Presence Of Garnet Research Articles

Mesozoic crustal growth and recycling along the Southern margin of Eurasia: Magmatic rocks from the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of Iran

The Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of western Iran is characterized by significant Mesozoic magmatic activity (from the early Jurassic to the late Cretaceous), with Cenozoic rocks being less common. Granitoids are prevalent in this zone, displaying A-, I-, and S-type geochemical characteristics. Despite several studies on these granitoids, there are still some questions regarding their sources– especially the S- and A-type granitoids – and the crustal growth and recycling in this zone, which require further studies using isotopes. This study focuses on the Aligoodarz, Kolah-Ghazi, and Golpayegan granitoids from the central SaSZ to better understand crustal growth and recycling in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. The Aligoodarz and Kolah-Ghazi granitoids are identified as S-type granites, showing strong peraluminous signatures. Geochemical evidence suggests a mixture of melts from sub-crustal metasedimentary and meta-igneous sources, with factors such as source diversity and disequilibrium melting contributing to their formation. in contrast, the Golpayegan granitoids exhibit high total alkali (Na2O + K2O) contents and high field strength elements, indicating alkaline magmatic affinity. Their geochemical signatures suggest derivation from an enriched portion of an Indian MORB-like protolith. Golpayegan syenites share similarities with within-plate A1 granites, suggesting they are related to anorogenic silica-oversaturated granitoids. Golpayegan A-type granites probably originated from high-degree fractionation of alkali basic magmas. Golpayegan gabbros may be derived from a MORB or OIB-like mantle source, with characteristics indicating the presence of garnet in the mantle source and potentially deep melting from a mantle plume. Newly compiled zircon UPb data from the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone show a complex magmatic chronology spanning from approximately 180 million years ago to the Eocene epoch, revealing peaks of magmatic activity at various intervals. Distinct phases of A-, I-, and S-type magmatism are identified, and synthesis of zircon UPb ages and HfO isotope data reveals the simultaneous occurrence of S-type and I-type magmas during specific periods. Furthermore, our study explores the tectonic settings underlying these magmatic processes and proposes scenarios involving subduction, continental rifting, and asthenospheric upwelling to elucidate the geological dynamics of the SaSZ.

Petrological and geochemical constraints on the magmatic evolution at the Ampato-Sabancaya compound volcano (Peru)

In order to gain insights into continental arc magmatic processes, we have conducted a petrological and geochemical study of major and trace elements and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes of the Ampato-Sabancaya compound volcano, which belongs to the Andean Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ). Whole-rock compositions for Ampato and Sabancaya range from andesites to dacites (56.7–69.3 wt% SiO2) and both belong to a medium- to high-K calk-alkaline magmatic series. Ampato-Sabancaya samples are characterized by high contents of large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., K, Rb, Ba, Th), low concentrations of high field strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Zr) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE; e.g., Yb), with consequently high La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios. An increase in these ratios is usually interpreted as a result of magmatic differentiation in the presence of garnet in the deep crust. A detailed analysis reveals that the rocks of Ampato-Sabancaya display three different compositional groups. (1) The first, composed mainly of andesites (56.7–59.8 wt% SiO2), corresponds to lavas from the early stage of the Ampato Basal edifice, as well as pyroclastic deposits from the Ampato Upper edifice. (2) The second group corresponds to andesitic and dacitic compositions (60.0–67.3 wt% SiO2) from the Ampato Basal edifice (Moldepampa stage), the Ampato Upper edifice, and the Sabancaya edifice. (3) The third group corresponds to dacitic compositions (65.0–69.3 wt% SiO2) associated with the Corinta Plinian fallout and pyroclastic flow deposits from the Ampato Upper edifice. This last group of dacites, erupted during the Ampato Upper edifice stage, have drastically different compositions from the other groups with Sr/Y (<27) and Sm/Yb (<4.7) ratios lower than other lavas and lacking evidence of amphibole and/or garnet fractionation during their genesis. As a whole, Sr, Nd, Pd isotopic ratios suggest that mantle-derived magmas are significantly affected by assimilation processes during their evolution, due to the thick (65–70 km) continental crust beneath the CVZ in southern Peru. In summary, the magmatic evolution of group 1 and 2 can be explained by a two-step model in which primitive magmas evolved in the deep crust in the so-called melting-assimilation-storage-homogenization (MASH)-type reservoirs by assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) processes involving garnet and/or amphibole. Then, amphibole-dominated upper crustal AFC processes and magma mixing are responsible for the geochemical diversity of the main ASCV trend. In contrats, the group 3 dacites followed an upper crustal AFC process (without amphibole) from a different primitive magma, which did not suffer the high pressure, garnet-dominated AFC processes. This evolution highlights the complexities associated to magma genesis and differentiation at continental arcs contructed on a thick crust.

