Petrogenesis of ore-forming and pre/post-ore granitoids from the Kounrad,Borly and Sayak porphyry/skarn Cu deposits,Central Kazakhstan

Ore-forming porphyries and barren granitoids from porphyry Cu deposits differ in many ways, particularly with respect to their adakitic affinity and calc-alkaline characteristics. In this study, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating, whole rock geochemistry, whole rock Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon O–Hf isotopic analyses were carried out on the ore-forming granitoids from the Kounrad, Borly and Sayak deposits, and also on pre-ore and post-ore granitoids in adjacent regions of Central Kazakhstan. Geochronology results indicate that pre-ore magmatism occurred in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (361.3–339.4 Ma), followed by large scale Cu mineralization (325.0–327.3 Ma at Kounrad, 311.4–315.2 Ma at Borly and 309.5–311.4 Ma at Sayak), and finally, emplacement of the Late Carboniferous post-ore barren granitoids (305.0 Ma). The geochemistry of these rocks is consistent with calc-alkaline arc magmatism characterized by strong depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti and enrichments in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, suggesting a supra-subduction zone setting. However, the ore-forming rocks at Kounrad and Sayak show adakitic characteristics with high Sr (517.5–785.3 ppm), Sr/Y (50.60–79.26), (La/Yb)_N (9.37–19.62) but low Y (6.94–11.54 ppm) and Yb (0.57–1.07 ppm), whereas ore-forming rocks at Borly and barren rocks from northwest of Borly and Sayak have normal arc magma geochemical features. The Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions show three different signatures: (1) Sayak granitoids have very young juvenile lower crust-derived compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70384 to 0.70451, ɛ_Nd (t) = + 4.9 to + 6.0; T_DM2 (Nd) = 580 to 670 Ma, ɛ_Hf (t) = + 11.3 to + 15.5; T_DM^C (Hf) = 330 to 600 Ma, δ¹⁸O = 6.0 to 8.1‰), and were probably generated from depleted mantle-derived magma with 5–15% sediment melt addition in the magma source; (2) the Kt-1 granite from northwest of Sayak shows extremely enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.71050, ɛ_Nd (t) = − 7.8, T_DM2 (Nd) = 1700 Ma), likely derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust; (3) other granitoids have transitional Sr–Nd compositions between the Sayak and Kt-1 samples, indicating a juvenile lower crust source with the addition of 10–30% of ancient crustal material. The pre-ore magmatism was probably related to partial melting of juvenile lower crust due to northward subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean, whereas the ore-forming adakitic rocks at Aktogai, Kounrad and Sayak formed by partial melting of thickened lower crust which subsequently delaminated. The ore-forming rocks at Borly, and the later post-ore barren granites, formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust with normal thickness. This tectonic setting supports the existence of an Andean-type magmatic arc in the Devonian to the Late Carboniferous, resulting from the subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash oceanic plate. The link between whole rock geochemistry and scale of mineralization suggests a higher metallogenic potential for adakitic rocks than for normal arc magmatism.     

Petrogenesis and geodynamic evolution of the Kajan Neogene subvolcanic rocks,Nain, Central Iran

Kajan subvolcanic rocks in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA), Central Iran, form a Late Miocene-Pliocene shallow-level intrusion. These subvolcanics correspond to a variety of intermediate and felsic rocks, comprising quartz diorite, quartz monzodiorite, tonalite and granite. These lithologies are medium-K calc-alkaline, with SiO₂ (wt.%) varying from 52% (wt.%) to 75 (wt.%). The major element chemical data also show that MgO, CaO, TiO₂, P₂O₅, MnO, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ define linear trends with negative slopes against SiO₂, whilst Na₂O and K₂O are positively correlated with silica. Contents of incompatible trace elements (e.g. Ba, Rb, Nb, La and Zr) become higher with increasing SiO₂, whereas Sr shows an opposite behaviour. Chondrite-normalized multi-element patterns show enrichment in LILE relative to HFSE and troughs in Nb, P and Ti. These observations are typical of subduction related magmas that formed in an active continental margin. The Kajan rocks show a strong affinity with calc-alkaline arc magmas, confirmed by REE fractionation (La_N/Yb_N = 4.5–6.4) with moderate HREE fractionation (Sm_N/Yb_N = 1.08–1.57). The negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* <1), the low to moderate Sr content (< 400 ppm) and the Dy/Yb values reflect plagioclase and hornblende (+- clinopyroxene) fractionation from a calc-alkaline melt Whole–rock Sr and Nd isotope analyses show that the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios vary from 0.704432 to 0.705989, and the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd initial ratios go from 0.512722 to 0.512813. All the studied samples have similar Sr-Nd isotopes, indicating an origin from a similar source, with granite samples that has more radiogenic Sr and low radiogenic Nd isotopes, suggesting a minor interaction with upper crust during magma ascent. The Kajan subvolcanic rocks plot within the depleted mantle quadrant of the conventional Sr-Nd isotope diagram, a compositional region corresponding to mantle-derived igneous rocks.     

Origin of Miocene Cu-bearing porphyries in the Zhunuo region of the southern Lhasa subterrane: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry

The Zhunuo Cu-bearing porphyries are located in the westernmost part of the Miocene Gangdese porphyry Cu (Mo–Au) deposit belt. Zircon U–Pb dating of the diorite porphyry, K-feldspar granite porphyry, and monzonitic granite porphyry in Zhunuo yielded crystallization ages of 12.5 ± 0.4 Ma, 12.3 ± 0.3 Ma, and 12.4 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. The diorite porphyry is characterized by low SiO₂ (58.61–61.14 wt.%) and Th (0.30–0.76 ppm) concentrations, low Th/La (0.05–0.1) ratios, and high Mg^# (> 49) values coupled with low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.703777–0.703783) and high ε_Nd(t) (+ 4.07 to + 4.90) values. They also have adakite-like affinities, such as low Y (10.5–12.0 ppm), and high Sr/Y ratios (61–65). They were probably derived from a thickened juvenile lower continental crust. The K-feldspar granite porphyry probably originated in the middle–upper continental crust because of their high SiO₂ (73.59–74.98 wt.%) and Th (50.1–52.1 ppm) concentrations, high Th/La (1.67–2.10), and low Sr/Y (20.2–20.7) ratios and Mg^# (32–38) values, combined with high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.710921–0.712008), low ε_Nd(t) (− 8.47 to − 9.26) isotopic compositions and old Nd model ages (1.16–1.25 Ga). Their magmas were most likely partial melts of the preserved ancient crust similar to the central Lhasa subterrane. The geochemical characteristics and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the monzonitic granite porphyry display trends that lie between those of the diorite porphyry and K-feldspar granite porphyry, and they are therefore likely to be production of hybridization between the above two melts. The ore-bearing diorite porphyry and monzonitic granite porphyry have higher zircon Ce^4 +/Ce^3 + ratios than the ore-barren K-feldspar granite porphyry, indicating a higher oxygen fugacity in the ore-bearing magmas. We suggest that metals were released from the re-melting of arc-related cumulates which formed during lower crustal growth and thickening. This mechanism provides a reasonable explanation for the significant flare-up of mineralization during the Miocene in the Gangdese region. The lower continental crust beneath southern Lhasa subterrane probably was uniformly juvenile but the region to the west of Zhunuo was not mineralized due to input of large ancient crustal materials in the source of these ore-barren adakite-like rocks.     

Late Triassic U-bearing and barren granites in the Miao'ershan batholith,South China: Petrogenetic discrimination and exploration significance

The Miao'ershan uranium ore district is one of the most important granite-hosted uranium producers in South China. There are several Triassic granite plutons in the Miao'ershan batholith, but uranium ore deposits mainly occur within the Douzhashan granitic body. Precise zircon U–Pb dating indicated that these Triassic granite plutons were emplaced during 204 to 215 Ma. The Douzhashan U-bearing granite lies in the central part of the Miao'ershan batholith, and has higher U contents (8.0 to 26.1 ppm, average 17.0 ppm) than the nearby Xiangcaoping granite (5.0 to 9.3 ppm, average 7.0 ppm) and the Yangqiaoling granite (6.4 to 18.3 ppm, average 11.5 ppm) in the south part of the batholith. The Douzhashan granite is composed of medium-grained two-mica granite, whereas the Xiangcaoping and Yangqiaoling granites are composed of porphyritic biotite granite. Both the Xiangcaoping and Douzhashan granites have high A/CNK ratios (> 1.10), high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (> 0.720) and low ε_Nd(t) values (− 11.3 to − 10.4), suggesting that they belong to strongly peraluminous S-type granites. The Douzhashan granite has low CaO/Na₂O ratios, high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios, indicating a partial melting origin of clay-rich pelitic rocks. In contrast, the Xiangcaoping granite formed from clay-poor psammite-derived melt. The Yangqiaoling granite shows different geochemical characteristics with the Douzhashan and Xiangcaoping granites, indicating a different magma source. The Yangqiaoling granite has higher ε_Nd(t) of − 9.4 to − 8.3 and variable A/CNK values from 0.98 to 1.19, suggesting a mixture source of meta-sedimentary rocks and meta-igneous rocks. Crystallization fractionation is not the main mechanism for U enrichment in the Douzhashan granite. We suggest that U-rich pelitic rock sources may be the key factor to generate peraluminous U-bearing granites in South China. Searching for those granites which are reduced, strongly peraluminous and were derived from U-rich pelitic rocks, is the most effective way for exploring granite-hosted U deposits.     

Late Silurian–early Devonian adakitic granodiorite,A-type and I-type granites in NW Junggar,NW China: Partial melting of mafic lower crust and implications for slab roll-back

Late Silurian–early Devonian magmatism of the NW Junggar region in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt provides a critical geological record that is important for unraveling regional tectonic history and constraining geodynamic processes. In this study, we report results of Zircon U–Pb ages and systematic geochemical data for late Silurian–early Devonian largely granitic rocks in NW Junggar, aiming to constrain their emplacement ages, origin and geodynamic significance. The magmatism consists of a variety of mafic to felsic intrusions and volcanic rocks, e.g. adakitic granodiorite, K-feldspar granite, syenitic granite, gabbro and rhyrolite. U–Pb zircon ages suggest that the granitoids and gabbros were emplaced in the late Silurian–early Devonian (420–405 Ma). Adakitic granodiorites are calc-alkaline, characterized by high Sr (407–532 ppm), low Y (12.2–14.7 ppm), Yb (1.53–1.77 ppm), Cr (mostly < 8.00 ppm), Co (mostly < 11.0 ppm) and Ni (mostly < 4.10 ppm) and relatively high Sr/Y (31–42) ratios, analogous to those of modern adakites. K-feldspar granites and rhyolites are characterized by alkali- and Fe-enriched, with high Zr, Nb and Ga/Al ratios, geochemically similar to those of A-type granites. Syenitic granites show high alkaline (Na₂O + K₂O = 8.39–9.34 wt.%) contents, low Fe^# values (0.73–0.80) and are weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.00–1.07). Gabbros are characterized by low MgO (6.86–7.15 wt.%), Mg^# (52–53), Cr (124–133 ppm) and Ni (84.7–86.6 ppm) contents. The geochemical characteristics of the gabbroic samples show affinity to both MORB- and arc-like sources. All granitoids have positive εNd(t) (+ 3.9 to + 6.9) and zircon εHf(t) (+ 9.8 to + 15.2) values and low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7035–0.7043), with young T_DM(Nd) (605–791 Ma) and T_DM(Hf) (425–773 Ma) ages, suggesting significant addition of juvenile material. The adakitic granodiorites probably resulted from partial melting of mafic lower crust, leaving an amphibolite and garnet residue. The K-feldspar granites, rhyolites and syenitic granites probably formed from partial melting of the Xiemisitai mid-lower crust, while the gabbroic intrusion was probably generated by interactions between asthenospheric and metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Voluminous plutons of various types (adakites, A-type granites, I-type granites, and gabbros) formed during 420–405 Ma, and their isotopic data suggest significant additions of juvenile material. We propose that a slab roll-back model can account for the 420–405 Ma magmatic “flare up” in NW Junggar as well as an extensional setting.     

