Coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite in biotite schists from the Hohe Tauern,Austria

Coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite assemblages in biotite schists from the western Hohe Tauern, Austria, have been investigated with the electron microprobe, polarization optics, and X-ray diffractometer. Zoisite and clinozoisite show slight compositional zoning, ranging from the core to the rim from about 1.8 to 1.0 wt. % Fe in zoisite, and 4.0 to 3.0 wt. % Fe in clinozoisite. The results suggest a gap of composition between coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite under greenschist-amphibolite transition facies conditions.The optical orientation and 2V of zoisite vary considerably within single grains. Lamellar structures have been detected which may be produced by unmixing of zoisite. The Fe-poor lamellae have 2V _z=20–50°, a dispersion r>v, and relatively low refringence, the Fe-rich lamellae have 2V _z =90–100°, rv, and higher refringence. The optic axial planes of both lamellae systems deviate from the (100) cleavage by up to 15°, and suggest a deviation from orthorombic symmetry. The lattice constants of coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite are given.     

温冰川上的冰震——以奥地利Hohe Tauern地区Schlatenkees冰川为例

在奥地利Hohe Tauern的Schlatenkees冰川上布置了两组地震仪测量网,用电动力垂直地震仪记录到了约1200次冰震。找出了地震学参数彼此之间的几种关系。并根据优势频率,将冰震分成了4组。记录到的震动事件的震深为25—130m,震源半径为12—67m,地震矩为4.23×10~5—6.52×10~7Nm,地震能为9.1—1.34x10~5J,应力降为0.16—32.04hPa。     

Alpine metamorphism of calcareous metasediments in the Western Hohe Tauern,tyrol: mineral equilibria in COHS fluids

During Tertiary regional metamorphism in the Western Hohe Tauern, reaching maximum P, T conditions around 6 kb, 550° C in calcareous metasediments, reaction of pyrite to pyrrhotite is suggested by regional distribution and textural relations. In rocks without graphite pyrite is common at all metamorphic grades. In graphite bearing rocks, however, the dominant Fe-sulfide is pyrite at lower grade and pyrrhotite at higher grade. Furthermore, in graphite bearing high grade rocks, pyrite is restricted to assemblages with Mg-rich silicates. Several factors control pyrite-pyrrhotite relations. Increase of temperature is most effective by increase of pyrrhotite vs. pyrite stability field, shift of silicate-sulfide reactions toward the stability field of pyrrhotite, creation of sulfur free fluids from devolatilization reactions, and increase in the proportions of sulfur bearing fluid species. Presence of graphite also favours progress of pyrite to pyrrhotite reaction, as shown by different -stabilities and changes in the amount of minerals and fluid during metamorphic heating of graphite bearing and graphite free assemblages. An opposite effect is shown by assemblages with low Fe-contents in Fe-Mg silicates, due to the enlarged stability field of such minerals with increasing Mg (and F) content. Another inhibition of pyrite to pyrrhotite reaction is suggested to be due to relatively high sulfur contents of H₂O rich infiltrating fluids.     

P-T evolution of metasediments from the Eclogite Zone, south-central Tauern Window, Austria

Petrologic data on the paragenesis of (I) kyanite-zoisite marbles and (II) garnet-chloritoid quartz-mica schists are presented with the goal of providing constraints on the pressure-temperature evolution of the Eclogite Zone, Tauern Window, Austria. The peak metamorphic assemblages in the two rock types are: (I) kyanite + zoisite + dolomite + quartz; zoisite + muscovite + dolomite + calcite + quartz; and (II) garnet + chloritoid + kyanite + muscovite + quartz + epidote ± dolomite ± Zn-staurolite. The estimated peak metamorphic conditions are 19 ± 2 kbar, 590 ± 20°C.

Secondary alteration of the kyanite-zoisite marbles was accomplished in two stages. The early stage resulted in the production of margarite, paragonite, secondary muscovite and chlorite and the later stage resulted in the formation of sudoite (a di/trioctahedral Mg---Al layer silicate) and kaolinite. The early alteration is bracketed at conditions between 3 and 10 kbar, 450–550°C and the later alteration between 200 and 350°C, P 3 kbar.

