An Experimentally Constrained Petrogenetic Grid in the Silica-Saturated Portion of the System KFMASH at High Temperatures and Pressures

Experiments in the quartz-saturated part of the system KFMASHunder fO₂ conditions of the haematite–magnetite bufferand using bulk compositions with X_Mg of 0·81, 0·72,0·53 define the stability limits of several mineral assemblageswithin the P–T field 9–12 kbar, 850–1100°C.The stability limits of the mineral assemblages orthopyroxene+ spinel + cordierite ± sapphirine, orthopyroxene + garnet+ sapphirine, sapphirine + cordierite + orthopyroxene and garnet+ orthopyroxene + spinel have been delineated on the basis ofP–T and T–X pseudosections. Sapphirine did not appearin the bulk composition of X_Mg = 0·53. A partial petrogeneticgrid applicable to high Mg–Al granulites metamorphosedat high fO₂, developed in our earlier work, was extended tohigher pressures. The experimental results were successfullyapplied to several high-grade terranes to estimate P–Tconditions and retrograde P–T trajectories. KEY WORDS: KFMASH equilibria; experimental petrogenetic grid at high fO₂     

Metamorphic History of Sapphirine-bearing and Related Magnesian Gneisses from Namaqualand, South Africa

Sapphirine occurs with cordierite, phlogopite, spinel, sillimanite,corundum, orthopyroxene, and gedrite in granulite facies Mg-and Al-rich paragneisses within the low P, high T NamaqualandMetamorphic Complex. The gneisses reveal a three-stage texturalhistory. Sapphirine appeared during a second stage of progrademineral growth which produced nodular structures and intergrowthsinvolving spinel, corundum, and sillimanite, pseudomorphingan earlier generation of coarse, amphibolite facies minerals.A third generation of coarse, cross-cutting, mainly hydrousminerals (gedrite, kornerupine, phlogopite) is sporadicallydeveloped. The wide variety of cofacial mineral assemblages allows thedelineation of the stable mineral associations of sapphirinein the system K₂O-MgO-FeO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O under P-T conditionsindependently estimated at about 5 kb, 750–800 °C.The natural assemblages provide constraints which, taken togetherwith existing thermodynamic and experimental data, allow theestimation of P-T slopes of sapphirine equilibria. The mineraltextures thus indicate sapphirine growth under increasing T,decreasing a(H₂O), and constant or slightly increasing P. The preservation of prograde reaction textures during fine-grainedmineral growth probably results from the reduced importanceand/or more CO₂-rich composition of the metamorphic fluid undergranulite facies conditions in these refractory rocks. Aqueousfluids were locally reintroduced after the metamorphic peak.     

Complex Growth Textures in a Polymetamorphic Metabasite from the Kraubath Massif (Eastern Alps)

Zoned garnet and amphibole occur in metabasites of the KraubathMassif, Eastern Alps, that contain relic magmatic clinopyroxene.The amphibole composition gradually changes from core (X_Mg =0·83) to rim (X_Mg = 0·6–0·7). A numberof compositional varieties of garnet occur in the metabasite.An older porphyroblastic garnet (Py_23–27, Alm_41–43,Grs_29–33) has two different compositional domains, onerelatively rich in Mg (Py_27–30) and the other rich inCa (Grs_35–38) with a low Mg (Py_20–25) content. Theyoungest variety, which forms rims on, or microveins in, theporphyroblastic garnet, has high Ca and low Mg (Grs_40–57,Py_2–7, Alm_46–51). The amphibole cores and garnetporphyroblasts are interpreted to represent minerals formedduring Variscan regional metamorphism under amphibolite-faciesconditions. Alpine metamorphism is represented by the most recentCa-rich and Mg-poor variety of garnet that coexists with theamphibole rims, epidote and chlorite. Fracturing in the porphyroblasticgarnet probably originated during retrogression of the Variscanamphibolite-facies assemblages. Textural relations suggest thatthe garnet in the microveins formed by dehydration of hydrousphases during an Alpine metamorphic overprint that reached P–Tconditions of 550–583°C at 1·0 GPa. KEY WORDS: microveins; garnet; metabasites; Kraubath Massif; Eastern Alps     

Sapphirine + quartz assemblage in contrasting textural modes from the Eastern Ghats Belt, India: Implications for stability relations in UHT metamorphism and retrograde processes

