Melt Inclusions in Primitive Olivine Phenocrysts: the Role of Localized Reaction Processes in the Origin of Anomalous Compositions

Melt inclusions are small portions of liquid trapped by growingcrystals during magma evolution. Recent studies of melt inclusionshave revealed a large range of unusual major and trace elementcompositions in phenocrysts from primitive mantle-derived magmaticrocks e.g. in high-Fo olivine (Fo > 85 mol %), spinel, high-Anplagioclase]. Inclusions in phenocrysts crystallized from moreevolved magmas (e.g. olivine Fo < 85 mol %), are usuallycompositionally similar to the host lavas. This paper reviewsthe chemistry of melt inclusions in high-Fo olivine phenocrystsfocusing on those with anomalous major and trace element contentsfrom mid-ocean ridge and subduction-related basalts. We suggestthat a significant portion of the anomalous inclusion compositionsreflects localized, grain-scale dissolution–reaction–mixing(DRM) processes within the magmatic plumbing system. The DRMprocesses occur at the margins of primitive magma bodies, wheremagma is in contact with cooler wall rocks and/or pre-existingsemi-solidified crystal mush zones (depending on the specificenvironment). Injection of hotter, more primitive magma causespartial dissolution (incongruent melting) of the mush-zone phases,which are not in equilibrium with the primitive melt, and mixingof the reaction products with the primitive magma. Localizedrapid crystallization of high-Fo olivines from the primitivemagma may lead to entrapment of numerous large melt inclusions,which record the DRM processes in progress. In some magmaticsuites melt inclusions in primitive phenocrysts may be naturallybiased towards the anomalous compositions. The occurrence ofmelt inclusions with unusual compositions does not necessarilyimply the existence of new geologically significant magma typesand/or melt-generation processes, and caution should be exercisedin their interpretation. KEY WORDS: melt inclusions; olivine; geochemistry; mush zones; MORB; subduction-related magmas