Permian Granites Research Articles

The Permian Watershed tungsten deposit (northeast Queensland, Australia): fluid inclusion and stable isotope constraints

The Watershed scheelite deposit is located in an extinct fore-arc basin in the Mossman Orogen of North Queensland. This fore-arc region comprises multiply deformed, Ordovician–Silurian metasedimentary rocks of the Hodgkinson Formation, and it was intruded by Carboniferous–Permian granites of the Kennedy Igneous Association. At Watershed, the Hodgkinson Formation includes strongly deformed skarn-altered conglomerate, psammite and slate units, which record four deformation events that evolved from ductile (D1–3) to brittle–ductile (D4). Early, D1–2 scheelite mineralisation in Carboniferous monzonite and skarn-altered conglomerate formed during regional prograde metamorphism, which reached upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies conditions. Permian, D4 scheelite mineralisation was deposited in transtensional, shear-related veins, vein haloes and skarn-altered conglomerate during retrograde, lower greenschist facies metamorphism. During D4, four stages of retrograde alteration (retrograde stages 1–4) affected the rocks. Fluid inclusion assemblages in retrograde stage 2, vein scheelite and quartz are characterised by a low-salinity H2O–NaCl ± CH4 fluid (XCH4 <0.01, 1.4–8.0 wt% NaCleq). The fluid inclusions show evidence for fluid mixing between a low (∼0 wt% NaCleq) and a medium (<8 wt% NaCleq) saline fluid. Scheelite mineralisation P–T conditions were determined at ∼300 °C and 1–1.8 kbar (i.e. a depth of 3.7–6.7 km), indicative of a high geothermal gradient (35–75 °C/km), which was likely caused by the heat from the Permian granites. The presence of pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite in D4 veins (retrograde stage 4), plus graphite and methane in the fluid inclusions in scheelite, indicates reduced mineralisation conditions. Oxygen isotope compositions (δ18OVSMOW) of retrograde stage 2 scheelite (+3.8 to +7.3‰), plagioclase (+7.0 to +11.8‰) and quartz (+12.6 to +15.5‰) indicate a fluid temperature of 306 ± 56 °C with δ18OVSMOW values between +4.7 and +8.3‰. Retrograde stage 3 muscovite δDVSMOW (−73.4 to −62.7‰) and δ18OVSMOW (+11.5 to +13.2‰) values were used to calculate the O–H isotopic compositions of the fluids in equilibrium with the minerals at various possible temperatures (250–300 °C). The results are consistent with a metamorphic origin for the mineralising fluid. Sulfur isotope compositions (δ34SCDT between −2.5 and +2.8‰) for vein-hosted, retrograde stage 4 sulfides indicate that sulfur could have come from seawater or seawater sulfate, which is consistent with the local geology, even though this range overlaps with magmatic sulfur isotope compositions. Metamorphic fluids probably originated from devolatilisation reactions in the Hodgkinson Formation during prograde metamorphism. Permian intrusions acted as heat source enhancing metamorphic fluid flow and metal transport.

LEAD-LEAD DATING REVEALS PERMIAN REMOBILIZATION OF NIOBIUM MINERALIZATION AT BAYAN OBO

Abstract The Bayan Obo deposit hosted by the H8 unit is a world-class rare earth element (REE) deposit with considerable niobium (Nb) and iron (Fe). Permian granites are widely exposed in the mining area and have a close spatial association with the Nb mineralization. Whether the granites contributed Nb or only remobilized existing mineralization is important for understanding the controls of ore formation. Previous studies have mostly focused on the REEs, whereas research on Nb has been limited. This is due mainly to the difficulty of accurately determining the age of the Nb mineralization because of the fine-grained and texturally complex nature of the Nb-bearing minerals and their exceptionally low U content. Although microbeam techniques show promise in tackling the aforementioned challenges, their application is hampered by matrix effects caused by the diverse composition of Nb-bearing minerals. Here we report the application of a high-precision secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) Pb-Pb isochron approach that enables young samples (i.e., &amp;lt;500 Ma) to be dated without matrix-matched reference materials. A variety of Nb-bearing minerals from eastern Bayan Obo were analyzed, yielding Pb-Pb isochron ages of 276 ± 10 Ma (pyrochlore, 394–6,864 ppm U in the rim and 6,563–19,858 ppm in the core), 277 ± 36 Ma (fersmite, 18–61 ppm U; fergusonite-Ce, 45–95 ppm U), and 257 ± 46 Ma (aeschynite, 342–1,006 ppm U). In combination with the deposit geology and petrographic observations, these ages link the Nb mineralization to ~270 Ma granites. As these granites are not particularly rich in Nb, skarn formation during granite emplacement is interpreted to have remobilized the existing Nb mineralization, which increased the grain size of the Nb-bearing minerals—a key factor facilitating their extraction. Our study shows that high-precision SIMS Pb-Pb analysis holds promise for directly dating mineralization without matrix-matched reference materials. It also emphasizes the need to consider the role of the Nb remobilization at Bayan Obo and elsewhere.