Stability of the assemblage sapphirine + quartz in Mg–Al-rich granulites implies ultrahigh temperature (UHT) condition of metamorphism but their direct contact is rarely preserved in natural rocks. The present study shows contrasting textural relations between sapphirine and quartz in different parts of the same occurrence of a Mg–Al-rich granulite, Eastern Ghats Belt, India. Textural data suggest stabilization of the assemblage sapphirine + quartz with orthopyroxene and cordierite during the metamorphic peak. Thermometric estimates yield temperature exceeding 950 °C for the stability of this assemblage. Most of such sapphirine grains (Spr₁) are texturally separated from quartz and cordierite grains by double corona of sillimanite + orthopyroxene that results due to isobaric cooling during the post-peak stage. Sapphirine (Spr₂) also forms a symplectic intergrowth with quartz and orthopyroxene at the fringe of coarse orthopyroxene. This textural feature can be explained by the breakdown of (Fe, Mg)-Tschermak components of orthopyroxene during the same isobaric cooling episode from UHT peak condition. The preservation of grain contact of this intergrown sapphirine and quartz can be attributed to a problem in reaction kinetics. In the other mode, sapphirine (Spr₃) occurs with quartz with a thin skin of cordierite near a quartz vein. Such texture could result from isothermal decompression of the cooled crust. Alternatively and more possibly, cordierite could form from ingress of CO₂–H₂O rich fluid during terminal stage of cooling. Finally, sapphirine (Spr₄) and quartz show direct contact close to the quartz vein. Direct contact of such sapphirine and quartz represents textural disequilibrium as this particular quartz is introduced as a vein much later than the peak metamorphism but prior to the major foliation-forming deformation. Coarse sapphirine and vein quartz, therefore, accidentally came in contact with each other and persisted metastably. Therefore, though coexistence of sapphirine and quartz is considered to be a strong evidence for ultrahigh temperature condition, care should be taken to decipher their stable coexistence. Different types of textural relations involving this mineral pair could originate in a single rock, probably in different stages of its metamorphic history.     

Petro-tectonic Imprints in the Sapphirine Granulites from Anantagiri, Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India

Sapphirine granulite occurring as lenses in charnockite at Anantagiri,Eastern Ghat, India, displays an array of minerals which developedunder different P-T-X conditions. Reaction textures in conjunctionwith mineral chemical data attest to several Fe-Mg continuousreactions, such as

1. spinel+rutile+quartz+MgFe_–1=sapphirine+ilmenite
2. cordierite=sapphirine+quartz+MgFe_–1
3. sapphirine+quartz=orthopyroxene+sillimanite+MgFe_–1
4. orthopyroxene+sapphirine+quartz=garnet+MgFe_–1
5. orthopyroxene+sillimanite=garnet+quartz+MgFe_–1
6. orthopyroxene+sillimanite+quartz+MgFe_–1=cordierite.

Calculated positions of the reaction curves in P-T space, togetherwith discrete P-T points obtained through geothermobarometryin sapphirine granulite and the closely associated charnockiteand mafic granulite, define an anticlockwise P-T trajectory.This comprises a high-T/P prograde metamorphic path which culminatedin a pressure regime of 8?3 kb above 950?C, a nearly isobariccooling (IBC) path (from 950?C, 8?3 kb, to 675?C, 7?5kb) anda terminal decompressive path (from 7?5 to 4?5 kb). Spinel,quartz, high-Mg cordierite, and sapphirine were stabilized duringthe prograde high-T/P metamorphism, followed by the developmentof orthopyroxene, sillimanite, and garnet during the IBC. Retrogradelow-Mg cordierite appeared as a consequence of decompressionin the sapphirine granulite. Deformational structures, reportedfrom the Eastern Ghat granulites, and the available geochronologicaldata indicate that prograde metamorphism could have occurredat 30001?00 and 2500?100 Ma during a compressive orogeny thatwas associated with high heat influx through mafic magmatism. IBC ensued from P_max and was thus a direct consequence of progrademetamorphism. However, in the absence of sufficient study onthe spatial variation in P-T paths and the strain historiesin relation to time, the linkage between IBC and isothermaldecompression (ITD) has remained obscure. A prolonged IBC followedby ITD could be the consequence of one extensional mechanismwhich had an insufficient acceleration at the early stage, orITD separately could be caused by an unrelated extensional tectonism.The complex cooled nearly isobarically from 2500 Ma. It sufferedrapid decompression accompanied by anorthosite and alkalinemagmatism at 1400–1000 Ma.     

Variation in Metamorphic Style along the Northern Margin of the Damara Orogen, Namibia

