Role of fluid in the genesis of carbonatites and alkaline rocks: Geochemical evidence

In most alkaline-ultrabasic-carbonatite ring complexes, the distribution of trace elements in the successive derivatives of mantle magmas is usually controlled by the Rayleigh equation of fractional crystallization in accordance with their partition coefficients, whereas, that of late derivatives, nepheline syenites and carbonatites, is usually consistent with trends characteristic of silicate-carbonate liquid immiscibility. In contrast to the carbonatites of ring complexes, carbonatites from deep-seated linear zones have no genetic relation with alkaline-ultrabasic magmatism, and the associated alkaline rocks are represented only by the nepheline syenite eutectic association. The geochemical study of magmatic rocks from the Vishnevye Gory nepheline syenite-carbonatite complex (Urals), which is assigned to the association of deep-seated linear zones, showed that neither differentiation of a parental melt nor liquid immiscibility could produce the observed trace element distribution (Sr, Rb, REE, and Nb) in miaskites and carbonatites. Judging from the available fragmentary experimental data, the distribution patterns can be regarded as possible indicators of element fractionation between alkaline carbonate fluid and alkaline melt. Such trace element distribution is presumably controlled by a fluid-melt interaction; it was also observed in carbonatites and alkaline rocks of some ring complexes, and its scarcity can be explained by the lower density of aqueous fluid released from magma at shallower depths.     

Trace element and isotopic variations in a zoned pluton and associated volcanic rocks,Unalaska Island,Alaska: A model for fractionation in the Aleutian calcalkaline suite

Trace elements, including rare earth elements (REE), exhibit systematic variations in plutonic rocks from the Captains Bay pluton which is zoned from a narrow gabbroic rim to a core of quartz monzodiorite and granodiorite. The chemical variations parallel those in the associated Aleutian calcalkaline volcanic suite. Concentrations of Rb, Y, Zr and Ba increase as Sr and Ti decrease with progressive differentiation. Intermediate plutonic rocks are slightly enriched in light REE (La/Yb=3.45–9.22), and show increasing light REE fractionation and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^*=1.03–0.584). Two border-zone gabbros have similar REE patterns but are relatively depleted in total REE and have positive Eu anomalies; indicative of their cumulate nature. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in 8 samples (0.70299 to 0.70377) are comparable to those of volcanic rocks throughout the arc and suggest a mantle source for the magmas. Oxygen isotopic ratios indicate that many of the intermediate plutonic rocks have undergone oxygen isotopic exchange with large volumes of meteoric water during the late stages of crystallization; however no trace element or Sr isotopic alteration is evident.Major and trace element variations are consistent with a model of inward fractional crystallization of a parental high-alumina basaltic magma at low pressures (6 kb). Least-squares approximations and trace element fractionation calculations suggest that differentiation in the plutonic suite was initially controlled by the removal of calcic plagioclase, lesser pyroxene, olivine and Fe-Ti oxides but that with increasing differentiation and water fugacity the removal of sub-equal amounts of sodic plagioclase and hornblende with lesser Fe-Ti oxides effectively drove residual liquids toward dacitic compositions. Major and trace element compositions of aplites which intrude the pluton are not adequately explained by fractional crystallization. They may represent partial melts derived from the island arc crust. Similarities in Sr isotopes, chemical compositions and differentiation trends between the plutonic series and some Aleutian volcanic suites indicates that shallow-level fractional crystallization is a viable mechanism for generating the Aleutian calcalkaline rock series.LDGO Contribution no. 2964     

Magmatic evolution and rare earth element enrichment of Saima alkaline complex,Liaoning, ChinaSCIEI北大核心CSCD

