Petrogenetic Relationships Research Articles

산청회장암체 내 철-티탄 광체와 고철질 백립암의 산상

한반도 남부 산청회장암체 내에는 철 티탄 광체와 고철질 백립암이 분포한다. 이들에 대한 상세한 야외 노두 스케치와 더불어 산상과 분포 특징을 기재하였다. 또한 암석학적 특정을 종합하여 광체를 분류하고 광체와 백립암 사이의 암석성인적 관련성을 해석하고자 하였다 철-티탄 광체는 모암인 회장암질암과의 경계 특성과 내부변형 정도에 따라, 규칙 관입광맥형과 불규칙 광맥군형으로 나누어진다. 전자는 회장암질암과 일정한 방향의 관입경계를 이루며 내부에는 뚜렷한 연성전단변형이 인지되는 반면, 후자는 구불구불하고 불규칙한 관입경계를 보이며 내부 연성전단변형은 거의 인지되지 않는다. 철-티탄 광체는 회장암질암의 엽리를 절 단하고 있으며 회장암을 포획하고 있어, 광체는 회장암질암 엽리의 생성 이후에 관입하였다. 고철질 백립암도 주변 회장암질암을 관입 포획하며 관입경계와 거의 평행한 엽리가 관찰된다. 또한 백립암은 광체들과 거의 동일한 화학조성의 티탄철석을 함유하며 주변 회장암질암의 내부로 주입, 연장되어 광체로 변화됨이 관찰된다. 이상의 사질들은 연구지역 백립암은 주변 철-티탄 광체의 모암임을 지시한다. Fe-Ti ore bodies and mafic granulite occur in the Sancheong anorthosites, south Korea. In order to determine their petrogenetic relationship and to classify the Fe-Ti ore bodies, we have synthetically analyzed characteristics in the field, such as distribution and occurrence, and petrologic features through detailed outcrop sketches. The ore bodies are divided into the regular vein dike- and irregular veinlet swarm types, according to their characteristics of contact with the anorthosites and internal structures. The former shows the tabularly intrusive contact and the pervasively ductile-sheared interior, while the latter, the irregularly tortuous contact and the almost intact interior. Most of the ore bodies are cross-cutting the foliation of the anorthosites and possess abundant anorthositic xenoliths, indicating their intrusion after the formation of foliation in the anorthosites. The mafic granulite, also bearing abundant anorthositic xenoliths, shows interior foliations nearly parallel to intrusion contact, and has abundant ilmenites approximately the same as those of the Fe-Ti ore bodies in chemical composition. And its intrusion into adjacent anorthosites is observed and the intrusion is finally changed into an irregular veinlet swarm type ore body. It is, thus, interpreted that the granulite in the study area was the host material of Fe-Ti ore bodies.

FORMATION AND FRACTIONATION OF HIGH-Al THOLEIITIC MAGMAS IN THE AHVENISTO RAPAKIVI GRANITE - MASSIF-TYPE ANORTHOSITE COMPLEX, SOUTHEASTERN FINLAND

The ~1640 Ma Ahvenisto AMCG complex in southeastern Finland is the most prominent occurrence of massif-type anorthosite and associated monzodioritic rocks in the Fennoscandian rapakivi suite. The petrology of the complex has been reasonably well studied, but the petrogenetic relationships among the different rock-types nevertheless remain ambiguous. In this study, we shed light on the source of AMCG complexes by providing updated geochronology, petrogenetic considerations, and an extensive geochemical framework for the Ahvenisto complex. Similar U–Pb mineral ages and Nd–Sr–Pb isotope compositions, as well as complementary major-element and REE data, suggest that the anorthositic and monzodioritic rocks of the Ahvenisto complex are comagmatic. Geochemical evidence implies a two-stage magmatic evolution, where isotopic differences between the slightly more juvenile olivine-bearing gabbroic rocks ( e Nd in the range +0.2 to +0.4, Sr i in the range 0.7034 to 0.7035) and leucogabbronorites and anorthosites ( e Nd between −0.9 and −0.5, Sr i between 0.7037 and 0.7041) reflect the influence of crustal contamination of the primary mantle-derived melt during the first stage. The bulk of the monzodioritic rocks ( e Nd in the range −1.1 to −0.2, Sr i in the range 0.7028 to 0.7040) represent second-stage residual liquids after extensive fractionation of plagioclase from a relatively evolved, high-Al tholeiitic magma with a pronounced crustal isotope signature. Although the Rb–Sr isotopic systematics of the rapakivi granites have been compromised, their geochemistry and Nd isotope compositions ( e Nd between −2.1 and −0.1) are consistent with a derivation mostly from a crustal source.

