Primitive Mantle-normalized Trace Element Research Articles

The Origin of Mesozoic A‐type Granitoids, Fujian Province, Southeast China: Insights from Geochronology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry

AbstractThe magma sources, origins and precise forming ages of the miarolite from Qishan and Kuiqi intrusions are still uncertain. New results reveal that, miarolites from the Qishan and Kuiqi intrusions yield crystallization ages of —101 and ∼98 Ma, and they have a high formation temperature (∼910°C) and low oxygen fugacity value, indicating crystallization condition at low pressure in the upper crust with temperature of 678°C. The Qishan and Kuiqi miarolites are characterized by enrichment in SiO2 and high‐K alkali, depletion in Ca and Mg, and belong to the high‐K weak peraluminous rock series. The samples are enriched in HFSEs (i.e., Ta, Zr and Hf) and LILEs (i.e., Ba, P and Sr), depleted in Ba and Sr with the negative anomaly of Eu. In the primitive mantle normalized trace element spider diagram, the samples show a right‐inclined ‘seagull‐type’ pattern, combined the ratios of (La/Yb)N, 10000 × Al/Ga, Rb/Nb and Nb/Ta etc., they were proved to be alkaline A‐type granite. Combined the characterize of the trace elements, they were derived from clay‐rich source accompanied pelite melting, and subjected to K‐feldspar crystallization fractional. The values of ɛHf(t) and tDM2 are distributed in the range of −2.8 to 3.3 with ∼1.2 Ga, and −6.0 to 4.0 with ∼1.2 Ga, revealing that they were generated from the Mesoproterozoic Cathaysia basement rocks. The comprehensive research reveals the Kuiqi and Qishan intrusions derived from crust‐mantle mixing and partial melting of the crust, respectively, resulting from lithospheric extension generated by the Paleo‐Pacific Plate subducted into the European‐Asian Plate.

Bimodal volcanism in the Hegau region (SW Germany): Differentiation of primitive melilititic to nephelinitic rocks produces evolved nosean phonolites

Peculiar bimodal volcanism in the Hegau region (SW Germany) comprises two contrasting SiO2-undersaturated rock suites.(I)Primitive olivine melilitites and melilite-bearing olivine nephelinites (12–9 Ma) are characterized by high MgO, CaO, Fe2O3, TiO2, Ni, V, F, moderate alkalis, Al2O3, P2O5, Ba, Nb, Zr, and low SiO2, Rb, Pb, and U concentrations. The rocks are composed of forsteritic olivine, diopsidic clinopyroxene, melilite, perovskite, Cr-bearing oxyspinel, F- and Ba-rich mica, and fluorapatite. In rare cases, they contain coeval coarse-grained ijolite patches generated by rapid in-situ fractionation in small melt pockets.(II)Evolved nosean phonolites (14–11 Ma) comprise high alkalis, Al2O3, SiO2, Rb, Nb, Zr, U, Pb, S, and low MgO, CaO, Fe2O3, TiO2, P2O5, Ba, Ni, and V concentrations, and contain abundant Ba-bearing alkali feldspar and nosean-haüyne-sodalitess macrocrysts, aegirine-augitic clinopyroxene, as well as accessory apatite, titanite, zircon, and pyrochlore.The melilititic–nephelinitic rocks formed by low degrees of partial melting of a carbonated amphibole ± phlogopite-bearing garnet wehrlite in the uppermost asthenosphere or in the thermal boundary layer and occur also in neighbouring regions. However, their coexistence with evolved nosean phonolites is a unique and so far, unexplained feature in the southern Central European Volcanic Province.Thermodynamic modelling implies that removal of 11–19% oxyspinel, 4–10% olivine, 42–57% clinopyroxene, <3% mica, <9% feldspathoids, <8% feldspar from melilititic–nephelinitic parental melts at upper crustal conditions (∼200 MPa) results in significant amounts of phonolitic residues that are compositionally similar to the exposed nosean phonolites. Strongly negative P and Ti anomalies and a trough of MREE in primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns of phonolites indicate additional fractionation of titanite and apatite, consistent with the mineralogy of coarse-grained (nepheline) syenitic cumulates, which are present as enclaves in both rock suites. The modelling results suggest crystallization of the (nepheline) syenite cumulates between 1050 and 800 °C and ascent and eruption of the phonolite residues at no less than ∼900 °C with complete solidification of the observed assemblage at >750 °C. Significant crustal assimilation during fractionation appears unnecessary to explain the mineralogical, mineral chemical, and geochemical characteristics of the phonolites. Prolonged upper crustal differentiation of the magmas in one case (nosean phonolites) and fast ascent of primitive melts in the other (olivine melilitites and melilite-bearing olivine nephelinites) can be explained by stress field changes from an extensional to a more compressive regime, the magma ascent becoming thereby increasingly structurally controlled and supported by brittle deformation.

Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications of Cretaceous Nb-Enriched Mafic Dykes in the East Kunlun Orogen, Northern Tibet Plateau: Constraints from Geochronology, Geochemistry and Sr-Nd Isotopes

There is a magmatic lull period in the East Kunlun orogen (EKO) during the Jurassic to the Cretaceous. However, due to the lack of records of magmatic activity restricts our understanding of the late Mesozoic magmatic-tectonic evolution of the EKO. Herein, an integrated study of geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes were conducted for the Cretaceous mafic dykes in the EKO, Northern Tibet Plateau, to reveal their petrogenesis and geodynamic implications. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb dating reveals that the studied mafic dykes comprising diabase and diabase porphyry emplaced at ca. 80.9 ± 0.8 Ma. The Cretaceous mafic dykes have low contents of SiO2 (46.36 wt.%~47.40 wt.%) but high contents of MgO (6.79 wt.%~7.38 wt.%), TiO2 (1.91 wt.%~2.13 wt.%), Nb (12.4~18.3 ppm) and Nb/U ratio (31~39), resembling Nb-enriched mafic dykes. They exhibit chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) and primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns, remarkably similar but not identical to the oceanic island basalts (OIB). The moderate REE fractionation ((La/Yb)N = 3.55~5.37), weak negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.87~0.97) and relative enrichment of Rb, Ba, K, as well as high contents of Cr and Ni and slightly depleted Sr-Nd isotopes (εNd(t) = −0.18~1.33), suggest that the studied dykes originate from a partial melting of spinel lherzolite and a little of garnet which was previously modified by subducted sediments. Combined with other evidence, we propose that the studied Cretaceous Nb-enriched mafic dykes in the Northern Tibet Plateau were formed in the intraplate setting, which may be a partial melting of the enriched mantle in the lower lithosphere caused by the activity of the East Kunlun strike-slip fault.

OIB-type mafic–ultramafic rocks in South Guangxi, South China: A record of interaction between Paleo-Tethys subduction and Emeishan large Igneous Province

Late Permian ultramafic–mafic igneous rocks in the Pingxiang area, Guangxi, South China include wehrlite, gabbro, diabase, and amygdaloidal basalt. Geochemical characteristics document interaction between the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP) and the mantle wedge related to subduction of the Paleo–Tethys. Gabbro and basalt show chondrite–normalized rare earth elements (REEs) and primitive mantle–normalized trace element patterns that parallel ocean island basalts (OIB) and mafic intrusions from the ELIP. Melts in equilibrium with clinopyroxenes, in both wehrlite and gabbro, have REEs and trace element compositions similar to OIB and high–Ti mafic rock of the ELIP. The clinopyroxenes also show a rift–related compositional trend and cover those from the ELIP rocks. These compositional features, along with their moderate initial 87Sr/86Sr and εNd(t) values (−0.8 to +3), are consistent with derivation from an enriched mantle plume source. This is the first time that ultramafic–mafic rocks are reported beyond the established extent of the ELIP and could represent an offshoot from the main mantle plume or indicate that the ELIP plume was considerably bigger than current proposals but has been significantly denuded by subsequent erosion. In addition, the Pingxiang rock units display slightly enriched εNd(t) values and slight negative Nb, Ta, and Zr relative to OIB rocks, indicating an enriched component in the mantle source. Formation of the ELIP spatially and temporally overlapped with subduction of the Paleo–Tethys ocean and interaction between the plume and mantle wedge accounts for the compositional diversity of the ELIP. Such interaction is probably common along the southwestern–southern margin of the Yangtze Block.

Petrogenesis of the Wushi carbonatites in the northwestern Tarim Basin: Implications to deep carbon recycling

Carbonatites are rarely exposed on the Earth's surface, and most of them are supposed to have been mantle-derived. However, in the most recent years, carbonatites with pronounced crustal signatures had also been recognized. Although carbonatites have attracted the attention of many researchers, their genesis remains controversial. In this study, we present a systematic C–O–Sr–Nd–Mg isotopic investigation on the carbonatites exposed in Wushi County located at the northwestern margin of the Tarim Basin to determine their petrogenesis. The Wushi carbonatites, containing the xenoliths of wall rocks, intruded into Precambrian sandstones as dykes. Carbonatites predominantly comprise calcite and accessory minerals, such as dolomite, apatite, mica and quartz, and thus are classified as calciocarbonatites. Trace element geochemistry indicates that the total rare earth element (REE) concentrations in Wushi carbonatites range from 13.6 to 57.3 ppm, with an average of 30.9 ppm. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the test samples indicate that light rare earth elements (LREE) in the samples have been enriched relative to their heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and that the LREE/HREE ratios vary from 6.0 to 9.1. The patterns also show negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.65–0.75) and weak negative Ce anomalies (δCe = 0.75–0.99). The primitive mantle-normalized trace element spider diagrams display the enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE), such as Pb, Sr and Ba, and the strong depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE), such as Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti. The δ18OV-SMOW (15.9‰–18.2‰) and δ13CV-PDB (−2.97‰–3.36‰) values are more consistent with those of crust-derived carbonatites than with mantle-derived carbonatites. The values of δ18OV-SMOW and δ13CV-PDB are consistent with the high values of 87Sr/86Sr (0.7096–0.7110) and low values of 143Nd/144Nd (0.5118–0.5120). Typically, δ26Mg of the carbonatites (−1.76‰ to −1.27‰) is much lighter than the δ26Mg of the mantle (−0.25‰ ± 0.04‰) but heavier than the δ26Mg of sedimentary carbonates (−2.72‰ to −2.15‰) obtained from the neighbouring Western Tianshan orogenic belt. The light Mg isotope anomalies cannot be explained using secondary alteration, continental crustal contamination, kinetic isotope fractionation and fractional crystallization. Thus, these anomalies could be due to the isotope exchange reactions occurring between the oceanic crust and sedimentary carbonates during subduction. In this study, we propose a two-stage model to explain Wushi carbonatite formation based on its isotope characteristics. During the early stage of carbonatite formation, sedimentary carbonate rocks located along the northern margin of the Tarim Craton and oceanic crust were subducted into the deep mantle. Isotope exchange and carbonation occurred during subduction to form carbonated eclogite. In the second stage of carbonatite formation, the heat produced by the Permian mantle plume in the Tarim Basin melted the carbonated eclogite to produce carbonatite melt. Thus, the petrogenesis of the Wushi carbonatites revealed by the presence of multiple isotopes indicates that the carbonatite produced by carbonated eclogite in the deep mantle would exhibit typical crustal isotopic characteristics and provide new insights into deep carbon recycling.