赛马碱性杂岩体位于我国辽东半岛,是一个典型的铀-铌和稀土多金属矿化杂岩体,富含重稀土,其复杂的演化过程和稀土元素富集机制仍没有得到有效约束。本文对该碱性杂岩体中角闪辉石正长岩、正长岩、黑云正长岩、云霓霞石正长岩和异霞正长岩5类岩石及锆石的元素地球化学特征进行了系统研究,并开展了特征矿物包裹体的显微岩相学研究,旨在限定杂岩体母岩浆的演化路径,揭示稀土元素的富集机制。研究结果显示,赛马碱性杂岩体的母岩浆经历了由钾质碱性(角闪辉石正长岩、正长岩和黑云正长岩),到钾质过碱性(云霓霞石正长岩),向钠质过碱性(异霞正长岩)的充分演化。在演化过程中赛马碱性杂岩体母岩浆的体系状态发生了明显变化,碱性岩浆演化受流体不饱和的纯岩浆体系的控制,而过碱性岩浆岩则形成于流体过饱和的岩浆体系,且异霞正长岩母岩浆流体的饱和程度明显高于云霓霞石正长岩的母岩浆。研究还显示,钾质碱性岩浆稀土元素的地球化学行为主要受控于磷灰石等矿物的分离结晶,而成矿的钠质过碱性岩浆稀土、锆和铌等元素的富集成矿则主要受富CO_(2)的高盐度岩浆热液的控制。     

The lanthanide tetrad effect and its correlation with K/Rb,Eu/Eu1, Sr/Eu,Y/Ho,and Zr/Hf of evolving peraluminous granite suites

Lanthanide tetrad effects are often observed in REE patterns of more highly evolved Variscan peraluminous granites of mid-eastern Germany (Central Erzgebirge, Western Erzgebirge, Fichtelgebirge, and Northern Oberpfalz). The degree of the tetrad effect (TE_1,3) is estimated and plotted vs. K/Rb, Sr/Eu, Eu/Eu1, Y/Ho, and Zr/Hf. The diagrams reveal that the tetrad effect develops parallel to granite evolution, and significant tetrad effects are strictly confined to highly differentiated samples. Mineral fractionation as a cause for the tetrad effect is not supported by a calculated Rayleigh fractionation, which also could not explain the fractionation trends of Sr/Eu and Eu/Eu1. The strong decrease of Eu concentrations in highly evolved rocks suggests that Eu fractionates between the residual melt and a coexisting aqueous high-temperature fluid. Mineral fractionation as a reason for the tetrad effect is even more unlikely as REE patterns of accessory minerals display similar tetrad effects as the respective host rocks. The accessory minerals inherit the REE signature of the melt and do not contribute to the bulk-rock tetrad effect via mineral fractionation. These results point in summary to significant changes of element fractionation behavior in highly evolved granitic melts: ionic radius and charge, which commonly control the element distribution between mineral and melt, are no longer the exclusive control. The tetrad effect and the highly fractionated trace element ratios of Y/Ho and Zr/Hf indicate a trace element behavior that is similar to that in aqueous systems in which chemical complexation is of significant influence. This distinct trace element behavior and the common features of magmatic-hydrothermal alteration suggest the increasing importance of an aqueous-like fluid system during the final stages of granite crystallization. The positive correlation of TE_1,3 with bulk-rock fluorine contents hints at the importance of REE fluorine complexation in generating the tetrad effect. As the evolution of a REE pattern with tetrad effect (M-type) implies the removal of a respective mirroring REE pattern (W-type), the tetrad effect identifies open system conditions during granite crystallization.     

Structure,age, and ore potential of the Burpala rare-metal alkaline massif,northern Baikal region

The Burpala alkaline massif is a unique geological object. More than 50 Zr, Nb, Ti, Th, Be, and REE minerals have been identified in rare-metal syenite of this massif. Their contents often reach tens of percent, and concentrations of rare elements in rocks are as high as 3.6% REE, 4% Zr, 0.5% Y, 0.5% Nb, 0.5% Th, and 0.1% U. Geological and geochemical data show that all rocks in the Burpala massif are derivatives of alkaline magma initially enriched in rare elements. These rocks vary in composition from shonkinite, melanocratic syenite, nepheline and alkali syenites to alaskite and alkali granite. The extreme products of magma fractionation are rare-metal pegmatites, apatite-fluorite rocks, and carbonatites. The primary melts were related to the enriched EM-2 mantle source. The U-Pb zircon ages of pulaskite (main intrusive phase) and rare-metal syenite (vein phase) are estimated at 294 ± 1 and 283 ± 8 Ma, respectively. The massif was formed as a result of impact of the mantle plume on the active continental margin of the Siberian paleocontinent.     