Petrogenetic relationships between diogenites and olivine diogenites: Implications for magmatism on the HED parent body

Diogenites are orthopyroxenites and harzburgites that are petrogenetically associated with basaltic magmatism linked to the earliest stages of asteroidal melting on the parent body for the howardite–eucrite–diogenite (HED) meteorites. There are several models proposed for their origin: (1) accumulation of orthopyroxene (OPX) + chromite (CHR) ± olivine (OL) during the crystallization of a magma ocean during the initial stages of asteroidal differentiation, (2) accumulation of OPX + CHR ± OL during the crystallization of compositionally distinct basaltic magmas emplaced into the crust of the HED parent body, and (3) the orthopyroxenites formed by the crystallization of basaltic magmas within the HED parent body crust, whereas the harzburgites represent the mantle of the HED parent body. Although OL and OPX experienced varying degrees of subsolidus reequilibration (1100–700 °C), their minor and trace element characteristics appear to partially preserve magmatic signatures that provide insights into distinguishing among different models for the origin of diogenites. The OPX exhibits a continuous and very systematic variation in incompatible elements such as Al, Ti, Zr, Y, and Yb. Polymict diogenites (i.e. Roda, EET 79002) can contain distinct lithologies with both different incompatible element characteristics and different model abundances of OL. There appears to be no relationship between the appearance and abundance of OL and the incompatible element characteristics of the OPX. The OL exhibits a range in Mg# and systematic variations Ni, Co, Ni/Co, and Mn. For examples, low Ni/Co appears to be closely associated with the harzburgites and Ni and Mn exhibit a negative correlation. Surprisingly, incompatible element concentrations in OPX are not negatively correlated to Ni concentrations in OL. The continuous nature of the minor and trace element characteristics of the OPX and OL is consistent with the all the diogenite lithologies forming through a single process such as crystallization within a magma ocean or a series of layered intrusions. Further, the range in incompatible element variability in the OPX, the Ni and Co systematics in the OL, and the association of distinctly different lithologies within polymict diogenites are most consistent with the diogenites representing lithologies from diverse layered intrusions. Alternatively, they may represent crystallization products of a magma ocean much more complex than has been thus far proposed (i.e. multiple MOs). There are some distinct differences between diogenites and the OL-rich achondrite QUE 93148 that was also analyzed during this study. These differences (such as Ni/Co in OL, estimated conditions of f O2) suggest that QUE 93148 is closely related to main-group pallasites rather than the parent bodies for the HED meteorites.

Relationship of voluminous ignimbrites to continental arc plutons: Petrology of Jurassic ignimbrites and contemporaneous plutons in southern California

Volcanism was broadly associated in both space and time with Mesozoic plutonism in the Cordillera continental margin arc, but the precise petrogenetic relationships between volcanic rocks and adjacent zoned plutons are not known. Igneous rocks in a tilted crustal section in California include four laterally extensive Jurassic ash flow tuffs from 550 to >1100 m thick underlain at deeper structural levels by Jurassic plutons. Zircon geochronology confirms previous correlations of individual tuffs, suggesting ignimbrites with eruptive volumes up to 800 km 3 were deposited both during the apparent Early Jurassic plutonic lull as well as contemporaneous with solidification of regionally widespread Middle and Late Jurassic plutons. The tuffs are weakly to strongly porphyritic (5 to 55% phenocrysts) monotonous intermediate porphyritic dacite to low-silica rhyolite and show strong bulk rock chemical affinity to contemporaneous plutons. Trace element compositions of zircons from the tuffs and contemporaneous plutonic rocks record large and consistent differences in Hf/Zr and REE over similar ranges in Ti abundances, supporting bulk compositional similarities and illuminating similarities and variations in thermal histories despite the effects of hydrothermal alteration.

40Ar/39Ar dates for the Spanish Peaks intrusions in south-central Colorado

A diverse suite of spatially and temporally juxtaposed igneous rocks ranging from alkaline lamprophyres to granites intruded south-central Colorado during late Oligocene and early Miocene time. In addition to the stocks of the East and West Spanish Peaks, there are three types of dikes exposed in the region, based on orientation: radial, subparallel (striking approximately east–west), and independent dikes. The most striking features of this area are the numerous dikes radiating out from West Spanish Peak, some rising several tens of meters above the surrounding terrain and discontinuously exposed for tens of kilometers. New results from 40Ar/39Ar dating indicate that magmatism in the Spanish Peaks region began about 26.6 Ma and continued until about 21.8 Ma. Field evidence suggests that the initial intrusions were subparallel alkaline lamprophyre dikes south of the Spanish Peaks. A subsequent period of sub-alkaline magmatism occurred, producing West Spanish Peak (24.6 ± 0.13 Ma), East Spanish Peak (23.9 ± 0.08 Ma), and the radial dikes focused on West Spanish Peak. The final phase of magmatism included subparallel sub-alkaline lamprophyre dikes northeast of the Spanish Peaks. The 40Ar/39Ar results of this study substantiate the intrusive history derived from field relationships and establish the order of intrusion as West Spanish Peak, East Spanish Peak, and radial dikes, respectively. This study has implications for both the timing and style of the initiation of the Rio Grande rift, as well as the petrogenetic relationship between alkaline and sub-alkaline rocks in relatively stable cratonic areas.