Significance of the Paleocene olistostrome–turbidite belt (Abant Formation) along the Intra-Pontide Suture, northern Turkey

A belt of Paleocene turbidites with olistostromes, the Abant Formation, crops out for 350 km along the Intra-Pontide Suture in northern Turkey. The suture constitutes the contact between two major Pontide tectonic units, the Istanbul and Sakarya zones, and the Abant Formation was used as evidence for the Paleocene–early Eocene closure of the Intra-Pontide ocean. We mapped and studied the Abant Formation along the Intra-Pontide Suture. The Abant Formation consists of deformed Paleocene siliciclastic turbidites with mass flows. The blocks in the olistostromes are mainly Late Cretaceous pelagic limestones; there are also Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous and Paleocene shallow-marine limestone blocks. Other rare block types include late Neoproterozoic and Permian granites, basalt, chert and serpentinite. The ophiolitic blocks make up less than 5% of the Abant Formation. Most of the blocks were derived from the south, from the Sakarya Zone; detrital zircon ages from the turbidite sandstones also indicate a predominantly southern source. The Abant Formation was deposited in a foreland basin, which was formed during the Paleocene collision between the Pontides and the Anatolide–Tauride Block. The basin was preferentially located on the Intra-Pontide Suture because the suture constituted an old crustal lineament.

Crustal evolution of Paleozoic-Mesozoic granitoid in Dakrong-A Luoi area, Truong Son belt, central Vietnam: evidence from zircon U-Pb geochronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotope composition

ABSTRACT The Dakrong-A Luoi area is located in the South Truong Son belt in the Indochina block and has been affected by multiple stages of magmatic-metamorphic events. In this paper, Paleozoic-Mesozoic granitoids from the Dakrong-A Luoi area were studied using LA ICP-MS U-Pb zircon geochronologies, Hf isotopes on zircon and whole-rock geochemistry of the Paleozoic to examine the tectonic-magmatic history of the Southern Truong Son belt. The magmatism history of the area can be divided into three phases, at ~ 452 Ma (Ordovician), ~259 Ma (Permian), and ~ 243 Ma (Triassic). The Ordovician granites were exposed in the narrow belt of NW-SE trending, while the later two granite phases were exposed in E-W trending. The Ordovician granites show consistent LA-ICP-MS zircon ꜪHf(t) values from + 6.2 to + 8.3. Their corresponding Hf model ages (TDM2) from 0.9 Ga to 1.0 Ga suggest that the Ordovician granite was derived from the partial melting of ancient crustal rocks, which is related to the subduction of the Tam Ky-Phuoc Son (TKPS) ocean beneath the Truong Son belt. The Permian granites have Hf isotopic natures (ꜪHf(t)=-1.6 to 1.3, TDM2 = 1.2–1.3 Ga) of partial melting from ancient mantle components with minor Paleoproterozoic ancient continental crust The Triassic granites have negative ɛHf(t) values ranging from −11.9 to −7.0 and Hf model ages of 1.7–2.0 Ga suggesting that they were a product of partial melting from the Paleoproterozoic crust, corresponding to subduction/collision of the Paleo-Tethys ocean beneath the Indochina block along the Song Ma suture.

Petrogenesis of high heat producing granites and their contribution to geothermal resource in the Huangshadong geothermal field, South China

The Huangshadong geothermal field (HGF), situated in the contact zone between Mesozoic granites and NE-striking dominant faults in South China, has great geothermal potential. Petrogenesis of reservoir rock plays an important role in understandings its genetic mechanism and assessing geothermal potential. However, due to the lack of rock sample at depth collected from the geothermal reservoir, the petrogenesis of granites in the geothermal reservoirs of the HGF, remains an enigma. This study elucidated the petrogenetic characteristics of these granites sampled directly from geothermal reservoir at the depth of ∼3,000 km and their geothermal implications through zircon U-Pb dating, geochemical analysis, and Hf isotopic analysis. The zircon U-Pb ages indicate that the magmatism evolution of HGF contains three eras, namely, Cretaceous (135 ± 4 to 143.6 ± 2.8 Ma), Jurassic (152.7 ± 2.7 to 176.7 ± 1.8 Ma), and Permian granites (251 ± 9.1 to 251 ± 5 Ma) from the youngest to oldest. The reservoir granites were emplaced during the latest stage of Cretaceous intrusion, as indicated by the zircon U-Pb ages (135 ± 4 Ma and 135.3 ± 2.4 Ma) of rock samples from the deep part of well HR-1. These Cretaceous rocks are highly fractionated I-type granites, featuring high SiO2, K2O, and Na2O contents, high Rb/Sr ratios, low Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and Th/U ratios, and A/CNK values of 1.05–1.13. Compared to other Cretaceous granites outcropping on the margin of the HGF, these granites have undergone the strongest fractional differentiation. The Cretaceous granites in the HGF are high-heat-producing rocks (&amp;gt;5 μW/m3), with an average heat production rate of 6.63 μW/m3. Notably, the Cretaceous reservoir granites (as reservoir rocks) serve as an important heat source for the formation of geothermal resources in the HGF. In addition, the zircon Hf isotopic composition indicates that the reservoir Cretaceous granites originated from Meso-to Paleo-Proterozoic lower crustal materials (TDM2: 1,385 to 1907 Ma).

