously emplaced at ca. 2.5 Ga. Geochemically, the amphibolites belong to subalkaline tholeiite series, exhibiting enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), intensely negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, and slightly enriched Nd and relatively variable zircon Hf isotopic compositions. These geochemical and isotopic features show large affinity to arc-like magmatism, implying that they were derived from subduction-related metasomatized lithospheric mantle. In contrast, the metadiabases exhibit high-Ti alkaline basalt affinities, OIB-like REE, and trace element patterns. They also show clearly positive Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, indicating that they originated from a mantle plume-related tectonic environment. The new geochemical and isotopic data reveal that these Neoarchean mafic rocks could have resulted from coexisting mantle plume and subduction processes. Combined with available regional structural, geochemical, and metamorphic data, it is likely that during the Neoarchean, both a mantle plume and subduction jointly controlled the crustal growth and tectonic evolution of the Longgang Block in the eastern NCC.

Subduction and retreat of Permian oceanic plates in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt: evidence from mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks

ABSTRACT The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, an important part of the Central Orogenic Belt in China, preserved wealthy geological information for the tectonic evolution of the Proto- and Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Several Permian mafic-ultramafic rocks were identified in the Qimantagh area, EKOB, and zircon U-Pb dating, zircon Hf isotope, geochemistry and whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopes were studied in this paper. The results suggest that the formation age of the Xiyingzhaogou intrusion is 280 ± 4 Ma. The rocks show the characteristics of continental-arc calc-alkaline basalt. The whole-rock εNd(t) value of gabbro in Xiyingzhaogou intrusion is −4.2~-2.6 and the εHf(t) value of zircon is 2.77 ~ 5.82, indicating the characteristics of enriched or weakly depleted mantle; The formation age of Yingzhaogou intrusion is 263 ± 4 Ma. The geochemical characteristics of the Yinzhaogou rocks are consistent with those of continental-arc tholeiite. The whole-rock εNd(t) value of gabbro in Yingzhaogou intrusion is 0.73 ~ 0.92, and the εHf(t) value of zircon is 8.33 ~ 13.50, indicating the characteristics of depleted mantle. We believe that the Xiyingzhaogou intrusion was formed in the Early Permian and originated from the mantle wedge metasomatized by subduction fluid. The Yingzhaogou intrusion was formed in an extensional continental-arc environment caused by the retreat of the subduction plate. Asthenospheric mantle and fluid metasomatic lithospheric mantle were jointly involved in the mantle source. This study confirmed that the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic slab should had started before the Early Permian and a wide magma arc formed due to flat subduction. The retreat of the subduction plate led to the extension of the East Kunlun region, resulting in the significant enhancement of magmatism in the Middle Permian.

A rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit at Pianyanzi, Yangtze Craton: Ore genesis as implied from in-situ studies of pyrite

The Pianyanzi gold deposit is situated at the western margin of the Yangtze Craton, and represents a rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit. This deposit belongs to the Dauduhe gold belt of southwestern China and remains poorly documented. In this paper we present first petrographic and in-situ geochemistrical and sulfur isotope data from pyrite as well as results of multielement mapping. The deposit is dominated by native gold (average gold fineness = 980.8) filling fractures in minerals (e.g., pyrite, quartz, sellaite and hematite) or also emplaced along the contact interface between mineral grains. Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral of this deposit. We identified five generations of pyrite: Py1, Py2a, Py2b, Py3, and Py4. Gold occurs in sellaite- and hematite-bearing mineral assemblages formed simultaneous with the formation of Py2a&b and Py4, respectively. Py1 formed in the Au-poor ore stage, while Py3 formed during the late galena-dominated sulfide stage. All generations of pyrite exhibit low concentrations of gold with an average value of less than 2 ppm. Py2a&b possess distinctive textures and chemical zonation, with trace elements displaying greater variations compared to Py1, Py3 and Py4. The δ34S values vary from −0.52 ‰ to 7.08 ‰, which is consistent with those of orogenic deposits of the Daduhe gold belt. The deep metasomatized mantle lithosphere acted as a potential source of ore fluids. We conclude that the co-precipitation of native gold and sellaite was triggered by the interaction between auriferous fluids and dolomite.

