Nature of the crust in Maine,USA: evidence from the Sebago batholith

 Neodymium and lead isotope and elemental data are presented for the Sebago batholith (293±2 Ma), the largest exposed granite in New England. The batholith is lithologically homogeneous, yet internally heterogeneous with respect to rare earth elements (REE) and Nd isotopic composition. Two-mica granites in the southern/central portion of the batholith (group 1) are characterized by REE patterns with uniform shapes [Ce_N/Yb_N (chondrite normalized) = 9.4–19 and Eu/Eu* (Eu anomaly) = 0.27–0.42] and ɛ _Nd(t) = −3.1 to −2.1. Peripheral two-mica granites (group 2), spatially associated with stromatic and schlieric migmatites, have a wider range of total REE contents and patterns with variable shapes (Ce_N/Yb_N = 6.1–67, Eu/Eu* = 0.20–0.46) and ɛ _Nd(t) = −5.6 to −2.8. The heterogeneous REE character of the group 2 granites records the effects of magmatic differentiation that involved monazite. Coarse-grained leucogranites and aplites have kinked REE patterns and low total REE, but have Nd isotope systematics similar to group 2 granites with ɛ _Nd(t) = −5.5 to −4.7. Rare biotite granites have steep REE patterns (Ce_N/Yb_N = 51–61, Eu/Eu* = 0.32–0.84) and ɛ _Nd(t) = −4.6 to −3.8. The two-mica granites have a restricted range in initial Pb isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.41–18.75; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60–15.68; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.21–38.55), requiring and old, high U/Pb (but not Th/U) source component. The Nd isotope data are consistent with magma derivation from two sources: Avalon-like crust (ɛ _Nd>−3), and Central Maine Belt metasedimentary rocks (ɛ _Nd<−4), without material input from the mantle. The variations in isotope systematics and REE patterns are inconsistent with models of disequilibrium melting which involved monazite. Received: 8 December 1995 / Accepted: 29 April 1996     

Rare-earth and trace element imprints on the origin and tectonic setting of gabbro-diorite complex in the Pan-African belt of Southeast Obudu Plateau,Nigeria

A gabbro-diorite plutonic complex from the Southeast Obudu Plateau, representing limited volumes of magma, was studied for its trace and rare-earth element characteristics, in an attempt to document its genetic and geodynamic history. Geochemical studies indicate that the gabbro samples are characterized by variable concentrations and low averages of such index elements as Cr (40×10-6–200×10-6; av. 80×10-6), Ni (40×10-6–170×10-6; 53.33×10-6) and Zr (110×10-6–240×10-6; 116.67×10-6); variable and high average...     

Geochemical characteristics of pyrite in Duolanasayi gold deposit, Xinjiang

The Duolanasayi gold deposit, 60 km NW of Habahe County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a mid-large-scale gold deposit controlled by brittle-ductile shearing, and superimposed by albitite veins and late-stage magma hydrothermal solutions. There are four types of pyrite, which are contained in the light metamorphosed rocks (limestone, siltstone), altered-mineralized rocks (chlorite-schist, altered albite-granite, mineralized phyllite), quartz veins and carbonatite veinlets. The pyrite is the most common ore mineral. The Au-barren pyrite is present mainly in a simple form and gold-bearing pyrite is present mainly in a composite form. From the top downwards, the pyrite varies in crystal form from {100} and {210} {100} to {210} {100} {111} to {100} {111}. Geochemical studies indicate that the molecular contents of pyrite range from Fe1.057S2 to Fe0.941S2. Gold positively correlates with Mn, Sr, Zn, Te, Pb, Ba and Ag. There are four groups of trace elements: Fe-Cu-Sr-Ag, Au-Te-Co, As-Pb-Zn and Mn-V-Ti-Ba-Ni-Cr in pyrite. The REE characteristics show that the total amount of REE (ΣREE) ranges from 32.35×10 -6 to 132.18×10 -6; LREE/HREE, 4.466-9.142; (La/Yb)N, 3.719-11.133; (Eu/Sm)N, 0.553-1.656; (Sm/Nd)N, 0.602-0.717; La/Yb, 6.26-18.75; δEu, 0.628-2.309; δCe, 0.308-0.816. Sulfur isotopic compositions (δ 34S=-2.46‰--7.02‰) suggest that the sulfur associated with gold mineralization was derived from the upper mantle or lower crust.     