The P-T path is characterized by maximum burial to approximately 19 kbar (60–70 km) (at≈590°C), followed by nearly isothermal decompression to approximately 10 kbar (30 km), and then more gradual decompression with cooling to approximately 3 kbar (10 km). Alteration was apparently accomplished by the influx of H₂O-rich fluids, with the composition of the fluid locally buffered by the mineral assemblage.     

Geothermobarometry in metasediments of the southern Grossvenediger area (Tauern Window, Austria)

Metasediments in the southern Grossvenediger area (Tauern Window, Austria) were studied along a cross-section through rocks of increasing metamorphic grade from the margin of the Tauern Window in the south to the base of the Upper Schieferhülle, including the Eclogite Zone, in the north. In the southern part of the cross-section there is no evidence for a pre-late Alpine metamorphic history in the form of high-pressure relics or pseudomorphs. Mineral assemblages are characterized by the stability of tremolite + calcite, biotite + calcite and biotite + chlorite + calcite. In the northern part a more complete Alpine metamorphic evolution is preserved. Primary high-pressure assemblages are dolomite + quartz, tremolite + zoisite, zoisite + dolomite + quartz + phengite I and probably tremolite + dolomite + phengite I. Secondary, post-kinematic assemblages [tremolite + calcite, talc + calcite, phengite II + chlorite + calcite (+ quartz), biotite + chlorite + calcite, biotite + zoisite + calcite] formed as a result of the dominant late Alpine metamorphic overprint. The occurrence of biotite + zoisite + calcite is confined to the northernmost area and defines a biotite–zoisite–calcite isograd. P–T estimates based on standard thermobarometric techniques and on stability relationships of tremolite + calcite + dolomite + quartz and zoisite give consistent results. P–T conditions of the main Tertiary metamorphic overprint were 525° C, P= 7.5 ± 1 kbar in the northern part of the cross-section. The southern part was metamorphosed at lower temperatures of 430–470° C. The Si-content of phengites from this area is almost as high as that of phengites from the Eclogite Zone (Si^max= 3.4 pfu). Pressures > 10 kbar at 420° C are suggested by phengite barometry according to Massone & Schreyer (1987). In the absence of high-pressure relics or pseudomorphs, these phengites, which lack late Alpine re-equilibration, are the only record that rocks of the southern part probably also experienced an early non-eclogitic high-pressure metamorphism.     

Geochemistry of blackwall sequences in the Habachtal emerald deposit,Hohe Tauern,Austria Part 1: Presentation of geochemical data

Summary The Habachtal emerald deposit, Hohe Tauern, is composed of blackwall sequences of the type: serpentinite — talc schist — ±chlorite schist or actinolite schist — biotite schist —albite gneiss and/or micaschist. 2 serpentinites, 33 blackwall rocks, 9 micaschists, 10 albite gneisses, and 5 aplitic gneisses were analyzed for major elements, and for Li, Be, Cr, Ni, Zn, Zr, Sn, in 36 samples also for Sc, Cu, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, W. The blackwall formation is due to a metasomatic exchange involving a transfer of Mg from the serpentinite to the silicic country rock, and of Si, Ca, K, and Al from the country rock to the serpentinite. Some of the trace elements were also mobile: Compared to serpentinite, Li and Be were enriched in all the blackwall rocks, and Sn and Cs in the actinolite, chlorite, and biotite schists; Sr was concentrated in the dolomite-bearing talc schists, and Zn, Rb, and Ba predominantly in the biotite schists.

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Geochemie der Blackwall-Folgen in der Smaragd-Lagerstätte Habachtal, Hohe Tauern, Österreich. Teil 1: Darstellung der geochemischen Daten

Zusammenfassung Die Smaragd-Lagerstätte Habachtal, Hohe Tauern, besteht aus Blackwall-Folgen vom Typ: Serpentinit — Talkschiefer — ±Chloritschiefer oder Aktinolithschiefer — Biotitschiefer — Albitgneis und/oder Glimmerschiefer. Von 2 Serpentiniten, 33 Blackwall-Gesteinen, 9 Glimmerschiefern, 10 Albitgneisen und 5 Aplitgneisen wurden chemische Analysen der Hauptelemente und von Li, Be, Cr, Ni, Zn, Zr, Sn vorgelegt; 36 Proben wurden auch auf Sc, Cu, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba und W analysiert. Die Blackwall-Bildung geht auf einen metasomatischen Austausch zurück, bei dem Mg aus dem Serpentinit ins Nebengestein, Si, Ca, K und Al aus dem Nebengestein in den Serpentinit transportiert wurden. Daneben waren auch einige Spurenelemente mobil: Im Vergleich zum Serpentinit wurden Li und Be in allen Blackwall-Gesteinen, Sn und Cs in den Aktinolith-, Chlorit- und Biotitschiefern angereichert; Sr wurde(n) in den dolomitführenden Talkschiefern, Zn, Rb und Ba hauptsächlich in den Biotitschiefern konzentriert.

