Monzonitic Magma Research Articles

Multi-stage evolution of the monzonitic Larvik Plutonic Complex (Oslo Rift, Norway) and its implications for the formation of the Kodal Fe-Ti-P(−REE) deposit

The Larvik Plutonic Complex is a monzonitic complex that was emplaced early during the formation of the Permian Oslo Rift (southern Norway). It extends across its entire width (around 50 km), and is made up of a majority of larvikite (augite monzonite) and lardalite (nepheline monzogabbro to nepheline syenite) distributed in ten successive intrusive units that partially intersect each other. The Larvik Plutonic Complex also hosts occurrences of singular Fe-Ti-P-rich rocks of magmatic origin, including the Kodal deposit. These are mainly composed of titanomagnetite, ilmenite, titanaugite and apatite, the latter also featuring rare earth elements (REE) enrichment. Here, we aim to unravel the conditions that allowed the Kodal deposit to form, and determine why other mineralized bodies are not seen elsewhere in the Larvik Plutonic Complex. We compared the petrography and elemental and isotope (Sr, Nd and Hf) geochemistry of both the Kodal mineralization and the neighboring larvikite, in order to provide evidence of their petrogenetic relationship. Both lithologies share the same isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr(i): 0.7035–0.7043; εNd(i): +2.37 − +3.48; εHf(i): +3.39 − +9.16), which would suggest a single homogeneous source. The very low dispersion of our isotopic data also suggests that crustal contamination levels in the area were low to negligible. Normalized trace diagrams of larvikite in several localities of the Larvik Plutonic Complex also show enrichments in most incompatible elements, which becomes more prevalent towards the Kodal deposit. Elements like Sr and Eu(2+) follow an opposite trend, because of their compatibility in plagioclase. We therefore infer that the region around the Kodal deposit hosts more fractionated larvikite due to the previous crystallization of successive plagioclase cumulates. We deduce that the Kodal lobe corresponds to a more evolved intrusion, which is no part of Pluton V per se, as considered in the literature until now, but instead derives at least from a monzonitic magma at the origin of the plutons V to VIII). This also implies that the formation of Fe-Ti-P mineralization at Kodal was most likely a consequence of enrichment of the residual melt in alkaline elements and incompatible elements. These conditions support an early hypothesis of formation by silicate-liquid immiscibility, along with petrographic evidence of disequilibrium at the mineralogical scale. However, further analyses would be required to test the hypotheses of silicate-liquid immiscibility against an accumulation of the Fe-Ti-P mineralization from an evolved intermediate magma.

Zircon U-Pb geochronology and petrogenesis of Middle Eocene monzonitic plutons in NE Turkey: constraints for generation of post-collisional I-type shoshonitic magmas

ABSTRACT We present U – Pb zircon geochronology and whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of monzonitic plutons from NE Turkey to elucidate their genesis and provide significant insights into the generation of post-collisional I-type shoshonitic magmas. Zircon U – Pb dating of the monzonitic plutons yielded an emplacement of the Middle Eocene (44–39 Ma). Geochemically, the monzonitic plutons are I-type, metaluminous, and shoshonitic in composition, and have high contents of total alkalis and LILE, high ratios of LREE/HREE and LREE/HFSE, and show negative Nb-Ta-Ti and Eu (EuN/Eu* = 0.69–0.84) anomalies. The monzonitic plutons have homogeneous and moderately low initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.70464–0.70495), positive εNd(t) values (0.33 to 1.28), and narrow variation of the initial Pb isotope contents with 206Pb/204Pb (18.74–18.82), 207Pb/204Pb (15.64–15.65), and 207Pb/204Pb (38.81–38.90). The combined use of whole-rock trace elements and isotopic compositions with regional geology suggests that parental magmas of the monzonitic plutons were generated from mainly melt-metasomatized sub-continental lithospheric mantle source and lesser crustal components in an extensional orogenic setting, and then monzonitic magmas have evolved by dominantly fractional crystallization in crustal levels.

Latest Oligocene adakitic rocks in western Iran: implications for early crustal thickening and tectonic evolution of the Iran Block

Adakitic rocks occur in a variety of tectonic settings and are key to understanding the tectonic evolution and geodynamics of orogenic belts. We investigated latest Oligocene (23.5–22.5 Ma) quartz monzonites and granites from the western segment of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt in Iran, which are likely to have formed in response to the early stages of Arabia–Eurasia collision. The studied rocks have the geochemical characteristics of typical adakites, such as high SiO 2 (60.18–68.82 wt%) and Sr (499–793 ppm) contents, low Y (8.90–17.1 ppm) and Yb (0.88–1.58 ppm) contents, and high Sr/Y (26.1‒67.8) and (La/Yb) N (21.9‒32.9) ratios. They have variable K 2 O (3.88–5.09 wt%), MgO (0.44–2.74 wt%; Mg# = 33.7–52.5), Cr (4.27–40.59 ppm), Ni (4.28–35.68 ppm) and Th (9.56–59.59 ppm) contents, and relatively depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions [( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i = 0.70450–0.70516; ε Nd ( t ) = 2.1–2.7]. These characteristics indicate that the quartz monzonites were derived from the partial melting of delaminated lower crust that interacted with mantle peridotite with high MgO, Cr and Ni contents and depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions and suggest that the granites were formed by the fractional crystallization of quartz monzonitic magma. The geochemical features of the studied adakitic rocks could therefore have been affected by magmatic processes (e.g. fractional crystallization), which might be misleading in interpretations of their petrogenesis and related tectonic settings. The geochemical features of the studied rocks indicate that the crust of the western segment of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt was thickened to c. 50 ± 4.43 km during the latest Oligocene ( c. 23.5 Ma) as a result of Arabia–Eurasia collision. Supplementary material: Whole rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6188328