云南姚安Au-Pb-Ag矿床含矿富碱岩浆岩地球化学特征及岩石成因

通过锆石U-Pb定年、全岩主微量元素、Sr-Nd-Pb和锆石Hf同位素测试, 对滇西姚安Au-Pb-Ag矿床含矿正长斑岩和粗面岩的地球化学特征进行了分析, 系统探讨了其岩浆起源和演化过程.正长斑岩和粗面岩的锆石U-Pb年龄分别为33.8±0.42 Ma和33.9±0.60 Ma, 它们与同时代滇西镁铁质火山岩和煌斑岩具有相似的稀土和微量元素配分模式和Sr-Nd-Pb同位素组成, 而与区内同时代加厚地壳来源的富碱埃达克质岩石存在Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf同位素组成的明显差异.全岩SiO₂与主微量元素关系指示正长斑岩和粗面岩总体上可由矿区内同时代的基性岩浆岩分异演化而来, 表明它们与这些基性岩浆岩起源相似, 较高的Rb/Sr(≥ 0.1)和较低的Ba/Rb(< 20)比值, 指示其源区为富金云母富集地幔, 较低的εHf和古老的模式年龄暗示源区的交代富集发生在中元古代.姚安富碱岩浆活动与矿化关系密切.正长斑岩和粗面岩较滇西镁铁质火山岩和煌斑岩具有稍高的初始Pb同位素组成, 暗示岩浆可能遭受了地壳混染, 从而提高了母岩浆中的金属含量, 增强了岩浆成矿潜力; 适中的氧逸度利于Au富集; 角闪石分离结晶和较多黑云母发育指示母岩浆含水量较高, 利于成矿流体的形成.这些特征综合起来为矿化发育提供了有利条件.      

Geochemical indicators of the evolution of the ultrabasic-alkaline series of Paleozoic massifs of the Fennoscandian shield

Rare-earth element distribution in the rocks and minerals of the olivinite-clinopyroxenitemelilitolite-melteigite-ijolite-nepheline syenite series was analyzed to study the evolution trends of the alkaline-ultrabasic series of the Kola province. The contents of REE and some other trace elements were determined in olivine, melilite, clinopyroxene, nepheline, apatite, perovskite, titanite, and magnetite. It was established that distribution of most elements in the rocks of the Kovdor, Afrikanda, Vuoriyarvi, and other massifs differ from that in the Khibiny ultrabasic-alkaline series, being controlled by perovskite crystallization. Primary olivine-melanephelinite melts of the minor ultrabasic-alkaline massifs are characterized by the early crystallization of perovskite, the main REE-Nb-Ta-Th-U depository. Precipitation of perovskite simultaneously with olivine and clinopyroxene results in the depletion of residual magma in rare-earth elements and formation of low-REE- and HFSE ijolite and nepheline syenite derivatives. In contrast, the formation of the Khibiny ultrabasic-alkaline series was complicated by mixing of olivine melanephelinite magma with small batches of phonolitic melt. This led to a change in crystallization order of REE-bearing titanates and Ti-silicates and accumulation of the most incompatible elements in the late batches of the melt. As a result, the Khibiny ijolites have the highest REE contents, which are accommodated by high-REE apatite and titanite.     

云南个旧似长石正长岩类及其岩石成因

云南个旧碱性岩体主要的岩石类型有碱性正长岩和似长石正长岩,其中,似长石正长岩中出现大量似长石矿物霞石、方钠石和碱性暗色矿物。本文根据矿物成分及特征,将这些似长石正长岩进一步划分为黑榴霞石方钠正长岩、霞石方钠正长岩、霞石正长岩及方钠霞石正长岩4类。岩石地球化学结果表明,4类岩石的地球化学行为整体表现出过碱质岩的特征,K2O+Na2O含量很高,为钾玄岩系列,同时表现出钾质的特点。分异指数高,呈现高度分异演化特点。稀土元素变化大,轻重稀土元素分异明显,富集轻稀土元素,亏损重稀土元素。微量元素富集大离子亲石元素Th、U及Zr、Hf等高场强元素,亏损Ba、Sr大离子亲石元素,而P和高场强元素Ta、Ti亏损,同时Cr、Co、Ni含量非常低,具有中等的负Eu异常和微弱的负Ce异常。研究表明,似长石正长岩在岩浆演化过程中表现出明显的分离结晶作用特征,且岩浆起源温度较高,约为835℃,起源较深。个旧似长石正长岩为A型岩套A1亚型,结合构造判别图解,认为其可能来自角闪石或者金云母相矿物存在的富集地幔,形成于燕山晚期伸展的构造背景,岩浆在较高温度下高度结晶分异,并在侵位过程中伴随陆壳成分的混染。     