Geochemistry of black shales from the Lower Cretaceous Paja Formation,Eastern Cordillera,Colombia: Source weathering,provenance, and tectonic setting

The major and trace element characteristics of black shales from the Lower Cretaceous Paja Formation of Colombia are broadly comparable with those of the average upper continental crust. Among the exceptions are marked enrichments in V, Cr, and Ni. These enrichments are associated with high organic carbon contents. CaO and Na₂O are strongly depleted, leading to high values for both the Chemical Index of Alteration (77–96) and the Plagioclase Index of Alteration (86–99), which indicates derivation from a stable, intensely weathered felsic source terrane. The REE abundances and patterns vary considerably but can be divided into three main groups according to their characteristics and stratigraphic position. Four samples from the lower part of the Paja Formation (Group 1) are characterized by LREE-enriched chondrite-normalized patterns (average La_N/Yb_N = 8.41) and significant negative Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu¹ = 0.63). A second group of five samples (Group 2), also from the lower part, have relatively flat REE patterns (average La_N/Yb_N = 1.84) and only slightly smaller Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu¹ = 0.69). Six samples from the middle and upper parts (Group 3) have highly fractionated patterns (average La_N/Yb_N = 15.35), resembling those of Group 1, and an identical average Eu/Eu¹ of 0.63. The fractionated REE patterns and significant negative Eu anomalies in Groups 1 and 3 are consistent with derivation from an evolved felsic source. The flatter patterns of Group 2 shale and strongly concave MREE-depleted patterns in two additional shales likely were produced during diagenesis, rather than reflecting more mafic detrital inputs. An analysis of a single sandstone suggests diagenetic modification of the REE, because its REE pattern is identical to that of the upper continental crust except for the presence of a significant positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu¹ = 1.15). Felsic provenance for all samples is suggested by the clustering on the Th/Sc–Zr/Sc and Gd_N/Yb_N–Eu/Eu¹ diagrams. Averages of unmodified Groups 1 and 3 REE patterns compare well with cratonic sediments from the Roraima Formation in the Guyana Shield, suggesting derivation from a continental source of similar composition. In comparison with modern sediments, the geochemical parameters (K₂O/Na₂O, La_N/Yb_N, La_N/Sm_N, Eu/Eu¹, La/Sc, La/Y, Ce/Sc) suggest the Paja Formation was deposited at a passive margin. The Paja shales thus represent highly mature sediments recycled from deeply weathered, older, sedimentary/metasedimentary rocks, possibly in the Guyana Shield, though Na-rich volcanic/granitic rocks may have contributed to some extent.     

Magnetic susceptibility mapping of felsic magmatic lithounits in the central part of Bundelkhand Massif,central India

Late Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic felsic magmatic lithounits exposed in the central part of the Bundelkhand massif have been mapped and their redox series (magnetite vs ilmenite series) evaluated based on magnetic susceptibility (MS) data. The central part of Bundelkhand massif comprises of multiple felsic magmatic pulses (∼2600–2200 Ma), commonly represented by coarse grained granite (CGG-grey granite, CPG-pink granite), medium grained pink granite (MPG), fine grained pink granite (FPG), grey and pink rhyolites and granite porphyry (GP). However, the pink colour of these felsic rocks is the result of hydrothermal fluid-flushing leading to potassic alteration of grey granites. MS values of CGG vary from 0.058 to 14.75×10⁻³ SI with an average of 6.35×10⁻³ SI, which mostly represent oxidized type, magnetite series (73%) granites involving infracrustal (igneous) source materials. CPG (av. MS=3.95×10⁻³ SI) is indeed a pink variety of CGG, the original oxidizing nature of which must have been similar to the bulk of CGG, but has been moderately to strongly reduced because of distinctly more porphyritic nature together with partial assimilation of metapelitic (supracrustal) materials, surmicaceous enclaves, carbonaceous material included in the source materials, and to some extent, induced by hydrothermal and later deformational processes. MPG (av. MS= 1.15×10⁻³ SI) as lensoidal stock-like bodies intrudes the CPG and represent both magnetite series (18%) and ilmenite series (82%) granites, which are probably formed by heterogeneous (mixed) source rocks. GP (av. MS=6.26×10⁻³ SI) occur as dykes (mostly trending NE-SW) intrudes the MPG, CPG and migmatites and bears the nature similar to oxidized type, magnetite series granite. FPG (av. MS= 0.666×10⁻³ SI) trending NE-SW occur as lensoid bodies including a large outcrop, is intrusive into both CPG and MPG, and is moderately to very strongly reduced type, ilmenite series granites, which may be derived by the melting of metapelitic crustal sources. FPG hosting microgranular (mafic magmatic) enclaves commonly exhibit high MS values (7.31–10.22×10⁻³ SI), which appear induced by the mixing and mingling of interacting felsic and mafic magmas prevailed in an open system. Grey (av. MS=10.30×10⁻³ SI) and pink (av. MS=6.72×10⁻³ SI) rhyolites represent oxidized type, magnetite series granites, which may have been derived from infracrustal (magmatic) protoliths. Granite series evaluation of felsic magmatic rocks of central part of Bundelkhand massif strongly suggests their varied redox conditions (differential oxygen fugacity) mostly intrinsic to magma source regions and partially modified by hydrothermal and tectonic processes acting upon them.     