A rapid change in magma plumbing taps porphyry copper deposit-forming magmas

Porphyry-type deposits are a vital source of green technology metals such as copper and molybdenum. They typically form in subduction-related settings from large, long-lived magmatic systems. The most widely accepted model for their formation requires that mantle-derived magmas undergo an increase in volatiles and ore-forming constituents in mid- to lower crustal reservoirs over millions of years, however, this is mostly based on observations from shallow, sporadically exposed parts of porphyry systems. To examine this paradigm, we have evaluated the timeframe and geochemical signatures of magmatism in a ~ 8 km palaeodepth cross-section through plutonic and volcanic rocks of the classic Yerington magmatic system, Nevada. We show that the magmas in the upper parts of the system (< 8 km) underwent a major and rapid change in chemistry over a period of < 200 kyrs that is coincident with the initiation of ore formation. We attribute this change to a shift from extraction of quartz monzodiorite and quartz monzonite magmas evolving in mid-crustal reservoirs, and that had relatively poor ore-forming potential, to extraction of volatile-rich granitic magmas from greater (~ 30 km) depths. As the granites crystallised, late stage melts were intruded through the carapace as aplite dykes which contain traceable expressions of the porphyry deposit-forming fluids. The rapid nature of the shift in ore-forming potential narrows the temporal-geochemical footprint of magmas associated with porphyry mineralisation and provides new constraints for exploration models.

Alkaline rocks of the northern part of Birnin Gwari schist belts, northwestern Nigeria: provenance and evolution

Rocks of the northern part of Birnin Gwari schist belt is underlain predominantly by (i) banded gneiss of dioritic and granodioritic composition and granitic gneisses; (ii) biotite-staurolite quartz schist; and (iii) syn-tectonic biotite hornblende (quartzolite - BHG) granite, biotite granite (BG), and biotite-muscovite granite (BMG). Banded gneiss rocks are of hybrid sedimentary–igneous protoliths; their pelitic and mafic protoliths were derived essentially from a quartz-diorite, granodiorite and granite-quartz monzonite source. Metasediments are enriched in SiO2 (63.03 to 65.13 wt %), with moderately elevated Al2O3 (15.4 – 15.16 wt %) values and depleted in Ba, V, W, La, Nb, Nd, Rb, Th and Zr trace elements; inherited from shale-greywacke sedimentary protoliths. Cogenetic syn-tectonic granites display similar trace elements and REE patterns, with diverse trends such as “normal”, “anomalous” and “strongly differentiated” and characterized by LILE enrichment, high LREE fractionation factor (La/Yb of 6.74 to 45.14) with weak to moderate negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.38 to 0.62) and strong negative Nb, P and Ti anomalies. The belt consists of rocks with alkaline affinity and evolved as back arc behind subducted Pan-African plate due effect of compressional forces and differentiation of quartz diorite, granodioritic and granite-quartz monzonite magma and partial melting of crustal components inherited from shale-greywacke sedimentary protoliths in volcanic arc and post collisional settings. The precursor of these rocks originated from basalt of depleted mantle that differentiated progressively to the granite.  Â

Shoshonitic volcanism of the Bodrum caldera (SW Turkey): Hybridization of enriched mantle-derived and crustal melts

Bodrum Caldera, located at the southwestern tip of the Anatolian plate, comprises volcanic rocks formed by intrusive, effusive and explosive volcanic activity during Miocene. Volcanic rocks chemically belong to K-rich shoshonitic series and comprised of a range of compositions from absarokites to rhyolites with intrusive micromonzogabbros and micromonzonites. The least evolved magmatic rocks are the post-caldera micromonzogabbros. Blebs/droplets with different mineralogical/petrographical characteristics and resorbed xenocrystic glomerocrysts/cumulates comprised of feldspar and clinopyroxene in disequilibrium with the host rocks suggest that mixing between compositionally different magmas was an important process for the evolution of Bodrum volcanism. Especially shoshonites contain mixing and mingling textures probably occurred between monzogabbroic and more evolved monzonitic magmas. Fractional crystallization was limited to felsic (>60% SiO2) rocks where feldspar, pyroxene, biotite, apatite and zircon were the main fractionating phases. Trace element abundances indicate a garnet-bearing enriched mantle peridotite, resembling EM-1 with a modal assemblage of garnet, rutile, titanite and phlogopite, as the common mantle source rock. Non-modal fractional melting models exhibit that micromonzonites, absarokites and micromonzogabbros were derived from lower (1–3%), moderate (10–15%) and higher (>20%) degrees partial melting of an enriched mantle, respectively. Besides, monzonitic compositions can be produced by partial fusion of a subducting slab with hypothetical composition of 80% GLOSS and 20 % N-MORB. Basic-intermediate compositions can be produced by the mixing/mingling of the micromonzogabbroic and monzonitic magmas. Crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization of hybrid absarokitic melts can yield intermediate-to-felsic compositions of Bodrum shoshonitic series.