Redefinition of the Petersburg batholith and implications for crustal inheritance in the Dinwiddie terrane, Virginia, USA

Field relations as well as geochemical and petrologic studies of meta-igneous rocks assigned to the Pennsylvanian–Permian Petersburg batholith identify at least two distinct rock types: foliated metagranitoid gneiss and massive to porphyritic granite. Foliated metagranitoid gneiss of mostly granodioritic composition is geochemically distinct from associated massive and porphyritic granitic rocks. These gneissic rocks yield radiometric ages from ca. 425 Ma to ca. 403 Ma and document that many of the rocks assigned to the late Paleozoic Petersburg batholith are 100 m.y. older than the youngest portions of the composite batholith and are part of an earlier infrastructural terrane. Two samples of massive equigranular granite southwest of Petersburg, Virginia, yield ages of ca. 321 Ma and ca. 317 Ma, which are 15–20 m.y. older than ca. 300 Ma ages for porphyritic granite, massive granite, and monzodiorite near Richmond, Virginia. Geologic mapping shows that the Early Pennsylvanian granite southwest of Petersburg is separated from Late Pennsylvanian to early Permian granite near Richmond by a map-scale septum of Silurian–Devonian foliated metagranitoid gneiss, referred to herein as the informal Pocoshock Creek gneiss. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry data from one sample of a quartz-muscovite felsic schist xenolith show a peak age mode of ca. 529 Ma that we interpret to be the maximum depositional age. Inherited zircons from foliated metagranitoid gneiss and massive equigranular granite range from ca. 631 Ma to ca. 376 Ma, but many are Cambrian. Neoproterozoic–Cambrian quartz-muscovite felsic schist and amphibolite, Silurian–Devonian Pocoshock Creek gneiss, and Pennsylvanian–Permian granite comprise a fault-bounded terrane referred to herein as the Dinwiddie terrane. Ages of inherited cores in zircon from igneous rocks and limited detrital zircon geochronology suggest the terrane is of peri-Gondwanan affinity. U/Pb ages of healed fractures in zircon grains from foliated metagranitoid gneiss indicate low-grade deformation of the gneiss at ca. 378–376 Ma, while ca. 320–280 Ma rims on many grains record intrusion of late Paleozoic granite. The temperature-time-deformation history of the Dinwiddie terrane is distinct from the adjacent Goochland and Roanoke Rapids terranes. Orogen-scale dextral transpression likely translated the Dinwiddie terrane southward during the Alleghanian orogeny, at which time they were intruded by Pennsylvanian to Permian granite.

Tectonic evolution of the northwestern margin of the South China Sea: Insights from geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes of the newly discovered latest Permian granite in the Xisha Islands

We present zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry , and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes for the newly discovered granites on North Island, Xisha Islands, at the northwestern margin of the South China Sea. These peraluminous granites yield a crystallization age of ca. 254 Ma, and are characterized by high SiO 2 contents (71.28–78.36 wt%), K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios (0.9–1.8, average = 1.3), and Fe numbers (0.73–0.96, average = 0.87). The granites are enriched in light rare earth and large-ion lithophile elements , depleted in high-field strength elements, and have marked negative Eu anomalies. These features and high ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i ratios of 0.7090–0.7113 and negative ε Nd (t) values of −6.5 to −2.1 indicate that the granitic magmas were derived by partial melting of crustal rocks with some contributions from mantle-derived melts. The magmas underwent crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization during magma ascent. These new and literature data suggest the Southeast Asian margin was strongly influenced by the closure of the eastern Paleo-Tethyan Ocean and subsequent post-orogenic extension during the latest Permian–Early Triassic. This inference is consistent with a diachronous, clockwise collision between the Indochina and South China blocks. • Geochemistry, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes and zircon U-Pb ages of Xisha granites presented. • They originally are parts of Late Permian granites in Hainan Islands. • They were derived from a mixing of infracrustal and mantle compositions. • They formed from orogenic collapse related to Indochina-South China collision. • They favor diachronous Indochina-South China collision in the late Permo-Triassic.

Two-Stage Orogenic Cycle of the Eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean from Early Palaeozoic to Early Triassic: Constraints from Magmatic Rocks of the Southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The evolution of the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) has controlled the formation of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, the evolution history and final closure time of the eastern PAO still remain controversial, which greatly restricts understanding of the formation process of the CAOB. To address these issues, we provide detailed zircon chronology and Hf isotope and geochemical data of Paleozoic to Triassic magmatic rocks in the southeastern CAOB. We have identified four periods of magmatism as evidenced by: Early Silurian quartz diorites (434.7 Ma), Early Devonian monzogranites (394.2 Ma), Middle Permian granites (260.2–264.5 Ma) and Late Permian-Early Triassic syenogranite (250.8–253.6 Ma). These rocks have features of low MgO and mantle-compatible elements, are enriched in Th, U, K, Pb, Sr, Zr and Hf and depleted in Nb, Ta, La, Ce, P, and Ti. The quartz diorites belong to the medium-K calc-alkaline series with εHf(t) values of −0.76 to 2.21, indicating that they may be derived from partial melting of mafic lower crust with minor contribution of mantle magma. The monzogranites and syenogranite have high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (260–390; 261–461 ppm, respectively), total alkali contents (9.98–10.80; 8.46–9.29 wt.%, respectively), and high zircon saturation temperature (807–840; 810–885 °C). They can be classified as A-type granites. Monzogranites have εHf(t) values (between −1.20 and +3.34); hence, we believe that they were derived from the crust modified by mantle-derived fluids or melts. Syenogranite have high εHf(t) values (5.49–11.36), and we suggest that they were derived from the juvenile lower crust that originated from the depleted mantle. The granites have high Sr/Y ratios (118–257), low Y (1.42–2.82 ppm), and Yb (0.31–0.41 ppm), consistent with the features of adakite. Considering the εHf(t) isotopic values (2.99–8.50), we suggest that they originated from thickened juvenile lower crust. Combining the results from our own and previous studies, we propose a new evolution model of the eastern PAO from Paleozoic to Triassic. It can be divided into two stages: (1) Late Cambrian to Early Devonian; (2) Early Permian to Triassic. The first stage is the evolution of the Bainaimiao ocean (secondary ocean basin of the PAO), which closed in the Late Silurian and led to the Bainaimiao arc accretion to the North China Cratons. The second stage is the final closure of the eastern PAO during the Late Permian (~254 Ma).