Post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks and mantle xenoliths in the Sailipu volcanic field of Lhasa terrane,south Tibet: Petrological and geochemical constraints on mantle source and geodynamic setting

Post-collisional ultrapotassic magmatic rocks (15.2–18.8 Ma), containing mantle xenoliths, are extensively distributed in the Sailipu volcanic field of the Lhasa terrane in south Tibet. They could be subdivided into high-MgO and low-MgO subgroups based on their petrological and geochemical characteristics. The high-MgO subgroup has olivine-I (Fo_87–92), phlogopite and clinopyroxene as phenocryst phases, while the low-MgO subgroup consists mainly of phlogopite, clinopyroxene and olivine-II (Fo_77–89). These ultrapotassic magmatic rocks have high MgO (4.6–14.5 wt%), Ni (145–346 ppm), Cr (289–610 ppm) contents, and display enrichment in light rare earth element (REE) over heavy REE and enriched large ion lithophile elements (LILE) relative to high field strength elements (HFSE) with strongly negative Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies in primitive mantle-normalized trace element diagrams. They have extremely radiogenic (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7167–0.7274) and unradiogenic (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i (0.5118–0.5120), high (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i (15.740–15.816) and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i (39.661–39.827) at a given (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i (18.363–18.790) with high δ¹⁸O values (7.3–9.7‰). Strongly linear correlations between depleted mid-ocean ridge basalt-source mantle (DMM) and the Indian continental crust (HHCS) in Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotopic diagrams indicate that the geochemical features could result from reaction between mantle peridotite and enriched components (fluids and melts) released by the eclogitized Indian continental crust (HHCS) in the mantle wedge. The high-MgO (13.7–14.5 wt%) subgroup displays higher (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i, lower (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i ratios and lower δ¹⁸O values compared with the low-MgO (4.6–8.8 wt%) subgroup. High Ni (850–4862 ppm) contents of olivine phenocrysts and high whole-rock SiO₂, NiO, low CaO contents indicate that the low-MgO ultrapotassic magmatic rocks are derived from partial melting of olivine-poor mantle pyroxenite. However, lower Ni concentrations of olivine phenocryst and lower whole-rock SiO₂, NiO, higher CaO contents of the high-MgO ultrapotassic rocks may indicate their peridotite mantle source. This could be attributed to different amounts of silicate-rich components added into the mantle sources of the parental magmas in the mantle wedge caused by the northward subduction of the Indian continental lithosphere. The reaction-formed websterite xenoliths, reported for the first time in this study, are made up of anhedral and interlocking clinopyroxene (45–65 vol%) and orthopyroxene (30–50 vol%) with minor phlogopite (< 3 vol%) and quartz (< 2 vol%) and are suggested to be formed by silicate metasomatism of the mantle peridotite. The harzburgites, another major type of mantle xenolith in south Tibet, have a mineral assemblage of olivine (60–75 vol%), orthopyroxene (20–35 vol%), clinopyroxene (< 3 vol%), phlogopite (< 2 vol%) and spinel (< 2 vol%) and may have experienced subduction-related metasomatism. Combined with two types of ultrapotassic magmas, we propose that compositions of mantle wedge beneath south Tibet may gradually evolve from harzburgite through lherzolite to websterite with strong metasomatism of silicate-rich components in their mantle source region. Partial melting of the enriched mantle sources could be triggered by rollback of Indian continental slab during 25–8 Ma in south Tibet.     

Multi-stage granitic magmatism during exhumation of subducted continental lithosphere: Evidence from the Wulong pluton,South Qinling

Detailed petrology and zircon U–Pb dating data indicate that the Wulong pluton is a zoned granitic intrusive, formed from successive increments of magmas. An age range of at least 30 Ma is recorded from the 225–235 Ma quartz diorite on the pluton margin, the ca. 218 Ma granodiorite in the intermediate zone, and the ca. 207 Ma monzogranite at the pluton center. All the granitoids display evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) of 0.7044–0.7062, unradiogenic Nd (ε_Nd(t) values of − 6.1 to − 3.0, Nd model ages of 1.1–1.3 Ga, and moderately radiogenic Pb compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 17.500–17.872, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 15.513–15.549, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 37.743–38.001), in combination with variations in zircon Hf isotopic compositions (with ε_Hf(t) values in each stage span 12 units) and the Hf isotopic model ages of 800–1600 Ma. These features suggest that the granitoids might have been derived from the reworking of an old lower crust, mixed with Paleozoic and Proterozoic materials. The rocks also display an adakitic affinity with Sr (479–973 ppm), high Sr/Y ratios (mostly > 60) and negligible Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.78–0.97) but low Rb/Sr ratios, low Y (4.6–17 ppm), HREE (Yb = 0.95–1.7 ppm), Yb/Lu (6–7) and Dy/Yb (1.9–2.4) ratios, suggesting the absence of plagioclase and presence of garnet + amphibole in their residue. Considering a large gap among their crystallization ages, we propose that the geochemical evolution from pluton margin to center was controlled mainly by melting conditions and source compositions rather than fractional crystallization. Mafic enclaves that were hosted in the quartz diorite and granodiorite are mainly syenogabbroic to syenodioritic in composition, and are metaluminous and enriched in LREE and LILEs, but are depleted in HFSE, and display an evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition, suggesting that they may have been derived from the partial melting of an enriched mantle lithosphere, which was metasomatized by adakitic melts and fluids from a subducted continental crust.In combination with the results of the Triassic ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie orogenic belt, we apply a model involving the exhumation of subducted continental crust to explain the formation of the Wulong pluton. At the first stage, a dense and refractory mafic lower crust that was trapped at mantle depth by continental subduction witnessed melting under high temperature conditions to produce the quartz diorite magma, characterized by low SiO₂ (60.65–63.98 wt.%) and high TiO₂ (0.39–0.86 wt.%). The magma subsequently interacted with mantle peridotite, leading to high Mg# (57–67) and the metasomatism of the overriding mantle wedge. At the second stage, an asthenosphere upwelling that was probably caused by slab break-off at ca. 220 Ma melted the enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) to produce mafic magmas, represented by the mafic enclaves that are hosted in the quartz and granodiorite, resulting in the partial melting of the shallower subducted crust, and generating the granodiorite that is distinguished by high SiO₂ (69.16–70.82 wt.%), high Al₂O₃ (15.33–16.22 wt.%) and A/CNK values (mostly > 1.05). At the third stage, the final collapse of the Triassic Qinling–Dabie Orogenic Belt at ca. 215–205 Ma caused extensive partial melting of the thickened orogenic lower crust to produce the monzogranite, which is characterized by high SiO₂ (67.68–70.29 wt.%), low TiO₂ (mostly < 0.35 wt.%) and high Sr/Y ratios of 86–151.     

