Characterization of some Egyptian serpentinites used as ornamental stones

Egypt is characterized by wide occurrence of serpentinites, particularly in the central and southern parts of Eastern Desert. There are several cooperate factors that affect the serpentinites used as ornamental stones. These factors involve mineralogical characteristics （including mineral composition and microstructure parameter）, physical properties and mechanical properties. Antigorite is an essential serpentinite mineral, with a minor amount of chrysotile. Talc, carbonates （magnesite and dolomite） and tremolite are the main associated minerals. Quality and quantity of associated minerals such as talc and carbonates （dolomite and magnesite） affect the properties of serpentinites used as ornamental stones. Carbonates are resistant to weathering but suffer from acidic cleaning agents in interior use, whereas serpentinites with a high content of talc used on external faces undergo an increase in volume and a consequent rapid degradation. Studied serpentinites are characterized by relatively small grain size with foliated texture, low water absorption, low porosity, and high abrasion resistance. In the samples studied the uniaxial compressive strength （UCS） varies between 89 and 189 MPa, with an average of 152 MPa. According to the classification of Bell （1992）, sample No. B8 is very high in strength while the rest high in strength.     

Meso-Cenozoic Evolution of the Tanlu Fault and Formation of Sedimentary Basins

There are a group of large and medium-scale Meso-Cenozoic petroliferous basins along both sides of the Tanlu fault or within the fault zone, e.g., the Songliao basin, the Bohai Bay basin and the Subei-Yellow Sea basin. As shown by studies of the structural types, sedimentary formations, volcanic activities, tectonic evolution as well as the time-space relationship between the Tanlu fault zone and the basins, the formation and distribution of the basins are controlled by the movement of the Tanlu fault. This paper presents an analysis of the tectono-geometric, kinematic and geodynamic features of the basins on the basis of integrated geological-geophysical data, and an exploration into the internal relations between the fault and the basins as well as the formation mechanism and geodynamic processes of the basins.     

Relationships between InSAR Seismic Deformation and Fault Motion Sense, Fault Strike, and Ascending/Descending Modes

Based on the working principle of satellite radars, the earthquake deformation field measured by interferometric synthetic aperture (InSAR) is the projection of ground displacement associated with the seismogenic fault in the line of sight (LOS) of the satellite. However, LOS projections are complex, and are not only related to the ascending/descending modes and incidence angles of SAR data, but also related to the strike and motion senses of the fault. Even for the same earthquake, the LOS deformation derived from different ascending/descending data can be almost identical in one case, but quite different in another case, which makes the interpretation of InSAR seismic deformation and its comparison with field observations difficult. In this study, we undertook a quantitative analysis of the relationships between LOS observation sensitivity of InSAR and fault strike, fault motion sense, and ascending/descending modes, as well as 3D deformation fields. We studied the features and differences of the LOS deformation fields in different types of earthquakes using ascending/descending modes, with a particularly detailed analysis of the relations for a strike-slip type of earthquake. We also summarized the characteristics of LOS deformation fields of faults with different strikes and optimal observational data modes. Taking the strike-slip Yushu earthquake and the normal Gaize event as examples, we used SAR data of the ascending/descending modes to verify the results of quantitative calculations. These analyses will not only provide a more reasonable interpretation of InSAR seismic deformation fields and but also help understand the differences of seismic deformation fields revealed by data with different observational modes, therefore promoting the application of InSAR technology in seismology.     

Deep Structural Framework and Genetic Analysis of Gold Concentration Areas in the Northwestern Jiaodong Peninsula, China: A New Understanding based on High-Resolution Reflective Seismic Survey