The genetic link between lode and disseminated gold ores and relationship between hypozonal and mesozonal deposits: A case study of the Yanzigou orogenic gold deposit, northwestern Yangtze Craton, China

The process controlling the formation of orogenic lode and disseminated gold ores is the basis for understanding the complexity of the orogenic gold system. The mesozonal Yanzigou gold deposit, located in the Danba ore district of the northwestern Yangtze Craton, is hosted by Devonian carbonaceous slate with coexisting fault-hosted lode and strata-bound disseminated gold ores. Three types of pyrite (PyI-q, PyII-q and Pyd) were formed during two stages of hydrothermal evolution. PyII-q in quartz-polymetallic veins and the rims of Pyd in disseminated ores have the highest Au and As contents, contrasting to distal sedimentary pyrite that have low Au and As contents. This implies that the Devonian host sequences are incapable of providing ore elements to the ore fluid. Pyd and associated quartz have intermediate isotopic values (δ34S = -1.7∼+0.8 ‰; δ18OH2O = 10.6 ∼ 12.7 ‰) between the quartz-vein ores (δ34S = 8.5 ∼ 10.7 ‰; δ18OH2O = 9.0 ∼ 10.1 ‰) and wall-rocks (δ34S ≈ −5‰; δ18OH2O ≈ 12 ‰), implicating a critical role of fluid-rock reaction in the formation of the disseminated gold ores and preservation of original ore fluid characteristics in the lode gold ores. The 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal muscovite from auriferous quartz veins at Yanzigou yields a total fusion age of 118.4 ± 0.4 Ma, later than ∼ 185 Ma for the nearby hypozonal Danba gold deposit. However, both deposits have common geological, geochemical, and isotopic signatures, suggesting a multi-stage orogenic gold mineralization on the Mesozoic dome margins associated with episodic reactivation of metasomatized mantle lithosphere during the continued crustal uplift.

Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotopes of the Late Jurassic granitoids from the Shuangyuangou deposit, South Qinling, China: Implications for petrogenesis and porphyry Cu metallogeny

The Shuangyuangou copper deposit is located in the southern segment of the Qinling orogenic belt in central China. The ore‐related intrusions include quartz diorite porphyry, granite porphyry and lamprophyre. In this study, we present whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, trace elements and Lu–Hf isotope data on the Shuangyuangou intrusions which provide critical constraints on the emplacement age, magma origin, petrogenesis and implications for porphyry Cu mineralization in this newly discovered deposit. Zircon U–Pb dating constrains the emplacement age of quartz diorite porphyry, lamprophyre and granite porphyry at 150–147 Ma. The quartz diorite porphyry and granite porphyry display high‐K calc–alkaline I‐type granite affiliation. The rocks show enrichment of LREE and LILE (Rb, Ba), depletion in HREE and HFSE (Nb, Ta, Ti) and absence of Eu anomaly. Zircon εHf(t) values of quartz diorite porphyry, lamprophyre and granite porphyry range from −7.5 to −1.7 with TDM2 ages of 1.3–1.6 Ga. Our data suggest that the parental magma was derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crust and metasomatic lithospheric mantle, with more involvement of mantle material for the lamprophyre. The zircon Eu/Eu* values of 0.55–0.78 suggest high magmatic water content which suppresses the fractionation of plagioclase. In addition, the ΔFMQ values calculated from zircon trace elements range from −0.90 to 2.96 which is a favourable factor for porphyry Cu mineralization at Shuangyuangou. The Late Jurassic Shuangyuangou intrusion and associated Cu mineralization were formed within an intracontinental setting after the collisional assembly of the Qinling orogenic belt.

