西藏罗布莎铁族元素金属互化物矿物及其成因探讨

对西藏罗布莎铬铁矿中的铁族元素金属及金属互化物矿物进行了X射线衍射测定,结果显示其归属于镍纹石、自然铁、钴铁矿及铁镍矿4种矿物。它们与超高压矿物方铁矿、铂族元素矿物等连生,形成于深部的高还原环境,矿物的化学成分与地核十分相近,故认为它们可能来自于地幔及地核。     

大吉山钨矿中钨铌锰矿与富钨铌锰矿的交生现象及其成因探讨

文章对大吉山钨锰矿矿石进行了电子探针分析 ,发现了一种主要元素为Nb、Ta、Fe、Mn、W的复杂氧化物矿物———钨铌锰矿。这种矿物与富钨铌锰矿交生 ,在成分上与后者呈渐变过渡。证实在自然界中黑钨矿与铌钽铁矿之间可能存在着广泛的W_Nb(Ta)类质同像置换现象。通过对其成分、形态和共生关系的研究 ,结合大吉山钨矿的形成期次 ,联系矿体与区域内两期花岗岩的内在关系 ,对大吉山钨矿的成因机制进行了探讨     

Zn-rich högbomite formed from gahnite in the metabauxites of the Menderes Massif,SW Turkey

Gahnite, ZnAl₂O₄, present as an accessory mineral in regionally metamorphosed low-grade diasporites, has reacted in adjacent higher-grade, corundum-bearing metabauxite equivalents (emeries) to form Zn-rich högbomite, (Zn,Fe²⁺,Mg,Ni)_t-2x (Ti,Sn)_xAl₂O₄, of the 4H polytype. Commonly, the initial högbomite crystals grew epitactically along the octahedral faces of gahnite, which was subsequently dissolved, so that högbomite now forms spectacularly intergrown sets of eight crystals in perfect crystallographic orientation to each other. This indicates a metamorphic reaction, probably involving a fluid, transporting mainly the elements Zn and Al. Reactant Ti minerals in the diasporites were rutile and titanian hematite (10–15 mol% FeTiO₃). In the emeries högbomite coexists with still more Ti-rich hematites containing between 26 and 37 mol% FeTiO₃. The overall reaction relations involving partial reduction may be subdivided into the intial univariant reaction, gahnite+diaspore+Ti-hematite+rutile=högbomite+H₂O+O₂. This was followed, in the absence of gahnite, by compositional readjustments of högbomite and Ti-hematite and the appearance of magnetite. Core to rim zoning profiles indicate that, with continued growth, the högbomite crystals became poorer in Zn and Ti, but richer in Fe²⁺, while the Ti-contents of coexisting hematite increased. Högbomite formation at the expense of gahnite started at temperatures as low as about 400° C for an estimated pressure of 5–6 kbar.     

拉拉IOCG矿床萤石的微量元素地球化学特征及其指示意义

康滇地区元古宙拉拉IOCG矿床中有与铜、钼矿化密切相关的萤石产出,其中,变质期有萤石(I)和萤石(II)2个世代萤石产出,前者与鳞片状辉钼矿共生,后者与条带状辉钼矿共生;热液期萤石(III)呈脉状穿插含变质期萤石的矿石;萤石的微量元素记录了成矿流体来源方面的重要信息。通过ICP-MS方法分析矿床中2期萤石样品的微量元素组成,运用微量元素含量、比值及蛛网图探讨微量元素特征、成矿流体来源及性质。结果表明:变质期萤石中各微量元素含量有一定的变化范围,热液期中各微量元素含量比较稳定,元素在萤石中的含量主要由元素在原始流体中的含量及元素本身性质所决定。结论认为:1变质期萤石(I)和萤石(II)为同源流体不同阶段演化产物,成矿流体来自于围岩,为具有高F-,Cu,Mo和Y含量的低p H值海水相流体,活动范围有限,没有发生大规模流动或迁移;2热液期萤石(III)与变质期萤石不同源,成矿流体由大气降水或地下水渗透淋滤围岩形成,为具有低F-含量的高p H值大陆淡水相流体,可能发生较远距离的渗入性流体流动或迁移。     