Cryptic crustal growth identified through Variscan post-collisional lamprophyre-granite composite dykes, French Massif Central

The processes that control crustal growth by addition of new mantle-derived material to the crust and the recycling of crustal components that were introduced into the mantle during subduction remain poorly understood in collisional orogens. This is largely due to the fact that the sub-orogenic mantle has, in many instances, been fertilized by the introduction of crustal components during previous subduction events, and lacks the typical depleted mantle signature. Here, we present a study of lamprophyric–granitic composite dykes from the northern margin of the post-collisional Variscan Aigoual granite, French Massif Central (FMC). At Aigoual, lamprophyres and granites have gradational contacts and similar geochemical characteristics which indicate that the two were co-magmatic. UPb dating of zircon yields crystallization ages between 311 ± 3 Ma and 313 ± 3 Ma for dykes, identical within uncertainty with the ages of 312 ± 3 Ma and 313 ± 3 Ma obtained for the emplacement of the Aigoual granite. The lamprophyres are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous and display enrichment in both compatible (Fe, Mg, Ni, Cr) and incompatible elements (K, LILE, LREE) and have crustal isotopic signatures in both radiogenic (Sr, Nd and Hf) and stable (O) isotope systems. This dual crust/mantle signature of the lamprophyres can be interpreted to reflect partial melting, within the spinel stability field, of an enriched mantle that was metasomatised by the addition of subducted sediments. The granites are peraluminous, high-K and have shoshonitic affinities. Their primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns are similar to the lamprophyres and the isotopic compositions of the two rock types overlap. The high Cr, Ni, Fe, and Mg contents of the granites are consistent with a mantle component in the magmas. Our results suggest that between 65 and 80 wt% of material in the lamprophyres and granites was derived from the depleted mantle, and the rest from recycled crustal material. Although blurred from an (conventional) isotopic point of view, this magmatism contributed to the crustal growth via the post-collisional magmatism of the FMC. Coupled with their high preservation potential, post-collisional sites might thus represent significant sites of crustal growth.

Trace Element Evidence of Subduction-Modified Mantle Material in South Mid-Atlantic Ridge 18–21°S Upper Mantle

Mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs), produced at mid-ocean ridge where the continents and subduction zones are distant, are the product of partial melting of the upper mantle and their chemical composition can provide information about the mantle itself. The geochemical characteristics of MORBs enable us to be more informed about the geological processes of the upper mantle below the mid-ocean ridge, and assist us in understanding mantle heterogeneity and geodynamic processes. In this paper, new data of major elements, trace elements, and Nd-Hf isotopes of south mid-Atlantic ridge (SMAR) 18–21°S MORBs are presented. TAS diagram shows that the samples belong to subalkaline basalt compositional field. Trace elements (e.g., (La/Sm)N = 0.49–0.79) show that the samples are N-MORBs. However, the primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns showed that the studied samples were clearly enriched in Rb, U, Pb, and other fluid-mobile elements. Meanwhile, the trace element ratios, such as Nb/U and Ce/Pb, are also significantly different from the typical N-MORB. Combined with the Nd-Hf isotopic composition, we propose that these anomalies are not related to continental crust material, delaminated subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), recycled sediments, direct supply of mantle plume, nor are they the result of subduction directly affecting the mantle source, but are caused by the incorporation of mantle material modified by subduction.

Olivines and Their Melt Inclusions in Potassic Volcanic Rocks Record Mantle Heterogeneity beneath the Southern Tibet