Metasomatized mantle sources for orogenic gold deposits hosted in high-grade metamorphic rocks: Evidence from Hg isotopes

Abstract Investigation of Hg isotope ratios of gold-related sulfides and penecontemporaneous mafic dikes from four orogenic gold provinces on the margins of the North China Craton and Yangtze Craton identifies three orogenic gold deposit (OGD) groups from different tectonic regimes. Ore-related sulfides of group 1 OGDs and mafic dikes from the craton margin reworked via oceanic subduction mostly have positive Δ199Hg values. The group 2 OGDs and mafic dikes from the margin that witnessed complex oceanic and continental subductions have mixed positive to negative Δ199Hg values. The group 3 OGDs on the margin that experienced continental subduction have dominantly negative Δ199Hg values. These isotopic differences indicate subduction histories have a first-order control on the distinct sources for the OGDs. It indicates that OGDs were derived from fluids from the mantle lithosphere metasomatized by contrasting subduction components, not from metamorphic fluids as is widely accepted. Group 1 OGDs and dikes were sourced from metasomatized mantle, which inherited the positive Δ199Hg of both recycled marine sediments and seawater during oceanic subduction, whereas group 3 with negative Δ199Hg was derived from mantle lithosphere metasomatized by subduction of mainly continental components. This genetic model identifies regions with high-grade metamorphic rocks above metasomatized mantle lithosphere as promising new OGD exploration targets.

Petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous andesites and mafic dikes in central Tibet: Implications for the growth of continental crust in collision zones

Post-collisional magmatic rocks in central Tibet provide an opportunity to study the processes of continental crustal growth in a collision zone. Here, we report data for samples of andesites and coeval mafic dikes obtained from the Jiaqiong area of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone, central Tibet. Zircon U–Pb dating shows that the andesites and mafic dikes were emplaced concurrently during the late Early Cretaceous (ca. 115 Ma). The andesites have high Mg# values (55.2–61.6) and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7086–0.7088), negative whole-rock εNd(t) (−6.5 to − 6.1) and zircon εHf(t) (−5.1 to − 1.7) values, and elevated zircon δ18O (6.8‰–7.5‰) values, indicating that the andesites were probably derived by the partial melting of an ancient subduction-modified lithospheric mantle. The coeval mafic dikes have moderately high Mg# values (49.3–50.0) and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7076–0.7082), and negative εNd(t) values (−5.4 to − 5.3), implying that they were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. However, the zircon εHf(t) (−5.8 to + 1.6) and δ18O (5.2‰–6.3‰) values of these mafic dikes indicate the influence of depleted mantle components. Furthermore, results of Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic mixing modeling suggest that these mafic dikes could have been produced by interaction between asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle. Therefore, we suggest that the parental magmas of the mafic dikes were probably generated by interaction between asthenospheric and overlying metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Combined with data on nearby Cretaceous magmatic rocks and sedimentary strata, we propose that the studied magmatic rocks were formed in a post-collisional slab breakoff setting in central Tibet and have made a substantial contribution to the vertical growth of continental crust in this continental collision zone.

Noble and base metal geochemistry of late- to post-orogenic mafic dykes from central Spain

The post-tectonic and post-orogenic mafic rocks from the Spanish Central System (SCS) (Iberian Massif) include dyke swarms of shoshonitic (microgabbros) and alkaline (lamprophyres and diabases) geochemical affinity, which register the nature of the metasomatic lithospheric mantle under central Spain. Such magmas sometimes show a direct (or indirect) relationship with the formation of orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits, which are relatively abundant in the Iberian Massif. The noble and base metal composition of these intrusions shows Primitive Mantle-normalized patterns characterized by positive Au and Co anomalies and fractionated platinum group elements (PGE): from lower Ir-group PGE (IPGE; Ir–Ru) to higher Pd-group PGE (PPGE; Rh–Pt–Pd). The low contents of PGE, together with the base metal contents of pyrite (which is the dominant sulphide phase in the alkaline dykes), is in accordance with low degrees of mantle partial melting and the early segregation of sulphides during magma differentiation. The scarcity of PGE mineral deposits in the Iberian Massif could be explained in part by the apparent lack of PGE enrichment in the Iberian lithospheric mantle. On the contrary, the positive Au anomaly of the SCS mafic dykes represents relatively high Au contents, similar to (and higher than) those of mafic rocks derived from metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle underlying Au-endowed cratons. Several geochemical features point to subduction-related metasomatism of either oceanic or continental nature as the main source of Au enrichment. The Au re-fertilization of the lithospheric mantle under central Spain makes it a potential source in the formation of gold mineralizations.

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.