Geology and geochemistry of Pachmarhi dykes and sills, Satpura Gondwana Basin, central India: problems of dyke-sill-flow correlations in the Deccan Traps

Many tholeiitic dyke-sill intrusions of the Late Cretaceous Deccan Traps continental flood basalt province are exposed in the Satpura Gondwana Basin around Pachmarhi, central India. We present field, petrographic, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data on these intrusions and identify individual dykes and sills that chemically closely match several stratigraphically defined formations in the southwestern Deccan (Western Ghats). Some of these formations have also been identified more recently in the northern and northeastern Deccan. However, the Pachmarhi intrusions are significantly more evolved (lower Mg numbers and higher TiO2 contents) than many Deccan basalts, with isotopic signatures generally different from those of the chemically similar lava formations, indicating that most are not feeders to previously characterized flows. They appear to be products of mixing between Deccan basalt magmas and partial melts of Precambrian Indian amphibolites, as proposed previously for several Deccan basalt lavas of the lower Western Ghats stratigraphy. Broad chemical and isotopic similarities of several Pachmarhi intrusions to the northern and northeastern Deccan lavas indicate petrogenetic relationships. Distances these lava flows would have had to cover, if they originated in the Pachmarhi area, range from 150 to 350 km. The Pachmarhi data enlarge the hitherto known chemical and isotopic range of the Deccan flood basalt magmas. This study highlights the problems and ambiguities in dyke-sill-flow correlations even with extensive geochemical fingerprinting.

A Geochemical Classification for Feldspathic Igneous Rocks

In this paper we classify the range of feldspathic igneous rocks using five geochemical variables: the FeO/(FeO þMgO) ratio or Fe-index, the modified alkali^lime index, the aluminum-saturation index, the alkalinity index, and the feldspathoid silica-saturation index.The Fe-index distinguishes between melts that have undergone extensive iron enrichment during differentiation from those that have not. The transition from tholeiite to ferrobasalt allows us to extend this boundary to silica values as low as 48 wt %. We introduce the feldspathoid silica-saturation index, which, coupled with the alkalinity index, allows us to extend the geochemical classification to alkaline rocks. We show that most alkaline rocks are ferroan and that this probably reflects extensive fractional crystallization of olivine and pyroxene with minimal participation of Fe^Ti oxides. The expanded classification allows us to illustrate the geochemical and petrogenetic relationship of the plutonic rocks from ferroan granites to nepheline syenites that commonly occur in intracratonic environments. It also allows us to distinguish four families of feldspathic rocks: (1) magnesian rocks, which are exemplified by Caledonian and Cordilleran batholiths and are characterized by differentiation under oxidizing and relatively hydrous conditions; (2) ferroan rocks, which include fayalite granites, alkali granites, and nepheline syenites and are characterized by differentiation under reducing and relatively dry conditions; (3) leucogranites, which commonly form by crustal melting; (4) potassic and ultrapotassic rocks, which originate from mantle that has been enriched in K2O.

Overview of Mars surface geochemical diversity through Alpha Particle X‐Ray Spectrometer data multidimensional analysis: First attempt at modeling rock alteration

Principal component analysis and a hierarchical clustering method have been employed to describe and quantify the compositional variability of Martian rocks and soils measured by the Alpha Particle X‐Ray Spectrometers onboard the Mars Exploration Rovers. A robust classification of samples emerges which defines distinct rock classes and sheds light on the petrogenetic relationships between rocks. This is particularly useful in the case of rocks from Gusev Crater, where significant chemical diversity is observed. This approach also highlights that compositional variability of rocks at Meridiani is dominated by variations in sulfur content; the relative proportions of other elements remaining approximately constant. For soils, variations in Fe concentration dominate because of the presence of hematite‐rich “berry”‐bearing samples. On the basis of this observation, a simple geochemical model of acid fog alteration of Martian basalts has been tested, assuming either equivalent alteration of all phases or preferential alteration of certain phases (thus taking into account kinetic considerations). The results show that for certain ranges of SO3/basalt, many of the compositional and mineralogical features measured at both sites may be explained. The secondary mineralogy and bulk rock compositions predicted by the model are broadly consistent with rock and soil compositions from Gusev and Meridiani, especially if the role of brine circulation and evaporation are considered. Although agreement is not perfect, comparison of observations and models argues in favor of variable interaction of the Martian surface with sour gas, explaining the high local abundance of sulfates, for example.

