Si Content In Phengite Research Articles

Eclogite thermobarometry: The consistency between conventional thermobarometry and forward phase‐equilibrium modelling

AbstractEclogite thermobarometry is crucial for constraining the depths and temperatures to which oceanic and continental crust subduct. However, obtaining the pressure and temperature (P–T) conditions of eclogites is complex as they commonly display high‐variance mineral assemblages, and the mineral compositions only vary slightly with P–T. In this contribution, we present a comparison between two independent and commonly used thermobarometric approaches for eclogites: conventional thermobarometry and forward phase‐equilibrium modelling. We assess how consistent the thermobarometric calculations are using the garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite barometer and garnet–clinopyroxene thermometer with predictions from forward modelling (i.e. comparing the relative differences between approaches). Our results show that the overall mismatch in methods is typically ±0.2–0.3 GPa and ±29–42°C although differences as large as 80°C and 0.7 GPa are possible for a few narrow ranges of P–T conditions in the forward models. Such mismatch is interpreted as the relative differences among methods, and not as absolute uncertainties or accuracies for either method. For most of the investigated P–T conditions, the relatively minor differences between methods means that the choice in thermobarometric method itself is less important for geological interpretation than careful sample characterization and petrographic interpretation for deriving P–T from eclogites. Although thermobarometry is known to be sensitive to the assumed XFe3+ of a rock (or mineral), the relative differences between methods are not particularly sensitive to the choice of bulk‐rock XFe3+, except at high temperatures (>650°C, amphibole absent) and for very large differences in assumed XFe3+ (0–0.5). We find that the most important difference between approaches is the activity–composition (a–x) relations, as opposed to the end‐member thermodynamic data or other aspects of experimental calibration. When equivalent a–x relations are used in the conventional barometer, P calculations are nearly identical to phase‐equilibrium models (ΔP < 0.1). To further assess the implications of these results for real rocks, we also evaluate common mathematical optimizations of reaction constants used for obtaining the maximum P–T with conventional thermobarometric approaches (e.g. using the highest aGrs2 × aPrp in garnet and Si content in phengite, and the lowest aDi in clinopyroxene). These approaches should be used with caution, because they may not represent the compositions of equilibrium mineral assemblages at eclogite facies conditions and therefore systematically bias P–T calculations. Assuming method accuracy, geological meaningful Pmax at a typical eclogite facies temperature of ~660°C will be obtained by using the greatest aDi, aCel, and aPrp and lowest aGrs and aMs; garnet and clinopyroxene with the lowest Fe2+/Mg ratios may yield geological meaningful Tmax at a typical eclogite facies pressure of 2.5 GPa.

Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism and P-T-t Paths for the Eclogites from the Central Areas of Sulu Orogen, Eastern China

Eclogites from the Guanshan and Yangkou areas of the Sulu orogen consist of garnet, omphacite, phengite, amphibole, quartz/coesite, rutile, and ilmenite. Garnet exhibits weak compositional zoning where Xgr decreases from the core to the mantle and then increases towards the rim, coupled with an increase in Xpy from the core to the mantle and then decrease towards the rim. Phase equilibria modelling with pseudosections calculated using THERMOCALC in the NCKFMASHTO system for the Guanshan and Yangkou eclogites records two stages of metamorphism: (I) prograde associated with quick subduction (Stage-I) and (II) retrograde associated with quick exhumation (Stage-II). Stage-I is recorded in the core-mantle zoning of garnet and Si content in phengite in the Guanshan and Yangkou eclogites with a mineral assemblage of Grt-Omp-Amp-Phg-Qtz-Rt ± Lws, and the P-T conditions are constrained at 22–26 kbar and 600–615 °C in Guanshan, while 24–26 kbar and 595–600 °C in Yangkou. The peak P-T conditions (Pmax = 33 kbar; T = 685 °C) of Guanshan eclogites are revealed by the maximum Si content in phengite and the minimum Xgr in the garnet mantle with the mineral assemblage of Grt-Omp-Phg-Coe-Rt ± Lws. The value of Pmax suggests that the subduction depth of the Guanshan eclogites exceeds 110 km. Stage-II is recorded in the mantle-rim zoning of garnet, and its P-T conditions are estimated to be 12–15 kbar and 780–820 °C for the Guanshan eclogites reflected by the assemblage of Grt-Omp-Amp-Pl-LL-Qtz-Rt ± ilm, and 13–14 kbar and 770–790 °C for the Yangkou eclogites by the assemblage of Grt-Omp-Amp-Pl-LL-Qtz-Rt. The two stages of metamorphism in the study areas are overall consistent with the regional metamorphic events, from ultra-high-pressure eclogite facies, through high pressure eclogite facies, to amphibole eclogite facies, with the ages of 245, 227 and 195 Ma, respectively.