Generation of the Giant Porphyry Cu-Au Deposit by Repeated Recharge of Mafic Magmas at Pulang in Eastern Tibet

Abstract The giant Pulang porphyry Cu-Au district (446.8 Mt at 0.52% Cu and 0.18 g/t Au) is located in the Yidun arc, eastern Tibet. The district is hosted in an intrusive complex comprising, in order of emplacement, premineralization fine-grained quartz diorite and coarse-grained quartz diorite, intermineralization quartz monzonite, and late-mineralization diorite porphyry, which were all emplaced at ca. 216 ± 2 Ma. Mafic magmatic enclaves are found in both the coarse-grained quartz diorite and quartz monzonite. The well-preserved primary mineral crystals in such a systematic magma series (including contemporaneous relatively mafic intrusions) with well-defined timing provide an excellent opportunity to investigate upper crustal magma reservoir processes, particularly to test the role of mafic magma recharge in porphyry Cu formation. Two groups of amphibole crystals, with different aluminum contents, are observed in these four rocks. Low-Al amphibole crystals (Аl2О3 = 6.2–7.6 wt %) with crystallization temperatures of ~780°C mainly occur in the coarse-grained quartz diorite and quartz monzonite, whereas high-Al amphibole crystals (Al2O3 = 8.0–13.3 wt %) with crystallization temperatures of ~900°C mainly occur in the fine-grained quartz diorite and diorite porphyry. These characteristics, together with detailed petrographic observations and mineral chemistry studies, indicate that the coarse-grained quartz diorite and quartz monzonite probably formed by crystal fractionation in the same felsic magma reservoir, whereas the fine-grained quartz diorite and diorite porphyry formed from relatively mafic magmas sourced from different magma reservoirs. The occurrence of mafic magmatic enclaves, disequilibrium phenocryst textures, and cumulate clots indicates that the coarse-grained quartz diorite and quartz monzonite evolved in an open crustal magma storage system through a combination of crystal fractionation and repeated mafic magma recharge. Mixing with incoming batches of hotter mafic magma is indicated by the appearance of abundant microtextures, such as reverse zoning (Na andesine core with Ca-rich andesine or labradorite rim overgrowth), sharp zoning (Ca-rich andesine or labradorite core with abrupt rimward anorthite decrease) and patchy core (Ca-rich andesine or labradorite and Na andesine patches) textured plagioclase, zoned amphibole, high-Al amphibole clots, skeletal biotite, and quartz ocelli (mantled quartz xenocrysts). Using available partitioning models for apatite crystals from the coarse-grained quartz diorite, quartz monzonite, and diorite porphyry, we estimated absolute magmatic S contents to be 20–100, 25–130, and &amp;gt;650 ppm, respectively. Estimates of absolute magmatic Cl contents for these three rocks are 1,000 ± 600, 1,800 ± 1,100, and 1,300 ± 1,000 ppm, respectively. The slight increase in both magmatic S and Cl contents from the premineralization coarse-grained quartz diorite magma to intermineralization quartz monzonite magma was probably due to repeated recharge of the relatively mafic diorite porphyry magma with higher S but similar Cl contents. Mass balance constraints on Cu, S, and Cl were used to estimate the minimum volume of magma required to form the Pulang porphyry Cu-Au deposit. Magma volume calculated using Cu mass balance constraints implies that a minimum of 21–36 km3 (median of 27 km3) of magma was required to provide the total of 2.3 Mt of Cu at Pulang. This magma volume can explain the Cl endowment of the deposit but is unlikely to supply the sulfur required. Recharge of 5–11 km3 of diorite porphyry magma to the felsic magma reservoir is adequate to account for the additional 6.5–15 Mt of S required at Pulang. Repeated diorite porphyry magma recharge may have supplied significant amounts of S and some Cl and rejuvenated the porphyry system, thus aiding formation of the large, long-lived magma reservoir that produced the porphyry Cu-Au deposit at Pulang.

Evolution of Archean Sanukitoids from the Otto Stock by Magma Mixing and Na–K Metasomatism: Evidence from Petrological Observations and Lithium Isotope Geochemistry