Geochemistry and geodynamic significance of the rare-earth mineralized Paleoproterozoic Longwangzhuang granite on the southern margin of the North China Craton

The Longwangzhuang granite pluton occurs on the southern margin of the North China Craton and consists mainly of biotite syenogranite with aegirine granite being locally distributed.The granites are characterized by high silicon and alkaline contents(SiO2=72.17%-76.82%,K2O+Na2O=8.28%-10.22%,K2O/Na2O>>1),AI(agpaitic index) =0.84-0.95,DI=95-97,ASI(aluminum saturation index)=0.96-1.13,and very high Fe* number(FeO*/(FeO*+Mg)=0.90-0.99),thus the granites are assigned to the metaluminous to weakly peraluminous,alkalic to calc-alkalic ferroan A-type granites.The granites are rich in large ion lithophile elements(LILE),especially high in REE concentrations(REE+Y=854×10-6-1572×10-6);whereas the enrichment of high strength field elements(Nb,Ta,Zr,Hf) is obviously less than that of LILEs,exhibiting mild depletions on trace element spider plots;and the rocks are significantly depleted in Ba,Sr,Ti,and Pb.The low εNd(t) values(-4.5--7.2) and high model ages(2.3-2.5 Ga) of the granites as well as the low εHf(t) values(-1.11--5.26) and high Hf model ages(THf1= 2.1-2.3 Ga,THf2=2.4-2.6 Ga) of zircons from the biotite syenogranite suggest that the granites were probably derived from an enriched mantle source.The zircons from the biotite syenogranite are mainly colorless transparent crystals exhibiting well-developed oscillatory zoning on the cathodoluminescence images with a LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb age of 1602.1±6.6 Ma(MSWD=0.48).Petrochemical,trace elements,as well as Nd and Hf isotopic compositions of the rocks demonstrate that the granites were formed in a within-plate extensional tectonic regime possibly related to the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent.The granites were most likely formed through extreme fractional crystallization of alkali basaltic magma resulted from partial melting of the mantle,which was fertilized by recycling crustal rocks triggered by the delamination of lithospheric mantle and lower crust following the ～1.8 Ga collision and amalgamation of the North China Craton which is part of the Columbia supercontinent.However,contamination of neo-Archean to Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks during the ascent and emplacement of the magma could not be excluded.Being the youngest known anorogenic magmatism on the southern margin of the North China Craton related to Columbia breakup,it might represent the break off of the North China Craton from Columbia supercontinent at the end of Paleoproterozoic.     

Geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic study of alkaline syenites in Liangtun-Kuangdonggou, Liaoning Province, China： Evidence for enriched mantle before 1.86 Ga and implications

The 1.86 Ga Liangtun-Kuangdonggou complex (LKC) is one of the oldest alkaline syenite bodies so far discovered in China. This syenite suite has elevated contents of total alkali (K2O Na2O), with an average of 10.50%, and a mean Rittmann Index (σ) of 6.48. The intrusions have slightly higher concentrations of K2O than those of Na2O on a weight percent basis, indicating the rocks belong to potassium-rich alkaline syenite series. Total rare-earth element concentrations (∑REE ) of the rocks are relatively high, ranging from 324×10 -6 to 1314×10 -6, with a mean value of 666×10 -6. The REE patterns are subparallel and rightward steep with (La/Yb)N >33, showing mild negative to positive Eu anomalies (δEu: 0.63-1.15). All samples exhibit strong LILE and LREE enrichments and TNT (Nb, Ta, Ti) and P depletions in multi-element spidergrams. On the εSr(t)-εNd(t) correlation diagram, most analytical data points plot within the enriched mantle field with low ( 87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.7045-0.7051) and negative εNd(t) values (-3.72--3.97), falling among those kimberlites from Fuxian County, Liaoning Provinve, from Mengyin County, Shandong Province and the Ⅱ-type kimberlites from South Africa. These characteristics imply that the LKC-rocks may have the same source as the above-mentioned kimberlites, i.e., they have close connections to the materials derived from enriched mantle reservoirs, further revealing that the upper mantle beneath the northeastern part of the North China Plate had been highly enriched before 1.86 Ga. Geodynamically, the LKC-rocks were formed in a within-plate environment with close genetic connections to rift-related alkaline magma activities possibly controlled by ancient mantle plumes.     

Early Paleozoic adakite in the Liuyuan area from the Beishan orogenic belt,NW Gansu Province: Petrogenesis and implication for tectonic setting