The gold concentration areas in the northwestern Jiaodong Peninsula constituted an important gold metallogenetic region in Eastern China during the Mesozoic. The deep geological bodies’ texture characteristic is important for exploring the resources thoroughly and understanding the metallogenic process. The detailed textures were revealed using high-resolution seismic profiles through the three major ore-controlling structures-Sanshandao fault zone, Jiaojia fault zone and Zhaoping fault zone. This study aims to establish a deep structural framework of this area. Based on their formation mechanism, the fault structures developed in the area can be divided into regional and local fault structures. The structural styles are characterised by superimposing their compressional, strike-slip and extensional multi-stage activities. The crust is cut by vertical structures corresponding to a left-lateral strike-slip fault system on the surface. Nearby these structures are the arc-shape structures formed by multi-stage magma intrusions into the upper crust. Bounded by the Tancheng–Lujiang and Muping–Jimo fault zones, the current Jiaodong block, developed a series of NE-trending strike-slip fault systems, was probably formed by the assemblage of several obliquely aligned blocks. The intensive magmatism and hydrothermal activity between the blocks induced large-scale mineralisation. It provides a new angle of view for understanding the cratonic destruction and large ore-concentration formed during the Mesozoic.     

Newly developed evidence for the original Tethysan island-arc volcanic rocks in the southern segment of the South Lancangjiang Belt

This paper re-describes the characteristics of pre-Ordovician (Pt3) metamorphic volcanic rocks in the Huimin-Manlai region of Yunnan Province from the aspects of petrographic characteristics, rock assemblage, petrochemistry, REE, trace elements, lead isotopes and geotectonic setting. The metamorphic volcanic rocks maintain blasto-intergranular and blasto-andesitic textures; the volcanic rocks are characterized by a basalt-andesite-dacite assemblage; the volcanic rocks are basic-intermediate-intermediate-acid in chemical composition, belonging to semi-alkaline rocks, with calc-alkaline series and tholeiite series coexisting, and they are characterized by low TiO2 contents; their REE distribution patterns are of the LREE-enrichment right-inclined type; the volcanic rocks are enriched in large cation elements and commonly enriched in Th and partly depleted in Ti, Cr and P, belonging to the Gondwana type as viewed from their Pb isotopic composition; petrochemically the data points fall mostly within the field of island-arc volcanic rocks. All these characteristics provided new evidence for the existence of original Tethysan island-arc volcanic rocks in the region studied.     

A Quantitative Study of Fault Zone Sealing

Abstract: A fault is not simply a plane, but a zone consisting of a series of broken planes or lower faults. The greater the scale of faults, the wider and more complex the fault zone is. Fault-sealing properties are influenced by the fault zone itself, whose fault displacement, depth, net-to-gross-ratio of mudstone, fault plane angle, and fault mechanical properties play important controlling roles. The sealing of hydrocarbon by the fault zone depends on whether the fault zone can form a continuous sealing zone and if the pore throats connecting those fault zones are small enough. The concept of fault zone-sealing potential is proposed here, and a quantitative formula is established by using a great amount of practical statistical data as well as the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, which is a comprehensive characterization parameter to judge whether or not fault zones could seal oil hydrocarbon. The greater the value of the fault zone-sealing potential, the better sealed the fault is. For example, with increasing depth, the sealing degree of the Xin 68 Fault in the Dongxin 1 oilfield changes greatly, reflecting the complexity of fault-sealing properties.     

断裂构造研究的进展和趋势

Fault is the most important type of tectonics in the earth crust一lithosphere. It is the faults，is a dominant elements,SVhich construct regional tectonic architecture. Fault controlled not only the evolution and the transverse inhomogenity of regional tectonics,but also the laminary structure of the earth crust-lithosphere. Three kinds of faults(compressional fault，extensional fault and strike-slip fault) may be formed by three kinds of tectionic stress-fields in the earth crust. The fault might occur individually and combine to each other as well. The recent progress and the tendency of fault research are summarized in this paper from historical review and recent analysis of study in three type fault,in orderto undertand the orentation which must be held.     

Volcanism at the Permian-Triassic Boundary in South China and Its Effects on Mass Extinction

This paper discusses the clayrocks widespread at the Permian-Triassic boundary, which are mostly of volcanic origin. Volcanogenetic textures, structures and minerals such as high-temperature quartz are found in clayrocks at the Permian-Triassic boundary in many places. Thousands of microspherules have been collected from the Boundary clayrocks, many of which exhibit the typical features of the process from melting to cooling and solidification. indicating that they were formed by volcanic eruption or extraterrestrial impact. Volcanic effects on the Permian-Triassic mass extinction may be reflected in conodonts, algae and ammonoids. The Boundary clayrocks are found in many Permian-Triassic sections along the coast of Tethys. Their orighin remains to be studied.     