Früher Kalzitzement in skandinavischen Orthocerenkalken: Beziehungen zum Glaukonit

Interrelations between glauconite and calcite cement are added to different indicators of preservation of early diagenetic phenomena in Lower Ordovician limestones of Sweden. The interrelations briefly discussed are, 1. glauconite postdating calcite cement in an early fracture filling, 2. glauconite postdating and coeval with calcite cement in the central cavity of sponge spicules, 3. glauconite intergrown with calcite single crystals, 4. calcite cement grown pari passu with shrinkage of glauconite grains, 5. relics of (resedimented?) calcite cement enclosed in glauconitic hardground crusts, 6. calcite cement enclosed in slumped massive glauconitite.     

Crystallization environment of Kazakhstan microdiamond: evidence from nanometric inclusions and mineral associations

Nanometric solid inclusions in diamond incorporated in garnet and zircon from felsic gneiss of the Kokchetav massif, Kazakhstan, have been examined utilizing electron microscopy and focused ion beam techniques. Host garnet and zircon contain numerous pockets of multiple inclusions, which consist of 1–3 diamond crystals intergrown with quartz, phengite, phlogopite, albite, K‐feldspar, rutile, apatite, titanite, biotite, chlorite and graphite in various combinations. Recalculation of the average chemical composition of the entrapped fluid represented by multiple inclusion pockets indicates that such fluid contained a low wt% of SiO₂, suggesting a relatively low‐temperature fluid rather than a melt. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the diamond contains abundant nanocrystalline inclusions of oxides, rare carbonates and silicates. Within the 15 diamond crystals studied, abundant inclusions were found of SiO₂, TiO₂, Fe_xO_y, Cr₂O₃, ZrSiO₄, and single grains of Th_xO_y, BaSO₄, MgCO₃, FeCr₂O₄ and a stoichiometric Fe‐rich pyroxene. The diversity of trace elements within inclusions of essentially the same stoichiometry suggests that the Kokchetav diamond crystallized from a fluid containing variable amounts of Si, Fe, Ti, Cr, Zr, Ba, Mg and Th and other minor components such as K, Na, P, S, Pb, Zn, Nb, Al, Ca, Cl. Most of the components in crystals included in diamond appear to have their origin in the subducted metasediments, but some of them probably originate from the mantle. It is concluded that Kokchetav diamond most likely crystallized from a COH‐rich multicomponent supercritical fluid at a relatively low temperature (hence the apparently low content of rock‐forming elements), and that the diversity of major and minor components suggests interactions between subducted metasediments and mantle components.     

Morphological evolution of gold nuggets in proximal sedimentary environments,southern New Zealand

A rare collection of centimetre-scale proximal gold nuggets has been examined in the context of the Late Pleistocene to Holocene eluvial and colluvial sediments in which they occur, in a range of environments from arid temperate to periglacial. Liberation of supergene nuggets from their basement source in fault zones occurred progressively by physical erosion as the host basement rocks were uplifted between middle Miocene and Holocene. The host sediments are made up of poorly sorted angular greenschist facies schist debris. Some nuggets were recycled through several generations of these colluvial deposits, and additional nuggets were liberated to younger sediments during this time. The nuggets did not migrate laterally more than a few tens of metres during this repeated recycling, and were passively elevated vertically with the rising basement on to the crest and slopes of a 1600 m high mountain range. The most recently liberated nuggets retain almost all the morphological features of their supergene origin, including coarse (cm scale) crystal shapes, delicate crystalline internal structure, and imprints of oxidised pyrite crystals. Minor transport in colluvium has caused some abrasion and rounding of gold crystals. Repeated recycling progressively obscured the crystal shapes, although relict crystals are still recognisable on parts of most nuggets. Differential timing of liberation from basement has resulted in a wide range of rounding effects in groups of closely-coexisting nuggets. Variably crystalline gold overgrowths (micron scale) coat abraded surfaces of all or part of most nuggets, commonly intergrown with authigenic smectite clay minerals. These overgrowths developed from alkaline groundwater (pH 7–9) that had undergone extensive chemical interaction with labile minerals in the host colluvium. Abrasion during recycling removed some of the overgrowths, but this was replaced in the new sedimentary hosts. Physical and chemical processes affecting nuggets in these sediments have similarly affected eluvial and colluvial nuggets in a wide range of settings around the world, including Yukon (Canada), California (USA) and arid parts of Australia.     