Light calcium isotope anomaly observed in continental basaltic lavas: A mixed signal of recycled carbonate and fractionation during melting

We present high-precision Ca isotopic data for 21 Cenozoic basaltic lavas from eastern China to evaluate the potential of Ca isotopes as a tool to trace the recycling of surface carbonates. These samples were derived from a variety of peridotite to pyroxenite mantle sources hybridized by different slab-derived agents. The δ44/42Ca of eastern China Cenozoic basaltic lavas ranges from 0.24 ± 0.03‰ (2SE, if not specified) to 0.39 ± 0.03‰, with an average of 0.31 ± 0.09‰ (2SD, N = 21), systematically lower than mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB, 0.39 ± 0.07‰, 2SD, N = 30). No convincing correlation has been observed with δ26Mg and δ66Zn, indicating that metasomatism by recycled carbonates may not always yield Ca isotopically distinct mantle sources. δ44/42Ca shows correlations with parameters reflecting degree of partial melting (e.g., K2O, Nb, LREE, U, Th, Rb, and Sr) and residual garnet signature (i.e., (Dy/Yb)N). Nevertheless, modeling results suggest that Ca isotope fractionation during mantle and/or slab melting with the presence of garnet can partially account for the observed variable δ44/42Ca. Recycled carbonates with low δ44/42Ca were likely involved in the origins of the lightest lavas. Particularly, the nephelinitic lightest lavas also have the lowest δ26Mg, Ti/Ti⁎ and Hf/Hf⁎ among all the studied samples, reflecting a role of carbonatitic metasomatism in their sources. This study illustrates that a strongly light Ca isotope anomaly (e.g., δ44/42Ca ∼ 0.24‰) observed in basaltic lavas is likely associated with the recycling of carbonates into the mantle.

The alkaline intraplate Pliocene-Quaternary lavas from the Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (Morocco): Petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry

The Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (MAVF) covers an area of 1500 km2, with a total erupted volume of solid products (DRE) estimated at more than 80 km3. In this study we present and discuss new petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical data of mafic rocks from the Timahdite and Lechmine N'kettane maars and of the Hebri, Habri (H1) and Boutagarouine scoria cones. For these volcanic areas we report the exclusive presence of alkaline and sodic undersaturated basaltic rocks (nephelinites, alkaline basalts and basanites). The studied lavas exhibit compositions typical of mantle-derived melts that underwent weak magmatic evolution processes (high Mg# = 56–68; Ni = 140–420 ppm; Cr = 150–500 ppm). Olivine and diopside are the main fractionation phases. Elemental data and Sr and Nd isotopes indicate a relatively homogeneous source region for the three lithotypes, which were generated in the presence of garnet as residual phase ([Tb/Yb]N = 2.4 to 3.0) through variable degrees of partial melting, decreasing from alkaline basalts to basanites and nephelinites. Magma genesis in equilibrium with garnet suggest that the sources were placed at depths in excess of 82 km, i.e., at asthenospheric depths in a region where the lithosphere has an estimated depth of about 77 km. The present-day Sr and Nd isotope signatures (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7031–0.7036; εNd = +2.5 to +5.5) of the lavas indicate a similarity with the Canary Islands lavas and, identically, the contribution of the HIMU and EM1 to the mantle sources. The sub-chondritic Ti/Eu ratios (down to 4471) and their negative correlation with Ca/Sr, Sr/Sm, Ga/Nb suggest carbonatitic metasomatism fingerprints, which is here considered the responsible for the introduction of amphibole in the lithosphere base. We propose that this carbonatite metasomatism was originated from the earliest low-degree melts, issued from the adiabatic decompression of the ascending mantle upwelling. This created low-solidus lithospheric domains which later interacted with the ascending silicate magmas. The fact that this mantle upwelling is rooted, like the Canary plume, in the same mantle anomaly at the top of the lower mantle explains the similar elemental and isotope characteristics between the studied MAFV lavas and those observed in Canary Islands.

Architecture of the Lesser Antilles Arc Illustrated by Melt Inclusions

Abstract Volatiles are an essential aspect of subduction zones and constraining their cycling through subduction zones is of prime importance to better understand the genesis, transport, storage and eruption of arc magmas. Here we performed an along-arc investigation of the chemical composition of melt inclusions trapped in minerals representative of ten volcanic centers and 23 key explosive eruptions along the presently active Lesser Antilles arc, from Montserrat in the North to St. Vincent in the South. We use the melt inclusion compositions to reconstruct pre-eruptive conditions, especially pre-eruptive magma storage and degassing levels that highlight how the magma plumbing system is organized and works and to discuss magma source characteristics. All major and selected trace elements and volatiles (H2O, CO2, S, halogens (F, Cl, Br)) have been measured on the same melt inclusions when possible. Eruptions dominantly involved andesitic to dacitic magmas (Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia) and basaltic andesite magmas from St. Vincent. Melt inclusions have been used as pressure probes for magmas, for inferring crustal equilibration pressures. We shed light on the systematic occurrence and lateral complexity of a vertical transcrustal magmatic systems feeding active volcanoes. The geochemical view of the architecture of the plumbing system and in particular the Moho's depth is more variable than the view obtained by seismic data along the Lesser Antilles arc. We propose that the discontinuity between the upper and the middle crust is a major magma ponding zone beneath most of the Lesser Antilles islands and that the crustal structure thus imparts a control on the geochemical signature of arc lavas. Melt inclusions are highly differentiated (dacitic to rhyolitic in composition), so they are distant in composition from the primary, mantle-derived magmas, but they provide indirect information about the magmatic sources. The along-arc variability in Y and heavy rare earth element contents of melt inclusions is consistent with the presence of garnet in the mantle source. Our results also indicate an important contribution of oxidized and saline slab-derived fluids to the magma source predominantly in the southern Lesser Antilles that may have implication on the accretionary system behavior. In addition, a high geographical gradient between sediment melt and slab-derived fluid contributions, illustrating high variability in magmas erupted in close spatial association is reported for some islands, such as Martinique and Dominica. Volatile contents are variable for MIs across the arc: the highest H2O (&amp;lt;8 wt%), Cl (up to 3800 ppm) and Br (up to 20 ppm) concentrations occur in MIs from Dominica. However, there is no systematic correlation between MI volatile content and position along the arc. Halogen Cl/F and Cl/Br ratios vary from one island to another, even between the different eruptions, but without any along arc zoning, indicating that halogen fractionation occurred by fluid transfer (variable assimilation rate of fluids derived from seawater) or by heterogeneities of mantle origin inherited from the initial differentiation of the mantle.