Some Problems Concerning Geologic Structure with Double Layers in Urban Underground Lifeline Engineering

Underground lifeline engineering(ULE for short)in modern city demands the ap-preciation of an active fault in buried bedrock.Generally speaking,a large numberof urban geological textures of a basement may all be simplified into a dual geologicaltexture model,i.e.,the upper part of the basement consists of loose covering layerand the lower part consists of bedrock.The study of an active fault should includethree parts of contents,i.e.,to determine the lower time limit of activity of thefault,and the time limit must be recognized by both of designing engineers and geolo-gists;on the basis of the studies of repetition periods of earthquake occurrence to deter-mine whether the fault moves or not during the allowed time of efficacy of buildingsand constructions;for the sake of engineering practice,the active rate of the faultmust be given.The fault with different active mechanism has different effects on theULE.The authors studied the effect of lateral non-uniform overburden site on theULE by means of the su     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN P-T CONTITIONS OF TWO PHASES OF TAN-LU STRIKE-SLIP SHEAR ZONES AND DELAMINATION OF OROGENIC BELTS ON THE EASTERN MARGIN OF THE DABIE MOUNTAINS

The Tan-Lu fault zone joins the Dabie Mountains on its eastern margin, and offsets the Dabie and Sulu orogenic belts sinistrally for about 500 kin. On the basis of calculation of temperature and pressure experienced by the two phases of the fault zone as well as the thermo-chronological information on mylonite from the earlier and later Tan-Lu fault zones on the eastern margin of the Dabie Mountains, this paper discusses the delamination history and uplifting magnitudes of the Dabie Mountains from earlier Jurassic to earlier Cretaceous. From mineral assemblages, mineral deformation and muscovite-chlorite geothermometry calculation, it is known that the temperature experienced by the two phases of Tan-Lu fault zones are between 40℃ and 450℃, and the confining pressures are between 0.25Gpa and 0.36GPa for the earlier shear zones and 0.24-0.39GPa for the late shear zones. According to the geobarometry of Si-in-phengite and by considering shear heating and tectonic over-pressure, it is concluded that the maximum formation depths for the two phases of the ductile shear zones are not more than 12 kin. Differential formation depths for the two phases of shear zones are 1-2 km at most. At about 190 Ma and 128 Ma, the Tan-Lu fault zone experienced two phases of cooling events. During this period, the eastem margin of the Dabie Mountains experienced a tectonic calm period and no uplifting. According to information from the Tan-Lu fault zone, the uplifting magnitudes of the Dabie orogenic belts are not more than 12 km during the earlier Cretaceous.     

透闪石,滑石拓扑定向反应—龙溪软玉的电子衍射研究

通过对龙溪软玉中矿物纤维所进行的电子衍射研究,发现了透闪石针状晶体中存在众多(010)多链层错,透闪石和滑石以(010)为晶界面形成连生,以及滑石晶体呈纤维状存在;探讨了透闪石退变质为滑石的反应运动学和反应动力学机制;提出了拓扑定向反应系列的理论。     

Reverse age relations of talc and tremolite deduced from reaction textures in metamorphosed siliceous dolomites of the southern Damara Orogen (Namibia)

The regional metamorphosed siliceous dolomites of the southern Damara Orogen (Namibia) show a distinct talc-bearing zone on the lower metamorphic grade side, and a distinct tremolite-bearing zone on the higher metamorphic grade side, separated by the occurrence of the fivemineral assemblage: (I) tremolite + talc + calcite + dolomite + quartz.The direction of increasing metamorphic grade is also established by a common sequence of mineral parageneses within the metapelites accompanying the marbles. The succession of talc to tremolite in siliceous dolomites with increasing metamorphic gradient is quite common, and is interpreted by analogous age relations assuming progressive metamorphism: initial formation of talc, followed by tremolite. By examining the reaction textures within and just below the five mineral paragenesis in the metamorphic siliceous dolomites of the Damara Orogen, it can however be shown that tremolite was initially formed, followed by talc. This means that talc is younger than tremolite. Tremolite may be formed at higher pressure on the P-T-path, followed by talc during the erosion-induced downward grade.Some typical textures of the critical zone illustrating the age relationship between talc and tremolite will be described here and shown by photomicrographs.     

