Alkali Amphiboles from the Blueschists of Cazadero, California

Alkali amphiboles from Type III and Type IV metamorphic zonesin blueschist facies rocks of Cazadero, California, and fromcomparable New Caledonian rocks have been characterized by X-raycrystallographic, optical, and chemical methods. The compositionof any particular alkali amphibole is strongly controlled bythe bulk composition of the host rock. Within the blueschistfacies, metamorphic zones are not characterized by changes inamphibole composition. All the alkali amphiboles studied hereinbelong to the C2/m space group and complete miscibility betweenglaucophane and riebeckite has been demonstrated for the conditionsprevailing during metamorphism in the Cazadero and New Caledonianblueschists. Linear relationships are found between unit-celldimensions and variations in composition between glaucophaneand riebeckite. The alkali amphiboles of glaucophane compositionsbelong to the high pressure-low temperature series, glaucophaneII-riebeckite. Limited miscibility of actinolite in glaucophanemay be characteristic of blueschist facies metamorphism.     

A Comparison of amphiboles from medium- and low-pressure metabasites

A comparison of published metabasite amphibole analyses from medium and low-pressure metamorphic terrains reveals that there is no systematic variation in Na, Na^M4, Al or Al^VI as a function of pressure. This may be due to blurring of the differences by variation in oxidation state, or by analytical differences between laboratories. It is not due to variable Mg/Fe in whole rocks. Differences that can be recognised are generally higher Ti/Al ratios in the low-pressure amphiboles, and a very poorly developed compositional gap between actinolite and hornblende compared with a well-developed gap at medium pressures. These features, together with the relatively low-grade appearance of calcic plagioclase at low pressures, provide the best means of distinguishing metabasites from the two facies series.All three features can be explained by the configuration of cation-exchange equilibria at the greenschist/amphibolite facies boundary. Enrichment in Ti at low-pressures is due to the positive slope of reactions partitioning Ti into the amphibole. The composition gap in amphiboles at medium-pressure is due to overstepping of the tschermakite-enriching equilibrium. At low pressures this overstepping still occurs, but the equilibrium tschermakite-content in the amphibole is much lower for a given amount of overstepping. The relatively low-grade appearance of oligoclase at low pressures is due to convergence of the tschermakite and anorthite-enriching equilibria with decreasing pressure.     

The actinolite-hornblende series in metabasites and the so-called miscibility gap: A review

Variation of calcic amphibole chemistry with increasing grade of metamorphism in different metamorphic facies series is reviewed, and the nature of reactions generating hornblende in natural assemblages is discussed. Recent publications on the variation of calcic amphibole composition with metamorphic grade have provided a variety of conflicting evidence regarding the reality or otherwise of a miscibility gap within the calcic amphibole series. It is here concluded that, in most cases, composition gaps may be better ascribed to disequilibrium and kinetic factors, and to abrupt or discontinuous changes in the compositions of, or in the appearance or disappearance of, other phases involved in proposed reactions occurring at the actinolite-hornblende transition. The weight of current evidence does not support the existence of a miscibility gap.     

Blue amphiboles and their significance for the metamorphic history of the Pan-African Gariep belt, Namibia

The metamorphic history of mafic exotic blocks from a tectonic melange zone within an allochthonous ophiolitic terrane (Marmora Terrane) of the Pan-African Gariep orogenic belt in south-western Namibia was studied, based on mineral parageneses and amphibole composition. Glaucophane described previously from these rocks could not be verified. Instead, two types of blue amphiboles were distinguished: (i) rims of (ferro-) edenitic to pargasitic to barroisitic hornblende composition around brownish amphibole phenocrysts replacing magmatic clinopyroxene, and (ii) deep blue porphyroblasts of magnesio-riebeckite with little ferro-glaucophane component in a highly metasomatized albite-rich rock. Textural and mineralogical evidence, particularly the existence of up to three different amphibole generations in metagabbro samples, supports a multiphase metamorphic history experienced by these exotic blocks. The first metamorphic event, M1, is interpreted as very low- P hydrothermal oceanic metamorphism that affected the igneous protoliths at up to amphibolite facies temperatures. Subsequent M2 metamorphism was syntectonic and is characterized by temperatures similar to those attained during M1 but higher pressures indicating burial to 15–20 km. This event is related to a subduction process. The third metamorphic event, M3, was low grade and of regional nature. It is the only one recorded in the sedimentary envelope of the exotic blocks. The formation of magnesio-riebeckite is considered a retrograde reaction at greenschist facies during M2. The results indicate that in the Gariep belt subduction and subsequent obduction have occurred, although blueschist facies metamorphism has not been reached.     