Constraints on Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits by the Tectonic Uplift and Denudation Process in the Eastern Junggar Basin, Northwest China: Evidence from Apatite Fission Track and Detrital Zircon U-Pb Ages

The uplift and denudation history of the orogenic belt and the basin–mountain coupling process have directly or indirectly affected the generation, scale, and preservation of sandstone-type uranium deposits in the eastern Junggar Basin by controlling the uranium source, lithology, facies, hydrogeology, post-generation modification, and other mineralization conditions. Taking the eastern Junggar Basin as the research area, this study proposes the constraints on sandstone-type uranium deposits by the tectonic uplift and denudation history of the orogenic belt in the basin using the apatite fission track (AFT), detrital zircon geochronology, and other methods. The results of the AFT age test and thermal path simulation indicate that the orogenic belt in the eastern Junggar Basin underwent four rapid uplifts; (from approximately 300 Ma to approximately 250 Ma, from approximately 130 Ma to approximately 90 Ma, from approximately 65 Ma to approximately 30 Ma, and from approximately 20 Ma to 0 Ma). Moreover, the timing of the uplift has a spatial trend of gradually becoming younger from south to north. The detrital zircon U-Pb age test showed that the sediment source area of the basin is mainly distributed in three age intervals, i.e., 460–390, 360–270, and 190–170 Ma. The comprehensive evaluation of the clastic sediment composition, stratigraphic distribution of the erosion source area, and thermal history showed that a large amount of exposed Carboniferous–Permian granites in the Qinglidi and Karameri Mountain erosion source areas contributed dominant sediment material and uranium sources for the Triassic and Middle and Lower Jurassic strata in the basin. The Ordovician–Early Devonian granites only provided sediment sources for the Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic strata in the basin. Altay Mountain contributed some sediment sources for the Middle and Upper Jurassic strata after the magmatic activity and rapid uplift occurred in the Middle Jurassic. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the influence of the tectonic uplift process of the orogenic belt and the transformation of material source areas on uranium mineralization, the granites in the erosion source areas are proposed to contribute both external and internal uranium sources for uranium mineralization. Uranium mineralization mainly occurred in the tectonic retreat period after the rapid uplifts of the Cretaceous and Paleogene. It was terminated by the intensive uplift-induced stratigraphic deformation in the Miocene.

Gadolinium-dominant monazite and xenotime: Selective hydrothermal enrichment of middle REE during low-temperature alteration of uraninite, brannerite, and fluorapatite (the Zimná Voda REE-U-Au quartz vein, Western Carpathians, Slovakia)

AbstractA hydrothermal quartz vein with REE-U-Au mineralization in the Zimná Voda (Gemeric Unit, Western Carpathians, Slovakia) is associated with contact metamorphism between Permian granites and host phyllites and metaquartzites. It contains unique REE minerals of the monazite and xenotime groups. Monazite-(Ce), monazite-(Nd), monazite-(Sm), and Gd-dominant monazite [“monazite-(Gd)”], along with xenotime-(Y) to Gd-dominant xenotime [“xenotime-(Gd)”] and Gd-rich hingganite-(Y) show heterogeneous compositions and reflect a strong fractionation trend toward the enrichment of MREE (Sm to Dy), particularly Gd. Here, the gadolinium abundance reported in “monazite-(Gd)” (≤23.4 wt% Gd2O3) and Gd-rich xenotime-(Y) to “xenotime-(Gd)” (≤28.7 wt% Gd2O3) and accompanied by Gd-rich hingganite-(Y) (≤15.8 wt% Gd2O3), is among the highest Gd concentrations ever reported in natural minerals. The Gd-richest compositions show the following formulas: (Gd0.31Sm0.24 Nd0.15Ce0.10La0.05Dy0.03Y0.03…)0.98PO4 [“monazite-(Gd)”], (Gd0.36Y0.32Dy0.13Sm0.08Tb0.05…)0.98 (P0.96As0.04)1.00O4 [“xenotime-(Gd)”] and (Y0.71Gd0.43Dy0.23Sm0.22Tb0.06Er0.04Nd0.06…Ca0.06)1.96 (☐0.87Fe0.132+)1.00(Be1.82B0.18)2.00(Si1.90As0.10)2.00O8(OH1.70O0.30)2.00 [hingganite-(Y)]. The MREE-rich monazites, xenotimes, and hingganite-(Y) precipitated in response to the alteration of primary uraninite, brannerite, and fluorapatite by low-temperature hydrothermal fluids of heterogeneous compositions on a microscale. These are responsible for the strong enrichment of individual MREE, especially Gd in the secondary minerals. This is accompanied by the advancing development of the W-type tetrad effect on REE through monazite species. The substantial incorporation of Gd into both REE-selective monazite and xenotime structures that are accompanied by LREE vs. HREE segregation indicates the possibility of differently sized REE3+ miscibility in REEPO4 solid solutions, as well as the stabilization of the Gd-rich orthophosphate structure by substitution of the remaining A-site cations with smaller HREE+Y in the xenotime-type, and/or larger LREE in the monazite-type structure.