Geochemistry and geothermobarometry of the Um Eleiga Neoproterozoic island arc intrusive complex, SE Egypt: genesis of a potential gold-hosting intrusion

Gabbro-diorite-tonalite±granodiorite complexes, derived from subduction-related, calc alkaline magmas represent a distinct unit in the Precambrian basement of Egypt. These intrusive complexes are commonly intruded into ophiolitic mélange, schistose or gneissic rock assemblages. Well-constrained geological mapping of the Um Eleiga complex, combined with geochemical studies, should enable a better understanding of its genesis, especially its potential as a host for gold mineralisation. This complex represents a composite pluton intruded into the allochthonous, ophiolitic Abu Dahr massif and its associated undifferentiated metavolcano-sedimentary mélange matrix in the southern Eastern Desert of Egypt. Field and petrographic investigations have revealed a compositional continuum from gabbro to granodiorite through diorite and subordinate tonalite. Petrography and bulk rock geochemical data have been used to determine the magma type and tectonic setting of the Um Eleiga complex, whereas the electron microprobe data were valuable for the purpose of determining the pressure–temperature and oxygen fugacity conditions. The compositional continuum, pattern of zonation, shallow magma origin and marked common negative Nb anomalies suggest that a close petrogenetic relationship between the gabbro, diorite, tonalite and granodiorite units of the Um Eleiga complex. Subducted upper mantle wedge is proposed as being the source region for the gabbroic magma, whereas zoning of the complex is attributed to interplay of fractional crystallisation and assimilation. Pressure estimates based on the Al(iv)-in-hornblende geobarometry indicate that the gabbroic and dioritic rocks crystallised under 4–5 kbar, whereas tonalite and granodiorite were formed at 3–4 kbar. The hornblende-plagioclase thermometer indicates a formation temperature range of about 720 to 880°C for the complex. Varied oxidation states are inferred from the mineral assemblages, including magnetite, titanite and ilmenite and checked by Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios of biotite in the granitoid rocks. The tectonic setting, mineralogical, geochemical characteristics and varied redox state of the Um Eleiga intrusive complex are typical for arc-related intrusives potential for hosting intrusion-related gold in a collisional environment.

Trace‐element distributions in silicates during prograde metamorphic reactions: implications for monazite formation

AbstractTo assess the petrogenetic relationship between monazite and major silicates during prograde metamorphism, REE were measured across coexisting zoned silicates in garnet through kyanite‐grade pelitic schists from the Great Smoky Mountains, western Blue Ridge terrane, southern Appalachians, to establish REE concentrations and distributions before and after the monazite‐in isograd, and to identify the role major silicates play in the formation of monazite. Results indicate significant scavenging of light rare‐earth elements (LREE) from silicates during the monazite‐in isograd reaction; however, the absolute concentration of LREE hosted in the silicates was insufficient to produce monazite in the quantity observed in these schists. Monazite must have formed mainly from either the dissolution of allanite or some other source of concentrated LREE (possibly adsorbed onto grain boundaries), even though direct evidence for allanite is lacking in a majority of the samples. Laser‐ablation ICP‐MS analyses and theoretical thermodynamic calculations show that monazite may have formed as a result of contributions from both allanite and major silicates. Allanite breakdown initially formed monazite, and monazite production drew LREE liberated from allanite, major silicates and possibly from crystal boundaries. In many rocks the reaction was further promoted by the staurolite‐in reaction, allowing for rapid, isogradic monazite growth.

Contrasting ages between isotopic chronometers in granulites: monazite dating and metamorphism in the Higo Complex, Japan

