Variscan Age Research Articles

Three generations of monazite in Austroalpine basement rocks to the south of the Tauern Window: evidence for Variscan, Permian and Eo-Alpine metamorphic events

Three monazite generations were observed in garnet-bearing micaschists from the Schobergruppe in the basement to the south of the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps. Low-Y monazite of Variscan age (321 ± 14 Ma) and high-Y monazite of Permian age (261 ± 18 Ma) are abundant in the mica-rich rock matrix and in the outer domains of large garnet crystals. Pre-Alpine monazite commonly occurs as polyphase grains with low-Y Variscan cores and high-Y Permian rims. Monazite of Eo-Alpine age (112 ± 22 Ma) is rarer and was observed as small, partly Y-enriched grains (3 wt. % Y2O3) in the rock matrix and within garnet. Based on monazite-xenotime thermometry, Y + HREE values in monazite indicate minimum crystallization conditions of 500 °C during the Variscan and 650 °C for the Permian and Alpine events, respectively. Garnet zoning and thermobarometric calculations with THERMOCALC 3.21 record an amphibolite facies, high-pressure stage of ~600 °C/13–16 kbar, followed by a thermal maximum at 650–700 °C and 6–9 kbar. The Eo-Alpine age for these two events is supported by inclusions of Cretaceous monazite in the garnet domains used for thermobarometric constraints and through the high growth temperatures of Eo-Alpine monazite, which is consistent with that of the thermal maximum (~700 °C). The age and growth conditions of a few Mn-rich garnet cores, sporadically present within Eo-Alpine garnet, are unclear because inclusions of monazite, plagioclase and biotite necessary for thermobarometric- and age constraints are absent. However, based on monazite thermometry, Permian and Variscan metamorphic conditions were high enough for the growth of pre-Alpine garnet. The formation of Variscan garnet and its later resorption, plus Y-release, would also explain the high Y in Permian monazite, which cannot originate from preexisting Variscan monazite only. Monazite of Variscan, Permian and/or Eo-Alpine ages were also observed in other garnet-bearing micaschists from the Schobergruppe. This suggests that the basement of the Schobergruppe was overprinted by three discrete metamorphic events at conditions of at least lower amphibolite facies. While the Variscan event affected all parts of this basement, the younger events are more pronounced in its structurally lower units.

High-pressure polymetamorphic garnet growth in eclogites from the Mariánské Lázně Complex (Bohemian Massif)

The Marianske-Lazně Complex is a Cambro-Ordovician terrane with metabasites of oceanic-crust affinity and tectonically emplaced between the Saxothuringian Zone and the Tepla-Barrandian Unit (western part of the Bohemian Massif). It is formed by amphibolite (retrogressed after eclogite), serpentinized peridotite, coronitic metagabbro with paragneiss, and felsic orthogneiss. Available geochronological data support Variscan ages for the eclogite-facies metamorphism and subsequent amphibolite-facies reequilibration. Garnet crystals with multi-stage growth features in eclogite were studied to analyse the relation of their chemical zoning with pressure–temperature ( P – T ) changes and/or reactions among coexisting phases during metamorphism. The core garnet has highly contrasted compositions with high Mg and low Ca compared to the surrounding host-garnet crystal. Compositional zoning and crystallographic orientation of the garnet showed that the cores and rims were formed during two different metamorphic events. In addition to conventional geothermobarometry, pseudosection and garnet isopleths were used to estimate P T conditions for both metamorphic events. The older core (garnet I) indicates high-pressure amphibolite facies and the younger rim (garnet II) indicates eclogite-facies conditions. Garnet (II) contains inclusions of Na–Ca amphibole and omphacite, suggesting a prograde metamorphism from blueschist- to eclogite-facies conditions. Full multicomponent-diffusion modelling of compositional zoning at the interface of amphibolite-/eclogite-facies garnets in conjunction with the retrieved P – T paths were used to evaluate the average heating/cooling rates during the eclogite-facies event. These two metamorphic events deciphered from different garnet generations are consistent with available geochronological data and bring new insight into the subduction history of the Saxothoringian and/or Rehic oceanic basins during the Variscan orogeny in the Bohemian Massif.