Petrology of Karoo volcanic rocks in the southern Lebombo monocline,Mozambique

The Karoo volcanic sequence in the southern Lebombo monocline in Mozambique contains different silicic units in the form of pyroclastic rocks, and two different basalt types. The silicic units in the lower part of the Lebombo sequence are formed by a lower unit of dacites and rhyolites (67–80 wt.% SiO₂) with high Ba (990–2500 ppm), Zr (800–1100 ppm) and Y (130–240 ppm), which are part of the Jozini–Mbuluzi Formation, followed by a second unit, interlayered with the Movene basalts, of high-SiO₂ rhyolites (76–78 wt.%; the Sica Beds Formation), with low Sr (19–54 ppm), Zr (340–480 ppm) and Ba (330–850 ppm) plus rare quartz-trachytes (64–66 wt.% SiO₂), with high Nb and Rb contents (240–250 and 370–381 ppm, respectively), and relatively low Zr (450–460 ppm). The mafic rocks found at the top of the sequence are basalts and ferrobasalts belonging to the Movene Formation. The basalts have roughly flat mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns, with abundances of the most incompatible elements not higher than 25 times primitive mantle. The ferrobasalt has TiO₂ ∼ 4.7 wt.%, Fe₂O_3t = 16 wt.%, and high Y (100 ppm), Zr (420 ppm) and Ba (1000 ppm). The Movene basalts have initial (at 180 Ma) ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7052–0.7054 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51232, and the Movene ferrobasalt has even lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70377) and higher ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51259). The silicic rocks show a modest range of initial Sr-(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70470–0.70648) and Nd-(¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51223–0.51243) isotope ratios. The less evolved dacites could have been formed after crystal fractionation of oxide-rich gabbroic cumulates from mafic parental magmas, whereas the most silica-rich rhyolites could have been formed after fractional crystallization of feldspars, pyroxenes, oxides, zircon and apatite from a parental dacite magma. The composition of the Movene basalts imply different feeding systems from those of the underlying Sabie River basalts.     

Tectono-magmatic evolution of the Gaoligong belt,southeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau: Constraints from granitic gneisses and granitoid intrusions

The Gaoligong belt is located in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau, and is bound by the Tengchong and Baoshan blocks. This paper presents new data from zircon geochronology, geochemistry, and whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes to evaluate the tectonic evolution of the Gaoligong belt. The major rock types analysed in the present study are granitic gneiss, granodiorite, and granite. They are metaluminous to peraluminous and belong to high-K, calc-alkaline series. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) analyses of zircons from nine granitic rocks yielded crystallization ages of 495–487 Ma, 121 Ma, 89 Ma, and 70–63 Ma. The granitoids can be subdivided into the following four groups. (1) Early Paleozoic granitic gneisses with high ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 1.06 to − 3.45 and − 1.16 to 2.09, and model ages of 1.16 Ga to 1.33 Ga and 1.47 Ga to 1.63 Ga, respectively. Their variable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Pb values resemble the characteristics of the Early Paleozoic Pinghe granite in the Baoshan block. Our data suggest that the rocks were derived from the break-off of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic slab between the outboard continent and the Baoshan block, which induced the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic pelitic sources mixed with depleted mantle materials. (2) Early Cretaceous granodiorites with low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 8.92 and − 4.91 with Nd and Hf model ages of 1.41 Ga and 1.49 Ga, respectively. These rocks have high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.711992) and lower crustal Pb values, suggesting that they were derived from Mesoproterozoic amphibolites with tholeiitic signature, leaving behind granulite residue at the lower crust. (3) Early Late Cretaceous granites with low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 9.58 and − 4.61 with Nd and Hf model ages of 1.43 Ga and 1.57 Ga, respectively. These rocks have high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.713045) and lower crustal Pb isotopic values. These rocks were generated from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metapelitic sources resulting from the delamination of thickened lithosphere, following the closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean and collision of the Lhasa–Qiangtang blocks. (4) Late Cretaceous to Paleogene granitic gneisses with low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 4.41 to − 10 and − 5.95 to − 8.71, Nd model ages ranging from 1.08 Ga to 1.43 Ga, and Hf model ages from 1.53 Ga to 1.67 Ga, respectively. These rocks show high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.713201 and 714662) and lower crustal Pb values. The data suggest that these rocks are likely related to the eastward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Oceanic slab, which induced partial melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crustal metagreywacke. The results presented in this study from the Gaoligong belt offer important insights on the evolution of the Proto-Tethyan, Bangong–Nujiang, and Neo-Tethyan oceans in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.     

Neoproterozoic granitic activities in the Xingdi plutons at the Kuluketage block,NW China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb dating,geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analyses

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widely distributed in the Kuluketage block along the northern margin of the Tarim Craton. However, the published literature mainly focuses on the ca. 800 Ma adakitic granitoids in the area, with the granites that intrude the 735–760 Ma mafic–ultramafic rocks poorly studied. Here we report the ages, petrography and geochemistry of two granites in the Xingdi mafic–ultramafic rocks, in order to construct a new view of the non-adakitic younger granites. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating provided weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 743.0 ± 2.5 Ma for the No.I granite (G1) and 739.0 ± 3.5 Ma for the No.II granite (G2). A clear core-rim texture of similar age and a high zircon saturation temperature of ca. 849 ± 14 °C were observed for the No.I granite; in contrast, G2 has no apparent core-rim texture but rather inherited older zircons and a lower zircon saturation temperature of ca. 763 ± 17 °C. Geochemical analysis revealed that G1 is an alkaline A-type granite and G2 is a high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. Both granites share similar geochemical characteristics of arc-related magmatic rocks and enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes, likely due to their enriched sources or mixing with enriched magma. Whereas G1 and its host mafic rocks form typical bimodal intrusions of the same age and similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotope compositions, G2 is younger than its host mafic rocks and its Sr–Nd–Hf isotope composition indicates a lower crust origin. Although they exhibit arc-related geochemical features, the two granites likely formed in a rift setting, as inferred from thier petrology, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and regional tectonic evolution.     