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With 5 Figures     

Die Metarodingite der Habachformation,Hohe Tauern (Österreich)

Zusammenfassung Zwei Metarodingitvorkommen aus der Habachformation im nördlichen Vendigermassiv wurden geochemisch und petrologisch untersucht. Die Metarodingite bestehen aus Granat, Klinopyroxen und wechselnden Mengen von Titanit, Ilmenit, Epidot, Chlorit und Calcit und sind von den sie umgebenden Antigoritserpentiniten durch Blackwallbidung getrennt. Sowohl Granat als auch Klinopyroxen sind in zwei Generationen vertreten. Die ältere Generation (Grant, um 95% Grandit-Anteil mit 50–70% Andraditkomponente; Klinopyroxen, Diopsid mit 0,2–0,6% Al₂O₃) entspricht mitT=420°C beiP=2 kb dem niedriggradigen herzynischen Metamorphoseereignis, die jüngere Generation (Granat, und 90% Grandit mit 5% Andraditkomponente; Klinopyroxen, Diopsid mit bis zu 2,5% Al₂O₃), für dieT=480–500°C beiP=5 kb ermittelt werden konnten, entspricht der alpidischen Metamorphose. Mit CaO-Gehalten von bis zu 30 Gew.% und Na₂O- und K₂O-Gehalten von < 0,03 Gew.% sind die Hauptelementchernismen typisch für Rodingite, lassen aber naturgemäß keine Aussage über die Ausgangsgesteine zu. Spurenelement analysen zeigen, daß auch immobile Elemente wie Ti, Zr und Y keine sichere Abletung der Ausgangsgesteine gestatten. Dasselbe gilt für die Verteilung der REE sowie für die Cr-, Co- und Ni-Gehalte, die nur die allgemeine Aussage, daß es sich bei den Ausgangsgesteinen um Gesteine basaltischer Zusammensetzung handelt, zulassen. Stark schwankende, zum Teil sehr hohe W-Gehalte in den Metarodingiten und Blackwalls werden auf Mobilisierungen aus den, die Serpentinite umgebenden Gesteinsserien. zurückgeführt.

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The metarodingites of the Habach Formation, Hohe Tauern, Austria

Summary Geochemical and petrological investigations have been carried out on two occurrences of metarodingites from the Habach Formations within the Venediger massif, Hohe Tauern Austria. The metarodingites consitst of garnet, clinopyroxene and varying amounts of sphene, ilmenite, epidote, chlorite, and calcite. They are surrounded by antigorite-serpentinites from which they are separated by blackwall zones. Garnet and clinopyroxene are present in two generations. The older one (garnet with about 95% grandite content and 50–70% andradite; diopside with 0,2–0,6% Al₂O₃) represents the low grade Hereynian metamorphic event with an equilibration temperature of 420°C atP=2 kb. The younger generation (garnet with about 90% grandite and 5% andradite; diopside with up to 2.5% Al₂O₃) is of Alpine age and could be fixed atT=480–500°C andP=5 kb. The main element contents are typical for rodingites and show CaO-concentrations up to 30% and K₂O- as well as Na₂O-concentrations of less than 0.03%. Trace element analyses indicate that even immobile elements like Ti, Zr and Y do not allow a clear reconstruction of the original rocks from which the rodingites are derived. The same holds true for the distribution of REE-patterns and the contents of Cr, Co, and Ni. However, a primary basattic composition of the original rocks can be deducted. Additionally, there are varying, in part very high W-contents (up to 2.7% WO₃) in the metarodingites and the blackwall zones which are certainly derived by mobilisation from the surrounding rocks.