Potassic syenite from Shipka, Central Balkan Mts, Bulgaria: characterization and insight into the source

Petrographic, mineralogical and whole-rock chemistry data from a new outcrop of peralkaline potassic syenite of presumed Variscan age near the town of Shipka, are presented here. The syenites exhibit peralkaline chemistry and very potassic character which markedly differs from nearby situated potassic monzonites, known as Shipka pluton. In spite of the close spatial association of these two bodies, genetic link between them can hardly be supposed. The syenites are composed of K-feldspar, diopside, mica and late interstitial amphibole. Mineral composition reflects the agpaitic conditions of crystallization with formation of sodic amphibole and K-feldspars with important Sr and Ba contents. These rocks have peralkaline wholerock chemistry, very high potassic content and extreme enrichment in LILE, LREE, Th and U. Their trace element signature and isotope characteristics are in favour of derivation from metasomaticaly enriched mantle source.

Analysis of tectonic structures and excavation induced fractures in the Opalinus Clay, Mont Terri underground rock laboratory (Switzerland)

Excavated in the Opalinus Clay formation, the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory in the Jura Mountains of NW Switzerland is an important international test site for researching argillaceous formations, particularly in the context of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. The rock laboratory is intersected by naturally formed tectonic structures, as well as artificial fractures primarily formed as a consequence of tunnel excavation and the associated stress redistribution. The description and characterisation of tectonic and artificial structures is, in many cases, of key importance for interpreting the results of the various in situ experiments conducted in the rock laboratory. Systematic small-scale mapping of the tunnel walls and floor, and adjacent niches, provides basic information about the geometry and the kinematics of the geological fractures intersecting the underground laboratory. A compilation of all tectonic structures identified is presented in this paper. The underground laboratory is located in the backlimb of the Mont Terri anticline, a NNW-vergent imbricate fault-bend fold, which is characterised by a pronounced along-strike asymmetry resulting from variously oriented inherited faults. The total shortening accommodated by this structure was estimated by mass (area) balancing to be approximately 2.1 km. The Mont Terri area is significantly affected by N- to NNE-striking normal faults of the Eo-Oligocene Rhine–Bresse transfer zone and by ENE-striking faults of Late Variscan age. Depending on their orientation with respect to the transport direction towards the NNW, these faults served as oblique and frontal ramps during the subsequent Jura thrusting in the Late Miocene. The various fault systems identified in the underground rock laboratory clearly correlate with the regional-scale structures. In addition to classical structural analysis, the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility was measured to determine the magnetic fabric and strain imprint of the Opalinus Clay. Results indicate a well developed magnetic fabric with a magnetic foliation close to the bedding, and with two distinct magnetic lineations which are probably related to the Mont Terri anticline folding and layer-parallel shortening prior to the folding. Strain imprint is more pronounced in the overturned forelimb, which is consistent with the structural data.

Laser ablation U/Pb age patterns of detrital zircons in the Schlieren Flysch (Central Switzerland): new evidence on the detrital sources

The palaeogeographic attribution of the Schlieren Flysch and its counterparts in the Gurnigel Nappe is still a matter of debate. These Late Alpine deep-sea trench deposits show a variable tectonic thrust relationship with other nappes inferring either an Ultrahelvetic or South Penninic origin of the elongated trench basin. An improved knowledge of the supplying source terranes of the Schlieren Flysch basin may add to the palaeogeographic ascription. Detrital zircons from seven representative samples have been dated by laser ablation ICP-MS analysis methods. The obtained age patterns are compared with standard provenance analysis methods including modal grain and heavy mineral statistics of the sandstones. The detrital zircons show two major populations of Pan-African (ca. 650–450 Ma) and Variscan (ca. 360–320 Ma) ages. A low abundance of Devonian detrital zircons separates the two main age populations. The Th/U signature of the zircons implies that igneous rocks of these two orogenic cycles directly, or indirectly (by multicyclic reworking of zircons) have strongly contributed to the clastic input. The earlier described bimodal turbiditic supply to the Schlieren Flysch basin is matched by the geochronologic data. With regard to the other petrographic signatures of the sandstones, it becomes evident that the granitic-rhyolitic source terrane derived (K-feldspar bearing) sandstones show a higher abundance of Pan-African zircons and a higher abundance of tourmaline in the heavy mineral fractions. In contrast, the exclusively plagioclase-bearing sandstones from the tonalitic–andesitic source contain a majority of Variscan zircons and higher contents of apatite. In addition, we observe a third minor population comprising Triassic–Early Jurassic detrital zircons. The correlation of the obtained detrital zircon ages with pre-Cretaceous igneous, metamorphic and geodynamic events, which affected the basement of the northern and southern margins of the Alpine Tethys reveals a major difference by the presence of Triassic magmatic products and volcaniclastics in South Alpine and Austroalpine units. The discovery of the minor Triassic–Early Jurassic population in both sandstone types of the Schlieren Flysch would argue for the derivation of the clastic material from the southern Alpine Tethys or Adriatic–Apulian margin.

