New petrologic evidence for Hercynian metamorphism in the Venn-Stavelot Massif,Belgium

The basal quartzite (grit) of the Gedinne that overlies unconformably the Salmian of Ordovician age was found to contain a pebble of the typical garnetiferous Mn-rich coticules occurring in the Salmian. However, the metamorphic mineral assemblage Mn-rich garnet-chlorite-muscovite present in the pebble was also formed in the pelitic matrix of the quartzite itself and must, therefore, be due to a post-Gedinnian, Hercynian event of metamorphism. The garnets of the pebble and the matrix are of identical composition and free from chemical zoning, but they are richer in Fe than the spessartine of in situ coticules. This seems to indicate that the pebble did not contain any garnet at the time of its deposition thus ruling out any noteworthy degree of pre-Gedinne, i. e. Caledonian metamorphism. The temperature of the Hercynian metamorphism was about 400?–450? C and represents the highest degree of metamorphism found in rocks exposed in the central and northern parts of the Rhenish Mass.     

Garnet-amphibolites at Yokokawa in the Abukuma metamorphic belt,Japan

The mineralogy and petrochemistry of the garnet-amphibolites from the highgrade part of the Abukuma metamorphic belt have been studied, using five analyses of rocks, five of hornblendes, three of garnets and one analysis of cummingtonite, Garnetiferous amphibolites are rich in Fe, whereas non-garnetiferous ones are rich in Mg, especially in cummingtonite-amphibolite. The chemical composition of hornblendes associated with garnet is pargasitic and rich in FeO and poor in CaO, but that of non-garnetiferous rocks is rich in MgO. The garnets are rich in almandine molecule. Mg/Mg + Fe²⁺ ratios of both hornblendes and garnets correspond with those of the host rocks. The development of garnet in the Adirondack metabasites belonging to the upper almandine-amphibolite and granulite facies is observed in Mg-rich rocks as well as in Fe-rich rocks, in which both garnet and hornblende are rich in Mg respectively. However, under the conditions of the andalusite-sillimanite type metamorphism as shown in the Abukuma Plateau, Fe-rich garnet occurs in Fe-rich basic rocks, but cummingtonite occurs in Mg-rich ones instead of Mg-rich garnet. Finally, the problem of polymetamorphism is discussed. The cummingtonite-amphibolite may be the product of polymetamorphism, and Mg-rich garnet which had been present previously was decomposed to cummingtonite and plagioclase by the subsequent regional metamorphism of andalusite-sillimanite type.     

高温变泥质岩石中石榴石-黑云母地质温度计的应用——以胶北荆山群富铝岩石为例

在对胶北荆山群麻粒岩相富铝岩石中石榴石、黑云母的成分环带进行深入研究基础上,选取不同粒径、与不同矿物相邻的石榴石、黑云母各微区点成分,利用石榴石-黑云母温度计分别进行了温度估算。确定在黑云母含量较高的岩石(V_(Grt)/V_(Bt)≤1)中,利用大颗粒石榴石(d≥1500μm)晶体核部(或靠近长英质矿物一侧的晶体幔部)成分与基质中远离石榴石等镁铁矿物处于长英质矿物之间的黑云母核部成分配合。通过石榴石-黑云母温度计可以获得相当可信的变质峰期温度。但是对于黑云母含量极低的岩石(V_(Grt)/V_(Bt)≥6),由于黑云母的成分普遍遭到了强烈改造。使得温度估算结果异常偏低,因此不适合采用石榴石-黑云母温度计估算峰期温度。同一岩石中,采用不同的相邻石榴石-黑云母矿物对晶体边缘成分获得的温度值差异较大,反映它们在峰期后发生Fe-Mg交换反应并达到封闭温度平衡状态的程度不同,因此利用石榴石-黑云母温度计难以获得准确的封闭温度。通过热力学计算,建立了一个新的石榴石-黑云母温度计公式。确定胶北荆山群所经历的变质峰期温度为720～770℃,峰期后最低相对封闭温度为480～500℃。     

Garnet Lu–Hf dating of retrograde fluid activity during ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic eclogites exhumation