Late Ordovician High Ba-Sr Intrusion in the Eastern North Qilian Orogen: Implications for Crust–Mantle Interaction and Proto-Tethys Ocean Evolution

High Ba-Sr granitic rocks are widespread in Phanerozoic orogenic systems, and their petrogenesis is important for revealing the evolutionary process of the Proto-Tethys Ocean in the North Qilian orogenic belt. This paper presents a combination of zircon U-Pb age, whole-rock major and trace element concentrations, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data for Caowa high Ba-Sr dioritic intrusion from the eastern part of the North Qilian orogenic belt, aiming to decipher its petrogenesis and tectonic setting. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yield an emplacement age of 450 ± 2 Ma for the Caowa intrusion, indicating a magmatic activity of the Late Ordovician. The Caowa quartz diorites contain moderate contents of SiO2, MgO, Mg#, and resultant high concentrations of Na2O + K2O, Fe2O3T, and Al2O3, displaying calc-alkaline and metaluminous characteristics. The studied samples have relatively elevated Ba (up to 1165 ppm) and Sr (561 to 646 ppm) contents, with obvious enrichment in LILEs (e.g., Ba, Th, U) and depletions in HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti), resembling those of typical high Ba-Sr granitoids in subduction zones. Together with enriched Sr-Nd isotopic composition [(87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7082–0.7086, εNd(t) = −5.1 to −4.9], and the wide ranges of zircon εHf(t) values (−13.2 to +8.5), it suggests that these high Ba-Sr quartz diorites were derived from a mixture magma source between the ancient crust materials and the enriched lithospheric mantle metasomatized by fluid released from subducted oceanic crust or sediment. Taking into account the ophiolites, high pressure metamorphic rocks, and arc magmatic rocks in the region, we infer that due to the influence of the northward subduction of the Qilian Proto-Tethys Ocean, the Laohushan oceanic crust of the North Qilian back-arc basin was subducted during the Late Ordovician and resulted in extensive metasomatism of lithospheric mantle by fluids derived from oceanic crust or sediments, and the Caowa high Ba-Sr quartz diorites were generated in the process of crust–mantle interaction during the Late Ordovician.

First identification of Early Cretaceous mafic dikes in the Baingoin area, central Tibet: Implications for crust-mantle interactions and magmatic flare-up

Mafic dikes are generally emplaced in extensional tectonic settings and provide key information regarding deep mantle processes and sources. The Bangong-Nujiang suture zone was formed by the collision of the Qiangtang and Lhasa terranes and experienced intense magmatism during the Early Cretaceous. However, the deep mantle processes and mechanisms involved in this magmatic flare-up (ca. 115 Ma) in the collisional belt remain controversial because of the lack of evidence for coeval mafic magmatism. Here, we present detailed petrological, geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotope data for the newly discovered hypersthene-bearing mafic dikes in the Baingoin area in the middle-eastern parts of the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone, central Tibet. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) zircon U-Pb dating showed that the mafic dikes were emplaced during 120−115 Ma. These mafic rocks are characterized by variable MgO contents (2.7−5.2 wt%) and Mg# values (38.5−52.8), slight enrichment in light rare earth elements (REEs; [La/Yb]N = 7.5−8.1), relatively flat heavy REE patterns ([Gd/Yb]N = 1.75−1.84), and negative Eu, Ta, Nb, and Ti anomalies. The dikes also have relatively low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7060−0.7062) and negative εNd(t) (−2.2 to −1.6) and positive εHf(t) (+2.5 to +3.6) values, and variable zircon εHf(t) (−2.2 to +7.2) and slightly elevated zircon δ18O (5.6‰−7.0‰) values. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the mafic dikes were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. However, compared with coeval magmatic rocks, the mafic dikes have relatively high εNd(t) and εHf(t) values, indicating that they contain a depleted mantle component. The mafic dikes contain clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene (i.e., hypersthene), indicative of derivation from a high-temperature magma source. Clinopyroxene-melt thermobarometry yielded a temperature range of 1167−1213 °C, further supporting the involvement of a high-temperature asthenospheric component. Therefore, we suggest that the parental magmas of the Nakoulai mafic dikes were probably generated by the interaction between the asthenospheric mantle and overlying metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Combined with data from nearby Cretaceous magmatic rocks and sedimentary rocks, we suggest that the mafic dikes were generated in a postcollisional setting caused by upwelling of asthenospheric mantle owing to slab breakoff beneath the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone. Slab breakoff played a key role in the crust-mantle interactions and the onset of the magmatic flare-up in the middle-eastern parts of the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone.

