Carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of Newania Dolomite Carbonatites, Rajasthan, India: implications for source of carbonatites

The Newania carbonatite complex of Rajasthan, India is one of the few dolomite carbonatites of the world, and oddly, does not contain alkaline silicate rocks thus providing a unique opportunity to study the origin and evolution of a primary carbonatite magma. In an attempt to characterize the mantle source, the source of carbon, and the magmatic and post-magmatic evolution of Newania carbonatites, we have carried out a detailed stable carbon and oxygen isotopic study of the complex. Our results reveal that, in spite of being located in a metamorphic terrain, these rocks remarkably have preserved their magmatic signatures in stable C and O isotopic compositions. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O variations in the complex are found to be results of fractional crystallization and low temperature post-magmatic alteration suggesting that like other carbonatites, dolomite carbonatites too fractionate isotopes of both elements in a similar fashion. The major difference is that the fractional crystallization of dolomite carbonatites fractionates oxygen isotopes to a larger extent. The modes of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O variations in the complex, ?4.5?±?1‰ and 7?±?1‰, respectively, clearly indicate its mantle origin. Application of a multi-component Rayleigh isotopic fractionation model to the correlated δ¹³C versus δ¹⁸O variations in unaltered carbonatites suggests that these rocks have crystallized from a CO₂ + H₂O fluid rich magma, and that the primary magma comes from a mantle source that had isotopic compositions of δ¹³C ~ ?4.6‰ and δ¹⁸O ~ 6.3‰. Such a mantle source appears to be a common peridotite mantle (δ¹³C = ?5.0?±?1‰) whose carbon reservoir has insignificant contribution from recycled crustal carbon. Other Indian carbonatites, except for Amba Dongar and Sung Valley that are genetically linked to Reunion and Kerguelen plumes respectively, also appear to have been derived from similar mantle sources. Through this study we establish that dolomite carbonatites are generated from similar mantle source like other carbonatites, have comparable evolutionary history irrespective of their association with alkaline silicate rocks, and may remain resistant to metamorphism.     

New data on carbonatites of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex,the southern Urals,Russia

Carbonatites that are hosted in metamorphosed ultramafic massifs in the roof of miaskite intrusions of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex are considered. Carbonatites have been revealed in the Buldym, Khaldikha, Spirikha, and Kagan massifs. The geological setting, structure of carbonatite bodies, distribution of accessory rare-metal mineralization, typomorphism of rock-forming minerals, geochemistry, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions are discussed. Dolomite-calcite carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks contain tetraferriphlogopite, richterite, accessory zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and pyrochlore. According to geothermometric data and the composition of rock-forming minerals, the dolomite-calcite carbonatites were formed under K-feldspar-calcite, albite-calcite, and amphibole-dolomite-calcite facies conditions at 575–300°C. The Buldym pyrochlore deposit is related to carbonatites of these facies. In addition, dolomite carbonatites with accessory Nb and REE mineralization (monazite, aeschynite, allanite, REE-pyrochlore, and columbite) are hosted in ultramafic massifs. The dolomite carbonatites were formed under chlorite-sericite-ankerite facies conditions at 300–200°C. The Spirikha REE deposit is related to dolomite carbonatite and alkaline metasomatic rocks. It has been established that carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks are characterized by high Sr, Ba, and LREE contents and variable Nb, Zr, Ti, V, and Th contents similar to the geochemical attributes of calcio-and magnesiocarbonatites. The low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7044?0.7045 and εNd ranging from 0.65 to ?3.3 testify to their derivation from a deep mantle source of EM₁ type.     

Sr and Nd isotope data of apatite,calcite and dolomite as indicators of source,and the relationships of phoscorites and carbonatites from the Kovdor massif,Kola peninsula,Russia