Previous studies on the atoll-shaped garnets in ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic eclogites from the Dabie orogen, east-central China, suggest a fluid-enhanced overgrowth origin at the onset of exhumation. The atoll-garnets bearing eclogite place better constraints on the timing of the retrograde fluid activity and are a straightforward target to gain insight into the isotopic equilibrium and/or disequilibrium during exhumation. Comprehensive textural, chemical and Lu–Hf geochronological analyses on the atoll garnet-bearing eclogite show that the retrograde fluid activity event likely occurred at ca. 221 Ma. The Lu–Hf age of 221.0?±?2.3 Ma marks the last garnet overgrowth episode during exhumation rather than prograde metamorphism. This somewhat restricted study suggests that dating the prograde-zoning-preserved garnets may bias results towards a particular metamorphic event rather than the prograde timing, as previously thought. The general assumption that larger garnet crystals in metamorphic rocks are older should be made with caution, and it is likely invalid in atoll garnet-bearing metamorphic eclogites because the preliminary garnet cores have been largely consumed. These observations highlight that linking textural and chemical analyses is crucial for interpreting geochronological data.     

Reconstructing P–T paths during continental collision using multi-stage garnet (Gran Paradiso nappe, Western Alps)

Garnet–chloritoid-bearing micaschists from the Gran Paradiso massif (Western Alps) contain evidence of a polymetamorphic evolution. Detailed textural observations reveal that two stages of garnet growth are present in the micaschists, interpreted as: (i) relics of an early metamorphism of pre-Alpine age and (ii) newly grown Alpine garnet, respectively. Both generations of garnet preserve growth zoning. From thermocalc -based numerical modelling of mineral assemblages in pressure–temperature ( P – T ) pseudosections, we infer that garnet 1 grew at increasing temperature and slightly increasing pressure, whereas garnet 2 grew at decreasing pressure and slightly increasing temperature. Estimated P – T conditions are ∼620 °C, 6 kbar for the peak of the pre-Alpine event, and of 490 °C, 18–20 kbar for the pressure peak of the Alpine event. Modelling of the modal proportion and chemical composition of garnet (i) shows that the subsequent decompression (to 14–15 kbar at 550 °C) must have been accompanied by moderate heating and (ii) does not support a stage of final temperature increase following decompressional cooling. This argues against a late thermal pulse associated with mantle delamination. Preservation of growth zoning in both generations of garnet and the limited amount of diffusive re-equilibration at the boundary between the two garnets suggests that the rocks were subjected to fast burial and exhumation rates, consistent with data obtained from other internal Alpine units.     

Zircon growth during subduction and exhumation metamorphism of mafic rocks,Aktyuz terrain,North Tiahshan,Kyrgyzstan

The interpretation of whether a dated metamorphic zircon generation grew during the prograde, peak or retrograde stage of a metamorphic cycle is critical to geological interpretation. This study documents a case at Aktyuz metamorphic terrain, in the southern of Kokchetav‐North Tianshan belt, involving progressive metamorphic recrystallization of mafic rock to eclogite and associated behavior of zircon. Zircons in eclogites are mainly fine grains (5 to 20 μm), and preferentially concentrated with rutile/ilmenite. They also occur as individual grains or clusters in amphibole coronas of garnet. A few larger grains commonly preserve inherited cores and evidence of dissolution and metamorphic outgrowths. Zircon grains separated from amphibolites show inherited zircons with typically magmatic feature, although this become progressively blurred in response to resorption and recrystallization. Mineral inclusions represent epidote‐amphibolite facies in the prograde metamorphism, and the embayed boundary between recrystallized domains and inherited zircons suggest fluid/melt participation. The metamorphic domains are mainly simple overgrowth around the inherited cores or recrystallization domains. The absence of peak metamorphic mineral inclusions and steep pattern of MREE‐HREE indicate no sufficient garnet formed before the metamorphic zircon overgrowth. A tiny rim with homogeneously bright CL image can be distinguished in most zircons. Amphibole inclusions have similar compositions to those in the coronas of garnets, suggesting a retrograde metamorphic origin. The inherited zircon crystallized at 880‐730 Ma, revealing similar age range to the gneiss in Aktyuz area, whereas metamorphic zircon dates prograde metamorphism at 497.9 ±1.4 Ma. In this case, the bulk Zr budget in rocks will become locked into Zr‐bearing minerals during the mafic magma intrusion, when the inherited zircon melting and resorption. The texture shows that metamorphic zircon grew both in the prograde and retrograde stage, and Zr‐bearing magmatic minerals and rutile/ilmenite are by far the main source of Zr for the two stages, respectively.     

Formation of atoll garnets in the UHP eclogites of the Tso Morari Complex,Ladakh, Himalaya

The eclogites of the Tso Morari Complex, Ladakh, NW Himalayas preserve both garnets with spectacular atoll textures, as well as whole porphyroblastic garnets. Whole garnets are euhedral, idiomorphic and enclose inclusions of amphibole, phengite and zoisite within the cores, and omphacite and quartz/coesite towards the rims. Detailed electron microprobe analyses and back-scattered electron images show well-preserved prograde zoning in the whole garnets with an increase in Mg and decrease in Ca and Mn contents from the core to the rim. The atoll garnets commonly consist of euhedral ring over island/peninsular core containing inclusions of phengite, omphacite and rarely amphibole between the core and ring. Compositional profiles across the studied atoll grains show elemental variations with higher concentrations of Ca and Mn with low Mg at the peninsula/island cores; contrary to this low Ca, Mn and high Mg is observed at the outer rings. Temperature estimates yield higher values at the Mg-rich atoll garnet outer rings compared to the atoll cores. Atoll garnet formation was favoured by infiltration of fluid formed due to breakdown of hydrous phases, and/or the release of structurally bounded OH from nominally anhydrous minerals at the onset of exhumation. Infiltration of fluids along pre-existing fracture pathways and along mineral inclusion boundaries triggered breakdown of the original garnet cores and released elements which were subsequently incorporated into the newly-grown garnet rings. This breakdown of garnet cores and inward re-growth at the outer ring produced the atoll structure. Calibrated geo-thermobarometers and mineral equilibria reflect that the Tso Morari eclogites attain peak pressures prior to peak temperatures representing a clockwise path of evolution.     

喜马拉雅结晶岩系中的石榴子石

高喜马拉雅地区广泛分布着一套结晶岩系,它是由前寒武系铁铝榴石-闪岩相的巴罗型区域变质岩系、混合岩和第三纪花岗岩组成。在我国境内聂拉木一带出露宽度达50公里。应思淮(1973)把这套岩系命名为珠穆朗玛群,张旗(1979)把它叫做聂拉木群。对于其中区域变质岩的变质带划分,存在不同的看法。     

石榴子石反应边及其地质意义——以大兴安岭第四纪火山岩为例

大兴安岭第四纪火山岩(包括诺敏河火山区和哈拉哈河-绰尔河火山区)地幔包体中含有少量石榴子石,普遍发育矿物反应边.根据显微照片和BSE图像特征,石榴子石反应边可分为3类:①冠冕状石榴子石反应边,包裹在石榴子石矿物外部,具有一期或者多期反应的特征,厚度通常为0.1～1 mm,反应边矿物组合为Opx+Glass、Cpx+Gl...     

Garnet growth at high- and ultra-high pressure conditions and the effect of element fractionation on mineral modes and composition

In this paper we show that thermodynamic forward modelling, using Gibbs energy minimisation with consideration of element fractionation into refractory phases and/or liberated fluids, is able to extract information about the complex physical and chemical evolution of a deeply subducted rock volume. By comparing complex compositional growth zonations in garnets from high-and ultra-high pressure samples with those derived from thermodynamic forward modelling, we yield an insight into the effects of element fractionation on composition and modes of the co-genetic metamorphic phase assemblage. Our results demonstrate that fractionation effects cause discontinuous growth and re-crystallisation of metamorphic minerals in high pressure rocks. Reduced or hindered mineral growth at UHP conditions can control the inclusion and preservation of minerals indicative for UHP metamorphism, such as coesite, thus masking peak pressure conditions reached in subducted rocks.Further, our results demonstrate that fractional garnet crystallisation leads to strong compositional gradients and step-like zonation patterns in garnet, a feature often observed in high-and ultra-high pressure rocks. Thermodynamic forward modelling allows the interpretation of commonly observed garnet growth zonation patterns in terms of garnet forming reactions and the relative timing of garnet growth with respect to the rock's pressure–temperature path. Such a correlation is essential for the determination of tectonic and metamorphic rates in subduction zones as well as for the understanding of trace element signatures in subduction related rocks. It therefore should be commonplace in the investigation of metamorphic processes in subduction zones.     

幕阜山地区花岗岩-伟晶岩系统中石榴石的组成特征及其对岩浆演化和稀有金属矿化的指示

幕阜山地区是我国重要的伟晶岩型稀有金属矿集区, 区内大规模的岩浆作用形成了众多稀有金属矿床。为了研究幕阜山地区花岗岩-伟晶岩岩浆分异演化过程, 建立岩浆演化各阶段和稀有金属成矿的矿物学指标, 本文对区内各类型花岗岩和伟晶岩中的石榴石进行了电子探针和LA-ICP-MS原位微区主、微量元素研究。结果表明, 幕阜山地区花岗岩-伟晶岩系统中石榴石均为岩浆成因, 属于铁铝榴石-锰铝榴石固溶体系列。区内花岗岩-伟晶岩岩浆呈连续分异演化的特征, 早期花岗岩浆已开始富集稀有金属元素, 且在岩浆多阶段分异演化过程中, 稀有金属元素逐渐富集, 稀有金属矿化强度逐渐增大, 显示出幕阜山地区具有极好的稀有金属成矿潜力。在岩浆演化过程中, 石榴石逐渐富Mn和HREE。花岗岩阶段中, 受黑云母结晶的影响石榴石Mn含量演化趋势与岩浆演化程度相反; 伟晶岩晚阶段的石榴石HREE含量"断崖式"下降的成分特征, 标志着成矿体系由岩浆阶段向富流体阶段转变。伟晶岩阶段中石榴石Mn含量与岩浆演化呈正相关, 高Mn含量石榴石(MnO>27.1%)是幕阜山地区高分异矿化伟晶岩的标志, 也是伟晶岩Li矿化的有效矿物学标志。此外, 低HREE含量(< 66.3×10-6)且高稀碱总量(大于572×10-6)的石榴石也可作为晚期高分异矿化伟晶岩的标志。     

The composition of garnet in garnet-rich rocks in the southern Proterozoic Curnamona Province, Australia: an indicator of the premetamorphic physicochemical conditions of formation

Garnet-rich rocks occur throughout the Proterozoic southern Curnamona Province, Australia, where they are, in places, spatially related to Broken Hill-type Pb-Zn-Ag deposits. Fine-scale bedding in these rocks, their conformable relationship with enclosing metasedimentary rocks, and their enrichment in Mn and Fe suggest that they are metamorphosed chemical precipitates. They formed on the floor of a 1.69?Ga continental rift basin from hydrothermal fluids mixed with seawater and detritus. Garnet in garnet-quartz and garnet-amphibole rocks is generally light rare earth element (LREE) depleted, and has flat heavy REE (HREE) enriched chondrite-normalized REE patterns, and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*?<?1). Garnet in garnet-rich rocks from the giant Broken Hill deposit has similar REE patterns and either positive (Eu/Eu*?>?1) or negative Eu anomalies. Manganese- and Mn-Ca-rich, Fe-poor garnets in garnetite, garnet-hedenbergite, and garnet-cummingtonite rocks at Broken Hill have Eu/Eu*?>?1, whereas garnet in Mn-poor, Fe-rich quartz garnetite and quartz-garnet-gahnite rocks from Broken Hill, and quartz garnetite from other locations have Eu/Eu*?<?1. The REE patterns of garnet and its host rock and interelement correlations among REEs and major element contents in garnet and its host rock indicate that the Eu anomaly in garnet reflects that of its host rock and is related to the major element composition of garnet and its host rock. The value of Eu/Eu* in garnet is related to its Mn, Fe, and Ca content and that of its host rock, and the distribution of REEs among garnet and accessory phases (e.g., feldspar). Positive Eu anomalies reflect high amounts of Eu that was preferentially incorporated into Mn- and Mn-Ca-rich oxides and carbonates in the protolith. In contrast, Eu/Eu*?<?1 indicates the preferential discrimination against Eu by Fe-rich, Mn-poor precursor minerals. Precursors to Mn-rich garnets at Broken Hill formed by precipitation from cooler and more oxidized hydrothermal fluids compared to those that formed precursors to Mn-poor, Fe-rich garnet at Broken Hill and the other locations. Garnet from the Broken Hill deposit is enriched in Zn (> 400?ppm), Cr (> 140?ppm), and Eu (up to 6?ppm and positive Eu anomalies), and depleted in Co, Ti, and Y compared to garnet in garnet-rich rocks from other localities. These values, as well as MnO contents ?>?15 wt. % and Eu/Eu*?>?1 are only found at the Broken Hill deposit and are good indicators of the presence of Broken Hill-type mineralization.     

北秦岭松树沟榴辉岩的确定及其地质意义

松树沟石榴石角闪岩(榴闪岩)呈透镜状产于松树沟超镁铁岩旁侧的斜长角闪岩中,一直以来被认为是形成于接触交代变质或麻粒岩相变质过程。详细岩相学及矿物元素分析,在榴闪岩的基质矿物、石榴石幔部及锆石包体中发现残留的绿辉石,而且石榴石也保存了明显的进变质主、微量元素成分环带,表明松树沟榴闪岩为榴辉岩退变质的产物,至少经历了从角闪岩相到榴辉岩相再到角闪岩相的三阶段顺时针PT演化过程。锆石定年结果得到榴辉岩的变质年龄为500±8Ma,原岩结晶时代为796±16Ma,与秦岭岩群北侧官坡超高压榴辉岩的变质年龄和原岩年龄完全一致,也与北秦岭区域高压-超高压变质时代和原岩的结晶时代一致。表明松树沟榴辉岩与北秦岭造山带已发现的高压-超高压变质岩石一起都应是古生代大陆深俯冲作用的结果,而松树沟超镁铁岩可能是俯冲的大陆板片在折返过程中携带的俯冲隧道中的交代地幔岩。     

The Physico-Chemical Properties of a Subducted Slab from Garnet Zonation Patterns (Sesia Zone, Western Alps)

Garnets in continentally derived high-pressure (HP) rocks ofthe Sesia Zone (Western Alps) exhibit three different chemicalzonation patterns, depending on sample locality. Comparisonof observed garnet zonation patterns with thermodynamicallymodelled patterns shows that the different patterns are causedby differences in the water content of the subducted protolithsduring prograde metamorphism. Zonation patterns of garnets inwater-saturated host rocks show typical prograde chemical zonationswith steadily increasing pyrope content and increasing XMg,together with bell-shaped spessartine patterns. In contrast,garnets in water-undersaturated rocks have more complex zonationpatterns with a characteristic decrease in pyrope and XMg betweencore and inner rim. In some cases, garnets show an abrupt compositionalchange in core-to-rim profiles, possibly due to water-undersaturationprior to HP metamorphism. Garnets from both water-saturatedand water-undersaturated rocks show signs of intervening growthinterruptions and core resorption. This growth interruptionresults from bulk-rock depletion caused by fractional garnetcrystallization. The water content during burial influences significantly thephysical properties of the subducted rocks. Due to enhancedgarnet crystallization, water-undersaturated rocks, i.e. thoselacking a free fluid phase, become denser than their water-saturatedequivalents, facilitating the subduction of continental material.Although water-bearing phases such as phengite and epidote arestable up to eclogite-facies conditions in these rocks, dehydrationreactions during subduction are lacking in water-undersaturatedrocks up to the transition to the eclogite facies, due to thethermodynamic stability of such hydrous phases at high P–Tconditions. Our calculations show that garnet zonation patternsstrongly depend on the mineral parageneses stable during garnetgrowth and that certain co-genetic mineral assemblages causedistinct garnet zonation patterns. This observation enablesinterpretation of complex garnet growth zonation patterns interms of garnet-forming reactions and water content during HPmetamorphism, as well determination of detailed P–T paths. KEY WORDS: dehydration; high-pressure metamorphism; Sesia Zone; subduction; thermodynamic modelling     

High-grade metamorphic rocks and peridotites along the Leiza Fault (Western Pyrenees,Spain)

Acid and basic granulites, migmatites, and lherzolites outcrop along the Leiza Fault (Navarra, Spain) in the western extremity of the Pyrenean Belt. The protoliths of the acid granulites have granodioritic composition. Textural and mineralogical data suggest that the acid granulites evolved from a first, syn kinematic medium-pressure granulite-facies stage [garnet-biotite I-Kfsp] to a post-kinematic granulite-facies stage of lower pressure and higher temperature [garnet-biotite II-cordierite-Kfsp-(spinel?), kinzigites]. Basic granulites were formed from protoliths with composition of tholeiitic to alkaline basalts. Basic granulites exhibit millimeter size subidiomorphic garnets dispersed through the matrix and smaller coronitic garnets between opaques or orthopyroxenes and plagioclase. Thermo-barometric estimates for the peak of the granulite-facies metamorphism are c. 800°C and 8 kbar. The migmatites presumably represent a shallower level of metamorphism (andalusite/sillimanite-Kfsp). Scapolite in the basic granulites was formed during a post-granulitic metamorphic episode. The lherzolites have been intensely brecciated and serpentinized, which makes difficult the comparison of their evolution with that observed in the other rocks associated with the Leiza Fault. Acid and basic granulites, migmatites, and lherzolites along the Leiza Fault may be correlated with similar rocks outcropping elsewhere in the North-Pyrenean Zone and along the North-Pyrenean Fault as tectonic slices and massifs. By analogy with those rocks, the granulitefacies metamorphism observed in the rocks studied must be Hercynian in age. The Leiza Fault constitutes, therefore, the western continuation of the North-Pyrenean Fault, and the rocks studied (except perhaps the lherzolites) may be considered as remnants of an Hercynian metamorphic massif, dismembered as a consequence of the activity of the fault at the end of the Hercynian cycle and during the Alpine tectonometamorphic events.     

Sm-Nd chronology of porphyroblastic garnets from granulite facies metabasic rocks in Calabria (Southern Italy): inferences for preserved isotopic memory and resetting

Metabasic rocks related to pre-Cambrian protoliths from the lower portion of the deep crust of the Serre (Calabria, southern Italy) contain porphyroblastic garnet up to 5–6 cm in diameter. Garnet forms coronas around the inclusions of clinopyroxene and is in contact with various matrix minerals. Both inner and outer coronas formed under granulite facies conditions after the thermal peak during the Hercynian reworking. Six porphyroblastic garnets (≥1 cm in diameter) from four samples have been dated with the Sm-Nd method to constrain the distinct metamorphic stages and, possibly, to investigate the diffusion of Sm and Nd in garnet. They show in the core major element flat profiles whereas one of these, analyzed for REEs, preserves only a feeble zoning. This suggests that the diffusion rates of REEs are effective at the crystal scale. The apparent Nd ages range from 354 to 88 Ma, without any reproducibility in each and in all rock samples. The oldest age of 354 Ma is interpreted as the primary isotopic signatures linked to prograde metamorphism. The interpretation of younger ages (309, 272, 215, 143 and 88 Ma) requires a detailed discussion about: (i) possible modification of chemical and isotopic composition of the rocks during and after garnet growth, (ii) possible contamination by inclusions in garnet, (iii) inherited isotopic disequilibrium, (iv) new growth or recrystallization of garnet and (v) possible isotopic resetting of large crystals which, in principle, is hampered by the slow diffusion of REE’s in garnet. Some of the Nd ages are similar to U-Pb ages of zircon from the metabasic rocks of deep crustal rocks of the Serre (350, 300 and 280 Ma). This convergence of apparent ages can hardly be considered as simply fortuitous. Thus, since: (i) corona formation was fluid-assisted and (ii) all porphyroblasts were broken up into several fragmented subgrains by sets of fractures resulting in smaller volumes, the volume diffusion and the possible role of high-T fluids on the resetting of Sm-Nd ages are discussed. The calculated ages of 354, 309 and 272 Ma are considered as geologically meaningful and related to the thermal peak and subsequent decompression and cooling stage of the Variscan metamorphism.     

Geochemistry of major and rare earth elements in garnet of the Kal-e Kafi skarn,Anarak Area,Central Iran: Constraints on processes in a hydrothermal system

Grossular-andradite (grandite) garnets, precipitated from hydrothermal solutions is associated with contact metamorphism in the Kal-e Kafi skarn show complex oscillatory chemical zonation. These skarn garnets preserve the records of the temporal evolution of contact metasomatism. According to microscopic studies and microprobe analysis profiles, the studied garnet has two distinct parts: the intermediate (granditic) composition birefringent core that its andradite content based on microprobe analysis varies between 0.68–0.7. This part is superimposed with more andraditic composition, and the isotropic rim which its andradite content regarding microprobe analysis ranges between 0.83–0.99. Garnets in the studied sample are small (0.5–2 mm in diameter) and show complex oscillatory zoning. Electron microprobe analyses of the oscillatory zoning in grandite garnet of the Kal-e Kafi area showed a fluctuation in chemical composition. The grandite garnets normally display core with intermediate composition with oscillatory Fe-rich zones at the rim. Detailed study of oscillatory zoning in grandite garnet from Kal-e Kafi area suggests that the garnet has developed during early metasomatism involving monzonite to monzodiorite granitoid body intrusion into the Anarak schist- marble interlayers. During this metasomatic event, Al, Fe, and Si in the fluid have reacted with Ca in carbonate rocks to form grandite garnet. The first step of garnet growth has been coeval with intrusion of the Kal-e Kafi granitoid into the Anarak schist- marble interlayers. In this period of garnet growth, change in fluid composition may cause the garnet to stop growing temporarily or keep growing but in a much slower rate allowing Al to precipitate rather than Fe. The next step consists of pervasive infiltration of Fe rich fluids and Fe rich grandite garnets formation as the rim of previously formed more Al rich garnets. Oscillatory zoning in the garnet probably reflects an oscillatory change in the fluid composition which may be internally and/or externally controlled. The rare earth elements study of these garnets revealed enrichment in light REEs (LREE) with a maximum at Pr and Nd and a negative to no Eu anomaly. This pattern is resulted from the uptake of REE out of hydrothermal fluids by growing crystals of calcsilicate minerals principally andradite with amounts of LREE controlled by the difference in ionic radius between Ca⁺⁺ and REE³⁺ in garnet x site.     

Sm-Nd isotope systematics in garnet from different lithologies (Eastern Alps): age results, and an evaluation of potential problems for garnet Sm-Nd chronometry [Chem. Geol. 185 (2002) 255-281]

Interpretation of Sm-Nd garnet ages is frequently impaired by one of the following restrictions: (a) high-LREE inclusions, (b) isotopic disequilibrium, and (c) the uncertainty about the closure temperature. These issues are addressed by way of an evaluation of garnet Sm-Nd data from different rock types of the Austroalpine basement units, Eastern Alps, including metabasic eclogites, mica schist and paragneiss, metapegmatite and metagranite.Nd concentration in handpicked garnet varies between 0.021 and 23.1 ppm in metabasites, 0.49 and 17.4 ppm in metapelites and between 0.024 and 4.6 ppm in metapegmatites and metagranites. The overall range of ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd is 0.15-2.5 in garnet from metabasites, 0.12-3.03 in metapelite garnet and 0.66-7.21 in Mn-rich garnet from metapegmatites and metagranites. A clear negative correlation between Nd concentration and Sm/Nd is observed in garnets from all these lithologies. Therefrom, it is concluded that even optically “clean” garnet separates may contain high-LREE microinclusions, such as epidote-allanite, zoisite, apatite, sphene, monazite or zircon. However, very low Nd concentrations correlated with low Sm/Nd as well as high Nd concentrations (>5 ppm) correlated with fairly high Sm/Nd ratios (0.8) have also been observed. Apart from replicate analyses within as well as between samples with a common PT-history, leaching experiments are a useful technique to elucidate any distorting influence of unequilibrated inclusions on the garnet age, especially if the observed Sm/Nd ratio is low (<0.5). Leaching of garnet separates with HCl (2.5, 5.8 M) produces no obvious element fractionation, but may improve Sm/Nd, and hence age precision, considerably. Isotopic disequilibrium between garnet and other matrix minerals is observed preferentially in basic eclogites, derived from gabbroic precursors.Sm-Nd garnet analysis allows the recognition of several distinct garnet-forming events in the Eastern Alps.(a) A Variscan high-P event is documented in metabasites from the northern-central Ötztal basement around 360-350 Ma, whereas garnet from sillimanite-bearing gneisses dates the Variscan thermal peak in the western part of the same subunit around 345-330 Ma.(b) A long-lived, Permian to Triassic event (285-225 Ma), correlated with crustal extension and low-P metamorphism, is documented by spessartine-rich garnet from metapegmatites as well as almandine-rich garnet cores from mica schist.(c) Age data of garnet from eo-Alpine (Cretaceous) deeply subducted rocks of the southern/eastern Austroalpine units are related to near-peak PT, eclogite- to amphibolite-facies metamorphic conditions (peak: 2 GPa/685 °C), and/or incipient isothermal decompression, due to fast, tectonically driven exhumation (110/100-85 Ma). At cooling rates of 20-30 °C/Ma (exhumation rates: 3-5 km/Ma), the Sm-Nd closure temperature (T_c) for mm-sized garnet in these rocks is estimated at 650-680 °C.     

Garnet variety and zircon ages in UHP meta-sedimentary rocks from the Jubrique zone (Alpujárride Complex,Betic Cordillera,Spain): evidence for a pre-Alpine emplacement of the Ronda peridotite

The Ronda peridotite is a group of lherzolite slabs (1.5 to 2 km thick) in southern Spain. Despite clear evidence that pre-Alpine events affected pre-Permo-Triassic units from the Alborán domain (internal zone of the Betic-Rif Cordillera, Spain, and Morocco), numerous papers continue to emphasize Alpine metamorphic and structural evolution. Here, we evaluate the pre-Cenozoic evolution of the Ronda peridotite by reporting new petrographic and U–Pb SHRIMP zircon dating of meta-sedimentary rocks from the Jubrique zone (Alpujárride Complex, Betic Cordillera, Spain) directly overlying the Ronda peridotite. Field inspection and petrographical study revealed generalized migmatitic textures and a gradual transition mainly defined by garnet content (from ~30 to <3 wt.%) and size (from 1.5 cm to <0.5 mm) in the overlying granulite-gneiss sequence, suggesting that most garnet grew as a consequence of the peridotite emplacement. Garnet shows notable variations in composition and inclusion types, which are interpreted as reflecting different stages of garnet growth. Diamond-bearing garnets are only well-preserved in gneisses from the uppermost part of the sequence, whereas the large garnets from rocks overlying the peridotite mainly record later thermal events. SHRIMP zircon dating indicates two age peaks at 330 ± 9 and 265 ± 4 Ma. The oldest age characterizes rims overgrowing detrital cores and reflects an early Hercynian metamorphism; the younger age characterizes zircon with magmatic oscillatory zoning, reflecting anatexis. On the basis of these data and of previous dating of monazite included in the large garnets, we conclude that the peridotite was emplaced either shortly before or during early Hercynian times, ~330 Ma.     

Sm–Nd garnet dating of polyphase metamorphism: northern Coast Mountains, south-eastern Alaska, USA

Sm–Nd ages of garnet from the northern Coast Mountains of south-eastern Alaska, USA, constrain the timing of thermal events in polyphase metamorphic rocks of the western metamorphic belt and provide new data on the spatial extent of Cretaceous regional metamorphism. Bulk garnet–whole-rock Sm–Nd ages for a sillimanite-zone amphibolite (Taku Inlet) and a biotite-zone metapelite (Tracy Arm) are 77±17 Ma and 59±12 Ma, respectively. Garnet core–whole-rock (80±9 Ma), core–matrix (84±9 Ma), rim–whole-rock (59±4 Ma) and rim–matrix (62±4 Ma) ages were obtained from a sample collected 200  m west of a Palaeocene Coast plutonic–metamorphic complex sill-like pluton that separates medium-grade metamorphic rocks from high-grade metamorphic rocks and voluminous Tertiary plutons in the core of the orogen. The garnet core ages of c. 80 Ma indicate that the regional metamorphic grade reached garnet zone prior to the intrusion of the plutons and high-grade metamorphism of rocks to the east. Similar ages for the younger plutons, the youngest garnets and the rim of a multistage garnet ( c. 59 Ma) indicate a later episode of contact metamorphic garnet growth. Documentation of pre-71 Ma garnet-zone metamorphism along the western edge of the Coast plutonic–metamorphic complex confirms that Albian to Late Cretaceous metamorphism associated with crustal thickening affected this part of the orogen. The similarity of garnet Sm–Nd ages to independent age estimates for metamorphic events confirms that this technique provides useful estimates for the timing of Late Cretaceous to Tertiary thermal events. The c. 20  Myr difference between garnet core and rim ages suggests that the Sm–Nd isotope systematics of a single garnet grain can be used for distinguishing between multiple metamorphic events.