Structural controls and timing of fault-hosted manganese at Woodie Woodie,East Pilbara,Western Australia

High-grade fault-hosted manganese deposits at the Woodie Woodie Mine, East Pilbara, are predominantly hydrothermal in origin with a late supergene overprint. The dominant manganese minerals are pyrolusite, braunite, and cryptomelane. The ore bodies are located on, or near the unconformities between the Neoarchean Carawine Dolomite and the Paleoproterozoic Pinjian Chert breccia (weathering product of Carawine Dolomite), and sedimentary units of the overlying ca 1300–1100 Ma Manganese Group. Stratabound manganese is typically located above or adjacent to steep fault-hosted manganese. The ore bodies range in size from 0.2 to 5.5 Mt with an average of 0.5 Mt. Historically, over 35 Mt of manganese has been mined at Woodie Woodie, and current ore resources are 29.94 Mt at 39.94% Mn, 6.96% Fe (resource and reserves statement, June 2011, Consolidated Minerals Pty Ltd).Manganese mineralization at Woodie Woodie is related to northwest–southeast directed extension and basin formation during the Mesoproterozoic. Basin architecture is generally well preserved and major manganese occurrences are localised along growth faults which down-throw the Pinjian Chert Breccia into local extensional basins. Manganese ore bodies are typically located on steep 2nd and 3rd order structures that extend off the major growth faults. Mineralized structures display a dominant northeast-trend reflecting the direction of maximum dilation during northwest–southeast extension.A paragenetic sequence is identified for the manganese ore at Woodie Woodie, with early hydrothermal braunite–pyrolusite–cryptomelane–todorokite–hausmannite, overprinted by late supergene oxides. Preliminary fluid inclusion studies in quartz crystals intergrown with pyrolusite and cryptomelane indicate that primary and pseudosecondary inclusions display a range of salinities from 1 to 18 eq. wt.% NaCl and trapping temperatures estimated to be from 220º to 290º at 1 kbar pressure.A lead–manganese oxide (coronadite) is common in manganese ores at Woodie Woodie, and Pb-isotope studies of 40 lead-rich ore samples from 16 pits indicate mineralization occurred within an age range of 955–1100 Ma. A mixed source is suggested for the lead, but was predominantly basalts and/or volcanogenic sedimentary units (e.g., Jeerinah Formation) of the ca 2700 Ma Fortescue Group. The typically high Mn:Fe ratios and enrichment in elements such as Pb, As, Cu, Mo, Zn are consistent with a dominantly hydrothermal origin for the manganese at Woodie Woodie. Supergene manganese is distinguished from hypogene manganese by a marked enrichment in REE in the supergene manganese.An early structural framework, established during Neoarchean rifting, provides a major structural control on manganese ore distribution. The Woodie Woodie mine corridor is located in a zone of oblique strike-slip extension on major northwest-trending transform faults and north-trending oblique normal faults. A major transform structure at the southern end of the Woodie Woodie mine corridor (Jewel-Southwest Fault Zone) likely acted as a major fluid conduit for manganese-bearing hydrothermal fluids and this would account for the concentration of significant manganese ore occurrences to the north and south of this structure.     