A detailed Sr−Nd isotopic study of primary apatite, calcite and dolomite from phoscorites and carbonatites of the Kovdor massif (380 Ma), Kola peninsula, Russia, reveals a complicated evolutionary history. At least six types of phoscorites and five types of carbonatite have been identified from Kovdor by previous investigators based on relative ages and their major and accessory minerals. Isotopic data from apatite define at least two distinct groups of phoscorite and carbonatite. Apatite from the earlier phoscorites and carbonatites (group 1) are characterized by relatively low⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70330–0.70349) and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd initial ratios (0.51230–0.51240) with F=2.01–2.23 wt%, Sr=2185–2975 ppm, Nd=275–660 ppm and Sm=31.7–96.2 ppm. Apatite from the second group has higher⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70350–0.70363) and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd initial ratios (0.51240–0.51247) and higher F (2.63–3.16 wt%), Sr (4790–7500 ppm), Nd (457–1074 ppm) and Sm (68.7–147.6 ppm) contents. This group corresponds to the later phoscorites and carbonatites. One apatite sample from a carbonatite from the earlier group fits into neither of the two groups and is characterized by the highest initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70385) and lowest¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51229) of any of the apatites. Within both groups initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios show negative correlations. Strontium isotope data from coexisting calcite and dolomite support the findings from the apatite study. The Sr and Nd isotopic similarities between carbonatites and phoscorites indicate a genetic relationship between the two rock types. Wide variations in Sr and Nd isotopic composition within some of the earlier carbonatites indicate several distinct intrusive phases. Oxygen isotopic data from calcite and dolomite (δ¹⁸O=+7.2 to +7.7‰ SMOW) indicate the absence of any low-temerature secondary processes in phoscorites and carbonatites, and are consistent with a mantle origin for their parental melts. Apatite data from both groups of phoscorite plot in the depleted quadrant of an ε_Nd versus ε_Sr diagram. Data for the earlier group lie along the Kola Carbonatite Line (KCL) as defined by Kramm (1993) and data from the later group plot above the KCL. The evolution of the phoscorites and carbonatites cannot be explained by simple magmatic differentiation assuming closed system conditions. The Sr−Nd data can best be explained by the mixing of three components. Two of these are similar to the end-members that define the Kola Carbonatite Line and these were involved in the genesis of the early phoscorites and carbonatites. An additional component is needed to explain the isotopic characteristics of the later group. Our study shows that apatite from rocks of different mineralogy and age is ideal for placing constraints on mantle sources and for monitoring the Sr−Nd evolution of carbonatites. Editorial responsibility: W. Schreyer     

Genesis of the Khaluta alkaline-basic Ba-Sr carbonatite complex (West Transbaikala, Russia)

The Khaluta carbonatite complex comprizes fenites, alkaline syenites and shonkinites, and calcite and dolomite carbonatites. Textural and compositional criteria, melt inclusions, geochemical and isotopic data, and comparisons with relevant experimental systems show that the complex formed by liquid immiscibility of a carbonate-saturated parental silicate melt. Mineral and stable isotope geothermometers and melt inclusion measurements for the silicate rocks and carbonatite all give temperatures of crystallization of 915–1,000°C and 890–470°C, respectively. Melt inclusions containing sulphate minerals, and sulphate-rich minerals, most notably apatite and monazite, occur in all of the lithologies in the Khaluta complex. All lithologies, from fenites through shonkinites and syenites to calcite and dolomite carbonatites, and to hydrothermal mineralisation are further characterized by high Ba and Sr activity, as well as that of SO3 with formation of the sulphate minerals baryte, celestine and baryte-celestine. Thus, the characteristic features of the Khaluta parental melt were elevated concentrations of SO₃, Ba and Sr. In addition to the presence of SO₃, calculated fO₂ for magnetites indicate a high oxygen fugacity and that Fe⁺³>Fe⁺² in the Khaluta parental melt. Our findings suggest that the mantle source for Khaluta carbonatite and associated rocks, as well as for other carbonatites of the West Transbaikalia carbonatite province, were SO₃-rich and characterized by high oxygen fugacity.     

The brevity of carbonatite sources in the mantle: evidence from Hf isotopes

Hf, Zr and Ti in carbonatites primarily reside in their non-carbonate fraction while the carbonate fraction dominates the Nd and Sr elemental budget of the whole rock. A detailed investigation of the Hf, Nd and Sr isotopic compositions shows frequent isotopic disequilibrium between the carbonate and non-carbonate fractions. We suggest that the trace element and isotopic composition of the carbonate fraction better represents that of the carbonatite magma, which in turn better reflects the composition of the carbonatitic source. Experimental partitioning data between carbonatite melt and peridotitic mineralogy suggest that the Lu/Hf ratio of the carbonatite source will be equal to or greater than the Lu/Hf ratio of the carbonatite. This, combined with the Hf isotope systematics of carbonatites, suggests that, if carbonatites are primary mantle melts, then their sources must be short-lived features in the mantle (maximum age of 10–30 Ma), otherwise they would develop extremely radiogenic Hf compositions. Alternatively, if carbonatites are products of extreme crystal fractionation or liquid immiscibility then the lack of radiogenic initial Hf isotope compositions also suggests that their sources do not have long-lived Hf depletions. We present a model in which the carbonatite source is created in the sublithospheric mantle by the crystallization of earlier carbonatitic melts from a mantle plume. This new source melts shortly after its formation by the excess heat provided by the approaching hotter center of the plume and/or the subsequent ascending silicate melts. This model explains the HIMU-EMI isotope characteristics of the East African carbonatites, their high LREE/HREE ratios as well as the rarity of carbonatites in the oceanic lithosphere.     