Timing of Variscan HP-HT metamorphism in the Moldanubian Zone of the Bohemian Massif: U-Pb SHRIMP dating on multiply zoned zircons from a granulite from the Dunkelsteiner Wald Massif, Lower Austria

In an attempt to better constrain the timing of Variscan HP-HT metamorphism in the SE Bohemian Massif we have dated zoned zircons from a garnet-kyanite granulite of granitic composition from the Dunkelsteiner Wald Massif, Lower Austria, by means of sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) technique. In order to combine isotopic information with crystal growth textures, CL and BSE images were systematically taken from the dated zircons. A characteristic threefold concentric zoning was found in many zircons. This involves pre-Variscan protolithic cores followed by two distinct metamorphic/anatectic overgrowth shells of Variscan age. The inner overgrowth shell is characterized by a weak CL but bright BSE signal, and yields high contents of uranium (0.1 to 0.2 wt.%). A pooled U-Pb Concordia age for this zone is 342.0 ± 3.0 Ma (n = 11, MSWD = 0.12). The second, outer, overgrowth shell is always bright in the CL image, dark in the BSE image, and has generally low uranium contents (mostly <500 ppm). A pooled U-Pb Concordia age for this zone is 337.1 ± 2.7 Ma (n = 11, MSWD = 0.22). These results imply that the Variscan HT crystallisation history of the Moldanubian granulites took place over a period of a few million years and was not an extremely rapid subduction-exhumation process. SHRIMP measurements in the protolithic cores yield a cluster of (sub)concordant ages between ∼390 and 460 Ma and a few outliers at higher ages mostly represented by cores in cores. Core domains, which are large, homogeneous and with undisturbed igneous oscillatory zoning, yielded preferentially ages between 430 and 460 Ma. We therefore consider that granitic protolith formation took place at that time. The still older inner cores are interpreted as inherited into the granitic melt.

Time and duration of Variscan high-temperature metamorphic processes in the south European Variscides: constraints from U-Pb chronology and trace element chemistry of zircon

The lower crust of the Serre massif (Calabria, southern Italy) provides a window into the mid- to lower crust of the south European Variscan orogenic belt. Previously, zircon U-Pb ages were employed to date high-temperature processes affecting this portion of the Variscan crust. The present paper reports new LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data on the zircon of a deformed quartz-monzodiorite dike and of three mafic granulites sampled at the base of the lower crust section. Determination of trace elements on zircon, including rare earth elements (REE), has been also performed. The end of the Variscan exhumation, dated by anatectic zircon from migmatitic metapelites, and the growth-modification of zircon with respect to the growth of Variscan metamorphic garnet have been assumed as “time markers”. The concordant zircon ages of the metamorphic basic rocks cover a range from 744 ± 20 Ma to 231 ± 10 Ma with high age density from 357 ± 11 Ma to 279 ± 10 Ma, a few ages comprised between 418 ± 14 Ma and 483 ± 12 Ma and between 505 ± 11 Ma and 593 ± 14 Ma. Zircon from the deformed quartz-monzodiorite dike evidences a minimum age of emplacement of 323 ± 5 Ma. Most of the analysed zircon domains dated between 357 ± 11 Ma to 279 ± 10 Ma from garnet-bearing metabasic rocks show flat patterns of heavy rare earth elements (HREE), as expected in the case of their simultaneous growth with garnet. This allows to consider (1) zircon domains giving Variscan ages as “metamorphic” with specific geological significance, and (2) zircon domains with ages ranging from 564 ± 17 Ma to 593 ± 14 Ma as dating the emplacement of the magmatic protoliths as shown by internal microtextures, fractionated patterns of HREE and Th/U ratios (0.16–0.19). The Variscan zircon ages (357–279 Ma) reflect effects of crustal thickening, peak metamorphism and subsequent multistage Variscan decompression documented by the statistically significant clusters of ages around 347–340 Ma, 323–318 Ma, 300–294 Ma and 279 Ma. The U-Pb zircon ages of the metabasic rocks suggest a period of about 60–70 Ma for granulite facies metamorphism and anatectic conditions. Literature data indicate that the migmatitic metapelites of the upper part of the Serre crust section also underwent a long period, about 40 Ma, of granulite facies metamorphism and anatectic conditions. A diachronism emerges through the time comparison of the Variscan evolution between the upper and the lower portions of the Serre deep crust. The duration of the Variscan processes defined in Calabria is comparable to that of other south European Variscan blocks.

