On the kinematics of zircon growth and its petrogenetic significance: a cathodoluminescence study

The relative growth rates of zircon crystal faces are recorded by growth zoning, which is recognizable in cathodoluminescence photographs of oriented crystal sections. The kinematics of zircon growth is graphically presented by the slopes of Grabahnen between crystal sectors. The relative velocities of advance of crystal faces correlate to the pattern of growth zoning. Widely spaced zoning, interrupted by surfaces of dissolution, on the one hand, and narrowly spaced uninterrupted oscillatory zoning, on the other hand, are interpreted as markers of low and high zircon-supersaturation of the melt, respectively. The following model is deduced from this correlation. The prism {110} is that crystal form, the growth rate of which reacts most sensitively to the zircon-supersaturation of the melt. The growthrate of the steep pyramid {211} is not primarily controlled by zircon-supersaturation. Instead, the growth of {211} is delayed by the adsorption of foreign atoms on its faces. The kinematics of zircon growth in anatectic, plutonic and meta-rhyolitic host rocks in the pre-Mesozoic basement of the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps) is explained by this model. Results show that the kinematics of zircon growth carry a much greater petrogenetic significance than has been previously suggested for the final shape of crystals alone.     

锆石形态标型特征及标型生长机制探讨

本文在系统总结归纳不同研究者对锆石形态标型特征的研究成果基础上，重点从晶体生长、晶体化学和地球化学理论为重点探讨了锆石形态标型特征的生长机制。研究表明：锆石晶体结构中不同的面网方向，其平面内的原子组成、比例、化学键联结和键力以及面网间距和密度都是有差别的，由此决定了锆石晶体在不同的结晶介质条件下，不同面网的生长速度发生改变，生成相应的晶形。例如，尽管碱性元素并不进入锆石晶格，但它们可以影响Ｚｒ、Ｓｉ、Ｏ离子的扩散速度，但是富钾和富钠的介质对锆石晶形发育的影响是有差别的，表现为：在富钾的介质中，将导致柱面的法向生长速度较锥面快得多，而锥面中，｛１１１｝的法向生长又较｛３１１｝快，由此决定了形成以｛３１１｝锥为主的双锥状晶体；在富钠的介质中，柱面和锥面都有一定程度的发育，但前者弱于后者，而柱面中，｛１００｝的法向生长较｛１１０｝慢，由此决定了形成以｛１００｝柱和｛１１１｝锥为主的短柱锥状晶体。根据类似方法，论证了其它形态标型特征的客观性，从而揭示了标型之间的内在联系和本质，展示了花岗岩研究中锆石形态标型特征应用推广的前景，也可为单颗粒锆石定年研究提供更多的分析应用价值     

Theoretical growth morphology of whewellite CaC2O4·H2O

The morphological theory of Hartman and Perdok (1955, 1956) allows to deduce the character of a growth form {hkl} on the basis of structural data alone. Its application to the structure of whewellite leads to the identification of forms {100}, {010}, {021}, {011}, {12 \(\bar 1\) } and {121} which show during the growth a flat surface profile (flat forms F). These forms occur very frequently in the crystals we grew from pure aqueous solutions at supersaturation β≦1,90. Other forms, {001} and {10 \(\bar 1\) }, possibly show a double character (F or S, where S stays for related faces showing a stepped profile during the growth) according to the bonds assumed within some periodic bond chains (PBCs). Alternative ways of bonding water molecules lead to different structures of the same PBC. The different energy corresponding to these structures may explain the complex morphology of both natural and synthetic crystals grown at high β values.     

Crystallogenesis of zircon in alkaline granites and specifics of zircon U-Pb dating: A case study of the Khangai magmatic area

Data obtained on the Khangai zonal magmatic areole in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt indicate that accessory zircons in alkaline granitoids have crystallogenetic characteristics that generally reflect specifics of the evolution of the parental alkaline magmas. The late differentiation of these magmas was characterized by an increase in the concentrations of trace and rare-earth elements, water, and fluorine in the residual melts and aqueous salt-bearing fluids. Their action was associated with local transformations of the zircon, first and foremost, with local enrichment of zircon crystals in fluid inclusions and in crystalline inclusions of sulfides an other ore minerals. This disturbed the Pb isotopic composition of the zircon, for example, led to its enrichment in common (admixture) Pb and thus caused significant errors and uncertainties in the U-Pb zircon dates. Our recently obtained data indicate that one of the most efficient methods of preparing accessory zircons enriched in common Pb to their U-Pb dating is their preparatory treatment with acids (Makeev, 1981; Mattinson, 1994, 1997, 2005). The application of this technique makes it possible to rid the zircons of phases enriched in common Pb and usually to obtain reliable geochronologic data. The method of preparatory acid treatment of zircons is thus best suitable for geochronologic studies of granitoids of elevated alkalinity.     