Metamorphic evolution of the assemblage tremolite + talc + calcite + dolomite + quartz within a sample of siliceous dolomite from the southern Damara Orogen (Namibia)

Magnesian calcite temperatures of calcites formed during metamorphic reactions and fluorine distribution between OH-bearing minerals have been measured for the assemblage {ie180-1} within a sample of siliceous dolomite from the southern Damara Orogen. Two groups of temperatures were found: A group with higher temperatures in the range 583 to 545°C for reaction sites where tremolite was formed, and a second group with lower temperatures from 522 to 476°C for reaction sites where talc has grown. From special reaction textures it is evident that the reaction sites of the higher temperature group related with temolite is older, whereas talc has grown after the formation of tremolite with decreasing temperature. The transition from the tremolite stability field to the talc stability field occurred at a temperature between the two temperature groups. Each measured magnesian calcite temperature can be assigned to a microscopic fluid vein which connects single reaction sites either with tremolite or with talc. Single microveins developed at different times, because the prevailing temperature during the formation of individual fluid veins and the connected reaction sites are different. The mineral associations and the reaction textures of the sample were formed within a period of time necessary for cooling the rock at least from about 580 to 480°C. The textural relations after the successive reaction processes appear to be the result of a single univariant reaction. Distribution of fluorine between tremolite-phlogopite pairs and tremolite-talc pairs show that the fluorine content of the tremolite may be inherited in the latter case. A plausible P-T path is outlined explaining the evolution of assemblages in dolomites and metapelites of the same area which contain staurolite and kyanite. The first appearance of staurolite and kyanite in the field is situated on the lower grade side of the zone containing assemblage (I). The conversation of the present field occurrence of assemblage (I) is due to the fading of fluid infiltration into the dolomites.     

Growth and deformation mechanisms of talc along a natural fault: a micro/nanostructural investigation

This paper documents the occurrence of large amounts of talc within a continental normal fault. The talc-in reaction is deformation-enhanced and occurs by the interaction between dolostones and silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. In the high-strain, foliated fault core, talc forms an interconnected network of oriented (001) lamellae, 200–300 nm thick, locally associated with minor tremolite fibres, up to 300 nm in diameter. The talc structure is affected by several strain-induced defects, among which (001) interlayer delamination that produces talc “sublamellae” down to 10–30 nm thick. Micro/nanostructural observations definitely point to a predominant deformation mechanism of (001) frictional sliding, further enhanced by pervasive delamination that gives rise to an almost infinite number of possible sliding surfaces. These effects have fundamental implications in fault mechanics, resulting in significant fault weakening.     

辽宁岫岩县桑皮峪透闪石玉成矿年龄研究

运用偏光显微镜、电子探针对辽宁岫岩县桑皮峪透闪石玉的岩石学特征进行了研究,并运用二次离子质谱仪测定从桑皮峪透闪石玉中分离的锆石和榍石的年龄。结果表明：桑皮峪透闪石玉主要由透闪石组成,次要矿物包括磷灰石、方解石、绿泥石、石墨、褐铁矿、锆石、榍石等。偏光显微镜下桑皮峪透闪石玉的主要结构是毛毡状纤维交织结构、显微细晶质结构和纤维变晶结构;主要构造为块状构造。主要化学成分为SiO₂、MgO和CaO,Mg²⁺/（Mg²⁺+Fe²⁺）值为0.964~0.971。桑皮峪透闪石玉的锆石U-Pb谐和年龄为1 851±7 Ma,榍石的²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb年龄为1 848±17 Ma,表明桑皮峪透闪石玉矿形成于古元古代白云岩的区域变质时期。     