Discovery of Ordovician–Silurian metamorphic monazite in garnet metapelites of the Alpine External Aiguilles Rouges Massif

The pre-Mesozoic, mainly Variscan metamorphic basement of the Col de Berard area (Aiguilles Rouges Massif, External domain) consists of paragneisses and micaschists together with various orthogneisses and metabasites. Monazite in metapelites was analysed by the electron microprobe (EMPA-CHIME) age dating method. The monazites in garnet micaschists are dominantly of Variscan age (330–300 Ma). Garnet in these rocks displays well developed growth zonations in Fe–Mg–Ca–Mn and crystallized at maximal temperatures of 670°C/7 kbar to the west and 600°C/7–8 kbar to the east. In consequence the monazite is interpreted to date a slightly pressure-dominated Variscan amphibolite-facies evolution. In mylonitic garnet gneisses, large metamorphic monazite grains of Ordovician–Silurian (~440 Ma) age but also small monazite grains of Variscan (~300 Ma) age were discovered. Garnets in the mylonitic garnet gneisses display high-temperature homogenized Mg-rich profiles in their cores and crystallized near to ~800°C/6 kbar. The Ordovician–Silurian-age monazites can be assigned to a pre-Variscan high-temperature event recorded by the homogenised garnets. These monazite age data confirm Ordovician–Silurian and Devonian–Carboniferous metamorphic cycles which were already reported from other Alpine domains and further regions in the internal Variscides.

U–Pb isotopic ages and Hf isotope composition of zircons in Variscan gabbros from central Spain: evidence of variable crustal contamination

Ion microprobe U–Pb analyses of zircons from three gabbroic intrusions from the Spanish Central System (SCS) (Talavera, La Solanilla and Navahermosa) yield Variscan ages (300 to 305 Ma) in agreement with recent studies. Only two zircon crystals from La Solanilla massif gave slightly discordant Paleoproterozoic ages (1,848 and 2,010 Ma). Hf isotope data show a relatively large variation with the juvenile end-members showing ɛHfi values as high as +3.6 to +6.9 and +1.5 to +2.9 in the Navahermosa and Talavera gabbros, respectively. These positive ɛHfi values up to +6.9 might represent the composition of the subcontinental mantle which generates these SCS gabbros. This ɛHfi range is clearly below depleted mantle values suggesting the involvement of enriched mantle components on the origin of these Variscan gabbros, and is consistent with previous whole-rock studies. The presence of zircons with negative ɛHfi values suggest variable, but significant, crustal contamination of the gabbros, mainly by mixing with coeval granite magmas. Inherited Paleoproterozoic zircons of La Solanilla gabbros have similar trace element composition (e.g. Th/U ratios), but more evolved Hf-isotope signatures than associated Variscan zircons. Similar inherited ages have been recorded in zircons from coeval Variscan granitoids from the Central Iberian Zone. Granitic rocks have Nd model ages (TDM) predominantly in the range of 1.4 to 1.6 Ga, suggesting a juvenile addition during the Proterozoic. However, Hf crustal model ages of xenocrystic Proterozoic zircons in La Solanilla gabbro indicate the presence of reworked Archean protoliths (TDM2 model ages of 3.0 to 3.2 Ga) incorporated into the hybridized mafic magma.