Abstract Constraints on mantle heterogeneity are important for understanding geochemical differentiation and recycling in Earth’s interior. Alkali basalts are of particular interest in this context due to the clear signatures of recycled components that they yield. Previous studies have focused more on oceanic basalts than on continental mafic rocks because the chemical and isotopic characteristics of the latter are often modified by crustal contamination; however, high-forsterite olivine crystals and olivine-hosted melt inclusions may record the compositions of primitive melts before extensive crustal contamination, providing valuable insights into mantle heterogeneity. Here we report the results of high-precision major-, minor-, and trace-element and Pb isotope analyses of olivine phenocrysts and melt inclusions from the Sailipu potassic alkali basalts from southern Tibet, which constrain the mantle source of continental potassic alkali basalts. The minor- and trace-element compositions of the olivine phenocrysts (e.g. Ni and Ca contents and 100 × Mn/Fe, 10 000 × Zn/Fe, and Ni/Co ratios) suggest that the primary magmas were derived from a phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite source in which peridotite residues were also present. The low- and high-Li contents of the olivine phenocrysts suggest the recycling of continental crustal material in their mantle source. Comparing the major-element compositions (e.g. SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, MnO, CaO, and Na2O contents), FCMS and FCKANTMS parameters, and pseudo-ternary projections of the primary Sailipu magmas with experimental data suggests that the primary magmas were partial melts of olivine-poor or carbonated olivine-poor lithologies with a small amount of peridotite residue. The negative Nb and Ta and positive Pb anomalies seen in primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns and the extremely low Nb/U ratios of the melt inclusions suggest that recycling of continental crust was the main process involved in enriching the mantle source of the Sailipu magmas. The heterogeneous Pb isotopic compositions of the melt inclusions (208Pb/206Pb = 2.089 – 2.158; 207Pb/206Pb = 0.851 – 0.858) are consistent with the presence of peridotite residue in this source. The subduction of Indian continental crust introduced enriched material (including carbonatites) into the mantle.

The Early Paleozoic Subashi ophiolite in the West Kunlun Orogenic Belt (northwestern Tibetan Plateau): Implication for the tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys

The West Kunlun Orogenic Belt (W-KOB) in the northwestern Tibetan Plateau retains critical information about the tectonic evolution of the Proto- and Paleo-Tethys during the Early Paleozoic to Mesozoic. Although a trench-arc-back arc basin model was used to address the tectonic evolution of Proto-Tethys, records about the evolution of this ocean basin remain ambiguous, particularly no studies about ages and tectonic affinities of ophiolites in the W-KOB are available. In this paper, we present new results on whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic composition of basalts, and U-Pb zircon ages of gabbro, diabase and basalt from the Subashi ophiolite. The basalts are characterized by low REE concentrations, depleted LREEs in the chondrite normalized REE patterns, and unfractionated HFSEs in the primitive mantle normalized trace element spider diagrams, resembling normal mid-ocean ridge basalts. They have constant 87Sr/86Sr(i) values of 0.70472–0.70590 and positive εNd values of +7.5 to +7.9. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the Subashi ophiolite was derived from a depleted spinel lherzolite mantle source in a mid-ocean ridge setting. Zircon grains separated from basalt, diabase and gabbro have 206Pb/238U ages of 455 ± 4 Ma, 451 ± 6 Ma, and 446 ± 6 Ma, respectively, which are taken to be the crystallization ages of these rocks. Together with previously published data, our new data propose that the Mazha-Kangxiwa-Subashi ophiolitic mélange zone marks the existence of the Proto-Tethys ocean basin during the Early Paleozoic.

Petrology, zircon U–Pb geochronology and tectonic implications of the A1-type intrusions: Keban region, eastern Turkey

The Southeast Anatolian Orogenic Belt (SAOB), the most extensive segment of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic Belt, resulted from the northward subduction of the southern branch of the Neotethys oceanic crust beneath the Anatolian micro-plate. We present new whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb ages, and Lu–Hf isotope data from the stocks and dykes with a length of up to tens of meters belonging to the Keban magmatic rocks, eastern Turkey. These rocks are represented by syenite and quartz monzonite intruded into the Keban metamorphic complex. The geochemistry data indicates that the samples bear mostly metaluminous, variably high alkalines (K2O + Na2O), Ga/Al ratios and zircon saturation temperature, and typically the A-type granite characters. According to the Y/Nb vs Yb/Ta diagram, the Keban magmatic rocks show A1-type geochemical signatures modified by crustal melts. Syenite and quartz monzonite samples from Keban magmatic rocks give zircon U–Pb ages of 77.4 ± 0.34 Ma, 76.3 ± 0.3 Ma and 76.36 ± 0.34 Ma, respectively. On the primitive mantle-normalised trace element patterns, the Keban magmatic rocks show enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) relative to high field strength elements (HFSEs). They are coupled with slightly negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Chondrite-normalised rare earth-element patterns show strong enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs, a typical A-type granites feature. The zircons have negative εHf(t) values that vary from −2.68 to −0.41, and Hf model ages (TDM2) range from 1171.54 to 1329.26 Ma, indicating the enriched lithospheric mantle sources and crustal contribution. The sources and evolution of the alkaline magmas might be related to the post-collisional tectonic setting.

Petrogenesis of the late Tonian arc-related Um Balad gabbro-diorite complex (Egypt) and insight into its spatially related orogenic gold mineralization