Tracking the Transition From a Gondwana LIP to the South Atlantic Ocean With Geochronological and Geochemical Indicators

AbstractEvidence of early oceanization during transition from large igneous provinces (LIPs) to new ocean crust is mostly missing in the geological record. Mafic dykes geochemically akin to mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) occur in late stages of LIPs, but their tectonic role during margin evolution remains poorly constrained. Here we use whole‐rock and high‐resolution clinopyroxene chemistry of two distinct types of mafic dykes from the southeastern Brazilian margin to show that a MORB‐like plumbing system became magmatically active in the central South Atlantic ∼2 Ma after the volcanic peak of the Paraná‐Etendeka Magmatic Province. The LIP basaltic dyke compositions resulted from the mixing between a highly metasomatized lithospheric mantle comprising enriched DMM and Archean contributions. The lack of elemental oscillatory zoning in clinopyroxene crystals suggests that they were produced by a single magma pulse, consistent with the strong magma fluxes in LIPs. In contrast, the MORB‐like dykes, which exhibit strong similarities with South Atlantic MORBs, are interpreted to represent early stages of oceanization deriving from the mixing of enriched asthenospheric melts either with ancient SCLM contributions or small crustal assimilation. The MORB‐like intrusions ascended and cooled rapidly along faults and were fed by numerous magma injections that suggest episodic decompression of the asthenospheric source ∼20 Ma before the birth of central South Atlantic. The combination of subduction‐influenced and MORB‐like dykes is recurrent in ancient and modern rifts globally, suggesting that thinned lithospheric blocks affected by ancient subduction events may become more susceptible to early oceanization in rifted margins.

Role of metasomatized mantle lithosphere in the formation of giant lode gold deposits: Insights from sulfur isotope and geochemistry of sulfides

The Wulong deposit is one of the largest quartz vein-type gold deposits with at least 80 tons of identified gold reserves in the eastern part of the Liaodong Peninsula. Gold orebodies are mainly hosted in the Late Jurassic gneissic two-mica granite and Early Cretaceous diorite dykes, and are structurally controlled by the NNE- and NW-trending faults. Gold mineralization mainly occurs as veins with lenticular shapes and is closely associated with sulfides and Bi minerals. Previous studies on the deposit mainly focused on its geological characteristics, fluid inclusions and the timing of gold mineralization. However, the extreme enrichment mechanism of gold, the geodynamic setting and ore source of the gold deposit remain equivocal. Here we present results from geochemical studies of pyrite and pyrrhotite at Wulong to address these issues. Pyrrhotite can be grouped into euhedral (Po1) and anhedral (Po2) varieties based on the textures. Four generations of pyrite were identified based on petrographic studies: Py1 is coarse-grained subhedral to euhedral crystal coexisting with milky quartz, and Au-depleted in composition; Py2 is represented by medium-grained, subhedral to anhedral pyrite coexisting with euhedral Po1, smoky quartz and minor chalcopyrite; Py3 occurs as fined-grained anhedral grains in the quartz-polymetallic sulfide veins; Py4 occurs as veinlets or aggregates in the quartz-calcite veins and contains the lowest Au concentrations. The time-resolved LA-ICP-MS ablation depth profiles of sulfides combined with detailed petrological observations indicate that gold mainly occurs either as invisible solid solution within the crystal lattice of sulfides, to some extent, or as small blebs of native gold and electrum. The close temporal and spatial relationships among native bismuth, native gold and Bi-Te-S minerals suggest that Bi-rich melts may have significantly sequestered gold from the hydrothermal fluids in the Wulong gold deposit. Sulfides from auriferous quartz veins have a restricted Δ33S range (−0.2‰ to +0.2‰) and a mean δ34S value of +1.25‰ with a feature of the mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) of sulfur isotopes, implying that the ore-forming materials were potentially derived from the mantle lithosphere that was metasomatized and fertilized by subduction-related fluids released from slab during the Early Cretaceous. This study demonstrates the Bi-rich melts as significant gold scavengers in As-deficient ore-forming fluid, and highlights the fundamental role of the metasomatized and fertilized mantle lithosphere in the formation of giant lode gold deposits in the eastern North China Craton at ca. 120 Ma.