Zircon dating, Sr and Nd isotopes, and element geochemistry of the Khalifan pluton, NW Iran: Evidence for Variscan magmatism in a supposedly Cimmerian superterrane

The Khalifan pluton of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone is composed of A-type peraluminous leucogranites with Nd model ages around 1.2 Ga. It intrudes an unfossiliferous sedimentary sequence previously considered as Cretaceous by analogy with neighboring areas. However, zircon U–Pb SHRIMP and Pb–Pb sequential evaporation dating have revealed that Khalifan granites are Carboniferous, with a precise age of 315 ± 2 Ma. This is the first reliable Variscan age obtained so far in this area, but there are geological indicators that other small plutonic bodies might also be Variscan. The existence of Carboniferous granite rocks in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone casts doubts on whether it was a part of the Cimmerian superterrane detached from east Gondwanide terranes because these characteristically lack Variscan magmatism. The age, chemical features and Nd isotopes of Khalifan granites are similar to those of the southernmost Urals and Tien Shan, so that we tentatively suggest that this area bears a Middle Asian instead of Cimmerian linkage.

The geological position, sedimentary record and composition of the Tylicz Conglomerate (Late Eocene-Oligocene): stratigraphical and paleogeographical implications (Magura Nappe, Polish Outer Carpathians)

The geological position, sedimentary record and composition of the Tylicz Conglomerate (Late Eocene-Oligocene): stratigraphical and paleogeographical implications (Magura Nappe, Polish Outer Carpathians)During the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene the Magura Basin was supplied with clastic material from, non-existing today, source areas situated on the northern and southern margins of the basin. The northern source area is traditionally connected with Silesian Ridge, whereas the position of the southern one is still under discussion. The Upper Eocene-Oligocene pebbly mudstones of the Tylicz/Krynica facies zone contain exotic material derived from the south-Magura source area. The studied pebbles and clasts contain fragments of crystalline rocks, derived from a continental type of crust, and frequent clasts of Mesozoic to Paleogene deep and shallow-water limestones. Volcanites, rarely granitoides as well as schists, gneisses, quartzites and cataclasites were found in the group of crystalline exotic pebbles. The isotopic ages of "exotic" pebbles from the Tylicz section document a Variscan age of plutonic and metamorphic rocks. The composition of the Tylicz exotic conglomerates occupied the transitional position between the Jarmuta/Proč (Maastrichtian-Lower Eocene) and Strihovce (Eocene) exotic pebbles. The provenance of these rocks could be connected with Eocene exhumation of the SE sector of the Magura Basin basement. Another possibility can be explain by supply of siliciclastic material from a SE source area (Dacia and Tisza Mega-Units) and carbonate material from a S source area (ALCAPA Mega-Unit: Central Carpathian Block and Pieniny Klippen Belt).

A peri-Gondwanan arc in NW Iberia. II: Assessment of the intra-arc tectonothermal evolution through U–Pb SHRIMP dating of mafic dykes

The arc-derived upper units of the Órdenes Complex, NW Iberia, are emplaced above the Variscan suture and contain a low-grade metasedimentary uppermost section, with a maximum depositional age of 510–530 Ma, intruded by a number of mafic dykes. Three deformational events affect the metasedimentary section. The youngest deformation event (D 3) is of undifferentiated Variscan age and consists of metre- to decametre-scale, close upright folds with axes plunging gently towards N20°E. The most important D 2 structure is a regional S 2 foliation axial planar of minor folds with dextral asymmetry. The presence of a stretching lineation parallel to the D 2 fold axes is related to a top-to-the-north sense of shearing in a context of regional extension. The oldest meter-scale D 1 folds are developed in suitable greywacke–pelite alternations and consist of tight folds with chevron and similar morphologies, axes plunging gently toward N20°E, and a continuous S 1 axial planar foliation. The essential characteristic of the D 1 deformation event is depicted by a set of west-vergent folds with reverse limbs less than 2 km in wavelength, that are affected in their lower part by the generalised presence of the regional S 2 foliation. The age of D 2 and D 1 structures is not well constrained. The diabase dykes intruding the low-grade turbidites cut the D 1 folds and their field relationships suggest that they were emplaced at the end of the D 2 shearing event and prior to the upright D 3 Variscan folds. Zircon grains obtained from one of the diabase dykes were analysed for U–Pb at the SHRIMP-RG facility at Stanford University. An age of c. 510 Ma, based on the analysis of 31 individual zircon grains, is interpreted to date the crystallization of the Ares dyke. The tectonic and magmatic evolution of the top turbiditic series of the Órdenes Complex is tentatively related to the dynamics of a peri-Gondwanan arc developed during active subduction beneath Gondwana and suggests: (1) accretion beneath the arc during west-vergent (present coordinates) nappe development (D 1); (2) extension of the arc during top-to-the-north shearing (D 2); and (3) final intrusion of the diabasic dykes into an intra-arc turbiditic series. This evolution spans the end of volcanic arc activity and the onset of the opening of the Rheic Ocean.