Paleoproterozoic high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism in the Yinshan Block, North China craton

The Yinshan Block located in the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) has been regarded as a typical Archean cratonic block, but it is argued whether the block had been affected by Paleoproterozoic tectonic and metamorphic events. This paper reports the late Paleoproterozoic high-pressure (HP) granulites for the first time from the Xiwulanbulang area in the Yinshan Block, and presents a systematic study on their petrography, mineral chemistry, phase equilibria modelling and zircon dating to confirm their metamorphic evolution and tectonic implications. Two representative samples contain the typical HP basic granulite assemblages involving garnet, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole and quartz, with garnet commonly occurring as coronae around clinopyroxene and plagioclase. Both samples show clockwise P–T paths with their peak conditions of ∼930 °C/∼15kbar (20NM01) and 970–980 °C/∼13.5 kbar (21NM05) respectively, constrained using the maximum Ti contents in amphibole and minimum anorthite (XAn) in the mantle of plagioclase on P–T pseudosections. Zircon dating yields a magmatic age of ∼ 2.3 Ga and metamorphic ages of ∼2.5 Ga and ∼1.8 Ga. The ∼2.3 Ga magmatic age represents the time of protolith gabbro crystallization, which can be comparative to the extension-related bimodal magmatism in the Khondalite Belt. The ∼ 1.8 Ga age was determined from metamorphic zircons that have flat HREE patterns with the presence of garnet, interpreted as the time of the post-peak cooling and uplifting of the HP granulite facies metamorphism. The ∼2.5 Ga is defined from the captured zircon grains by gabbroic intrusions from the country Neoarchean rocks. The HP granulite facies metamorphism registers a geothermal gradient of 19–20 °C/km, indicating a collision-related orogenic event that may have occurred at ∼1.85 Ga along the northern margin of the NCC. Therefore, the Yinshan Block may represent a weak deformation domain in the orogenic belt on the northern margin of the NCC.

The isotopic origin of Lord Howe Island reveals secondary mantle plume twinning in the Tasman Sea

Thermochemical convective instabilities in the mantle, often referred to as mantle plumes, cause mantle melting that give rise to ocean island basalts (OIB) in intraplate settings. The array of radiogenic isotope signatures in global intraplate OIB indicate that although plumes are individual entities, they share enriched components that resemble various parts of subducted crust and a hypothetical mantle matrix termed “focal zone” (FOZO). Each plume is expected to rise with an individual buoyancy flux, thereby producing variable volumes of melting with some OIB forming subaerial islands, whereas others produce submarine volcanoes.Here, we report the first radiogenic isotope data (Sr, Nd, Pb and Hf) for lavas of Lord Howe Island (LHI) in the Tasman Sea, the most prominent subaerial expression of the hypothesised Lord Howe mantle plume. Major element data are consistent with a moderate degree of partial melting, and heavy rare earth element depletion indicates melting occurred in the presence of garnet, consistent with other global plume lavas. Radiogenic SrNd isotopic data are similar to those defining the relatively primitive FOZO component with no clear enriched mantle affinity. The nearby Tasmantid Seamounts are also sourced from a mantle plume, and have similar SrNd character. However, combined 208Pb/204Pb and 207Pb/204Pb vs 206Pb/204Pb ratios of LHI lavas are inconsistent with a FOZO-type source. Instead, Pb isotopes overlap with typical enriched mantle 1 (EM1) lavas (e.g., Pitcairn, Tristan da Cunha), trending slightly higher than the Northern Hemisphere Reference Line (NHRL). Hafnium isotopes follow trends observed in lavas of the archetypal EM1 Pitcairn-Gambier islands, and are partially decoupled from 143Nd/144Nd; this decoupling is rare among OIB. The combined element-isotope data indicate that LHI forms the most recent expression of a mantle plume track in the Tasman Sea. Albeit unique in its 208Pb*/206Pb* isotope code among global mantle plumes, the resemblance of LHI lavas with the spatially related and contemporaneous Taupo seamount of the parallel Tasmantid plume track in the Tasman sea supports a genetic relation of both plumes. The proposed common origin of the two parallel plume tracks requires a larger plume underpinning the Tasman sea with individual plume fingers rising towards the surface, possibly in a triple plume network considering the on-shore Cosgrove track in eastern Australia. The subaerial expression of LHI contrasts the submarine Tasmantid Seamounts; this expression is only possible due to the continental ribbon that forms the island's foundation, suggesting secondary plume fingers display similar low buoyancy fluxes. Plain language summaryLord Howe Island is predominantly composed of basaltic rocks, which are created when mantle underneath the crust melts and the subsequent magma rises to the surface and erupts out of a volcano. The chemical composition of these volcanic rocks can provide us with valuable information about geologic processes. Moreover, we can compare the composition of islands like Lord Howe to better investigate and understand volcanic networks that exist deep within the Earth. The composition of Lord Howe Island basalts was investigated for the first time using specialised instruments that can separate individual elements into different isotopes. The ratios of these different isotopes reflects the composition of the mantle source which can be enriched by the presence of subducted crustal rocks, oceanic rocks and sediments. Our data indicate the distinctive reservoir that Lord Howe Island samples were derived from is the same reservoir as that of the nearby Taupo Seamount volcano. We infer from this that a piece of ancient crust is stuck in the mantle, and the two volcanoes are sampling it. This study supports a theory of a large, linked volcanic network under the Tasman Sea, and adds to the growing body of research investigating ‘double-chain’ volcanism in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Application of RSM Method for Optimization of Geraniol Transformation Process in the Presence of Garnet.