Early Cretaceous granitic rocks from the southern Jiaodong Peninsula,eastern China: implications for lithospheric extension

ABSTRACT

Zircon U–Pb ages, major element and trace element compositions, and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions for late Mesozoic granites from the southern Jiaodong Peninsula (eastern China) were determined. Ages for the Wulianshan, Xiaozhushan, and Dazhushan plutons are 119.1–122.3, 114.2, and 108.9 Ma, respectively. Major and trace element characteristics show that these granitic rocks belong to alkaline, A-type granites formed in an extensional setting. Trace element compositions show strong, variable negative anomalies in Ba, K, P and Ti, and positive anomalies in Rb, Th, U, Pb, Ce, Zr, and Hf, which are typical characteristics of A-type granites. Variable Sr and Nd isotopic compositions, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) = 0.70540–0.7071 and εNd(t) = ?14.5 to ?20.9. Whole-rock Pb isotopic compositions have the following ranges, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 15.707–16.561, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 15.376–16.462, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 36.324 to 37.064. Isotopic modelling indicates an origin that lies between mantle tapped by Cenozoic basalts around the Tan-Lu megafault and lower continental crust (LCC), and which can be explained by mixing of 11–18% mantle and 82–89% LCC. Based on new and compiled data, we suggest that the southern Jiaodong Peninsula, as well as the Laoshan area, was in a regional extensional setting of an orogenic belt during 106–126 Ma. The granitic rocks may be the result of late Mesozoic lithospheric thinning and decratonization (i.e. late Mesozoic craton destruction event occurring throughout eastern China).     

Petrogenesis and mantle source characteristics of Cenozoic alkaline diabase,Jiangxi Province,southeastern China

Major element, trace element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Cenozoic diabase in southeastern China provide insights into the nature of their mantle sources and processes. The diabases are alkaline in lithochemistry (Na₂O + K₂O = 4.37–5.19 wt.%) and have overall oceanic island basalt-like trace element patterns, without negative Nb–Ta anomalies. In addition, they are characterized by lower La/Nb (<1.5) and La/Ta (<22), and higher Ce/Pb (>15) and Nb/U (>30) ratios, indicating an origin in the asthenospheric mantle. The relatively lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512632–0.512648) and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.20–18.22), but intermediate ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7061–0.7063) ratios of the diabases are similar to enriched mantle type 1, suggesting crustal contamination or mixing with metasomatized lithsopheric mantle. However, the low Th and U contents and lack of correlations of Nd isotope compositions and MgO preclude significant crustal contamination. Alternatively, the moderate TiO₂ contents (2.01–2.09 wt.%) and high Cr concentrations (>240 ppm) suggest interaction between asthenosphere-derived melts and metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Petrological modelling suggests that the diabases were generated from a low degree (~3–5%) of partial melting of lherzolite with ~2–3% garnet. Jiangxi diabase was generated in a within-plate extensional regime, probably related to the far effect of the Himalaya–Tibetan orogen.     

Geochemistry and C–O and Nd–Sr isotope characteristics of the 2.4 Ga Hogenakkal carbonatites from the South Indian Granulite Terrane: evidence for an end-Archaean depleted component and mantle heterogeneity

ABSTRACT

The South Indian Granulite Terrane (SGT) is a collage of Archaean to Neoproterozoic age granulite facies blocks that are sutured by an anastomosing network of large-scale shear systems. Besides several Neoproterozoic carbonatite complexes emplaced within the Archaean granulites, there are also smaller Paleoproterozoic (2.4 Ga, Hogenakkal) carbonatite intrusions within two NE-trending pyroxenite dikes. The Hogenakkal carbonatites, further discriminated into sövite and silicate sövite, have high Sr and Ba contents and extreme light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment with steep slopes typical of carbonatites. The C- and O-isotopic ratios [δ¹³C_VPDB = ?6.7 to ?5.8‰ and δ¹⁸O_VSMOW = 7.5–8.7‰ except a single ¹⁸O-enriched sample (δ¹⁸O = 20.0‰)] represent unmodified mantle compositions. The εNd values indicate two groupings for the Hogenakkal carbonatites; most samples show positive εNd values, close to CHUR (εNd = ?0.35 to 2.94) and named high-εNd group while the low-εNd group samples show negative values (?5.69 to ?8.86), corresponding to depleted and enriched source components, respectively. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i ratios of the two groups also can be distinguished: the high-εNd ones have low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i ratios (0.70161–0.70244) while the low-εNd group shows higher ratios (0.70247–0.70319). We consider the Nd–Sr ratios as primary and infer derivation from a heterogeneous mantle source. The emplacement of the Hogenakkal carbonatites may be related to Paleoproterozoic plume induced large-scale rifting and fracturing related to initiation of break-up of the Neoarchean supercontinent Kenorland.     