Origin of siderite mineralisation in Petrova and Trgovska Gora Mts., NW Dinarides

The Petrova and Trgovska Gora Mts. (Gora=Mountain) are Variscan basement units incorporated into the northwestern Dinarides during the Alpine orogeny. They host numerous siderite-quartz-polysulphide, siderite-chalcopyrite, siderite-galena and barite veins, as well as stratabound hydrothermal-replacement ankerite bodies within carbonates in non-metamorphosed, flysch-like Permo-Carboniferous sequences. The deposits have been mined for Cu, Pb, Ag and Fe ores since Medieval times. Fluid inclusion studies of quartz from siderite-polysulphide-quartz and barite veins of both regions have shown the presence of primary aqueous NaCl−CaCl2±MgCl2−H2O±CO2 inclusions. The quartz-sulphide stage of both regions show variable salinities; 2.7–26.2 wt% NaCl eq. for the Trgovska Gora region and 3.4–23.4 wt% NaCl eq. for the Petrova gora region, and similar homogenisation temperatures (100–230°C). Finally, barite is precipitated from low salinity-low temperature solutions (3.7–15.8 wt % NaCl equ. and 115–145°C). P-t conditions estimated via isochore construction yield formation temperatures between 180–250°C for the quartz-sulphide stage and 160–180°C for the barite stage, using a maximum lithostatic pressure of 1 kbar (cc. 3 km of overburden). The sulphur isotope composition of barite from both deposits indicates the involvement of Permian seawater in ore fluids. This is supported by the elevated bromium content of the fluid inclusion leachates (120–660 ppm in quartz, 420–960 ppm in barite) with respect to the seawater, indicating evaporated seawater as the major portion of the ore-forming fluids. Variable sulphur isotope compositions of galena, pyrite and chalcopyrite, between −3.2 and +2.7‰, are interpreted as a product of incomplete thermal reduction of the Permian marine sulphate mixed with organically- and pyrite-bound sulphur from the host sedimentary rocks. Ore-forming fluids are interpreted as deep-circulating fluids derived primarily from evaporated Permian seawater and later modified by interaction with the Variscan basement rocks. 40Ar/39Ar data of the detrital mica from the host rocks yielded the Variscan age overprinted by an Early Permian tectonothermal event dated at 266–274 Ma. These ages are interpreted as those reflecting hydrothermal activity correlated with an incipient intracontinental rifting in the Tethyan domain. Nevertheless, 75 Ma recorded at a fine-grained sericite sample from the alteration zone is interpreted as a result of later resetting of white mica during Campanian opening/closure of the Sava back arc in the neighbouring Sava suture zone (Ustaszewski et al. 2008).

Palaeomagnetic evidence of a Variscan age for the epigenetic Galmoy zinc–lead deposit, Ireland

AbstractPalaeomagnetism of 273 specimens from 24 sites isolated a well‐defined characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) direction on AF and thermal demagnetization in seven host carbonate and 14 ore mineralization sites from the Galmoy Zn–Pb deposit. Thermal decay and saturation remanence data show that the ChRM is carried dominantly by single domain magnetite. Palaeomagnetic field stability tests indicate a post‐brecciation and post‐folding ChRM. The ChRM directions from the host rock and mineralized sites are indistinguishable at 95% confidence and give a palaeopole at 41.5°S, 8.4°W (dp = 1.5°, dm = 3.0°) with an age of 290 ± 9 Ma on the Laurentian apparent polar wander path. This Early Permian age at Galmoy records Variscan orogenesis and suggests an epigenetic model in which mineralization occurred during cooling from the regional Variscan thermal episode.