The Liuyuan area,which is located on the southern margin of the Beishan orogenic belt,develops abundant Early Paleozic granitoids.SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 421±8 Ma for the Liuyuan granodiorite(Zhao Zehui et al.,2007),implying its Late Silurian intrusion.Geochemical compositions showed that the Liuyuan granodiorite is characterized by high SiO2(65.01%-67.31%),A12O3(17.17%-18.05%) and Na2O(Na2O/K2O=1.67-1.87) but low Mg# contents calculated as 100×Mg2+/(Mg2++∑Fe2+) from 28.77 to 31.15,as well as being enriched in Sr(472×10-6-517×10-6) but depleted in Yb(1.2×10-6-1.42×10-6) and Y(12.8×10-6-14×10-6).The REEs are characterized by right-inclined patterns with LREE enrichment,HREE depletion and slightly negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu*=0.91-0.97).Major and trace elements indicate that the granodiorite is an adakite.The Nb/Ta values of the granodiorite vary from 10.80 to 18.01 and Nb/U from 6.32 to 10.09,both lying between the values of the crust and the mantle.The rock has low εNd(t) values(-2.5--0.8) and high ISr(0.706321-0.706495).Geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions indicate that the Liuyuan granodiorite is possibly derived from partial melting of thickening lower crust,related to mantle underplating.The Yb-Ta and Y+Nb-Rb discriminant diagrams imply the Liuyuan granodiorite intruded in a local extensional tectonic setting during late collision.Combined with previous studies on geochronology,geochemistry and tectonic setting of granitoids,we interprete that the constraint of this adakite in the Liuyuan area indicates that the tectonic setting may have transformed from collision to extension during the Early Devonian.     

Rare earth element and gallium diffusion in yttrium aluminum garnet

Diffusion of four rare-earth elements and gallium has been measured in yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG). Sources of diffusant were mixtures of alumina and rare-earth element oxides for REE diffusion, and mixtures of gallium and yttrium oxides for Ga diffusion. Diffusion profiles were measured with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). For the rare-earth elements investigated, the following Arrhenius relations were obtained: D_La=6.87×10^–1 exp (–582±21 kJ mol^–1 /RT) m²s^–1 D_Nd=1.63×10^–1 exp (–567±15 kJ mol^–1 /RT) m²s^–1 D_Dy=2.70×10⁰ exp (–603±35 kJ mol^–1 /RT) m²s^–1 D_Yb=1.50×10^–2 exp (–540±26 kJ mol^–1 /RT) m²s^–1 Diffusion rates for the rare earths are quite similar, in contrast with trends noted for zircon. It is likely that these differences are a consequence of the relative ionic radii of the REE and the cations for which they substitute in the mineral lattice. For gallium, the following Arrhenius relation was determined: D_Ga=9.96×10^–6 exp (–404±19 kJ mol^–1 /RT) m²s^–1 Gallium diffuses faster than the REE in YAG and has a smaller activation energy for diffusion. These data mirror relative trends in diffusion rates for YIG, in which trivalent cations occupying tetrahedral and octahedral sites (i.e., Al, Ga, Fe) diffuse faster than trivalent cations occupying dodecahedral sites (i.e., Y and the REE), and suggest that the rate-limiting process in the diffusion-controlled regime of solid-state creep of YAG is the diffusion of yttrium. Received: 10 November 1997 / Revised; accepted: 13 March 1998     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of radioactive Palaeoproterozoic granitoids of Kinwat crystalline inlier,Nanded and Yeotmal districts,Maharashtra

Kinwat crystalline inlier exposes Palaeoproterozoic granitoids belonging to the northern extensions of younger phase of Peninsular gneissic complex (PGC) within Deccan Trap country in Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) and bounded in south by a major NW-SE trending lineament (Kaddam fault). Geochemically, the Kinwat granitoids are similar to high-K, calc-alkaline to shoshonite magnesian granitoids and subdivided into two major groups, i.e. felsic group (pink and grey granites) and intermediate to felsic group (hybrid granitoids). The felsic group (∼67–74% SiO₂) shares many features with Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic high potassic granites of PGC such as higher LILE and LREE content and marked depletion in Eu, P and HFSE, especially Nb, Ti, relative to LILE and LREE. The hybrid granitoids (∼58–67% SiO₂) have comparatively higher Ca, Mg and Na contents and slightly lower REE content than the granitoids of felsic group. Both, felsic and hybrid granitoids are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and belong to highly fractionated I-type suite as evidenced by negative correlation of SiO₂ with MgO, FeO^t, CaO, Na₂O, Al₂O₃, whereas K₂O, Rb and Ba show sympathetic relationship with SiO₂. Moderate to strong fractionated REE patterns (Ce/Yb_N: ∼54–387) and strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*: 0.13–0.41) are quite apparent in these granitoids. The geochemical characteristics together with mineralogical features such as presence of biotite±hornblende as the dominant ferromagnesian mineral phases point towards intracrustal magma source, i.e. derivation of magma by partial melting of probably tonalitic igneous protolith at moderate crustal levels for felsic granites, whereas hybrid granitoids appear to be products of juvenile mantle-crust interaction, in an active continental margin setting.     

