The effect of Mn on mineral stability in metapelites

Calculations based on a KMnFMASH petrogenetic grid derived using an internally consistent thermodynamic dataset indicate that the principal effect of the presence of Mn in average subaluminous pelite compositions is to stabilize garnet to higher and lower pressures and temperatures over a wide range of bulk compositions. Garnet-bearing fields expand to lower temperatures and pressures with the addition of Mn, and garnet appears as an extra phase at low pressures. The addition of Mn also increases the number and extent of four AMnFM phase assemblages and stabilizes five AMnFM phases along univariant reactions. The KMnFMASH system predictions for typical subaluminous pelite bulk compositions match the sequence of isograds and assemblages observed in the Barrovian zones. The sequence of assemblages observed in the Stonehaven section can also be predicted if there is variation in bulk composition within the stratigraphic section. Mn appears to be less important in producing the sequence of isograds and garnet-absent assemblages in the low-pressure Buchan zones. The addition of Mn to the calculations does not change the sequence of isograds that are predicted to be stable in a regional metamorphic terrane, but the P – T  position of these isograds does change. In particular, the predicted temperature of the garnet-in isograd is lowered by as much as 100 °C by the addition of Mn to KFMASH. Mn also increases the range of metapelite bulk compositions that develop the assemblages traditionally identified as metapelite isograds.