This paper presents the results of tests obtained for the transformation of geraniol in the presence of garnet as a catalyst by the response surface method (RSM). The method analyzed the influence of the following parameters: a temperature of 50-150 °C, a catalyst concentration (garnet) of 1.0-10.0 wt% and a reaction time of 0.25-24 h. Response functions included the conversion of geraniol (GA), selectivity for conversion to neral (NE) and selectivity for conversion to citronellol (CL). In addition, the influence of all control parameters on each of the response parameters is presented in the form of second-order polynomials. The optimal parameters of the geraniol transformation process were a temperature of 55 °C, a catalyst concentration of 5 wt% and a reaction time of 2 h, for which high values of the GA conversion function and the selectivity of conversion to NE and CL were obtained. For the GA conversion, the optimum was obtained at 94 mol% at 60 °C, a catalyst concentration of 5.0 wt% and a reaction time of 2 h. For NE selectivity, the optimum value was reached at 49 mol% at 60 °C, a catalyst concentration equal to 2.5 (5.0) wt% mole and a reaction time of almost 2 h. For CL selectivity, the optimum value of 49 mol% was obtained for control factors: a temperature equal to 20 °C, a catalyst concentration equal to 5.0 wt% and a response time equal to 2 h. The optimal set of control factors for all power factors is characterized by a temperature of 55 °C, a catalyst concentration of 5 wt% and a reaction time of 2 h.

A New Method for Relating Zircon Crystallisation to Petrogenetic Events

Abstract The trace element contents of zircon can provide unique insights into tectonothermal events, however, interpreting these data and identifying correlations with specific magmatic/metamorphic events can be challenging. This limits our ability to construct temporally constrained petrogenetic histories of complex metamorphic terranes. Unlocking the information that the rare earth element (REE) patterns of zircon contain is difficult because of the need to quantify differences. We have parametrised the shape of zircon REE patterns in terms of three independent parameters: average abundance, slope, and curvature. Quantifying REE patterns using independent shape parameters is similar to the use of REE ratios but is an improvement as (1) it uses information from all 14 REE rather than just two; (2) the use of two independent parameters (e.g. slope and curvature) is a more robust discriminant than the use of a single ratio; and (3) subtle variations in shape are easily distinguished enabling trends in the REE patterns of large datasets to be identified. Quantitative models were constructed showing how the shapes of the REE patterns of zircon change due to the co-crystallisation of other metamorphic minerals (monazite, apatite, and garnet). Diagnostic changes in shape enable the REE contents of zircon crystals or crystal zones to be accurately related to the growth of specific minerals and hence metamorphic events. The results were used to interpret the REE patterns of zircons from high-grade metamorphic terranes, which have experienced multiple deformation events (Val Malenco, Italy; Betic Cordillera, Spain; Seram, Indonesia; Lewisian Gneiss Complex, Scotland; Napier Complex, East Antarctica) and clearly identified zircon that crystallised in the presence of garnet. Quantitative comparison enabled zircon that crystallised prior to, synchronously with, or after garnet to be identified. Similar models can be used to interpret the REE patterns of monazite. This allows the relative timing of the growth of these minerals to be accurately constrained, which given the importance of zircon for geochronology and garnet for geobarometry has the potential to provide insights into the evolution of a metamorphic event.

Geochemistry and Phase Equilibrium Modelling of Garnet-Biotite Gneiss from Mauranipur, Bundelkhand Craton, Northern India: Implication for Tectonic Setting and Metamorphism

The Mauranipur region is situated along the central part of the Bundelkhand Craton (BuC) in the northern Indian shield, which consists of garnet- biotite gneisses with various deformational structures in the form of folding, faulting, augen and tail structures. These deformation structures are tectonic imprints that reveal the tectonic nature of the garnet-biotite gneisses. The groundmass of Grt-Bt gneisses is characterized by presence of garnet, biotite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz, and ilmenite. The phase equilibrium modelling and geochemical attributes depict the tectonic activity and metamorphic evolution of the studied rocks. The P-T pseudosection has been calculated in the NCKFMASHT system, which revealed that the peak mineral assemblage stabilized in the P-T range of 6.35–6.75 kbar and 755–780ºC, and it further goes to retrograde metamorphism under P-T condition ranging from 4.80–5.28 kbar and 718–735ºC. These gneisses represent a calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline series of protolithic origin. The negative anomaly of Nb and Ti for all samples indicates that a subduction tectonic setting has occurred in the BuC. The (La/Lu)N ratio and differences in the trace elements indicate heterogeneous sources and large variation in the degree of partial melting. The Y vs Nb and (Y+Nb) vs Rb tectonic discrimination diagrams indicate that the Grt-Bt gneisses have an affinity towards the volcanic arc granite and developed during subduction setting. The geochemical interpretation provides significant evidence that protoliths of Grt-Bt gneisses were further metamorphosed by the continent-continent collision. Keywords: Garnet-biotite gneiss, Pseudosection, P-T condition, Geochemistry, Bundelkhand