Parageneses and compositions of amphiboles from Franciscan jadeite–glaucophane type facies series metabasites at Cazadero, California

Abstract Sodic amphiboles are common in Franciscan type II and type III metabasites from Cazadero, California. They occur as (1) vein-fillings, (2) overgrowths on relict augites, (3) discrete tiny crystals in the groundmass, and (4) composite crystals with metamorphic Ca–Na pyroxenes in low-grade rocks. They become coarse-grained and show strong preferred orientation in schistose high-grade rocks. In the lowest grade, only riebeckite to crossite appears; with increasing grade, sodic amphibole becomes, first, enriched in glaucophane component, later coexists with actinolite, and finally, at even higher grade, becomes winchite. Actinolite first appears in foliated blueschists of the upper pumpellyite zone. It occurs (1) interlayered on a millimetre scale with glaucophane prisms and (2) as segments of composite amphibole crystals. Actinolite is considered to be in equilibrium with other high-pressure phases on the basis of its restricted occurrence in higher grade rocks, textural and compositional characteristics, and Fe/Mg distribution coefficient between actinolite and chlorite. Detailed analyses delineate a compositional gap for coexisting sodic and calcic amphiboles. At the highest grade, winchite appears at the expense of the actinolite–glaucophane pair. Compositional characteristics of Franciscan amphiboles from Ward Creek are compared with those of other high P/T facies series. The amphibole trend in terms of major components is very sensitive to the metamorphic field gradient. Na-amphibole appears at lower grade than actinolite along the higher P/T facies series (e.g. Franciscan and New Caledonia), whereas reverse relations occur in the lower P/T facies series (e.g. Sanbagawa and New Zealand). Available data also indicate that at low-temperature conditions, such as those of the blueschist and pumpellyite–actinolite facies, large compositional gaps exist between Ca- and Na-amphiboles, and between actinolite and hornblende, whereas at higher temperatures such as in the epidote–amphibolite, greenschist and eclogite facies, the gaps become very restricted. Common occurrence of both sodic and calcic amphiboles and Ca–Na pyroxene together with albite + quartz in the Ward Creek metabasites and their compositional trends are characteristic of the jadeite–glaucophane type facies series. In New Caledonia blueschists, Ca–Na pyroxenes are also common; Na-amphiboles do not appear alone at low grade in metabasites, instead, Na-amphiboles coexist with Ca-amphiboles throughout the progressive sequence. However, for metabasites of the intermediate pressure facies series, such as those of the Sanbagawa belt, Japan and South Island, New Zealand, Ca–Na pyroxene and glaucophane are not common; sodic amphiboles are restricted to crossite and riebeckite in composition and clinopyroxenes to acmite and sodic augite, and occur only in Fe₂O₃-rich metabasites. The glaucophane component of Na-amphibole systematically decreases from Ward Creek, New Caledonia, through Sanbagawa to New Zealand. This relation is consistent with estimated pressure decrease employing the geobarometer of Maruyama et al. (1986). Similarly, the decrease in tschermakite content and increase in NaM₄ of Ca-amphiboles from New Zealand, through Sanbagawa to New Caledonia is consistent with the geobarometry of Brown (1977b). Therefore, the difference in compositional trends of amphiboles can be used as a guide for P–T detail within the metamorphic facies series.     