河南舞阳南部张士英岩体的地球化学与成因及其构造意义

张士英岩体岩石类型以石英二长岩、石英正长岩为主。岩体属于准铝质的高钾-钾玄岩系列(Al2O3为14.8%～16.7%,A/CNK=0.77～1.02,K2O/Na2O在1.00～1.43之间),稀土元素总量在261.7～381.0μg/g之间,轻稀土元素相对富集,稀土元素球粒陨石标准化模式呈右倾平滑曲线,(La/Yb)N比值为28～50,具有轻微的Eu负异常,Eu/Eu?比值在0.73～0.87之间。微量元素组成上表现为Sr、Ba、Nb、Ta的亏损,而Th、U相对富集。(87Sr/86Sr)i初始平均值为0.709,εNd(t)值为-13.9～-19.9,Nd的模式年龄为1.48～2.10Ga。岩体锆石LA-ICP-MSU-Pb年龄为(124.2±0.5)Ma,为早白垩世岩浆作用的产物。岩体侵位的区域地质背景为华北克拉通白垩纪大规模岩石圈转型和减薄时期,岩石的微量元素及同位素特征表明,岩体主要来源于下地壳物质的部分熔融,但有年轻地幔物质的加入。反映在区域强烈伸展拉张和岩石圈减薄背景下,软流圈地幔岩浆底侵所造成的下地壳部分熔融及壳幔混合过程。     

Geological characteristics and genesis of the REE-Nb polymetallic deposit in Huishishan of Ejinaqi in Inner Mongolia

Huishishan REE-Nb polymentallic deposit located in the northern margin of Alxa Massif ang is a large-scale REE-Nb polymetallic deposit discovered in recent years. Through the systematic trench drilling, field geological investigation and petrographic study, the authors investigated the genesis and the ore-forming materials source of this REE-Nb deposit. The deposit is closely related with the alkali syenite and is of two different genetic types respectively magmatic crystallization differentiation type and hydrothermal metasomatism type. The metallogenic model was establieshed by summarizing the prospecting criteria of the deposit. The hydrothermal metasomatic deposit was controlled by faults, and the syenite magma was passively emplaced along faults. Then the fluid emerged out of the melt, with the further drastic drop of the temperature and pressure. The siliceous fluid rich in Nb, REE and volatile elements (mainly F and Cl) reacted with wall rocks, and finally the REE-Nb deposits were formed in favorable places. The alteration degree of limonization, pyritization and silicification in the wall rocks of the deposit is positively related to the contents of rare earth and niobium, and the boundary between the ore body and wall rocks is not obvious. The syenite magma was proactively emplaced along faults, with crystallization differentiation. The incompatible elements (Nb, REE, etc.) enriched in the residual melt and formed the magmatic crystallization differentiated deposit in the syenite. The alkaline syenite magmatism in Huishishan area provides material source for the formation of REE-Nb polymetallic deposit.     