Late Triassic alkaline complex in the Sulu UHP terrane: Implications for post-collisional magmatism and subsequent fractional crystallization

Continental subduction and its interaction with overlying mantle wedge are recognized as fundamental solid earth processes, yet the dynamics of this system remains ambiguous. In order to get an insight into crust–mantle interaction triggered by partial melting of subudcted continental crust during its exhumation, we carried out a combined study of the Shidao alkaline complex from the Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) terrane. The alkaline complex is composed of shoshonitic to ultrapotassic (K₂O: 3.4–9.3 wt.%) gabbro, pyroxene syenite, amphibole syenite, quartz syenite, and granite. Field studies suggest that the mafic rocks are earlier than the felsic ones in sequence. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating on them gives Late Triassic ages of 214 ± 2 to 200 ± 3 Ma from mafic to felsic rocks. These ages are slightly younger than the Late Triassic ages (225–210 Ma) of the felsic melts from partial melting of the Sulu UHP terrane during exhumation. The alkaline rocks have wide ranges of SiO₂ (49.7–76.7 wt.%), MgO (8.25–0.03 wt.%), Ni (126.0–0.07 ppm), and Cr (182.0–0.45 ppm) contents. The contents of MgO, total Fe₂O₃, CaO, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ decrease with increasing SiO₂ contents. The contents of Na₂O, K₂O, and Al₂O₃ increase from gabbro to amphibole syenite, and decrease from amphibole syenite to granite, respectively. The alkaline rocks have characteristics of an arc-like pattern in trace element distribution, e.g., enrichment of LREE, LILE (Rb and Ba), Th and U, depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta, P and Ti), and positive Pb anomalies. From the mafic rocks to the felsic rocks, the (La/Yb)_N ratios and the contents of the total REE, Sr and Ba decrease but the Rb contents increase. The alkaline rocks with high SiO₂ contents also display features of an A2-type granitoids, e.g., high contents of total alkalis, Zr and Nb and high ratios of Fe₂O₃^T/MgO, Ga/Al, Yb/Ta and Y/Nb, suggesting a post-collisional magmatism during exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane. The alkaline rocks have homogeneous initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7058–0.7093) and negative ε_Nd(t) values (− 18.6 to − 15.0) for whole-rock. The Sr–Nd isotopic data remain almost unchanged with varying SiO₂ and MgO contents, suggesting a fractional crystallization (FC) process from the same parental magma. Our studies suggest a crust–mantle interaction in continental subduction interface as follows: (1) hydrous felsic melts from partial melting of subducted continental crust during its exhumation metasomatized the overlying mantle wedge to form a K-rich and amphibole-bearing mantle; (2) partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle generated the Late Triassic alkaline complex under a post-collisional setting; and (3) the alkaline magma experienced subsequent fractionational crystallization mainly dominated by olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase and alkali feldspar.     

Shrimp U–Pb zircon geochronology,geochemistry, and Nd–Sr isotopic study of contrasting granites in the Emeishan large igneous province,SW China

The Cida A-type granitic stock (∼ 4 km²) and Ailanghe I-type granite batholith (∼ 100 km²) in the Pan-Xi (Panzhihua-Xichang) area, SW China, are two important examples of granites formed during an episode of magmatism associated with the Permian Emeishan mantle plume activity. This is a classic setting of plume-related, anorogenic magmatism exhibiting the typical association of mantle-derived mafic and alkaline rocks along with silicic units. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb data reveal that the Cida granitic pluton (261 ± 4 Ma) was emplaced shortly before the Ailanghe granites (251 ± 6 Ma). The Cida granitoids display mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of A-type granites including high FeO^⁎/MgO ratios, elevated high-field-strength elements (HFSE) contents and high Ga/Al ratios, which are much higher than those of the Ailanghe granites. All the granitic rocks show significant negative Eu anomalies and demonstrate the characteristic negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, and Ti in the spidergrams. It can be concluded that the Cida granitic rocks are highly fractionated A-type granitoids whereas the Ailanghe granitic rocks belong to highly evolved I-type granites.The Cida granitoids and enclaves have Nd and Sr isotopic initial ratios (ε_Nd(t) = − 0.25 to + 1.35 and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7023 to 0.7053) close to those of the associated mafic intrusions and Emeishan basalts, indicating the involvement of a major mantle plume component. The Ailanghe granites exhibit prominent negative Nb and Ta anomalies and weakly positive Pb anomalies in the spidergram and have nonradiogenic ε_Nd(t) ratios (− 6.34 to − 6.26) and high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.7102 to 0.7111), which indicate a significant contribution from crustal material. These observations combined with geochemical modeling suggest that the Cida A-type granitoids were produced by extensive fractional crystallization from basaltic parental magmas. In contrast, the Ailanghe I-type granites most probably originated by partial melting of the mid-upper crustal, metasedimentary–metavolcanic rocks from the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Huili group and newly underplated basaltic rocks.In the present study, it is proposed that petrogenetic distinctions between A-type and I-type granites may not be as clear-cut as previously supposed, and that many compositional and genetically different granites of the A- and I-types can be produced in the plume-related setting. Their ultimate nature depends more importantly on the type and proportion of mantle and crustal material involved and melting conditions. Significant melt production and possible underplating and/or intrusion into the lower crust, may play an important role in generating the juvenile mafic lower crust (average 20 km) in the central part of the Emeishan mantle plume.     