Mineralogy of New Caledonian metamorphic rocks

The chemistry and phase relations of calcic and sodic amphiboles in the Ouégoa blueschists are investigated. The first appearance of sodic amphiboles is controlled by bulkrock chemistry. Sodic amphibole appears first in weakly-metamorphosed pumpellyite metabasalts prior to the crystallization of lawsonite but does not crystallize in pelitic schists until the middle of the lawsonite zone; sodic amphibole continues as an apparently stable phase in rocks of all bulk compositions into, and throughout, the highest-grade rocks in the district. Calcic amphibole is widespread in metabasalts of the lawsonite and epidote zones and also occurs in metasediments of appropriate composition. Coexisting pairs of calcic and sodic amphiboles are common in metabasalts but they have also been found in some metasediments. A grunerite-riebeckite pair is described.Electron-probe analyses of 120 amphiboles from representative rock-types are presented in graphical form. Sodic amphiboles show an increased Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio with increasing metamorphic grade. Sodic amphiboles in pelitic schists are ferroglaucophane in the lawsonite zone and crossite and glaucophane in the epidote zone. Sodic amphiboles in metabasalts are iron-rich crossites in weakly-metamorphosed rocks and more-magnesian crossites and glaucophanes in the lawsonite and epidote zones. The abrupt increase in Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio in sodic amphiboles at the epidote isograd is attributed to the crystallization of epidote and almandine which take the place of lawsonite and spessartine of the lawsonite zone. Calcic amphiboles are fibrous actinolites in the lawsonite zone and grade with increasing Al and Na/Ca ratio into prismatic blue-green hornblendes (barroisites) in the upper epidote zone. In calcic amphiboles, increasing metamorphic grade effects the coupled substitution of (Na+Al) for (Ca+Mg) and a small increases in Fe/Mg ratio; octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated Al increases in an approximately 11 ratio. Both the calcic and the sodic amphiboles show an increase in A-site occupancy with increasing metamorphic grade. In two-amphibole assemblages Ti, Mn and K are concentrated in the calcic amphibole.The textural and chemical relations between coexisting calcic and sodic amphiboles are discussed. If the calcic and sodic amphiboles are an equilibrium pair then the data collected from the Ouégoa amphiboles gives a picture of a very asymmetric solvus in the system glaucophane-actinolite-hornblende, i.e. steep-sided to glaucophane and with a gentle slope to the calcic amphibole field; there is no indication of any termination of the solvus under the pressure-temperature conditions of crystallization of the Ouégoa schists.     

Compositionally zoned Cl-rich amphiboles from North Dabie Shan, China: monitor of high-pressure metamorphic fluid/rock interaction processes

Amphiboles containing up to 4.2 wt.% Cl are found in felsic granulites from Yanzihe within the North Dabie area of the Dabie–Sulu ultrahigh- and high-pressure metamorphic belt in eastern China. Most amphibole grains show considerable zonations with Cl contents ranging from 0 to 4.2 wt.%. Based on their textural features, amphiboles can be divided into four generations: (1) amphibole occurring as inclusions in orthopyroxene (Am-in) with Cl contents around 3.5 wt.%; (2) amphibole forming cores of grains in the matrix (AM-I) with Cl contents between 3.0 and 4.2 wt.%; (3) amphibole with Cl contents of 0.2 to 2.5 wt.% (Am-II) occurring as hydrothermally altered parts of the original amphibole; (4) Cl-free amphibole (Am-III) usually developed at the outermost rim of the grain. Major and rare earth elements show significant variations for Am-I, Am-II and Am-III.

Different generations of amphiboles are related to different metamorphic stages of the granulite in Yanzihe, and provide a monitor for fluid/rock interactions and P–T evolution during the high-pressure metamorphism of Dabie Shan. Pressure and temperature estimates suggest that Am-in was formed during prograde metamorphism of 10 kbar and 700–800 °C; Am-I was formed under peak metamorphic conditions (20 kbar, 800–960 °C), whereas Am-II and Am-III were formed during retrograde metamorphic stages (560–770 °C and 5–7 kbar, and 520–670 °C and <5 kbar, respectively). In contrast to most previous studies, in which the earliest amphiboles to form are typically Cl-poor and later amphiboles become progressively Cl-rich, we show that the earliest amphiboles in the investigated rock are Cl-rich and later formed amphiboles are Cl-poor. The present study also demonstrates that the fluid system of the granulites in North Dabie Shan did not evolve in a simple way: while it behaved as a closed system during prograde and peak metamorphism, after the metamorphic peak it probably acted as an open system in which new fluids were introduced. The varying magnitude of Cl contents in amphiboles stresses the very local fluid control during metamorphism.     