ABSTRACT The gabbro-diorite complex of the Um Balad prospect hosts lode gold mineralization. The complex is dated at 723 ± 4 Ma using the LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon method and is correlated with the late Tonian-early Cryogenian subduction-related magmatic stage during the evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The gabbro-diorite complex evolved through the crystallization of a calc-alkaline magma and the subduction signature of this magma is verified by primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns that show enrichment in large ion lithophile elements, U, and Th relative to high field strength elements as well as negative Nb and Ti anomalies. The high La/Ybcn (3.1–9.4) and Ta/Yb (0.12–0.41) ratios are consistent with a continental arc rather than an oceanic arc system. Amphibole chemistry indicates that this complex might have crystallized under a moderately oxidizing condition from a hydrous magma (>6 wt% water content) at temperature and pressure estimates of about 800°C and 3 kbar, respectively. Gold mineralization in the Um Balad prospect is confined to structurally controlled massive quartz±carbonate veins and surrounding alteration halos. Alteration in the prospect is represented by localized sericitization and carbonation as well as pervasive chlorite-sericite alteration. The alteration halos are characterized by enrichment in K and Rb and depletion in Ca and Sr compared to their host rocks. The veins of the prospect are related to lower order extensional fractures associated with the regional first order transpressional Najd Fault System. The high Fe contents of the gabbro-diorite complex represent a suitable chemical trap for gold through sulfidation of the host rocks. Supergene alteration resulted in the formation of goethite in association with atacamite and chrysocolla. Free mill gold is associated with these supergene phases, which were deposited in near neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.

Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Pan-African Deng-Deng intrusive complex in the Lom series, Eastern Cameroon

The Deng-Deng intrusive complex belongs to the Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) in eastern Cameroon and includes granodiorite and diorite. Both rocks are classified as metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline, and I-type granitoids (A/CNK <1.1). Primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns display large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) enrichment, such as Rb, Cs, Ba and K, and depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), such as Nb, Ti, Ta and P. The studied rocks are enriched in LREEs relative to HREEs and exhibit weak negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.61–0.92 and 0.59–0.67 for the granodiorite and diorite, respectively), suggesting active continental margin arc affinity. The emplacement temperatures of these granitoids are estimated between 775 and 806 °C. Combined with their diagnostic ratios (e.g., Th/Ta, Rb/Sr, Nb/La, and La/Sm), we propose that the Deng-Deng granitoids were sourced by mixing between mafic magma derived from the lithospheric mantle and felsic magma derived from partial melting of a lower crust in a convergent margin setting.

Ca. 815 Ma intra-plate granitoids and mafic dykes from Emeishan pluton in the western Yangtze Block, SW China: A record of rifting during the breakup of Rodinia

The western Yangtze Block, South China is characterized by voluminous Neoproterozoic extension-related volcano-sedimentary sequences and intrusions (e.g. Emeishan granitoid intrusion) and spatially associated mafic dykes. The origin and tectonic setting of Emeishan granitoid intrusion and mafic dykes in the Yangtze Block is poorly study. Understanding the origin and geodynamic setting of dykes and granitoid intrusion are significant in deciphering thermal structure and composition of mantle, tectonic evolution as well as crustal growth processes in the Yangtze Block. SIMS Zircon U–Pb dating of Emeishan granitoid intrusion and mafic dykes suggests that the granitoids (ca. 818 Ma) and mafic dykes (ca. 814 Ma) are contemporaneous. Compositionally, the Emeishan granitoids are restricted and characterized by high SiO2 (69.11–70.50 wt%), Na2O + K2O (3.52–4.13%) and Al2O3 (14.16–14.47%), but low CaO (1.78–2.03%), MgO (0.72–0.91%) contents. They feature strong LREE-enrichment (La/YbN = 7.2–12.3) in conjunction with negative Eu anomalies. The mafic dykes have low SiO2 (48.09–48.65 wt%), K2O (1.94–2.12 wt%) and Na2O (1.64–1.75 wt%) contents, and high Mg# (61.67–62.26). On primitive mantle-normalized trace element plot, they are characterized by enrichment of LILEs and depletion of HFSEs. Both the mafic dykes and granitoids record similar zircon εHf(t) values (+2.2 to +12.1, +1.4 to +6.8), and zircon δ18O values (4.47‰ and 10.41‰, 4.49‰ and 12.05‰, respectively). The rifting-related geochemical signature of the Emeishan pluton and contemporaneous margin and intra-plate plume-related magmatism suggest that they were derived from mantle melting in extensional tectonic setting during mid-Neoproterozoic.

Relationships among the Geordie Lake Cu-Pd deposit, alkaline basalt, and syenites in the Coldwell Complex, Midcontinent Rift, Canada