Bacterially-mediated authigenesis of clays in phosphate stromatolites

Authigenic clays in close textural relation to carbonate fluorapatite within finely laminated phosphate stromatolites of Upper Jurassic age have been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analytical electron microscopy (AEM). Stromatolite laminae consist of hexagonal prisms of francolite (sizes ranging between 0·1 and 1 μm) that are surrounded by poorly crystalline smectite and amorphous Fe–Si–Al oxyhydroxides. Microanalyses show that smectite is Fe rich, with highly variable composition, particularly regarding Fe and Si contents. Smectite has significant beidellitic, montmorillonitic and non-tronitic substitutions. Although the lack of fringe contrast in some areas adjacent to the smectite packets with 1·0–1·3 nm spacing is due to differences in orientation of layers, textural and analytical data clearly indicate the presence of Fe–Si–Al amorphous phases intimately intergrown with smectite. The occurrence of poorly crystalline smectite and associated amorphous phases within microbially precipitated stromatolite laminae, both as envelopes around, and as pore-fillings between extremely small calcium phosphate crystals, demonstrates authigenic smectite growth from a precursor Fe–Si–Al amorphous material. This material is formed in close association with a phosphate-rich precursor. The textural and structural relations, the preservation of chemical precursors of glauconite such as nontronitic montmorillonite, and the presence of Fe–Si–Al amorphous mineral phases, imply crystallization of the observed crystalline phases from synsedimentary (bacterially precipitated) amorphous precursors during early diagenesis in postoxic environments. Carbonate fluorapatite was the first phase to crystallize from the primary gel; smectite and associated amorphous Fe–Si–Al oxyhydroxides were the residual material of the crystallization process. The slow rate of transformation (at low temperatures) from Fe–Si–Al-rich gels to smectite, explains the textural relations between the poorly crystalline phases and the phosphate crystals, as well as the preservation of amorphous substances in relation to clays. Authigenic smectite represents the first step in glauconitization.     

Widespread occurrence of magnesiocummingtonite in ultramafic schists,Cima di Gagnone,Ticino, Switzerland

Abundant magnesiocummingtonite (space group P2₁/m) with Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratios between 0.85 and 0.89 occurs in lenses of schistose metaperidotite enclosed in kyanite-zone rocks of the Lepontine Alps, Ticino, Switzerland. It forms prisms and needles that extend homoaxially from cores of tremolite. Coexisting magnesian phases are olivine, orthopyroxene, talc, magnesite, and chlorite. Except for γ∶z, optical and structural properties of one example fall on extrapolations of existing determinative curves. Analogous to synthetic F-clinoamphiboles, zz∶z has a maximum at approximately 0.7 Mg/(Mg+Fe). Anthophyllite, of almost identical composition, occurs in the same region, often intergrown with cummingtonite along lamellae ‖(010) and ‖(100). Cummingtonite is believed to have partially inverted to anthophyllite during cooling.     

Chaotic three-dimensional distribution of Ba,Rb, and Sr in feldspar megacrysts grown in an open magmatic system

As has been demonstrated in recent years, the heterogeneities of coeval magmas can be more successfully revealed by zoned megacrysts rather than by analysis of the whole rocks hosting them. Here, the geochemical heterogeneities of feldspar megacrysts from the Karkonosze granite, Poland, are investigated by LA-ICP-MS. The crystals are the product of migration and growth in regions of poorly mixed magmas. 3D-modeling of the Ba, Sr, and Rb distributions emphasizes the importance of micro-domain growth morphologies. Two models of element behavior—a relative concentration model and a composition gradient model—provide a potentially effective tool for tracking the mixing process on a microscale. Measured concentrations of elements of different mobilities do not agree with what might be expected from the mixing of two end-member magmas. If mixing was the only process occurring, linear correlations between the concentrations of any two elements should be observed; this, however, is not the case. For combinations of any two of the three elements, modeling reveals differing non-linear correlations between concentrations. The megacryst heterogeneities provide an insight into how mixing magmas are chaotically advected to growing crystals and the degree of inter-magma element exchange between the magmas.     

Estimation of structural vulnerability for flooding using geospatial tools in the rural area of Orissa,India

Vulnerability assessment of natural disasters is a crucial input for risk assessment and management. In the light of increasing frequency of disasters, societies must become more disaster resilient. This research tries to contribute to this aim. For risk assessment, insight is needed into the hazard, the elements at risk and their vulnerabilities. This study focused on the estimation of structural vulnerability due to flood for a number of structural elements at risk in the rural area of Orissa, India (Kendrapara), using a community-based approach together with geospatial analysis tools. Sixty-three households were interviewed about the 2003 floods in 11 villages and 166 elements at risk (buildings) were identified. Two main structural types were identified in the study area, and their vulnerability curves were made by plotting the relationships between flood depth and vulnerability for each structural type. The vulnerability ranges from 0 (no damage) to 1 (collapse/total damage). Structural type-1 is characterized by mud wall/floor material and a roof of paddy straw, and structural type-2 is characterized by reinforced cement concrete (RCC) walls/floor and a RCC roof. The results indicate that structural type-1 is most vulnerable for flooding. Besides flood depth, flood duration is also of major importance. Houses from structural type-1 were totally collapsed after 3 days of inundation. Damage of the houses of structural type-2 began after 10 days of inundation.     