AbstractPetrogenetic models for the genesis of Archean sanukitoids are diverse in the literature but most point to the initiation of plate tectonics and the construction of the first proto-continents during the Late Archean. These rocks include diorites, monzonites, monzodiorites, quartz monzodiorites, trachyandesites, granodiorites and tonalites, and are defined as having SiO2 = 55–60 wt%, Na2O + K2O = 6 wt%, MgO &amp;gt; 6 wt%, Mg# &amp;gt; 60, Ni–Cr &amp;gt; 100 ppm, Sr and Ba = 600–1800 ppm, chondrite-normalized Ce and Yb values of 80–250 and 4–10, respectively, and no Eu anomalies. Petrogenetic models include the partial melting of mantle peridotite previously metasomatized by fluids of crustal or mantle origin, partial melting of subducted slabs and assimilation of peridotite, and partial melting of undepleted peridotite with subsequent mixing with tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) crustal partial melts and addition of carbonatite, all of which may or may not include subsequent differentiation by fractional crystallization. Here, extraordinary textural relations unequivocally show that at the Late Archean Otto stock, Abitibi, Canada, sanukitoids resulted from the assimilation of clinopyroxenite by monzonitic magmas and coeval magmatic–hydrothermal Na–K metasomatism. The metasomatized monzonites (± quartz), melanogranites, granodiorites, and sanukitoidal melanoporphyries were subsequently cut by swarms of lamprophyre dykes hosting a different set of hydrothermal alteration assemblages, including propylitic alteration, biotitization, chloritization, and pyritization, along with associated enrichments in Au. These alterations are shown to be associated with the nearby Cadillac–Larder Lake Fault Zone and the world-class Kirkland Lake gold deposit. The Li isotopic compositions of these rocks correlate with Au concentrations and range from magmatic values of ∼ +4 ‰ up to +10·4 ‰ in Na–K metasomatized and Au-depleted rocks, and from magmatic values of ∼4 ‰ down to 0·6 ‰ in rocks hosting propylitic, chloritic, and biotitic alteration and Au enrichments of up to 2·9 ppm Au.

Texture, geochemistry, and geochronology of titanite and pyrite: Fingerprint of magmatic-hydrothermal fertile fluids in the Jiaodong Au province

AbstractThe Au mineralization in the giant Jiaodong Au province is enigmatic and difficult to fit current classic mineralization models, primarily because of uncertainties as to the sources of ore-forming fluids and metals. The ca. 120 Ma Au mineralization has been previously proposed to have occurred during a magmatic lull, which would negate a magmatic-hydrothermal genetic model. However, recent drilling has revealed a buried mineralized monzonite equivalent in age to the Au mineralization in the Linglong goldfield. Here, we present comprehensive textural, geochemical [LA-(MC)-ICP-MS trace element, Nd and S isotopes] and geochronological (LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating) analyses of titanite and pyrite from this previously unrecognized monzonite. Three types of titanite were distinguished, including magmatic Ttn1 and hydrothermal Ttn2 and Ttn3, which show indistinguishable U-Pb ages (120.7 ± 3.1 and 120.9 ± 2.6 Ma), REE patterns and Nd isotopes [εNd(t) = –14.7 to –12.9], implying that hydrothermal fluids were directly exsolved from the monzonitic magma, contemporaneous with the large-scale Au mineralization at ca. 120 Ma. The Nd isotopes of titanite potentially indicate a lower crustal source mixed with mantle materials for the monzonite. Four types of pyrite were analyzed, including magmatic Py1 from fresh biotite monzonite, hydrothermal Py2 from altered biotite monzonite, hydrothermal Py3 from quartz-pyrite veins with a monazite U-Pb age of 118.2 ± 4.6 Ma, and magmatic Py4 from mafic enclaves of the Gushan granite at ca.120 Ma. The δ34S values of magmatic Py1 and Py4 (+1.9 to +6.3‰, and +5.0 to +6.4‰, respectively) and hydrothermal Py2 and Py3 (+6.4 to +9.5‰ and +6.5 to +7.6‰, respectively) are consistent with sulfur isotopic fractionation between melt and fluid. Hydrothermal Py2 and Py3 also have higher Co, As, Ag, Sb, and Bi contents and submicrometer gold inclusions, implying that the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids were fertile for mineralization. This study highlights the importance of monzonite magmatism and exsolved fertile fluids in regional Au mineralization. Hydrous magmas at ca.120 Ma probably extracted Au efficiently from the lower crustal-mantle sources and released auriferous fluids at the late magmatic stage, leading to the formation of Au deposits in the Jiaodong province.

Copper-mineralised porphyries sample the evolution of a large-volume silicic magma reservoir from rapid assembly to solidification

Volatile-rich intermediate to silicic magmatic systems can feed devastating volcanic eruptions but also generate valuable magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits that supply most of the world's copper. Understanding the geometry, dynamics and timescales of these magmatic systems is critical in developing models for predicting the occurrence of ore deposits and future large volcanic eruptions. Here, we use zircon petrochronology from an equigranular monzonite and successively emplaced porphyry dykes to reconstruct the time – temperature – composition evolution of the magma that sourced the giant Cu-Mo-Au deposit at Bingham Canyon (USA). Combining high-precision CA-ID-TIMS geochronology with in-situ trace element analyses by LA-ICP-MS shows the intra-grain, inter-sample and temporal geochemical changes recording the evolution of the magmatic system over 817 ± 62 kyr. Systematic variation of zircon chemistry with time indicates crystallisation from a coherent magma reservoir. After reservoir assembly its thermal and chemical state was controlled by protracted monotonous crystallisation over ∼650 kyr with rapid cooling over the first 200 kyr followed by a longer period approaching the granite solidus. Porphyry Cu-Au ore formation occurred after the early drop in magma temperature that resulted in large-scale fluid saturation and expulsion into the sub-volcanic environment but main Mo-mineralisation occurred after protracted low-temperature magma storage and the emplacement of the last porphyry. Zircons do not quantify the depth of this reservoir but integrating independent geophysical evidence with 2-D thermal modelling indicates that the time – temperature evolution recorded by the zircons is consistent with rapid incremental assembly of this large pluton (magma emplacement rate ≳ 0.0065 km3/yr) by initially zircon-undersaturated monzonitic magma into pre-heated upper crust. Our results indicate that massive fluid expulsion from rapidly-formed, large magma reservoirs containing mobile but mushy magma (>40 wt.% melt) can occur in the upper crust, favouring the formation of giant porphyry copper deposits.