Neoproterozoic and Variscan SHRIMP ages for zircons from the Baba Mountain granitic complex, basement of the Hellenides Alpine orogenic belt

Neoproterozoic and Variscan SHRIMP ages for zircons from the Baba Mountain granitic complex, basement of the Hellenides Alpine orogenic belt

The Variscan Tamlalt–Menhouhou gold deposit, Eastern High-Atlas, Morocco

The Tamlalt–Menhouhou gold deposit belongs to the Neoproterozoic–Palaeozoic Tamlalt inlier located in the Eastern High-Atlas (Morocco). It occurs in altered Upper Neoproterozoic bimodal volcanic and volcano-sedimentary units outcropping in the Tamlalt–Menhouhou area. Gold mineralization has been identified in quartz veins related to shear-zones associated with a strong quartz-phyllic-argillic alteration. Visible free gold is related to goethite–malachite–barite boxworks in quartz veins. The other alteration minerals accompanying gold mineralization are mainly carbonates, chlorite, hematite, albite and pyrite whose relative proportion defines three alteration types. 40Ar/ 39Ar geochronology performed on phengite grains from phyllic alteration and the auriferous quartz veins, yields plateau ages ranging from 300 ± 5 Ma to 284 ± 12 Ma with a weighted mean age of 293 ± 7 Ma. This identifies a Late Variscan age for the Tamlalt–Menhouhou “shear zones-related” gold deposit and emphasizes the consequences of the Variscan orogeny for gold mineralization in the High-Atlas and Anti-Atlas Neoproterozoic inliers.

Variscan relicts in Alpine high‐P pelitic rocks from Samos (Greece): evidence from multi‐stage garnet and its included minerals

AbstractPorphyroblastic garnet schists from northern Samos contain in their matrix the assemblage Ca‐rich garnet + phengite + paragonite ± chloritoid equilibrated at ∼530 °C and ∼19 kbar during early Tertiary metamorphism. These high‐pressure/low‐temperature (HP‐LT) metapelitic rocks also exhibit mineralogical and microstructural evidence of an older, higher temperature metamorphism. Large, centimetre‐sized Fe‐rich garnet showing growth zoning developed discontinuous, &lt;0.5 mm thick, Ca‐rich and Mn‐poor overgrowths, compositionally matching small (&lt;1 mm) high‐P matrix garnet. Because the discontinuous garnet rims are in textural and chemical equilibrium with Alpine high‐P minerals, the central parts of the garnet porphyroblasts were found to have formed prior to the Tertiary metamorphism. This is supported by electron microprobe U‐Th‐Pb dating of monazite inclusions yielding partly reset Variscan ages between 360 and 160 Ma. Monazite‐xenotime and garnet‐muscovite thermometry applied to inclusions in the pre‐Alpine garnet yielded temperatures of 600–625 °C (at 3–8 kbar). Prismatic Al‐rich pseudomorphs, possibly after kyanite/sillimanite, and inclusions in garnet composed of white K‐Na mica + quartz ± albite ± K feldspar, interpreted as possible replacements of an intermediate K‐Na feldspar, further support Variscan amphibolite facies conditions. The Samos metapelites thus experienced higher temperatures during the Variscan than during Alpine metamorphism. Diffusional relaxation was very limited between pre‐Alpine garnet and Alpine garnet; both were filled with Alpine garnet along overgrowths and fractures. Fluid‐mediated intergranular element transport, enhanced by deformation, appears crucial in transforming the Variscan garnet into a grossular richer composition during Alpine subduction‐zone metamorphism. At such conditions, dissolution–reprecipitation appears to be a much more effective mechanism for modifying garnet compositions than diffusion. Amphibolite facies conditions are typical for Variscan basement relics exposed in central Cycladic and Dodecanese islands as well as in eastern Crete. The Samos metapelites studied comprise a north‐eastern extension of these basement occurrences.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Nižná Boca Sb-Au Hydrothermal Ore Deposit (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Nižná Boca Sb-Au Hydrothermal Ore Deposit (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)Samples from hydrothermal Sb-Au mineralization in the area SE of Nižná Boca village in the N&amp;iAzke Tatry Mountains were investigated using a variety of geochemical and mineralogical methods. Ore minerals typically occur in N-S striking quartz-carbonate veins hosted by an I-type biotite granodiorite to tonalite of Variscan Age (the Ďumbier Type). Paragenetic associations in the deposit are comparable to other mineralizations of the same type in the Ďumbierske Nízke Tatry Mountains. A quartz-arsenopyrite, pyrite stage of mineralization is the oldest with a calculated temperature of formation of about 445°C. It is followed by a quartz-carbonate-stibnite, zinkenite stage and, in turn, a quartz-carbonate-sphalerite-galena, boulangerite-gold stage. The gold typically contains between 9-18 wt.% Ag regardless of mineral association. No evidence for further generations of gold was found although it is possible that some gold was remobilized from the structure of the auriferous arsenopyrite. The Au and Ag content of the bulk ore ranges from 0.53 g.t-1to 20.2 g.t-1and from 0.9 g.t-1to 31.2 g.t-1, respectively. A tetrahedrite-chalcopyrite stage is followed by a barite-hematite stage - the youngest assemblage in the deposit. Fluid inclusions from the first mineralization stage are usually less than 3 μm in size and contain less than 3.6 wt.% CO2; salinity, density and homogenization temperature range from 2.7-16.3 wt.% NaCl(eq), 0.85-1.03 g.cm-1and 128-280°C, respectively.