Distribution and mineralogy of platinum-group elements in altered chromitites of the Campo Formoso layered intrusion (Bahia State, Brazil): control by magmatic and hydrothermal processes

Summary Polyphase, penetrative hydrothermal metasomatism in chromitites of the Campo Formoso layered intrusion produced spectacular chromite – ferrian chromite zoning and transformed the primary intercumulus silicates into a chlorite – serpentine – carbonate – talc assemblage. Alteration did not substantially modify the composition of chromite cores and the distribution of platinum-group elements (PGE) through the sequence of chromitite layers, which still are consistent with magmatic fractionation processes. Texture and composition of laurite and Os–Ir–Ru alloys included in chromite cores indicate that these PGM were not altered, and are probably magmaticin origin. In contrast, the PGM located in the intergranular chlorite matrix (laurite, Ir–Ru–Rh sulfarsenides and Pt–Pd compounds with Sb, Bi and Te) display evidence of hydrothermal reworking. These PGM are intimately intergrown with low-temperature Ni-sulfides. The paragenesis suggests that the Ni-sulfides-PGM assemblage formed at the expenses of unknown PGM precursors, which must have been originally present in the intercumulus silicate matrix. Mechanism of formation involves a sequence of dissolution-precipitation events controlled by variation of redox conditions during chromite alteration. The presence of a secondary ore mineral assemblage consisting of galena, bismuthinite, native antimony, and various Pb–Sb compounds suggests a possible contribution of fluids derived from the adjacent granite.     

Genetic and chemical relationships between berthierine,chlorite and cordierite in nodules associated to granitic pegmatites of Sierra Albarrana (Iberian Massif,Spain)

Chlorite and berthierine occur through alteration of cordierite within enclaves of metamorphic rocks transformed by the Sierra Albarrana pegmatites. The coexistence of both phyllosilicates allows us to study their stability relationships and to compare their chemical compositions. Samples showing incipient replacement of cordierite by small cryptocrystalline aggregates can be identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as berthierine with small quantities of chlorite. Electron Microprobe (EMP) analyses give mixed compositions of berthierine and cordierite. Samples with extensive replacement of cordierite by aggregates show similar characteristics to those with incipient replacement, but some small crystals are present. The last type of sample shows complete replacement of cordierite by crystals showing optical properties of chlorite and EMPA compositions coherent with chlorite or berthierine. Their XRD pattern corresponds to chlorite and their high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images only show perfect sequences of 14 Å lattice fringes. The cryptocrystalline aggregates of the samples with incipient and extensive replacement present coexistent areas of 14 Å and 7 Å lattice fringes that are intergrown at different levels: (1) large areas (> 1 m) of 7 Å layers; (2) packets of 7 Å layers between 14 Å layer areas, with visible 7 Å to 14 Å lateral changes; (3) random mixed-layers 7 Å/14 Å. Chlorite is the final stable product of alteration of cordierite, with berthierine as an intermediate metastable phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry microanalyses of 14 Å, 7 Å and (14+7) Å areas show lack of systematic differences in chemical compositions between both phyllosilicates which may be considered as true polymorphs.     