The northern margin of the Inland Branch of the Pan-AfricanDamara Orogen in Namibia shows dramatic along-strike variationin metamorphic character during convergence between the Congoand Kalahari Cratons (M₃ metamorphic cycle). Low-P contact metamorphismwith anticlockwise P–T paths dominates in the westerndomains (Ugab Zone and western Northern Zone), and high-P Barrovianmetamorphism with a clockwise P–T path is documented fromthe easternmost domain (eastern Northern Zone). The sequenceof M₃ mineral growth in contact aureoles shows early growthof cordierite porphyroblasts that were pseudomorphed to biotite–chlorite–muscoviteat the same time as an andalusite–biotite–muscovitetransposed foliation was developed in the matrix. The peak-Tmetamorphic assemblages and fabrics were overprinted by crenulationsand retrograde chlorite–muscovite. The KFMASH P–Tpseudosection for metapelites in the Ugab Zone and western NorthernZone contact aureoles indicates tight anticlockwise P–Tloops through peak metamorphic conditions of 540–570°Cand 2·5–3·2 kbar. These semi-quantitativeP–T loops are consistent with average P–T calculationsusing THERMOCALC, which give a pooled mean of 556 ± 26°Cand 3·2 ± 0·6 kbar, indicating a high averagethermal gradient of 50°C/km. In contrast, the eastern NorthernZone experienced deep burial, high-P/moderate-T Barrovian M₃metamorphism with an average thermal gradient of 21°C/kmand peak metamorphic conditions of c. 635°C and 8·7kbar. The calculated P–T pseudosection and garnet compositionalisopleths in KFMASH, appropriate for the metapelite sample fromthis region, document a clockwise P–T path. Early plagioclase–kyanite–biotiteparageneses evolved by plagioclase consumption and the growthof garnet to increasing X_Fe, X_Mg and X_Ca and decreasing X_Mncompositions, indicating steep burial with heating. The developedkyanite–garnet–biotite peak metamorphic parageneseswere followed by the resorption of garnet and formation of plagioclasemoats, indicating decompression, which was followed by retrogressivecooling and chlorite–muscovite growth. The clockwise P–Tloop is consistent with the foreland vergent fold–thrustbelt geometry in this part of the northern margin. Earlier formed(580–570 Ma) pervasive matrix foliations (M₂) were overprintedby contact metamorphic parageneses (M₃) in the aureoles of 530± 3 Ma granites in the Ugab Zone and 553–514 Magranites in the western Northern Zone. Available geochronologicaldata suggest that convergence between the Congo and KalahariCratons was essentially coeval in all parts of the northernmargin, with similar ages of 535–530 Ma for the main phaseof deformation in the eastern Northern Zone and Northern Platformand 538–505 Ma high-grade metamorphism of the CentralZone immediately to the south. Consequently, NNE–SSW-directedconvergent deformation and associated M₃ metamorphism of contrastingstyles are interpreted to be broadly contemporaneous along thelength of the northern margin of the Inland Branch. In the westheat transfer was dominated by conduction and externally drivenby granites, whereas in the east heat transfer was dominatedby advection and internally driven radiogenic heat production.The ultimate cause was along-orogen variation in crustal architecture,including thickness of the passive margin lithosphere and thicknessof the overlying sedimentary succession. KEY WORDS: Pan-African Orogeny; P–T paths; pseudosections; low-P metamorphism; contact metamorphism; Barrovian metamorphism     

假蓝宝石(Sapphirine)的矿物学特征及其在超高温变质作用研究中的应用

假蓝宝石是Mg-Al质麻粒岩中一种特殊的高温矿物,对超高温变质作用的研究有重要的意义。本文通过对全球66个超高温麻粒岩中47个含假蓝宝石麻粒岩地区的文献调研,总结了几种最常见的含假蓝宝石矿物组合产出的结构位置和变质反应关系,以及假蓝宝石的矿物化学特征。假蓝宝石的化学成分一般位于7∶9∶3端元左右,X_(Mg)大于0. 7,XFe_(3+)变化范围很宽,为0～0. 7。含假蓝宝石矿物组合的形成和演化指示了岩石经历的P-T轨迹。岩石中保留的假蓝宝石取代尖晶石、Grt/Opx+Sil取代Spr+Qz组合,以及随后的Spr+Crd±Opx后成合晶取代Grt/Opx+Sil组合的结构,一般可能指示了逆时针P-T轨迹中冷却和随后减压的部分;岩石中Grt/Opx+Sil/Ky或富Mg十字石反应形成Spr+Qz组合的结构可能指示了顺时针P-T轨迹中减压升温的部分。超高温变质岩不同的P-T轨迹暗示着它们的成因机制并不单一,前者可能是幔源基性岩浆底侵或增生作用的结果,后者可能与长期的热造山作用相关。     

Ultrahigh-temperature Metamorphism (1150{degrees}C, 12 kbar) and Multistage Evolution of Mg-, Al-rich Granulites from the Central Highland Complex, Sri Lanka

Mg- and Al-rich granulites of the central Highland Complex,Sri Lanka preserve a range of reaction textures indicative ofa multistage P–T history following an ultrahigh-temperaturemetamorphic peak. The granulites contain a near-peak assemblageof sapphirine–garnet–orthopyroxene–sillimanite–quartz–K-feldspar,which was later overprinted by intergrowth, symplectite andcorona textures involving orthopyroxene, sapphirine, cordieriteand spinel. Biotite-rims, kornerupine and orthopyroxene-rimson biotite are considered to be late assemblages. Thermobarometriccalculations yield an estimated P–T of at least 1100°Cand 12 kbar for the near-peak metamorphism. Isopleths of Al₂O₃in orthopyroxene are consistent with a peak temperature above1150°C. The P–T path consists of four segments. Initialisobaric cooling after peak metamorphism (Segment A), whichproduced the garnet–sapphirine–quartz assemblage,was followed by near-isothermal decompression at ultrahigh temperature(Segment B), which produced the multiphase symplectites. Furtherisobaric cooling (Segment C) resulted in the formation of biotiteand kornerupine, and late isothermal decompression (SegmentD) formed orthopyroxene rims on biotite. This evolution canbe correlated with similar P–T paths elsewhere, but thereare not yet sufficient geochronological and structural dataavailable from the Highland Complex to allow the tectonic implicationsto be fully assessed. KEY WORDS: central Highland Complex; granulites; multistage evolution; Sri Lanka; UHT metamorphism     

Metamorphic Evolution of Neoproterozoic Manganese Formations and their Country Rocks at Otjosondu, Namibia