Talc mineralization of ultramafic affinity in the Eastern Desert of Egypt

Petrographical and petrochemical studies of the talc host rocks of Rod Umm El-Farag and Wadi Thamil in the Eastern Desert of Egypt reveal that they consist mainly of metavolcanic rocks, whilst the geology, petrography, mineralogy, chemistry and quality of the enclosed talc lenses reveal that the ore has ultramafic affinity. The setting of the talc ore is similar to that hosted by metavolcanic rocks in terms of the type of host rocks, but it differs in its ultramafic affinity, resembling the talc ore hosted by ultramafic rocks. The parent ultramafic rocks occur in the form of small bodies obducted later along a tectonized fault plane within metavolcanic host rocks (Precambrian) and their tuffaceous equivalents. The metavolcanic host rocks consist mainly of metabasalts, meta-andesites and metatuffs with a smaller amount of dacite, rhyolite and tuffaceous lava. The metamorphic grade is low corresponding to greenschist facies. The calc-alkaline and tholeiitic characters of the volcanic rocks are determined by the behaviour of trace elements on some chemical discrimination diagrams. After the emplacement of the ultramafic bodies, they underwent regional metamorphism which was accompanied by further serpentinization. Metasomatic changes, related to regional metamorphism (corresponding to the emplacement of granitic plutons at a distance) include talc, carbonate, tremolite and chlorite formation. SiO₂, H₂O and CO₂ have been supplied from hydrothermal solutions but all other constituents are considered indigenous to the ultramafic bodies, and none of the metavolcanic components have been added during talc formation. Mineralogically, the talc ore is relatively simple, including talc, tremolite, actinolite, chlorite and chromite. On the basis of mineral abundances, pure talc (>90% talc), chlorite-rich and tremolite-actinolite-rich (50–70% talc) ore types have been recognized. Chromite is largely zoned and occurs as disseminated grains within the talc matrix. Cr, Al and Mg were released during the formation of ferrite chromite and accommodated in the talc and chlorite structures. The chemical data show that there is very little variation in the contents of MgO, Fe₂O₃, FeO, NiO, Cr₂O₃, and Co between the parent ultramafic rocks and talc ore. Al₂O₃, CaO, Fe₂O₃ and FeO are the main impurity oxides in the talc ore. They decrease the whiteness of the ore and consequently limit the use of talc. Received: 26 March 1999 / Accepted: 10 October 1999     

Experimentally derived thermochemical data for pargasite and reinvestigation of its stability with quartz in the system Na2O–CaO–>MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O

 The stability of pargasite in the presence of excess quartz has been determined in the range of 0.5–6.0 kbar and 500–950 °C in the system Na₂O– CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O, using synthetic minerals. The experimental results from this study indicate the presence of two distinct mineral assemblage regions: (1) a high temperature supersolidus region containing tremolitic amphibole+melt+quartz; (b) a low temperature subsolidus region consisting of Al-rich amphibole+plagioclase+enstatite+quartz. Compositional reversals have been determined for the following three equilibria: (a) 2 pargasite+9 quartz=tremolite+4 plagioclase (An₅₀)+1.5 enstatite+H₂O, (b) 2 pargasite+10 quartz=tremolite+4 plagioclase (An₅₀)+talc, and (c) pargasite+diopside+5 quartz=tremolite+2 plagioclase (An₅₀). These experiments indicate a continuous change of amphibole composition from pargasite to tremolite with increasing temperature, and an opposite effect with increasing pressure. The third equilibria is used to constrain a site-mixing model for the pargasitic amphiboles, which favor a single-coupled Na^A-Al^T1 site mixing. The thermochemical data for pargasite estimated from the reversal data of the three equilibrium reactions is estimated as for ΔG ⁰ _f ,Pg=−12022.11±5.2 kJ mole^-1, and S ⁰ _Pg=591.7 ±7.9 JK^-1 mole^-1. Received: 31 July 1995/Accepted: 3 June 1996     