Tracking the incidence of excess argon in white mica Ar–Ar data from UHP conditions to upper crustal levels in the Dora-Maira Massif, Western Alps

The age of peak-metamorphic conditions of the ultrahigh-pressure ( UHP ) metamorphic rock sequence constituting the Dora-Maira Massif is well established at 35 Ma. In order to understand the behaviour of excess argon during sequential pressure–temperature stages of exhumation from >3.5 to less than 0.5 GPa, distinct generations of chemically and petrographically well-characterized white mica were studied with the multigrain, stepwise-heating 40Ar/39Ar dating technique. Mica separates were obtained from boudins of coesite-bearing UHP pyrope quartzite and phengite schist enclosed within them, from retrograde assemblages evolving from the pyrope quartzite, and from biotite–phengite orthogneiss surrounding the boudins. Assuming the 35-Ma age as a benchmark, it is possible to reconstruct directly the quantity of excess argon during these various stages of the exhumation history. The amount of excess Ar roughly correlates with the Si content of phengite, which is an indicator for the pressure at which phengite incorporated excess Ar. All mica samples crystallized at pressures >1.0 GPa exhibit significant excess argon and aberrant ages significantly higher than 35 Ma. Between 1.0 and 0.5 GPa excess Ar diminishes and realistic ages are approached. Phengite (Si3.55) separates from two localities of fresh coesite-bearing pyrope quartzite equilibrated at ca . 3.8 GPa show similar U-shaped spectra with high apparent ages in the first or second degassing steps, dropping to a plateau-like value of 71.0±1.1 Ma in one case and yielding an apparently trustworthy plateau age of 103.4±1.0 Ma in the second. Retrograde phengite generations from pyrope quartzite crystallized between 3.2 and 1.5 GPa also display a U-shaped spectrum with a broad depression corresponding to a minimum age of 96.9±1.6 Ma. Retrograde phlogopite, representing part of the breakdown assemblage of pyrope and formed between 1.9 and 1.2 GPa, documents several sharp steps in age values from 548 Ma towards 850 Ma, whereas further degassing steps are characterized by a nearly linear increase of age values from 852 to 973 Ma. A plateau age of 56.3±0.9 Ma was calculated for phengite from a phengite-schist inclusion within pyrope quartzite. The spectra of phengite from the country-rock biotite–phengite gneiss surrounding the pyrope quartzite boudins are hump-shaped. The total degassing ages decrease with decreasing grain size (and decreasing metamorphic pressure from 1.6 to 0.3 GPa, as signalled by a concomitant decrease of Si per formula unit) from 43.25±0.60 Ma (1–2 mm) to relatively realistic values of 33.50±0.50 Ma (90–180 μm) and 31.55±0.50 Ma (<100 μm). The latter age correlates with very low calculated excess argon values. The data demonstrate that even retrograde micas are affected by excess argon, and that “ages” derived from inverse isochron diagrams (36Ar/40Ar vs . 39Ar/40Ar) as well as “perfect” plateau ages need to be treated with caution and constrained by other geochronological systems.

Petrogenesis and chemogenesis of oceanic and continental orogens in Asia: Current topics, Part I

Petrogenesis and chemogenesis of oceanic and continental orogens in <scp>A</scp>sia: Current topics, <scp>Part I</scp>

Dehydration melting of UHP eclogite and paragneiss in the Dabie orogen: Evidence from laboratory experiment to natural observation