HIBRIDIZAÇÃO MAGMÁTICA NO PLÚTON QUIXABA NW DO DOMÍNIO RIO PIRANHAS-SERIDÓ: UM ESTUDO TEXTURAL QUANTITATIVO E QUALITATIVO

O Pluton Quixaba trata-se de uma intrusão de idade ediacarana de dimensões batolíticas, com mais de 100 km2 de área aflorante e orientação NE-SW, localizado no Domínio Rio Piranhas-Seridó (DPS), porção setentrional da Província Borborema. O Plúton apresenta dois fácies, Quixaba e Umari. O fácies Quixaba (predominante) é composto por rochas monzoníticas de textura equigranular muito grossa e coloração rósea. O fácies Umari é composto por rochas dioríticas de textura equigranular e aflora na porção central do corpo, na forma de uma intrusão semi-circular de eixo maior E-W. Essas rochas apresentam dois piroxênios (ferrossilita e diopsídio) e anfibólios subsolidus de composição grunerita e hornblenda. A ocorrência de rochas de composição híbrida nos dois fácies, bem como a presença de enclaves máficos magmáticos, textura tipo rapakivi, quartzo ocelar, morfologias mistas de apatita, synneusis, zonação múltipla e agregados máficos indicam processos de coexistência e mistura local entre os magmas monzoníticos de Quixaba e dioríticos de Umari. A análise textural quantitativa por meio da técnica de distribuição do tamanho dos cristais (CSD) para feldspato potássico das rochas híbridas corroboram esta hipótese e fornecem uma curva de concavidade para cima (típica do processo de mistura de magmas), na qual são identificadas duas populações principais, uma de fenocristais e uma de cristais neoformados.

The effects of mafic-felsic magma interaction on magma diversity: insights from an early Paleozoic hornblendite-quartz monzonite suite in the South China block

Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the interplay between mafic and felsic magmas is the key to retrieving information on their sources, and characterizing the exchange of mass between them. In order to characterize compositional and mineralogical changes in the mafic end-member during mafic-felsic magma interaction and to better understand the nature of early Paleozoic intracontinental magmatism in the South China Block (SCB), a detailed study was conducted on an early Paleozoic hornblendite-quartz monzonite suite in the SCB. The amphibole phenocrysts in the hornblendite are zoned with respect to major and trace elements. From the brown core to the light-green rim, these amphibole phenocrysts display significant increases in Si, Mg, and Mn, coupled with abrupt decreases in Al, Ti, Na, K, and most of the trace elements, but only minor variations in Ca, Fe, Co, and Ni. The light-green matrix amphiboles in the hornblendite have similar compositions to the outer rim of amphibole phenocrysts (except Na). It is important to note that the amphibole grains in the quartz monzonite have significantly higher rare-earth element (REE) contents than the amphibole grains in the hornblendite. There is convincing evidence to support a significant transfer of incompatible elements (e.g., K, Na, LILE, LREE, U, and Th) from the felsic magma to the mafic magma, such as (1) the absence of high-Ca plagioclase in hornblendite, with the majority of feldspar grains being albite (Ab96–97) and orthoclase (Or94–96), and (2) uniform Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7081–0.7098; eNd(t) = −6.8 to −6.3; weighted mean zircon eHf(t) = −8.0 to −7.4) for the hornblendite and quartz monzonite samples. It is, therefore, suggested that during mafic-felsic magma interaction, water was transferred from the quartz monzonite magma to the coeval hornblendite magma and promoted the formation of the amphibole crystals in the latter. The incompatible elements transferred from the quartz monzonite magma to the hornblendite magma were mainly incorporated into the late-crystallized anhedral phases in the hornblendite (e.g., orthoclase, sodic plagioclase, quartz, zircon, and apatite). This study suggests that water, which behaves as a supercritical fluid in most mafic-felsic magmas, may play a key role in the exchange of mass between mafic and felsic magmas, and this may be extended to the petrogenesis of biotite-amphibole aggregations in intermediate-felsic magmas.