ABSTRACT The Geordie Lake Cu-Pd deposit is associated with troctolite at the base of the Geordie Lake intrusion, located near the center of the Coldwell Complex (1106.5 + 1.2 Ma). It is the only platinum group element deposit in the Midcontinent Rift associated with alkaline rocks. This study focuses on the long-standing questions regarding genetic relationships among the Geordie Lake gabbros, the Wolfcamp basalt, and the various syenites that make up the east-central portion of the Coldwell Complex. Primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns for the Geordie Lake intrusion are nearly flat from Th to Ce and show negative Sr, Eu, and Zr anomalies. Characteristic ratios for the Geordie Lake gabbro and troctolite include Th/Nb (0.12), La/Nb (1.1), La/Lu (150), La/Sm (6.9), Zr/Sm (18), and Gd/Yb (2.8). Trace-element patterns that are useful for determining petrogenesis for gabbros are similar to the Wolfcamp basalt and augite syenite with some key exceptions, notably the middle rare earth element and Zr abundances. Affects due to metasomatism or crustal contamination in Wolfcamp basalt and Geordie Lake gabbros and syenites are negligible. Results of Rayleigh fractionation modeling show (1) the Geordie Lake intrusion and Wolfcamp basalt are very similar but not directly related by crystallization, (2) the gabbros and basalt are not related to the syenites, (3) the lower augite syenite can be related to the upper augite syenite and amphibole quartz syenite by fractionation of a hypothetical crystal cumulate composed of orthoclase (78%), clinopyroxene (15%), olivine (1%), and titanomagnetite (6%). We conclude that the Geordie Lake intrusion, Wolfcamp basalt, and saturated syenites in the Coldwell were derived by separate partial melting events in a common mantle source. The origin of the sulfide mineralization is enigmatic because it exhibits characteristics of both magmatic and hydrothermal processes. The sulfide assemblage changes from disseminated bornite and chalcopyrite in the basal zone to pyrrhotite plus chalcopyrite in the upper zones. Sulfides occur as coarse blebs interstitial to fresh or partly altered silicates, or as very fine grains intergrown with clusters of biotite and actinolite. Primitive mantle-normalized platinum group element patterns exhibit a W-shape for Pd-Pt-Rh-Ir-Ni, indicating a relative depletion of Pt and Ir. The Cu/Pd ratios in the mineralized zones are within the range of mantle values (1000–10,000), Pd/Pt is 14–19, Pd/Rh is 91 + 37, and Pd/Ir &amp;gt;16,000. The Pd/Pt, Pd/Rh, and Pd/Ir are considerably higher than in the Wolfcamp basalt (&amp;lt;1, 17, and 75, respectively). If the sulfides are magmatic in origin, then either the Geordie Lake magma was, unlike the Wolfcamp basalt magma, depleted in Pt, Rh, and Ir, or these elements were selectively removed from the sulfide assemblage. Alternatively, Pd was enriched by late-stage hydrothermal processes. Additional work is recommended to constrain petrogenesis of the sulfides by detailed base-metal and TABS (Te, As, Bi, Sb, and Sn) element analysis.

Petrogenesis of Neoarchean (2.80–2.75 Ga) Jagannathpur volcanics and the Ghatgaon and Keshargaria dyke swarms, Singhbhum craton, eastern India: Geochemical, Sr[sbnd]Nd isotopic and Sm[sbnd]Nd geochronologic constraints for interaction of enriched-DMM derived magma with metasomatised subcontinental lithospheric mantle

Petrogenesis of Neoarchean dyke swarms and dispersed volcanic successions in the Singhbhum craton can potentially constrain mantle heterogeneity. Their arc-like trace element contents, that have a mismatch with their intracratonic extensional setting, were interpreted to propose widely varied genesis from either an enriched mantle (EM I) or wholly from a metasomatised subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). In order to test the type of enriched source(s) of magma to the dykes swarms and volcanics, geochemical modeling, Sr and Nd isotopic analyses and geochronology were conducted. The Jagannathpur amygdular volcanics, one such unmetamorphosed volcanic succession, yielded an SmNd isochron age of 2799 ± 67 Ma (2σ) with Ndi = 0.50895 ± 0.00006, MSWD = 0.36 (n = 16) and εNd(T) = −1.12 ± 0.50. As the eruptive age is indistinguishable within error to the Ghatgaon (2762.4 ± 2.0 Ma, 2752.0 ± 0.9 Ma) and the Keshargaria (2800.2 ± 0.7 Ma) dyke swarms, the dykes are interpreted as coeval feeder conduits to the volcanics. Enriched LILE and LREE, Nb/Th and Zr/Th ratios coupled with highly radiogenic present-day Sr isotopic ratios which have mantle-like 87Sr/86Sri ratios (0.7031–0.7055) and negative εNd(T) values (between −1.8 and − 5.6 for the dykes and − 1.3 and − 1.4 for the Jagannathpur volcanics) indicate that the source mantle components underwent enrichment processes likely by pre-2800 Ma subduction. The primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns for these dykes and volcanics have pronounced negative Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies and their arc-like geochemistry suggest interaction with metasomatised SCLM. Generation of primitive magmas has been modeled by two end member components involving 18% partial melt from enriched-DMM (depleted MORB mantle) [100–70%] and interaction with low degree (5%) partial melt of metasomatised SCLM [0–30%]. These magmas ponded at Moho depths and underwent assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) forming the diverse dykes and basaltic andesitic-andesitic volcanics. We link the geophysically imaged Mid Lithospheric Discontinuity to depth of metasomatised SCLM beneath the Singhbhum craton that formed ≥2800 Ma ago.

Melting of metasomatically enriched lithospheric mantle – Constraints from Pan-African monzonites (Damara Orogen, Namibia)