Geochemistry of the Granites in the Tamuqi Area on Southern Margin of Tarim Block

This study shows that the intrusive rocks distributed in the Aoyiqieke-Tamuqi area on the southern margin of the Tarim Block are composed of gabbro, diorite, granodiorite and granite, which constitute regionally a nearly EW-trending tectono-magmatic belt. Petrochemically the diorite, granodiorite and granite belong to the calc-alkaline, high-K series, with Na₂O/K₂O ratios varying between 0.83 and 2.63. M/F ratios in the diorite are within the range of 0.44–0.70 and those of the granodiorite ( granite) are 0.45–0.87. Petrochemistry data show that the intrusive complexes are of the I type and their ΣREE is slightly variable, within the range of 178.31–229.01 × 10⁻⁶. The LREE/HREE ratios of the diorite and granite are 3.78–5.13 and 6.69–7.66, respectively. The plutons usually show moderate negative Eu anomalies with δEu values ranging from 0.53 to 0.82, showing almost no difference among different rocks. The (La/Yb)_N values of diorite and granite are 12.39−14.86 and 22.07−26.03, respectively. The diorite and granite possess very similar REE distribution patterns, indicating that they were both derived from the same source. As for their trace element ratios, the diorite has higher Nb/Ta ratios than the granite, which are 15.73−17.16 and 12.03−15.01, respectively. It can be seen that the Nb/Ta ratios of the diorite are much closer to the average mantle (17.5). Their Zr/Hf ratios are very close to each other, within the range of 29−34. Th/Y ratios in the diorite are 0.42−0.80 (all less than unity) while those of the granite are 1.02−2.04. Some difference is also noticed in Ti/V between the diorite and the granite (52.6−54.2 for the former and 52.6−54.2 for the latter). As compared with ocean ridge granites, both diorite and granite are characterized by remarkable LILE enrichment, as well as by moderate negative Ba and postive Ce anomalies. The contents of Nb and Ta in the diorite and granite are equivalent to those of the ocean ridge granites, but the contents of Zr, Hf, Sm, Y, and Yb are all lower than those of the ocean ridge granites, indicating that these granites are similar to the island-arc granites of Chile. From their geochemical characteristics, it is considered that the intrusive rocks in the area studied were formed in an island-arc environment at the continental margin.     

Rare earth geochemistry in the dissolved, suspended and sedimentary loads in karstic rivers, Southwest China

The watershed in the central Guizhou Province (Guizhou Province is called simply Qian) (CQW) is a karstic area. Rare earth elements (REEs) of dissolved loads, suspended particulate material (SPM) and sediments of riverbed are first synthetically reported to investigate REE geochemistry in the three phases in karstic watershed during the high-flow season. Results show that the low dissolved REE concentrations in the CQW are attributed to these rivers draining carbonate rocks. The dissolved REE have significant negative Eu anomaly and coexistence of middle and light REE (MREE??PAAS-normalized La _N /Sm _N and Gd _N /Yb _N ; LREE??PAAS-normalized La _N /Yb _N )-enrichment, which are due to the dissolution of impure Triassic carbonates. REE concentrations in most of SPM exceed that of sediments in the CQW and the average continental crust (UCC). The SPM and the sediments show some common features: positive Eu, Ce anomalies, and MREE enrichment. The controls on the patterns seem to be from weathering profiles: the oxidation state, the REE-bearing secondary minerals (cerianite, potassium feldspar and plagioclase), which are also supported by the evidence of Y/Ho fractionations in the three phases.     

Partial fusion of basic granulites at 5 to 15 kbar: implications for the origin of TTG magmas

Partial fusion experiments with basic granulites (S6, S37) believed to represent the lower crust beneath the Eifel region (Germany) were performed at pressures from 5 to 15 kbar. Water-undersaturated experiments were carried out in the presence of 1 wt% H₂O plus 2.44 or 0.81 wt% CO₂ equivalent to mole fractions of H₂O/(H₂O + CO₂) of 0.5 and 0.75, respectively, of the volatile components added. At temperatures from 850 to 1100 °C the weight proportions of melt range from 7 to 30 %. Melt compositions change from trondhjemitic over tonalitic to dioritic with increasing degree of partial melting. Crystalline residua are plagioclase/pyroxene dominated at 5 kbar to garnet/pyroxene dominated at 15␣kbar. Dehydration melting was studied in granulite S35 similar in composition to S6. The magmatic precursors of the granulite xenoliths used in this study had geochemical characteristics of cumulate gabbro (metagabbro S37) and evolved melts (metabasalts S6, S35), respectively. Melts from granulite S37 match the major element compositions of natural trondhjemites and tonalites. At 5 kbar, their Al₂O₃ is relatively low, similar to tonalites from ophiolites. At 15 kbar, Al₂O₃ in the melts is high due to the near absence of plagioclase in the crystalline residua. The Al₂O₃ concentrations in 15 kbar melts from S6 (˜20 wt%) are higher than in natural tonalites. Depth constraints on the formation of tonalitic magmas in the continental crust are provided by REE (rare earth element) patterns of the synthetic melts calculated from the known REE abundances in metagabbro S37 and metabasalt S6 assuming batch melting and using partition coefficients from the literature. The REE patterns of tonalites from active continental margins and Archean trondhjemite-tonalite-granodiorite␣associations low in REE with La_N (chondrite normalised) from 10 to 30 and Yb_N from 1 to 2 are reproduced at pressures of 10 and 12.5 kbar from metagabbro S37 which displays a slightly L(light)REE enriched pattern with La_N = 8 and Yb_N = 3. Natural tonalites with La_N from 30 to 100 require a source richer in REE than granulite S37. At 15 kbar, H(heavy)REE_N in melts from granulite S37 are depressed below the level observed in natural tonalites due to the high proportion of garnet (>30 wt%) in the residue. Melts from metabasalt S6 (enriched in REE with La_N = 38 and Yb_N = 16) do not match the REE characteristics of natural tonalites under any conditions. Received: 1 July 1994 / Accepted: 11 September 1996     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Ngaoundéré Pan-African granitoids in Central North Cameroon: Implications for their sources and geological setting