Episodic magmatism in the Dananhu arc, eastern Tianshan: Implications for the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the North Tianshan Ocean

ABSTRACT The North Tianshan Ocean represents a critical southwestern segment of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and is crucial for understanding accretionary and collisional processes of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Dananhu arc belt, an important porphyry Cu deposit metallogenic belt in the eastern North Tianshan, records Paleozoic episodic magmatism. However, the tectonic affinity and evolution processes of the Dananhu arc belt are still open to debate. Here, geochronology, major and trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions for magmatic rocks are conducted to reveal the ages, petrogenesis, and tectonic settings of these magmatic rocks in the Dannanhu arc belt. The Carboniferous dacite (328 Ma) and gneissic granite (310 Ma) show high-K calc-alkaline, enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, Th, and U), depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, and Ti), depleted isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = 1.3-3.4; εHt(t) = 0.5-12.5) and juvenile Nd-Hf model ages. Combining these Carboniferous magmatic rocks with the features of high Sr-Ba granitoid and Sr-Nd isotopic decoupling, we suggest that these Carboniferous rocks were probably formed through fractional crystallization of partial melting of mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by melts from subducted sediments in a forearc setting. The early Permian granites (289-276 Ma) show high K2O+Na2O (6.9-8.9 wt.%), low MgO (0.06-0.15 wt.%) contents, high positive zircon εHt(t) (10.5 to 12.1) and whole-rock εNd(t) (4.4-5.5) values, suggesting that the early Permian granites were derived from juvenile lower crust in a post-collisional setting. Our geochronological and geochemical data, together with published data, reveal that high flux arc magmatism with age peaks at ca. 431 and 332 Ma is consistent with porphyry copper mineralization in the Dananhu arc belt, implying a close genetic relationship. The final closure of the North Tianshan Ocean was constrained to the late Carboniferous and early Permian.

Hellandite-(Y)–hingganite-(Y)–fluorapatite retrograde coronae: a novel type of fluid-induced dissolution–reprecipitation breakdown of xenotime-(Y) in the metagranites of Fabova Hoľa, Western Carpathians, Slovakia

AbstractTwo contrasting reaction coronae were developed around rare earth element (REE) accessory phosphates in Variscan metagranitic rocks, which have been overprinted by Alpine blastomylonitisation from the Fabova Hol'a Massif, in the Veporic Unit, Western Carpathians, Central Slovakia. The Th–U–Pb total EPMA age determination of primary magmatic monazite-(Ce) from the metagranite indicates a Carboniferous (Mississippian, Tournaisian) age of 355 ± 1.9 Ma. Monazite-(Ce) breakdown resulted in impressive, though common, fluorapatite ± Th-silicate + allanite-(Ce) + clinozoisite coronae. The alteration of xenotime-(Y) produced a novel type of secondary coronal micro-texture consisting of a massive fluorapatite mantle zone and tiny satellite crystals of hellandite-(Y) [(Ca,REE)4Y2Al□2(B4Si4O22)(OH)2] and hingganite-(Y) [Y2□Be2Si2O8(OH)2] of ~1–5 μm, and rarely ≤10 μm in size. The localised occurrence of Y–B–Be silicates, which are associated closely with other secondary minerals, suggests the involvement of B and Be during the metasomatic alteration transformation of xenotime-(Y). General reactions for monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y) decomposition, including the fluids involved, can be written as follows: Mnz + (Ca, Fe, Si, Al and F)-rich fluid → FAp + Ht + Aln + Czo; Xtm + (Ca, Fe, Si, Al, F, B and Be)-rich fluid → FAp + Hld + Hin + Czo.The granitic rocks underwent Early Cretaceous burial metamorphism under greenschist- to lower amphibolite-facies P–T conditions. Subsequently, Alpine post-collisional uplift and exhumation of the Veporic Unit, starting from the Late Cretaceous epoch, was accompanied by a retrograde tectono-metamorphic overprint; the activity of external fluids, caused the formation of secondary coronae minerals around monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y). A portion of B (± Be) should have been liberated from the metagranite feldspars, micas, or xenotime-(Y) enriched in (Nb,Ta)BO4 (schiavinatoite or béhierite) components. However, the principal source of B and Be in fluids necessary for the production of hellandite and hingganite, was probably of external origin from adjacent magmatic, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks (Permian granites, rhyolites and sedimentary rocks, and Palaeozoic metapelites).