The formation of high-Sr/Y plutons in cordilleran-arc crust by crystal accumulation and melt loss

Bulk-rock data are commonly used in geochemical studies as a proxy for melt compositions in order to understand the evolution of crustal melts. However, processes of crystal accumulation and melt migration out of deep-crustal, crystal-rich mush zones to shallower storage regions raise questions about how faithfully bulk-rock compositions in plutons approximate melt compositions. This problem is particularly acute in the lower crust of arcs, where melt reservoirs are subject to periodic melt extraction that leaves behind a cumulate residue. Here, we examine bulk-rock data from the perspective of high-Sr/Y plutonic rocks in the lower crust of a well-exposed Early Cretaceous cordilleran-arc system in Fiordland, New Zealand. We test the validity of using high-Sr/Y bulk-rock compositions as proxies for melts by comparing bulk-rock compositions to melts modeled from &amp;gt;100 major- and trace-element analyses of 23 magmatic clinopyroxene grains from the same samples. The sampling locations of the igneous clinopyroxenes and encompassing bulk rocks are distributed across ~550 km2 of exhumed lower crust and are representative of Mesozoic lower-crustal arc rocks in the Median batholith. We confirm that bulk-rock data have characteristics of high-Sr/Y plutons (Sr/Y &amp;gt;50, Na2O &amp;gt;3.5 wt%, Sr &amp;gt;1000 ppm, and Y &amp;lt;20 ppm), features that have been previously interpreted to indicate the presence of garnet as a residual or fractionating phase. In contrast to bulk rocks, igneous clinopyroxenes have low Sr (&amp;lt;100 ppm), high Y (25–100 ppm), and low molar Mg# [100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe)] values (60–70), which are consistent with derivation from fractionated, low-Sr/Y melts. Chondrite-normalized rare-earth-element patterns and Sm/Yb values in clinopyroxenes also show little to no evidence for involvement of garnet in the source or in differentiation processes. Fe-Mg partitioning relationships indicate that clinopyroxenes are not in equilibrium with their encompassing bulk rocks but could have been in equilibrium with melt compositions determined from chemometry of coexisting igneous hornblendes. Moho-depth calculations based on bulk-rock Sr/Y values also yield Moho depths (average = 69 km) that are inconsistent with Moho depths based on bulk-rock Ce/Y, contact aureole studies, Al-in-horn- blende crystallization pressures, and our modeled clinopyroxene crystallization pressures. These data indicate that most Mesozoic high-Sr/Y bulk rocks in the lower crust of Fiordland are cumulates formed by plagioclase + amphibole + clinopyroxene accumulation and interstitial melt loss from crystal-rich mush zones. Our data do not support widespread fractionation of igneous garnet nor partial melting of a garnet-bearing source in the petrogenesis of these melts. We speculate that melt extraction and the production of voluminous cumulates in the lower crust were aided by unusually high heat flow and high magma addition rates associated with an Early Cretaceous arc flareup. We conclude that bulk-rock compositions are poor proxies for melt compositions in the lower crust of the Median batholith, and geochemical modeling of these high-Sr/Y bulk rocks would overemphasize the role of garnet in their petrogenesis.

Variscan granitic magmatism in the Western Carpathians with linkage to slab break-off

The Variscan basement within the Western Carpathian Alpine architecture generally consists of metaluminous/peraluminous tonalite/granodiorite massifs and high-grade metamorphic complexes of metapelites, metaultramafites, and metabasites with relics of eclogites. Unfortunately, the Variscan crystalline basement of the Western Carpathians is only fragmentally exposed. Therefore, the proposed geodynamic evolutionary model for the Variscan granites of the Western Carpathians is primarily based on granite data from the Malá Fatra Mts. with additional dating from the High Tatra Mts. The oldest magmatic age of 362 ± 4 Ma in the Malá Fatra horst was recorded in diatexites from a high-grade metamorphic complex, which is related to crustal anatexis during Variscan subduction. Subsequent collisional event and break-off of the subducted slab promoted exhumation of the diatexites within the high grade metamorphic complex and intrusion of 353 ± 3 Ma old Tournaisian tonalite. Intensive heat input after slab break-off from the rising asthenosphere generated melting of the lower crust and extensive calc-alkaline, Mg-rich granitic magmatism in a short time span from 347 ± 4 to 342 ± 3 Ma. These Visean granitic rocks caused thermal overprint on the roof metamorphic rocks, including diatexites and Tournaisian tonalites at ca. 348 ± 5.6 to 342 ± 3 Ma. The Visean granite formation was controlled by the mixing of hot magmas, which is indicated by the presence of composite oligoclase/andesine plagioclase with preserved labradorite cores, alkali feldspars with Na2O ≥ 2 wt%, zoned apatite, the presence of antiperthite, and quartz ocelli. Elevated contents of mantle-derived elements like V, Ni, Cr, Ba, high Sr/Y ratio of ~44, steep LREE and flat HREE segments of chondrite-normalised patterns document adakite-like feature of the investigated granitic rocks which resulted from melting of a mixed lower-crustal and mantle sources and crystallisation in the presence of garnet. Unusual abundance of Fe–Ti oxides in granodiorites with magmatic cooling temperatures of 735–756 °C supports high-T input from mantle. In the High Tatra Mts., diorite xenolith shows the age of 359.2 ± 3 Ma, and its host granodiorite the age of 350.1 ± 2.6 Ma. The diorite contains acicular zircons, which points to rapid exhumation. Stubby zircon of the host granodiorite shows regular, oscillatory zoning controlled by a gradual temperature decrease. The non-comagmatic relationships between diorite and host granodiorite are indicated also by a difference in zircon Th/U ratio, which is 0.2 for the host granodiorite, but 1.0 for the diorite on average. The presented data show that slab break-off could have been a mechanism that promoted Variscan granitic magmatism in the Western Carpathians.

