Arc magmatism in the Delhi Fold Belt: SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of granitoids and implications for Neoproterozoic convergent margin tectonics in NW India

The northwestern region of Peninsular India preserves important records of Precambrian plate tectonics and the role of Indian continent within Proterozoic supercontinents. In this study, we report precise SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages from granitoids from the Sirohi terrane located along the western fringe of the Delhi Fold Belt in Rajasthan, NW India. The data reveal a range of Neoproterozoic ages from plagiogranite of Peshua, foliated granite of Devala, and porphyritic granite of Sai with zircon crystallization from magmas at 1015 ± 4.4 Ma, 966.5 ± 3.5 and 808 ± 3.1 respectively. The plagiogranite shows high SiO₂, Na₂O and extremely low K₂O, Rb, Ba, comparable with typical oceanic plagiogranites. These rocks possess low LREE and HREE concentrations and a relatively flat LREE–HREE slope, a well-developed negative Eu-anomaly and conspicuous Nb and Ti anomalies. Compared to the plagiogranite, the foliated Devala granite shows higher SiO₂ and moderate Na₂O, together with high K₂O and comparatively higher Rb, Ba, Sr and REE, with steep REE profiles and a weak positive Eu anomaly. In contrast to the plagiogranite and foliated granite, the porphrytic Sai granite has comparatively lower SiO₂ moderately higher Na₂O, extremely high Y, Zr, Nb and elevated REE. The geochemical features of the granitoids [HFSE depletion and LILE enrichment, Nb- and Ta-negative anomalies], and their plots in the fields of Volcanic Arc Granites and those from active continental margins in tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest widespread Neoproterozoic arc magmatism with changing magma chemistry in a protracted subduction realm. Our results offer important insights into a long-lived active continental margin in NW India during early and mid Neoproterozoic, consistent with recent similar observations on Cryogenian magmatic arcs widely distributed along the margins of the East African Orogen, and challenge some of the alternate models which link the magmatism to extensional tectonics associated with Rodinia supercontinent breakup.     

Formation Process of Zircon Associated with REE‐Fluorocarbonate and Niobium Minerals in the Nechalacho REE Deposit,Thor Lake,Canada

The two drill holes, which penetrated sub‐horizontal rare earth element (REE) ore units at the Nechalacho REE in the Proterozoic Thor Lake syenite, Canada, were studied in order to clarify the enrichment mechanism of the high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE: Zr, Nb and REE). The REE ore units occur in the albitized and potassic altered miaskitic syenite. Zircon is the most common REE mineral in the REE ore units, and is divided into five types as follows: Type‐1 zircon occurs as discrete grains in phlogopite, and has a chemical character similar to igneous zircon. Type‐2 zircon consists of a porous HREE‐rich core and LREE–Nb–F‐rich rim. Enrichment of F in the rim of type‐2 zircon suggests that F was related to the enrichment of HFSE. The core of type‐2 zircon is regarded to be magmatic and the rim to be hydrothermal in origin. Type‐3 zircon is characterized by euhedral to anhedral crystals, which occur in a complex intergrowth with REE fluorocarbonates. Type‐3 zircon has high REE, Nb and F contents. Type‐4 zircon consists of porous‐core and ‐rim, but their chemical compositions are similar to each other. This zircon is a subhedral crystal rimmed by fergusonite. Type‐5 zircon is characterized by smaller, porous and subhedral to anhedral crystals. The interstices between small zircon grains are filled by fergusonite. Type‐4 and type‐5 zircon grains have low REE, Nb and F contents. Type‐1 zircon is only included in one unit, which is less hydrothermally altered and mineralized. Type‐2 and type‐3 zircon grains mainly occur in the shallow units, while those of type‐4 and type‐5 are found in the deep units. The deep units have high HFSE contents and strongly altered mineral textures (type‐4 and type‐5) compared to the shallow units. Occurrences of these five types of zircon are different according to the depth and degree of the hydrothermal alteration by solutions rich in F and CO₃, which permit a model for the evolution of the zircon crystallization in the Nechalacho REE deposit as follows: (i) type‐1 (discrete magmatic zircon) is formed in miaskitic syenite. (ii) LREE–Nb–F‐rich hydrothermal zircon formed around HREE‐rich magmatic zircon (type‐2). (iii) type‐3 zircon crystallized through the F and CO₃‐rich hydrothermal alteration of type‐2 zircon which formed the complex intergrowth with REE fluorocarbonates; (iv) the CO₃‐rich hydrothermal fluid corroded type‐3, forming REE–Nb‐poor zircon (type‐4). Niobium and REE were no longer stable in the zircon structure and crystallized as fergusonite around the REE–Nb‐leached zircon (type‐4); (v) type‐5 zircon is formed by the more CO₃‐rich hydrothermal alteration of type‐4 zircon, suggested by the fact that type‐4 and type‐5 zircon grains are often included in ankerite. Type‐3 to type‐5 zircon grains at the Nechalacho REE deposit were continuously formed by leaching and/or dissolution of type‐2 zircon in the presence of F‐ and/or CO₃‐rich hydrothermal fluid. These mineral associations indicate that three representative hydrothermal stages were present and related to HFSE enrichment in the Nechalacho REE deposit: (i) F‐rich hydrothermal stage caused the crystallization of REE–Nb‐rich zircon (type‐2 rim and type‐3), with abundant formation of phlogopite and fluorite; (ii) F‐ and CO₃‐rich hydrothermal stage led to the replacement of a part of REE–Nb–F‐rich zircon by REE fluorocarbonate; and (iii) CO₃‐rich hydrothermal stage resulted in crystallization of the REE–Nb–F‐poor zircon and fergusonite, with ankerite. REE and Nb in hydrothermal fluid at the Nechalacho REE deposit were finally concentrated into fergusonite by way of REE–Nb–F‐rich zircon in the hydrothermally altered units.     