Dualistic distribution coefficients of trace elements in the system mineral–hydrothermal solution. III. precious metals (Au and Pd) in magnetite and manganmagnetite

Distribution coefficients D of Au and Pd between magnetite (manganmagnetite) and ammonium chloride hydrothermal solution and the structural D^str and surface-related D^sur terms of these coefficients were determined at 450 and 500°С and a pressure of 1 kbar using internal sampling techniques. Quantitative data on the speciation of precious metals are obtained using the technique of statistical selections of analytical data on single crystals SSADSC and compared with LA-ICP-MS data. Both Pd and Au are elements compatible with magnetite and its manganoan variety: D^str is ≈3 for Pd and ≈1 for Au, although Au seems to weakly enrich fluid at 500°C: D^str ≈ 0.5–0.8. The trends of postmagmatic Pd and Au fractionation can thus strongly depend on the presence of spinel-group minerals, first of all, magnetite and its solid solutions. The dualistic nature of the distribution coefficients provides sound grounds to believe that both elements are highly compatible, with regard not only for the structural but also for the surface-related modes of their occurrence (D^sur ≈ 17 and ≈50–70 for Au and Pd, respectively). The maximum concentrations of structural modes of the elements are 5.3 ppm for Au and 5.1 ppm for Pd and were found in the solid solution whose jacobsite mole fractions were 0.82 and 0.49, respectively. The principal distribution patterns of the elements in crystals are confirmed by LA-ICP-MS data. Data on this system testify that the distribution coefficients of minor and trace elements are geochemically dualistic because of the abnormal absorption properties of nanometer-sized nonautonomous phases on the surface of ore minerals, and this dualism plays an important geochemical role.     

Raman Spectroscopy of Nb,Ta-rich Cassiterite in Beauvoir and Montebras Granites,France

Cassiterites from both the Beauvoir and Montebras geanited of France are typically rich in trace elements such as Nb and Ta, and contain quite a number of inclusions of columbite (dominantly manganocolumbite).Two thin sections of cassiterite crystals have been prepared for Raman microprobe analysis).The spectra obtained from different parts of the cassiterites show that the vibra-tion frequency of the A1g peak decreases with increasing Nb ,Ta,Fe and Mn atomic contents.It is worthy to note that a new peak (named the “An peak”) has been reported for the first time in the part with oriented columbite inclusions.The vibration frequency varies from 827 to 830 cm^-1.The presence of th enew peak may be attributed to structural changes of cassiterite due to the excess of Nb and Ta in the lattice and the exsolution of columbite inclusions in cassiterite.     

Sector zoned aegirine from the Ilímaussaq alkaline intrusion,South Greenland

Sector zoned aegirine crystals occur in the interstices of peralkaline nepheline syenites in Ilímaussaq. The crystals have grass-green [001] sectors enriched in Ca and Fe²⁺ (as CaFeSi₂O₆), Mn and Zr; pale green {010} sectors enriched in Al (as NaAlSi₂O₆); blue-green {110} sectors enriched in Ti (as NaTi_0.5Fe _0.5 ²⁺ Si₂O₆); and light green {100} sectors enriched in Fe₃₊ (as NaFe³⁺ Si₂O₆).The crystals grew in the liquid with a rate that did not exceed the diffusion rate of most elements in the liquid. However. Fe³⁺ seems to have had diffusion rates lower than the crystal growth rate, and this probably caused the development of some sectors enriched in acmite and others enriched in the hedenbergite component. For Al, Ti and Zr a crystal structural control is envisaged although a recent structure-based model for sector zoning fails to explain the efficient separation of these elements into different sectors.Three more occurrences of sector zoned aegirine are noted, all from peralkaline nepheline syenites. The phenomenon is probably more widespread than hitherto realised.Contribution to the mineralogy of Ilímaussaq no. 62     

Interaction of rhyolite melts with monazite,xenotime, and zircon surfaces

The interfacial contact region between a rhyolite melt and the accessory minerals monazite, xenotime, and zircon is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. On all surfaces, major structural rearrangement extends about 1 nm into the melt from the interface. As evidenced by the structural perturbations in the ion distribution profiles, the affinity of the melt for the surface increases in going from monazite to xenotime to zircon. Alkali ions are enriched in the melt in contact with an inert wall, as well as at the mineral surfaces. Melt in contact with zircon has a particularly strong level of aluminum enrichment. In xenotime, the enrichment of aluminum is less than that in zircon, but still notable. In monazite, the aluminum enrichment in the contact layer is much less. It is expected that the relative surface energies of these accessory minerals will be a strong function of the aluminum content of the melt and that nucleation of zircon, in particular, would be easier for melts with higher aluminum concentration. The crystal growth rate for zircon is expected to be slower at a higher aluminum concentration because of the effectiveness of aluminum in solvating the zircon surface. The variable interfacial concentration profiles across the series of accessory minerals will likely affect the kinetics of trace element incorporation, as the trace elements must compete with the major elements for surface sites on the growing accessory minerals.     