Discovery of Early Paleozoic eclogite-facies metamorphic rocks in the western part of North Qinling Orogen and its geological significance

西秦岭地处中国中央造山系东西转换衔接部位，随着东秦岭以及祁连、柴北缘和东昆仑早古生代高压-超高压变质岩石的陆续发现和深入研究，西秦岭造山带变质作用研究吸引了大家的普遍关注。本文在大范围野外地质调查基础上，在北秦岭造山带西段天水南部的秦岭岩群长英质片麻岩中发现了一套石榴子石斜长角闪岩（榴闪岩），并开展了详细的锆石形貌和内部结构、微区微量元素和U-Th-Pb同位素研究。CL图像显示榴闪岩锆石普遍具有核-幔-边或核-边结构，部分存在原岩残留锆石。定年结果得到榴闪岩原岩残留锆石年龄为710±52Ma，同时得到497±3Ma、452±3Ma和423±7Ma三期变质年龄。其中497±3Ma变质年龄来自锆石核部并显示出轻稀土亏损、重稀土平坦且没有明显负Eu异常的稀土配分曲线特征，表明该时期的矿物组合中有石榴子石但没有斜长石，与榴辉岩相变质锆石特征一致；452±3Ma变质年龄来自锆石幔部或边部，对应测点重稀土元素的分异加大，并出现弱的负Eu异常，说明此时石榴子石被消耗且出现少量斜长石；423±7Ma变质年龄来自锆石的最边部，对应稀土配分曲线表现出更明显的负Eu异常和更大的重稀土元素分异特征，指示此时岩石中石榴子石含量更少，斜长石含量更多。上述结果表明该榴闪岩可能经历了~500Ma的榴辉岩相变质作用，并在~450Ma和~420Ma叠加了两期退变质改造。天水地区榴闪岩无论是其野外产状，还是变质锆石的形貌和内部结构、稀土配分曲线特征及其所记录的原岩和三期变质年龄都与北秦岭造山带东段大陆俯冲型高压-超高压变质榴辉岩近乎一致，指示早古生代时期，北秦岭造山带西段与东段经历了相似的大陆（深）俯冲和折返过程，它们共同构成一条统一的早古生代高压-超高压变质岩带。;The western part of North Qinling Orogen (NQO) is located at the conjunction area of several Paleozoic high pressure-ultrahigh pressure (HP-UHP) belts in the central China continent, the North Qinling UHP belt in the east and the North Qaidam and the East Kunlun UHP belts in the west, thus its metamorphism has drawn broad scientific interest. We document here an integrated study of zircon morphology, microstructure, in-situ trace element compositions and U-Th-Pb dating on a newly discovered garnet amphibolite in southern Tianshui, the western part of NQO. The garnet amphibolite occurs as a lensoid block in the felsic gneiss of the Qinling Complex, and mainly consists of amphibolite (50%~60%), garnet (10%~15%), quartz (~10%), plagioclase (5%~10%), muscovite (~5%) and ilmenite (~3%). Zircons from the garnet amphibolite display obvious core-mantle-rim or core-rim structures with a few protolith zircon relicts. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating yielded a protolith age of 710±52Ma and three metamorphic ages of 497±3Ma, 452±3Ma and 423±7Ma. The 497±3Ma metamorphic cores display flat heavy rare earth elements (HREE) patterns without obvious Eu anomalies, indicating they were formed in presence of garnet but absence of plagioclase under eclogite-facies condition; The 452±3Ma metamorphic mantles or rims show shallow HREE slopes with moderately negative Eu anomalies, indicating that these zircons grew accompanied by initial appearance of plagioclase and decomposition of garnet; The 423±7Ma metamorphic rims exhibit steep HREE patterns and marked negative Eu anomalies, indicating massive crystallization of plagioclase and decomposition of garnet during their formation. These results suggest that the garnet amphibolite probably experienced eclogite-facies metamorphism at~500Ma and two stages retrograde overprint at ~450Ma and ~420Ma. The occurrence, zircon microstructures, protolith and multiple metamorphic ages of the garnet amphibolite from Tianshui area are basically consistent with the continental-type HP-UHP rocks of the eastern part of NQO. Therefore, we suggest that both western and eastern part of NQO experienced similar continental deep subduction and exhumation processes and thus they form a united Early Paleozoic HP-UHP metamorphic belt.