Contact Metamorphosed Ultramafic Rocks in the Western Sierra Nevada Foothills, California

Within the western Sierra Nevada metamorphic belt, linear bodiesof alpine-type ultramafic rock, now composed largely of serpentineminerals, parallel the regional strike and commonly coincidewith major fault zones. Within this metamorphic belt, east ofSacramento, California, ultramafic rocks near a large maficintrusion, the Pine Hill Intrusive Complex, have been emplacedduring at least two separate episodes. Those ultramafic rocks,evidently unaffected by the Pine Hill Intrusive Complex andcomposed largely of serpentine minerals, were emplaced alonga major fault zone after emplacement of the Pine Hill IntrusiveComplex. Those ultramafic rocks, contact metamorphosed by thePine Hill Intrusive Complex, show a zonation of mineral assemblagesas the igneous contact is approached: olivine+antigorite+chlorite+tremolite+Fe-Cr spinel olivine+talc+chlorite+tremolite+Fe-Crspinel olivine+anthophyllite+chlorite+tremolite+Fe-Cr spinel olivine+orthopyroxene+aluminous spinel+hornblende+Fe-Cr spinel.Superimposed on these mineral assemblages are abundant secondaryminerals (serpentine minerals, talc, chlorite, magnetite) whichformed after contact metamorphism. Correlation of observed mineralassemblages with the experimental systems, MgO-SiO₂-H₂O andMgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O suggests an initial contact temperature of775±25 °C for the Pine Hill Intrusive Complex assumingPtotal P_fluid PH₂O. The pressure acting on the metamorphic rockduring emplacement of the intrusion is estimated to be a minimumof 1.5 kb.     

Observation of talc-tremolite interfaces by high resolution electron microscopy

Talc — a sheet silicate and tremolite — a chain silicate are found by electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis to occur intergrown as bicrystals with sharp, fault-free boundaries in a talc-rich gemstone nephrite from Scortaseo, Puschlav Valley, Swiss Alps. The plane of intergrowth is the (010)-plane for both components. Curving, stepped interfaces are observed more rarely, and these suggest a reaction from tremolite to talc which stopped before completion. The Mg-ions necessary for this reaction may stem from the associated dolomite rock.     

Mineralogical Evidence for Fluid-Rock Interaction Accompanying Prograde Contact Metamorphism of Siliceous Dolomites: Alta Stock Aureole, Utah, USA

Contact metamorphism of siliceous dolomite in the southern partof the metamorphic aureole of the Alta stock (Utah, USA) producedthe prograde isograd sequence: talc (Tc), tremolite (Tr), forsterite(Fo), and periclase (Per). Calcite (Cc)–dolomite (Do)geothermometry and phase equilibria define a general progradeT–X(CO₂) path of decreasing X(CO₂) with rising temperaturefor the dolomite. High-variance assemblages typify the aureole.Per + Cc and Fo + Cc + Do characterize the inner aureole (Perand Fo zones), and Tr + Do + Cc and Tc + Do + Cc are widespreadin the outer aureole (Tr and Tc zones). Low-variance assemblagesare rare and the thickness of reaction zones (coexisting reactantand product minerals) at the isogradic reaction fronts are narrow(tens of metres or less). The mineral assemblages, calculatedprogress of isograd reactions, and the prograde T–X(CO₂)path all indicate that massive dolomite was infiltrated by significantfluxes of water-rich fluids during prograde metamorphism, andthat the fluid flow was down-temperature and laterally awayfrom the igneous contact. Fluid infiltration continued throughat least the initial retrograde cooling of the periclase zone.Down-T fluid flow is also consistent with the results of Cc–Dogeothermometry and patterns of ¹⁸O depletion in this area. Theclose spatial association of reacted and unreacted chert nodulesin both the tremolite and talc zones plus the formation of tremoliteby two reactions indicate that the outer aureole varied in X(CO₂),and imply that fluid flow in the outer aureole was heterogeneous.The occurrence of dolomite-rich and periclase (brucite)-absent,high-