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Mit 6 Abbildungen     

The effect of Fe-Mg substitution on phase relations in marly rocks of the Western Hohe Tauern (Austria)

Based on mineral assemblages and compositions in metamorphic marly rocks of the Western Hohe Tauern, the effect of Fe-Mg substitution on previously deduced phase relations in a simplified marly rock system (Hoschek 1980) is estimated. Fe-Mg partitioning in coexisting minerals is influenced, amongst others, by the F-OH substitution. Calculations with extrapolated mean K _D ^Fe-Mg values for F-free minerals and with the assumption of ideal Fe-Mg solid solution show similar effects of the Fe-Mg and the F-OH substitution on phase relations. The consideration of the Fe²⁺ and F distribution leads to a better compatibility between experimentally determined mineral stabilities and observed mineral assemblages in the marly rocks of the Western Hohe Tauern.     

Phase relations of a simplified Marly rock system with application to the Western Hohe Tauern (Austria)

The regional distribution of metamorphic mineral assemblages in Mesozoic carbonate rocks of the Western Hohe Tauern allows the mapping of isograds based on the appearance of biotite+calcite and biotite+zoisite+calcite. The latter isograd corresponds approximately to the thermal maximum of the alpidic metamorphism in the central part of this area. An estimate of P, T, X _fluid conditions can be obtained from phase relations among muscovite, biotite, chlorite, margarite, tremolite, zoisite, anorthite, quartz, calcite, and dolomite in the system K₂O-CaO-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O-CO₂ which approximates the composition of marls. Calculations based on various experimental and thermodynamic data have been made with emphasis on phase relations pertinent to a group of carbonate rocks with very low Fe and Na contents in non-opaque minerals. Significant and opposite deviations from the phase relations for stochiometric end member mineral compositions are due to the substitutions F-OH and Mg+Si-2Al. Consistency of observed and calculated phase relations is favoured by high F-contents. For the majority of carbonate rocks in the high metamorphic zone, maximum temperatures around 550° C, minimum pressures of 4–6 kb, and relatively low XCO₂ values within the stability field of zoisite and of biotite+calcite+quartz are indicated.     

Occurrence and breakdown of paragonite and margarite in the Greiner Schiefer Series (Zillerthal Alps,Tyrol)

Margarite and Paragonite are found coexisting in amphibolites of the Untere Schieferhülle in the area of the upper Schlegeistal (Zillerthal Alps, Northern Tyrol). These amphibolites are metamorphosed under conditions of the low grade amphibolite facies. The chemical composition of the two micas was determined by the electron microprobe. A maximum of 14 Mol-% margarite and 18 Mol-% muscovite enters into the paragonite, the margarite being entered by 20 to 50 Mol-% paragonite and a maximum of 10 Mol-% muscovite. There seems to be a solubility gap between margarite and paragonite in a range between 15 and 50 Mol-% margarite.At their margins the margarites and paragonites breakdown into a mixture of feldspar and into a fine, microscopically not identifiable phase. Plagioclases having An 28 to An 42 result from breakdown of paragonite, feldspars between An 50 and An 60 probably arose from breakdown of margarite. A definite statement on this probelem is not possible because the smallness and the inhomogeneity of the feldspar grains.Based on the experimental data concerning the stability of margarite, paragonite (±quartz, ±CO₂) and kyanite, the P-T-range of the metamorphosis is discussed.     

Some critical remarks on the analysis of phengite and paragonite components in muscovite by X-ray diffractometry

In the past lattice parameters b and c of muscovite s.1. from pelitic schists have been used to determine its phengite and paragonite component. A critical review of the literature and of some new data shows, however,

that a convincing statistical correlation between these physical and chemical properties does not exist

that an eventual trend-like correlation cannot be used for a quantitative analysis of phengite and/or paragonite components in muscovite.

Obviously further factors influence the lattice parameters of muscovite s.1., besides octahedral and interlayer chemistry.     