Ancient melt depletion overprinted by young carbonatitic metasomatism in the New Zealand lithospheric mantle

Spinel facies dunite, harzburgite, lherzolite and wehrlite mantle xenoliths from a cluster of Miocene volcanoes in southern New Zealand preserve evidence of the complex evolution of the underlying continental mantle lithosphere. Spinel Cr# records melt extraction with some values indicative of near complete removal of clinopyroxene. LREE-enriched, low Ti/Eu and low Al₂O₃ clinopyroxene and rare F-, LREE-rich apatite indicates subsequent interaction between peridotite and a metasomatising carbonatitic melt. The clearest metasomatic signature occurs in the formerly highly depleted samples because there was little or no pre-existing clinopyroxene to dilute the carbonatite signature. For the same reason, the isotopic character of the metasomatising agent is best observed in the formerly highly depleted peridotites (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7028–0.7031; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5129; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 20.2–20.3). These isotope ratios are very close to, but slightly less radiogenic than, the HIMU end-member mantle reservoir. Nd isotope data imply carbonatite metasomatism occurred within the last several hundred million years, with ubiquitous pyroxene core-to-rim Al diffusion zoning indicating that it must pre-date cooling of the lithospheric mantle following Late Cretaceous–Eocene rifting of Zealandia from Gondwana. Metasomatism was significantly younger than ancient Re-depletion ages of ~2 Ga and shows that decoupling of peridotite isotope systems has occurred.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of carbonatites from South Nam Xe,Lai Chau area,northwest Vietnam

This paper presents a study of the petrography, mineral chemistry, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–C–O isotope systematics of carbonatite dykes and associated rocks from the northeastern part of the Song Da intracontinental rift in South Nam Xe (northwest Vietnam) aimed at constraining the origin of the carbonatite magmas. The carbonatites are characterized by SiO₂ < 12.18 wt.% and by wide ranges in FeO, MgO and CaO content that define them as calciocarbonatite and ferrocarbonatite. On U–Th–Pb isochron diagrams, whole rocks and mineral separates from the ferrocarbonatites form linear arrays corresponding to ages of 30.2–31.6 Ma (Rupelian, Oligocene). The South Nam Xe carbonatites are extremely enriched in Sr, Ba, and light rare earth elements (LREE), and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE) (e.g. Ti, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf). The age–corrected Sr–Nd–Pb isotope ratios and C isotope data are relatively uniform (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(t) = 0.708193–0.708349; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(t) = 0.512250–0.512267; ε_Nd(t) = ?6.46 to ?6.80; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) = 18.26–18.79; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) = 15.62–15.64; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) = 38.80–39.38; δ¹³C_V-PDB = –2.7?‰ to ?4.1?‰). These isotopic compositions indicate source contamination that occurred before the production of the carbonatite magmas, and did not change noticeably during or after emplacement. The variation in oxygen isotopes is consistent with the change in mineral compositions and trace element abundances: the lower δ¹⁸O values (9.1–11.0?‰) coupled with Sr-rich, Mn-poor calcite, and igneous textures such as triple junctions among calcite grain boundaries, define a magmatic origin. However, the elevated δ¹⁸O values of the ferrocarbonatites (12.0–13.3?‰) coupled with a volatile-bearing mineral assemblages (including REE fluorcarbonates, sulfates, sulfides and fluorite) may be due to interaction with meteoric water during low-temperature alteration. High δ¹³C values and Sr–Pb ratios, and low Rb/Sr (0.00014–0.00301), Sm/Nd (0.089–0.141) and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios, coupled with very high Sr-Nd concentrations, suggest the involvement of an enriched mantle component, which probably resulted from metasomatism due to the migration of subducted material. Because of the lack of tectonic data and the limited number of samples studied, this conclusion is still ambiguous and requires further study.     

New carbonatite complex in the western Baikal area,southern Siberian craton: Mineralogy,age, geochemistry,and petrogenesis

A dike–vein complex of potassic type of alkalinity recently discovered in the Baikal ledge, western Baikal area, southern Siberian craton, includes calcite and dolomite–ankerite carbonatites, silicate-bearing carbonatite, phlogopite metapicrite, and phoscorite. The most reliable ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating of the rocks on magnesioriebeckite from alkaline metasomatite at contact with carbonatite yields a statistically significant plateau age of 1017.4 ± 3.2 Ma. The carbonatite is characterized by elevated SiO₂ concentrations and is rich in K₂O (K₂O/Na₂O ratio is 21 on average for the calcite carbonatite and 2.5 for the dolomite–ankerite carbonatite), TiO₂, P₂O₅ (up to 9 wt %), REE (up to 3300 ppm), Nb (up to 400 ppm), Zr (up to 800 ppm), Fe, Cr, V, Ni, and Co at relatively low Sr concentrations. Both the metapicrite and the carbonatite are hundreds of times or even more enriched in Ta, Nb, K, and LREE relative to the mantle and are tens of times richer in Rb, Ba, Zr, Hf, and Ti. The high (Gd/Yb)_CN ratios of the metapicrite (4.5–11) and carbonatite (4.5–17) testify that their source contained residual garnet, and the high K₂O/Na₂O ratios of the metapicrite (9–15) and carbonatite suggest that the source also contained phlogopite. The Nd isotopic ratios of the carbonatite suggest that the mantle source of the carbonatite was mildly depleted and similar to an average OIB source. The carbonatites of various mineral composition are believed to be formed via the crystallization differentiation of ferrocarbonatite melt, which segregated from ultramafic alkaline melt.     

