Petrology, structure and tectonic significance of the Tuclame banded schists in the Sierras Pampeanas of Córdoba and its relationship with the metamorphic basement of northwestern Argentina

In the northwest of the Sierras Pampeanas of Córdoba (Central Argentina), in the Tuclame area, rocks called ‘banded schists’ are recognized. They are known since 120 years ago and are one of the most important lithologies of the metamorphic complex in this region. The compositional banding is the most conspicuous structural mesoscopic feature, composed of quartz-rich and mica-rich layers. It is a tectonic banding produced by pressure solution during a compressive event. P–T conditions of 557 ± 25 °C and 3.9 ± 1 kb were obtained for the main metamorphic event. A detailed field checking allowed recognition of the banded schists as decimetric or centimetric xenoliths isolated within the regional migmatites and the anatectic granitoids and as kilometric-scale belts within Sierras de Córdoba and San Luis. The authors have also identified banded schists in the Sierras de Aconquija, Ambato, Ancasti and Guasayán. Other workers recognized them in the Puna, Cumbres Calchaquíes, Sierras de Quilmes and Fiambalá, among the most well known outcrops. The banded schists have systematic petrological features and a distinctive mesoscopic structure that allow their identification and correlation with the other outcrops, which are arranged as a huge belt 2000 km long and 150 km wide, between 64°00′–66°30′W and 25°00′–41°34′S. In this work, all these rocks are proposed to be integrated into the Puncoviscana Basin, since field evidence indicated that the banded schists transitionally pass by transposition to phyllitic rocks typical of this metamorphosed basin, which would cover a region of about 300,000 km². At present, there is no accurate geochronology available for the metamorphic and deformation events proposed in this work for the Tuclame banded schists. However, considering the regional geological evidence, the great spread of the petrostructural process forming these rocks, the transition between the Puncoviscana Formation and the banded schists, and the earlier idea that the Puncoviscana Formation is the shallowest equivalent of deeper structural levels in the Sierras Pampeanas, we favor for the moment the hypothesis that the banded schists could be part of the oldest evolution of the Pampean orogeny (early Pampean stage) and could represent different structural levels of the same orogen, probably a late Precambrian–early Palaeozoic orogen. The events of migmatization and emplacement of anatectic granitoids could represent a late Pampean stage of early Palaeozoic age. Thus, the Pampean orogeny could have lasted around 30–40 Ma (570–530 Ma).     

Rock relationships in the Mogok metamorphic belt, Tatkon to Mandalay, central Myanmar

The Mogok metamorphic belt (MMB), over 1450 km long and up to 40 km wide, consists of regionally metamorphosed rocks including kyanite and sillimanite schists and granites lying along the Western margin of the Shan Plateau in central Myanmar and continuing northwards to the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. Exposures in quarries allow correlation of Palaeozoic meta-sedimentary, early Mesozoic meta-igneous and late Mesozoic intrusive rocks within a 230 km long northerly-trending segment of the MMB, from Tatkon to Kyanigan north of Mandalay, and with the Mogok gemstone district 100 km to the northeast. Relationships among the metamorphic and intrusive rocks, with sparse published radiometric age controls, indicate at least two metamorphic events, one before and one after the intrusion of Late Jurassic to early Cretaceous calc-alkaline rocks. These relationships can be explained by either of two possible tectonic histories. One, constrained by correlation of mid-Permian limestones across Myanmar, requires early Permian and early Jurassic regional metamorphic events, prior to an early Tertiary metamorphism, in the western part of but within a Shan-Thai – western Myanmar block. The second, not compatible with a single laterally continuous Permian limestone, requires pre-Upper Jurassic regional metamorphism and orogenic gold mineralization in the Mergui Group and western Myanmar, early Cretaceous collision of an east-facing Mergui-western Myanmar island arc with the Shan Plateau, and early Tertiary metamorphism in the MMB related to reversal in tectonic polarity following the arc-Plateau collision.     