Dehydration melting of subducted continental crust is significant during exhumation, and its study from both experimental and petrological observations is of great importance to our understanding of continental geodynamics. Dehydration melting experiments were carried out on ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogite from Bixiling in the Dabie orogen using a piston cylinder at 1.5–3.0 GPa and 800–950°C to investigate partial melting of eclogite induced by phengite breakdown. The phengite-bearing eclogite started to melt at T⩽800–850°C and P=1.5–2.0 GPa and produced about 3% granitic melt. The products of dehydration melting vary with temperature and pressure. Such results provide valuable constraints on the micro-texture related to partial melting of UHP rocks in the Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt. Three types of polyphase inclusions were identified in garnet from the Shuanghe UHP eclogite. K-feldspar and quartz inclusions are interpreted to represent the products of segregation and crystallization of minor amounts of melt that formed during dehydration melting of phengite by the inferred reaction Phengite+Omphacite±Quartz→Amphibole±Garnet+Melt (K-feldspar+Quartz±Plagioclase). Polyphase inclusions of phengite and K-feldspar+Quartz inclusions were also found in zoisite/clinozoisite and garnet from the Shuanghe garnet-bearing paragneiss. These polyphase inclusions provide evidence for a continuous process from sub-solidus dehydration to partial melting within the UHP gneissic rocks. The compositional variation of garnets demonstrates that breakdown of epidote-group minerals may have played a crucial role during dehydration melting reaction of phengite. The Ti-in-zircon thermometry and Si content of phengite in zircon suggest that partial melting would occur at 783–839°C and 2.0–2.5 GPa. Therefore, both experimental results and petrological observations indicate that dehydration melting and fluid activity within the Dabie UHP rocks at micro-scale are controlled by the breakdown of phengite.

Metamorphism of ultrahigh‐pressure eclogites from the Kebuerte Valley, South Tianshan, NW China: phase equilibria and P–T path

AbstractEclogites from the Kebuerte Valley, Chinese South Tianshan, consist of garnet, omphacite, phengite, paragonite, glaucophane, hornblendic amphibole, epidote, quartz and accessory rutile, titanite, apatite and carbonate minerals with occasional presence of coesite or quartz pseudomorphs after coesite. The eclogites are grouped into two: type I contains porphyroblastic garnet, epidote, paragonite and glaucophane in a matrix dominated by omphacite where the proportion of omphacite and garnet is &gt;50 vol.%; and type II contains porphyroblastic epidote in a matrix consisting mainly of fine‐grained garnet, omphacite and glaucophane where the proportion of omphacite and garnet is &lt;50 vol.%. Garnet in both types of eclogites mostly exhibits core–rim zoning with increasing grossular (Xgr) and pyrope (Xpy) contents, but a few porphyroblastic garnet grains in type I eclogite shows core–mantle zoning with increasing Xpy and a slight decrease in Xgr, and mantle–rim zoning with increases in both Xgr and Xpy. Garnet rims in type I eclogite have higher Xpy than in type II. Petrographic observations and phase equilibria modelling with pseudosections calculated using thermocalc in the NCKMnFMASHO system for three representative samples suggest that the eclogites have experienced four stages of metamorphism: stage I is the pre‐peak temperature prograde heating to the pressure peak (Pmax) which was recognized by the garnet core–mantle zoning with increasing Xpy and decreasing Xgr. The P–T conditions at Pmax constrained from garnet mantle or core compositions with minimum Xgr content are 29–30 kbar at 526–540 °C for type I and 28.2 kbar at 518 °C for type II, suggesting an apparent thermal gradient of ∼5.5 °C km−1. Stage II is the post‐Pmax decompression and heating to the temperature peak (Tmax), which was modelled from the garnet zoning with increasing Xgr and Xpy contents. The P–T conditions at Tmax, defined using the garnet rim compositions with maximum Xpy content and the Si content in phengite, are 24–27 kbar at 590 °C for type I and 22 kbar at 540 °C for type II. Stage III is the post‐Tmax isothermal decompression characterized by the decomposition of lawsonite, which may have resulted in the release of a large amount of fluid bound in the rocks, leading to the formation of epidote, paragonite and glaucophane porphyroblasts. Stage IV is the late retrograde evolution characterized by the overprint of hornblendic amphibole in eclogite and the occurrence of epidote–amphibole facies mineral assemblages in the margins or in the strongly foliated domains of eclogite blocks due to fluid infiltration. The P–T estimates obtained from conventional garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite thermobarometry for the Tianshan eclogites are roughly consistent with the P–T conditions of stage II at Tmax, but with large uncertainties in temperature. On the basis of these metamorphic stages or P–T paths, we reinterpreted that the recently reported zircon U–Pb ages for eclogite may date the Tmax stage or the later decompression stage, and the widely distributed (rutile‐bearing) quartz veins in the eclogite terrane may have originated from the lawsonite decomposition during the decompression stage rather than from the transition from blueschist to eclogite as previously proposed.