The potassic feldspar in metamorphic rocks from the western Hohe Tauern area,eastern Alps

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Kalifeldspäte aus Orthogneisen, Paragneisen und Glimmerschiefern des westlichen Tauemfensters (Hohe Tauern, Tirol) mit optischen und röntgenographischen Methoden im Hinblick auf ihren Strukturzustand untersucht.Es zeigte sich, daß in den Randbereichen des Tauemfensters in Gesteinen der Grünschieferfazies weitgehend geordneter Mikroklin mit einem optischen Achsenwinkel 2 V_x 80°, Auslöschungswinkel Z (010)=15–20°, Doppelbrechung n_z-n_x= 0,0065, Triklinität=0,90-–0,95, ca. 0,88 Al auf T₁O-Position und einem Ab-Gehalt von ca. 5 Gew.% auftritt. Dagegen wurden in Gesteinen der schwachtemperierten Amphibolitfazies des zentralen Bereichs Orthoklase bis intermediäre Mikrokline mit stark schwankenden optischen Eigenschaften, mit Triklinitäten zwischen 0 und 0,7, 0,8 bis 0,9 Al in T₁-Positionen, 0,45–0,8 Al auf T₁O und Ab-Gehalten von ca. 10 Gew.% festgestellt. Die Kalifeldspatkristalle zeigen ungleichmäßige Auslöschung mit Winkeln von Z (010) zwischen 0 und 15°, 2 V_x zwischen 50 und 75° und n_z-n_x=0,005 bis 0,006. Teilweise ist Zonarbau mit geringerer Triklinität am Kornrande erkennbar. Diese undulös auslöschenden Kalifeldspäte enthalten einzelne schmale Lamellen von maximal triklinem Mikroklin mit Z (010)=15–20° und n_z-n_x= 0,006–0,007.Die Grenze zwischen dem Verbreitungsgebiet von maximalem Mikroklin einerseits und Orthoklas bis intermediärem Mikroklin andererseits verläuft in den westlichen Hohen Tauern ungefähr konform mit der Albit-Oligoklas-Grenze (Morteani &Raase, 1974) und mit der aus Sauerstoff-Isotopen-Untersuchungen bestimmten 500° C-Isotherme (Hoernes &Friedrichsen, 1974).

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The potassic feldspar in orthogneisses, paragneisses, and mica schists from the western Tauernfenster (Hohe Tauern, Tyrol) were studied by optical and X-ray methods with regard to their structural state and in relation to grade of metamorphism.In the peripheral region of the Tauernfenster in greenschist-facies rocks highly triclinic microcline occurs with an optic angle 2 V_x of about 80°, extinction angle Z (010) =15–20°, birefringence n_z-n_x=0.0065, triclinicity=0.90–0.95, approx. 0.88 Al in T₁O-site, and an Ab-content of about 5 wt.%. In the central area with rocks of the low-grade amphibolite facies, on the other hand, orthoclase to intermediate microcline with highly variable optical properties, triclinicities in the range of 0–0.7, 0.8–0.9 Al in T₁-sites, 0.45–0.8 Al in T₁O-site, and an Ab-content of about 10 wt.% was recognized. The K-feldspar grains have nonuniform extinction Z (010) scattering in the range of 0–15°, 2 V_x in the range of 50–75°, and n_z-n_x= 0.005–0.006. Sometimes a zonal structure with lower triclinicity exists at the rim. These undulatory K-feldspar grains usually contain small lamellae of highly triclinic microcline with Z (010) =15–20° and n_z-n_x=0.006–0.007.From the occurrence of maximum microcline and of orthoclase to intermediate microcline in the Hohe Tauern area an isograd was defined that is approximately conformable with the albite-oligoclase isograd (Morteani &Raase, 1974) and with the 500° C isotherm based on oxygen isotope analyses (Hoernes &Friedrïchsen, 1974).

