The Grader layered intrusion (Havre-Saint-Pierre Anorthosite, Quebec) and genesis of nelsonite and other Fe–Ti–P ores

The Grader layered intrusion is part of the Havre-Saint-Pierre anorthosite in the Grenville Province (Quebec, Canada). This intrusion has a basin-like morphology and contains significant resources of Fe–Ti–P in ilmenite and apatite. Outcropping lithologies are massive oxide alternating with anorthosite layers, banded ilmenite–apatite–plagioclase rocks and layered oxide apatite (gabbro-)norites. Drill cores provide evidence for stratigraphic variations of mineral and whole rock compositions controlled by fractional crystallization with the successive appearance of liquidus phases: plagioclase and ilmenite followed by apatite, then orthopyroxene together with magnetite, and finally clinopyroxene. This atypical sequence of crystallization resulted in the formation of plagioclase–ilmenite–apatite cumulates or “nelsonites” in plagioclase-free layers. Fine-grained ferrodiorites that cross-cut the cumulates are shown to be in equilibrium with the noritic rocks. The high TiO₂ and P₂O₅ contents of these assumed liquids explains the early saturation of ilmenite and apatite before Fe–Mg silicates, thus the nelsonites represent cumulates rather than crystallized Fe–Ti–P-rich immiscible melts. The location of the most evolved mineral and whole rock compositions several tens of meters below the top of the intrusion, forming a sandwich horizon, is consistent with crystallization both from the base and top of the intrusion. The concentrations of V and Cr in ilmenite display a single fractionation path for the different cumulus assemblages and define the cotectic proportion of ilmenite to 21 wt.%. This corresponds to bulk cotectic cumulates with ca. 8 wt.% TiO₂, which is significantly lower than what is commonly observed in the explored portion of the Grader intrusion. The proposed mechanism of ilmenite-enrichment is the lateral removal of plagioclase due to its relative buoyancy in the dense ferrodiorite melt. This plagioclase has probably accumulated in other portions of the intrusion or has not been distinguished from the host anorthosite.     

Geochemistry of cumulates from the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (S. Norway). Part I: Constraints from major elements on the mechanism of cumulate formation and on the jotunite liquid line of descent

Whole-rock major element compositions are investigated in 99 cumulates from the Proterozoic Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (Rogaland Anorthosite Province, SW Norway), which results from the crystallization of a jotunite (Fe–Ti–P-rich hypersthene monzodiorite) parental magma. The scattering of cumulate compositions covers three types of cumulates: (1) ilmenite–leuconorite with plagioclase, ilmenite and Ca-poor pyroxene as cumulus minerals, (2) magnetite–leuconorite with the same minerals plus magnetite, and (3) gabbronorite made up of plagioclase, Ca-poor and Ca-rich pyroxenes, ilmenite, Ti-magnetite and apatite. Each type of cumulate displays a linear trend in variation diagrams. One pole of the linear trends is represented by plagioclase, and the other by a mixture of the mafic minerals in constant proportion. The mafic minerals were not sorted during cumulate formation though they display large density differences. This suggests that crystal settling did not operate during cumulate formation, and that in situ crystallization with variable nucleation rate for plagioclase was the dominant formation mechanism. The trapped liquid fraction of the cumulate plays a negligible role for the cumulate major element composition. Each linear trend is a locus for the cotectic composition of the cumulates. This property permits reconstruction by graphical mass balance calculation of the first two stages of the liquid line of descent, starting from a primitive jotunite, the Tjörn parental magma. Another type of cumulate, called jotunite cumulate and defined by the mineral association from the Transition Zone of the intrusion, has to be subtracted to simulate the most evolved part of the liquid line of descent. The proposed model demonstrates that average cumulate compositions represent cotectic compositions when the number of samples is large (> 40). The model, however, does not account for the K₂O evolution, suggesting that the system was open to contamination by roof melts. The liquid line of descent corresponding to the Bjerkreim–Sokndal cumulates differs slightly from that obtained for jotunitic dykes in that the most Ti-, P- and Fe-rich melts (evolved jotunite) are lacking. The constant composition of the mafic poles during intervals where cryptic layering is conspicuous is explained by a compositional balance between the Fe–Ti oxide minerals, which decrease in Fe content in favour of Ti, and the pyroxenes which increase in Fe.     