Evolution of a very deeply subducted metasediment from As Sifah, northeastern coast of Oman

Near the coastal village of As Sifah, NE Oman, eclogite-facies rocks occur in the Saih Hatat window. We investigated a metapelite from this area, which is composed of mm-sized garnet and greenish phengite and minor epidote, blue amphibole, paragonite, albite, quartz, rutile, opaque phases, barite, and carbonate. Garnet exhibits a chemical zonation with Gro17Alm66Pyr6Spe11, Gro22Alm72.5Pyr5Spe0.5, and Gro25Alm65Pyr8Spe2 as inner core, mantle and outermost rim compositions. Inner portions of phengite have Si contents of up to 3.6 per formula unit (pfu), whereas rims are poorer in Si (3.2–3.4 pfu). We constructed a P-T pseudosection in the system Na2O-K2O-CaO-FeO-O2-MnO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-TiO2-H2O for the bulk-rock composition of the studied metapelite and contoured it by isopleths of various parameters such as the molar fractions of garnet components. Based on this contouring a P-T path was derived that starts at ultrahigh-pressure conditions. Garnet began to form at 25kbar and 490°C. Subsequently, temperatures increased and pressures decreased to finally reach P-T conditions of 13kbar and 565°C at which low-Si phengite, the outermost rim of garnet, Na-amphibole, epidote, quartz, magnetite, and rutile were in equilibrium. The P-T path is related to events in a subduction channel where the top of subducted oceanic crust, including the studied metasediments, was involved in an upwards-directed mass flow, resulting in the release of about 3wt.% H2O by garnet formation from hydrous minerals such as chlorite and lawsonite. In order to get hints at the interaction of such hydrous fluids, we have analyzed the trace and minor elements in phengite. The contents of B, Rb, Cs, and Tl (20, 397, 6.7 and 1.7ppm, respectively) are nearly constant over the entire Si range of potassic white mica. In contrast, the contents of Ba and Sr increase from 900 and 0.5 to 10500 and 14ppm, respectively, with decreasing Si content in phengite. We hypothesize that this result reflects early leaching of mobile elements during subduction and the later approach of the rock to a barite deposit within a melange ascending in the subduction channel.

Mineral chemistry of eclogites to investigate the evolutionary metamorphic history of UHP rocks from Tso-Morari region, Ladakh, India

Micro textures of metabasics from the Tso-Morari region, Ladakh were studied in order to understand the evolutionary metamorphic history of eclogites. The mineral chemistry, paragenesis of mineral inclusions in garnet, and zoning in omphacite, garnet and amphibole suggest three main metamorphic stages: (i) an eclogite stage with late blueschist facies metamorphism, (ii) a medium-pressure amphibolite facies stage, and (iii) a low-pressure amphibolite to greenschist facies stage. The high Si content in phengite, presence of rutile besides almandine-rich garnet and omphacite in eclogites indicate the attainment of high pressures. Also, the textural features and composition of amphiboles indicate that blueschist facies conditions represented by growth of glaucophane at high pressure and low temperature were followed by a lower-pressure stage of metamorphism represented by partial and in some cases complete reaction of glaucophane to calcic green amphibole such as magnesio-hornblende. The relationships define a clock-wise P-T path with the involvement of an isothermal uplift path for the eclogites and associated garnet-amphibolites of Tso-Morari region.

Geology and petrology of the Austroalpine Châtillon slice, Aosta valley, western Alps