Manganiferous chemical sediments of Neoproterozoic age in Namibiawere subjected to high-T–low-P metamorphism during theDamara Orogeny and display unique phase assemblages. The manganeseformations are embedded in iron formations and siliciclasticcountry rocks. This sequence is petrographically subdividedinto restricted lithotypes which bear specific mineral assemblagesand compositions depending on their protolith type. In puremanganese ores the critical assemblage braunite + haematite+ jacobsite + rhodonite is frequently developed, whereas interlayeredimpure silicate ores bear various proportions of spessartine,Mn³⁺-bearing andradite–calderite and andradite garnets,rhodonite, manganoan aegirine–augite, aegirine, Ba–K–Na-feldspars,barite and rare kinoshitalite. Petrological constraints derivedfrom country rock lithologies indicate peak metamorphic conditionsof 660–700C at estimated pressures of 35–45 kbar.Numerous Ba-rich pegmatitic veins restricted to the ore horizonstestify to the production of partial melts from siliciclasticstrata within the manganese formations. They are correlatedwith peak pressure conditions between 5 and 6 kbar, accompanyingthe main deformation event and pre-dating the thermal peak.An early H₂O-rich generation of fluid inclusions is interpretedas a manifestation of prograde dehydration reactions in theore horizons. This caused hydraulic fracturing of the ores and,subsequently, triggered the formation of partial melts whichintruded the fracture planes in situ. Peak metamorphism thenoccurred under strainfree conditions allowing equilibrium recrystallizationof all minerals to develop. Phase relationships of manganeseoxides and silicates modelled in the system Mn–Fe–Si–Oreveal variable chemical compositions of braunites, jacobsitesand haematites depending on their paragenesis. They indicatevery restricted oxygen reservoirs within specific strata ofthe manganese ores and eliminate a prominent mass exchange evenon a small scale. This is supported by ¹⁸O analyses of silicateassemblages which further exclude mass transfer between manganeseores and country rocks, and indicate preservation of the exchangeequilibria during cooling. The uplift path of the sequence canbe constrained using different decrepitation patterns of H₂Ofluid inclusions and a syn-to late-metamorphic CO₂-rich fluidinclusion population, which indicate high geothermal gradientsof 70C/km and more. The P–T–D evolution of thishigh-T–low-P metamorphic belt conforms with the palaeotectonicsetting of the study area at the southernmost part of the CongoCraton, representing the continental buttress colliding withthe Kalahari Craton during the Pan-African orogeny. KEY WORDS: manganiferous sediments; Damara Orogeny; Namibia; metamorphism; oxygen isotopes; fluid inclusions ^*Corresponding author. Present address Institut fr Geowissenschaften und Lithosphrenforschung, Senckenbergstrasse 3, D-35390 Giessen, Germany     

Sapphirine+Forsterite and Sapphirine+Humite-Group Minerals in an Ultra-Magnesian Lens from Kuhi-lal, SW Pamirs, Tajikistan: Are these Assemblages Forbidden?

Sapphirine occurs with humite-group minerals and forsteritein Precambrian amphibole-facies rocks at Kuhi-lal, SW PamirMountains, Tajikistan, a locality also for talc+kyanite magnesiohornblendewhiteschist. Most of these sapphirine-bearing rocks are graphiticand sulfidic (pyrite and pyrrhotite) and contain enstatite,clinohumite or chondrodite, spinel, rutile, gedrite, and phlogopite.A phlogopite schist has the assemblage with X_Fe = Fe/(Fe+Mg)increasing as follows: chlorite (0-003)<phlogopite (0.004–0.005)sapphirine (0.004–0.006) enstatite (0-006)forsterite (0-006–0-007)<spinel (0-014). This assemblage includes the incompatiblepair sapphirine+forsterite, but there is no textural evidencefor reaction. In one rock with clinohumite, X_Fe increases asfollows: clinohumite (0-002) <sapphirine (0-003) <enstatite(0-004–0-006) <spinel (0-010). Ion microprobe and wet-chemicalanalyses give 0-57–0-73 wt.% F in phlogopite and 0-27wt.% F in chlorite in the phlogopite schist; 0-04, 1.5–1.9,and 4.4 wt.% F in forsterite, clinohumite, and chondrodite,respectively; and 0-0-09 wt.% BeO and 0-05–0-21 wt.% B₂O₃in sapphirine. Stabilization of sapphirine+clinohumite or sapphirine+chondroditeinstead of sapphirine+phlogopite is possible at high F contentsin K-poor rocks, but minor element contents appear to be toolow to stabilize sapphirine as an additional phase with forsterite+enstatite+spinel.Although sapphirine+forsterite is metastable relative to spinel+enstatitein experiments conducted at a_H2O=1 in the MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂Osystem, it might be stabilized at a_H2O0.5, P4 kbar, T650–700C.Textures in the Kuhi-lal whiteschists suggest a polymetamorphicevolution in which the rocks were originally metamorphosed atT650C, P 7 kbar, conditions under which sapphirine+clinohumiteand sapphirine+chondrodite are inferred to have formed, andsubsequently affected by a later event at lower P, similar T,and lower a_H2O. The latter conditions were favorable for sapphirine+forsteriteto form in a rock originally containing chlorite+forsterite+spinel+enstatite.     