Regional Tectonic Transformation in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt in Early Paleozoic: Constraints from the Geochronology and Geochemistry of Helegangnaren Alkali-feldspar Granite

The Helegangnaren feldspar granite exposed in the eastern part of East Kunlun, is characterized by high concentrations of SiO2 and alkaline, low abundances of Fe, Mg and Ca, metaluminous-weak peraluminous. Trace elements analysis shows that the granite is depleted extremely in Ba, Sr and Eu, and rich in some large-ion lithophile elements and high field strength elements. Besides, the granite has high Ga contents, the values of 104(Ga/Al) vary from 2.50 to 2.77, which is mainly greater than the lower limit of A-type granites (2.6), and is higher than the I- and S-type granites’ average (2.1 and 2.28, respectively). Rare earth element (REE) is characterized by relatively high fractionations of light REE (LREE) and heavy REE (HREE) (LREE/HREE=9.3–13.60, (La/Yb)N=10.92–18.02), pronounced negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.08–0.13), and exhibits right-dipping gull pattern. Major elements, rare elements and trace elements features show the granite is ascribed to A-type granite and A2 subtype in tectonic genetic type. They are plotted into post-collision or within-plate area in a variety of tectonic discriminations. Geological and geochemical data comprehensively suggest that the granite is formed in a post-collision extensive tectonic setting. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U-Pb dating yields a weighted mean age of 425?Ma, belonging to Middle Silurian, which is similar to the age of the post-collision geological events in the region. The differences of magmatic rocks in formation age, rocks assemblage and rocks series systematically indicate that the regional tectonic stress regime in the East Kunlun orogenic belt experienced a major transformation from compress to extension in Middle Silurianin, and the Helegangnaren feldspar granite intruded in the early stage of tectonic transformation.     

Migmatites record multiple episodes of crustal anatexis and geochemical differentiation in the Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic zone,eastern China