Geochemistry of cumulates from the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (S. Norway) Part II. REE and the trapped liquid fraction

Rare earth elements in bulk cumulates and in separated minerals (plagioclase, apatite, Ca-poor and Ca-rich pyroxenes, ilmenite and magnetite) from the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (Rogaland Anorthosite Province, SW Norway) are investigated to better define the proportion of trapped liquid and its influence on bulk cumulate composition. In leuconoritic rocks (made up of plagioclase, Ca-poor pyroxene, ilmenite, ±magnetite, ±olivine), where apatite is an intercumulus phase, even a small fraction of trapped liquid significantly affects the REE pattern of the bulk cumulate, together with cumulus minerals proportion and composition. Contrastingly, in gabbronoritic cumulates characterized by the presence of cumulus Ca-rich pyroxene and apatite, cumulus apatite buffers the REE content. La/Sm and Eu/Eu* vs. P₂O₅ variations in leuconorites display mixing trends between a pure adcumulate and the composition of the trapped liquid, assumed to be similar to the parental magma. Assessment of the trapped liquid fraction in leuconorites ranges from 2 to 25% and is systematically higher in the north-eastern part of the intrusion. The likely reason for this wide range of TLF is different cooling rates in different parts of the intrusion depending on the distance to the gneissic margins. The REE patterns of liquids in equilibrium with primitive cumulates are calculated with mass balance equations. Major elements modelling (Duchesne, J.C., Charlier, B., 2005. Geochemistry of cumulates from the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (S. Norway): Part I. Constraints from major elements on the mechanism of cumulate formation and on the jotunite liquid line of descent. Lithos. 83, 299–254) permits calculation of the REE content of melt in equilibrium with gabbronorites. Partition coefficients for REE between cumulus minerals and a jotunitic liquid are then calculated. Calculated liquids from the most primitive cumulates are similar to a primitive jotunite representing the parental magma of the intrusion, taking into account the trapped liquid fraction calculated from the P₂O₅ content. Consistent results demonstrate the reliability of liquid compositions calculated from bulk cumulates and confirm the hypothesis that the trapped liquid has crystallized as a closed-system without subsequent mobility of REE in a migrating interstitial liquid.     

An example of post-collisional mafic magmatism: the gabbro–anorthosite layered complex from the Tin Zebane area (western Hoggar, Algeria)

The Tin Zebane gabbro–anorthosite layered mafic intrusion represented by plagioclase-rich cumulates forms a set of small lenticular to round-shaped mainly undeformed bodies intruding the Pan-African high-pressure metamorphic rocks from western Hoggar (Tuareg shield, southwest Algeria). The coarse-grained anorthosites are mainly made of slightly zoned bytownite (An_86–74) with the higher anorthite content at the cores. Anorthosites are interlayered with leucogabbros and gabbros that show preserved magmatic structures and with olivine gabbros characterised by coronitic textures. The primary assemblage in gabbros includes plagioclase (An_93–70), olivine (Fo_77–70), zoned clinopyroxene (En_43–48Fs_05–13Wo_41–49 with Al₂O₃ up to 4.3 wt.%) and rare orthopyroxene (En_73–78). Pyroxenes and olivine are commonly surrounded by Ca-amphibole. The olivine–plagioclase contact is usually marked by a fine orthopyroxene–Cr-spinel–amphibole symplectite. A magnesian pigeonite (En_70–75Fs_19–20Wo_6–10) is also involved in corona. The coronitic minerals have equilibrated with the primary mineral rims at P–T–a_H2O conditions of 797 ± 42 °C for a_H2O=0.5 and 808 ± 44 °C for a_H2O=0.6 at 6.2 ± 1.4 kbar. The Tin Zebane gabbroic rocks are depleted in REE with a positive Eu anomaly, high Sr (>10 * chondrite) and Al₂O₃ concentrations (17–33%) that support plagioclase accumulation with the extreme case represented by the anorthosites. The REE patterns can be modelised using plagioclase, clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene REE signature, without any role played by accessory minerals. High MgO content points to olivine as a major cumulate phase. Anorthositic gabbros Sr and Nd isotopic initial ratios are typical of a depleted mantle source (Sr_i=0.70257–0.70278; _Nd=+5.9 to +7.8). This isotopic signature is identical to that of the 10-km wide 592 Ma old dyke complex composed of alkaline to peralkaline granites and tholeiitic gabbros and one single bimodal complex can be inferred. The source of the Tin Zebane basic rocks corresponds to the prevalent mantle (PREMA). The Tin Zebane complex was emplaced along the mega-shear zone bounding to the west the Archaean In Ouzzal metacraton. The model proposed suggests a linear lithospheric delamination along this rigid and cold terrane due to post-collisional transtensional movements. This allowed the asthenosphere to rise rapidly and to melt by adiabatic pressure release. Transtension along a rigid body allowed these mantle melts to reach the surface rapidly without any crustal contamination.     