Two different types of granitoids in the Suyunhe large porphyry Mo deposit,NW China and their genetic relationships with molybdenum mineralization

The Suyunhe large porphyry Mo deposit (∼0.57 Mt molybdenum), located in the West Junggar, NW China, is the largest known porphyry Mo deposit in Xinjiang. Granitoids in this deposit are mainly characterized by three closely spaced intrusive centers (known as stocks I, II and III respectively). The stocks I and III mainly consist of barren granodiorite porphyry and tonalite porphyry, whereas the stock II is mainly composed of fertile monzonitic granite porphyry and granite porphyry. Based on detailed major and trace element, and Sr–Nd isotopic analyses, two distinct compositional groups can be identified. The first group of high-silica end-members (HSE) is characterized by high SiO₂ (mostly >75 wt%), low MgO (0.07–0.69 wt%) and Mg# (0.19–0.36), significant Eu depletion in the chondrite-normalized diagram, and low Sr/Y and La/Yb, as well as noticeably negative anomalies of Ba, Sr, P and Ti in the primitive mantle-normalized diagram. The second group of low-silica end-members (LSE), however, displays adakite-like features with lower SiO₂ (<75 wt%), higher MgO (0.52–1.32 wt%) and Mg# (0.32–0.52; mostly >0.4), and higher Sr/Y (mostly >20) and La/Yb (>8). The depleted Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics (ε_Nd(T) = 3.5–6.4 and I_sr = 0.7026–0.7055) and young two-stage model ages of HSE and LSE indicate that they were both derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crust that might be triggered by asthenosphere upwelling subsequent to a slab rollback event. However, the depths of initial melting might be different. The current evidence demonstrates that HSE in the Suyunhe deposit formed by partial melting of juvenile crust at depths of less than ∼33 km with a plagioclase residue, whereas that for LSE occurred at depths of >40 km where a garnet residue existed and the crust was thickened. The lower source depth, as well as subsequently strong plagioclase fractionation, results in the absence of adakite-like characteristics in HSE.The Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺and Eu_N/Eu_N1 ratios in zircons of HSE are much lower than ore-forming intrusions from porphyry Cu deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, but noticeably higher than barren intrusions from the Lachlan fold belt and ore-bearing intrusions from small-intermediate porphyry Mo deposits from the East Qinling–Dabie and the Nanling metallogenic belts, China, indicating that neither too high nor too low oxygen fugacities are favorable for large porphyry Mo deposits. Based on previous studies of adakitic rocks in the world, adakite-like LSE in the Suyunhe deposit are believed to have higher oxygen fugacities, and thus be less fertile than HSE. We finally suggest that adakites and adakite-like rocks are unproductive for porphyry Mo deposits.     

Petrogenesis of the early Eocene I-type granites in west Yingjiang (SW Yunnan) and its implication for the eastern extension of the Gangdese batholiths

This study reports new zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopes and whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic data for the gneissic granite and leucogranite from the Nabang metamorphic zone, Yingjiang area (West Yunnan, SW China). The metamorphosed granitoids crystallized during the early Eocene (~ 55–50 Ma) with zircons showing ε_Hf(t) values from + 11 to − 5.3 and crustal model ages of 1.5 to 0.42 Ga, comparable to those of coeval I-type granitoids from the Gangdese batholith, southern Lhasa. The rocks are characterized by metaluminous and weakly peraluminous hornblende-bearing gneissic granites with A/CNK = 0.95–1.09, Na₂O > K₂O, coupled with low initial Sr isotopic values of 0.7049–0.7070 and high ε_Nd(t) values from + 1.1 to − 7.1. The rocks were derived from crustal materials involving ancient upper crust/sedimentary and juvenile mantle-derived rocks. Together with available data from nearby regions, it is proposed that the early Eocene granitoids in the Nabang and Tengliang area can be correlated to the Gangdese granitoids and represent the southeastward continuation of the magmatic arc resulting from the Neotethyan subduction in southern Tibet. The petrogenesis of early Eocene granitoids in western Yunnan was probably related to the rollback of the subducting Neotethyan slab that caused the remelting of the crustal materials newly modified by the underplated basaltic magma.     

Geochemistry,Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes systematics and geochronological constrains on petrogenesis of the Xishan A-type granite and associated W–Sn mineralization in Guangdong Province,South China

The Xishan deposit, located in the western Guangdong Province in South China, is a quartz-vein type W-Sn deposit with an average Sn grade of 0.1–0.4 wt%. The deposit is temporally and spatially associated with Xishan alkali feldspar granite. The W–Sn mineralization is present mainly as veins that are hosted by the granite. In this paper we present new zircon U–Pb age, whole-rock geochemical data, Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic data and Re–Os age in order to constrain the nature and timing of magmatism and mineralization in the Xishan mining district with implications on geodynamic settings. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb analyses yielded an age of 79.14 ± 0.31 Ma for the alkali feldspar granite, consistent with the molybdenite Re–Os age of 79.41 ± 1.11 Ma. The alkali feldspar granite shows high contents of SiO₂ (71.52–76.25 wt%), high total alkalis (Na₂O + K₂O = 9.35–13.51 wt%), high field strength elements (e.g. Zr = 95.4–116 ppm, Y = 97.1–138 ppm, Nb = 36.1–55.5 ppm, Ga = 97.1–138 ppm), and rare earth elements (total REE = 171.8–194.0 ppm) as well as high Ga/Al ratios (10,000 × Ga/Al = 3.23–3.82) suggesting that it has the geochemical characteristics of A-type granite and shows an A₂ subtype affinity. Sr–Nd isotopes of the alkali feldspar granite show that (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values range from 0.7111 to 0.7183, and the ε_Nd(t) values and Nd model ages (T_2DM) vary from −6.8 to −6.5 and 1414 to 1433 Ma, respectively. The Pb isotopic compositions are variable, with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values ranging from 18.783 to 18.947, 15.709 to 15.722 and 38.969 to 39.244, respectively, indicating that the alkali feldspar granite was derived from a mantle-crust mixed source. In situ Hf isotopic analyses reveal that the alkali feldspar granite has ε_Hf(t) values ranging from −9.69 to −0.04 and two-stage Hf model ages from 1145 Ma to 1755 Ma, indicating that the alkali feldspar granite was formed by the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crusts of the Cathaysia Block with additions of mantle-derived materials. These results, together with previously presented regional geological relationships, suggest that the formation of the Xishan granite and associated W–Sn mineralization is related to lithospheric extension and asthenospheric upwelling that are attributed to a directional change of Pacific plate motion.     