Partial melting of ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks is common during collisional orogenesis and post‐collisional reworking, indicating that determining the timing and processes involved in this partial melting can provide insights into the tectonic evolution of collisional orogens. This study presents the results of a combined whole‐rock geochemical and zirconological study of migmatites from the Sulu orogen in eastern China. These data provide evidence of multiple episodes of crustal anatexis and geochemical differentiation within the UHP metamorphic rocks. The leucosomes contain higher concentrations of Ba and K and lower concentrations of the rare earth elements (REE), Th and Y, than associated melanosomes and granitic gneisses. The leucosomes also have homogenous Sr–Nd–O isotopic compositions that are similar to proximal (i.e. within the same outcrop) melanosomes, suggesting that the anatectic melts were generated by the partial melting of source rocks that are located within individual outcrops. The migmatites contain zircons with six different types of domains that can be categorized using differences in structures, trace element compositions, and U–Pb ages. Group I domains are relict magmatic zircons that yield middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages and contain high REE concentrations. Group II domains represent newly grown metamorphic zircons that formed at 230 ± 1 Ma during the collisional orogenesis. Groups III, IV, V, and VI zircons are newly grown anatectic zircons that formed at 222 ± 2 Ma, 215 ± 1 Ma, 177 ± 2 Ma, and 152 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The metamorphic zircons have higher Th/U and lower (Yb/Gd)_N values, flat heavy REE (HREE) patterns with no significantly negative Eu anomalies relative to the anatectic zircons, which are characterized by low Th/U ratios, steep HREE patterns, and negative Eu anomalies. The first two episodes of crustal anatexis occurred during the Late Triassic at c. 222 Ma and c. 215 Ma as a result of phengite breakdown. The other two episodes of anatexis occurred during the Jurassic period at c. 177 Ma and c. 152 Ma and were associated with extensional collapse of the collision‐thickened orogen. The majority of Triassic anatectic zircons and all of the Jurassic zircons are located within the leucosomes, whereas the melanosomes are dominated by Triassic metamorphic zircons, suggesting that the leucosomes within the migmatites record more episodes of crustal anatexis. Both metamorphic and anatectic zircons have elevated ε_Hf(t) values compared with relict magmatic zircon cores, suggesting that these zircons contain non‐zircon Hf derived from material with more radiogenic Hf isotope compositions. Therefore, the Sulu and Dabie orogens experienced different episodes of reworking during the exhumation and post‐collisional stages.     

Geochemical Characteristics and LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of Amphibolites in the Songshugou Ophiolite in the Eastern Qinling

Geochemical studies on the arnphibolites in the Songshugou ophiolite from Shangnan County, Shaanxi Province demonstrate that the protolith of the amphibolites is tholeiitic. The arnphibolites can be classified into two groups according to their REE patterns and trace element features. Rocks of the first group are depleted in LREE while rocks of the second group are slightly depleted in LREE or flat from LREE to HREE without significant Eu anomaly. The first group of rocks have (La/Yb)N=0.33-0.55, (La/Sm)N= 0.45-0.65, and their La/Nb, Ce/Zr, Zr/Nb, Zr/Y and Ti/Y ratios are averaged at 1.20, 0.12, 31.02, 2.92 and 198, respectively, close to those of typical N-MORB. The second group of rocks have (La/Yb)N=0.63-0.95, (La/ Sm)N = 0.69--0.90, and their average La/Nb, Ce/Zr, Zr/Nb, Zr/Y and Ti/Y ratios are 0.82, 0.83, 1.15, 0.16, 19.00, 2.58 and 225, respectively, which lie between those of typical N-MORB and E-MORB but closer to the former. The two groups of rocks both exhibit flat patterns from Th to Yb in th     

Trace elements in zircon and coexisting minerals from low-T/UHP metagranite in the Dabie orogen: Implications for action of supercritical fluid during continental subduction-zone metamorphism

Simultaneously in-situ analyses of U–Pb isotopes and trace elements were carried out for zircons, in combination with the in-situ analyses of trace elements in coexisting minerals, from low-T/UHP metagranite in the Dabie orogen. The results provide geochemical evidence for the existence of supercritical fluid during continental subduction-zone metamorphism. The zircons are categorized into three types based on their patterns of REE distribution. Type I zircons show increasing enrichment from La to Lu, with prominent positive Ce anomalies and negative Eu anomalies, which are typical of magmatic zircon. Some of them display regular or blurred oscillatory-zoned texture and apparent ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 341 to 780 Ma, suggesting metamorphic modification by solid-state recrystallization with no significant involvement of metamorphic fluid. Type II zircons share similar Th, U and HFSE contents and REE patterns to Type I zircons. However, they exhibit blurred oscillatory-zoned texture or are unzoned, have apparent ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 348 to 709 Ma, and are LREE-enriched relative to Type I zircons. This suggests that they underwent metamorphic reworking by replacement recrystallization in the presence of metamorphic fluid. The LREE enrichment is due to the presence of microscale LREE-bearing mineral inclusions (such as apatite, monazite or epidote) in the zircons. Type III zircons, representing the majority of the present analyses, are characterized by spongy texture and consistent enrichment of LREE, HREE, Th, U and HFSE relative to Type I zircons. They yield nearly concordant U–Pb ages close to the discordia lower-intercept. The consistent enrichment of trace elements relative to the magmatic zircon indicates involvement of a special UHP metamorphic fluid that has a strong capacity to extract significant amounts of LREE, HREE, Th, U and HFSE from such accessory minerals as allanite, garnet, rutile and zircon. Because these minerals are stable in the field of hydrous melt in granite–water systems, they are not able to be decomposed during the exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust. Thus, a supercritical fluid is suggested to transport the LREE, HREE, Th, U and HFSE in the accessory minerals to recrystallized zircons. The mechanism of dissolution recrystallization is responsible for the spongy texture and the very high concentration of trace elements in this type of metamorphic zircons. Therefore, the action of supercritical fluid is evident under the low-T/UHP metamorphic conditions.     