Genetic classification of magmatic rocks from the Alvand plutonic complex,Hamedan, western Iran,based on zircon crystal morphology

The Alvand plutonic complex consists of gabbroic and felsic rocks, the latter can be divided into (1) porphyritic, fine-grained and mylonitic granites and (2) leucocratic granitoids. We investigated the external zircon morphology and their internal structures from all major granitoids of the pluton employing the classic Pupin method supplemented by electron microscope analyses. Zircons of gabbroic rocks are free of visible cores or inclusions and are commonly characterized by {1 0 1} pyramids and {1 0 0} prisms and show mainly zircon types P₅ and D typical for mantel-derived rocks. The zircon population from the porphyritic granite is characterized by the predominance of the pyramidal {2 1 1} and prism {1 1 0} forms and mainly composed of the subtypes S₁, S₂, S₆ and S₇ typical for peraluminous granites of crustal origin. Melt inclusions, recrystallization patches and low-CL intensity rims are typical features in these grains. Zircons from the fine-grained granites are characterized by the predominance of the pyramidal {2 1 1} and the prism face {1 1 0} and by a preponderance of the subtypes S₃, S₄, S₇ and especially S₁₂ and occasionally S₂, L₂, L₃ and L₄, typical for aluminous monzogranites and granodiorites of crustal origin. Some grains have pre-magmatic inherited domains with overgrow rims. The mylonitized granites contain zircons with {1 0 1} pyramids and {1 1 0} prisms and include subtypes G₁, P₁, P₂, S₅ whereas P₃, S₄, L₅ are rarely present, typical for I-type granites. Metamictization, radial cracks and partial overgrowths are prevalent in these zircons. Zircons from the leucocratic granitoids have well-developed magmatic oscillatory zonation and pre-magmatic zircon cores. They are characterized by {1 0 1} pyramids and {1 1 0} prisms and are mainly composed of subtypes L₅, S₅, S₁₀ and rarely P₁, P₂, S₂, S₃, S₄, S₇, G₁ typical for hybrid calc-alkaline granites.     

锆石柱面中Hf、Y的配位差异性及其对晶型的控制效应

天然锆石的形态并不简单地依照PBC理论发育,它同时受到生长温度 、熔体扩散系数等物理参数的影响,以及置换Zr的杂质离子的种类和浓度等化学因素的制约 ,即杂质离子选择性地置换Zr而降低晶面的生长速度。通过对{100}和{110}柱面的半定量分 析发现,Hf4+、Y3+离子同O2-离子的成键数目在{100}与{110}生长层 上是不同的,且Hf-O的键强比Zr-O的大,而Y-O的键强比Zr-O的小。如果假定晶体与岩浆熔体并未达到真正的平衡,而是各晶面与岩浆熔体分别达到平衡,按热力学中浓度与能量变化的指数律去处理Hf和Y在{100}与{110}晶面上的配分可以得到,{100}晶面上趋于富Hf贫 Y,{110}晶面上趋于富Y贫Hf,从而导致富Hf的锆石上{100}优先发育,富Y的锆石上{110}优 先发育。     

云南澜沧老厂花岗斑岩中锆石标型特征及地质意义

运用Pupin的锆石标型研究方法,通过对锆石晶形的鉴定和统计来探讨云南省澜沧老厂花岗斑岩的成因信息。研究表明,本区花岗斑岩中的锆石有20种亚型,主要由{110}、{100}柱面和{101}、{211}锥面构成,其中柱面以{110}最为发育,锥面{101}和{211}都发育,但{101}较{211}更为发育;T.E.T曲线比较短,且主要分布在演化趋势图的右上角,表明锆石主要在低温过碱环境中形成,结晶速度较快,结晶温度范围750～600℃。锆石的结晶标型显示,本区隐伏花岗斑岩是以壳源为主的壳幔源混合成因的花岗斑岩。     