The Nagoundéré Pan-African granitoids in Central North Cameroon belong to a regional-scale massif, which is referred to as the Adamawa-Yade batholith. The granites were emplaced into a ca. 2.1 Ga remobilised basement composed of metasedimentary and meta-igneous rocks that later underwent medium- to high-grade Pan-African metamorphism. The granitoids comprise three groups: the hornblende–biotite granitoids (HBGs), the biotite ± muscovite granitoids (BMGs), and the biotite granitoids (BGs). New Th–U–Pb monazite data on the BMGs and BGs confirm their late Neoproterozoic emplacement age (ca. 615 ± 27 Ma for the BMGs and ca. 575 Ma for the BGs) during the time interval of the regional tectono-metamorphic event in North Cameroon. The BMGs also show the presence of ca. 926 Ma inheritances, suggesting an early Neoproterozoic component in their protolith.The HBGs are characterized by high Ba–Sr, and low K₂O/Na₂O ratios. They show fairly fractionated REE patterns (La_N/Yb_N 6–22) with no Eu anomalies. The BMGs are characterized by higher K₂O/Na₂O and Rb/Sr ratios. They are more REE-fractionated (La_N/Yb_N = 17–168) with strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.2–0.5). The BGs are characterized by high SiO₂ with K₂O/Na₂O > 1. They show moderated fractionated REE patterns (La_N/Yb_N = 11–37) with strong Eu negative anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.2–0.8) and flat HREE features (Gd_N/Yb_N = 1.5–2.2). In Primitive Mantle-normalized multi-element diagrams, the patterns of all rocks show enrichment in LILE relative to HFSE and display negative Nb–Ta and Ti anomalies. All the granitoids belong to high-K calc-alkaline suites and have an I-type signature.Major and trace element data of the HBGs are consistent with differentiation of a mafic magma from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, with possible crustal assimilation. In contrast, the high Th content, the LREE-enrichment, and the presence of inherited monazite suggest that the BGs and BMGs were derived from melting of the middle continental crust. Structural and petrochemical data indicate that these granitoids were emplaced in both syn- to post-collision tectonic settings.     

Obduction-type granites within the NE Jiangxi Ophiolite: Implications for the final amalgamation between the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks

Leucogranitic lenses are found within the Xiwan ophiolitic mélange in northeastern Jiangxi Province, South China. The leucogranites occur exclusively within the serpentinized peridotite unit of the ophiolite suite. SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating results indicate that these granites were formed at 880 ± 19 Ma, and were overprinted by an Indosinian tectono-thermal event at ~ 230 Ma. The leucogranites are peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.0–1.24), characterized by high Al₂O₃ (14–18.33%) and Na₂O (6.5–10%) and clearly low εNd(T) values of 0.8 to − 3.9 compared with the other rock units of the ophiolite suite. On the basis of their REE characters, the leucogranites can be divided into three groups. Group I leucogranites show the most fractionated LREE-enrichment patterns (with La_N/Yb_N and La_N/Sm_N ratios of 30.1–75.0 and 2.3–3.9, respectively). Group II leucogranites have moderately fractionated LREE-enrichment patterns (with La_N/Yb_N and La_N/Sm_N ratios of 13.1–26.5 and 0.8–1.9, respectively). Group III leucogranites are characterized by obviously low total REE contents and flat REE patterns with significant positive Eu anomalies, probably due to small degrees of partial melting. All these leucogranites were likely formed by partial melting of sedimentary rocks from a marginal basin at the Yangtze side of the orogen, beneath a major thrust fault during the obduction of the ophiolite onto the continental crust. They are broadly similar to obduction-related granites within ophiolites identified in many places worldwide. Identification of the ca. 880 Ma obduction-type granites in the NE Jiangxi ophiolite provides a petrological constraint on the timing of the ophiolite obduction onto the continental crust. In combination with the termination of the Shuangxiwu arc magmatism at ca. 890 Ma, we interpret that the close of the Neoproterozoic back-arc basin and the termination of the continental amalgamation between the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks occurred at ca. 880 Ma.     