新疆拜城波孜果尔碱性岩中副矿物的特征

在野外地质调查的基础上,结合室内显微镜观察及电子探针分析测试,对新疆拜城波孜果尔碱性岩中的副矿物的矿物学特征和化学成分进行了研究.发现这些副矿物常以共生组合的形式产在碱性岩中,主要分布在石英二长闪长岩和石英二长岩中.烧绿石中U、Th和REE替代Ca、Na.独居石富含LREE,Th和LREE相互替代;根据独居石中w(La+ Ce) ＞40％和La/Nd比值在1.6～4.5,推断独居石为热液成因.磷钇矿中富含REE,且以HREE为主;w(Th)＞w(U).锆石中Zr/Hf比值在60％以上,符合碱性岩特征;其Th/U比值为0.6,属于岩浆锆石.星叶石中w(Rb2O)、w(Cs2O)较高.萤石中Y、Ce替代Ca.锆石中的钍石w(U)明显高于磁铁矿中钍石w(U).在石英二长岩中,烧绿石的w(CaO)、w(TiO2)、w(ZrO2)、w(U3O8),磷钇矿的w(Y2O3),星叶石的w(TiO2),萤石的w(Ca),氟碳铈镧矿的w(CaO)较丰富;而在石英二长闪长岩中,烧绿石的w(Ce2O3),磷钇矿的REE含量,星叶石的w(Nb2O5)、w(Rb2O),萤石w(Ce)、w(Y)和氟碳铈镧矿的w(La2O3)较高.     

Geochemical Constrains on Petrogenesis and Tectonic Setting of Volcanic Rocks from the Baimianxia and Sanwan Formations in the Northern Margin of the Yangtze Plate

On the basis of petrogeochemical data, the volcanic lavas of the Baimianxia Formation can be classified into two units: high TiO2 and low TiO2. The TiO2 concentration of the former is generally higher than 1%, which occurs in the lower part with high-grade metamorphism, but the latter is less than 1% and crops out in the upper part with low-grade metamorphism. The high-TiO2 unit is dominated by tholeiitic lavas showing high rare earth element (REE) contents (ΣREE?=?83.4–180.8?μg/g), high light/heavy REE (LREE/HREE) ratios (LREE/HREE=2.17–5.85) and weak negative Eu anomaly (Eu=0.79–1.01). Its trace element patterns display weak Nb-Ta anomalies with respect to Th, K, La, Ce, showing within-plate basalt affinities. In contrast, the low-TiO2 unit is characterized by low REE contents, low LREE/HREE ratios, and pronounced Nb-Ta anomalies, indicating typical arc or continental arc signature. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of basalts and andesites from the Sanwan Formation are flat or LREE depletion, which is very similar to normal mid-oceanic basalt. Therefore, we suggest that these lavas should be formed in a back-arc basin setting. Sr-Nd isotopic data of the basalt in the lower part suggest that the rocks would have been formed in ~1144?Ma. Based on the geochemical and isotopic features of the basalts, we suggest that these rocks in the low part of the Baimianxia Formation should originate from an asthenospheric oceanic-island basalt-like mantle source, which may be produced by partial melting of garnet lherzolite, and significantly underwent fractional crystallization and crustal or lithospheric mantle contamination en route to the surface. However, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U-Pb dating of the basalt sample from the upper part of the Baimianxia Formation gives a 437 Ma, indicating a Early Paleozoic age. The geochemical analysis in this paper suggests that they may originate from an arc or continental arc in response to aqueous fluids or melt expelled from a subducting slab, and the partial melting occurred in the garnet stability field. The samples of basalts and andesites in the Sanwan Formation show they are derived from depleted mantle source similar to normal mid-oceanic basalt. Finally, we can conclude that the lavas in the lower part of the Baimianxia Formation represent the geological records of rift-related volcanism in the middle Proterozoic, which is commonly considered to be the precursor of continental breakup and followed by oceanic basin forming from Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic. Whereas, the lavas in upper part of the Baimianxia Formation and Sanwan Formations may have been generated by the oceanic and continental conversion that occurred in the early Paleozoic.     