A Mantle Plume Connection for Alkaline Lamprophyres (Sannaites) from the Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province: Petrological, Geochemical and Isotopic Constraints

AbstractThe origin of lamprophyres associated with large igneous provinces (LIPs) remains controversial, particularly whether they are derived by direct melting of mantle plumes, or from previously metasomatized domains in thermally perturbed subcontinental lithosphere. Here, we report the petrological and geochemical characteristics of a recently identified suite of alkaline lamprophyres (sannaites) that represent the final pulse of magmatism in the Permian Tarim LIP in NW China. The sannaites display porphyritic texture with phenocrysts of olivine, clinopyroxene, hornblende, phlogopite, and titanomagnetite in a groundmass of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, nepheline, hornblende, biotite, and titanomagnetite with minor pyrite and apatite. Carbonate ocelli and almost pure albite in the groundmass are interpreted to have crystallized from immiscible carbonate and hydrous fluids, respectively, produced by late-stage magmatic segregation. The rocks show low to moderate SiO2 (37.7–49.3 wt.%) and MgO (2.74–9.91 wt.%), together with high Fe2O3T (up to 22.7 wt.%) and alkali contents (up to 9.02 wt.% Na2O + K2O). They are characterized by high incompatible element abundances, especially a marked enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (Rb and Ba) and light rare-earth elements (e.g. La and Ce) relative to P and high-field-strength elements (e.g. Ti). They show a relatively restricted range of δ66Zn values between 0.22‰ and 0.46‰ with an average of 0.37 ± 0.04‰ (2SE, n = 10), which is marginally heavier than that of MORBs (0.27 ± 0.05‰). Their (87Sr/86Sr)t values range from 0.7035 to 0.7061, εNd(t) from −0.97 to +5.62, and δ26Mg from −0.36‰ to −0.17‰ (n = 8), the latter being consistent with those of global MORBs. Based on the correlation between Zn isotopes and TiO2–FeO concentrations, we infer that the heavy Zn isotopes in some of the sannaites resulted from fractional crystallization of Fe–Ti oxide minerals. The whole rock geochemical features of these rocks (negative K anomalies and enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements) and rhyolite–MELTS simulations suggest that the primary magmas of the sannaites were derived from an amphibole-bearing enriched lithospheric mantle source. Metasomatism and related formation of amphibole-bearing metasomatized mantle may be linked to sublithospheric melts/fluids derived from the Tarim plume in the earlier stages of plume activity, rather than slab-derived fluids or carbonate melts as suggested in previous studies for other alkaline mantle-derived magmas. Partial melting may have been triggered by the thermal input from the Tarim plume during a later stage. This study suggests that exotic, alkali-rich magmas can be produced during the multi-stage evolution of large mantle plumes, involving complex cycles of lithospheric mantle metasomatism and later melting of previously enriched domains.

Melting modeling of mixed peridotitic and mafic lithologies at shallow depths of the continental metasomatized lithospheric mantle: Implementation for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks of Eastern Mongolia

The Eastern Mongolia volcanic area formed in the Late Mesozoic–Early Cenozoic within Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The main volcanic events of the area occurred in the Early Cretaceous when alkaline basaltic lavas erupted and formed the so-called cover volcanic complex. Geochemical and isotope features of the cover volcanic complex allowed researchers to identify the following mantle rocks as their source: metasomatized peridotites, eclogites, and pyroxenites. Thermodynamic modeling in alphaMELTS program was performed to determine whether the simultaneous melting of these rocks with subsequent processes of crystallization differentiation could lead to the formation of the studied rocks. The modeling results show that the melting of the most enriched with incompatible trace elements peridotites, eclogites, and pyroxenites cannot produce the rocks of the cover volcanic complex. At the same time, the mixing of peridotite- and eclogite-derived melts corresponds most closely to the mechanism of rock formation. However, Ti, K, P, Rb, and Sr enrichment of the studied rocks also requires participation in magma generation processes of mantle metasomatic veins enriched with rutile, apatite, phlogopite, and amphibole.