The Higo Complex of west-central Kyushu, western Japan is a 25 km long body of metasedimentary and metabasic lithologies that increase in metamorphic grade from schist in the north to migmatitic granulite in the south, where granitoids are emplaced along the southern margin. The timing of granulite metamorphism has been extensively investigated and debated. Previously published Sm–Nd mineral isochrons for garnet-bearing metapelite yielded ca.220–280 Ma ages, suggesting high-grade equilibration older than the lower grade schist to the north, which yielded ca.180 Ma K–Ar muscovite ages. Ion and electron microprobe analyses on zircon have yielded detrital grains with rim ages of ca.250 Ma and ca.110 Ma. Electron microprobe ages from monazite and xenotime are consistently 110–130 Ma. Two models have been proposed: 1) high-grade metamorphism and tectonism at ca.115 Ma, with older ages attributed to inheritance; and 2) high-grade metamorphism at ca.250 Ma, with resetting of isotopic systems by contact metamorphism at ca.105 Ma during the intrusion of granodiorite. These models are evaluated through petrographic investigation and electron microprobe Th–U–total Pb dating of monazite in metapelitic migmatites and associated lithologies. In-situ investigation of monazite reveals growth and dissolution features associated with prograde and retrograde stages of progressive metamorphism and deformation. Monazite Th–U–Pb isochrons from metapelite, diatexite and late-deformational felsic dykes consistently yield ca.110–120 Ma ages. Earlier and later stages of monazite growth cannot be temporally resolved. The preservation of petrogenetic relationships, coupled with the low diffusion rate of Pb at < 900 °C in monazite, is strong evidence for timing high-temperature metamorphism and deformation at ca.115 Ma. Older ages from a variety of chronometers are attributed to isotopic disequilibrium between mineral phases and the preservation of inherited and detrital age components. Tentative support is given to tectonic models that correlate the Higo terrane with exotic terranes between the Inner and Outer tectonic Zones of southwest Japan, possibly derived from the active continental margin of the South China Block. These terranes were dismembered and translated northeastwards by transcurrent shearing and faulting from the beginning to the end of the Cretaceous Period.

The age of the martian meteorite Northwest Africa 1195 and the differentiation history of the shergottites

Samarium-neodymium isotopic analyses of unleached and acid-leached mineral fractions from the recently identified olivine-bearing shergottite Northwest Africa 1195 yield a crystallization age of 347 ± 13 Ma and an ε Nd 143 value of +40.1 ± 0.9. Maskelynite fractions do not lie on the Sm–Nd isochron and appear to contain a martian surface component with low 147Sm/ 144Nd and 143Nd/ 144Nd ratios that was added during shock. The Rb–Sr system is disturbed and does not yield an isochron. Terrestrial Sr appears to have affected all of the mineral fractions, although a maximum initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratio of 0.7016 is estimated by passing a 347 Ma reference line through the maskelynite fraction that is least affected by contamination. The high initial ε Nd 143 value and the low initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratio, combined with the geologically young crystallization age, indicate that Northwest Africa 1195 is derived from a source region characterized by a long-term incompatible-element depletion. The age and initial Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of Northwest Africa 1195 are very similar to those of Queen Alexandra Range 94201, indicating these samples were derived from source regions with similar Sr–Nd isotopic systematics. These similarities suggest that these two meteorites share a close petrogenetic relationship and might have been erupted from a common volcano. The meteorites Yamato 980459, Dar al Gani 476, Sayh al Uhaymir 005/008, and Dhofar 019 also have relatively old ages between 474 and 575 Ma and trace element and/or isotopic systematics that are indicative of derivation from incompatible-element-depleted sources. This suggests that the oldest group of meteorites is more closely related to one another than they are to the younger meteorites that are derived from less incompatible-element-depleted sources. Closed-system fractional crystallization of this suite of meteorites is modeled with the MELTS algorithm using the bulk composition of Yamato 980459 as a parent. These models reproduce many of the major element and mineralogical variations observed in the suite. In addition, the rare earth element systematics of these meteorites are reproduced by fractional crystallization using the proportions of phases and extents of crystallization that are calculated by MELTS. Other shergottites that demonstrate enrichments in incompatible-elements and have evolved Sr and Nd isotopic systematics have some geochemical systematics that are similar to those observed in the depleted group. Most notably, although they exhibit a very limited range of incompatible trace element and isotopic compositions, they have highly variable major element compositions. This is also consistent with evolution from a common mantle source region by variable amounts of fractional crystallization. If this scenario is correct, it suggests that the combined effects of source composition and fractional crystallization are likely to account for the major element, trace element, and isotopic diversity of all shergottites.