Reaction history of sapphirine granulites and a decompressional P-T path in a granulite complex from the Eastern Ghats

The sapphirine granulites from G. Madugula, Eastern Ghats preserve a variety of mineral textures and reactions. Corona and reaction textures are used in conjunction with mineral compositions to construct a sequence of metamorphic reactions describing the mineralogical evolution of sapphirine granulites. An early stage is characterized by the development of sapphirine + quartz, spinel + quartz in textural equilibrium, and possible relicts after osumilite during peak metamorphic conditions. Sapphirine/spinel crystals were later detached from quartz in the form of mineral coronas. During a subsequent sapphirine-cordierite stage, several cordierite forming reactions reflect decreasingP-T conditions. Finally during the late stage, a few samples show evidence of retrogressive hydration. Sapphirine is rather iron-rich (12.8 wt%) and the Mg number in the analysed minerals varies in the order: cordierite > phlogopite > sapphirine > orthopyroxene > spinel > garnet.P-T conditions of metamorphism have been constrained through the application of geothermobarometry and thermodynamically calibrated MAS equilibria.P-T vectors from granulite facies rocks in the G. Madugula area indicate that the rocks experienced substantial decompression (up to 3 kbar) and moderate cooling (150–200°C) subsequent to peak conditions of metamorphism (8.4 kbar, > 900°C). The decompressionalP-T history of sapphirine granulites interpreted from textural features and thermobarometric estimates suggest that they may have eventually resulted from exhumation of thickened crust.     

Mg-Al Sapphirine- and Ca-Al Hibonite-bearing Granulite Xenoliths from the Chyulu Hills Volcanic Field, Kenya

Basanites of the Chyulu Hills (Kenya Rift) contain mafic Mg–Aland Ca–Al granulite xenoliths. Their protoliths are interpretedas troctolitic cumulates; however, the original mineral assemblageswere almost completely transformed by subsolidus reactions.Mg–Al granulites contain the minerals spinel, sapphirine,sillimanite, plagioclase, corundum, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxeneand garnet, whereas Ca–Al granulites are characterizedby hibonite, spinel, sapphirine, mullite, sillimanite, plagioclase,quartz, clinopyroxene, corundum, and garnet. In the Mg–Algranulites, the first generation of orthopyroxene and some spinelmay be of igneous origin. In the Ca–Al granulites, hibonite(and possibly some spinel) are the earliest, possibly igneous,minerals in the crystallization sequence. Most pyroxene, spineland corundum in Mg–Al and Ca–Al granulites formedby subsolidus reactions. The qualitative P–T path derivedfrom metamorphic reactions corresponds to subsolidus cooling,probably accompanied, or followed by, compression. Final equilibrationwas achieved at T 600–740°C and P <8 kbar, inthe stability field of sillimanite. The early coexistence ofcorundum and pyroxenes (± spinel), as well as the associationof sillimanite and sapphirine with clinopyroxene and the presenceof hibonite, makes both types of granulite rare. The Ca–Alhibonite-bearing granulites are unique. Both types enlarge thespectrum of known Ca–Al–Mg-rich granulites worldwide. KEY WORDS: granulite xenoliths; corundum; sapphirine; hibonite; Kenya Rift     

Metamorphic Evolution of the Ribeira Belt: Evidence from Outcrops in the Rio de Janeiro Area, Brazil

Migmatitic granulites and arc-related felsic intrusives of Pan-Africanage form the bedrock in the Rio de Janeiro area, SE Brazil.These rocks preserve a partial record of three parageneses.The earliest assemblage (M₁) grew during fabric formation inthe rocks (D₁) and is characterized by the mineral assemblagePl + Bt + Sil + Kfs + Qtz. Peak metamorphic conditions (M₂)are characterized by the assemblage Bt + Crd + Kfs + Pl + Grt+ liq + Qtz and are inferred to have developed during D₂ foldingof the rocks at T = 750–800°C and P = 7 kbar. M₃ reactiontextures overprint the M₂ assemblage and comprise symplectiticintergrowth of cordierite(II) and quartz that formed after garnet,whereas secondary biotite formed as a result of reactions betweengarnet and K-feldspar. By comparing the observed modal abundanceswith modal contours of garnet, cordierite and quartz on therelevant pseudosection a post M₂ P–T vector indicatingcontemporaneous cooling and decompression can be deduced. Theinferred equilibrium assemblage and reaction textures are interpretedto reflect a clockwise P–T path involving heating followedby post-peak decompression and associated cooling. We inferthat metamorphism occurred in response to advective heatingby the abundant syn-collisional (arc-related) I-type granitoidsin the region, consistent with the unusually high peak T/P ratio. KEY WORDS: advective heating; Ribeira belt; granulite; partial melting; P–T pseudosection     

Very high-density carbonic fluid inclusions in sapphirine-bearing granulites from Tonagh Island in the Archean Napier Complex, East Antarctica: implications for CO2 infiltration during ultrahigh-temperature (T>1,100 °C) metamorphism

The ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism of the Napier Complex is characterized by the presence of dry mineral assemblages, the stability of which requires anhydrous conditions. Typically, the presence of the index mineral orthopyroxene in more than one lithology indicates that H₂O activities were substantially low. In this study, we investigate a suite of UHT rocks comprising quartzo-feldspathic garnet gneiss, sapphirine granulite, garnet-orthopyroxene gneiss, and magnetite-quartz gneiss from Tonagh Island. High Al contents in orthopyroxene from sapphirine granulite, the presence of an equilibrium sapphirine-quartz assemblage, mesoperthite in quartzo-feldspathic garnet gneiss, and an inverted pigeonite-augite assemblage in magnetite-quartz gneiss indicate that the peak temperature conditions were higher than 1,000 °C. Petrology, mineral phase equilibria, and pressure-temperature computations presented in this study indicate that the Tonagh Island granulites experienced maximum P-T conditions of up to 9 kbar and 1,100 °C, which are comparable with previous P-T estimates for Tonagh and East Tonagh Islands. The textures and mineral reactions preserved by these UHT rocks are consistent with an isobaric cooling (IBC) history probably following an counterclockwise P-T path. We document the occurrence of very high-density CO₂-rich fluid inclusions in the UHT rocks from Tonagh Island and characterize their nature, composition, and density from systematic petrographic and microthermometric studies. Our study shows the common presence of carbonic fluid inclusions entrapped within sapphirine, quartz, garnet and orthopyroxene. Analysed fluid inclusions in sapphirine, and some in garnet and quartz, were trapped during mineral growth at UHT conditions as 'primary' inclusions. The melting temperatures of fluids in most cases lie in the range of -56.3 to -57.2 °C, close to the triple point for pure CO₂ (-56.6 °C). The only exceptions are fluid inclusions in magnetite-quartz gneiss, which show slight depression in their melting temperatures (-56.7 to -57.8 °C) suggesting traces of additional fluid species such as N₂ in the dominantly CO₂-rich fluid. Homogenization of pure CO₂ inclusions in the quartzo-feldspathic garnet gneiss, sapphirine granulite, and garnet-orthopyroxene gneiss occurs into the liquid phase at temperatures in the range of -34.9 to +4.2 °C. This translates into very high CO₂ densities in the range of 0.95-1.07 g/cm³. In the garnet-orthopyroxene gneiss, the composition and density of inclusions in the different minerals show systematic variation, with highest homogenization temperatures (lowest density) yielded by inclusions in garnet, as against inclusions with lowest homogenization (high density) in quartz. This could be a reflection of continued recrystallization of quartz with entrapment of late fluids along the IBC path. Very high-density CO₂ inclusions in sapphirine associated with quartz in the Tonagh Island rocks provide potential evidence for the involvement of CO₂-rich fluids during extreme crustal temperatures associated with UHT metamorphism. The estimated CO₂ isochores for sapphirine granulite intersect the counterclockwise P-T trajectory of Tonagh Island rocks at around 6-9 kbar at 1,100 °C, which corresponds to the peak metamorphic conditions of this terrane derived from mineral phase equilibria, and the stability field of sapphirine + quartz. Therefore, we infer that CO₂ was the dominant fluid species present during the peak metamorphism in Tonagh Island, and interpret that the fluid inclusions preserve traces of the synmetamorphic fluid from the UHT event. The stability of anhydrous minerals, such as orthopyroxene, in the study area might have been achieved by the lowering of H₂O activity through the influx of CO₂ at peak metamorphic conditions (>1,100 °C). Our microthermometric data support a counterclockwise P-T path for the Napier Complex.     

Paleoproterozoic UHT metamorphism with isobaric cooling (IBC) followed by decompression–heating in the Khondalite Belt (North China Craton): New evidence from two sapphirine formation processes

Interpretation of reaction microstructures may provide constraints on the P–T path followed by rocks, with implications for the geodynamic evolution. Sapphirine generally occurs in diverse microstructures in ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) Mg–Al-rich granulites. Understanding multi-stage sapphirine formation processes and the resultant P–T path may provide insights into the cause of UHT metamorphism, which is otherwise under broad debate. Here, we investigate samples of UHT granulite containing two distinct types of sapphirine from the Dongpo locality in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton, with the aim of understanding the processes of sapphirine formation and the metamorphic evolution of the host rocks. Petrographic observations show that early sapphirine, which occurs as coronas on spinel and as single porphyroblasts, formed together with biotite, sillimanite, and inclusion-rich garnet. Late symplectitic sapphirine along with fine-grained plagioclase and spinel plus plagioclase symplectites, formed by consumption of sillimanite, biotite, and garnet. Three pseudosections based on the bulk compositions of microdomains inferred to reflect spatially restricted equilibrium suggest that the rocks record near isobaric cooling (IBC) from ~980 to 830ºC at ~0.9 GPa for early sapphirine formation, and decompression and heating to ≤0.7 GPa and ~900ºC for late sapphirine formation. Our study in combination with other metamorphic P–T and age information reveals the common occurrence of IBC paths and long duration (c. 1.93 to 1.86 Ga) regional UHT metamorphism in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton. Locally, this is followed by decompression–heating paths at c. 1.86 Ga. The Palaeoproterozoic UHT metamorphism with long-lived IBC path in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton supports large hot orogen model in the amalgamation of this part in the supercontinent Nuna.     