Amphibole crystallization conditions as record of interaction between ultrapotassic enclaves and monzonitic magmas in the Glória Norte Stock, South of Borborema Province

Abstract The Gloria Norte Stock (GNS) is made up of predominantly porphyritic biotite- amphibole-bearing quartz monzonite, enclosing a large number of microgranular mafic enclaves (MME). The GNS MME are fine-grained rocks with rounded and ellipsoid shapes that show sharp and gradational contacts with the host rocks, suggesting they coexisted with the host monzonite as magmas. The studied amphibole crystals of the two rock types are calcic and correspond to pargasite, edenite, and magnesium-hornblende. Their compositions are influenced by substitutions involving Al3+, Na+, Fe2+, Si4+ and Mg2+ ions, reflecting the decrease in temperature and the increase in oxygen fugacity. They present low Ti and Al contents, and varied Si content (6.2-7.7 apuf). The mg# values range from 0.48-0.84. Pressures for the crystallization of the MME amphiboles vary between 2.6 and 7.8 kbar and the temperatures of solidus and liquidus were estimated between 600-659 and 887-908oC, respectively. The early MME amphibole crystals with lower Si and Mg content were formed under high pressure (7.8 kbar) and temperature (908 °C). The presence of amphiboles with 862oC and 5 kbar in MME and GNS reflects that the interaction between these magmas occurred at 18 km of depth.

Emplacement and thermal effect of post-collisional Chewo Pluton (Arabian-Nubian Shield); implication for late East-African Orogeny

The Chewo pluton built by pyroxene-amphibole to amphibole-biotite monzodiorite and quartz monzonite is a typical post-collisional intrusive body emplaced into a low-grade Neoproterozoic Tambien Group belonging to the Tokar-Barka Terrane in the southern Arabian–Nubian Shield. The pluton shows a high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous composition with significant enrichment in both LREE and LILE due to hybridization and magma mixing between crustal and mantle-derived melts. Estimated P-T conditions of quartz monzonite magma solidification at T: 703 ± 23 °C and P: 0.32 ± 0.08 GPa and thermal overprint in the pluton aureole at T: ̴200–755 °C and P: 0.28 ± 0.06 GPa indicate that the Chewo pluton intruded at a depth of between ca. 10–13 km. The Chewo Pluton was emplaced diapirically, which was driven by a local extension in the hinge of the large-scale asymmetric syncline during the last increments of regional deformation – orogen-perpendicular WNW(NW)-ESE(SE) compression. It indicates that the regional WNW(NW)-ESE(SE) shortening is the main geodynamic event of the East African Orogen in the upper-crustal Tokar-Barka Terrane resulting in the assembly of the eastern and western Gondwana continents. In concordance, the zircon U/Pb age of the Chewo pluton (618.1 ± 1.5 Ma) provides the upper limit for the regional deformation.

Early cretaceous igneous activities in the north flank of the North China Craton: the Shouwangfen complex example

ABSTRACT The Early Cretaceous igneous complexes in the north flank of the North China Craton (NCC) provide a window to investigate the Mesozoic magmatism in the NCC. Here we report the precise timing of Early Cretaceous magmatism and magma petrogenesis of the different rock types in the north flank of the NCC based on petrology, mineral chemistry, geochemistry, zircon geochronology and Sr-Nd isotopes. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals that the Shouwangfen complex was crystallized at 130–128 Ma. The rocks display enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and LREE, and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) and HREE, with relatively high Sr/Y and La/Yb values, typical of subduction-related magmatic rocks. The mafic microgranular enclaves show typical igneous textures, acicular apatites, sieve-texture of plagioclase phenocrysts and overgrowth of amphibole around the pyroxene, corresponding to magma mixing and mingling and thermal exchange. The quartz monzonites display normal zoning of the plagioclase, low and homogeneous εNd(t) values and linear co-variations in two-component diagrams. The quartz monzodiorites are characterized by high and homogeneous εNd(t) values. Petrologic feature and geochemical data suggest that the quartz monzonites represent lower crustal magma with minor contribution of enriched melt of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), followed by fractional crystallization. The mafic microgranular enclaves were sourced from enriched SCLM, followed by mixing and mingling with the host quartz monzonitic magma. The quartz monzodiorites are mainly SCLM-derived and subsequently mixed with lower crust melts. The high water contents (≥3%) of these Early Cretaceous igneous complexes suggests a hydrous SCLM beneath the NCC. The Early Cretaceous igneous complexes formed within an extensional tectonic setting which were related to the retreat and dehydration of the paleo-Pacific slab. The hydration of the lithosphere induced extensive crust-mantle interaction and large-scale water-rich magmatism, leading to lithospheric thinning in the NCC during the Mesozoic.

Geochronology and geochemistry of Eocene potassic felsic intrusions in the Nangqian basin, eastern Tibet: Tectonic and metallogenic implications

The Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan copper belt is the most significant porphyry copper belt in eastern Tibet. In the northern segment of this belt within the Nangqian basin, which occurs 100km east of the Yulong porphyry copper deposit, several felsic intrusions have been recently discovered. The Yulong porphyry copper deposit is one of the largest porphyry copper deposits in China, and it is associated with peraluminous adakitic rocks formed in a post-collisional setting. The Nangqian felsic intrusions vary from syenite porphyry to monzonite porphyry in rock types. No significant Cu–Au mineralization has been found in the Nangqian felsic intrusions despite extensive exploration in recent years. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the Nangqian syenite porphyry and monzonite porphyry were emplaced at ~35.6±0.3Ma and from 39.5±0.3 to 37.4±0.3Ma, respectively, similar to the age of the Yulong porphyry copper deposit. The Nangqian felsic intrusions are characterized by metaluminous compositions (A/CNK=0.82–1.01), and they share some common features with shoshonites such as high K2O contents (4.58–5.58wt.%), high K2O/Na2O ratios (0.92–1.28), LREE–LILE enrichments and negative Nb–Ta–Ti–P anomalies, as well as with adakites derived from an eclogite-facies source with high Al2O3 (14.98–15.74wt.%), Sr (954–2190ppm), Sr/Y (68–132) and La/Yb (53–85), and low Y and Yb contents. The Nangqian felsic intrusions have high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7050–0.7055), variable εNd(t) (−0.31–1.43) and small variations in (206Pb/204Pb)i (18.68–18.74), (207Pb/204Pb)i (15.53–15.62) and (208Pb/204Pb)i (38.51–38.80). Zircon crystals from both syenite and monzonite porphyries are characterized by positive εHf(t) from 5.2 to 8.5. The results suggest that the syenite and monzonite magmas were differentiated from parental shoshonitic melts by fractional crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and minor feldspar. The parent magmas originated from a lithospheric mantle metasomatized by slab-derived fluids or melts during continental subduction. The differences in both sources and depths of partial melting may explain the difference in the extent of Cu–Au mineralization between the Yulong and Nangqian porphyries.

Geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic characteristics of Cretaceous monzonitic plutons in western Zhejiang Province, Southeast China: New insights into the petrogenesis of intermediate rocks

We present comprehensive petrological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data for the Matou and Dalai plutons in western Zhejiang Province, Southeast China, with the aim of constraining the petrogenesis of monzonites and to offer new insights into the deep processes of interaction between crustal- and mantle-derived magmas beneath SE China. The Matou pluton comprises quartz monzonite, whereas the Dalai pluton consists of quartz monzodiorite. Zircon U–Pb ages obtained by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry show that both plutons were emplaced at 99–101Ma. Rocks of both plutons are intermediate to silicic, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, subalkaline, and K-rich in composition. Samples of the plutons are enriched in large ion lithophile (e.g., Rb, K, and Pb) and light rare earth elements, depleted in high-field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), and have small negative or no Eu anomalies. In addition, the rocks have high Mg# values (up to 53.9), high zircon εHf(t) values (up to −1.4), and low Nb/U and Ta/U ratios. Geochemical evidence suggests that both depleted asthenospheric and metasomatically enriched mantle components were involved in the formation of these monzonitic rocks. The presence of inherited zircons with Palaeoproterozoic ages and zircons with unusually low εHf(t) values (−12.9) in the Matou quartz monzonites indicates that ancient crustal materials were also involved in their petrogenesis. In combination with the presence of abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) with spheroidal to ellipsoidal–ovoidal shapes and xenocrysts within the more diffused enclaves, and the results of trace element modelling, we suggest that the Matou quartz monzonites were generated by mixing between mantle-derived mafic magmas and crustally derived silicic magmas. The Dalai pluton is relatively homogeneous and contains fewer MMEs than the Matou pluton. Zircons from the Dalai pluton show no inherited components, indicating that crustal materials have played a limited role in the petrogenesis of the quartz monzodiorites. The Dalai quartz monzodiorites have lower SiO2 contents, higher Mg# values, and considerably higher and variable Cr, Co, and Ni concentrations than the Matou quartz monzonites. Zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the Dalai pluton are relatively homogeneous (εHf(t)=−5.2 to −3.2). The combined petrological, geochemical, and isotopic features indicate that the Dalai monzodiorites were generated by olivine- and pyroxene-dominated fractional crystallisation from basaltic magmas, which were in turn produced by mixing between melts from depleted asthenosphere and subduction-enriched mantle. Our interpretation implies that Late Mesozoic monzonitic rocks in Southeast China require a significant input of mantle melts, and some may have been generated solely by fractionation of basaltic magmas. This petrogenetic model may be applicable to other monzonitic rocks in Southeast China, and to similar tectonic settings and sites of monzonitic magma generation worldwide.

Early Cretaceous (100–105 Ma) Adakitic magmatism in the Dachagou area, northern Lhasa terrane, Tibet: implications for the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean subduction and slab break-off

We performed U–Pb zircon dating and whole-rock major and trace element geochemical analyses of monzonites and granodiorites from the Dachagou area, northern Lhasa terrane, Tibet. Zircon U–Pb dating of two plutons yielded magmatic crystallization ages of 100 and 105 Ma, indicating that the intrusive rocks were emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. The monzonites and granodiorites are characterized by high Al2O3 and Sr contents, low Yb and Y contents, and high Sr/Y ratios, and secondarily by low K2O contents, high Mg # values, and relatively high Cr and Ni abundances. Major and trace element geochemical analyses indicate that the rocks have adakitic signatures, suggesting generation by partial melting of an oceanic slab. However, there are some differences between the monzonites and granodiorites, which imply that the monzonitic magmas were contaminated by enriched mantle and crustal components and that the granodioritic magmas were contaminated by enriched mantle melts without a significant crustal contribution. Based on these data and the regional tectonic setting, we propose that the oceanic slab break-off model best explains adakitic magma generation in the Dachagou area. Identification of adakites in the area provides important evidence of slab break-off during the southward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean plate.