Late Mesozoic collisional granitoids of the upper Amur area: New geochemical data

Geochemical and isotopic data were used for a comparative analysis of Late Mesozoic (150–120 Ma) granitoids in various geological structures of the upper Amur area. The granitoids are metaluminous high-potassic I-type rocks of the magnetite series. They have variable alkalinity and consist of the monzonite-granite and granosyenite-granite associations. The monzonite-granite association consists of calc-alkaline granitoids of normal alkalinity belonging to the Umlekan-Ogodzhinskaya volcanic-plutonic zone and the Tynda-Bakaran Complex of the Stanovoy terrane. The rocks are characterized by negative anomalies of U, Ta, Nd, Hf, and Ti (in patterns normalized to the primitive mantle), with Eu anomalies pronounced weakly in the granodiorites and quartz and monzodiorites and more clearly in the granites: Eu/Eu* = 0.37–0.95, and (La/Yb)_n = 7–24, Tb_n/Yb_n = 1.4–3.2. The granosyenite-granite association comprises of moderately alkaline rocks, which are subdivided into three groups according to their geochemistry. The first group consists of phase-I granosyenites of the Uskalinskii Massif of the Umlekan-Ogodzhinskaya zone with the highest concentrations of Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Cs, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Yb, and Th; negative anomalies at Ba, Ta, Sr, and Hf; Eu/Eu* = 0.50–0.58, (La/Yb)_n = 15–16, and Tb_n/Yb_n = 1.8. The second group comprises of moderately alkaline granitoids of the Umlekan-Ogodzhinskaya zone and the Khaiktinskii Complex of the Baikal-Vitim superterrane. Geochemically, the granitoids of this group are generally similar to the monzodiorite-granite association and differ from it in having lower concentrations of REE and Y, Eu/Eu* = 6.2–1.0, (La/Yb)_n = 28–63, and Tb_n/Yb_n = 2.1–4.5. The third group consists of granitoids of the Chubachinskii Complex of the Stanovoi terrane, which typically show negative Cs, Rb, Th, U, Ta, Hf, and Ti anomalies; the lowest concentrations of V, Cr, Co, and Ni; and the highest contents of Sr. The granosyenites of the first phase display clearly pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.53–0.68), (La/Yb)_n = 7–24, and Tb_n/Yb_n = 0.8–2.0. The granitoids of the second phase have (La/Yb)_n = 51–84, no Eu anomalies, or very weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.97–1.23). The silica-oversaturated leucogranites of the third phase are characterized by elevated concentrations of REE, clearly pronounced Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.48), and flat REE patterns (Tb_n/Yb_n = 1.3). The diversity of the granitoids is demonstrated to have been caused largely by the composition of the Precambrian source, which was isotopically heterogeneous. The rocks of the monzodiorite-granite association and first-group granosyenites of the granosyenite-granite association of the Tynda-Bakaran Complex were supposedly derived from garnet-bearing biotite amphibolites. In contrast to these rocks, the source of the second-group granites of the granosyenite-granite association was of mixed amphibolite-metagraywacke composition. The third-group of granitoids were melted out of Early Proterozoic crustal feldspar-rich granulites of variable basicity, with minor amounts of Archean crustal material. The granitoids were emplaced in a collisional environment, perhaps, during the collision of the Amur superterrane and Siberian craton. This makes it possible to consider these rocks as components of a single continental volcanic-plutonic belt. Original Russian Text ? V.E. Strikha, 2006, published in Geokhimiya, 2006, No. 8, pp. 855–872.     

Controls of fluid chemistry and complexation on rare-earth element contents of anhydrite from the Pacmanus subseafloor hydrothermal system,Manus Basin,Papua New Guinea

Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) leg 193 successfully drilled four deep holes (126 to 386 m) into basement underlying the active dacite-hosted Pacmanus hydrothermal field in the eastern Manus Basin. Anhydrite is abundant in the drill core material, filling veins and vesicles, cementing breccias, and occasionally replacing igneous material. We report rare-earth element (REE) contents of anhydrite from a site of diffuse venting (Site 1188) which show extreme variability, in terms of both absolute concentrations (e.g., 0.08–28.3 ppm Nd) and pattern shape (La_N/Sm_N=0.08–3.78, Sm_N/Yb_N=0.48–23.1, Eu/Eu*=0.59–6.1). The range of REE patterns in anhydrite includes enrichments in the middle and heavy REEs and variable Eu anomalies. The patterns differ markedly from those of anhydrite recovered during ODP Leg 158 from the TAG hydrothermal system at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge which display uniform LREE-enriched patterns with positive Eu anomalies, very similar to TAG vent fluid patterns. As the system is active, the host-rock composition is uniform, and the anhydrite veins appear to relate to the same hydrothermal stage, we can rule out predominant host-rock and transport control. Instead, we propose that the variation in REE content reflects waxing and waning input of magmatic volatiles (HF, SO₂) and variable complexation of REEs in the fluids. REE speciation calculations suggest that increased fluoride and possibly sulfate concentrations at Pacmanus may affect REE complexation in fluids, whereas at TAG only chloride and hydroxide complexes play a significant role. The majority of the anhydrites do not show positive Eu anomalies, suggesting that the fluids were more oxidizing than in typical mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems. We use other hydrothermal fluids from the Manus Basin (Vienna Woods and Desmos), which bracket the Pacmanus fluids in terms of acidity and ligand concentrations, to examine the dependence of REE complexation on fluid composition. Geochemical modeling reveals that under the prevailing conditions at Pacmanus (pH~3.5, T=250–300 °C), Eu oxidation state and the relative importance of fluoride versus chloride complexing are very sensitive to small variations in oxygen fugacity, temperature, and pH. Patterns with extreme mid-REE enrichment may reflect speciation effects (free-ion abundance) coupled with crystal chemical control. We conclude that the great variability in REE concentrations and pattern shape is likely due to variable fluid composition and REE complexation in the fluids. Editorial handling: L. Meinert     