完达山地块跃进山矽卡岩型铜金矿区酸性侵入岩锆石U-Pb年龄、地球化学特征及成因

跃进山小型矽卡岩型铜金矿床位于完达山地体西南部,矿体主要赋存于矽卡岩、花岗斑岩及其构造裂隙中,呈扁豆状或脉状。本文对矿区花岗闪长岩和花岗斑岩进行锆石U-Pb年代学和岩石地球化学研究,以了解矿床形成时代、成岩（矿）构造背景及矿床成因。测年结果表明,花岗斑岩和花岗闪长岩成岩年龄分别为（115.8±1.0）Ma和（126.9±1.7）Ma,铜金矿化时代与花岗斑岩成岩时代基本一致,为早白垩世晚期。岩石地球化学研究表明,花岗闪长岩属过铝质钙碱性系列岩石,稀土配分模式图为轻稀土富集,重稀土亏损,具较强的铕负异常,无铈异常,岩浆主要来源于壳源物质;花岗斑岩属过铝质钙碱性系列岩石,轻稀土富集,重稀土亏损,具弱铕负异常,无铈异常,相对富集大离子亲石元素（Rb、Ba、K、Sr）和不相容元素（U、Th）,亏损高场强元素（Ta、Nb、P、Ti）和HREE,岩浆来源于壳幔物质混合源区,形成于碰撞后构造环境,成岩成矿作用与太平洋板块强烈俯冲作用后的伸展体制密切相关。     

Petrogenesis of the Xihuashan Granite in Southern Jiangxi Province,South China: Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology,Geochemistry and Nd Isotopes

Mesozoic granitic intrusions are widely distributed in the Nanling region,South China.Yanshanian granites are closely connected with the formation of tungsten deposits.The Xihuashan granite is a typica...     

北秦岭东段二郎坪群火山岩锆石的LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年及其地质意义

利用阴极发光（CL）技术和LA-ICP-MS原位分析方法,对北秦岭东段军马河、湾潭和湍河3个地区的二郎坪群基性火山岩进行了系统的锆石U Pb年代学研究。CL图像分析结果显示,三地火山岩中的锆石皆呈自形 半自形柱状形态和微弱的、宽的振荡环带结构。微量元素分析揭示,所有锆石都具有较高的稀土总量、重稀土和Th、U含量（ΣREE为(397.7~7 941.6)×10-6;ΣHREE为(376.7~7 774.2)×10-6;Th为(107.9~5 824.2)×10-6;U为(89.3~3 841.9)×10-6）以及轻稀土亏损、重稀土明显富集的左倾稀土配分曲线型式,所有锆石的Th/U比值皆大于0.4,显示典型岩浆锆石特征。LA-ICP-MS定年结果获得3地基性火山岩的形成年龄分别为(463±1.8) Ma、(475±1.5) Ma和(473±1.3) Ma,三者在误差范围内一致,表明北秦岭二郎坪群基性火山岩的形成时代为463~475 Ma。系统的岩石学和地球化学研究显示,二郎坪群火山岩具有弧后盆地火山岩的地球化学特征。研究获得的二郎坪基性火山岩463~475 Ma的结晶年龄明显晚于其南侧北秦岭超高压榴辉岩的原岩年龄(（791±6) Ma）以及变质年龄（(502±11) Ma）,而且榴辉岩的地球化学特征显示为板内玄武岩,也与二郎坪火山岩不同,因而指出北秦岭超高压榴辉岩与二郎坪火山岩没有直接成因联系。     

Geochemistry, Geochronology and Lu-Hf Isotopes of Peraluminous Granitic Porphyry from the Walegen Au Deposit, West Qinling Terrane