黄铁矿成因形态学

在1981—1986年野外工作的基础上,作者对胶东三县四个金矿床黄铁矿晶体形态进行了系统研究,对其中2495粒晶体进行了统计,对300粒晶体进行了测角,对60粒晶体进行了微形貌观察。根据以上实际工作及国内外有关资料提出了黄铁矿晶休常见单形出现频率的定量资料与晶体微形貌的特点,特别是{210}面上负条纹的特征与成因探讨。并讨论了黄铁矿晶体形态与分带性,与形成温度,与主、微量成分,与共生组合及与矿化等的关系。查明黄铁矿形态及其晶面微形貌的发育与硫逸度、温度、冷却速度等密切相关。在以上基础上提出了胶东四个金矿床中蚀变岩型金矿及石英脉型金矿两种成因类型黄铁矿形态特征上的五点差异。最后对黄铁矿研究方法要点进行了总结。     

Sector-zoned augite megacrysts in Aleutian high alumina basalts: implications for the conditions of basalt crystallization and the generation of calc-alkaline series magmas

Several high alumina basalts from the Aleutian volcanic centers of Cold Bay and Kanaga Island contain large (up to 1.5 cm diameter) megacrysts of sector-zoned augite. The megacrysts are invariably euhedral with well developed {001}, {010} and {111} forms. All crystals display concentric bands that are rich in mineral and glass inclusions. The sector zonation typically occurs as well developed (010), (100), (111) and (110) sectors which grew at different rates. A comparison of the width of synchronous growth bands indicates that following relative growth rates: (111) ≫ (100) ∼ (110) > (010). Compositionally, SiO₂ and MgO abundances decrease, and TiO₂, Al₂O₃, FeO and Na₂O abundances increase in the different sectors in the order (111), (100) ∼ (110), (010). This order is identical to that deduced for the relative growth rates, implying that growth rate clearly had a role in the development of the sector zonation. Calculated pre-eruption H₂O contents of the basalts range from 1 to 3 wt% but actual (measured) post-eruption H₂O contents range from 0.01 to 0.3 wt%. Deteurium isotopic values are heavily depleted and range from −110 to −141‰ . Together these indicate significant vapor (H₂O) exsolution prior to eruption. Maximum H₂O abundances in primitive glass inclusions, thought to be most representative of the host liquid reservoir at the time of melt entrapment, systematically decrease from the core to the rim of one augite megacryst studied in detail. We conclude that the presence of sector-zoned augite is due to augite supersaturation and rapid crystallization brought about by magma decompression and volatile (H₂O) exsolution. The calculated pre-eruption H₂O contents of 1–3 wt% limit vapor exsolution and basalt crystallization to depths of less than 3 and more likely 1.5 km. Very rapid crystallization at very shallow depths makes it unlikely that the time scales between initial crystallization and final eruption are sufficient to permit appreciable amounts of fractional crystallization. Given that high alumina basalt fractionation is the dominant process for generating more evolved andesite, dacite and rhyolite magmas of the calc-alkaline suite, the inability of parental high alumina basalt to yield such derivative magmas in the low pressure environment places the likely site of fractionation in the high pressure environment, at or near the base of the crust. Received: 1 December 1997 / Accepted: 23 December 1998     

Petrochemistry, Chronology and Tectonic Setting of Strong Peraluminous Anatectic Granitoids in Yunkai Orogenic Belt, Western Guangdong Province, China

INTRODUCTIONA suite of strongly deformed and metamor-phosed banded-augen (rapakivi) anatectic granitoids(charnockite) can be found at Dongzhen, Sihe ,Heshui and Baishi in Xinyi County , Changpo ,Gaozhou, Yunlu and Huanglingin Gaozhou County ,western Guangdong Province and Liuma , Tiantang-shan mountain in Luchuan County , and easternGuangxi in the Yunkai orogenic belt . Research onthe genesis and chronology of the granitoids has beenconducted by Mo et al . (1980) and Lin et al .(1…     

Influence of lysozyme on the precipitation of calcium carbonate: a kinetic and morphologic study