New data on carbonatites of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex,the southern Urals,Russia

Carbonatites that are hosted in metamorphosed ultramafic massifs in the roof of miaskite intrusions of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex are considered. Carbonatites have been revealed in the Buldym, Khaldikha, Spirikha, and Kagan massifs. The geological setting, structure of carbonatite bodies, distribution of accessory rare-metal mineralization, typomorphism of rock-forming minerals, geochemistry, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions are discussed. Dolomite-calcite carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks contain tetraferriphlogopite, richterite, accessory zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and pyrochlore. According to geothermometric data and the composition of rock-forming minerals, the dolomite-calcite carbonatites were formed under K-feldspar-calcite, albite-calcite, and amphibole-dolomite-calcite facies conditions at 575–300°C. The Buldym pyrochlore deposit is related to carbonatites of these facies. In addition, dolomite carbonatites with accessory Nb and REE mineralization (monazite, aeschynite, allanite, REE-pyrochlore, and columbite) are hosted in ultramafic massifs. The dolomite carbonatites were formed under chlorite-sericite-ankerite facies conditions at 300–200°C. The Spirikha REE deposit is related to dolomite carbonatite and alkaline metasomatic rocks. It has been established that carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks are characterized by high Sr, Ba, and LREE contents and variable Nb, Zr, Ti, V, and Th contents similar to the geochemical attributes of calcio-and magnesiocarbonatites. The low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7044?0.7045 and εNd ranging from 0.65 to ?3.3 testify to their derivation from a deep mantle source of EM₁ type.     

Postorogenic carbonatites at Eden Lake, Trans-Hudson Orogen (northern Manitoba, Canada): Geological setting, mineralogy and geochemistry

The Eden Lake pluton in the Trans-Hudson Orogen is the first known occurrence of carbonatites in Manitoba. The pluton is largely made up of modally and geochemically diverse syenitic rocks derived from postorogenic magma(s) of shoshonitic affinity. Their diversity can be accounted for by a combination of crystal fractionation and fluid release in the final evolutionary stage (crystallization of quartz alkali-feldspar syenite). At Eden Lake, carbonatites, represented predominantly by coarse-grained massive to foliated sövite, occur as branching veins and lenticular bodies up to 4 m in thickness showing crosscutting relations with respect to all of the syenitic units. The host rocks are intensely fenitized at the contact, and there is also abundant mineralogical and textural evidence for assimilation of silicate material by carbonatitic magma through wallrock reaction and xenolith fragmentation and digestion. The bulk of the carbonatites are composed of (in order of crystallization): Sr–REE-rich fluorapatite, aegirine–augite, and coarse calcite crystals surrounded by fine-grained calcite (on average,  90 vol.% of the rock). Noteworthy accessory constituents are celestine, bastnäsite-(Ce) (both as primary inclusions in calcite), Nb–Zr–rich titanite, low-Hf zircon, allanite-(Ce) and andradite. The calcite is chemically uniform (Sr-rich, Mg–Mn–Fe-poor and low in ¹³C), but shows clear evidence of ductile deformation and syndeformational cataclasis. Geochemically, the carbonatites are enriched in Sr, Ba, light rare-earth elements, Th and U, but depleted in high-field-strength elements (particularly, Ti, Nb and Ta). The stable-isotope composition of coarse- and fine-grained calcite from the carbonatites and interstitial calcite from syenites is remarkably uniform: ca. − 8.16 ± 0.27‰ δ¹³C (PDB) and + 8.04 ± 0.19‰ δ¹⁸O (SMOW). The available textural and geochemical evidence indicates that the Eden Lake carbonatites are not consanguineous with the associated syenites and may have been derived from a Nb–Ti-retentive and ¹³C-depleted source such as the subducted crustal material underlying the Eden Lake deformation corridor.     