A geotraverse across two paleo-subduction zones in Tien Shan,Tajikistan

We present first LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages as well as geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data for 14 magmatic rocks collected along ca. 400 km profile across the Chatkal-Kurama terrane in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges and the Gissar Segment of the Tien Shan orogen in Tajikistan. These new data from supra-subduction and post-collisional magmatic rocks of two Late Paleozoic active margins constrain a tectonic model for terrane motions across two paleo-subduction zones: (1) The 425 Ma old Muzbulak granite of the Mogol-Tau range formed in a supra-subduction setting at the northern margin of the Turkestan Ocean. The north-dipping plate was subducted from the Early Silurian to the earliest Middle Devonian. Thereafter the northern side of the Turkestan Ocean remained a passive margin until the Early Carboniferous. (2) In the Early Carboniferous, subduction under the northern margin of the Turkestan Ocean resumed and the 315 to 305 Ma old Kara-Kiya, Muzbek, and Karamazar intrusions formed in a supra-subduction setting in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges. (3) At the same time, in the Early Carboniferous, rifting of the southern passive margin of the Turkestan Ocean formed the short-lived Gissar Basin, separated from the Turkestan Ocean by the Gissar micro-continent. North-dipping subduction in the Gissar Basin is documented by the 315 Ma Kharangon plagiogranite and the voluminous ca. 321–312 Ma Andean-type supra-subduction Gissar batholith. The Kharangon and Khanaka gabbro-plagiogranite intrusions of the southern Gissar range have geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7047–0.7056, εNd of + 1.5 to + 2.3) compatible with mantle-derived origin typical for plagiogranites associated with ophiolites. The supra-subduction rocks from the Gissar batholith and from the Mogol-Tau Kurama ranges have variably mixed Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic signatures (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7057–0.7064, εNd of − 2.1 to − 5.0) typical for continental arcs where mantle-derived magmas interact with continental crust. (4) In the latest Carboniferous, the Turkestan Ocean and the Gissar Basin were closed. The Early Permian Chinorsay (288 Ma) and Dara-i-pioz (267 Ma) post-collisional intrusions, emplaced in the northern part of the Gissar micro-continent after a long period of amagmatic evolution, have intraplate geochemical affinities and isotopic Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7074–0.7086, εNd of − 5.5 to − 7.4) indicating derivation from Precambrian continental crust which is supported by old Nd model ages (1.5 and 1.7 Ga), and by the presence of inherited zircon grains with ages 850–500 Ma in the Chinorsay granodiorite. The post-collisional intrusions in the southern Gissar and in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges (297–286 Ma), emplaced directly after supra-subduction magmatic series, have geochemical and isotopic signatures of arc-related magmas. The distinct shoshonitic affinities of post-collisional intrusions in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges are explained by the interaction of hot asthenospheric material with subduction-enriched wedge of lithospheric mantle due to slab break-off at post-collisional stage. Despite origination from different tectonic environments, all magmatic rocks have relatively old Nd model ages (1.7–1.0 Ga) indicating a significant proportion of Paleoproterozoic or older crustal material in their sources and their model ages are similar to those of post-collisional intrusions from the Alai and Kokshaal Segments of the South Tien Shan.     

Carboniferous magmatism and mineralization in the area of the Fuxing Cu deposit,Eastern Tianshan,China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb ages,petrogeochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions

The newly discovered Fuxing porphyry Cu deposit is located in the Dananhu–Tousuquan arc, adjacent to the Tuwu–Yandong Cu deposits of Eastern Tianshan, in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Fuxing deposit is hosted by volcanic rocks (basalt and dacite) in the Early Carboniferous Qi'eshan Group and Carboniferous felsic intrusions (plagiogranite porphyry, monzogranite, and quartz diorite). New SIMS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the plagiogranite porphyry and monzogranite emplaced at 332.1 ± 2.2 Ma and 328.4 ± 3.4 Ma, respectively. The basalts are characterized by low SiO₂ contents (47.47–54.90 wt.%), a lack of Eu anomalies, strong depletion of Na, Ta, and Ti elements but positive Sr, U, and Pb anomalies, high Y (20.8–28.2 ppm) and HREE concentrations (Yb = 2.23–3.06 ppm), and relatively low (La/Yb)_N (2.20–3.92) values; the dacite samples have high SiO₂ contents (66.13–76.93 wt.%), clearly negative Eu anomalies, high Mg^# values (36–51), and high Y (41.8–54.9 ppm) and Yb (5.76–8.98 ppm) concentrations. The basalts and dacites exhibit similar signatures as normal arc rocks, and were considered to be derived from partial melting of mantle-wedge peridotite that was previously metasomatized by slab melts. In contrast, the plagiogranite porphyry, monzogranite, and quartz diorite show the same geochemical affinity with modern adakites, which are characterized by high SiO₂ contents (67.55–79.00 wt.%), minor negative to positive Eu anomalies, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements (Yb = 0.17–1.19 ppm) and Y (1.86–10.1 ppm), positive K, Rb, Sr, and Ba but negative Nb, Ta, Th, and Ti anomalies, and high (La/Yb)_N ratios and Mg^# values. Moreover, these adakitic felsic intrusions display relatively high positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+ 11.4 to + 18.3), low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.706080–0.711239), high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512692–0.512922) ratios, and consistent zircon δ¹⁸O values (4.41‰–5.48‰), suggesting that their parental magma were most likely derived from partial melting of the subducted oceanic crust followed by mantle peridotite interaction. Based on the whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic data, as well as detailed petrographic analyses, we further suggest that the Fuxing igneous rocks and associated porphyry Cu mineralization were generated by the northward subduction of the paleo-Tianshan oceanic plate beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc during the Early Carboniferous.     

Origin of LateTriassic high-Mg adakitic granitoid rocks from the Dongjiangkou area,Qinling orogen,central China: Implications for subduction of continental crust