Tourmaline boron isotopes trace metasomatism by serpentinite-derived fluid in continental subduction zone

Subduction of low-density continental crust to subarc depths is generally associated with preceding subduction of the oceanic slab. However, the original oceanic signature is often overprinted by subsequent fluid metasomatism from the subducting continental crust. As a result, it is generally difficult to trace the geochemical processes of previous oceanic subduction in collisional orogens. This issue can be potentially resolved by applying B isotopes to metamorphic rocks from continental subduction zones. Here a combined study of whole-rock geochemistry and in situ tourmaline B isotopes was carried out for coesite-bearing whiteschist and phengite schist, as well as country rock metagranitoids from the Dora-Maira Massif in the Western Alps. While all these metamorphic rocks have a similar protolith of Permian granites, whiteschist and phengite schist experienced Mg-rich fluid metasomatism during the continental subduction, evidenced by their much higher MgO contents than the metagranitoids. Tourmaline in the metagranitoid (Tur-G) is schorlitic (XMg = 15–55) with low δ11B values from −13 to −6‰, and is consistent with a magmatic origin. In contrast, tourmaline in metasomatic rocks (Tur-S) is mainly dravitic with the highest XMg worldwide (XMg = 90–98) and high δ11B values of −5 to +1‰. Integrated with whole-rock geochemistry and previous studies, Tur-S is interpreted to grow during the infiltration of external fluids that were highly enriched in MgO and relatively enriched in 11B. According to the B isotope compositions of precursor tourmalines, it is estimated that the external fluids had significantly higher δ11B values than +2.4‰. Based on B isotope compositions of both Tur-S and metasomatic fluids, our quantitative modeling suggests that the metasomatic fluids most likely originated from the mantle wedge serpentinite that was formed during the preceding oceanic subduction stage. Therefore, tourmaline B isotopes in the ultrahigh pressure metamorphic continental crust can be used to trace preceding fluid metasomatism at the interface between oceanic slab and mantle wedge. The mantle wedge serpentinite plays an important role in modifying the geochemical composition of deeply subducted supracrustal rocks and probably also the mantle sources of arc magmas.

Rhyolites of the Kiliya-Zmeinyi uplift on the Black Sea shelf: geochemical evidence of a non-subduction boundary between the East European Platform and the Scythian Plate

The geochemistry of rhyolites uncovered at shallow depth by a borehole on the Kiliya-Zmeinyi uplift of the Black Sea northwestern shelf northeast of Zmeinyi island, in the junction zone of the East European platform and the Scythian plate, has been studied for the first time. This zone is considered by many geologists and geophysicists as a Late Paleozoic collisional suture that had been formed due to subduction of oceanic crust of the ocean, which adjoined the East European platform from the south, under the Scythian plate; it is traced from Dobrudzha to the Caspian Sea and named North Crimean. To check the subduction nature of the boundary between the East European platform and the Scythian plate, igneous rocks’ geochemical characteristics beeng indicators of various geodynamic regimes were used. A petrogeochemical comparison of rhyolites from the borehole in Zmeinyi area with acid igneous rocks known nearby has been carried out, namely with: 1) Late Permian subalkaline granites and rhyolites Turcoaia of the Macin zone of Northern Dobruja; 2) Triassic and / or Triassic-Jurassic trachyrhyolites and rhyolites of the Tulcea zone of Northern Dobruja and the Tatarbunar complex of the Pre-Dobruja depression. Some acid rocks of various ages and genesis from the southernmost margin of the Scythian plate (southwestern Crimea on- and offshore) were taken additionally for comparison. According to the distribution of rare earth elements, the position on the discriminant geochemical diagrams and the shape of curves on the multicomponent spider diagrams, the rhyolites of the Kiliya-Zmeinyi uplift exhibit not subduction but intraplate geochemical features closest to those of granites and rhyolites Turcoaia of the Macin zone of Northern Dobruja. Considering that the latter are reputed to be Late Permian, one can assume the same age for the rhyolites from the borehole in Zmeinyi area. Taking into account section features, geophysical information and geochemical similarity of magmatism, Kiliya-Zmeinyi uplift of the northwestern shelf seems to be a continuation of the Northern Dobruja structure into the Black Sea; it was a part of the hypothetical Late Paleozoic Euxinian orogen near its northern boundary. An absence of subduction geochemical properties in the studied presumably Late Permian rhyolites indicates that the junction zone of the East European platform and the Scythian plate in the Ukrainian shelf area is not a Late Paleozoic suture, but rather represents a thrust of the Euxinian orogen.