Geochemical and isotopic investigation of the Laiwu–Zibo carbonatites from western Shandong Province, China, and implications for their petrogenesis and enriched mantle source

Major and trace element and Nd–Sr isotope data of the Mesozoic Laiwu–Zibo carbonatites (LZCs) from western Shandong Province, China, provide clues to the petrogenesis and the nature of their mantle source. The Laiwu–Zibo carbonatites can be petrologically classified as calcio-, magnesio- and ferro-carbonatites. All these carbonatites show a similarity in geochemistry. On the one hand, they are extremely enriched in Ba, Sr and LREE and markedly low in K, Rb and Ti, which are similar to those global carbonatites, on the other hand, they have extremely high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7095–0.7106) and very low _Nd (−18.2 to −14.3), a character completely different from those global carbonatites. The small variations in Sr and Nd isotopic ratios suggest that crustal contamination can not modify the primary isotopic compositions of LZC magmas and those values are representatives of their mantle source. The Nd–Sr isotopic compositions of LZCs and their similarity to those of Mesozoic Fangcheng basalts imply that they derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle. The formation of such enriched lithospheric mantle is connected with the major collision between the North China Craton (NCC) and the Yangtze Craton. Crustal materials from the Yangtze Craton were subducted beneath the NCC and melts derived from the subducted crust of the Yangtze Craton produced an enriched Mesozoic mantle, which is the source for the LZCs and Fangcheng basalts. The absence of alkaline silicate rocks, which are usually associated with carbonatites suggest that the LZCs originated from the mantle by directly partial melting.     

碳酸岩与铂族元素地球化学

碳酸岩（carbonatite）被视为一种研究大陆地幔地球化学的“探针岩石”,通过对这类岩石的研究,在探讨地幔组成与演化、地幔交代作用与不均一性以及岩浆形成的动力学背景、岩浆来源及演化和有关矿产的成矿作用等方面,具有重要的理论意义和实际价值。铂族元素（Platinum—group elements,简称PGE）在研究核-幔分异、地幔组成与演化以及幔源岩石（主要为基性-超基性岩）形成的大地构造背景、岩浆起源及演化,以及探讨K／T界线与陨石撞击事件等方面具有重要意义。本文在概述国内外碳酸岩和PGE地球化学研究现状的基础上,结合地质事实和地球化学研究成果,认为碳酸岩熔体具有一定携带PGE的能力,可利用PGE地球化学来探讨碳酸岩的源区特征和岩浆形成与演化过程;同时指出,碳酸岩PGE地球化学研究过程中还存在许多悬而未决的科学问题。     

Geochemistry and age of the complex of alkaline metasomatic rocks and carbonatites of the Gremyakha-Vyrmes massif, Kola Peninsula

This paper presents new geochemical data on the complex of alkaline metasomatic rocks and carbonatites, which hosts the rare-metal mineralization of the Gremyakha-Vyrmes massif. The contents of major and trace, including rare-earth elements were determined in the albitites, aegirinites, and carbonatites. Two types of the rare-metal ores are distinguished: niobium albitite and zirconium aegirinite ores. It was shown that the albitites and aegirinites have similar trace element distribution patterns, being most geochemically close to the foidolites. The carbonatites, albitites, and aegirinites were dated by Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd methods at 1887 ± 58 Ma, which corresponds to the formation age of the Gremyakha-Vyrmes massif. The ultrabasic rocks, foidolites, alkaline metasomatic rocks, and carbonatites were formed successively within a relatively narrow range. The geological observations and geochemical data led us to conclude that the emplacement of the fluid-saturated carbonatite solutions-melts at the final stages of the massif formation against a background of fault tectonics caused a pervasive metasomatism of the ultrabasic and alkaline rock complexes and, as a result, the formation of the alkaline albitites and aegirinites. The carbonatites could be sources of rare-metals, while foidolites served as a geochemical barrier, and their metasomatic alteration led to the formation of Zr-Nb mineralization in the albitites and aegirinites.     

Early Cretaceous Sung Valley ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite complex, Shillong Plateau, Northeastern India: petrological and genetic significance