A Theoretical Study on the Formation of Growth Zoning in Garnet Consuming Chlorite

Chemical zoning of garnet is often used to deduce P–Tpaths of rocks by inverse calculation. To validate the derivedP–T paths, it is desired to establish a method to predictthe chemical compositions of garnet theoretically. This studyproposes a new forward calculation of the formation of Mg–Fe–Mngarnet from chlorite, which solves the non-linear simultaneousequations using nested iterative calculations. Growth of garnetconsuming chlorite and quartz was modelled in a MnO–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂Osystem, using the most recent thermodynamic data for the minerals.The prograde P–T history of the Sambagawa metamorphicbelt, SW Japan, was modelled. To reproduce growth zoning, crystallizedgarnet was removed step by step from the system; perfect diffusionwas assumed for chlorite. The proposed model derived the evolutionof molar amounts and chemical compositions of Mg–Fe–Mnchlorite and garnet. It successfully reproduced the shape ofthe observed chemical profile of garnet, although the temperaturecondition was higher than general observations. The Mn contentof the garnet core was generally high, and Mg/Fe ratio alwaysstarted rising rapidly after Mn was depleted. Thermodynamicproperties of minerals, initial chlorite composition, P–Tpath, H₂O partial pressure, and Ca content in garnet were variedto test the behaviour of the system. The properties of Mn phasesinfluenced only the chemical composition of the garnet core.The temperature range in which garnet grew depended on the H₂Opartial pressure or the Ca content in garnet. KEY WORDS: chemical equilibrium; chemical zoning; garnet; forward modelling; Sambagawa metamorphic belt     

Origin of Grandite Garnet in Calc-Silicate Granulites: Mineral-Fluid Equilibria and Petrogenetic Grids

The role of clinopyroxene in producing grandite garnet is evaluatedusing data from an ultrahigh-temperature metamorphosed calc-silicategranulite occurrence in the Eastern Ghats Belt, India. ‘Peak’pressure–temperature conditions of metamorphism were previouslyconstrained from associated high Mg–Al granulites as c.0·9 GPa, >950°C, and the rocks were near-isobaricallycooled to c. 750°C. Grandite garnet of variable compositionwas produced by a number of reactions involving phases suchas clinopyroxene, scapolite, plagioclase, wollastonite and calcite,in closely spaced domains. Compositional heterogeneity is preservedeven on a microscale. This precludes pervasive fluid fluxingduring either the peak or the retrograde stage of metamorphism,and is further corroborated by computation of fluid–rockratios. With the help of detailed textural and mineral compositionalstudies leading to formulation of balanced reactions, and usingan internally consistent thermodynamic dataset and relevantactivity–composition relationships, new petrogenetic gridsare developed involving clinopyroxene in the system CaO–Al₂O₃–FeO–SiO₂–CO₂–O₂in T–aCO₂–fO₂ space to demonstrate the importanceof these factors in the formation of grandite garnet. Two singularcompositions in garnet-producing reactions in this system arededuced, which explain apparently anomalous textural relations.The possible role of an esseneite component in clinopyroxenein the production of grandite garnet is evaluated. It is concludedthat temperature and fO₂ are the most crucial variables controllinggarnet composition in calc-silicate granulites. fO₂, however,behaves as a dependent variable of CO₂ in the fluid phase. Externalfluid fluxing of any composition is not necessary to producechemical heterogeneity of garnet solid solution. KEY WORDS: grandite garnet; role of clinopyroxene; internal buffering; oxidation–decarbonation equilibria     

Liquidus Phase Relations in the System CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 at 2{middle dot}0 GPa: Applications to Basalt Fractionation, Eclogites, and Igneous Sapphirine

To model magmatic crystallization processes for mafic to intermediatecompositions at high pressure, liquidus phase relations in theforsterite–anorthite–diopside–silica (FADS)tetrahedron within the CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂system have been determined at 2·0 GPa. Compositionsof five liquidus invariant points have been determined and theapproximate compositions of five others have been inferred.These involve primary phase volumes for forsterite (fo), enstatite(en), diopside (di), high quartz (qz), spinel (sp), sapphirine(sa), garnet (gt), anorthite (an), and corundum (cor). The determined(with wt % coefficients) and inferred reactions (without coefficients)that define each isobaric invariant point are as follows: 23 en + 68 di + 9 sp = 84 liq + 16 fo 37 di + 63 sa = 47 liq + 40 sp + 13 en 100 gt = 21 liq + 27 sa + 55 en + 18 di 1 di + 59 en + 41 an = 43 liq + 57 gt 18 di + 21 qz + 15 en + 47 an = 100 liq di + an + gt = liq + sa an + gt = liq + sa + en sa + an + di = liq + sp sa + an = liq + cor + sp di + cor = liq + an + sp. These phase relations provide a diverse range of constraintson igneous processes at pressures near 2 GPa. They show thatfractional crystallization of a model basalt gives a residualliquid strongly enriched in SiO₂, strongly depleted in MgO,and mildly enriched in Al₂O₃. Such a trend is consistent withthe calc-alkaline fractionation trend observed at subductionzones, but is in disagreement with suggestions that fractionationof tholeiitic basalt in this pressure range yields an alkalicbasalt. Both trends may occur for natural basalts dependingon the Na₂O content of the parental magma. Also, the data showthat the minimum pressure for the formation of cumulate eclogitesand garnet pyroxenites is about 1·8–1·9GPa. The lower limit of pressure at which sapphirine can crystallizefrom a liquid in the FADS tetrahedron is estimated to be 1·1–1·5GPa and the upper limit is >3 GPa. Sapphirine crystallizesfrom magmas intermediate in composition between basalt and andesite.Probable igneous sapphirine in mafic associations is rare, butit occurs as part of a pyroxenite xenolith from Delegate, Australia,that we suggest is a cumulate assemblage and in a sapphirinenorite at Wilson Lake, Labrador, Canada. KEY WORDS: basalt; eclogite; sapphirine; fractional crystallization     