Amphibole Ar/Ar Geochronology from the Okcheon Metamorphic Belt, South Korea and its Tectonic Implications

An understanding of the Okcheon Metamorphic Belt (OMB) in South Korea is central to unraveling the tectono-metamorphic evolution of East Asia. Amphibole-bearing rocks in the OMB occur as calcsilicate layers and lenses in psammitic rocks, in the psammitic rocks themselves, and in the mafic volcanic layers and intrusives. Most amphiboles fail to show ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages; those that do have ages ranging from 132 to 975 Ma. The disturbed age pattern and wide variation in ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages can be related to metamorphic grade, retrograde chemical reactions, excess Ar and amphibole composition. The oldest age (975 Ma) can be interpreted either as an old igneous or metamorphic age predating sedimentation or a false age caused by excess Ar. The youngest age of 132 Ma and the disturbed age pattern found in amphiboles from rocks located close to Jurassic granitoids are the result of retrograde thermal metamorphic effects accompanying intrusion of the granitoids. Some medium- or coarse-grained amphiboles in the calcsilicates are aggregates of fine-grained crystals. As a result, they are heterogeneous and prove to be readily affected by excess Ar. A disturbed age pattern in amphiboles from the calcsilicates occurring in the high-grade metamorphic zone may also be the product of excess Ar. On the other hand, the disturbed pattern of amphiboles present in the calcsilicates from the low-grade metamorphic zone could arise from both excess Ar and mixed ages. However, amphiboles from psammitic rocks and some calcsilicates in the high-grade metamorphic zone and in intrusive metabasites display real plateau ages of 237 to 261 Ma. The temperature conditions in the high-grade metamorphic zone were higher than the argon closing temperature for amphibole, and the amphiboles in this zone give plateau ages only when they are homogeneous in composition, lack excess Ar, and have not been thermally affected by intrusion of the granitoids. The unmodified ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages prove rather younger than the age of the Late Paleozoic metamorphic event of 280 to 300 Ma, but they are close to muscovite K-Ar ages of 263 to 277 Ma. These ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar amphibole ages are interpreted as the time of cooling that followed the main regional, intermediate-P/T metamorphic climax. The results demonstrate that interpretation of ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar amphibole ages in an area subjected to several metamorphic events can be accomplished only by undertaking a thorough tectono-metamorphic study, accompanied by detailed chemical analysis of the amphiboles.     

Amphibole evolution in Variscan eclogite-amphibolites from the Savona crystalline massif (Western Ligurian Alps, Italy): Controls on the decompressional P-T-t path

The Variscan metamorphic evolution of eclogite-amphibolites from the Savona Crystalline Massif is marked by the occurence of calcic amphiboles. Microtextural relations together with coupled electron microprobe and X-ray investigations on amphiboles pointed out a complex decompressional evolution.

A prograde stage of the evolution in the eclogite facies (temperature conditions estimated as ca. 620°C) is recorded by compositional zoning and inclusions in garnet. The eclogitic event (pressure conditions 12kbar) produced assemblages of garnet, omphacite, Ca-amphibole, zoisite, quartz and rutile. Composition and zoning of matrix eclogitic amphiboles reveal that the subsequent evolution in the eclogite facies contemplates a late re-equilibration under lower conditions of temperature (ca. 540°C) and pressure. The eclogitic amphiboles are pargasitic to edenitic hornblendes, and are marked by rather high Na contents at the M4 site (up to 0.5 apfu).

The forming of coarse-grained diopside-plagioclase symplectites and of amphibole-plagioclase coronas represent the early results of the destabilization of omphacites and garnets in the amphibolite facies. Pressure conditions of this stage have been estimated of ca. 10 kbar, while temperature conditions are poorly constrained. However, the increase in edenite (NaAlSi₋₁) at the outermost rims of the matrix eclogitic amphiboles and the very high values of edenite and tschermack (Al₂Mg₋₁Si₋₁) components in the coronitic amphiboles (subsilicic pargasites) suggest that temperature increase accompanied the early decompression to the amphibolite facies.