Summary The Shillong Plateau of northeastern India hosts four Early Cretaceous (105–107Ma) ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite complexes (UACC), which have been associated with the Kerguelen plume igneous activity. Petrological and geochemical characteristics of one of these UACC, the Sung Valley, are presented. The Sung Valley UACC was emplaced in to the Proterozoic Shillong Group of rocks and consists of ultramafics (serpentinized peridotite, pyroxenite, and melilitolite), alkaline rocks (ijolite and nepheline syenite), and carbonatites. Serpentinized peridotite, pyroxenite, and ijolitic rocks form the major part of the complex, the others constitute less than 5% of the total volume. Ijolite and melilitolite intrude peridotite and pyroxenite, while nepheline syenite and carbonatite intrude the ultramafic rocks as well as ijolite. Mineralogically, the carbonatites are classified as calcite carbonatite with minor apatite, phlogopite, pyrochlore and ilmenite. The serpentinized peridotites are wehrlitic. Chemical compositions of the silicate rocks do not show a distinct co-genetic relationship amongst them, nor do they show any geochemical relationships with the carbonatites. No noticeable fractionation trend is observed on the chemical variation diagrams of these rocks. It is difficult to establish the genetic evolution of the Sung Valley UACC through fractional crystallization of nephelinitic magma or through immiscible liquids. On the basis of petrological and geochemical data and previously published isotopic results from these rocks, it is suggested that they have been derived from a primary carbonate magma generated by the low-degree melting of a metasomatized mantle peridotite.     

Mountain building across a lithospheric boundary during arc construction: The Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges batholith in the Sierra San Pedro Martir of Baja California, Mexico

The Jura-Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges batholith (PRB) of Southern and Baja California contains a remarkable example of variation in crustal composition and structure across a batholith-parallel lithospheric-scale discontinuity. This lithospheric boundary between western oceanic-floored and eastern continental-floored crust influenced contractional deformation, arc magmatism, and differential exhumation of western and eastern zones in the batholith during its evolution.In the Sierra San Pedro Martir of Baja California, Mexico, a ca. 20 km wide, doubly vergent fan structure occurs across the PRB basement transition that consists of inward-dipping mylonite thrust sheets on the sides of the fan that gradually transition to a steeply-dipping tectonized zone in the center. A dramatic inverted metamorphic gradient occurs on the western side of this structure where mid-crustal amphibolite metamorphic grade rocks with peak pressures of 5–6 kbar in the center of the fan were thrust over upper-crustal sub-greenschist grade rocks (peak pressures < 2 kbar) in the western zone footwall. An inverted but smaller gradient occurs on the eastern side of the structure where rocks of the fan interior have been thrust eastwards over amphibolite to upper greenschist grade rocks (peak pressures 4–5 kbar).Gradients in cooling ages determined by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar biotite and K-feldspar and apatite fission track methods coupled with U–Pb zircon ages and Al in hornblende thermobarometry studies on plutons across this zone indicate that structures focused along the transition zone between contrasting lithosphere in the PRB accommodated nearly 15 km of the differential exhumation of western and eastern basement in the orogen. The western zone of the batholith was a major forearc depo-center for thick clastic sequences derived from the uplifting eastern PRB and remained at low average elevation during the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene. In contrast the eastern zone experienced dramatic uplift subsequent to achieving a crustal thickness in excess of 55 km by mid-Cretaceous time. This region had the isostatic potential for 4–5 km surface elevations, and likely formed a topographically high orogenic plateau. Exhumation of the fan structure initiated after 100 Ma and was largely complete by 85 Ma. Eastward-migrating unroofing of the rest of the eastern PRB continued into the Paleogene.A variety of factors were responsible for exhumation in this region. Structural thickening of the eastern zone of the orogen resulted from more than 30 million years of episodic contractional deformation in the fan structure, much of which followed island arc accretion of the western zone along this segment of the batholith. An episode of voluminous magmatism involving the intrusion of the 99–92 Ma La Posta-type magmatic suite across the eastern zone of the PRB triggered exhumation in the fan structure. Denudation in this region appears to have been solely by erosion; no evidence has been found for extensional tectonics during this time. This arc orogen demonstrates the important influence of inherited tectonic boundaries in controlling the spatial distribution of structural thickening and magmatism. It also displays the complex interrelationships among structural thickening, exhumation, and the role of magmatism in triggering exhumation episodes within orogens.     