Walegen Au deposit is closely correlated with granitic intrusions of Triassic age, which are composed of granite and quartz porphyries. Both granite porphyry and quartz porphyry consist of quartz, feldspar and muscovite as primary minerals. Weakly peraluminous granite porphyry(A/CNK=1.10–1.15) is enriched in LREE, depleted in HREE with Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies, and displays subduction-related geochemistry. Quartz porphyry is strongly peraluminous(A/CNK=1.64–2.81) with highly evolved components, characterized by lower TiO_2, REE contents, Mg~#, K/Rb, Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf ratios and higher Rb/Sr ratios than the granite porphyry. REE patterns of quartz porphyry exhibit lanthanide tetrad effect, resulting from mineral fractionation or participation of fluids with enriched F and Cl. LAICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating indicates quartz porphyry formed at 233±3 Ma. The ages of relict zircons from Triassic magmatic rocks match well with the detrital zircons from regional area. In addition, ε_(Hf)(t) values of Triassic magmatic zircons from the granite and quartz porphyries are -14.2 to -9.1(with an exception of +4.1) and -10.8 to -8.6 respectively, indicating a crustal-dominant source. Regionally, numerous Middle Triassic granitoids were previously reported to be formed under the consumption of Paleotethyan Ocean. These facts indicate that the granitic porphyries from Walegen Au deposit may have been formed in the processes of the closing of Paleotethyan Ocean, which could correlate with the arc-related magmatism in the Kunlun orogen to the west and the Qinling orogen to the east.     

皖北新元古界望山组灰岩微量元素地球化学特征*

为研究皖北新元古界望山组灰岩地球化学特征及地质背景,对该地区灰岩进行了系统的岩石学和微量元素地球化学测试。研究结果表明：望山组灰岩中,元素U、Pb、Sr、Sm富集,Nb、Pr、Zr、Hf明显亏损;稀土总量偏低（6.68～42.78 μg/g）,轻稀土略亏损,Nd_SN/Yb_SN值在0.65～0.91之间变化,轻重稀土分异微弱,灰岩样品均具有程度不同的La和Y正异常。U、Th、Ce等元素特征反映了研究区望山组形成于缺氧的水体环境,Sr/Ba、Sr/Cu值反映了望山组灰岩形成于盐度较大的海水环境和干旱的气候条件;La-Th-Sc和Th-Sc-Zr/10图解指示望山组灰岩可能形成于大陆岛弧环境。     

Morphology, Chemistry and U-Pb Geochronology of Zircon Grains In Quartz Monzodiorite from the Sunzhuang Area, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province

The morphology, REE geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology of zircons from quartz monzodiorite in the Sunzhuang area, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province are presented in this study. The zircon crystals can be classified into four main types as: AB, L, S and P, and 24 subtypes such as AB4, AB5, L5, and S3. The maximum crystallization temperature of zircon was estimated as 850°C, with the minimum of 550°C. The peak temperatures of the zircon crystallization range from 650°C to 700°C. The abundances of Th and U in the zircon grains show large variation with the Th/U values 0.4. The Th and U values also show a positive correlation in most zircons. The REE abundance of zircon in the quartz monzodiorite ranges from 280.4 ppm to 2143 ppm with an average of 856.4 ppm. The chondrite normalized zircon REE patterns show two types, one is characterized by HREE enrichment and LREE depletion with positive Ce-anomaly and negative Eu-anomaly whereas the other is HREE enriched and LREE depleted with negative Eu-anomaly but without positive Ce-anomaly, and relatively flat patterns. The LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology on the zircons yields a mean age of 133±0.87 Ma. Our data on zircon morphology, composition and U-Pb geochronology reveal that the parent magma of the quartz monzodiorite which was emplaced during late Yanshanian had a mixed crust-mantle source, with crustal components dominating. The magma is inferred to have been water rich and alkaline with initial high oxygen fugacity. Post-magmatic hydrothermal activity occurred under relatively reducing conditions which was conductive for gold precipitation in the Yixingzhai gold deposit.     