Pb/Pb age determinations on the Newania and Sevattur carbonatites of India: evidence for multi-stage histories

The ages of Indian carbonatites are still controversial. Most of the earlier datings were done by K/Ar methods. We therefore analysed Pb/Pb ratios in carbonatites from carbonatite-alkalic complexes of Newania (NW India, Rajasthan State) and Sevattur (SW India, Tamil Nadu State) to constrain the age and geological history of these rocks. Newania carbonatites are intrusive into Precambrian Untala granite-gneiss and mainly dolomitic in composition (rauhaugite) followed by a later phase of ankerite carbonatite, while thin calcite carbonatite (sövite) dykelets are the youngest in the sequence. The analysed whole-rock samples are characterised by ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios between 60 and 176 and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios between 22 and 40, which are extremely high in comparison to common igneous rocks and even for carbonatite compositions. One sample, New 37, shows the extreme ratios of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 574 and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 73. This requires a μ-value of about 2000 for the last 1550 Ma. If the samples are classified according to their petrographic/geochemical characteristics this results in an isochron age of 1551 ± 46 Ma for the ankerite carbonatites (six samples). The dolomites (6 samples) yield an isochron age of 2.27 Ga. Although these results fit quite well into the geological evolution scheme of the area, the extreme long age hiatus between dolomite carbonatite and ferrocarbonatite formation events raises severe problems for their petrologic interpretation.

The Proterozoic Sevattur carbonatite complex (SCC, Tamil Nadu) was emplaced contemporaneously with a large number of carbonatite complexes within the Precambrian gneissic terrane of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt. The main mass is composed of dolomite carbonatite (rauhaugite) with a few dikes of calcite carbonatite (sövite) and ankerite carbonatite within it. All eight samples together yield an isochron of 805 ± 10 Ma. This isochron is mainly determined on ankerite carbonatites with μ-values up to 1900 for the last 800 Ma. Taking only ankerite carbonatites into account, the resulting age is 801 ± 11 Ma. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of these samples are similar to the main group of Newania and far beyond the isotopic composition of common igneous rocks.

Our investigations show that in carbonatitic rock systems extremely high lead isotopic ratios can be established due to the crystallization of uranium-rich mineral phases. In both cases the observed high to extremely high initial Pb isotope ratios require the residence of the lead in intermediate high-μ reservoirs either within the upper mantle or the crust prior to the carbonatite formation. A high-temperature event, which completely reset the Rb/Sr and K/Ar isotopic systems of Nevania carbonatites, seems to have no influence on the lead isotopic systematics.     

In situ LA-ICPMS Isotopic and Geochronological Studies on Carbonatites and Phoscorites from the Guli Massif,Maymecha-Kotuy,Polar Siberia

In this study we present a fresh isotopic data, as well as U–Pb ages from different REE-minerals in carbonatites and phoscorites of Guli massif using in situ LA-ICPMS technique. The analyses were conducted on apatites and perovskites from calcio-carbonatite and phoscorite units, as well as on pyrochlores and baddeleyites from the carbonatites. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios obtained from apatites and perovskites from the phoscorites are 0.70308–0.70314 and 0.70306–0.70313, respectively; and 0.70310–0.70325 and 0.70314–0.70327, for the pyrochlores and apatites from the carbonatites, respectively.Furthermore, the in situ laser ablation analyses of apatites and perovskites from the phoscorite yield εNd from 3.6 (±1) to 5.1 (±0.5) and from 3.8 (±0.5) to 4.9 (±0.5), respectively; εNd of apatites, perovskites and pyrochlores from carbonatite ranges from 3.2 (±0.7) to 4.9 (±0.9), 3.9 (±0.6) to 4.5 (±0.8) and 3.2 (±0.4) to 4.4 (±0.8), respectively. Laser ablation analyses of baddeleyites yielded an eHf(t)d of +8.5 (± 0.18); prior to this study Hf isotopic characteristic of Guli massif was not known. Our new in situ εNd, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and eHf data on minerals in the Guli carbonatites imply a depleted source with a long time integrated high Lu/Hf, Sm/Nd, Sr/Rb ratios.In situ U–Pb age determination was performed on perovskites from the carbonatites and phoscorites and also on pyrochlores and baddeleyites from carbonatites. The co-existing pyrochlores, perovskites and baddeleyites in carbonatites yielded ages of 252.3 ± 1.9, 252.5 ± 1.5 and 250.8 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. The perovskites from the phoscorites yielded an age of 253.8 ± 1.9 Ma. The obtained age for Guli carbonatites and phoscorites lies within the range of ages previously reported for the Siberian Flood Basalts and suggest essentially synchronous emplacement with the Permian-Triassic boundary.     