Subsequent retrogression in the low-grade amphibolite facies resulted in the complete breakdown of omphacite, producing finer-grained symplectites. This stage is also recorded by the amphibole growth (magnesio-hornblendes to edenitic hornblendes with negligible Na amounts at the M4 site) at the expense of the clinopyroxene symplectites and as outward rims around the coronitic amphiboles.

Frequently, amphibolites are completely recrystallized and do not retain any relic of high pressure assemblages. Temperature conditions for this late amphibolitic event have been estimated of ca. 510°C, while pressure conditions are inferred in the range 4–7 kbar.

Such a complicated decompressional evolution is indicative of complex uplift tectonics after a subduction event.     

Coexisting amphiboles in an eclogite from the Western Alps: new constraints on the miscibility gap between sodic and calcic amphiboles

Abstract Crystal-chemical relationships between coexisting sodic and calcic amphiboles have been studied in eclogitic metagabbros from the Aosta Valley, Western Alps. Textural analysis gives evidence of three successive high-pressure parageneses:
1. Pre-kinematic high-grade blueschist assemblages, preserved as polymineralic inclusions in garnet cores and made of glaucophane and actinolite (stage A).
2. Synkinematic eclogite assemblages, composed of garnet + omphacite + glaucophane ± actinolite ± white mica ° Clinozoisite + quartz + rutile (stage B).
3. Post-kinematic epitactic overgrowths of barroisitic amphibole on glaucophane and actinolite (stage C).
P–T conditions of the eclogitic metamorphism have been estimated at around 500–550°C, 16 kbar.
Glaucophane and actinolite coexist as discrete grains in stage A and B assemblages. This texture and the chemistry of the amphiboles unambiguously denotes the existence of a miscibility gap between sodic and calcic amphiboles (from Na^M4= 0.80 in actinolite to Na^M4= 1.70 in glaucophane at T = 500–550°C). A comparison with published analyses allows a new solvus along the glaucophane–actinolite join to be drawn.
The later barroisitic amphibole (stage C) exhibits strong chemical zonation indicating disequilibrium growth. This amphibole cannot either be used to define a miscibility gap with glaucophane or actinolite or be considered as an intermediate stage between these two end-members.     

Co-existing Blue and Blue-green Amphiboles from Ile de Groix (Morbihan, France)

Seventeen co-existing blue and blue-green amphibole pairs fromamphibolites of zones I, II and III of Ile de Groix have beenanalysed by electron microprobe. The size of the miscibilitygap, related to variations of compositions of blue and associatedblue-green amphiboles in well defined P and T conditions, asa function of whole rock compositions, is shown. Blue amphibolesare glaucophanes of relatively homogeneous composition (0.018< Ca/(Ca + Na) < 0.102); associated blue-green amphibolesshow larger substitutions, from actinolitic hornblendes to pargasitichornblendes (0.43 < Ca/(Ca + Na) < 0.81). A comparisonwith pairs crystallized in other physical conditions shows variationsin blue amphiboles with P, in blue-green amphiboles with T,inside glaucophane schist facies. The miscibility gap seemsto be the narrowest for glaucophane schist facies conditions,which are near the greenschist facies boundary: P 8 kb, T 450 °C.     

Metamorphic evolution of mineral assemblages in the layered unit and its host rocks of the eastern part of the Pana Massif,Kola Peninsula

The paper presents data on the mineral assemblages and chemical composition of minerals in rocks from the eastern part of the Pana Massif, Kola Peninsula, and the results obtained by studying the amphibolization of rocks of this massif genetically related to metamorphism. The rocks contain four amphibole populations, which can be used as good indicators for metamorphic facies. The amphiboles show broad compositional variability. Their evaluated P-T crystallization conditions indicate that the prograde stage of the overprinted metamorphic processes occurred at temperatures increasing from 382 to 473°C and pressures from 1.7 to 4.3 kbar. The retrograde stage (biotitization, chloritization, silification, and carbonatization) took place at temperatures of about 370°C and pressures of approximately 1 kbar. The fluid regime of the metamorphic transforms was also controlled by the temperature: the fluids were oxidizing early in the course of the process and gradually became more reducing with decreasing temperature.     