CO 2 flushing: A plate tectonic perspective

The anhydrous mineral assemblages that characterize granulite facies rocks, including charnockites and ultrahigh-temperature rocks, require that water activity was buffered to low levels during their formation. One of the popular models invokes the influx of CO 2-rich fluids to generate dry mineral assemblages. Here we synthesize field, petrologic, fluid inclusion and stable isotopic evidence from a variety of lithologies which suggests that CO 2 flushing could have played an active role in granulite petrogenesis. Available mineralogical and stable isotopic data indicate that the carbonic fluids were derived either from proximal sources through decarbonation reactions of interlayered carbonate lithologies or from deep-seated reservoirs in the sub-lithospheric mantle. We present results from thermodynamic computations in appropriate petrogenetic systems to quantitatively evaluate CO 2 generation from calc-silicate rocks as well as model mantle peridotite. Our calculations demonstrate that CO 2 release occurs in both cases under the P–T conditions and tectonic settings inferred for the formation of charnockites and ultrahigh-temperature granulites. In order to formulate comprehensive geodynamic models for the CO 2 advection, we examine the various possible tectonic models, which also take into consideration the heat source to account for the high T/P conditions that characterize the charnockites and ultrahigh-temperature rocks. Among the thermal anomaly models evaluated in this study, lower-crustal heating is the one that is most consistent with the episodic formation of charnockite and other Mg–Al granulites at high- to ultrahigh-temperature conditions, correlating with the episodic assembly and disruption of supercontinents, or the plume activity during various periods in Earth history. Both decarbonation of calc-silicates and sub-lithospheric mantle are suitable sources for CO 2 involved in the petrogenesis of these rocks. The sub-lithospheric mantle decarbonation process is coeval with the thermal anomaly induced by plumes or arc magmas, and the estimated temperatures satisfy the computed phase equilibria conditions for the release of CO 2, as well as the observed fluid inclusion characteristics in granulite minerals. Alternate models involving subduction/collision metamorphism are also evaluated, although in this case, a syn-metamorphic devolatilization of carbonate lithologies is the only possible source for an advective CO 2-rich fluid. The formation of the high- and ultrahigh-temperature rocks and multiple CO 2 infiltration events have close petrogenetic relation, if the sub-lithospheric mantle consists of considerable amount of carbonates. An evaluation of the Archean plate tectonic system with hydrothermal carbonation of oceanic crust, and its subduction and decarbonation during subduction zone metamorphism suggests that a substantial amount of CO 2 was fixed in the mantle from the Archean atmosphere. We postulate that such carbonated oceanic crust could have released CO 2-bearing fluids during various thermotectonic processes associated with the formation of charnockites and ultrahigh-temperature granulites in the Proterozoic.

Mesozoic Bimodal Volcanic Suite in Zhalantun of the Da Hinggan Range and Its Geological Significance: Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf Isotopic Constraints

Mesozoic bimodal volcanic rocks of basaltic andesite and rhyolite are widely distributed in the Da Hinggan Range, but their petrogenetic relationships and geodynamic implications are rarely constrained. Detailed studies on doleritic and porphyry dikes in the Zhalantun area indicate that they display features of magma mixing, suggesting their coeval formation. In situ zircon U-Pb dating shows that the porphyry was emplaced in the Early Cretaceous with a 206Pb/238U age of 130±1 Ma. Zircons from the dolerite also yield an Early Cretaceous emplacement age of 124±2 Ma although some inherited zircons have been identified. These age results indicate that the Early Cretaceous was an important period of magmatism in the Da Hinggan Range. Zircons from porphyry are characterized by positive value of eHf(t) as high as 10.3±0.5 with Hf depleted mantle model age of 349–568 Ma, whereas magmatic zircons from the dolerite have eHf(t) value of 11.0±1.4 with Hf depleted mantel model age of 342–657 Ma, consistent with those from the porphyry. Considering other data on the geological evolution of this area, it is concluded that the mafic magma originated from the partial melting of Paleozoic enriched lithospheric mantle, whereas the felsic magma came from recycling of juvenile crust formed during the Paleozoic. Both of the protoliths are closely related to the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during the Paleozoic, indicating that the Paleozoic is an important period of large-scale crustal growth in the area.

U–Pb zircon geochronology of Mesoproterozoic postorogenic rocks and implications for post-Ottawan magmatism and metallogenesis, New Jersey Highlands and contiguous areas, USA