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Résumé Les feldspaths potassiques d'orthogneiss, de paragneiss et de micaschistes de la Fenêtre des Tauern occidental (Hohe Tauern, Tirol) ont été étudiés du point de vue de leur état structural.Dans les roches du faciès schistes verts de la région périphérique de la Fenêtre des Tauern les microclines sont caractérisés par un angle des axes optiques 2 V_p =80°, un angle d'extinction n_g (010)=15–20°, une biréfringence n_g-n_p=0,0065, une triclinicité= 0,90–0,95, 0,88 Al dans le site T₁O et par une teneur en albite d'environ 5%. Au contraire, dans les roches du faciès amphibolite à faible degré de la région centrale, ont été observées des orthoses allant à des microclines intermédiaires avec des propriétés optiques très variables, un degré de triclinicité de 0 à 0,7, 0,8–0,9 Al dans les sites T₁, 0,45–0,8 Al dans T₁O et avec une teneur en albite d'environ 10%.Les cristaux de feldspath montrent une extinction irrégulière avec des angles Z (010) variable de 0 à 15°, 2 V_p de 50 à 75° et n_g-n_p=0,005–0,006.On peut voir quelquefois une structure zonée avec une triclinicité moindre au bord des cristaux. Ces feldspaths potassiques contiennent de minces lamelles de microcline à triclinicité maximum, avec n_g (010)=15–20° et n_g-n_p 0,006–0,007.La limite entre les régions à microcline maximum d'une part, et à orthose ou microcline intermédiaire d'autre part, suit, dans les Hohe Tauern, sensiblement l'isograde albite-oligoclase (Morteani &Raase, 1974) et, l'isotherme de 500° C telle qu'elle fut determinée les isotopes de l'oxygène (Hoernes &Friedrichsen, 1974).

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, ( , ) ., 2 V_x80°, Z (010)=15–20°, n_z–n_x=0,0065, =0,90–0,95, 0,88 l T₁O Ab 5 .-%. , 0 0,7, 0,8-0,9 1 T₁ l 10 .-%. Z V (010) 0 15°, 2 V_x 50 75° n_z–n_x=0,005–0,006. . Z V (010) =15-20° n_z–n_x=0,006–0,007. , Morteani & Raase (1974) 500° , Hoernes & Friedrichsen (1974).

     

Experimental studies on the formation of inclusions in plagioclases from metatonalites,Hohe Tauern,Austria (lower temperature stability limit of the paragenesis anorthite plus potash feldspar)

New experimental data are presented at stability conditions of paragenesis in the system K₂O-CaO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O. These results are used to estimate the pressure temperature conditions under which minute inclusions, mostly consisting of zoisite/clinozoisite and muscovite, have crystallized in calcic plagioclases from metatonalites and metadiorites (Hohe Tauern, Austria). In the pressure region 1.5–8 kb the following reactions were observed: zoisite+muscovite+quartz=anorthite+potash feldspar+water (1) grossularite+muscovite+quartz=anorthite+potash feldspar+water (2) zoisite+quartz=anorthite+grossularite+water (3) natural plagioclase with its inclusions (zoisite/clinozoisite and muscovite) (4) =more basic plagioclase without inclusions.In order to determine the curves of reaction (1), (2) and (3), runs were made in hydrothermal bombs using synthetic phases crystallized from gels as starting materials. The reaction curves (1), (2) and (3) intersect at an invariant point at 7.25±0.5 kb and 685±20° C. In runs to define the reaction (4), it could be demonstrated that the inclusion minerals zoisite/ clinozoisite and muscovite became instable at slightly lower temperatures than those occurring in reaction (1). These facts illustrate that the reaction curve (1), found in the pure system, gives possible information about the pressure temperature conditions during the formation of the inclusions.     

Genesis and solvus relations of submicroscopically intergrown paragonite and phengite in a blueschist from northern California

Electron microbeam techniques have been used to examine submicroscopically intergrown paragonite, phengite and chlorite from the South Fork Mountain Schist of the Franciscan Terrane of northern California, which was subjected to blueschist facies metamorphism. The sample also contains quartz, albite, lawsonite, and rutile. The subassemblage albite-lawsonite-rutile requires metamorphic conditions on the low-temperature side of the equilibrium albite+lawsonite+rutile=paragonite+sphene+quartz+H₂O (T<200° C and P<7.4 kbars based on thermodynamic data of Holland and Powell 1990). The white micas appear to be optically homogeneous, but back-scattered electron images can distinguish two different micas by their slight difference in contrast. Electron microprobe analyses (EMPA) of micas show Na/(Na+K) ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. The two micas are resolved by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as packets of phengite and paragonite that range from 20 to several hundred nm in thickness. The compositions, determined by analytical electron microscopy (AEM), constrain the limbs of the phengite-paragonite solvus to values of Na/(Na+K)=<0.02 and 0.97, representing less mutual solid solution than ever reported by EMPA. The textural relations imply that the sheet silicates were derived from reactions between fluids and detrital clays and that they are in an intermediate stage of textural development. We caution that microprobe analyses of apparently homogeneous sheet silicates may yield erroneous data and lead to faulty conclusions using phengite barometry and paragonite-muscovite thermometry, especially in fine-grained rocks that formed at relatively low temperatures. Contribution no. 473 from the Mineralogical Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA     