Concurrent Determination of U‐Pb Age and REE Mass Fractions of Zircon by High Mass Resolution SIMS

A combined geochronological and geochemical investigation for the same domain of zircon provides valuable information on timing and genesis, particularly in the case of multi‐growth metamorphic zircon. A high spatial resolution concurrent analytical method for zircon U‐Pb age and rare earth element content was successfully achieved in this study, using a multi‐collector secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) at a ~ 8 μm diameter scale. Special instrument parameters were employed, including a high mass resolution of approximately 15000 applied to replace the previous energy filter method, and a dynamic multi‐collector mode used to reduce the measurement time to 18 min per analysis. Six zircon reference materials yielded precise and accurate ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages, which are comparable to those obtained by the ordinary mono‐collector method, but with 2–3 times higher spatial resolution. All zircon grains measured in this study showed enriched heavy‐REE (HREE) contents consistent with previously reported values determined by LA and solution ICP‐MS methods. The light‐REE (LREE) mass fractions measured using both SIMS and LA‐ICP‐MS methods in this study, although with quite different volume, show consistent results within uncertainties.     

甘肃北山新元古代侵入岩的厘定及其对北山盆山演化格局的制约

北山地区是中亚造山带的组成部分,记录了重要的新元古代构造演化信息。对甘肃北山咸水沟原1:25万区域地质调查所划的泥盆纪侵入岩开展研究,新解体出新元古代二长花岗岩体,对该二长花岗岩进行LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年,其²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U加权年龄为(787 ±15)Ma。岩石富SiO₂、低TiO₂、高Al₂O₃、富碱,里特曼指数σ和铝饱和指数A/CNK均大于1.05,轻稀土相对于重稀土富集,(La/Yb)_N值为15.20~23.28,表明轻重稀土高度分异,(La/Sm)_N比值为3.14~4.22,指示轻稀土分馏较大,具明显的负Eu异常,富集Rb、Th、La,亏损Nb、P、Ti、Sr,表现出S型花岗岩特征。北山地区的新元古代二长花岗岩形成于大陆碰撞构造环境,位于Rodinia超大陆边缘,该期岩浆事件反映了新元古代北山地区发生了板块碰撞。     

Magmatic and hydrothermal zircon growth during multiple orogenic cycles in an evolving mantle wedge

The Hongseong area of the Hongseong-Imjingang Belt in the central-western Korean Peninsula forms part of a subduction-collision system that is correlated with the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu Belt in China. Several serpentinized ultramafic bodies carrying blocks of metamorphosed mafic rocks occur in this area. Here we investigate zircon grains in serpentinites from Bibong(BB) and Wonnojeon(WNJ), and high-pressure(HP) mafic granulite from Baekdong(BD) localities based on U-Pb, REE and Lu-Hf analyses. The zircons from BD HP mafic granulite show distinct age peaks at 838 Ma, 617 Ma and 410 Ma, with minor peaks at1867 Ma, 1326 Ma and 167 Ma. The Neoproterozoic age peaks in these rocks as well as in the serpentinites suggest subduction-related melt-fluid interaction in the mantle wedge at this time. The older zircon grains ranging in age from the Early to Middle Paleoproterozoic might represent detrital grains from the basement rocks transferred to the wedge mantle through sediment subduction. The BD HP mafic granulite shows a Middle Paleozoic age peak(Devonian; 410 Ma). The 242-245 Ma age peaks in the compiled age data of zircon grains serpentinites from BB and WNJ correspond to a major Triassic event that further added melts and fluids into the ancient mantle wedge to crystallize new zircons. In the chondrite normalized rare earth element diagram, the magmatic zircon grains from the studied rocks show LREE depletion and HREE enrichment with sharply negative Eu and Pr anomalies and positive Ce and Sm anomalies. The REE patterns of hydrothermal zircons show LREE enrichment, and relatively flat patterns with negative Eu anomaly. Zircon Hf signature from the WNJ serpentinite show negative εHf(t)(-18.5 and-23.5) values indicating an enriched mantle source with TDM in the range of 1614 Ma and1862 Ma. Zircons from the BD HP mafic granulite also show slightly negative εHf(t)(average-4.3) and TDM in the range of 1365-1935 Ma. Our study provides evidence for multiple zircon growth in an evolving mantle wedge that witnessed melt and fluid interaction during different orogenic cycles.     