Postorogenic rocks are widespread in Grenville terranes of the north-central Appalachians where they form small, discordant, largely pegmatitic felsic intrusive bodies, veins, and dikes, and also metasomatic calcic skarns that are unfoliated and postdate the regional 1090 to 1030 Ma upper amphibolite- to granulite-facies metamorphism related to the Grenville (Ottawan) Orogeny. Zircons from magmatic and nonmagmatic rocks from northern New Jersey and southern New York were dated to provide information on the regional tectonomagmatic and metallogenic history following Ottawan orogenesis. We obtained U–Th–Pb zircon ages of 1004 ± 3 Ma for pegmatite associated with the 1020 ± 4 Ma Mount Eve Granite near Big Island, New York, 986 ± 4 Ma for unfoliated, discordant pegmatite that intrudes supracrustal marble at the Buckwheat open cut, Franklin, New Jersey, ∼990 Ma for a silicate-borate skarn layer in the Franklin Marble at Rudeville, New Jersey, and 940 ± 2 Ma for a calc-silicate skarn layer at Lower Twin Lake, New York. This new data, together with previously published ages of 1020 ± 4 to 965 ± 10 Ma for postorogenic rocks from New Jersey and southern New York, provide evidence of magmatic activity that lasted for up to 60 Ma past the peak of high-grade metamorphism. Postorogenic magmatism was almost exclusively felsic and involved relatively small volumes of metaluminous to mildly peraluminous melt that fractionated from an A-type granite parent source. Field relationships suggest the melts were emplaced along lithosphere-scale fault zones in the Highlands that were undergoing extension and that emplacement followed orogenic collapse by least 30 Ma. Postorogenic felsic intrusions correspond to the niobium–yttrium–fluorine (NYF) class of pegmatites of Černý (1992a). Geochronologic data provide a temporal constraint on late-stage hydrothermal activity and a metallogenic event in New Jersey at ∼990 to 940 Ma that mineralized pegmatites with subeconomic to economic deposits of magnetite ± U ± Th ± rare earth element (REE) and formed metasomatic calcic skarn bodies in marble and reactive carbonate rocks. Mineralization associated with this event overlaps the timing of pegmatite emplacement, suggesting a petrogenetic relationship. Coeval metallogeny at 975 to 950 Ma in the New York Hudson Highlands and 980 to 937 Ma in the Canadian Grenville Province implies that this event was widespread following the Ottawan phase of the Grenville Orogeny.

Early crustal building processes on the moon: Models for the petrogenesis of the magnesian suite

The plutonic rocks of the magnesian suite (Mg-suite) represent the period of lunar basaltic magmatism and crustal growth (∼4.46 to 4.1 Ga) that immediately followed the initial differentiation of the Moon by magma ocean (LMO) formation and crystallization. The volume and distribution of the Mg-suite and its petrogenetic relationship to latter stages of lunar magmatism (mare basalts) remains obscure. These plutonic rocks exhibit a range of compositions and include ultramafics, troctolites, spinel troctolites, norites, and gabbronorites. A distinguishing characteristic of this suite is that they contain some of the most magnesium-rich phases (Fo 95–90) that had crystallized from lunar magmas, yet they also are significantly enriched in an incompatible element component referred to as KREEP (a late-stage product of LMO crystallization containing abundant potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE), phosphorous (P), uranium, and thorium). Ion microprobe analyses of individual mineral phases (olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase) from the Mg-suite have shown some very unexpected characteristics that have profound implications on the origin of these basaltic magmas. Although the Mg-suite lithologies are typified by silicates with relatively high Mg′, early liquidus phases such as olivine are fairly low in Ni, Co, and Cr relative to more iron-rich olivines in the younger mare basalts. The high Y and Ti/Y in early phases such as olivine and orthopyroxene indicate that the parental basaltic melts were high in incompatible elements and contained an “ilmenite fractionation” signature. However, the Y in olivine from many of the troctolites and ultramafic lithologies are only slightly greater than that of the olivine in the mare basalts whereas olivine in the norites, gabbronorites, and Apollo 14 troctolites are exceedingly high. The KREEP component may have been added to the Mg-suite parent magmas by assimilation or mixing into the mantle source. The volume of KREEP required to be added to the parental magmas of the Mg-suite tends to favor the latter mechanism for KREEP incorporation. The extremely high abundances of KREEP in the norites and gabbronorites are a product of substantial crystallization (40% to 70%) of KREEP-enriched Mg-suite parental magmas. Basaltic magmatism associated with KREEP extended for over 1.5 billion years and appears to have changed over time. The early stages of this style of lunar magmatism (Mg-suite) appear to represent melting of early LMO cumulates with low abundances of Ni, Co, Cr, and V. Later stages of KREEP-rich basaltic magmatism seemed to clearly involve melting of a variety of LMO cumulate assemblages with higher incompatible element enrichment. It appears that the heat derived from the KREEP component was instrumental in at least initiating melting of the lunar mantle over this period of time.

Petrogenetic relationship between partial melts of carbonaceous chondrites and parent magma of angrite meteorites

Petrogenetic relationship between partial melts of carbonaceous chondrites and parent magma of angrite meteorites

Eocene shoshonitic mafic dykes intruding the Monashee Complex, British Columbia: a petrogenetic relationship with the Kamloops Group volcanic sequence?