Petrology, REE Geochemistry and Tetrad Effect of Some Muscovite Granites at Wadi El Gemal Area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The muscovite granites at the study area are being emplaced into biotite granites and ophiolitic mélange settings. They occur in four exposures namely; Umm Seleimat, Sikait, Umm El Kheran and Umm Addebaa exposure. The presence of garnet and muscovite flakes may reflect the peraluminous nature of the studied muscovite granites. Petrographically, the studied granites are mostly subsolvus and consist of plagioclase, K-feldspars, quartz, muscovite and biotite. Garnet, zircon, allanite and opaques are accessories. The textural features of these granites are expressed by bent plagioclase lamellae, distorted microcline twinning, deformed mica flakes and development of myrmekite and recrystallization of feldspars into fine-grained aggregates. Umm Seleimat and Sikait exposures are more differentiated due to the presence of high content of K-feldspar and LREEs. The REE budget decreased from Umm Seleimat-Sikait exposures to Umm El Kheran-Umm Addebaa exposures as (514.5 - 495.6) to (195.9 - 197.7), respectively. Umm Seleimat-Sikait exposures have lower HREE/LREE (0.12 - 0.67), relative to Umm El Kheran-Umm Addebaa exposures (0.99 - 2.06). The studied granites revealed that the chondrite normalized REE patterns are the normal M-type of tetrad effect, where TE1,3 tetrad effect is higher than 1 in all samples which implies that there was an interaction between melt and water-haloid-rich fluid when these granites are crystallized from magma. Spectrometric values of Umm Seleimat and Umm Addebaa indicate that U content is more than Th content. Applying the U mobilization equation proved that the studied granites have been originated from a late magmatic phase of magma very rich in radioelements, also the majority of measurements lie above the zero line indicating that the studied granites affected with hydrothermal solutions rich in uranium than thorium which indicates uranium addition.

Physical and chemically changes in limestone intruded by trachytic dyke: implications for cement raw material

Limestone samples intruded by trachyte dike from the Tonasa Formation in Bantimurung, Indonesia have been investigated for their suitability for cement manufacturing. The objective of this study is to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of the limestone surround an intrusion with the petrographic and XRF methods. Field observation shows a gradation of color (reddish to grey) away from intrusion contacts. Petrographic analysis shows metasomatic indication by the presence of garnet and wollastonite within the limestone at 0 - 20 meters from the intrusion contact. The geochemical analysis shows a decreasing degree trend of CaO2, and Fe2O3, however SiO2, Al2O3, and MgO increase towards the intrusion contact. According to the petrographic and geochemical characteristics indicate the limestone fulfills requirements as raw material for cement, even though the ideal composition for the cement industry is the limestone which is located between 20 - 70 meters from the intrusion contact.

Petrology of lamprophyric in northern Jirandeh, Iran

This study was performed on the outcrops of lamprophyric lavas found in the north of Jirandeh and east of Lushan in the mountain of Alborz (north of Iran). These lavas has been placed discordantly on the middle Eocene lime..Petrographic observation indicates olivine phenocrysts, green-core alkaline clinopyroxenes, nepheline, abundant biotite, and apatites with flakes. and in the matrix it also contains biotite, olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase.The presence of carbonates, plagioclase and xenocrystals with rounded margins asserts the contamination with continental crust Petrologically, these rocks classify as alkaline lamprophyres of comptonite variety.These rocks can be subsumed under alkaline sodic categories at K2O/Na2O&lt;1 ratio. The rare elements patterns in the rocks, normalized with the primitive mantle, causing partial negative Nb anomalies and showing no blades at the surface. It, therefore, can be indicative of the evidence for an intraplate magmatism with the different degree in the crustal contamination. Geochemistry states the first cause of asthenospheric flow can be occurred at La/Nb&lt;1 and La/Ta 13 ratios, and the presence of garnet can be assumed at 1/8&lt; (Tb/Yb) N ratio in the rocks origin area. In tectonic discrimination diagrams, these rocks fall in the range of intra-continental rift zones. Geochemical analyses indicate that these lamprophyres originate from partial (1%) melting of an OIB-like asthenospheric mantle source of lherzolite garnet nature.

Insights into characterization and genesis of the Tieshanmiao banded iron formation deposit, China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb dating and geochemistry

The Tieshanmiao hosted by the metamorphosed Paleoproterozoic Upper Taihua Group, is a large-scale BIF–hosted Fe deposit in the southern margin of the North China Craton. The formation age, BIF type, depositional condition as well as the genesis of pyroxene–rich BIF is under heated debate. In this study, we present petrology, whole–rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotope analyses on the Tieshanmiao Fe deposit. The Fe ore of the deposit can be divided into two sub-types, including banded pyroxene–magnetite quartzite (BMQ) and disseminated magnetite pyroxenite (DMP). The hanging wall rock pyroxene biotite gneiss yields an upper intercept age of 2406 ± 24 Ma, interpreted as the lower limited age for BIF deposition. The foot wall rock garnet–bearing biotite plagioclase gneiss yields a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 2739 ± 12 Ma, interpreted as its maximal depositional age. Lu-Hf isotope systematics indicates that pyroxene biotite gneiss is derived from the Paleoproterozoic mantle contaminated by the crust, and the provenance of garnet–bearing biotite plagioclase gneiss is derived from a Mesoarchean crust.The primary mineral assemblages of the pyroxene–rich Tieshanmiao Fe deposit are Fe–silicate, Ca/Mg–carbonate, ferrihydrite, and minor quartz. The BMQs have high and variable Y/Ho ratios (40–80), recording periodic alkaline hydrothermal injection that is progressively diluted by seawater, while the DMPs have low and constrained Y/Ho ratios, archiving well–supplied alkaline hydrothermal injection. We propose a REY (lanthanide elements and Y) modelling of multi–Fe sources for the Tieshanmiao BIF deposit. The BMQs are sourced from seawater and high–T hydrothermal fluid, while the DMPs are sourced from seawater, high–T hydrothermal fluids and one or several additional Fe fluxes (e.g. high-Fe dissolved riverine fluxes, low–T hydrothermal fluids or benthic Fe shuttles driven by dissimilatory iron reduction).The basic gneisses as metabasalts associated with the Tieshanmiao Fe deposit are characterized by high–Fe assay, variable LREE enrichment, relatively depletion in Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti, Y, and Th. The geochemistry of the basic gneisses shows affinities to both MORBs and volcanic–arc basalts, indicating a back–arc basin setting of the BIF deposition. It is most likely a Superior–type BIF–hosted Fe deposit, which is formed in a back–arc basin along the craton–side continental shelf.