Late Paleozoic multi-stage subduction accretion of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: insights from the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian granites in the southern West Junggar, NW China

ABSTRACT The Late Carboniferous to Early Permian tectonic evolution of the South West Junggar (SWJ), northwest China, a crucial constituent in the southwestern domain of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), has long been the subject of debate. Here, detailed petrographic studies, new nine LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages and forty-nine whole-rock geochemical results from six granitic plutons in the SWJ were combined with previously available data to elucidate their petrogenesis and re-decipher Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution and accretionary process of the southwestern CAOB. The studied granites can be geochemically classified as I- and A-type granites, and the former is further subdivided into I-type and highly fractionated I-type granites. The calc-alkaline I-type amphibole-bearing granites (Group I) yield crystallization ages of ca. 317–315 Ma, and exhibit depletions in HFSEs and enrichments in LILEs with no to slight Eu anomalies and low zircon saturation temperatures, indicating that the formation of these granites may be closely related to the subduction of the Junggar oceanic slab. The Group II granite porphyries (ca. 312 Ma) contain negligible amphibole, and are characterized by evolved SiO2 but low zircon saturation temperatures with sharply negative Eu, Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P and Ti anomalies, belonging to highly fractionated I-type granites, and were probably produced in a tectonic transition from compressional to extensional setting. In contrast, the latest Carboniferous (ca. 304–298 Ma) alkaline A-type granites (Group III) are amphibole-absent, and are similar to Group II granites in major element compositions, but exhibit higher zircon saturation temperatures, indicating that they probably resulted in a back-arc extensional setting triggered by roll-back of the subducting Junggar oceanic slab since ca. 310 Ma. In combination with regional geology and re-interpretation of previous data, a multi-stage subduction-accretion model is suggested to account for the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the southwestern CAOB. This model can plausibly interpret the differences in duration of subduction between the northern and southern domains of West Junggar and the coexistence of A-type granites with subduction-related sanukites in the SWJ during Carboniferous to Permian.

Age, origin and tectonic implications of Late Carboniferous-Early Permian felsic magmatic rocks from central Inner Mongolia, south-eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT Permo-Carboniferous felsic magmatic rocks are widely exposed on the northern half of the south-eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, their origin and spatiotemporal distribution are unknown. Herein, zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic data, major and trace element compositions of the whole-rock, and Sr-Nd isotopic data derived for felsic volcanic rocks and granites of the Chaganaobao and Baiyinaobao areas in central Inner Mongolia are combined with the data from previous studies. The integration of these results reveals that the Uliastai Continental Margin, Erenhot-Hegenshan Ophiolite Belt, and Northern Orogenic Belt have coeval magmatic lull or trough at c. 307 Ma, which overlap with the closure timing of the Hegenshan Ocean. The Latest Carboniferous−Early Permian (c. 303−295 Ma) felsic volcanic rocks in the Chaganaobao area of the Uliastai Continental Margin comprise dacite, trachydacite, and rhyolite, while demonstrating positive whole-rock εNd(t) (+2.9 to +4.7) and zircon εHf(t) values (+7.65 to +13.78). Early Permian granites of the Baiyinaobao area located within the Northern Orogenic Belt show positive εHf(t) values (+ 2.70 to +11.33) and low TFe2O3 + MgO + TiO2 contents. The geochemical composition reveals that those felsic magmatic rocks mainly originate from the partial melting of juvenile crustal components with subordinate input of mantle-derived melts. Those c. 305−275 Ma felsic magmatic rocks from the north of the south-eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt exhibit affinities of post-collision type granites in geochemical nature. Therefore, the flare-up of the Early Permian magmatism surrounding the Erenhot-Hegenshan Ophiolite Belt could be related to the extension after the final closure of the Hegenshan Ocean.

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.

U–Pb geochronology of the meta-volcanic rocks from Sierra de Calcatapul: Implications for the Middle Triassic syn-rift volcanism and tectonic evolution of northern extra-Andean Patagonia

This contribution deals first new ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages that indicate Middle- and Late Triassic magmatic episode and tectonometamorphic events, respectively, for the central Patagonia region, instead of a Paleozoic history as previously estimated. The Calcatapul Formation consists of a (meta-) volcano-sedimentary syn-rift sequence deposited unconformably, shortly after the extensional Gondwanide orogenic collapse, over a basement composed of Permian granites. Two 206Pb/238U ages yielded 245.1 ± 2.8 and 244.8 ± 4.1 Ma to magmatic crystallization of ignimbrites, along with another weighted mean of 226.7 ± 4.4 Ma interpreted as the age of the tectonometamorphic event D1-M1 affecting the Calcatapul sequence. U–Pb ages open new insights into the tectonomagmatic evolution of the area because the syn-rift wedge deposited in the Uribe and Yancamil half-grabens under the extensional tectonic regime was then inverted along the basin-bounding faults like the Yancamil fault. Inversion tectonics involved reverse fault-related uplift against a buttress of the rigid granitic block, and under dynamic greenschist-to-amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions, before the Late-Triassic granitic magmatism of the Lipetrén Suite took place. The pre-rift granitic basement represents the southern extension of the main magmatic phase of Choiyoi Province in Patagonia, whereas the Middle Triassic recorded the extensional, post-Choiyoi magmatism. The local, compressive D1 event punctuated an overall widespread lithospheric extension that leads to Gondwana breakup since the earliest Jurassic times.