Slices of continental crust pertinent to the lower Austroalpine domain of the western Alps, crop out within the ophiolitic Piemonte Zone. Among them, the Châtillon slice was studied in detail. The slice consists of orthogneiss with subordinate metabasics and very minor paraschist. The garnet-phengite-epidote-albite orthogneiss is characterised by polyphase garnet porphyroclasts. Metabasics consist of prasinite lenses and eclogite relics. Phengite-clinozoisite eclogite is characterised by small garnet idioblasts with prograde zoning; jadeite content in omphacite increases towards the rim; Si content in phengite decreases towards the rim. Garnet-glaucophane-phengiteparagonite micaschist is characterised by polymetamorphic garnet porphyroclasts, and small Alpine garnet idioblasts. A pre-Alpine amphibolite-facies metamorphism is inferred for the polymetamorphic rocks of the Châtillon slice. Paragneiss and micaschist probably derive from pre-Alpine “kinzigites”; the orthogneiss protolith was a late-Variscan porphyritic granitoid. Thermobarometry in the eclogite constrains the metamorphic peak at T ≤ 560 °C and P = 16 kbar. The HP minerals were partly retrogressed to greenschist-facies assemblages during the late Alpine tectono-metamorphic recrystallisation. The inferred Alpine P-T conditions are consistent with those for other Penninic and Austro-Alpine nappes of the northwestern internal Alps. The Châtillon slice is very similar to the Eclogitic Micaschists Complex of the Sesia-Lanzo Zone and to the other eclogite-facies Austroalpine slices of the Dent Blanche Nappe, but it could also represent a portion of the Sesia-Lanzo Zone basement, which experienced a somewhat different subduction depth. The tectonic position of the Châtillon slice within the Piemonte Zone is essential to reconstruct the geometric relationships in the Austroalpine-Piemonte nappe stack of the northwestern internal Alps.

Eclogites preserved as pebbles in Jurassic conglomerate, Dabie Mountains, China

Two types of eclogite pebbles were discovered in Middle to Upper Jurassic conglomerates from the Hefei Basin north of the Dabie ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrain, China. Type A eclogite pebbles are characterized by idioblastic garnet with well preserved chemical zonation. Si content in phengite is lower than 3.5 per formula unit (pfu). The maximum metamorphic pressure is lower than 2.5 GPa, and the temperature is below 600 °C. Type B eclogite pebbles contain coesite pseudomorphs in xenoblastic garnet. Si content in phengite is higher than 3.5 pfu. The maximum metamorphic pressure is 2.8–4.0 GPa at 700 °C indicating UHP metamorphism. Types A and B eclogite pebbles are comparable with eclogites occurring in the southern portion of the Dabie UHP terrain. Based on the petrologic similarities and northeastwards directed paleocurrents, we infer that the eclogite pebbles were eroded from the Dabie UHP terrain. Sandstones containing detrital phengite with Si content higher than 3.5 pfu are also derived from UHP rocks. These petrologic and stratigraphic data place time constraints on exhumation and erosion history of the Dabie UHP terrain.

Experimental constraints on phase relations in subducted continental crust

Synthesis piston cylinder experiments were carried out in the range 2.0–4.5 GPa and 680–1,050 °C to investigate phase relations in subducted continental crust. A model composition (KCMASH) has been used because all major ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) minerals of the whole range of rock types typical for continental crust can be reproduced within this system. The combination of experimental results with phase petrologic constraints permits construction of a UHP petrogenetic grid. The phase relations demonstrate that the most important UHP paragenesis consists of coesite, kyanite, phengite, clinopyroxene, and garnet in subducted continental crust. Below 700 °C talc is stable instead of garnet. As most of these minerals are also stable at much lower pressure and temperature conditions it is thus not easy to recognize UHP metamorphism in subducted crust. A general feature, however, is the absence of feldspars at H2O-saturated conditions. Plagioclase is never stable at UHP conditions, but K-feldspar can occur in H2O-undersaturated rocks. Mineral compositions in the experiments are fully buffered by coexisting phases. The Si content of phengite and biotite increase with increasing pressure. At 4.0 GPa, 780 °C, biotite contains 3.28 Si per formula unit, which is most probably caused by solid solution of biotite with talc. Above 800 °C, the CaAl2SiO6 component in clinopyroxene buffered with kyanite, coesite and a Mg-phase increases with increasing temperature, providing a tool to distinguish between 'cold' and 'hot' eclogites. Up to 10% Ca-eskolaite (Ca0.5[]0.5AlSi2O6) in clinopyroxene has been found at the highest temperature and pressure investigated (>900 °C, 4.5 GPa). Garnet buffered with coesite, kyanite and clinopyroxene displays an increase of grossular component with increasing pressure for a given temperature. Although the investigated system represents a simplification with respect to natural rocks, it helps to constrain general features of subducted continental crust. The observed phase relations and phase compositions demonstrate that at pressures >3.0 GPa and temperatures >800 °C continental crust can retain significant amounts of H2O (>1 wt%), whereas K-free mafic or ultramafic rocks are dry at these conditions. UHP parageneses are only preserved if the whole exhumation path is situated within the stability field of phengite, i.e. if there is cooling during exhumation or if the whole exhumation occurred at T <700 °C. In contrast, break down of phengite and concomitant partial melting in terranes that show isothermal decompression may lead to a complete recrystallization of the subducted crust during exhumation. The density of UHP rocks can be estimated on the basis of the established phase relations. Pelitic rocks are likely to have a density close to mantle rocks (3.3 g/cm3) because of significant amounts of dense garnet and kyanite whereas granitic rocks are less dense (3.0 g/cm3). Hence, subducted average continental crust is most probably buoyant with respect to mantle rocks and tends to get exhumed as soon as it is detached from the down-going slab. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00410-001-0336-3.