阿尔金造山带青白口纪片麻状花岗岩的厘定及对Rodinia超大陆汇聚时限的制约

阿尔金造山带新元古代花岗岩的研究对探讨该地区Rodinia超大陆汇聚阶段构造演化过程具有重要意义。本文对在亚干布阳一带新厘定的青白口纪片麻状花岗岩开展了详细的岩石学、年代学和岩石地球化学研究。锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年代学证据显示片麻状花岗岩结晶年龄分别为(883.0±3.3)Ma和(883.1±3.3)Ma,说明其侵位于青白口纪。地球化学结果显示,常量元素具有富硅、铝、钾和低钠、镁、钙和钛的特点,具钙碱性-高钾钙碱性、过铝质花岗岩特征。岩石轻稀土分馏较强而重稀土分馏较弱,具有明显的负Eu异常,总体呈右倾的"V"型稀土分配模式。岩石富集Rb、Th、LREE等大离子亲石元素,中等亏损Ba,强烈亏损Nb、Sr、P、Hf、Ti等高场强元素,总体特征显示了典型的壳源花岗岩的特征,其源于地壳变质砂岩部分熔融,形成于同碰撞晚期构造环境,属Rodinia超大陆汇聚阶段的产物。综合研究表明,阿尔金地区新元古代早期同碰撞型岩体的形成时代集中在871～945 Ma,限定了Rodinia超大陆汇聚时限,且在空间上构成了一条重要的岩浆岩带,是对Rodinia超大陆碰撞汇聚作用的响应。     

Uncoupled U/Pb and REE response in zircon during the transformation of eclogite to mafic and intermediate granulite (Blanský les,Bohemian Massif)

An eclogite–mafic granulite occurs as a rare boudin within a felsic kyanite–K‐feldspar granulite in a low‐strain zone. Its boundary is marked by significant metasomatism–diffusional gain of potassium at the centimetre‐scale, and probable infiltration of felsic melt on a larger scale. This converted the eclogite–mafic granulite into an intermediate‐composition, ternary‐feldspar‐bearing granulite. Based on inclusions in garnet, the peak P–T conditions of the original eclogite are 18 kbar at 850–950 °C, with later matrix re‐equilibration at 12 kbar and 950 °C. Four samples from the transition of the eclogite–mafic granulite through to the intermediate granulite were studied. In the eclogite, REE patterns in the garnet core show no Eu anomaly, compatible with crystallization in the absence of plagioclase and consistent with eclogite facies conditions. Towards the rim of garnet, LREE decrease, and a weak negative Eu anomaly appears, reflecting passage into HP granulite facies conditions with plagioclase present. The rims of garnet next to ternary feldspar in the intermediate granulite show the lowest LREE and deepest Eu anomalies. Zircon from the four samples was analysed by LASS (laser ablation–split‐stream inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry). It shows U–Pb ages from 404 ± 4.0 to 331 ± 3.3 Ma, with a peak at 340 ± 4.0 Ma corresponding to the likely exhumation of the rocks to 12 kbar. Older ages from zircon with steep HREE patterns indicate the minimum age of the protolith, and ages <360 ± 4.0 Ma are interpreted to correspond to the eclogite facies metamorphism. Only some zircon grains ≤350 ± 4.0 Ma have flat HREE patterns, suggesting that these are primarily modified protolith grains, rather than new zircon crystallized in the eclogite‐ or granulite facies. The metasomatic processes that converted the eclogite–mafic granulite to an intermediate granulite may have facilitated zircon modification as zircon in the intermediate granulite has flat HREE and ages of 340 ± 4.0 Ma. The difference between the oldest and youngest ages with flat REE patterns indicates a 16 ± 5.6 Ma period of zircon modification in the presence of garnet.     

REE Geochemistry and Mineralization Characteristics of the Zudong and Guanxi Granites,Jiangxi Province

Abstract The Zudong and Guanxi granites are original rocks of the ion adsorption-type HREE and LREE deposits in weathering crust of granites. The ∑REE ¹ ∑REE=REE+Y.
value and LREE ² LREE=∑(La-Eu) and HREE=∑(Gd-Lu)+Y.
/ HREE ratio of the Zudong granite are 264 ppm and 0.81-0.24 respectively, and the average Y/∑REE ratio is 35.8-54.5%. This is mainly due to magmatic crystallization and evolution and deuteric metasomatism (albitization, muscovitization and fluorite-doveritization). These alterations resulted in endogenic mineralizations of yttrium-group REE fluorine carbonates, silicates and arsenates. The Guanxi granite is characterized by LREE enrichment (the average LREE/HREE ratio is 2.43).