<Superscript>10</Superscript>Be, <Superscript>18</Superscript>O and radiogenic isotopic constraints on the origin of adakitic signatures: a case study from Solander and Little Solander Islands,New Zealand

Subduction-related Quaternary volcanic rocks from Solander and Little Solander Islands, south of mainland New Zealand, are porphyritic trachyandesites and andesites (58.20–62.19 wt% SiO₂) with phenocrysts of amphibole, plagioclase and biotite. The Solander and Little Solander rocks are incompatible element enriched (e.g. Sr ~931–2,270 ppm, Ba ~619–798 ppm, Th ~8.7–21.4 ppm and La ~24.3–97.2 ppm) with MORB-like Sr and Nd isotopic signatures. Isotopically similar quench-textured enclaves reflect mixing with intermediate (basaltic-andesite) magmas. The Solander rocks have geochemical affinities with adakites (e.g. high Sr/Y and low Y), whose origin is often attributed to partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. Solander sits on isotopically distinct continental crust, thus excluding partial melting of the lower crust in the genesis of the magmas. Furthermore, the incompatible element enrichments of the Solander rocks are inconsistent with partial melting of newly underplated mafic lower crust; reproduction of their major element compositions would require unrealistically high degrees of partial melting. A similar argument precludes partial melting of the subducting oceanic crust and the inability to match the observed trace element patterns in the presence of residual garnet or plagioclase. Alternatively, an enriched end member of depleted MORB mantle source is inferred from Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions, trace element enrichments and εHf ? 0 CHUR in detrital zircons, sourced from the volcanics. ¹⁰Be and Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic systematics are inconsistent with significant sediment involvement in the source region. The trace element enrichments and MORB-like Sr and Nd isotopic characteristics of the Solander rocks require a strong fractionation mechanism to impart the high incompatible element concentrations and subduction-related (e.g. high LILE/HFSE) geochemical signatures of the Solander magmas. Trace element modelling shows that this can be achieved by very low degrees of melting of a peridotitic source enriched by the addition of a slab-derived melt. Subsequent open-system fractionation, involving a key role for mafic magma recharge, resulted in the evolved andesitic adakites.     

Deducing the source and composition of rare earth mineralising fluids in carbonatites: insights from isotopic (C,O, <Superscript>87</Superscript>Sr/<Superscript>86</Superscript>Sr) data from Kangankunde,Malawi

Carbonatites host some of the largest and highest grade rare earth element (REE) deposits but the composition and source of their REE-mineralising fluids remains enigmatic. Using C, O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope data together with major and trace element compositions for the REE-rich Kangankunde carbonatite (Malawi), we show that the commonly observed, dark brown, Fe-rich carbonatite that hosts REE minerals in many carbonatites is decoupled from the REE mineral assemblage. REE-rich ferroan dolomite carbonatites, containing 8–15 wt% REE₂O₃, comprise assemblages of monazite-(Ce), strontianite and baryte forming hexagonal pseudomorphs after probable burbankite. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.70302–0.70307) affirm a carbonatitic origin for these pseudomorph-forming fluids. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of strontianite, representing the REE mineral assemblage, indicate equilibrium between these assemblages and a carbonatite-derived, deuteric fluid between 250 and 400 °C (δ¹⁸O + 3 to + 5‰_VSMOW and δ¹³C ? 3.5 to ? 3.2‰_VPDB). In contrast, dolomite in the same samples has similar δ¹³C values but much higher δ¹⁸O, corresponding to increasing degrees of exchange with low-temperature fluids (< 125 °C), causing exsolution of Fe oxides resulting in the dark colour of these rocks. REE-rich quartz rocks, which occur outside of the intrusion, have similar δ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr to those of the main complex, indicating both are carbonatite-derived and, locally, REE mineralisation can extend up to 1.5 km away from the intrusion. Early, REE-poor apatite-bearing dolomite carbonatite (beforsite: δ¹⁸O + 7.7 to + 10.3‰ and δ¹³C ?5.2 to ?6.0‰; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70296–0.70298) is not directly linked with the REE mineralisation.     

Isotope and rare earth element chemistry of carbonatite–alkaline complexes of Deccan volcanic province: implications to magmatic and alteration processes

Results of different isotopic and trace element studies on three carbonatite–alkaline complexes (Amba Dongar, Mundwara and Sarnu-Dandali) of the Deccan flood basalt province, India, are presented. The Amba Dongar (Ambadungar) complex has been dated precisely to 65.0±0.3 Ma by the ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar method. The minimum initial Sr isotopic ratio of alkaline rocks of Amba Dongar is found to be same as that of the coexisting carbonatites, suggesting their derivation from a common parent magma, probably through liquid immiscibility. The rare earth element abundance in these rocks also supports the liquid immiscibility hypothesis. Further investigation revealed that the parent magma of this complex has been contaminated (∼5%) by the lower crustal material, which is clearly reflected in the initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr variation of alkaline rocks but not in the carbonatites. Sr study also suggests that the mantle source of Amba Dongar like the other two complexes is a Rb/Sr enriched source. The temporal and spatial relationships of all the three complexes with the Deccan flood basalts support the hypothesis of reunion plume origin for these. Fractional crystallization and subsequent hydrothermal/meteoric alteration are found to have controlled the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic variations in carbonatites. This study suggests that all the complexes have been derived from isotopically average mantle except for a particular batch of parent magma at Amba Dongar, which appears to have incorporated recycled crustal carbon. In a plume origin scenario such incorporation indicates the entrainment of ¹³C-enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle by the plume.     