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the interactions between proteins and mineral surfaces, among them a combination of electrostatic, stereochemical interactions and molecular recognition between the protein and the crystal surface. To identify the mechanisms of interaction in the lysozyme-calcium carbonate model system, the effect of this protein on the precipitation kinetics and morphology of calcite crystals was examined. The solution chemistry and morphology of the solid were monitored over time in a set of time-series free-drift experiments in which CaCO₃ was precipitated from solution in a closed system at 25°C and 1 atm total pressure, in the presence and absence of lysozyme. The precipitation of calcite was preceded by the precipitation of a metastable phase that later dissolved and gave rise to calcite as the sole phase. With increasing lysozyme concentration, the nucleation of both the metastable phase and calcite occurred at lower Ω_calcite, indicating that lysozyme favored the nucleation of both phases. Calcite growth rate was not affected by the presence of lysozyme, at least at protein concentrations ranging from 0 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.Lysozyme modified the habit of calcite crystals. The degree of habit modification changed with protein concentration. At lower concentrations of lysozyme, the typical rhombohedral habit of calcite crystals was modified by the expression of {110} faces, which resulted from the preferential adsorption of protein on these faces. With increasing lysozyme concentration, the growth of {110}, {100}, and finally {001} faces was sequentially inhibited. This adsorption sequence may be explained by an electrostatic interaction between lysozyme and calcite, in which the inhibition of the growth of {110}, {100}, and {001} faces could be explained by a combined effect of the density of carbonate groups in the calcite face and the specific orientation (perpendicular) of these carbonate groups with respect to the calcite surface. Overgrowth of calcite in the presence of lysozyme demonstrated that the protein favored and controlled the nucleation on the calcite substrate. Overgrowth crystals nucleated epitaxially in lines which run diagonal to rhombohedral {104} faces.     

江西漂塘钨矿床中黄玉的晶体形态特征

晶体形态是描述矿物最直观的数据。本文对江西漂塘钨矿床中的５个黄玉晶体进行了晶体测量、投影、计算和实际晶体的立体图绘制，并对其形态特征进行了分析和总结。     

滇西宝兴厂喜山期复式岩体锆石标型特征及成因意义

文章运用Pupin的锆石群型研究方法,对滇西宝兴厂喜马拉雅期复式岩体中锆石的鉴定和统计,研究表明,本区复式岩体中的锆石有18种亚型,主要由{100}、{110}柱面和{111}、{311}锥面组成,其中柱面以{100}特优发育,锥面以{111}最为发育;众所周知,温度、酸性、碱性程度等对晶形的发育影响很大,本次研究锆石结晶速度较快,结晶温度较低,且在偏碱性的环境下形成的。锆石的结晶标型显示本区复式岩体是以壳源为主的壳幔混合成因的花岗岩,具有富水、富碱、富含成矿物质的特征,成为有利成矿的岩浆系统。     

Sodian stellerite from Capo Pula,Sardegna

The sodian stellerite (a zeolite) occurs as lustrous white or slightly pink, easily cleavable lamellae, filling cavities and fractures in an acid lava (andesite or rhyolite) in the cliff below S. Efisio Tower, near Capo Pula, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy. The principal forms present are {010}, {011}, {111}. Single crystal photographs show an orthorhombic symmetry and Ammm (or Ammm) space group. An indexed X-ray diffraction powder pattern is provided. Unit cell dimensions, chemical formula, density, optical properties and thermal behaviour are given.     

Morphology and growth trends of accessory zircons from various granitoids of the South-western Bohemian Massif (Moldanubicum,Austria)

As the main objective of the present study, the morphological development of accessory zircons from four granitoids (pearl gneiss, fine-grained granite, coarse-grained gneiss, and Weinsberg granite) of the South-western Bohemian Massif was described in detail. On the one hand, this was realized by the classical approach, including a statistical evaluation of external zircon morphologies with the typology scheme. On the other hand, direct insight into the growth of single crystals was established by the production of crystal sections parallel and perpendicular to the crystallographic c-axis and by their subsequent imaging with the electron microprobe. Regarding the second method, eventual morphological trends were represented as a function of the growth rates of single crystal forms. Except for the coarse-grained gneiss, zircon crystals of the investigated granitoids show similar morphological trends according to both methods, starting with a dominant {1 0 0} prism and equally sized pyramids. Final crystal habit, however, is marked by the predominance of {1 1 0} and {2 1 1}. Zircon crystals from the coarse-grained gneiss run through a completely different development with a change of the prism habit from {1 1 0} to {1 0 0} and a more or less static growth of {1 0 1} with only slight modifications in size. Comparison of the results with data from the literature underlines the role of magma chemistry, magma temperature, and cooling rate as the main factors responsible for growth trends of accessory zircon.     