内蒙古额济纳旗灰石山稀土铌多金属矿床地质特征及成因

灰石山稀土铌多金属矿床位于内蒙古阿拉善地块北缘,是近些年新发现的规模较大的稀土铌多金属矿床。通过系统的槽探钻探工程、野外地质调查及岩相学研究,探讨了该稀土铌多金属矿床的地质特征及成因。灰石山稀土铌多金属矿床与碱性正长岩密切相关,具岩浆期后热液交代型和岩浆结晶分异型2种不同成因类型。通过总结该矿床的找矿标志,建立了成矿模式: 岩浆期后热液交代型矿床受断裂控制,正长质岩浆沿断裂被动侵位,随着温度和压力的下降,流体与熔体发生溶离作用,富含Nb、REE和挥发分(F和Cl为主)的硅质流体发生水-岩反应,在有利部位形成了稀土铌矿床。矿床围岩褐铁矿化、黄铁矿化、硅化蚀变程度与稀土、铌的含量呈正相关,矿体与围岩界线不明显; 正长质岩浆主动侵位,伴随岩浆结晶分异作用,不相容元素(Nb、REE等)在残余熔体中富集成矿,形成了赋存于正长岩中的岩浆结晶分异型矿床。灰石山地区碱性正长质岩浆为稀土铌多金属矿床的形成提供了物质来源。     

Rare earth element distributions in a proto-stratiform ultramafic intrusion

Rare earth element (REE) abundances are reported for ten whole rock and eight mineral samples from the Preacher Creek ultramafic intrusion of southeastern Wyoming. Chondrite-normalized distribution patterns for the whole rocks exhibit a broad maximum between Sm and Gd and reflect the REE pattern of clinopyroxene, the major REE-bearing phase. Alteration of the primary mineral assemblages to actinolite and chlorite, which is generally minor, does not appear to have significantly affected the REE distributions. Absolute abundances of the REE in the rocks and constituent minerals increase as a function of differentiation, and relative abundances suggest an accompanying light REE enrichment. Trapped-liquid phases, which may be relatively enriched in REE, possibly account for some or all of the observed REE trends. The REE data, interpreted in terms of crystal-melt fractionation, suggest derivation of the intrusion by crystallization from a gabbroic magma having a REE distribution pattern similar to the parent magma of the Skaergaard stratiform complex. The results of this study are in accord with and complement a previous proposal that the Preacher Creek body formed in a manner analogous to major stratiform intrusions.     

赛马-柏林川碱性杂岩常量组分变异的分离结晶制约

赛马－柏林川碱性杂岩体为侵位于古元古宙与新元古宙之间的缓倾斜岩席状岩体,缓倾的张裂隙制约了分异岩浆的侵位和含矿溶液的流通,交代富集的上地幔产生的富碱岩浆与富集的地壳产生的岩浆以不同比例混合,形成了正长质岩浆和霞石正长质岩浆。含地壳组分较高的正长质岩浆,受富钙辉石、角闪石和镁质较高黑云母的结晶分离制约向硅酸过饱和方向演化;霞石正长质岩浆受富钙辉石—霓辉石、白榴石、含Ｆｅ较高黑云母、黑榴石的分离结晶制约发生分异。稀土元素矿床是霞石正长质岩浆分异残余熔体的产物,侵位于岩体最高层位。     

Outcrop-scale silicate liquid immiscibility from an alkali syenite (A-type granitoid)-pyroxenite association near Puttetti,Trivandrum Block,South India

The Pan-African (572 Ma) Puttetti syenite (A-type granitoid)-pyroxenite association intrudes the high-grade metamorphic terrain of the Trivandrum Block, South India. Field evidence indicates the contemporaneous nature of syenitic and pyroxenitic liquids. The occurrence of a mixed-rock (~70% syenite and 30% pyroxenite) with an emulsion-like texture, and the occurrence of pyroxenite globules in syenite, is interpreted as relics of immiscible magmas. Both syenite and pyroxenite show similar mineral assemblage (with major minerals having overlapping compositions), but the relative proportions differ. Major element and trace element partitioning trends, parallel REE patterns, and similar Sr initial isotope compositions are in accord with behavior either predicted or measured for immiscible melts in experimental and/or natural systems. The more pronounced Eu anomalies and LREE/HREE ratios of syenite and pyroxenite (relative to the mixed-rock) is related to fractionation caused by immiscible separation. The proposed origin of the Puttetti pluton involves the intrusion of a magma whose bulk composition is that of the mixed-rock. This melt behaved immiscibly and split into two fractions, which produced the syenite and pyroxenite magmas.Editorial responsibility: T. Grove     

Rare earth element evidence concerning the origin of voluminous mid-Tertiary rhyolitic ignimbrites and related volcanic rocks,Sierra Madre Occidental,Chihuahua, Mexico