The newly named Three Valley Suite (TVS) kersantite lamprophyre to shoshonitic mafic dykes of the Monashee Complex are inferred to be hypabyssal feeder dykes to an alkaline to calc-alkaline volcanic suite related to the Kamloops Group. These dykes were emplaced in a subvertical north-trending orientation coincident with inferred Eocene crustal extension (~50.0 Ma), based on the flat 40Ar/39Ar step-heating plateau of contact-metamorphic muscovite on the margin of a TVS dyke. These weakly altered mafic dykes are fine grained with phenocrysts (0.5–2.0 mm) of phlogopite, augite, amphibole, and olivine (pseudomorphed by clays), rare labradorite, and both primary and secondary carbonates set in a fine-grained groundmass of similar mineralogy consistent with their classification as plagioclase-bearing potassic diorite to kersantite lamprophyre. The dykes are weakly silica-undersaturated and alkalic (2.8 wt.% K2O, 7.7 wt.% MgO), with high large ion lithophile element contents (~300 times primitive mantle) and elevated high-field-strength element contents, with a prominent negative Nb (Ta) anomaly, and have radiogenic Nd and Sr isotopic signatures; these geochemical attributes are consistent with a calc-alkaline shoshonitic affinity. Therefore, it is inferred that the subducting oceanic plate influenced subcrustal mantle wedge metasomatism in the region. Decompression partial melting of this metasomatised lithospheric mantle was initiated by coupled rapid unroofing, regional trans pression, slab rollback, and slab window development to the south. The TVS is similar to the mafic volcanic rocks within the nearby Eocene volcanic rocks, suggesting that these dykes represent the feeder system to a volcanic field that is now eroded, i.e., a broad-terrane association.

The Kwyjibo Cu-REE-U-Au-Mo-F Property, Quebec: A Mesoproterozoic Polymetallic Iron Oxide Deposit in the Northeastern Grenville Province

The Kwyjibo deposit is the most significant of a number of examples of the iron oxide-copper-gold class of deposits to have been found in the Grenville. It is a Mesoproterozoic Cu-REE-Mo-F-U-Au iron oxide occurrence located approximately 120 km northeast of Sept-Iles, Quebec. The deposit, which comprises different textural facies of magnetite and hematite mineralization, occurs along the southeast margin of the Canatiche granitic complex. Porphyroidal leucogranite and volcanic equivalents of the Canatiche Complex are the main hosts of the mineralization. Calc-silicate rock and hornblende-biotite gneiss, possibly belonging to the supracrustal Manitou Complex, flank the deposit to the southeast and south. Magnetite is ubiquitous in the Canatiche granitoids and generally occurs as disseminations and fine agglomerations. Near the deposit, magnetite becomes progressively more abundant, forming veinlets, veins, stockworks, and pseudobreccias, culminating in locally brecciated massive magnetite, the dominant type of iron oxide concentration. Specular hematite occurs locally as disseminations and veinlets. Mineralization at Kwyjibo is complex and multiphase and is divided into early granophile, magnetite, main polymetallic, and specular hematite stages. The main polymetallic mineralization, comprising chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite, fluorite, and REE-bearing minerals, is superimposed on preexisting magnetite-rich rocks and shows little evidence of deformation. The Kwyjibo deposit has a number of features in common with other polymetallic iron oxide deposits around the world, including granitic host rocks of within-plate affinity, various textural facies of iron oxide mineralization styles, and sodic and potassic alteration zones. A close spatial association with a major deep seated structure is also postulated. The Grenville province hosts a major anorthosite belt and is a world-class titaniferous metallogenic province. The Proterozoic era, and especially its anorogenic periods, are the main metallogenic epochs both for iron oxide-copper-gold deposits and anorthosite-hosted Ti-rich iron oxide deposits. Empirical observations suggest a possible petrogenetic relationship between these two important ore deposit types.

Investigating the diamond potential of southern West Greenland

Southern West Greenland hosts a province of ultramafic alkaline rocks, including swarms of dykes traditionally described as kimberlites and lamproites (Larsen 1991; Jensen et al. 2002). Since the mid-1990s, commercial diamond exploration has been focused on the Sarfartoq region and the region south-east of Maniitsoq (Fig. 1), and has resulted in numerous reports of diamond-favourable indicator minerals from till sampling, finds of kimberlitic dykes, and recovery of diamonds from kimberlitic rocks. A new digital compilation of company data released from confidential status (Jensen et al. 2003a) presents a comprehensive overview of exploration activities and results that have emerged since the Survey’s first compilation of occurrences of kimberlitic and related rocks (Larsen 1991). The new compilation in a GIS (geographic information system) environment allows for refined assessment of the distribution, structural control and possible spatial and petrogenetic relationships that characterise the kimberlitic occurrences. In 2003, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the Government of Greenland’s Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP) went further than has been customary in investigating the economic potential of specific sites. Four areas were temporarily closed to application for exploration licences, pending sampling and testing for diamond content of large samples of more than one tonne each from significant kimberlitic occurrences. Additional characterisation and research initiated on these and other occurrences include magnetic mapping, detailed petrography and studies of mantle xenoliths, as well as indicator mineral chemistry. An extensive programme to determine the ages of kimberlitic and related rocks was also initiated in 2003.