Age constraints on the evolution of the Austroalpine basement to the south of the Tauern Window

The Austroalpine basement to the south of the Tauern Window once was part of the northern margin of Gondwana. It includes the “Altkristallin” and the phyllitic Thurntaler Complex. In the Altkristallin (AMU, MPU), suites of arc-related metamafic sequences occur together with calc-alkaline metagranite. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircon from calc-alkaline metagranite associated with an eclogitic amphibolite give an age of 470 ± 3 Ma interpreted as the age of protolith emplacement. In the Thurntaler Complex, metaporphyroids occur together with tholeiitic as well as alkaline within-plate basalt-type metabasite. The metaryholites of this association give a crystallization SHRIMP age of 477 ± 4 Ma, which suggests contemporaneity of arc-related and extensional settings in the Austroalpine basement units. The age data demonstrate widespread magmatic activity associated with the Early-Ordovician amalgamation at the end of the 550–470 Ma subduction–accretion–collision cycle. The Pb–Pb and U–Pb systematics of step-wise leached staurolite and kyanite from the peak-metamorphic assemblage of the Altkristallin indicate that (1) step-wise leaching of staurolite and kyanite yields the age of inclusions rather than the host; (2) zircon inclusions in staurolite suggest an Ordovician or older age for the precursor of the staurolite-schists; (3) the weighted average of the 206Pb/238U data of the various leaching steps yields a Variscan age for the inclusions (ilmenite, biotite, and andesine). Since these inclusions are part of the metamorphic mineral assemblage, this age provides a minimum estimate for staurolite growth, i.e., metamorphism. Thus, the Pb–Pb and U–Pb systematics of staurolite provide evidence for a Variscan metamorphism of the Austroalpine basement, e.g., MPU, AMU and Thurntaler Complex, to the south of the Tauern Window.

Structural, AMS and geochronological study of a laccolith emplaced during Late Variscan orogenic extension: the Rocles pluton (SE French Massif Central)

In the southern French Massif Central, the Rocles leucogranite of Variscan age consists of three petrographic facies; textural analysis shows that they experienced the same subsolidus deformation. New chemical U-Th-Pb dating on monazite yielded 324 ± 4 Ma and 325 ± 5 Ma ages for muscovite-rich and biotite-rich facies respectively. AMS-study results agree with petrostructural observations. The magnetic planar and linear fabrics, which correspond to the preferred orientation of biotite and muscovite, are consistent with the foliation and lineation defined by the preferred mineral orientation. This fabric developed during pluton emplacement. The accordance of this granite foliation with that observed in the host rock, suggests that the Rocles pluton is a laccolith, but its present geometry resulted from post-emplacement southward tilting due to the uplift of the Late Carboniferous Velay dome. Restoration of the primary geometry of the pluton and its country-rocks to a flat-lying attitude places the granite lineation close to the trend measured in other plutons of the area. This restoration further supports the interpretation of the Rocles laccolith as a pluton emplaced along a tectonic contact reactivated during the late-orogenic collapse of the Variscan Belt.