Metamorphism of the Bikou Group in the Shanxi-Gausu-Sichuan Border Region1

Abstract The Bikou Group on the Shaanxi-Gansu-Sichuan border is composed of Mid-Late Proterozoic metamorphosed bimodal volcanic rocks and flysch sediments. Its metamorphism may be divided into the blueschist and greenschist facies. Three metamorphic zones, i.e. zones A, B, and C, may be distinguished on the basis of the field distribution of metamorphic rocks and the variation of b₀ values of muscovite. Blueschists are characterized by coexistence of sodic amphiboles and epidote and occur as stripes or relict patches in extensive greenschists of zone A. Studies of metamorphic minerals such as amphiboles, chlorite, epidote and muscovite and their textural relationships indicate that blueschists and greenschists were not formed under the same metamorphic physico-chemical conditions. The blueschist facies was formed at temperatures of 300-400°C and pressures of 0.5–0.6 GPa. The greenschist facies in zones A and B has similar temperatures but its pressure is only 0.4 GPa or so. The transition from the blueschist to greenschist facies is a nearly isothermal uplift process. The rock and mineral assemblages of the Bikou Group indicate that the blueschist facies metamorphism of the group might be related to crustal thickening or A-subduction accompanying the closure of an intracontinental small ocean basin.     

The petrology of a complex sodic and sodic–calcic amphibole association and its implications for the metasomatic processes in the jadeitite area in northwestern Myanmar,formerly Burma

In the Myanmar jadeitite area of Pharkan, amphibole felses occur between jadeitites and serpentinized dunites. These so-called amphibole fels boundary zones were studied optically and by electron microprobe, and found to include the six amphibole species magnesiokatophorite (Mg-kat), nyböite (Nyb), eckermannite (Eck), glaucophane (Gln), richterite (Rich) and winchite (Win). In most samples, the two main amphibole species Mg-kat and Eck coexist with amphiboles containing variable amounts of components of the remaining four species, as well as with the clinopyroxenes jadeite (Jd), omphacite (Omp) and kosmochlor (Ko). However, Mg-kat, Nyb and Eck are also present as separate phases as well as in zoned porphyroblasts with Mg-kat in the core, Nyb in the inner rims, and Eck in the outer rims. The analytical data on such zoned amphiboles reveal that the chemistry changes from core to inner rim by virtue of the substitution NaAlCa _-1Mg _-1 (glaucophane vector), and from the inner to the outer rim along MgSiAl _-1Al _-1 (tschermak vector). The overall substitution from core to outer rim is, therefore, along NaSiCa _-1Al _-1 (plagioclase vector). Based on the Si content, three groups can be distinguished within Eck: Eck coexisting with Nyb has low Si contents of <7.6 a.p.f.u., Eck rimming Nyb has higher Si contents of 7.6–8.0 a.p.f.u., and fine-grained Eck in the matrix has Si contents of 7.9–8.0 a.p.f.u. Plotting the amphibole analyses in a compositional volume with the axes (Na+K) in A, Na in M(4), and tetrahedral Si shows that three groups of amphibole compositions can be distinguished, one being subdivided into three subsets. Group A contains Rich and Mg-kat, B comprises of Win and Gln, whereas the subsets C can be defined as follows: C1: high-Na amphiboles with low tetrahedral Si; these are mainly amphiboles from the Eck field but overlap with the two fields of Gln and Win; C2: high-Na and low-Si Ecks overlapping to high-Si Nybs; this group is midway between Eck and Nyb end members; C3: high-Na Mg-kats. Textural observations indicate three stages of sodic and sodic–calcic amphibole growth: stage 1 are amphiboles of group A (Mg-kat+Rich), stage 2 are amphiboles of group C2 (Nyb+Eck with Si<7.6 a.p.f.u.), and stage 3 are amphiboles of groups C1 and B (Eck with Si>7.6 a.p.f.u., +Gln+Win). Based on the subdivision into the compositional groups A–C, the only hint to a miscibility gap is provided by the large gap in the (Na+K) content on the A site which may point to a possible solvus in the system Eck–Win. Overall, the amphiboles investigated here show discontinuities in their growth compositions, rather than miscibility gaps. Textural observations suggest amphibole formation during fluid infiltration in the contact zone between the jadeitite bodies and the surrounding peridotite under high-pressure conditions (>1.0 GPa) and rather low temperatures of about 250–370 °C. Based on compositional trends within the amphiboles as well as phase-equilibrium constraints between amphibole and coexisting pyroxene solid solutions, the chemical composition of zoned amphibole porphyroblasts indicates two growth episodes—increasing pressures from stage 1 to stage 2 lead to the formation of Nyb from Mg-kat, and subsequently decreasing pressures lead to the formation of stage 3 Eck from Rich.     