Post-collisional, K-rich mafic magmatism in south Tibet: constraints on Indian slab-to-wedge transport processes and plateau uplift

Post-collisional (23–8 Ma), potassium-rich (including ultrapotassic and potassic) mafic magmatic rocks occur within the north–south-trending Xuruco lake–Dangre Yongcuo lake (XDY) rift in the Lhasa terrane of the southern Tibetan Plateau, forming an approximately 130-km-long semi-continuous magmatic belt. They include both extrusive and intrusive facies. Major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data are presented for all of the known exposures within the XDY rift. The potassium-rich, mafic igneous rocks are characterized by high MgO (5.9–10.8 wt.%), K₂O (4.81–10.68 wt.%), Ba (1,782–5,618 ppm) and Th (81.3–327.4 ppm) contents, and relatively high SiO₂ (52.76–58.32 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (11.10–13.67 wt.%). Initial Sr isotopic compositions are extremely radiogenic (0.712600–0.736157), combined with low (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) _i (18.28–18.96) and (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd) _i (0.511781–0.512046). Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns display relatively weak negative Eu anomalies. Primitive mantle-normalized incompatible trace element patterns exhibit strong enrichments in large ion lithophile elements relative to high-field-strength elements and display strongly negative Ta–Nb–Ti anomalies. The combined major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic characteristics of the K-rich igneous rocks suggest that the primitive magmas were produced by 1–10 % partial melting of an asthenospheric mantle source enriched by both fluids and partial melts derived from Indian passive continental margin sediments subducted into the shallow mantle as a consequence of the northward underthrusting of the Indian continental lithosphere beneath Tibet since the India–Asia collision at ~55 Ma. The best-fit model results indicate that a melt with trace element characteristics similar to those of the K-rich rocks could be generated by 8–10 % partial melting of a metasomatized mantle source in the south and 1–2 % melting in the north of the XDY rift. Trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic modeling indicate that the proportion of fluid derived from the subducted sediments, for which we use as a proxy the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Sequence (HHCS), in the mantle source region increases from north (rear-arc) to south (front-arc), ranging from 0 to 5 %, respectively. Correspondingly, the proportion of the melt derived from the subducted HHCS in the source increases from north (2 %) to south (15 %). The increasing proportion of the fluid and melt component in the mantle source from north to south, together with a southward decreasing trend in the age of the K-rich magmatism within the XDY rift, is inferred to reflect rollback of the subducted Indian lithospheric mantle slab during the period 25–8 Ma. Slab rollback may be linked to a decreasing convergence rate between India and Asia. As a consequence of slab rollback at 25 Ma beneath the Lhasa terrane, its geodynamic setting was transformed from a convergent (55–25 Ma) to an extensional (25–8 Ma) regime. The occurrence of K-rich magmatism during the period 25–8 Ma is a consequence of the decompression melting of an enriched mantle source, which may signal the onset of extension in the southern Tibetan Plateau and provide a petrological record of the extension process.     

The Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky miaskite-carbonatite complex,the Urals,Russia: Origin,ore resource potential,and sources

The origin and sources of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky miaskite-carbonatite complex, one of the world’s largest alkaline complexes, with unique rare-metal and colored-stone mineralization and Nb, Zr, and REE deposits, are discussed in this paper. Geochemical and isotopic studies, including of Nd, Sr, C, and O isotopes, as well as estimation of PT formation conditions, of miaskites and carbonatites from various deposits of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex have been carried out. The Vishnevogorsky, Potaninsky, and Buldym Nb-REE deposits and the Il’mensky, Baidashevo, and Uvil’dy occurrences related to carbonatites were investigated. Their geological setting, composition, and ore resource potential are characterized. The genetic models and typical features of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex are considered. The rocks of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex were formed at T = 1000?230°C and P = 2–5 kbar. Carbonated miaskite melt was divided into immiscible silicate and carbonate liquids at T = 1000°C and P = 5 kbar. Miaskite crystallized at T = 850?700°C and P = 3.5–2.5 kbar. The formation temperature of carbonatite I of the Vishnevogorsky pluton was close to the temperature of miaskite crystallization (700–900°C). The crystallization temperature of carbonate-silicate rock and carbonatite I in the Central alkaline tract was 650–600°C. The formation temperature of carbonatite II varied from 590 to 490°C. Dolomite-calcite carbonatite III and dolomite carbonatite IV of the Buldym massif were formed at T = 575?410°C and T = 315?230°C, respectively. The geochemical features of carbonatites belonging to the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex differ from those of carbonatites related to alkaline ultramafic rocks and are close to those of carbonatites related to nepheline syenite or carbonatites localized in linear fracture zones. A high Sr content in early carbonatites along with relatively low Ba, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, and Hf contents and a certain enrichment in HREE (a low La/Yb ratio) in comparison with carbonatites of the alkaline ultramafic association are typical. The geochemistry of carbonatites of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex corresponds to the trend of geochemical evolution of carbonatitic melts and their fluid derivatives. The Sr, Nd, C, and O isotopic compositions indicate a mantle magmatic source of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex and participation of moderately depleted mantle (DM) and enriched mantle EM1 in magma generation. Carbonatite and miaskite of the Vishnevogorsky pluton are related to the DM magma source, and carbonatite of the Buldym massif, to the EM1 source, probably, involved in the plume ascent.     