Petrography, geochemistry and tectonic setting of adakitic bodies in the Tighanab area and their relationship with iron skarn mineralization (southeast of Sarbisheh-east of Iran)

Petrography, geochemistry and tectonic setting of adakitic bodies in the Tighanab area and their relationship with iron skarn mineralization (southeast of Sarbisheh-east of Iran)

Age and geochemistry of the granitoid from the Lunte area, Northeastern Zambia: Implications for magmatism of the Columbia supercontinent

The Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Bangweulu Block has long been controversial. Paleoproterozoic granites consisting of the basement complex of the Bangweulu Block are widely exposed in northeastern Zambia, and they are the critical media for studying the tectonic evolution of the Bangweulu Block. This study systematically investigated the petrography, zircon U-Pb chronology, and petrogeochemistry of the granitoid extensively exposed in the Lunte area, northeastern Zambia. The results show that the granitoid in the area formed during 2051±13–2009±20 Ma as a result of Paleoproterozoic magmatic events. Geochemical data show that the granites in the area mainly include syenogranites and monzogranites of high-K calc-alkaline series and are characterized by high SiO2 content (72.68% –73.78%) and K2O/Na2O ratio (1.82–2.29). The presence of garnets, the high aluminum saturation index (A/CNK is 1.13–1.21), and the 1.27%–1.95% of corundum molecules jointly indicate that granites in the Lunte area are S-type granites. Rare earth elements in all samples show a rightward inclination and noticeably negative Eu-anomalies (δEu = 0.16–0.40) and are relatively rich in light rare earth elements. Furthermore, the granites are rich in large ion lithophile elements such as Rb, Th, U, and K and are depleted in Ba, Sr, and high field strength elements such as Ta and Nb. In addition, they bear low contents of Cr (6.31×10−6–10.8×10−6), Ni (2.87×10−6–4.76×10−6), and Co (2.62×10−6–3.96×10−6). These data lead to the conclusion that the source rocks are meta-sedimentary rocks. Combining the above results and the study of regional tectonic evolution, the authors suggest that granitoid in the Lunte area were formed in a tectonic environment corresponding to the collision between the Tanzania Craton and the Bangweulu Block. The magmatic activities in this period may be related to the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent.©2021 China Geology Editorial Office.

The gabbro to amphibolite transition along a hydration front

AbstractIn most metamorphic terrains the transition to the preserved mineral assemblage can be established to have occurred during progressive metamorphism through lower‐grade facies involving fluid saturated conditions. However, in some circumstances metamorphism can occur in a non‐progressive way as a distinct overprint of either igneous protoliths such as gabbro, or of earlier higher‐grade metamorphic rocks such as granulites. In this contribution we use thermodynamic modelling, together with petrographic and mineral chemistry analysis, to study a suite of amphibolite facies metamafic rocks that were variably affected by metamorphism, with the objective of explaining the textures and mineral assemblages observed. The study samples form a continuum in terms of textural relationships and mineral compositions, but they can be divided into three main types: metagabbro, lineated metagabbro, and amphibolite. Metagabbro samples preserve both relict igneous and metamorphic textures and a combination of igneous and metamorphic mineralogy. They preserve a variety of reaction textures, such as coronas of garnet around ilmenite, double coronas of low‐Al (actinolitic) and high‐Al (pargasitic) hornblende around clinopyroxene and limited degrees of recrystallization of igneous plagioclase. Lineated metagabbro samples preserve similar reaction textures as the metagabbro but show a strong lineation and have higher proportions of pargasitic hornblende and polygonal plagioclase combined with lower proportions of clinopyroxene, igneous plagioclase and actinolitic hornblende. Amphibolite samples are composed of pargasitic hornblende and polygonal plagioclase, presenting little igneous plagioclase and practically no garnet and clinopyroxene, and they preserve none of the reaction textures of the other two types. These samples are interpreted to be near chemically equilibrated on a hand sample scale, although with some mineral zoning preserved. and pseudosections show that the main mineral assemblage differences between the amphibolites and the other two types are primarily controlled by the amount of H2O that equilibrated with the rocks. While all rocks experienced an influx of fluid, only the amphibolites represent thermodynamically fluid‐saturated conditions, the metagabbro and lineated metagabbro having equilibrated under H2O undersaturated conditions, allowing the presence of garnet. In parallel with the variation in fluid influx, the variation in microstructure appears to be the result of varying length scales of diffusion. The complex corona structures in the metagabbros are interpreted to reflect the pre‐existing igneous texture and the apparent low mobility of Al during metamorphism. Here, igneous clinopyroxene is largely pseudomorphed by the actinolitic hornblende whereas the higher‐Al pargasitic hornblende and garnet occur adjacent to plagioclase or replacing it. Zoning patterns in amphibole crystals in the amphibolite are similar to those in metagabbro samples, which is consistent with earlier stages of the evolution of the amphibolite actually being similar to those preserved in the metagabbro.