Phase equilibria in rocks of the paleoproterozoic banded iron formation (BIF) of the Lebedinskoe deposit, Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, and the petrogenesis of BIF with alkali amphiboles

BIF with alkali amphibole at the Lebedinskoe iron deposits, the largest in Russia, were metamorphosed at 550°C and 2–3 kbar and contain ferriwinchite, riebeckite, actinolite, grunerite, and aegirine-augite. All reaction textures observed in the rocks were produced during the prograde metamorphic stage and represent the following succession of mineral replacements: Gru → Rbk, Act → Win → Rbk. Data obtained on the textural relations and compositional variations of Ca, Ca-Na, and Na Al-free amphiboles point to the complete miscibility in the actinolite-ferriwinchite and ferriwinchite-riebeckite isomorphic series. Riebeckite is formed in BIF during the prograde metamorphic stage, with the participation of a fluid insignificantly enriched in Na⁺ and at increasing oxygen fugacity. The critical factors controlling the development of alkali amphiboles and Ca-Na pyroxenes in carbonate-bearing BIF is the oxygen activity and the presence of at least low concentrations of Na⁺ ions in the fluid. The minerals contain Fe³⁺, and all reactions producing them are oxidation reactions. The origin of riebeckite late in the course of the mineral-forming process is caused by the Ca²⁺Mg²⁺ → Na⁺Fe³⁺ heterovalent isomorphic replacement in calcic and calcic-sodic amphiboles and by the oxidation of grunerite in the presence of a fluid enriched in Na ions.     

Coexisting Amphiboles from Blueschist Facies Metamorphic Rocks

Four pairs of associated calcic and sodic amphiboles from blueschistfacies metamorphic rocks were analyzed with the electron microprobeand studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.Except for ranges in the ratios Mg/(Mg+Fe) and Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺+Al+Ti),the sodic amphiboles are similar in chemical composition. Theamount of calcium in the M(4)-site ranges only from 0·18to 0·21 ion per formula unit. The calcic amphiboles,in addition to a range in Mg/(Mg+Fe), vary in Na/(Na+Ca) ratio(0·29–0·48). Three of the calcic amphibolescontain less than 1·5 calcium ions per formula unit,indicating a significant solid solution of sodic amphibole componentsin the calcic amphibole phase. The a and b unit-cell parametersof the calcic amphiboles decrease with increased content ofthe sodic component.     

P–T path of high-pressure/low-temperature rocks and tectonic implications in the western Tianshan Mountains, NW China

The Chinese western Tianshan high-pressure/low-temperature (HP–LT) metamorphic belt, which extends for about 200 km along the South Central Tianshan suture zone, is composed of mainly metabasic blueschists, eclogites and greenschist facies rocks. The metabasic blueschists occur as small discrete blocks, lenses, bands, laminae or thick beds in meta-sedimentary greenschist facies country rocks. Eclogites are intercalated within blueschist layers as lenses, laminae, thick beds or large massive blocks (up to 2 km² in plan view). Metabasic blueschists consist of mainly garnet, sodic amphibole, phengite, paragonite, clinozoisite, epidote, chlorite, albite, accessory titanite and ilmenite. Eclogites are predominantly composed of garnet, omphacite, sodic–calcic amphibole, clinozoisite, phengite, paragonite, quartz with accessory minerals such as rutile, titanite, ilmenite, calcite and apatite. Garnet in eclogite has a composition of 53–79 mol% almandine, 8.5–30 mol% grossular, 5–24 mol% pyrope and 0.6–13 mol% spessartine. Garnet in blueschists shows similar composition. Sodic amphiboles include glaucophane, ferro-glaucophane and crossite, whereas the sodic–calcic amphiboles mainly comprise barroisite and winchite. The jadeite content of omphacite varies from 35–54 mol%. Peak eclogite facies temperatures are estimated as 480–580 °C for a pressure range of 14–21 kbar. The conditions of pre-peak, epidote–blueschist facies metamorphism are estimated to be 350–450 °C and 8–12 kbar. All rock types have experienced a clockwise P–T path through pre-peak lawsonite/epidote-blueschist to eclogite facies conditions. The retrograde part of the P–T path is represented by the transition of epidote-blueschist to greenschist facies conditions. The P–T path indicates that the high-pressure rocks formed in a B-type subduction zone along the northern margin of the Palaeozoic South Tianshan ocean between the Tarim and Yili-central Tianshan plates.     