Depths to density discontinuities beneath the Adamawa Plateau region, Central Africa, from spectral analyses of new and existing gravity data

New gravity data from the Adamawa Uplift region of Cameroon have been integrated with existing gravity data from central and western Africa to examine variations in crustal structure throughout the region. The new data reveal steep northeast-trending gradients in the Bouguer gravity anomalies that coincide with the Sanaga Fault Zone and the Foumban Shear Zone, both part of the Central African Shear Zone lying between the Adamawa Plateau and the Congo Craton. Four major density discontinuities in the lithosphere have been determined within the lithosphere beneath the Adamawa Uplift in central Cameroon using spectral analysis of gravity data: (1) 7–13 km; (2) 19–25 km; (3) 30–37 km; and (4) 75–149 km. The deepest density discontinuities determined at 75–149 km depth range agree with the presence of an anomalous low velocity upper mantle structure at these depths deduced from earlier teleseismic delay time studies and gravity forward modelling. The 30–37 km depths agree with the Moho depth of 33 km obtained from a seismic refraction experiment in the region. The intermediate depth of 20 km obtained within region D may correspond to shallower Moho depth beneath parts of the Benue and Yola Rifts where seismic refraction data indicate a crustal thickness of 23 km. The 19–20 km depths and 8–12 km depths estimated in boxes encompassing the Adamawa Plateau and Cameroon Volcanic Line may may correspond to mid-crustal density contrasts associated with volcanic intrusions, as these depths are less than depths of 25 and 13 km, respectively, in the stable Congo Craton to the south.     

Lead isotope constraints on the genesis of Pb–Zn deposits in the Neoproterozoic Vazante Group, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Neoproterozoic Vazante Group at the western border of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, hosts the largest Zn–Pb district in South America. Several authors have classified this mineral district as Mississippi Valley-type (MVT), based on the intimate association with carbonates and the epigenetic character of most ore bodies. In this paper, we present 47 new lead isotope data from four deposits located along the 300 km N–S Vazante–Paracatu–Unai linear trend. Pb isotope ratios indicate sources with relatively high U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Considering the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios as indicative parameters for the source, we suggest an upper crustal source for the metals. The small variation on the Pb isotope ratios compared to those observed in the classical MVT deposits, and other geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotopic data indicates a metallogenic event of long duration. It was characterized by focused circulation of hydrothermal fluids carrying metals from the basement rocks and from the sedimentary pile. The data obtained are more compatible with an evolution model similar to that of IRISH-type deposits. The existence of three Pb isotopic populations could be the result of regional differences in composition of the source rocks and in the fluid–rock interaction since the mineralization is a long-term process.     

Micas from the Khaluta carbonatite deposit,western Transbaikal region

The Khaluta carbonatite deposit located in the western Transbaikal region was formed during the Late Mesozoic rifting in the southern framework of the Siberian Craton. Carbonatite is associated with shonkinite and syenite and is accompanied by fenitization. The composition of mica in more than 160 samples of country rocks, carbonatites, silicate rocks, and fenites was studied. The Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ contents, as well as oxygen isotopic composition, were determined. The Mg and Fe contents increase, whereas the Ti and Al contents decrease in micas when passing from silicate rocks and fenites to carbonatites. Micas from carbonatites are depleted in Al, enriched in Fe³⁺, and distinguished by high Si and F contents. According to our calculations, in some cases Al replaces Si in the tetrahedral site instead of replacement of Fe³⁺ as is characteristic of tetraferriphlogopite. Formally, the mica from carbonatites falls within the tetraferriphlogopite field, but typical inverse pleochroism is not always observable. The δ¹⁸O values of micas from carbonatite, shonkinite, syenite, and fenite are similar to those of mantle-derived silicate minerals. The δ¹⁸O values in the minerals coexisting with phlogopite testify to their isotopic equilibrium and make it possible to calculate the crystallization temperature of carbonatite.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Organic Matter from Maikop Rocks of Eastern Azerbaijan

Based on investigation of more than 170 samples taken from natural outcrops of the Maikop Formation (Oligocene–Lower Miocene) in eastern Azerbaijan, the genetic hydrocarbon potential and the organic matter (OM) maturity of these rocks were estimated. In the study region, sedimentary rocks of this formation were deposited under reductive or weakly oxidative conditions. Possessing a relatively high (1.9%, on the average) content of organic matter of a mixed (continental–marine) OM, these rocks are able to generate both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons under favorable conditions. Contributions of both the continental and marine components to the total organic carbon (TOC) varied in time and space. The upper and lower subformations of the Maikop Formation differ in the qualitative and quantitative compositions of OM. Oligocene rocks have a relatively lower OM content and are characterized by better oil-generating properties, as compared to lower Miocene rocks.     