The mid-Tertiary volcanic sequence of the central Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua, Mexico, is about one kilometer thick and is composed predominantly of rhyolitic ignimbrites. Basaltic andesite to dacitic lavas are interbedded with the rhyolites, but they are of minor volumetric importance. Rare earth element (REE) data are used to constrain a crustal anatexis model for the origin of the voluminous ignimbrites and to test a fractional crystallization model. The REE patterns indicate that if the rhyolites were formed by direct crustal anatexis, the residue from partial melting could contain no more than a few percent garnet or about 20% hornblende. This eliminates residues with the mineralogy of amphibolite, eclogite, or garnet granulite, but melting of a garnet-free granulite source is permitted. The crustal anatexis model is difficult to evaluate critically because of a lack of knowledge concerning the mid-Tertiary geothermal gradient and the composition of the crust beneath the Sierra Madre Occidental.In contrast, the fractional crystallization model can be tested rigorously. Rayleigh fractionation calculations are used to closely model REE patterns in the basaltic andesite to rhyolite series. The minerals involved are those occurring as phenocryst phases, and the mineral proportions were generated by leastsquares major element calculations. The results of the calculations are consistent with the hypothesis that the voluminous rhyolites originated by plagioclase-dominated crystal fractionation.     

Late Ediacaran post-collisional A-type syenites with shoshonitic affinities,northern Arabian-Nubian Shield: a possible mantle-derived A-type magma

The Abu Rumeil syenitic rocks represent the inner ring dyke of the Katherina Ring complex, southern Sinai, Egypt. They are divided petrologically into two types, alkali feldspar syenite and quartz syenite. The mineralogy and geochemistry of the syenites indicate an alkaline nature with a shoshonitic affinity. Although rare mafic xenocrysts overgrown by primary K-feldspars and overlapping rare earth element (REE) patterns indicate some role for crustal contamination, the trace element chemistry shows a dominant mantle contribution. The geochronology and field relations imply that the Abu Rumeil syenites were emplaced in a post-collisional, within-plate tectonic setting, yet they express the enrichments in large-ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements generally characteristic of subduction influence. We suggest that this signature is inherited from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source previously affected by subduction during assembly of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Little evidence of the early evolution of the suite is preserved; there are no associated mafic rocks. We therefore restrict our attention to a petrogenetic model that can explain the relations among the observed felsic composition. The REE patterns of all samples are enriched in light REE and fractionated, but it is notable that there are small positive Eu anomalies in the alkali-feldspar syenites contrasting with small negative Eu anomalies in the quartz syenites. Positive Eu anomalies suggest a cumulate nature for the alkali-feldspar syenites; there are also breaks in the slopes of most variation trends between the alkali-feldspar syenites and the quartz syenites. The general trends in all major oxides and trace elements within the suite can be modeled by fractional crystallization of feldspars—with smaller roles for pyroxene, biotite, apatite, and Fe-Ti oxides—from an intermediate liquid to form the quartz syenites and by assimilation of the near-liquidus phases into the same starting liquid to form the alkali feldspar syenites. The geothermobarometry of pyroxenes and amphiboles suggests shallow emplacement (<10 km depth) and crystallization temperatures ranging from 1100 °C down to 800 °C.     

北京怀柔崎峰茶-得田沟金矿田稀土元素地球化学特征

崎峰茶-得田沟金矿田位于华北地块东北部,是华北地块北缘巨型EW向金矿带的组成部分。本文研究了该矿田各类岩石的稀土元素特征。通过与含金石英脉和金属硫化物的对比分析,探讨了它们与成矿的关系。结果显示,金属硫化物、含金石英脉及蚀变岩石的稀土元素特征很相似,它们与矿田内的燕山期正长斑岩脉和花岗岩(脉)具有很大相似性,从而确定了它们之间的成因联系,为找矿预测提供了依据。      

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Kunduru Betta Calc-Alkaline Ring Complex in the Dharwar Craton,Southern India