Alkali amphiboles intermediate in composition between actinolite and riebeckite

Alkali amphiboles of an intermediate composition in the magnesioriebeckite-eckrite series have been found in the metamorphic terrane of Leros Island. A complete compositional gradation has been demonstrated by a series of electron microprobe scans and analyses of spots. Electron microscopic examination revealed no exsolution.The present analyses and other data indicate a closing of the Na-Ca amphiboles gap towards the magnesian end members at temperatures higher than that usually associated with the blueschist facies.     

Occurrence and chemical composition of amphiboles and related minerals in corundum-bearing mafic rock from the Horoman Peridotite Complex, Japan

A corundum-bearing mafic rock in the Horoman Peridotite Complex, Japan, was derived from upper mantle conditions to lower crustal conditions with surrounding peridotites. The amphiboles found in the rock are classified into 3 types: (1) as interstitial and/or poikilitic grains (Green amphibole), (2) as a constituent mineral of symplectitic mineral aggregates with aluminous spinel at grain boundary between olivine and plagioclase (Symplectite amphibole) and (3) as film-shaped thin grains, usually less than 10 μm in width, at grain boundary between olivine and clinopyroxene (Film-shaped amphibole). The Film-shaped amphibole is rarely associated with orthopyroxene extremely low in Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃ and CaO (Low-Al OPX). These minerals were formed by infiltration of SiO₂- and volatile-rich fluids along grain boundaries after the rock was recrystallized at olivine-plagioclase stability conditions, i.e. the late stage of the exhumation of the Horoman Complex.

Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns and primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns of the Green amphibole and clinopyroxene are characterized by LREE-depleted patterns with Eu positive and negative anomalies of Zr and Hf. These geochemical characteristics of the constituent minerals were inherited from original whole-rock compositions through a reaction involving both pre-existing clinopyroxene and plagioclase. We propose that the fluids were originally rich in a SiO₂ component but depleted in trace-elements. Dehydration of the surrounding metamorphic rocks in the Hidaka metamorphic belt, probably related to intrusion of hot peridotite body into the Hidaka crust, is a plausible origin for the fluids.     

大别山高级变质岩云母Rb—Sr等时线年龄测定及其地质意义

应用云母Rb Sr等时线法对大别山高级变质岩的后期改造历史进行了初步的探讨。采用重液变温技术将云母按比重的区别 ,分成若干组分 ,然后用常规的Rb Sr方法测定。应用这种技术对大别山黄土岭太古代麻粒岩相岩石中的黑云母和产于超高压变质带内的石马含石榴石片麻岩的白云母进行了Rb Sr等时线年龄测定。黄土岭太古代麻粒岩相片麻岩中的黑云母 全岩Rb Sr等时线年龄为 12 7± 9Ma ,与该区片麻岩中的角闪石的K Ar和Ar Ar年龄 ,及燕山期花岗岩的Rb Sr年龄一致 ,说明这一太古代下地壳岩石受到了燕山期深熔 岩浆事件的影响 ;大别山东南部石马含石榴石片麻岩 (榴辉岩相 )中的白云母Rb Sr等时线年龄为 191± 10Ma ,反映了印支 早燕山期区域性低级变质事件的时代。研究表明 ,大别山区的不同构造单元中产出的不同类型的高级变质岩自中生代以来有不同的后期演化历史。