Pre-Alpine history of the pennine zone in the Tauern Window,Austria: U-Pb and Rb-Sr geochronology

Zircon ages from major lithologies of the Zentralgneis suggest that much of the Variscan magmatism in the Tauern Window is older than previously suggested. In the southeast Tauern Window a tonalite has been dated at 314±7 m.y. and a granodioritic biotite augen gneiss at 313±10 m.y. Two granodiorites from the Granatspitzkern yielded zircon data consistent with a similar age. These zircon data require re-interpretation of some previously published Rb-Sr whole rock ages and raise the possibility that Alpine metamorphism caused more widespread disturbance of Rb-Sr whole rocks than commonly supposed. Rb-Sr data on fabric-forming white micas from two banded gneisses give ages close to 220 m.y., indicating the foliation in these rocks is pre-Alpine and has not been greatly affected by Alpine recrystallisation.     

Coexisting cummingtonite and calcic amphibole in amphibolites from the Schneeberg complex,Tyrol, Austria

Summary The formation of cummingtonite in two Ca and Al-poor and Mg-rich amphibolites from the Austroalpine Schneeberg complex occurred at a maximum temperature of about 550°C (5 kb). This is a result of the amphibolite facies Alpine overprint in this part of the Eastern Alps.Textural and chemical relations suggest (Mg_–1Si_–1Al₂)-continuous reactions in the bivariant CMASH-assemblageCam-Cum-Chl ^* followed by the discontinuous reactionCam+Chl+Qu=Cum+Plg+H₂O to be responsible for the formation of cummingtonite in these samples.The Mg–Fe distribution coefficient with values of 0.6–0.7 is similar to cummingtonite-Ca-amphibole pairs from amphibolites with oligoclase+quartz reported in the literature. The Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio of the calcic amphiboles is lower (0.539–0.555) than the coexisting cummingtonites (0.648–0.662).

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Koexistierende Cummingtonite und Hornblenden in Amphiboliten des Schneeberger Zuges, Tirol, Österreich

Zusammenfassung In zwei Ca- und Al-armen Amphiboliten des nördlichen Schneebergerzuges (Rotmoostal) bildete sich Cummingtonit bei Maximaltemperaturen von 550°C (5 kb) bei der Altalpidschen Metamorphose.Texturelle und chemische Beziehungen lassen vermuten, daß sich Cummingtonite sowohl nach kontinuierlichen Reaktionen (in bezug auf den Tschermak-Vektor Mg_–1Si_–1Al₂) gebildet hat, als auch aus Hornblende und Chlorit nach der diskontinuierlichen ACF-ReaktionCam+Chl+Qu=Cum+Plg+H₂O hervorgegangen ist.Der Mg–Fe-Verteilungskoeffizient zwischen Hornblende und Cummingtonit entspricht den aus der Literatur bekannten Werten. Er beträgt zwischen 0.6–0.7 für die beginnende Amphibolitfazies. Die Mg/(Mg+Fe)-Verhältnisse sind höher in Cummingtonit (0.648–0.662) als in der koexistierenden Hornblende (0.539–0.555).

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With 4 Figures     

A Clinopyroxene Paragenesis of Albite--Epidote--Amphibolite Facies in Meta-Syenites from the South-East Tauern Window, Austria

Mineral assemblages and textures are described from clinopyroxene-bearingmeta-syenites and related rocks from a small area in the PenninicBasement Complex of the south-east Tauern Window. Evidence from mineral textures, mineral compositions and geobarometryindicate that the clinopyroxene, a sodic salite, crystallizedas part of an equilibrium albite-epidote-amphibolite faciesparagenesis in the 35–40 Ma meso-Alpine metamorphic event.Phase relations in co-facial quartz + albite + K-feldspar +sphene-bearing meta-syenites and meta-granites are examinedusing a projection from these minerals onto the plane (A1₂O₃+ Fe₂O₃)-CaO-(MgO + FeO + MnO). The projection demonstratesthat salitic clinopyroxene can only be a stable phase in suchrocks if the bulk-rock Al/Na + K ratios are low. This is confirmedby comparing the whole-rock analyses of clinopyroxene-bearingmeta-syenites with those of clinopyroxene-free meta-syenitesand meta-granites. Mineral assemblages in a variety of lithologies from the south-eastTauern Window are used to construct a generalized AKM diagramfor magnesian albite + epidote + quartz-bearing rocks of thealbite-epidote-amphibolite facies. Thermochemical calculations indicate that the meta-syeniteswere metamorphosed at temperatures close to 500 C and at a pressureof 6+2 –4 kb. Fluids in equilibrium with meta-syeniteand meta-granite mineral assemblages had X_H2O values of 0–95,assuming X_H2O + X_CO2O= 1.0.     

High-Pressure Metamorphism in the SW Tauern Window, Austria: P-T Paths from Hornblende-Kyanite-Staurolite Schists

The hornblende garbenschist horizon of the Lower Schieferhulleseries (LSH) in the SW Tauern Window, Austria, contains theassemblage hornblende + kyanite + staurolite + garnet + biotite+ epidote + plagioclase + ankerite + quartz + rutile + ilmenite,with either chlorite or paragonite present in all samples. Theseassemblages are divariant in the system SiO₂-Al₂O₃-TiO₂-Fe₂O₃-MgO-FeO-MnO-CaO-Na₂O-K₂O-H₂O-CO₂.Garnet-biotite geothermometry yields temperatures of final equilibrationof {small tilde}550 °C, and garnet-plagioclase-kyanite-quartzgeobarometry indicates pressures of 6–8 kb for the matrixassemblage and 9–10 kb for plagioclase inclusions in garnet.Quantitative modelling of zoned garnet, hornblende, and plagioclaseindicates growth and equilibration along a decompression pathfrom {small tilde}530 °C, 10 kb to {small tilde}550 °C,7 kb. Fluid inclusion data constrain the uplift path to havepassed through a point at {small tilde} 375 °C, 1.5 kb. These data permit the construction of a relatively completeP-T loop for metamorphism associated with the Alpine orogeniccycle in the LSH of the SW Tauern Window. The maximum pressureconditions ({small tilde}10 kb at 530 °C) recorded alongthis loop are considerably higher than previous estimates of5–7 kb for the region. Simple overthrust models developedfor the Tauern Window cannot account for pressures of this magnitude;a more likely scenario involves partial subduction of the rocksto a depth of {small tilde}35 km, followed by prolonged heatingin response to decay of the subduction isotherms. Initial upliftappears to have been rapid and occurred along a nearly isothermalpath. Significant cooling did not occur until the rocks werewithin {small tilde}5 km of the surface. Detailed tectonic modelsfor the evolution of the Tauern Window must be able to accountfor the quantitative features of the P-T loop.     

Alpine metamorphism in the south-east Tauern Window, Austria: 2. Rates of heating, cooling and uplift

Abstract Existing geochronological data are reviewed and new Rb-Sr, K-Ar and ³⁹Ar–⁴⁰Ar ages are presented, including a suite of 33 mica ages from a 20 km north–south tunnel section. These data are discussed in relation to the thermal history from the overthrusting of the Autroalpine nappes c. 65 Myr ago to the present. The earliest phase of metamorphism, involving lawsonite crystallization, is associated with emplacement of these nappes. Subsequently, temperatures in the rocks beneath rose, at a mean rate of 3–6°C/Myr, until the climax of metamorphism.
At high structural levels, published data indicate an age > 35 Myr for the metamorphic climax. In contrast, a new ³⁹Ar–⁴⁰Ar step-heating age of 23.8 ± 0.8 Myr on amphibole, from near the base of Peripheral Schieferhülle, closely approximates the age of metamorphism and provides the first clear indication that the climax of metamorphism occurred later at deeper structure levels. Following the climax, near-isothermal uplift and erosion reduced pressure to c. 1 kbar before white mica closure at 19 Myr; this implies uplift at >3 mm/yr.
Along the tunnel section, white mica K-Ar ages vary systematically from 24 Myr to 16.5 Myr with position relative to a late 4 km amplitude dome whereas biotite Rb-Sr ages are uniform at 16.5 Myr across the whole profile; doming is thus dated at 16.5 Myr with transient uplift rates >5 mm/yr. At other times uplift rates were <1 mm/yr.