Upper and middle crustal deformation of an arc–arc collision across Hokkaido, Japan, inferred from seismic refraction/wide-angle reflection experiments

The Hidaka Collision Zone (HCZ), central Hokkaido, Japan, is a good target for studies of crustal evolution and deformation processes associated with an arc–arc collision. The collision of the Kuril Arc (KA) with the Northeast Japan Arc (NJA), which started in the middle Miocene, is considered to be a controlling factor for the formation of the Hidaka Mountains, the westward obduction of middle/lower crustal rocks of the KA (the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt (HMB)) and the development of the foreland fold-and-thrust belt on the NJA side. The “Hokkaido Transect” project undertaken from 1998 to 2000 was a multidisciplinary effort intended to reveal structural heterogeneity across this collision zone by integrated geophysical/geological research including seismic refraction/reflection surveys and earthquake observations. An E–W trending 227 km-long refraction/wide-angle reflection profile found a complicated structural variation from the KA to the NJA across the HCZ. In the east of the HCZ, the hinterland region is covered with 4–4.5 km thick highly undulated Neogene sedimentary layers, beneath which two eastward dipping reflectors were imaged in a depth range of 10–25 km, probably representing the layer boundaries of the obducting middle/lower crust of the KA. The HMB crops out on the westward extension of these reflectors with relatively high Vp (>6.0 km/s) and Vp/Vs (>1.80) consistent with middle/lower crustal rocks. Beneath these reflectors, more flat and westward dipping reflector sequences are situated at the 25–27 km depth, forming a wedge-like geometry. This distribution pattern indicates that the KA crust has been delaminated into more than two segments under our profile. In the western part of the transect, the structure of the fold-and-thrust belt is characterized by a very thick (5–8 km) sedimentary package with a velocity of 2.5–4.8 km/s. This package exhibits one or two velocity reversals in Paleogene sedimentary layers, probably formed by imbrication associated with the collision process. From the horizontal distribution of these velocity reversals and other geophysical/geological data, the rate of crustal shortening in this area is estimated to be greater than 3–4 mm/year, which corresponds to 40–50% of the total convergence rate between the NJA and the Eurasian Plate. This means that the fold-and-thrust belt west of the HCZ is absorbing a large amount of crustal deformation associated with plate interaction across Hokkaido Island.     

Metallogeny of gold in relation to the evolution of the Nubian Shield in Egypt

Gold mineralization in the Eastern Desert of Egypt is confined, almost completely, to the basement rocks of the Nubian Shield that was cratonized during the Panafrican orogeny.Island-arc, orogenic and post-orogenic stages are indicated for the tectonic-magmatic evolution of the Nubian Shield in Late Proterozoic times. Different styles of gold mineralization recognised in the Eastern Desert are inferred to have developed during these stages.In the island-arc stage, which is characterized by volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks in an ensimatic environment, gold mineralization is hosted in stratiform to strata-bound Algoma-type BIF and associated tuffaceous sedimentary rocks. Both types represent exhalative deposits, formed during breaks in sub-marine basaltic and bastalic–andesite volcanic eruptions. The volcanic rocks have a tholeiitic affinity and reflect an immature arc stage. Gold hosted in massive-sulphide deposits within calc-alkaline rhyolites represents another style of gold mineralization connected with mature island arc stage.During the orogenic-stage, ophiolites and island arc volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks were thrust onto the Pre-Panafrican continental margin. Subduction was active beneath the continent while the thrusting was still operative. A phase of calc-alkaline magmatic activity developed during this stage and the compressional deformation event was synchronous with regional metamorphism (greenschist–amphibolite facies). Extensional shear fractures (brittle–ductile shear zones) were broadly contemporaneous with the intense compressional tectonic regime. These fractures opened spaces in which the mineralizing fluids penetrated.Gold mineralization associated with the orogenic-stage is represented by vein-type mineralization that constituted the main target for gold since Pharaonic times. Other styles of gold mineralization during this stage are represented by altered ophiolitic serpentinites (listwaenites), Gold mineralization associated with intrusion related deposits (possibly porphyry copper deposits), as well as, auriferous quartz veins at the contacts of younger gabbros and G-2 granites.The post-orogenic stage is characterized by the dominance of intra-plate magmatism. Small amounts of the element in disseminations, stockworks and quartz veins of Sn–W–Ta–Nb mineralization represent gold mineralization connected with this stage.The link between these tectonic–magmatic stages and gold mineralization can be used as a criterion at any exploration strategy for new targets of gold mineralization in Egypt.     