Petrogenesis of the Eocene Yulong potassic intrusion in non‐subduction setting in the Sanjiang Tethys

The giant Yulong porphyry Cu (‐Mo‐Au) deposit was formed in a post‐collisional setting in eastern Tibet, which is associated with Eocene potassic to ultrapotassic felsic intrusive rocks. The origin of the Yulong potassic intrusion remains highly disputed. Hence, we present new zircon U–Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry and zircon Lu‐Hf isotopes for the Yulong intrusion. Zircon U–Pb dating from the porphyritic monzogranite and porphyritic quartz monzonite yield ages of 41.1 ± 0.2, 40.8 ± 0.1 and 40.5 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively. Samples from the Yulong intrusion exhibit high K2O (4.13–4.85%), and high K2O/Na2O (1.00–1.25), [La/Yb]n (30.37–40.37) and Sr/Y (57.86–87.68) ratios, low Mg#, MgO, Ni, and Cr contents, enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depletion of high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs, e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). Zircon grains from this study have mostly positive εHf(t) values (+1.6 to +2.9), and crustal model ages (TDMC) of 0.90–1.19 Ga. These features suggest that the Yulong intrusion is derived from a thickened juvenile lower crust. During the Permian to late Triassic, Jinshajiang‐Ailaoshan Palaeo‐Tethyan oceanic subduction from the eastern margin of the North Qiangtang produced metasomatic domains within the continental lithospheric mantle and lower crust. During the late Eocene, the continuing India‐Asia continental collision may have preferentially overthickened the crust. Convective removals in the lower part of the thickened lithosphere resulted in the hot asthenosphere upwelling along the Jinshajiang‐Ailaoshan Suture, which induced the partial melting of the residual metasomatized lithospheric mantle, as well as the thickened lower crust in the Eocene, which formed the Yulong intrusion.

Trace element and Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic constraints on the composition and evolution of eastern Anatolian sub-lithospheric mantle

Quaternary Elazığ mafic alkaline volcanism is part of the anorogenic volcanic system of the circum-Mediterranean region, and it provides crucial insights into the chemical nature of the mantle source domains beneath eastern Turkey. Elemental and isotope geochemistry reveals that these mafic lithologies are mainly free of crustal contamination , reflecting geochemical signatures inherited from partial melting of their mantle sources. The trace element and Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotope systematics of the most primitive members of this volcanism are consistent with a predominant contribution from a sub-lithospheric component which compositionally resembles component C, believed to be common to global OIBs and MORBs . However, the total range of the isotope data also requires the involvement of two additional mantle components into their genesis: a depleted asthenospheric component (DM) and an enriched component (EM-type) representing metasomatized lithospheric mantle. We propose that the recycled oceanic lithologies with C-like signatures are dispersed in the asthenospheric mantle beneath eastern Anatolia and have undergone mixing with the depleted mantle matrix. When considering these with the melting models, it appears that the garnet-facies partial melts of the C-DM mixture have experienced a small degree of interaction with the melts from an SCLM domain modified by slab-derived melts and/or fluids. The metasomatized SCLM domain may be intrinsic to the eastern Anatolian lithosphere or occur as pods embedded in the asthenosphere . The chemical characteristics of the Elazığ Volcanics may confirm the wide-range dispersal of the common component in the sub-lithospheric mantle beneath the region extending from western Europe to eastern Turkey. However, the common component resides beneath Anatolia appear to have distinct composition (i.e., Pb isotope systematics) than the ubiquitous component shared mostly by European intraplate volcanics (i.e., LVC/EAR). • The sub-lithospheric mantle beneath eastern Turkey is heterogeneous. • A recycled C-like component is dispersed in the sub-lithospheric mantle. • The C-like component mixed with the depleted asthenospheric mantle matrix • Elazığ Volcanics represent melts predominantly derived from a C-DM mixture.