Late Eocene–Oligocene post-collisional monzonitic intrusions from the Alborz magmatic belt, NW Iran. An example of monzonite magma generation from a metasomatized mantle source

A potassic magmatic association in the Zagros hinterland of the Tethyan orogen in Iran is identified and characterized for relevant geochronologic and petrologic features. New data, including a combination of field relations, U–Pb zircon geochronology and rock geochemistry, come from seven plutons (Khankandi, Shaivar-Dagh, Yuseflu, Mizan, Saheb-Divan, Roudbar and Abhar) that form the Arasbaran–Taroum batholith (ATB), which forms part of the Alborz magmatic belt (AMB) of NW Iran. Zircon SHRIMP ages range from 38.32±0.17Ma, 38.94±0.42Ma and 37.78±0.28Ma for magma pulses of the Abhar pluton, at the East of the batholith, to 24.51±0.27Ma and 23.55±0.47Ma for pulses of the Mizan pluton at the West. Considering these ages and the previously published ones together, emplacement of the batholith took place during Late Eocene and Oligocene, from 38 to 23Ma, with an age progression from SE to NW at a rate of 2cm/year. The whole batholith is characterized by potassic rocks with K2O>2wt.% in gabbros and diorites (SiO2<50wt.%). Higher contents of K2O, of up to >6wt.%, are normally found in rocks with intermediate silica contents of about 60wt.% SiO2. These intermediate silica rocks are truly monzonites and are the most abundant in each pluton. With regard to trace elements, the monzonitic rocks of the ATB show some of the typical signatures of arc magmatism (depletion in Nb and Ti). Most samples contain moderate contents of Sr (500–800ppm), close to similar potassic magmas forming Cenozoic complexes in Central Iran. The relatively moderate Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios suggest that ATB magmas retain some adakitic signatures from the source region. Geochemical modeling is performed by using melt compositions and phase relations calculated with MELTS software, combined with experimental data and trace element signatures. We conclude that monzonitic and shoshonitic magmas of some plutons of the ATB (Shaivar-Dagh, Kahnkandi and Yuseflu) have an adakitic signature inherited from early melts that metasomatized the peridotite mantle. Decompression melting at a relatively low pressure of a metasomatized mantle source is the most plausible explanation for the generation of potassic magmas of the ATB. The lack of adakitic signature in three plutons supports the hypothesis that trace-element features are related to processes in the source. The tectonic implications are straightforward: First, subduction is needed to cook a metasomatized mantle source by fluxing of calc-alkaline melts (adakitic or not) from the subduction zone. Second, lithosphere extension is needed to carry metasomatized mantle to melt and to generate the potassic magmatism that formed the Arasbaran–Taroum batholith, as well as other Cenozoic potassic magmas of the Alborz magmatic belt in NW Iran.

The Shakhtama porphyry Mo ore-magmatic system (eastern Transbaikalia): age, sources, and genetic features

Two intrusive complexes are recognized at the Shakhtama deposit: Shakhtama and ore-bearing porphyry. The U–Pb zircon dates (SHRIMP II) are 161.7 ± 1.4 and 161.0 ± 1.7 Ma for the monzonites and granites of the Shakhtama complex and 159.3 ± 0.9 and 155.0 ± 1.7 Ma for the monzonite- and granite-porphyry of the ore-bearing complex. The igneous complexes formed in a complex geodynamic setting in the late Middle Jurassic and early Late Jurassic, respectively. The setting combined the collision of continents during the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean and the influence of mantle plume on the lithosphere of the Central Asian orogenic belt. The intrusion of the Shakhtama granitoids took place at the end of the collision, and the intrusion of porphyry of the ore-bearing complex, during the change of the geodynamic setting by a postcollisional (rifting) one. The complexes are composed of monzonite–granite series with similar geochemical characteristics of rocks. The performed geological, geochemical, and isotope-geochemical studies suggest that the sources of magmas were juvenile crust and Precambrian metaintrusive bodies. The juvenile mafic crust is considered to be the predominant source of fluid components and metals of the Shakhtama ore-magmatic system. The granitoids of both complexes include calc-alkalic high-K rocks with typical geochemical characteristics and with characteristics of K-adakites. These geochemical features indicate that the parental melts of the former rocks were generated at depths shallower than 55 km, and the melts of the latter, at depths of 55–66 km. K-adakite melts resulted from the melting of crust submerged into the mantle during the lithosphere delamination, which was caused by the crust thickening as a result of the repeated inflow of basic magma into the basement of the crust and tectonic deformations in its upper horizons. The high-Mg monzonitic magma produced under these conditions ascended and was mixed with melts generated in the upper horizons, which accounts for the high Mg contents of the Shakhtama granitoids. The similar compositions and petrogeochemical characteristics of the granitoids of the Shakhtama and porphyry complexes point to the same sources, transport paths, and evolution trend of their parental melts. This indicates that the igneous rocks of both complexes are products of the same long-living magmatic system, which produced Mo mineralization at the final stage. The favorable conditions for the ore production in the magmatic system during the formation of the porphyry complex appeared as early as the preceding stage—during the formation of the Shakhtama complex, which we regard as a preparatory stage in the evolution of the ore-magmatic system.