Composition of phengites in eclogites and their retrogressive derivatives of the Dabieshan region: Implication for the applicability of phengite geobarometre

Phengites in ecologites of the Dabieshan region can be divided into three generations: primary phengite formed during ecologite-facies prograde metamorphism ( Phe1), phengite formed during the late stage of eclogite-facies retrograde metamorphism (Phe2) and phengite formed during amphibolite-to greenschist-facies diaphthoresis ( Phe3). Electron microprobe analyses show that the Si and Fe2+ + Mg contents of Phel are unexpectedly lower than those of Phe3. Therefore, much caution should be exercised while using the Si content of phengite to estimate the pressure of a retrograde process.

Interlayer and Si content of phengite in HP–LT carpholite‐bearing metapelites

AbstractPhengite occurring along with carpholite±lawsonite and/or chloritoid in HP–LT domains shows not only variable Si–(Mg+Fe) contents, but also variable interlayer contents (IC). To determine whether these chemical variations are coherently related to variation in P–T conditions on a regional scale, c. 100 rock samples were sampled in metapelites metamorphosed at conditions varying from 350 °C, 8 to 12 kbar to 450–500 °C, 18 to 20 kbar (Schistes Lustrés complex, franco‐italian Western Alps). Based on microstructural and habit criteria, four types of phengite were differentiated that are related either to the rock mineralogy (carpholite vs chloritoid bearing samples) or correspond to various generations of phengite occurring in the same rock sample or thin section. Microprobe analyses reveal that each type of phengite is characterized by a specific composition and that phengite associated with carpholite has a lower interlayer content than phengite associated with chloritoid. The successive generations of retrograde phengite overgrowing carpholite point to a large decrease of interlayer content (c. 0.9–0.7 pfu) and (Fe+Mg) content (c. 0.25–0 pfu) with decreasing P–T conditions. This change is best accounted for by a gradual increase of the pyrophyllite component. In contrast, phengite from higher‐temperature, chloritoid‐bearing rock samples shows an almost constant interlayer content (c. 0.9–0.95 pfu) but a larger decrease of (Fe+Mg) content (c. 0.6–0.1 pfu). Hence, (1) the composition of the different phengite generations occurring (metastably) in the same rock sample may be used to retrieve points in P–T loops and (2) the pyrophyllitic substitution in phengite is large at low‐temperature conditions and cannot be ignored. Thermobarometric estimates based on the Si‐content alone will therefore result in pressure over‐estimates. We propose a tentative location of the phengite Si and IC isopleths in P–T space which could allow a direct determination of the P–T conditions in carpholite‐bearing rocks. Especially in some carpholite‐bearing rocks, new thermodynamic models accounting for tschermak and pyrophyllitic substitution are also required prior to making reliable thermobarometric estimates in HP‐LT metapelites.

Late Devonian subduction and early‐orogenic exhumation of eclogite‐facies rocks from the Champtoceaux Complex (Variscan belt, France)