西昆仑慕士塔格-公格尔印支期侵入岩岩石与锆石地球化学特征及研究意义

西昆仑造山带南侧的麻扎-康西瓦缝合带,是古特提斯洋闭合的位置。慕士塔格-公格尔作为昆仑山的主峰,紧邻该缝合带的东北侧分布,主要岩性为花岗闪长岩和黑云母二长花岗岩。作者系统研究了两种岩性的地球化学及年代学特征,探讨了岩石成因,反演了古特提斯洋的构造演化历史。岩体岩浆锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb测年结果显示,花岗闪长岩和黑云母二长花岗岩的成岩年龄分别为(213.0±0.5)~(215.4±0.9)Ma和(220.6±0.5)~(222.1±0.4)Ma,是晚三叠世岩浆活动的产物。两种岩性均为高硅(w(SiO2)65%)、富碱(w(K2O+Na2O)6%)、钙碱性-高钾钙碱性、准铝质(A/CNK1),富集大离子亲石元素(LILE)和轻稀土元素(LREE),亏损高场强元素(HFSE)和重稀土(HREE)。微量元素组成特征、低锆石饱和温度及高分异指数显示慕士塔格-公格尔花岗岩体为高分异I型花岗岩。岩体锆石的εHf(t)值变化范围较小,为-4.46~-0.17,指示岩浆以壳源为主。综合研究表明,慕士塔格-公格尔花岗岩体可能是同碰撞造山环境下,老的下地壳受地幔热源影响部分熔融,形成的长英质壳源岩浆侵入地壳内部而冷却结晶形成。     

Permian–Jurassic Mahanadi and Pranhita–Godavari Rifts of Gondwana India: Provenance from regional paleoslope and U–Pb/Hf analysis of detrital zircons

The Permian–Jurassic Mahanadi and Pranhita–Godavari Rifts are part of a drainage system that radiated from the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains in central Antarctica. From 12 samples we analysed detrital zircons for U–Pb ages, Hf-isotopes, and trace elements to determine the age, rock type and source of the host magma, and T_DM model age. Clusters, in decreasing order of abundance, are (1) 820–1000 Ma, host magmas felsic granitoids with alkaline rock, (2) 1500–1700 Ma felsic granitoids, (3) 500 to 700 Ma mafic granitoids with alkaline rock, (4) 2400–2550 Ma granitoids, and (5) 1000–1200 Ma felsic and mafic granitoids, mafic rock, and alkaline rock. T_DM ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 Ga. Joint paleoslope measurements and zircon ages indicate that the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) and lateral belts and conjugate Antarctica are potential provenances. Zircons from the Gondwana Rifts differ from those in other Gondwanaland sandstones in their predominant 820–1000 Ma and 1500–1700 Ma ages (from the EGMB and conjugate Rayner–MacRobertson Belt) that dilute the 500–700 Ma (Pan-Gondwanaland) ages. The 1000–1200 Ma zircons reflect the assembly of Rodinia, the 500–700 Ma ones that of Gondwanaland; the other ages reflect collisions in the region.     

Tectonic and magmatic evolution of the eastern Karakoram,India

Abstract

The Shyok suture zone separates the Ladakh terrane to the SW from the Karakoram terrane to the NE. Six tectonic units have been distinguished. From south to north these are; 1. Saltoro formation; 2. Shyok volcanites; 3. Saltoro molasse; 4. Ophiolitic melange; 5. Tirit granitoids; 6. Karakoram terrane including the Karakoram batholith. Albian—Aptian Orbitolina-bearing lime-stones and turbidites of the Saltoro formation tectonically overlie high-Mg-tholeiites similar to the tectonically overlying Shyok volcanites. The high-Mg tholeiitic basalts and calcalkaline andesites of the Shyok volcanites show an active margin signature. The Saltoro molasse is an apron-like, moderately folded association of redgreen shales and sandstones that are interbedded with ~ 50 m porphyritic andesite. Desiccation cracks and rain-drop imprints indicate deposition in a subaerial fluvial environment. Rudist fragments from a polygenic conglomerate of the Saltoro molasse document a post-Middle Cretaceous age. The calcalkaline andesites of the Shyok volcanites are intruded by the Tirit granitoids, which are located immediately south of the Ophiolitic melange and belong to a weakly deformed trondhjemite-tonalite-granodiorite-granite suite. These granitoids are subalkaline, I-type and were emplaced in a volcanic arc setting. The subalkaline to calcalkaline granitoids of the Karakoram batholith are I-and S-type granitoid. The I-type granitoids represent a typical calcalkaline magmatism of a subduction zone environment whereas the S-type granitoids are crustderived, anatectic peraluminous granites. New data suggest that the volcano-plutonic and sedimentary successions of the Shyok suture zone exposed in northern Ladakh are equivalent to the successions exposed along the Northern suture in Kohistan. It is likely that the o istan and Ladakh blocks evolved as one single tectonic domain uring the Cretaceous-Palaeogene. Subsequently, collision, suturing and accretion of the Indian plate along the Indus suture (50–60 Ma) together with tectonic activity along the Nanga Parbataramosh divided Kohistan and Ladakh into two arealy distinct magmatic arc terranes. The activity and a dextral offset along the Karakoram fault (Holocene-Recent) disrupted the original tectonic relationships. © 1999 Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS     