Molecular genetic markers and maturity indices in intermontane lacustrine facies: Kishenehn formation, Montana

Molecular markers have considerable promise as thermal maturation indicators in source rocks having a well-defined depositional environment. This occurs in the Kishenehn Formation (northwest Montana and southeast British Columbia), an Oligocene unit comprised of fluvial and lacustrine shales. Up to 3 km of these non-marine sediments were deposited in a 900 sq.km elongated half graben atop the Precambrian rocks of the Lewis Thrust sheet. Specific outcrops of the Coal Creek Member of the Kishenehn Formation are known to contain excellent potential source rocks, including extensive oil shales. The source rock potential and molecular marker geochemistry of most of the major Kishenehn outcrops have now been investigated, and regional results are presented in this paper.source rock analysis of a regional suite of Kishenehn samples indicates excellent petroleum potential (immature Type I kerogen) throughout the basin. Several classes of distinctive diagenetic molecular markers occur within the Coal Creek Member of the Kishenehn Formation, including diasterenes, spirosterenes, methylspirosterenes, B-ring monoaromatic anthrasteroids, ββ-hopanes and moretanes. Molecular markers indicative of non-marine deposition include dehydroabietane (conifer input) and an onocerane recently identified in leaf fossils of Miocene lacustrine beds in adjacent Idaho. Triterpane ratios are significantly more sensitive than vitrinite reflectance methods in assessing thermal maturation in the Kishenehn, and are successfully used in this study to order outcrop locations according to thermal maturity level. The systematic variation of specific markers with increasing thermal maturation suggests that molecular correlation is feasible, and could provide a method of assessing stratigraphic continuity in the basin.     

Detrital footprint of the Mozambique ocean: U–Pb SHRIMP and Pb evaporation zircon geochronology of metasedimentary gneisses in eastern Madagascar

The southern East African Orogen is a collisional belt where the identification of major suture zones has proved elusive. In this study, we apply U–Pb isotopic techniques to date detrital zircons from a key part of the East African Orogen, analyse their possible source region and discuss how this information can help in unravelling the orogen.U–Pb sensitive high-mass resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) and Pb evaporation analyses of detrital zircons from metasedimentary rocks in eastern Madagascar reveal that: (1) the protoliths of many of these rocks were deposited between 800 and 550 Ma; and (2) these rocks are sourced from regions with rocks that date back to over 3400 Ma, with dominant age populations of 3200–3000, 2650, 2500 and 800–700 Ma.The Dharwar Craton of southern India is a potential source region for these sediments, as here rocks date back to over 3400 Ma and include abundant gneissic rocks with protoliths older than 3000 Ma, sedimentary rocks deposited at 3000–2600 Ma and granitoids that crystallised at 2513–2552 Ma. The 800–700 Ma zircons could potentially be sourced from elsewhere in India or from the Antananarivo Block of central Madagascar in the latter stages of closure of the Mozambique Ocean. The region of East Africa adjacent to Madagascar in Gondwana reconstructions (the Tanzania craton) is rejected as a potential source as there are no known rocks here older than 3000 Ma, and no detrital grains in our samples sourced from Mesoproterozoic and early Neoproterozoic rocks that are common throughout central east Africa. In contrast, coeval sediments 200 km west, in the Itremo sheet of central Madagascar, have detrital zircon age profiles consistent with a central East African source, suggesting that two late Neoproterozoic provenance fronts pass through east Madagascar at approximately the position of the Betsimisaraka suture. These observations support an interpretation that the Betsimisaraka suture separates rocks that were derived from different locations within, or at the margins of, the Mozambique Ocean basin and therefore, that the suture is the site of subduction of a strand of Mozambique Ocean crust.     