The Kunduru Betta Ring Complex (KRC), at the southern margin of Dharwar craton, South India, comprises metaluminous sub-solvus syenites and quartz monzonite with a concentric disposition younging towards the center. An outer mafic syenite (of lamprophyric affinity) is followed by porphyritic monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and finally a quartz monzonitic stock at the centre.SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Na₂O increase from the primitive lamprophyric mafic syenite to the quartz monzonite through the intermediate members, while CaO, MgO, Fe₂O₃^T, TiO₂, P₂O₅ and MnO show an opposite trend suggesting fractionation of hornblende, clinopyroxene, biotite, apatite, sphene, and iron oxide minerals. Rb, Th and U increase with a complementary decrease in Sc, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Sr and Ba from the outer mafic syenite to the inner quartz monzonite. Y, Zr and Hf decrease from lamprophyric mafic syenite to quartz monzodiorite and the trend is reversed in the final quartz monzonite phase. However, the suite is characterised by a compositional gap between quartz monzodiorite and quartz monzonite. Total REE gradually decrease from the mafic syenite to quartz monzonite and the REE distribution patterns show LREE-enriched and HREE-depleted parallel distributions with negligible Eu anomalies.The geochemical data suggest that the rock types were formed as products of progressive differentiation by crystal fractionation of calc-alkaline lamprophyric parent magma which was derived by partial melting of metasomatically enriched mantle in the Kabini lineament. Although the quartz monzonites conform to the trend of differentiated Kunduru Betta suite, the compositional gap between them and the quartz monzodiorite precludes their origin by simple differentiation. It is suggested that convective liquid fractionation might have resulted in the discrete body of quartz monzonite.     

Geochemistry and origin of the Archean Prince Albert Group volcanics,western Melville Peninsula,Northwest Territories,Canada

Major and trace element data on the Archean metavolcanic rocks of the Prince Albert Group (PAG), Northwest Territories. Canada, are reported. The following major groups were found, based on combined field and geochemical evidence: ultramafic flows; basaltic rocks, predominantly tholeiites; andesites; heavy REE depleted dacites; and rhyolites.The ultramafic and basaltic rocks are relatively normal Archean volcanics except for the downward bowed REE patterns of the tholeiitic basalts. The andesites, dacites and rhyolites, however, are not typical of Archean terrains. Comparisons between the andesites of the PAG and other Archean and more recent ones show that those of the PAG are most similar chemically to modern high-K andesites. REE patterns in these rocks suggest that partial melting of assemblages with significant garnet are an unlikely source but it is not possible to ascribe their origin to any simple process. Partial melting of a garnet-poor mafic granulite is an acceptable source for the heavy REE depleted dacites. The geochemical characteristics of the rhyolites cannot be explained by partial melting of a mafic source or by fractional crystallization from the daeites. It is suggested that these rocks originated by partial melting of pre-existing sialic crust.     

Rare earth element patterns and crustal evolution—II. Archean sedimentary rocks from Kalgoorlie,Australia

REE data, with major element and other trace element data are reported for a suite of Archean sedimentary rocks (2800 million years old) from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The REE patterns fall into two groups with ?LREE/?HREE ratios of 6 and 15, respectively. The first group have either no Eu anomaly relative to chondrites, or a positive Eu anomaly, in contrast to the pronounced Eu depletion (Eu/Eu ~ 0.67) shown by younger (Post-Archean) sedimentary rocks.The problem of positive Eu enrichment relative to chondritic patterns, is examined by analysing a suite of Devonian greywackes, derived from calc-alkaline volcanic rocks. Some of these samples also show positive Eu anomalies, attributable to local accumulation of feldspar. This explanation is preferred to models involving an early anorthositic crust. The group of samples showing heavy REE depletion patterns (complementary to those observed in garnet) appear to be derived from adjacent Na-rich granites which display identical REE patterns. Locally abundant K-rich granites do not appear to have made any contribution to the Archean sedimentary rocks.The majority of the sedimentary rocks have REE patterns indistinguishable from those of recent island arc calc-alkaline rocks, and so could constitute evidence that the Archean crust was principally formed by processes analogous to present day island-arc type volcanism. However, similar REE patterns may be produced by an appropriate mixture of the common bimodal tholeiitic-felsic igneous suite commonly observed in Archean terrains. The REE data presented here do not distinguish between these two models.