The 560.8 ± 2.4 Ma old Okamutambo Pluton is the easternmost intrusion of the syn-collisional Otjimbingwe Alkaline Complex (OAC; Damara Belt, Namibia) and consists of mafic to intermediate alkaline rocks that belong to the monzodiorite-syenite series. The studied samples are potassic (K2O/Na2O > 1) and have moderately high magnesium (MgO: 5.7–2.6 wt%), nickel (Ni: 66–26 ppm), and chromium (Cr: 223–62 ppm) concentrations. LILE (Ba: 2425–1243 ppm; Sr: 1359–941 ppm) and HFSE (Zr: 447–202 ppm, Nb: 32.8–16.4 ppm, Hf: 4.7–9.4 ppm, Ta: 1.2–2.0 ppm) contents are also high. Strontium and Nd isotope data reveal the existence of two magmatic suites indicating a multi-source origin. Group 1 monzonites-quartz monzonites have moderately evolved Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr: 0.7066 to 0.7073; initial εNd: −3.5 to −5.0) and radiogenic Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb: 17.65–18.02; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.62–15.67; 208Pb/204Pb: 38.19–38.32). In contrast, group 2 monzodiorites-syenites display more evolved Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr: 0.7088 to 0.7090; initial εNd: −6.7 to −7.1) but similar Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb: 17.63–17.82; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.64–15.66; 208Pb/204Pb: 38.21–38.37). Differentiation involved AFC processes in group 1 monzonites-quartz monzonites whereas group 2 monzodiorites-syenites were modified by fractional crystallization. Although second-order processes were operative, high total alkali contents, incompatible trace element concentrations in excess of bulk crustal values, and evolved isotopic compositions of the most primitive samples are source-controlled and provide insight into the origin of the parental magmas. With reference to experimental data from the literature, it is inferred that the Okamutambo alkaline rocks represent evolved melts that were generated through melting of enriched lithospheric mantle (phlogopite-lherzolite). The observed negative Nb-Ta and Ti anomalies and positive Pb anomalies in primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns are in line with a mantle source that contains a recycled crustal component. Isotopic compositions indicate that mantle enrichment is an ancient feature that might be linked to Proterozoic subduction. At 561 Ma, the geodynamic regime in the Damara Orogen was mainly characterized by compression during convergence and continental collision between the Congo and Kalahari cratons which is difficult to reconcile with the generation of the OAC as alkaline magmatism is commonly associated with extensional tectonic regimes. The OAC is, however, associated with a major suture zone that may have been involved in localized transtensional tectonics during oblique flat subduction and thus enabled the generation and ascent of mantle-derived alkaline melts.

Mafic-ultramafic intrusion formed by multi-stage evolution of hydrous basaltic melts

AbstractThe magmatic processes beneath the active continental margins are very complicated and affect structures and compositions of the arc roots. Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widely distributed around the margins of the Tarim Block in NW China. The Xingdier mafic-ultramafic intrusion is a composite body, located at the northern margin of the Tarim Block, and consists of gabbro, pyroxenite, and peridotite units. The gabbro unit has a secondary ion mass spectrometry zircon U-Pb age of 727 ± 5 Ma. Rocks from the Xingdier intrusion have a large range of MgO (12.9–32.8 wt%) and SiO2 (43.0–57.9 wt%), and low K2O + Na2O (0.11–2.25 wt%) contents. They have right inclined chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns with (La/Yb)N ratios of 2.2–8.6. Their primitive mantle normalized trace element patterns show arc-affinity geochemical features characterized by enrichment in Rb, Ba, Th, U, and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta, and Ti. They have variable initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7063–0.7093), εNd(t) values (−2.9 to −7.8), 206Pb/204Pb (17.08–17.80), 207Pb/204Pb (15.42–15.49), and 208Pb/204Pb ratios (37.48–38.05), forming an evolution trend from the peridotite unit to the gabbro and pyroxenite units. Clinopyroxene in the three units is chemically similar to those formed in hydrous magmas. The spinel inclusions in olivine from the peridotite unit show unmixing texture and have high Al contents and oxygen fugacity of ~FMQ+1. Therefore, the parental magma was probably derived from a lithospheric mantle enriched by slab-derived fluids. Rocks from the gabbro and peridotite units are proposed to have been derived from olivine-normative melts, whereas rocks from the pyroxenite unit are cumulates from the quartz-normative melts. Such contrasting parental magmas resulted from variable degrees of crustal contamination and fractional crystallization in the arc root.

Evidence for Mesoarchean subduction in Southern Bundelkhand Craton, India: Geochemical fingerprints from metavolcanics of Kurrat - Girar - Badwar Greenstone Belt

The metavolcanic suites from southern Bundelkhand Craton, India provides a comprehensive record of the little-explored evolutionary history of Southern Bundelkhand Craton. The present work is a detailed petrological and geochemical account of the metavolcanics to (i) constrain the mantle processes and tectonic realm involved in its genesis and (ii) evaluate the Archean geodynamics of Bundelkhand Craton. The metavolcanics of Kurrat, Badwar and Girar are compositionally slightly evolved tholeiitic basalts. Chondrite normalized REE distribution pattern reflects a slightly super-chondritic LREE distribution pattern (Kurrat metavolcanics, KMV: (La/Yb)N = 1.9–2.9, Badwar-Girar metavolcanics, BGMV: (La/Yb)N = 0.89–2.86) and negative Nb and Ti anomaly on a primitive mantle normalized trace element variation diagram. ƐNd(t) of the samples vary from −1.0 to 6.3 and ƐNd(t) versus 87Sr/86Sr diagram imply the absence of crustal contamination. These attributes are consistent with the formation of the metavolcanics from a slightly enriched heterogeneous mantle source at shallower depths where the original depleted MORB underwent later episode(s) of enrichment via fluid addition. The metavolcanics originated in an intra-oceanic subduction setting, essentially exhibiting back-arc basin basalts (BABB) characteristics. TDM age (3.07 Ga) calculated for the KMV is coherent with the 2.98 Ga age of the BGMV from the adjacent Badwar-Girar volcano-sedimentary sequence. Collectively, all the features implicate the formation of metavolcanics in a modern style Mesoarchean extension-subduction geodynamic regime.