The origin of high-Mg adakitic granitoids in collisional orogens can provide important information about the nature of the lower crust and upper mantle during the orogenic process. Late-Triassic high-Mg adakitic granite and its mafic enclaves from the Dongjiangkou area, the Qinling orogenic belt, central China, were derived by partial melting of subducted continental crust and underwent interaction with the overlying mantle wedge peridotite. Adakitic affinity of the different facies of the Dongjiangkou granite body are: high Sr, Ba, high La/Yb and Sr/Y, low Y,Yb, Yb/Lu and Dy/Yb, and no significant Eu anomalies, suggesting amphibole + garnet and plagioclase-free restite in their source region. Evolved Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7050 to 0.7055,ε_Nd(t) = –6.6 to –3.3; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 17.599 to 17.799, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.507 to 15.526, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 37.775 to 37.795] and high K₂O, Rb, together with a large variation in zircon Hf isotopic composition (ε_Hf(t) = ?9.8 to + 5.0), suggest that the granite was derived from reworking of the ancient lower continental crust. CaO, P₂O₅, K₂O/Na₂O, Cr, Ni, Nb/Ta, Rb/Sr and Y increase, and SiO₂, Sr/Y and Eu/Eu* decrease with increasing MgO, consistent with interaction of primitive adakitic melt and overlying mantle peridotite. Zircons separated from the host granites have U-Pb concordia ages of 214 ± 2 Ma to 222 ± 2 Ma, compatible with exhumation ages of Triassic UHP metamorphic rocks in the Dabie orogenic belt. Mafic microgranular enclaves and mafic dykes associated with the granite have identical zircon U-Pb ages of 220 Ma, and are characterized by lower SiO₂, high TiO₂, Mg# and similar evolved Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition. Zircons from mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and mafic dykes also show a large variation in Hf isotopic composition with ε_Hf(t) between ?11.3 and + 11.3. It is inferred that they were formed by partial melting of enriched mantle lithosphere and contaminated by the host adakitic granite magma.In combination with the regional geology, high-Mg# adakitic granitoid rocks in the Dongjiangkou area are considered to have resulted from interaction between subducted Yangtze continental crust and the overlying mantle wedge. Triassic continental collision caused detachment of the Yangtze continental lithosphere subducted beneath the North China Craton, at ca. 220 Ma causing asthenosphere upwelling and exhumation of the continental crust. Triassic clockwise rotation of the Yangtze Craton caused extension in the Dabie area which led to rapid exhumation of the subducted continental lithosphere, while compression in the Qinling area and high-P partial melting (amphibole ± garnet stability field) of the subducted continental crust produced adakitic granitic magma that reacted with peridotite to form Mg-rich hybrid magma.     

Triassic volcanism in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces,NE China: Chronology,geochemistry, and tectonic implications

With the aim of constraining the Early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), we undertook zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd isotopes) of volcanic rocks of the Luoquanzhan Formation and Daxinggou Group in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, China. The analyzed rocks consist mainly of dacite and rhyolite, with SiO₂ contents of 68.52–76.65 wt%. Three samples from the Luoquanzhan Formation and one from the Daxinggou Group were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb zircon techniques. Three zircons with well-defined oscillatory zoning yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 217 ± 1, 214 ± 2, and 208 ± 1 Ma, and one zircon with oscillatory zoning yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 201 ± 1 Ma. These ages are interpreted to represent the timing of eruption of the volcanic rocks. The Triassic volcanic rocks are characterized by high SiO₂ and low MgO concentrations, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7040–0.7050 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 0.7163–0.7381 (Daxinggou Group), and ε_Nd (t) = 1.89–3.94 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 3.42–3.68 (Daxinggou Group). These geochemical features indicate an origin involving the partial melting of juvenile lower crust (Nd model ages (T_DM2) of 651–821 Ma) and that compositional variation among the volcanic rocks arose from mineral fractionation and minor assimilation. These volcanic rocks formed within an extensional environment following collision of the NCC and Jiamusi-Khanka Massif during the Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic.     

Mineralogical,geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopes characteristics of fluorite-bearing granites in the Northern Arabian-Nubian Shield,Egypt: Constraints on petrogenesis and evolution of their associated rare metal mineralization

The Central Eastern Desert (CED) of Egypt, a part of Neoproterozoic Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS), embraces a multiplicity of rare metal bearing granitoids. Gabal El-Ineigi represents one of these granitic plutons and is a good example of the fluorite-bearing rare metal granites in the ANS. It is a composite pluton consisting of a porphyritic syenogranite (SG; normal granite) and coarse- to medium-grained highly evolved alkali-feldspar granite (AFG; fluorite and rare metal bearing granite) intruded into older granodiorite and metagabbro-diorite rocks. The rock-forming minerals are quartz, K-feldspar (Or_94-99), plagioclase (An_0-6) and biotite (protolithonite-siderophyllite) in both granitic types, with subordinate muscovite (Li-phengite) and fluorite in the AFG. Columbite-(Fe), fergusonite-(Y), rutile, zircon and thorite are the main accessory phases in the AFG while allanite-(Ce) and epidote are exclusively encountered in the SG. Texture and chemistry of minerals, especially fluorite, columbite and fergusonite, support their magmatic origin. Both granitic types are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.95–1.01) and belong to the post-collisional A2-type granites, indicating melting of underplated mafic lower crust. The late phase AFG has distinctive geochemical features typical of rare metal bearing granites; it is highly fractionated calc-alkaline characterized by high Rb, Nb, Y, U and many other HFSE and HREE contents, and by extremely low Sr and Ba. Moreover, the REE patterns show pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu¹ = 0.03 and 0.06) and tetrad effect (TE_1,3 = 1.13 and 1.27), implying extensive open system fractionation via fluid–rock interactions that characterize the late magmatic stage differentiation. The SG is remarkably enriched in Sr, Ba and invariably shows a relative enrichment in light rare-earth elements (LREEs). The SG rocks (569 ± 15 Ma) are characterized by relatively low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7034–0.7035) that suggest their derivation from the mantle, with little contamination from the older continental crust. By contrast, the AFG has very high ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios that reflect the disturbance of the Rb-Sr isotopic system and may give an indication for the high temperature magma-fluid interaction. The positive εNd(t) values of AFG (+7.40) and SG (+5.17), corresponding to young Nd-T_DM2 ages ranging from 707 to 893 Ma, clearly reflect the juvenile crustal nature of Gabal El-Ineigi granitoids and preclude the occurrence of pre-Neoproterozoic continental crust in the ANS. The field relationships, chemical, petrological and isotopic characteristics of El-Ineigi SG and AFG prove that they are genetically not associated to each other and indicate a complex origin involving two compositionally distinct parental magmas that were both modified during magmatic fractionation processes. We argue that the SG was formed by partial melting of a mid-crustal source with subsequent fractional crystallization. In contrast, the AFG was generated by partial melting and fractionation of Nb- and Ta-rich amphibole (or biotite) of the lower crust. The appreciable amounts of fluorine in the magma appears to be responsible for the formation of rare metal element complexes (e.g., Nb, Ta, Sn and REEs), and could account for the rare metal mineralization in the El-Ineigi AFG.