Rare earth element mobility at constant inter-REE ratios in the alteration zone at the Phelps Dodge massive sulphide deposit,Matagami, Quebec

Rare earth elements (REE) from La to Ho were mobile and enriched in hydrothermally altered rocks below the Archean Phelps Dodge Cu-Zn volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit in northwestern Quebec. Largest net enrichment was in the moderately altered quartz-chlorite zone where La concentration increased six-fold and La_NYb_N steepened from 1.9 to 13.0; the intensely altered chloritite zone had both minor net REE enrichment and depletion. Yb and Lu were immobile throughout both zones. The mobile REE were added and subtracted in constant chondrite-normalized inter-REE proportions: 1.0 La, 0.79 Ce, 0.57 Nd, 0.49 Sm, 0.01 Eu, 0.10 Tb and 0.02 Hb. Small additions of Eu relative to generally larger additions of LREE and Tb produced enhanced negative Eu-anomalies. The REE were mobilized at the hot (>300 C) core of the alteration system and deposited at the cooler periphery. Other sites of intense alteration and water/rock interaction display similar REE changes, indicating that selective REE enrichment at constant inter-REE ratios is a widespread phenomenon.     

Significance of quartz REE geochemistry, Shihu gold deposit, western Hebei Province, North China, using LA-ICP-MS

Rare earth element (REE) geochemistry on monomineral has been widely used in various fields of geosciences to reveal the origin of ore-forming materials and fluid. Quartz are ubiquitous mineral in the Shihu gold deposit that is situated in central shear zone of mesocenozoic Fuping metamorphic core complex in the middle-northern part of Taihang Mountains. Gold-bearing quartz veins are their most important industrial orebodies. Rare earth element abundances in quartz from the Shihu gold mine, as determined by laser ablation-indutively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis, are shown to be sensitive to identify barren quartz and mineralized quartz. Amounts of REE concentrations in barren quartz and mineralized quartz are 97 × 10⁻⁹ and 85 × 10⁻⁹, respectively. The average (La/Yb)_N and (La/Sm)_N ratios for the barren quartz are 0.25 and 0.13, and the ratios for mineralized quartz are 0.28 and 0.19, respectively. There is a pronounced positive correlation between (La/Yb)_N and (La/Sm)_N ratios. There is no obvious correlation between REE characteristics and sampling sites. The mineralized quartz show the most pronounced negative Ce anomalies, whereas weak negative Ce anomalies are typical of barren quartz vein. A negative Eu anomaly becomes more significant in mineralized quartz than barren quartz. δCe have a broadly positive correlation with δEu. Y/Ho ratio of barren quartz and mineralized quartz are ranging from 2.14–28.75, and from 1.28–9.92, respectively. The REE characteristics of quartz indicate that the ore-forming fluids of the gold deposit were derived from the deep fluid and its formation was dually controlled by Precambrian metamorphic basement and Mesozoic granitoids. The results significantly enhance the usefulness of quartz in tracing the sources of ore-forming fluid to discuss the genesis of the gold deposit, and as an indicator mineral in mineral exploration in Taihang mountain region.     

Evolution and REE geochemistry of Huangsha-Tieshanlong ore-bearing granite

Our studies show that the granite bodies (γ ₅ ^{2 − 1} and γ ₅ ³ ) which constitute the Huangsha-Tieshanlong composite granitic intrusion in Jiangxi are characterized by their similarities in mineral assemblage, petrochemistry, trace element and REE distribution pattern. The values of ΣREE, ΣLREE, ΣHREE, ΣCe/ΣY, δEu and La/Yb apparently decrease from γ ₅ ^{2 − 1a} to γ ₅ ^{2 − 1b} , γ ₅ ³ and γ ₅ ³ . It is shown that the early Yenshanian W(Ta, Nb)-bearing granite (γ ₅ ^{2 − 1} ) and late Yenshanian Ta, Nb-bearing granite (γ ₅ ³ ) may have been derived from the differentiation and evolution of granitic magmas due to repeated remelting of the crust and their earlier and later intrusion. Although the earlier (γ ₅ ^{2 − 1b} and later (γ ₅ ³ ) albitized Ta, Nb-bearing granites show some obvious differences in REE content, their δEu values and La/Yb ratios are similar to each other. Therefore, it may be concluded that the early and late Ta, Nb-bearing granites were derived from a congenetic magma.