Crystallization and resorption in plutonic plagioclase: Implications on the evolution of granodiorite magma (Gęsiniec granodiorite, Strzelin Crystalline Massif, SW Poland)

Granodiorite from the Gęsiniec Intrusion, Strzelin Crystalline Massif, SW Poland contains complexly zoned plagioclases. Five chemically and structurally distinct zones can be correlated among crystals: ‘cores’ (25–35% An), inner mantles (40–45% An), outer mantles (40–25% An), resorption zones (35–50% An) and rims (35–30% An). Good structural and chemical (major and trace elements) correlation of zones between crystals indicates that zonation was produced by changes in conditions of crystallization on a magma chamber scale. Plagioclase, being the liquidus phase, records a time span from the beginning of crystallization to emplacement and rapid cooling of granodiorite as thin dykes.

Crystallization began with the formation of inner mantles. The paucity and different sizes of inner mantles suggests slow crystallization in high temperature magma. Normally zoned inner mantles were formed under increasing undercooling. Compositional trends in mantles suggest closed system crystallization.

The major resorption zones were caused by injection of less evolved magma as indicated by the strontium increase in plagioclase. The injection triggered a rapid rise of magma and plagioclase crystals facilitating mixing but also inducing fast, kinetically controlled growth of complex multiple, oscillatory zonation within resorption zones. The ascent of magma caused decompression melting of plagioclase and produced melt inclusions within inner mantles—the ‘cores’. The decompression range is estimated at a minimum of 2 kbar. Emplacement of granodiorite as thin dykes allow rapid cooling and preservation of magmatic zonation in plagioclases. Melt inclusions crystallized completely during post-magmatic cooling.

The zonation styles of plutonic plagioclase differ markedly from volcanic ones suggesting different magma evolution. Zones in plutonic plagioclase are well correlated indicating crystallization in quiescent magma where crystals accumulation and compositional magma stratification may occur. Crystals probably did not travel between different regimes. Resorption occurred but as single albeit complex episodes. Good correlation of zones in plutonic plagioclases allows a distinction between the main processes controlling zonation and superimposed kinetic effects.     

Exhumation of high-pressure rocks of the Kokchetav massif: facts and models

The exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic units from depths more than 100-120 km is one of the most intriguing questions in modern petrology and geodynamics. We use the diamondiferous Kumdy-Kol domain in the Kokchetav Massif to show that exhumation models should take into consideration initially high uplift velocities (from 20 down to 6 cm/year) and the absence of the deformation of UHP assemblages. The high rate of exhumation are indicated by ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating of zircons from diamondiferous rocks and supported by the low degree of nitrogen aggregation in metamorphic diamonds.Diamondiferous rocks in the Kumdy-Kol domain occur as steeply dipping (60°-80°) thin slices (few hundred metres) within granite-gneiss. Using geological, petrological and isotopic-geochemical data, we show that partial melting of diamondiferous metamorphic rocks occurred; a very important factor which has not been taken into account in previous models.Deformation of diamondiferous rocks at Kumdy-Kol is insignificant; diamond inclusions in garnet are often intergrown with mica crystals carrying no traces of deformation. All these facts could be explained by partial melting of metapelites and granitic rocks in the Kumdy-Kol domain. The presence of melt is responsible for an essential reduction of viscosity and a density difference (Δρ) between crustal rocks and mantle material and reduced friction between the upwelling crustal block, the subducting and overriding plates. Besides Δρ, the exhumation rate seems to depend on internal pressure in the subducting continental crustal block which can be regarded as a viscous layer between subducting continental lithosphere and surrounding mantle.We construct different models for the three stages of exhumation: a model similar to “corner flow” for the first superfast exhumation stage, an intermediate stage of extension (most important from structural point of view) and a very low rate of exhumation in final diapir+erosional uplift.