Early Carboniferous (Viséan) emplacement of the collisional Kłodzko–Złoty Stok granitoids (Sudetes, SW Poland): constraints from geochemical data and zircon U–Pb ages

Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical data of igneous rocks from the composite K?odzko–Z?oty Stok (KZS) Granite Pluton, Sudetic Block, indicate that the granitoids represent an Early Carboniferous Viséan phase of Variscan metaluminous, high-K, I-type, syn-collisional granite magmatism within the Saxothuringian Zone of the Central European Variscides. Igneous zircon records hypabyssal magmatism that produced various granitoids and lamprophyre (spessartite) emplaced from ca. 340 to 331 Ma. The KZS granitoids have compositions ranging from granodiorite to monzonite, low A/CNK ratios (<1), and are associated with abundant mafic members. Most of them are alkaline, highly potassic, and moderately evolved. The major and trace element contents of the KZS granitoids suggest geochemical heterogeneity, and the hybrid nature of magmas derived from a range of sources in the middle crust, with a strong input of material from the upper mantle. Mixing of magmas of mantle origin with high-K material from partly melted continental crust was probably a more important factor than fractional crystallization, in controlling the evolution of the magmas. The mean Pb–U ages of the main population of igneous zircon from a quartz monzodiorite (?elazno) and hornblende monzonite (Droszków) are 340.2 ± 2.5 Ma and 339.5 ± 3.1 Ma, respectively. A slightly younger biotite-hornblende granodiorite from Chwalis?aw, 336.7 ± 2.5 Ma, was cut by a spessartite dyke at 333.1 ± 3.1 Ma. This indicates that mafic magmas were immediately intruded into fractured, probably incompletely solidified, granodiorites. The lamprophyric dyke also contains igneous zircon of Neoproterozoic age, 566.3 ± 6.4 Ma, typical of the crust in the Saxothuringian Zone. Tonalite from Ptasznik Hill near Droszków is of similar age to the spessartite, 331.5 ± 2.6 Ma. High REE contents in the tonalite and its igneous zircon indicate advanced differentiation of granitic magma, producing a more leucocratic melt associated with post-magmatic activity including abundant late crosscutting pegmatites and quartz veins, and contact metasomatic mineralization. The KZS granitoids have rather similar petrographic and geochemical characteristics to granitoids from other parts of the Central European Variscides, where a thickened orogenic root caused a substantial rise in crustal temperatures, producing granitoid magmas closely correlated with regional tectonic activity between the Saxothuringian and Brunovistulia Terranes at the NE margin of the Bohemian Massif.     

Petrological and geochronological constraints on the origin of the Palimé–Amlamé granitoids (South Togo, West Africa): A segment of the West African Craton Paleoproterozoic margin reactivated during the Pan-African collision

The Palimé–Amlamé Pluton (PAP) in southern Togo, consists of silica-rich to intermediate granitoids including enclaves of mafic igneous rocks and of gneisses. They are commonly called the “anatectic complex of Palimé–Amlamé” and without any convincing data, they were interpreted either as synkinematic Pan-African granitoids or as reworked pre Pan-African plutons. New field and petrological observations, mineral and whole-rock chemical analyses together with U–Pb zircon dating, have been performed to evaluate the geodynamic significance of the PAP within the Pan-African orogenic belt. With regard to these new data, the granitoids and related enclaves probably result from mixing and mingling processes between mafic and silicic magmas from respectively mantle and lower crust sources. They display Mg–calc-alkaline chemical features and present some similarities with Late Archaean granites such as transitional (K-rich) TTGs and sanukitoids.

The 2127 ± 2 Ma age obtained from a precise U/Pb concordia on zircon, points out a Paleoproterozoic age for the magma crystallization and a lower intercept at 625 ± 29 Ma interpreted as rejuvenation during Pan-African tectonics and metamorphism. Based on these results, a Pan-African syn to late orogenic setting for the PAP, i.e. the so-called “anatectic complex of Palimé–Amlamé”, can be definitively ruled out. Moreover according to its location within the nappe pile and its relationships with the suture zone, the PAP probably represents a fragment of the West African Craton reactivated during the Pan-African collision.