Chalcophile elements in western Canadian coals

Concentrations of chalcophile elements (As, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn) in western Canadian coals were determined using INAA and AAS. The concentrations of these elements in western Canadian coals are within the range for most world coals. However, there are some high values for coals from outcrops and from areas which are not currently being mined.Arsenic content in the majority of western Canadian coals, particularly those currently being mined, is low (0.2–3 ppm). However, there are coals with high arsenic content; for example, lignites from Hat Creek A zone contain between 4.0 and 14.0 ppm As. In some samples from Comox and Suquash, the As concentration is as high as 240 ppm and 1400 ppm, respectively. The enrichment of As in high arsenic coals is related to the geology and nature of country rocks associated with the coal seams. The concentration of other elements for most western Canadian coals, particularly those being mined, are within the range for most world coals. In these coals, the concentration ranges (in ppm) of chalcophile elements are 0.3-3.6 for Sb, 0.8-4.6 for Co, 7–35 for Cu, <0.1 for Hg, 2–6 for Mo, 4–94 for Ni, 6–22 for Pb, 2–7 for Se and 7–110 for Zn.     

Ore-Clastic Olistostromes, Ore Clasts, and Allochthonous Antimony–Mercury Deposits in the Alay Range, Southern Tien Shan

Based on the detailed study of outcrops, two generations of ore clasts were recognized in clastic haloes around allochthonous antimony–mercury deposits: (1) early generation composed of in situ fragments of older autochthonous deposits (ore clasts) and (2) late generation of fragments related to the destruction of ore-bearing allochthons and found as exotic inclusions in flysch and olistostromes. Ore clasts reside in the terrigenous (pre-flysch) sequence that makes up the upper part of terrigenous–carbonate nappes and olistoplaques in the lower flysch–olistostrome sequence. Thus, they belong to allochthonous units. The terrigenous sequence differs from the younger flysch sediments by a relatively small thickness, predominantly clayey composition, and absence of rhythmic bedding and large erratic blocks. It is also characterized by the synsedimentary volcanic activity with the eruption of intermediate and acid igneous rocks, silicification, and ore mineralization in the lower part of the sequence, the maximal mineralization being confined to the boundary with underlying limestones. Relative to the terrigenous sequence the flysch–olistostrome sequence, which hosts ore-bearing allochthons, is distinguished by the primary attitude, greater abundance of ore clasts, and higher extent of ore disintegration. Some genetic features of autochthonous and allochtonous jasperoid deposits are considered. Their differences in age, host environment, formation depth, vertical extent of ore deposition, and zoning are also outlined.     

The distribution of Hg, Ba, Cu and Zn in the vicinity of cupriferous sulfide deposits, Troodos complex, Cyprus

A geochemical rock- and soil-sampling program was carried out in the vicinity of eight concealed “Cyprus type” deposits, occurring in marginal mafic to intermediate metapillow lavas of the Troodos Ophiolite Complex. The mineralization of massive and stockwork sulfide ore is characterized by the predominance of pyrite, intergrown with less chalcopyrite and minor amounts of sphalerite.Background values of Hg are in the range of 8–12 ppb for soils and 3–6 ppb for surface rocks. Anomaly/background ratios of 10:1 (soils) and 5:1 (rocks) have been found only, where Hg migrated along channels formed by faults cutting shallow-seated mineralization. Here, Hg sometimes shows significant correlations with Cu, Zn, Ba and exceptionally with Co. However in one case an Hg anomaly in soils and surface rocks was detected directly over a deposit. The use of Hg as indicator element for these types of deposits is therefore limited. Buried mineralization may be delineated more distinctly by Cu, Zn and Ba.