AbstractIn order to define the mechanisms involved during exhumation of the eclogite‐facies rocks from the Champtoceaux Complex (Armorican Massif, France), Sm‐Nd, Rb‐Sr and 40Ar/39Ar methods are combined with a petrological study to construct a pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path for the Cellier Unit.The Champtoceaux Complex is a crustal‐scale thrust sheet located in the South Armorican Domain. The lower unit, the Cellier Unit, consists of leucocratic gneisses, mica‐schists and well‐preserved eclogites. Petrological data on selected samples from different lithologies show (1) preservation of growth zoning in garnet, (2) no amphibolite‐ or greenschist‐facies overprint in the eclogite and (3) variations in the Si content of phengite as a function of bulk‐rock chemistry, P–T conditions and partial re‐equilibration during decompression.Sm‐Nd analyses on the eclogite sample give a Grt–Cpx–whole‐rock age of 362 ± 25 Ma, consistent with the U‐Pb age of 356 ± 8 Ma (recalculated) obtained from the same sample by J. L. Paquette in 1987. Preservation of growth zoning in the garnet and the absence of late overprint show that resetting of both Sm‐Nd and U‐Pb systems is unlikely. The age of c. 360 Ma is thus interpreted as the age of the high‐pressure event.Eight 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages, ranging from 352.0 ± 1.6 to 340.5 ± 1.4 Ma, are obtained from phengite single grains from six samples. The existence of Ar inheritance is unlikely, because (1) 40Ar/39Ar ages are younger than the age of the high‐pressure event as deduced from U‐Pb and Sm‐Nd ages, (2) duplicates display a high reproducibility of plateau ages in all cases, and (3) a concordant Rb‐Sr age is obtained on one common sample. These plateau ages probably represent closure temperatures (possibly on the order of 450–500°C) for the best preserved and oldest samples, whereas the younger plateau ages may represent a later closure of the K/Ar system due to continuous deformation and chemical re‐equilibration during retrogression. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Experimental constraints on phase relations in subducted continental crust

Synthesis piston cylinder experiments were carried out in the range 2.0–4.5 GPa and 680–1,050 °C to investigate phase relations in subducted continental crust. A model composition (KCMASH) has been used because all major ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) minerals of the whole range of rock types typical for continental crust can be reproduced within this system. The combination of experimental results with phase petrologic constraints permits construction of a UHP petrogenetic grid. The phase relations demonstrate that the most important UHP paragenesis consists of coesite, kyanite, phengite, clinopyroxene, and garnet in subducted continental crust. Below 700 °C talc is stable instead of garnet. As most of these minerals are also stable at much lower pressure and temperature conditions it is thus not easy to recognize UHP metamorphism in subducted crust. A general feature, however, is the absence of feldspars at H2O-saturated conditions. Plagioclase is never stable at UHP conditions, but K-feldspar can occur in H2O-undersaturated rocks. Mineral compositions in the experiments are fully buffered by coexisting phases. The Si content of phengite and biotite increase with increasing pressure. At 4.0 GPa, 780 °C, biotite contains 3.28 Si per formula unit, which is most probably caused by solid solution of biotite with talc. Above 800 °C, the CaAl2SiO6 component in clinopyroxene buffered with kyanite, coesite and a Mg-phase increases with increasing temperature, providing a tool to distinguish between 'cold' and 'hot' eclogites. Up to 10% Ca-eskolaite (Ca0.5[]0.5AlSi2O6) in clinopyroxene has been found at the highest temperature and pressure investigated (>900 °C, 4.5 GPa). Garnet buffered with coesite, kyanite and clinopyroxene displays an increase of grossular component with increasing pressure for a given temperature. Although the investigated system represents a simplification with respect to natural rocks, it helps to constrain general features of subducted continental crust. The observed phase relations and phase compositions demonstrate that at pressures >3.0 GPa and temperatures >800 °C continental crust can retain significant amounts of H2O (>1 wt%), whereas K-free mafic or ultramafic rocks are dry at these conditions. UHP parageneses are only preserved if the whole exhumation path is situated within the stability field of phengite, i.e. if there is cooling during exhumation or if the whole exhumation occurred at T <700 °C. In contrast, break down of phengite and concomitant partial melting in terranes that show isothermal decompression may lead to a complete recrystallization of the subducted crust during exhumation. The density of UHP rocks can be estimated on the basis of the established phase relations. Pelitic rocks are likely to have a density close to mantle rocks (3.3 g/cm3) because of significant amounts of dense garnet and kyanite whereas granitic rocks are less dense (3.0 g/cm3). Hence, subducted average continental crust is most probably buoyant with respect to mantle rocks and tends to get exhumed as soon as it is detached from the down-going slab. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00410-001-0336-3.