Metamorphic Conditions and Fluid Compositions of Scapolite-Bearing Rocks from the Lapis Lazuli Deposit at Sare Sang, Afghanistan

Scapolite and other halogen-rich minerals (phlogopite, amphibole,apatite, titanite and clinohumite) occur in some high-pressureamphibolite facies calc-silicates and orthopyroxene-bearingrocks at Sare Sang (Sar e Sang or Sar-e-Sang), NE Afghanistan.The calc-silicates are subdivided into two groups: garnet-bearingand garnet-free, phlogopite-bearing. Besides garnet and/or phlogopite,the amphibolite facies mineral assemblages in the calc-silicatesinclude clinopyroxene, calcite, quartz and one or more of theminerals scapolite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, titanite, apatiteand rarely olivine. Orthopyroxene-bearing rocks consist of clinopyroxene,garnet, plagioclase, scapolite, amphibole, quartz, calcite andaccessory dolomite and alumosilicate (kyanite?). Retrogradephases in the rocks are plagioclase, scapolite, calcite, amphibole,sodalite, haüyne, lazurite, biotite, apatite and dolomite.The clinopyroxene is mostly diopside and rarely also hedenbergite.Aegirine and omphacite with a maximum jadeite content of 29mol % were also found. Garnet from the calc-silicates is Grs_45–95Py_0–2and from the orthopyroxene-bearing rocks is Grs_10–15Py_36–43.Peak P–T metamorphic conditions, calculated using availableexchange thermobarometers and the TWQ program, are 750°Cand 1·3–1·4 GPa. Depending on the rock type,the scapolite exhibits a wide range of composition (from Eq_An= 0·07, X_Cl =0·99 to Eq_An = 0·61, X_Cl =0·07).Equilibria calculated for scapolite and coexisting phases atpeak metamorphic conditions yield X_CO2 = 0·03–0·15.X_NaCl (fluid), obtained for scapolite, ranges between 0·04and 0·99. Partitioning of F and Cl between coexistingphases was calculated for apatite–biotite and amphibole–biotite.Fluorapatite is present in calc-silicates, but orthopyroxene-bearingrocks contain chlorapatite. Cl preferentially partitions intoamphibole with respect to biotite. All these rocks have sufferedvarious degrees of retrogression, which resulted in removalof halogens, CO₂ and S. Halogen- and S-bearing minerals formedduring retrogression and metasomatism are fluorapatite, sodalite,amphibole, scapolite, clinohumite, haüyne, pyrite, andlazurite, which either form veins or replace earlier formedphases. KEY WORDS: scapolite; fluid composition; high-pressure; amphibolite facies; Western Hindukush; Afghanistan     

Multi-stage Garnet in the Internal Brianconnais Basement (Ambin Massif, Savoy): New Petrological Constraints on the Blueschist-facies Metamorphism in the Western Alps and Tectonic Implications

Three types of garnet have been distinguished in pelitic schistsfrom an epidote–blueschist-facies unit of the Ambin andSouth Vanoise Briançonnais massifs on the basis of texture,chemical zoning and mineral inclusion characterization. Type-1garnet cores with high Mn/Ca ratios are interpreted as pre-Alpinerelicts, whereas Type-1 garnet rims, Type-2 inclusion-rich porphyroblastsand smaller Type-3 garnets are Alpine. The latter are all characterizedby low Mn/Ca ratios and a coexisting mineral assemblage of blueamphibole, high-Si phengite, epidote and quartz. Prograde growthconditions during Alpine D₁ high-pressure (HP) metamorphismare recorded by a decrease in Mn and increase in Fe (±Ca)in the Type-2 garnets, culminating in peak P–T conditionsof 14–16 kbar and 500°C in the deepest parts of theAmbin dome. The multistage growth history of Type-1 garnetsindicates a polymetamorphic history for the Ambin and SouthVanoise massifs; unfortunately, no age constraints are available.The new metamorphic constraints on the Alpine event in the massifsdefine a metamorphic T ‘gap’ between them and theirsurrounding cover (Briançonnais and upper Schistes Lustrésunits), which experienced metamorphism only in the stabilityfield of carpholite–lawsonite (T < 400°C). Thesedata and supporting structural studies confirm that the Ambinand South Vanoise massifs are slices of ‘eclogitized’continental crust tectonically extruded within the SchistesLustrés units and Briançonnais covers. The correspondingtectonic contacts with top-to-east movement are responsiblefor the juxtaposition of lower-grade metamorphic units on theAmbin and South Vanoise massifs. KEY WORDS: Alpine HP metamorphism; Ambin and South Vanoise Briançonnais basements; metamorphic gaps; multistage garnets; Western Alps