Isotopic and Geochemical Investigation of the Chilwa Island Carbonatite Complex, Malawi: Evidence for a Depleted Mantle Source Region, Liquid Immiscibility, and Open-System Behaviour

Initial Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic data from carbonatites and associatedintrusive silica-undersaturated rocks from the early Jurassic,Chilwa Island complex, located in southern Malawi, central Africa,suggest melt derivation from a Rb/Sr- and Nd/Sm-depleted butTh/Pb- and U/Pb-enriched mantle source. Initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(0.51265–0.51270) isotope ratios from the Chilwa Islandcarbonatites are relatively constant, but their initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0.70319–0.70361) ratios are variable. The ¹⁸O_smow (9.53–14.15%0)and ¹³C_PDB (–3.27 to –1.50%0) isotope ratios ofthe carbonates are enriched relative to the range of mantlevalues, and there is a negative correlation between ¹⁸O andSr isotope ratios. The variations in Sr, C, and O isotopic ratiosfrom the carbonatites suggest secondary processes, such as interactionwith meteoric groundwater during late-stage carbonatite activity.The initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51246 0.51269) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0.70344–0.70383) isotope ratios from the intrusive silicaterocks are more variable, and the Sr more radiogenic than thosefrom the carbonatites. Most of the Pb isotope data from Chilwa Island plot to the rightof the geochron and close to the oceanic regression line definedby MORBs and OIBs. Initial Pb isotopic ratios from both carbonatites(²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.63–15.71; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 19.13–19.78)and silicate rocks (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.61–15.72; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb18.18–20.12) show pronounced variations, and form twogroups in Pb-Pb plots. The isotopic variations shown by Nd, Pb, and Sr for the ChilwaIsland carbonatites and intrusive silicates suggest that thesemelts underwent different evolutionary histories. The chemicaldata, including isotopic ratios, from the carbonatites and olivinenephelinites are consistent with magmatic differentiation ofa carbonated-nephelinite magma. A model is proposed in whichdifferentiation of the carbonatite magma was accompanied byfenitization (metasomatic alteration) of the country rocks bycarbonatite-derived fluids, and subsequent alteration of thecarbonatite by hydrothermal activity. The chemical and isotopicdata from the non-nephelinitic intrusive silicate rocks reveala more complex evolutionary history, involving either selectivebinary mixing of lower-crustal granulites and a nephelinitemagma, or incremental batch melting of a depleted source andsubsequent crustal contamination.     

Laser-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Niyasar plutonic complex,Iran: constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

We conducted geochemical and isotopic studies on the Oligocene–Miocene Niyasar plutonic suite in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt, in order better to understand the magma sources and tectonic implications. The Niyasar plutonic suite comprises early Eocene microdiorite, early Oligocene dioritic sills, and middle Miocene tonalite + quartzdiorite and minor diorite assemblages. All samples show a medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous affinity and have similar geochemical features, including strong enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g. Rb, Ba, Sr), enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of microdiorite and dioritic sills are slightly fractionated [(La/Yb)_n = 1.1–4] and display weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–1.1). Isotopic data for these mafic mantle-derived rocks display I_Sr = 0.70604–0.70813, ?_Nd (microdiorite: 50 Ma and dioritic sills: 35 Ma, respectively) = +1.6 and ?0.4, TDM = 1.3 Ga, and lead isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.62–18.57, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.65–38.69. The middle Miocene granitoids (18 Ma) are also characterized by relatively high REE and minor Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.77–0.98) and have uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7065–0.7082), a range of initial Nd isotopic ratios [?Nd(T)] varying from ?2.3 to ?3.7, and Pb isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.67–18.94, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.63–15.71, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.73–39.01. Geochemical and isotopic evidence for these Eocene–Ologocene mafic rocks suggests that the magmas originated from lithospheric mantle with a large involvement of EMII component during subduction of the Neotethyan ocean slab beneath the Central Iranian plate, and were significantly affected by crustal contamination. Geochemical and isotopic data of the middle Miocene granitoids rule out a purely crustal-derived magma genesis, and suggest a mixed mantle–crustal [MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization)] origin in a post-collision extensional setting. Sr–Nd isotope modelling shows that the generation of these magmas involved ～60% to 70% of a lower crustal-derived melt and ～30% to 40% of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. All Niyasar plutons exhibit transitional geochemical features, indicating that involvement of an EMII component in the subcontinental mantle and also continental crust beneath the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt increased from early Eocene to middle Miocene time.