Quaternary post-collisional high Nb-like basalts from Bijar-Qorveh, NW Iran: A metasomatized lithospheric mantle source

The Quaternary Bijar-Qorveh mafic volcanic rocks (BQMVR) occur in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) of Iran, a segment of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogeny with a Gondwana-affinity basement. Phases 1 and 2 of BQMVR are silica-undersaturated (basanite, tephrite, and phonotephrite) and form a highly alkaline or HA suite. The last phase, phase 3, of BQMVR is silica-saturated (alkali olivine basalt and hawaiite) and is called the mildly alkaline or MA suite. BQMVR share well-known subduction-related negative Nb Ta anomalies, and their Nb abundances are high enough to be classified as ‘high-Nb like basalts’. However, they do not show geochemical characteristics of typical high-Nb basalts. Trace element abundances and patterns of the MA suite mimic garnet-bearing spinel peridotite partial melts, whereas the HA suite is too rich in incompatible trace elements to match normal mantle partial melts. Enriched trace element patterns of the HA suite are akin to hornblendite experimental partial melts, and are likely derived from a garnet-amphibole peridotite source. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics of the BQMVR indicate a subcontinental lithospheric mantle affinity. The HA suite tends toward the EM1 array, whereas the MA suite follows the EM2 array. The highly radiogenic Sr Nd isotopes of the MA suite indicate significant crustal contamination. Lithospheric delamination beneath the SSZ that followed Arabia-Eurasia collision, triggered garnet-amphibole peridotite partial melting that interacted with 10–30% of the asthenospheric component to have formed the HA suite. Mantle melting at shallower lithosphere depths followed and produced the MA suite. MELTS modeling shows the BQMVR underwent fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene ± olivine. Whole-rock thermobarometric calculations suggest derivation of the primary melts at a depth of ~97 km, however the Cpx-thermobarometer indicates that such melts equilibrated at lower crust depths at a depth of 45 km close to the Moho. The present Quaternary volcanostratigraphic study provides substantial clues for major post-collisional alkaline high-Nb mafic volcanism bearing signatures of two distinct magmatic stages; an early phase (phases 1 and 2) rooted in a deeper garnet amphibole peridotite followed by phase 3 rooted in a garnet-poor spinel peridotite. • Quaternary alkaline mafic volcanism in western Iran is post collisional. • Highly alkaline (HA) suite is derived from juvenile amphibole rich mantle. • Mildly alkaline (MA) suite is derived from shallower, ancient lithospheric mantle. • EM1 and EM2 affinities of the HA and MA suites respectively comply with the SCLM. • MELTS and isotopes revealed FC and AFC roles for HA and MA suites respectively.

The Roraima Alkaline Province: A cretaceous alkaline province in the Amazonian Craton

The rift-related magmatism that generated the Roraima Alkaline Province (RAP) took place along main faults and shear zones that stretch out for circa 200 km in the central Guyana Shield, northern Amazonian Craton. As such, RAP is the first alkaline province proposed to the Guyana Shield. It encompasses felsic and mafic rock types – the former constituting foid-syenites and phonolites, while the latter including lamprophyre, tephrite and tephriphonolite dikes. In this paper, we examine whether these rocks are cogenetic and construct a genetic model for RAP with coupled petrography, geochemistry, and U-Pb zircon geochronology. Our data show that the RAP rocks are nepheline-normative, metaluminous to peralkaline, and miaskitic to agpaitic. The geochemical signatures indicate that fractional crystallization was the primary mechanism that produced the compositional variability between mafic and felsic magmas. Increasing peralkalinity is attributed to extensive alkali feldspar fractionation. Elemental, isotopic, geochronological and petrographic features show that crustal assimilation also played a role in magma genesis. Both ages obtained in this study and compiled from previous works range from 100 to 116 Ma, indicating that the Cretaceous alkaline magmatism in the Guyana Shield was short-lived. The Sr-Nd isotopic signatures of the least-contaminated samples require mixing of depleted and enriched mantles. Depleted-mantle model ages obtained from the least-contaminated samples fall in relatively short intervals, between 548 and 657 Ma, which coincide with the model ages of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) tholeiites, suggesting that the same metasomatic event affected both Mesozoic alkaline and tholeiite magmatic occurrences of the Guyana Shield. It is concluded that the lithospheric mantle metasomatism took place shortly before magmatism, triggered by an extensional tectonic event involving the Tacutu rifting and the opening of the Atlantic.