Clinopyroxene and olivine-hosted spinel inclusions from the Mt Cameroon volcanic area, west-central Africa

Compositions of clinopyroxenes and spinels from the ocean/continent boundary of the Cameroon Line are presented. The spinels occur as minute inclusions in olivine phenocrysts from alkali basaltic bombs collected from the Debunscha maar deposit at the foot of Mt Cameroon. The inclusions are mostly subhedral to euhedral in shape, measuring generally less than 70 μm in diameter. The studied spinels are chemically characterized by: Fe2+/(Fe2++Mg) = 0.47–0.64, Fe3+/(Fe3++Al+Cr) = 0.13–0.18, Cr# = Cr/(Cr+Al) = 0.47–0.65, and Mg# 43.69–56.94. The lack of a systematic correlation between these spinels’ composition and their positions within the host olivine phenocrysts, is in line with the quenching nature of the rocks. The compositions of these spinels show that they are chromites. Comparisons of these chromites with those from other settings show that the Debunscha chromites have Fe3+/(Fe3++Al+Cr) (0.13–0.23) and TiO2 (1.96–5.63 wt %) higher than chromites from most lavas (Fe3#: 0.01–0.16, TiO2: 0.37–2.14). The clinopyroxenes have the following major element compositions SiO2 (45.97–51.62 wt %), MgO (13.84–16.45 wt %), CaO (21.16–23.52 wt %), Al2O3 (3.25–7.45 wt %), FeO (5.50–8.17 wt %), MnO (0.09–0.16 wt %), TiO2 (0.99–2.88 wt %) including Mg# in the range 83.8–96.3 and plot in the diopside-augite boundary on the conventional Wo-En-Fs diagram. These clinopyroxenes are, variably enriched in trace elements. The concentrations of Co are low and are in the range 32.75–42.38 ppm while Cr and Ni concentrations are high and in the 80.60–3557.19 ppm and 38.55–228.62 ppm respectively. Many other important trace elements, for instance, the rare earth elements, Sc, Zr, Sr, Nb, Ba also show variations in the studied clinopyroxenes. The clinopyroxenes equally show very high Zr/Nb ratios (104–708), and plot on the depleted mantle domain in the Zr/Y–Nb/Y graphs. However, primitive mantle normalized trace element patterns for all the clinopyroxene samples are similar with noticeable depletions in Sr and Ba, which is also suggestive of a depleted mantle source. This similarity is an indication that all the samples are genetically related, and have crystallized from petrogenetically related melts as part of fractional crystallization and mixing sequences.

Mantle source and magma oxygen fugacity of Permian Ni--Cu sulfide-bearing mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Inner Mongolia, North China: Controls on the sulfide saturation of magmas in the Andean-style continental convergent margins

Permian Erbutu and Kebu Ni--Cu sulfide-bearing mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the central Asian orogenic belt (CAOB) formed in the Andean-style continental convergent margin adjacent to the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). The rocks of the two intrusions show arc-like affinity on the primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns and have εNd(t) ranging from −8.7 to −4.2, which are interpreted to be related to derivation from the metasomatized, enriched, subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the NCC. Using the olivine-orthopyroxene-spinel oxygen barometer, the magma fO2 of the Erbutu and Kebu intrusions was calculated to be from FMQ-0.8 to FMQ + 0.2, and from FMQ + 1.3 to FMQ + 2.0, respectively. The sulfides in the rocks have δ34SCDT ranging from +5.3 to +7.5‰ for the Erbutu intrusion and from +2.0 to +4.5‰ for the Kebu intrusion, much higher than that of the MORB mantle (δ34SCDT = −1.5 to 0.6‰). The rocks of the Erbutu and Kebu intrusions have δ13C ranging from −26.1 to −20.4‰ and − 26.4 to −20.9‰, respectively, similar to that of organic carbon in the crust (δ13C = −28 to −20‰), but much lower than that of the MORB mantle (δ13C = −7 to −5‰). These may indicate the addition of externally derived sulfur (S) and organic carbon into the magmas, which would increase S contents and decrease S solubility of the magmas, respectively, triggering sulfide saturation of the magmas. It is noted that the sulfide saturation of the Erbutu intrusion was mainly related to the addition of externally derived sulfur in the magmas as sulfur is generally present as S2− species in the low-fO2 magmas. Both intrusions have trace element patterns and εNd(t) values nearly identical to those of the Permian Elitu volcanic rocks in the same region, indicating that they were likely genetically linked. The Elitu volcanic rocks show negative correlation of (Gd/Yb)N with >3.0 wt% MgO, which is interpreted as the primary magmas of the rocks may have experienced early garnet fractionation at high pressure (e.g., 0.8 to 2.0 GPa). The calculated thickness of the crust in this region is ~56 km, equivalent to ~1.7 GPa in pressure. The primary magmas of the Erbutu and Kebu intrusions were produced by partial melting of the enriched SCLM beneath the thickened crust and are likely Ni-enriched, which is also crucial to the economic Ni--Cu sulfide mineralization in the Andean-style continental convergent margin in the CAOB.