Phase petrology and P‐T conditions of mafic blueschists from the Meliata unit, West Carpathians, Slovakia

Abstract Blueschists occurring as layers in calcite marbles of the Meliata unit occur along the so‐called Roznava tectonic line situated in the southern part of the Gemericum, Slovakia. Mineral assemblages and compositions from seven blueschists localities and one occurrence of amphibolite facies rocks overprinted by blueschist metamorphism were investigated. The most common minerals in the blueschists are blue amphibole, epidote and albite. Some Fe2+‐ and Al‐rich rocks also contain garnet and chloritoid, respectively. Na‐pyroxene with a maximum 50% jadeite component was also found. The blue amphiboles correspond mostly to crossite and also to glaucophane and ferroglaucophane in some samples. Almandine‐ and spessartine‐rich garnet has very low MgO content (&lt;3 wt%). The Si content in phengite ranges between 3.3 and 3.5 pfu calculated on the basis of 11 oxygens. The zoning patterns of blue amphibole, garnet and chloritoid suggest their formation during a prograde stage of metamorphism. The P‐T conditions of metamorphism are estimated to be about 380–460° C and 10–13 kbar. Pressures of 7.5–8.5 kbar and temperatures of 350–370° C were obtained for some actinolite‐ and aegirine‐rich rocks. Apart from chlorite, other mafic minerals formed during retrograde metamorphism are biotite and occasionally also actinolite.

High‐pressure‐low‐temperature metamorphism of granitic orthogneiss in the Brooks Range, northern Alaska

Abstract Granitic orthogneiss is widespread throughout the metamorphic core of the Brooks Range in both the ductilely deformed blueschist/greenschist facies Schist Belt and the lower grade Central Belt (= Skajit allochthon) to the north. Orthogneiss occurs as large metaplutonic massifs and in small bodies enclosed within metasedimentary rocks. Crystallization ages for the granitic protoliths range from Proterozoic through Devonian (U‐Pb zircon); the K‐Ar system was reset during Cretaceous metamorphism. Mineral assemblages of the orthogneisses reflect nearly complete re‐equilibration during Jurassic‐Cretaceous collisional orogenesis in northern Alaska. The most common metamorphic paragenesis in orthogneiss is: Qtz + Kfs + Ab + Phe + Bt ± Ep, Ttn, Rt, Ap, Chl, Cal.Constituent minerals from 16 Brooks Range orthogneiss samples were analysed with the electron microprobe. Phengite from the Schist Belt samples is highly enriched in Al‐celadonite, with Si values up to 3.50 per formula unit (on an 11‐oxygen basis). Central Belt samples contain phengite with lower Si content (±3.38 p.f.u.). In nearly all samples, Si content of phengite varies considerably, reflecting partial re‐equilibration to lower pressure and/or higher temperature conditions. Metamorphic conditions were estimated using the Phe‐Bt‐Kfs‐Qtz barometer and the two‐feldspar solvus thermometer. The results indicate that the Schist belt underwent high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphism (generally 9‐12 kbar at 375‐430° C), consistent with the widespread development of glaucophane + epidote/clinozoisite and lawsonite pseudomorphs in other rock types. The Central Belt also experienced a relatively high P‐T metamorphism, with most samples yielding pressure estimates in the range 5‐8 kbar (at 325‐415° C). These results confirm the existence of two metamorphic belts in the core of the Brooks Range that differ in metamorphic conditions by up to 5 kbar. The range in Si content in phengite from Schist Belt samples is consistent with isothermal decompression of up to 5 kbar.

High-pressure phengite decomposition in the Weissenstein eclogite, M�nchberger Gneiss Massif, Germany

The petrography, mineral chemistry and petrogenesis of a sample from the Weissenstein eclogite, Bavaria, Germany, has been investigated. The total mineral assemblage comprises garnet, clinopyroxeneI+II, quartz, amphiboleI+II, rutile, phengite, epidote/allanite, plagioclase, biotite, apatite, pumpellyite, titanite (sphene), zircon, alkali feldspar and calcite. Textural observations combined with geothermobarometry (Fe/Mg distribution between clinopyroxene/garnet and phengite/garnet; jadeite-content of omphacite, Si-content of phengite, and An-content of plagioclase) provide indications of two different stages in the metamorphic evolution of the rock. The main phengitequartz-eclogite mineral equilibration occurred at minimum P=13–17kbar, minimum T=620±50° C; the retrograde symplectite stage (clinopyroxeneII, amphiboleII, biotite, plagioclase) occurred at Ptotal between 12 and 8.5 kbar.