Zircon U-Pb geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope geochemistry for Permian–Early Triassic arc-related magmatism in Pohang, Jangsari, and Yeongdeok, southeastern Korean Peninsula

Granitoids in the southern Korean Peninsula range in age from Precambrian to Cenozoic, but were emplaced mostly during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids are minor in volume and restricted to the northeastern part of the Cretaceous Gyeongsang Basin (Yeongdeok and Jangsari). Here we report on Permian granites from the Cenozoic Pohang Basin of southeastern Korea. The samples were obtained during the drilling of injection wells in the Pohang enhanced geothermal system (4219 m depth for the drill core; 3658–4174 m for the drill cuttings). We also analyzed outcrop samples from Yeongdeok and Jangsari. We present zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotope, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data for these Phanerozoic granitoids. The zircons yielded early–late Permian ages (ca. 283–264 Ma) for the Pohang granites, late Permian ages (ca. 261–256 Ma) for the Jangsari granitoids, and late Permian–Early Triassic ages (ca. 253–249 Ma) for the Yeongdeok granitoids. The granitoids are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and depleted in high-field-strength elements, indicating formation in an arc-related tectonic setting. The Permian Pohang and Jangsari granitoids have a non-adakitic arc-like geochemistry, whereas the Yeongdeok intrusions are adakite-like and show high Sr and low Y-Yb contents. The granitoids have low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7038–0.7049) and positive εNd(t) values (+3.7 to +4.7 for the Pohang, +4.4 to +4.9 for the Jangsari, and + 2.4 to +4.1 for the Yeongdeok plutons), and are distinct from the basement of the Yeongnam Massif. The Pb isotope ratios of the studied samples plot in the field for Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts. Zircons from the plutons have positive εHf(t) values: +9.8 to +17.6 for the Pohang, +8.8 to +17.7 for the Jangsari, and + 8.5 to +18.3 for the Yeongdeok plutons. The Permian granitoids were likely the product of extensive fractional crystallization of H2O-rich parental magmas, which were possibly generated in a hydrated mantle wedge. The Yeongdeok adakite-like granitoids were derived from a normal H2O-rich arc magma by amphibole ± garnet fractionation. The juvenile Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope compositions are comparable with those of coeval igneous rocks in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, rather than intrusive counterparts in the North and South China cratons. We propose two possibilities that Permian–Early Triassic arc-related magmatism in the southeastern Korean Peninsula might have been associated with (1) northward subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate; or (2) westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate at the eastern margin of the North China Craton.

Tracking decratonization process along a cratonic edge through late Permian to late Triassic magmatic flare-up in northwestern Liaoning, North China Craton

Resolving magmatic tempos of multiple scales along convergent plate margins presents a pivotal task in any regional tectonic and supercontinental reconstructions, as is of paramount importance for the northern North China Craton (NCC) that converged with the Central Asian Orogenic belt (CAOB) during the Paleozoic to early Mesozoic. This study applies the integrated zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical tracing to late Permian to late Triassic intrusive flare-up in northwestern Liaoning, with three episodes of granitic suites deciphered. Their contrasting elemental and isotopic features called for three distinct crustal end-members involved in their formation: ancient amphibolitic protolith, Paleozoic-accreted mafic meta-igneous ingredients and relaminated juvenile intermediate arc plutons. Sequential crustal anatexis of these multiply juxtaposed protoliths in a felsic hot zone tends to yield successive parental magmas for forming three granite suites. While the late Permian (260–250 Ma) granites, with their felsic adakitic affinity and variably evolved isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70637 to 0.70659, εNd(t) = −16.7 to −10.2, zircon εHf(t) = −18.1 to +1.1), are consistent with partial melts of major ancient crustal materials and minor newly-underplated mafic ingredients, the middle Triassic (242–240 Ma) granites show a more juvenile isotope signature (εNd(t) = −11.8 to −4.7, zircon εHf(t) = −14.7 to +4.1) and attest to distinctively higher input from newly-underplated mafic lower crust in their formation. By contrast, the late Triassic (227–223 Ma) granites exhibit an A-type magmatic affinity. Their radiogenic whole-rock Nd (εNd(t) = −3.7 to +1.1) and zircon Hf (εHf(t) = +0.7 to +12.0) isotopic values suggest magma derivation from high-temperature fusion of dominantly relaminated juvenile charnockitic protolith. What follows is one phase of shoshonitic mafic dykes that fingerprint a slab-melt metasomatized asthenosphere source with depleted isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70374 to 0.70388, εNd(t) = +3.5 to +4.1). Synthesizing these events with the previously recognized ones leads to a first-order duration of ca. 260–218 Ma for the flare-up and its further differentiation into three secondary pulses including ca. 260–250 Ma appinite and granite, ca. 242–238 Ma ferroan granites and ca. 227–218 Ma A-type granites and mafic dykes. While such primary duration is typical of post- collisional/orogenic magmatic tempos of convergent continental margins, three secondary pulses encapsulate successive geodynamic processes from crustal thickening through orogenic collapse to lithospheric dripping in the aftermath of the Paleo-Asian oceanic closure. Featuring a coupled scenario of lithospheric thinning and crustal growth, the northwestern Liaoning case of cratonic-edge destruction serves as a prelude but also a contrast to the late Mesozoic large-scale decratonization across the eastern NCC possibly due to oceanic subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate.