金川Ⅰ号岩体橄榄石Ni-MgO相互关系及其地质意义

金川超镁铁质岩体赋存着仅次于加拿大Sudbury和俄罗斯Noril'sk-Talnakh的世界第三大在采铜镍硫化物矿床,岩体以一系列的NE向断层为界分成四个小岩体,由西至东依次为:Ⅲ、Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅳ岩体.Ⅰ号岩体主要由二辉橄榄岩、含辉橄榄岩和橄榄二辉岩构成,橄榄石在各岩相中均为保存较好的主要造岩矿物.本文研究得到金川Ⅰ号岩体上部二辉橄榄岩和含辉橄榄岩中橄榄石的镁橄榄石F_o值介于83.9～85.7,而其Ni含量为1396×10~(-6)～2043×10~(-6),大多低于从S不饱和玄武岩浆中结晶出来的橄榄石的Ni含量.模拟计算结果表明橄榄石较低的Ni含量是因为橄榄石结晶的同时,发生了强烈的硫化物熔离;橄榄石的Fo-Ni关系还因与晶间硅酸盐熔浆的物质交换而发生改变.模拟计算还证明大约有30%的晶间硅酸盐岩浆与橄榄石发生Fe-Mg物质交换反应,导致早结晶橄榄石的Fo值减少了1～1.5.同时,橄榄石较小的Fo值变化表明,在橄榄石结晶和硫化物熔离过程中,不断有新的岩浆贯入和补充.     

The Jinchuan Ultramafic Intrusion: Cumulate of a High-Mg Basaltic Magma

The Jinchuan intrusion, situated in Gansu province, China, isan ultramafic dyke-like body emplaced in the Longshoushan upliftedterrain on the southwest margin of the Sino-Korea platform.The intrusion is 6 km long, 350 m wide and hosts a major Ni-Cusulfide deposit. It comprises three subchambers: the west, west-central,and east. The two western subchambers are narrow and deep, andboth are laterally zoned from dunite in the core through Iherzoliteto olivine pyroxenite toward the margins. The eastern subchamberis shallow and wide, and it shows vertical stratification gradingfrom dunite at the base upward into Iherzolite and plagioclaseIherzolite, then back to Iherzolite at the top. Sixty rock samples from the Jinchuan intrusion have been analyzedfor major and trace elements, and 54 samples were also analyzedfor the REE. All samples contain > 24 wt.% MgO, with themajority having > 35% when recalculated to 100% anhydrous.Negative linear correlations are observed between MgO and mostother constituents (except for a few such as Na₂O, K₂O, Sr,and Rb, which may have been affected by alteration), and itappears that the rocks were essentially formed as mixtures ofcumulus olivine and primary magma. Electron microprobe analyses show olivine compositions fromFo₇₉ to Fo₈₆, with most between Fo₈₃ and Fo₈₅. The MgO/(MgO+ FeO) value of the primary magma is calculated to have been 0.64, and its MgO content is estimated to have been 12 wt.%.Thus, the Jinchuan igneous body is probably the ultramafic cumulateportion of an intrusion of a high-magnesium basaltic magma relatedto continental rifting. We suggest that the two western subchambers of the Jinchuanintrusion represent the main conduit to the original magma chamberand that their zoning was formed by flow differentiation. Theeastern subchamber probably represents a higher level of themagma chamber, where crystallization was marked by convectionand periodic replenishment. After consolidation, the Jinchuanintrusion was tilted to the east so the deeper parts of thewestern subchambers are now exposed to the same erosion levelas the shallower part of the eastern subchamber.     

西南暗色岩铜镍硫化物矿化岩体与峨眉山玄武岩的关系--以云南金宝山岩体为例

内容提要本文以金宝山为典型实例,根据元素地球化学特征探讨了西南暗色岩铜镍硫化物矿化岩体与峨眉山玄武岩的关系。分析表明,金宝山超镁铁岩与低钛峨眉山玄武岩在元素地球化学特征上具有一致的岩浆成因属性,两者在成岩机制上互补,低钛峨眉山玄武岩普遍经历了橄榄石结晶分异和硫化物熔离亏损作用,金宝山成矿岩体则与低钛峨眉山玄武岩同源岩浆深部分异的堆晶相相对应,由堆晶橄榄石及熔离硫化物和部分残余熔体构成的“晶-糊”侵位形成,因此认为铜镍硫化物矿床成矿岩体与低钛峨眉山玄武岩为同源异相产物。     

Architecture and emplacement of the Nebo–Babel gabbronorite-hosted magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulphide deposit,West Musgrave,Western Australia

The Nebo–Babel Ni–Cu–platinum-group element (PGE) sulphide deposit in the West Musgrave Block, Western Australia, is the largest nickel sulphide discovery in the last 10 years. The deposit is hosted within a concentrically zoned, olivine-free, tube-like (chonolithic), gabbronorite intrusion associated with the, approximately, 1,078-Ma Giles Complex-layered intrusions in the Warakurna large igneous province. Emplaced into sulphide-free amphibolite facies orthogneiss, the fault-offset Nebo–Babel chonolith extends for 5 km and has a cross-section of 1 × 0.5 km. Igneous mineralogy, fabrics, and textures are well preserved. The lithostratigraphy includes variably textured leucogabbronorites (VLGN) that form an outer shell around mineralised gabbronorite (MGN), with barren gabbronorite (BGN) and oxide–apatite gabbronorite (OAGN) in the middle and lower parts of the chonolith. Mineral and whole-rock geochemistry indicate that the units become progressively evolved in the order: VLGN, MGN, BGN, and OAGN, and that incompatible trace-element concentrations increase downwards within the MGN and BGN. The mineralisation, which is confined to the early, more primitive units (VLGN and MGN), occurs as massive sulphide breccias and stringers and as disseminated gabbronorite-hosted sulphides. The massive sulphides were emplaced late in the intrusive sequence, have different PGE chemistry and Cu tenor to the disseminated sulphides, and have undergone sulphide fractionation. The distribution of disseminated sulphides, which are primary magmatic in origin, is related to chonolith geometry and magma flow regimes, rather than to gravitational settling. Sulfur-bearing country rocks are absent in the Nebo–Babel deposit area, and thus, local crustal S addition was unlikely to have been the major mechanism in achieving sulphide immiscibility. The Nebo–Babel intrusion is part of an originally continuous magma chonolith with multiple and related magma pulses. The parental magma was medium- to low-K tholeiite with 8–9 wt% MgO. The initial magma pulse (VLGN), the most primitive and sulphide saturated, was probably emplaced along a linear weakness in the country rock. After crystallisation of VLGN, marginally more fractionated, sulphide-saturated magma was injected through the thermally insulated core of the conduit, forming the MGN. Successive pulse(s) of more fractionated magma (BGN) were emplaced in the core of the intrusion. After magma flow ceased, closed system crystal fractionation produced consistent mineral and chemical fractionation trends within BGN and OAGN. After crystallisation, the intrusion was overturned and then offset by the Jameson Fault resulting in the apparent ‘reverse’ chemical and mineral trends in Nebo–Babel.     

金川含矿超镁铁岩侵入体侵位序列

金川铜镍硫化物矿床是世界第三大镍矿床,但其成岩成矿过程及侵位机制一直存在较大争论。根据金川含矿超镁铁岩岩石学特征、穿插关系、矿物成分及地球化学特征,提出了金川含矿岩体5阶段的成岩、成矿侵位序列,它们分别是:(1)超镁铁质岩浆侵位;(2)浸染状硫化物矿浆侵位;(3)网状硫化物矿浆侵位;(4)块状硫化物矿浆侵位;(5)铂钯富集体侵位。金川铜镍(铂)矿床中Ni,Cu,Pt,Pd,Rh,Ir,Ru,及Co与S呈正相关关系;当ω(S)=5%～15%时,铂族元素发生明显的分离作用,铂族金属主要富集在铂钯富集体中。铂钯富集体是硫化物矿浆经单硫化物固溶体结晶后的残余熔浆;块状矿石是单硫化物固溶体堆积而成的产物。金川铜镍硫化物矿床的侵位机制为岩墙型岩浆通道。     

云南金宝山超镁铁岩原始岩浆成分反演

金宝山岩体赋存有我国最大的铂族元素矿床,位于云南省弥渡县,大地构造位置处于杨子地台西缘南端。岩体是呈似层状(岩席)产出的小型超镁铁岩,侵位于泥盆系金宝山组白云岩、泥灰岩、砂板岩中,由橄榄岩、辉橄岩及微辉岩、辉石岩异离体组成,没有完整的相带分异,缺乏分异堆积特征。但岩体铂族元素成矿以铂钯为特征(Pd/Ir>10),硫化物Ni/Cu比值低(0.5～5),岩石稀土元素富集,配分型式为轻稀土富集型,体现基性岩浆衍生产物的岩石地球化学特点。元素含量的组合变化反映出橄榄石对岩石成分的控制作用,成岩母体可视为橄榄石与熔体两部分组成的混合体系,分析表明岩浆经历了11％的橄榄石结晶和22％左右的斜长石结晶分异,大部分熔体相携带斜长石先期离开岩浆房或被压滤出去,残余熔体携带橄榄石结晶颗粒在构造挤压作用下向上运移侵位成岩。根据岩浆演化过程反演,计算得到金宝山超镁铁岩原始岩浆组成,表明为低钛拉斑玄武岩岩浆,MgO含量为12.93％,其形成可能与裂谷作用早期的地幔热柱作用有关,原始岩浆起源于未亏损地幔的部分熔融。     

金川铜、镍(含PGE)岩浆硫化物矿床母岩浆成分的估计

利用金川侵入体的岩石化学和铂族元素资料,根据Ｒｏｅｄｅｒ和Ｅｍｓｌｉｅ的橄榄石液相平衡原理,估计金川超镁铁质岩的母岩浆为大约含１０８％ＭｇＯ的高镁玄武岩浆;将其与不同构造背景下形成的玄武岩岩石化学成分进行对比,认为金川侵入体的母岩浆的化学成分与巴西北部Ｍａｒａｎｈａｏ低Ｔｉ玄武岩浆的化学成分相似,代表了一种大陆裂谷背景下火山活动的产物。     

Trace Elements in Olivines from the Giant Jinchuan Ni-Cu-(PGE) Deposit,NW China,and Its Geological Implication

The giant Jinchuan magmatic sulfide deposit in China is the third largest mining deposits in the world. Although many research have been done, there still exist some debates in the genesis of deposit. This study using the LA-IC-MS to obtain the trace elements concentrations of the olivine in order to discuss the mechanism of influence the element variability and illustrate the process of magmatism and ore-forming. The analytical results show that Ni, Co correlate negatively with Fo in the olivine, Mn/Fe is positively correlate with Fo, while Mn/Zn and Zn/Fe show no obvious correlation with Fo. The primitive mantle olivine-normalized trace element patterns of the Jinchuan olivine show that Jinchuan Ⅰ, Ⅱ intrusions have the same trace elements characteristics, which display negative Cr, V, Ni, Co and Ti anomalies and enrichment of Zr, Y, Ti, Sc and Ca. The multi-element patterns of the Jinchuan olivine imply same parental magma in the intrusion Ⅰ and Ⅱ. The spinel which cocrystallization with the olivine make it display negative Cr, V and Ti anomalies. The contents of Ni and Co in olivine are influenced by the process of sulfide segregation and the reaction between sulfide and olivine. The lower content of Cr and V in olivine of the intrusion Ⅱ compared with the intrusion Ⅰ imply that the parental magma of the intrusion Ⅱ was more evolved. Higher Mn/Zn (>13) ratios and lower Zn/Fe (<11) ratios indicate that the magma of Jinchuan intrusion likely originate from partial melting of peridotite mantle possibly, instead of pyroxene mantle sources.     

金川超大型Ni-Cu-(PGE)矿床橄榄石微量元素特征及地质意义

我国金川超大型铜镍硫化物矿床是世界上第三大在采岩浆硫化物矿床,Ni开采量仅次于俄罗斯Noril'sk-Talnakh和加拿大Sudbury矿床,其成因研究备受关注。利用激光—等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)原位分析了金川岩体中橄榄石微量元素含量,并探讨了影响元素含量变化的因素,进而阐述成岩及成矿过程。分析结果显示橄榄石中元素Ni,Cr与Fo呈负相关,Mn/Fe与Fo呈正相关,而Mn/Zn,Zn/Fe与Fo无相关性。在原始地幔橄榄石多元素标准化图中,金川Ⅰ号和Ⅱ号岩体橄榄石具相同的配分模式,均显示Cr,V,Ni,Co和Ti的亏损,富集不相容元素Zr,Y,Ti,Sc和Ca的特征。元素变化特征暗示Ⅰ号和Ⅱ号岩体具相同的母岩浆成分;与铬尖晶石的共结使橄榄石亏损Cr,V和Ti元素,而熔离的硫化物及其与橄榄石的相互反应共同影响着橄榄石中Ni和Co元素的含量。Ⅱ号岩体橄榄石较Ⅰ号岩体具较低的Cr和V含量,暗示Ⅱ号岩体母岩浆较Ⅰ号岩体经历了更高程度的演化。橄榄石高的Mn/Zn值(>13)和低的Zn/Fe值(<11)指示金川岩体岩浆可能起源于橄榄岩地幔的部分熔融,而非辉石岩地幔源区。     

论金川硫化铜镍矿床成因

本文在以往调查、勘探和综合研究的基础上,通过我国金川硫化铜镍矿床大量地质、地球化学资料的分析,论证了该矿床的成因。认为:1)该矿床的形成与多相熔体多次侵入,复合有关,第一、二次侵入是携带硫化物液滴和橄榄石晶粒的硅酸盐岩浆;第三次侵入的是运载大量榄榄石晶粒的硫化物矿浆;第四次侵入的是杂质很少的硫化物矿浆。2)各次所侵入的多相熔浆流之间具有密切的亲缘关系,它们是同一股含矿岩浆在过渡岩浆房中熔离—结晶—重力分异的产物。3)成矿母体为源自大陆地幔的含矿拉斑玄武质苦橄岩浆。4)成矿构造环境属克拉通区断裂带。     

扬子地块北缘周庵超镁铁质岩体矿物学特征及其对铜镍矿化的启示

扬子地块北缘~635 Ma周庵超镁铁质岩体是一个新发现的含铜镍硫化物矿化的隐伏岩体,主要由二辉橄榄岩组成。文章通过研究周庵岩体中橄榄石、铬铁矿和辉石的矿物成分变化探讨了岩浆演化过程和含矿岩体成因。根据岩石的矿物组合和蚀变程度,岩体从上到下分为3个部分:上部绿泥石-蛇纹石化二辉橄榄岩相带、中部二辉橄榄岩相带和下部绿泥石-角闪石化二辉橄榄岩相带。根据岩体中部带橄榄石和铬铁矿的成分,计算得到母岩浆的Mg^#值为0.63,MgO/FeO摩尔比值为1.72,w(Al₂O₃)为10.2%~11.7%,w(Ni)为476×10^-6,说明其为高镁玄武质岩浆;岩体中部带原生铬铁矿和粒间相铬铁矿核部的Cr₂O₃和Al₂O₃呈正相关关系,说明铬铁矿与粒间硅酸盐熔体发生了平衡交换,铬铁矿的高w(TiO₂) 和Cr^#值与拉张环境中层状岩体的铬铁矿特征一致;根据辉石温压计得到岩体中部单斜辉石和斜方辉石的共结温度为1 017~1 077℃,压力为(3.6~4.5)×10⁸ Pa,暗示形成岩体的浅部岩浆房深度约为12 km。岩体上部和中部带的橄榄石Fo值大部分集中在80 mol%~85 mol%,w(Ni)介于2 255×10^-6~4 455×10^-6,说明这些橄榄石是从没有经过强烈分离结晶和硫化物熔离的岩浆中结晶出来的。岩体下部带橄榄石的Fo值(67 mol%~68 mol%)和w(Ni) (1 500×10^-6~2 000×10^-6)都低于岩体上部和中部带的橄榄石相应值,说明岩体下部带的橄榄石可能形成于演化程度较高、并经历了硫化物熔离的岩浆。因此,笔者认为周庵岩体是由相对原始的和演化了的高镁玄武质岩浆两期侵位形成的。     

Chromite deposits in China and their origin

The major chromite resources of China occur in ophiolites and continental intrusions. Podiform chromite deposits are mainly developed in the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic ophiolitic mantle sequences. They occur as tabular, lenticular, or irregular masses hosted by dunite lithologies, or dunite lenses, or harzburgite associated with dunite lenses. Main stratiform deposits occur within the Archean Northern China craton and are named as the Gaosi-type deposits, which are contained in intrusions similar to their Alaskan-type counterparts and are characterised by their ring-shaped ores. Stratiform deposits are also found in Phanerozoic ophiolites. Chromites in the ophiolites are chemically divided into high-A1 and high-Cr types, both of which plot in the alpine type field. Chromites from the Gaosi-type deposits belong to high-Fe type, possessing uniform Al contents. The podiform chromitites were generated from magmatic pockets in the mantle sequences, whereas those deposits (such as the Dadao deposit) in cumulate sequences had a similar origin but crystallized at shallower depths. Stratiform Gaosi-type deposits should have formed by accumulation of chromites which were in equilibrium with an ultramafic magma with a uniform Al content.     

金川硫化铜镍矿床成矿模式

金川矿床产出于过渡区,位于中朝地块西南部阿拉善边缘隆起上,含矿岩体是多期上侵贯入形成的,时代为1509～1526Ma。 导源于地幔深郎富硫的铁质超基性岩浆,沿超壳深断裂上侵到达地壳岩浆房。注入岩浆房的岩浆在橄榄石结晶温度的区间内,发生熔离作用和橄榄石结晶作用,按重力效应正岩浆房中自下而上先后形成了矿浆、富矿岩浆、含矿岩浆和岩浆的分层格局。随着温度下降,在构造应力脉动式驱动下,岩浆房中自上而下按岩浆、含矿岩浆、富矿岩浆和矿浆的顺序,先后分别沿相同通道上侵、贯入于现存空间成岩成矿、每次上侵、贯入的浆体都沿着前次浆体的下侧部和根部定位。 整个成矿过程由岩浆房中的深部熔离、橄榄石结晶和重力分层作用→第一期次岩浆上侵→第二期次含矿岩浆上侵→第三期次富矿岩浆贯入→晚期矿浆贯入→接触交代成矿→热液叠加成矿,构成一个完整的硫化铜、镍矿床的成矿模式和时空分布系列。     

Petrogenesis of the Greenhills Complex,Southland, New Zealand: magmatic differentiation and cumulate formation at the roots of a Permian island-arc volcano

A Permian (~265 Ma) intrusive complex which formed as a magmatic feeder reservoir to an immature island-arc volcano is fortuitously exposed in southern New Zealand. Known as the Greenhills Complex, this intrusion was emplaced at shallow crustal levels and consists of two layered bodies which were later intruded by a variety of dykes. Cumulates, which include dunite, olivine clinopyroxenite, olivine gabbro, and hornblende gabbro-norite, are related products of parent-magma fractionation. Both primary (magmatic) and secondary platinum-group minerals occur within dunite at one locality. Using the composition of cumulus minerals, mafic dykes and melt inclusions, we have determined that the parent magmas of the complex were hydrous, low-K island-arc tholeiites of ankaramitic affinities. Progressive magmatic differentiation of this parent magma generated fractionated melt of high-alumina basalt composition which is now preserved only as dykes which cut the Complex. Field evidence and cumulus mineral profiles reveal that the magma chambers experienced turbulent magmatic conditions during cumulate-rock formation. Recharge of the chambers by primitive magma is likely to have coincided with eruption of residual melt at the surface. Similar processes are inferred to account for volcanic-rock compositions in other parts of this arc terrane and in modern island-arc systems.     

Internal stratigraphic architecture of the komatiitic dunite-hosted MKD5 disseminated nickel sulfide deposit,Mount Keith Domain,Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt,Western Australia

The MKD5 nickel deposit is hosted by the Mount Keith Ultramafic Complex (MKUC), a dunite body of komatiitic affinity located in the Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt, Western Australia. The internal architecture of the MKUC comprises seven distinct internal units that range from extreme adcumulate dunite to relatively fractionated pyroxenitic and gabbroic horizons. The MKUC is divided into three packages of units. The main adcumulate domain (MAD), which is situated in the lower portion of the complex, contains the bulk of disseminated nickel sulfide and is dominated by coarse adcumulate olivine textures. Overlying the MAD is an upper fractionated zone, which is dominated by mesocumulate-to-orthocumulate peridotite with domains containing oikocrystic pyroxenite and gabbroic lenses. An aerially restricted unit comprising texturally and chemically distinct olivine cumulate rocks is known as the western mineralized zone (WMZ). The fractionation trend between the MAD and UPZ indicates a westerly facing for the MKUC, conformable with the bounding stratigraphy. In the MKUC, truncation of some of the uppermost internal stratigraphic units by the hangingwall contact indicates that the unit has undergone structural modification since its emplacement and suggests that a proportion of the upper section has been removed by faulting. Furthermore, vertical and lateral textural transitions within the internal stratigraphy suggest that the MKUC (excluding the WMZ) was emplaced from an essentially continuous magma flow, with the MAD representing the period of highest magma flux and the major constructional period of emplacement. Conversely, the WMZ is interpreted to represent a later pulse of ultramafic magma, emplaced stratigraphically above the main MKUC. Comparison of the MKUC with other komatiitic dunites from both within the Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt and worldwide indicates that despite apparent geometrical differences between lens and sheet komatiitic dunites, a broad facies architecture can be defined. We suggest that the differences in geometry are related to differing degrees of flow localization within dunitic units and are a function of both differences in the thermal characteristics and the degree of litho-facies heterogeneity of the enclosing lithologies.     

Compositional variations of olivine from the Jinchuan Ni–Cu sulfide deposit,western China: implications for ore genesis

The Jinchuan Ni–Cu sulfide deposit is hosted by an elongated, olivine-rich ultramafic body that is divided by subvertical strike-slip faults into three segments (central, eastern, and western). The central segment is characterized by concentric enrichments of cumulus olivine crystals and interstitial sulfides (pyrrhotite–pentlandite–chalcopyrite intergrowth), whereas the eastern and western segments are characterized by an increase of sulfides toward the lower contacts. In all segments sulfides are concentrated at the expense of intercumulus silicates. Olivine re-crystallization is found to be associated with actinolite alteration in some samples. The compositional variations of primary olivine from the sulfide-poor samples can be explained by a small degree of olivine crystallization (<5%) from a basaltic magma followed by local re-equilibration of the olivine with up to 30% trapped silicate liquid. In the sulfide-bearing samples the compositions of primary olivine record the results of olivine-sulfide Fe–Ni exchange that occurred after the trapped silicate liquid crystallized. Our olivine data indicate that Ni in the original sulfide liquids increased inward in the central segment and laterally away from the lower contact in the eastern segment. Variations in the compositions of sulfide liquids are thought to result from fractional segregation of immiscible sulfide liquid from a basaltic magma in a staging chamber instead of in situ differentiation. High concentrations of olivine crystals (mostly >50 modal%) and sulfide (averaging ~5 wt%) in the rocks are consistent with the interpretation that the Jinchuan deposit was formed by olivine- and sulfide-laden magma successively ascending through a conduit to a higher, now-eroded, level. Sulfide enrichment toward the center in the central segment and toward the lower contact in the eastern and western segments may have, in part, resulted from flow differentiation and gravitational settling during magma ascent, respectively.Editorial handling: P. Lightfoot     

Geochemical Characteristics,Genesis of Concealed Cu-rich Ore Body in the Jinchuan Deposit,Northwestern China,and Its Prospecting

Abstract: The Jinchuan deposit is hosted by the olivine-rich ultramafic rock body, which is the third-largest magmatic sulfide Ni–Cu deposit in the world currently being exploited. Seeking new relaying resources in the deep and the border of the deposit becomes more and more important. The ore body, ore and geochemistry characteristics of the concealed Cu-rich ore body are researched. Through spatial analysis and comparison with the neighboring II1 main ore body, the mineralization rule of the concealed Cu-rich ore body is summed up. It is also implied that Cu-rich magma may exist between Ni-rich magma and ore pulp during liquation differentiation in deep-stage chambers, which derives from deep-mantle Hi–MgO basalt magma. It is concluded that the type of ore body has features of both magmatic liquation and late reconstruction action. It has experienced three stages: deep liquation and pulsatory injection of the Cu- and PPGE-rich magma, concentration of tectonic activation, and the later magma hydrothermal superimposition. In addition, the Pb and S isotopes indicate the magma of I6 concealed Cu-rich ore body originates predominantly from mantle; however, it is interfused by minute crust material. Finally, it is inferred that the genesis of the Cu–Ni sulfide deposit is complex and diverse, and the prospect of seeking new deep ore bodies within similar deposits is promising, especially Cu-rich ore bodies.     

Mineralogical,petrological, and geochemical studies of the Limahe mafic–ultramatic intrusion and associated Ni–Cu sulfide ores,SW China

The Limahe Ni–Cu sulfide deposit is hosted by a small mafic–ultramafic intrusion (800 × 200 × 300 m) that is temporally associated with the voluminous Permian flood basalts in SW China. The objective of this study is to better understand the origin of the deposit in the context of regional magmatism which is important for the ongoing mineral exploration in the region. The Limahe intrusion is a multiphase intrusion with an ultramafic unit at the base and a mafic unit at the top. The two rock units have intrusive contacts and exhibit similar mantle-normalized trace element patterns and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions but significantly different cumulus mineralogy and major element compositions. The similarities suggest that they are related to a common parental liquid, whereas the differences point to magma differentiation by olivine crystallization at depth. Sulfide mineralization is restricted to the ultramafic unit. The abundances of sulfides in the ultramafic unit generally increase towards the basal contacts with sedimentary footwall. The δ ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals from the Limahe deposit are elevated, ranging from +2.4 to +5.4‰. These values suggest the involvement of external S with elevated δ ³⁴S values. The mantle-normalized platinum-group element (PGE) patterns of bulk sulfide ores are similar to those of picrites associated with flood basalts in the region. The abundances of PGE in the sulfide ores, however, are significantly lower than that of sulfide liquid expected to segregate from undepleted picrite magma. Cr-spinel and olivine are present in the Limahe ultramafic rocks as well as in the picrites. Mantle-normalized trace element patterns of the Limahe intrusion generally resemble those of the picrites. However, negative Nb–Ta anomalies, common features of contamination with the lower or middle crust, are present in the intrusion but absent in the picrites. Sr–Nd isotopes suggest that the Limahe intrusion experienced higher degrees of contamination with the upper crust than did the picrites. The results of this study permit us to suggest that the parental magma of the Limahe intrusion was derived from picritic magma by olivine fractionation and contamination in a staging chamber at mid-crustal levels. Depletion of PGE in the sulfide ores in the Limahe intrusion is likely due to previous sulfide segregation of the parental magmas in the staging chamber. Sulfide mineralization in the Limahe intrusion is related to second-stage sulfide segregation after the fractionated magmas acquired external S from pyrite-bearing country rocks during magma ascent to the Limahe chamber. The abrupt change in mineralogical and chemical compositions between the ultramafic unit and the overlying unit suggests that at least two separate pulses of magma were involved in the development of the Limahe intrusion. We propose that the Limahe intrusion was once a wider part of a dynamic conduit that fed magma to the overlying subvolcanic dykes/sills or lavas. The ultramafic unit formed by the first, relatively more primitive magma, and the mafic unit formed by the second, relatively more fractionated magma. Immiscible sulfide droplets that segregated from the first magma settled down with olivine crystals to form the sulfide-bearing, olivine-rich rocks in the base of the intrusion. The overlying residual liquids were then pushed out of the chamber by the second magma. Critical factors for the formation of an economic Ni–Cu sulfide deposit in such a small intrusion include the dynamic petrologic processes involved and the availability of external sulfur. The Limahe deposit reminds us that small, multiphase, mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the region should not be overlooked for the potential of economic Ni–Cu sulfide deposits.     

Microstructural evidence for crystallization regimes in mafic intrusions: a case study from the Little Minch Sill Complex,Scotland

The magma forming the 20 m thick crinanitic/picrodoleritic Dun Raisburgh sill, part of the Little Minch Sill Complex of NW Scotland, comprised a mafic carrier liquid with a crystal cargo of plagioclase and olivine (1 vol%). The olivine component of the cargo settled on the floor of the intrusion while the more buoyant plagioclase component remained suspended during solidification, resulting in a relatively high plagioclase content in the centre of the sill. The settled olivine grains form a lower fining-upwards sequence overlain by a poorly sorted accumulation formed of grains that grew within the convecting magma. The accumulation of olivine on the sill floor occurred over 5–10 weeks, synchronous with the upwards-propagation of a solidification front comprising a porous (~?70 vol% interstitial liquid) plagioclase-rich crystal mush.     

塔里木东北缘坡十Ni矿化侵入体中橄榄石和铬尖晶石对成岩成矿及源区特征的约束

坡十Ni矿化超镁铁侵入体的矿化岩相主要为第二侵入期次的（斜长）单辉橄榄岩、（斜长）二辉橄榄岩、 纯橄岩等岩相。坡十超镁铁岩的橄榄石成分变化范围较大, 橄榄石的Fo值在76.8～89.6之间, Ni含量为767×10^-6～4 580×10^-6。铬尖晶石的Mg^#值和Cr^#值变化范围分别为19.4～41.9和49.8～64.8, 原生铬尖晶石中Cr₂O₃和Al₂O₃表现为负相关, 蚀变改造的铬尖晶石则表现为正相关。橄榄石成分剖面显示坡十母岩浆处于一个动态的岩浆系统中, 成分稳定的新鲜岩浆的补给、 持续向上的动力及浅部橄榄石快速分离结晶,造成了不同深度橄榄石成分的不同变化。坡十侵入体母岩浆估算结果为MgO=14.49％, FeO=10.01％,模拟结果显示橄榄石中Ni含量的变化主要受橄榄石结晶分异和硫化物不混溶作用共同控制,其中橄榄石与硫化物熔体发生明显的Fe-Ni交换反应。坡十母岩浆中橄榄石分离结晶造成的硫饱和,是坡十硫化物熔离的重要因素。橄榄石高Fo值、母岩浆高MgO、超镁铁岩中斜长石发育、矿物高结晶温度和铬尖晶石成分的弧岩浆特征显示,塔里木东北缘坡十侵入体是俯冲交代的岩石圈地幔部分熔融形成的母岩浆的产物,表现出低压高温的演化特征,其中源区熔融机制可能与塔里木二叠纪地幔柱提供的热源或该区大规模拆沉作用造成的软流圈上涌有关。