A new interpretation of the structure of the Sept Iles Intrusive suite, Canada

The layered mafic intrusion at Sept Iles, Canada, is one of the largest intrusions in the world. A new interpretation of its structure is proposed, based on a review of its geology and a comparison with the Skaergaard intrusion, Greenland. Several different magmatic components are recognized; hence the name Sept Iles Intrusive suite (SIIS) is proposed. Emplacement of the suite may have been preceded by eruption of flood basalts. The first magmas of the suite rose in the crust to accumulate beneath the density filter afforded by the basalts. The largest component is the Sept Iles Mafic intrusion (SIMI). The Lower series of the SIMI is dominated by leucotroctolites and leucogabbros. Above it lie the Layered series, which is largely comprised of gabbro and troctolite. Both these units are unchanged from earlier interpretations. The anorthosites (s.l.), gabbros and monzogabbros, formerly called the Transitional series, are now considered to be the Upper Border series, developed by floatation of plagioclase. Common autoliths in the Layered series are parts of the hydrothermally altered Upper Border series from towards the interior of the intrusion, which have foundered and settled through the magma. The contamination of the magma that accompanied this event oxidised iron in the magma and led to the precipitation of magnetite around the periphery of the intrusion. The subsequent depletion of Fe³⁺ and/or increase in SiO₂, CaO and P₂O₅ may have induced apatite saturation and accumulation to form two layers rich in apatite, near the base and at top of the Layered series. Granitic magma was developed by fractional crystallisation and was emplaced along the roof of the chamber, where it acquired large quantities of xenoliths. These were probably derived from the flood basalts, their evolved members and fragments of mafic dykes chilled by the granitic magma. Accumulations of monzonite pillows in this unit testify to another magmatic event and a floor to the granitic magma chamber, indicating lateral transport of magma. Chemically distinct syenites in the upper part of the intrusion are part of the Point du Criade intrusion, a large, late composite sill. Diabase and leucogabbro components show a close link with the SIMI and all the acidic magmas may have originally formed by differentiation of the main magma in cupolas towards the centre of the intrusion. A series of late gabbro intrusions that cut the SIMI may represent a rejuvenation of magmatism. The Border zone is a mass of fine-grained rocks that occurs along the border of the SIMI: it may be another magmatic component, or just the lateral border series of the SIMI.     

Poles apart: A discussion of “Geochemistry of cumulates from the Bjerkreim–Sokndal Intrusion (S. Norway). Part I: Constraints from major elements on the mechanism of cumulate formation and on the jotunite liquid line of descent” by J.C. Duchesne and B. Charlier (Lithos 83, 2005, 229–254)

We dispute Duchesne and Charlier's (Duchesne, J.C., Charlier, B., 2005. Geochemistry of cumulates from the Bjerkreim–Sokndal Intrusion (S. Norway). Part I: Constraints from major elements on the mechanism of cumulate formation and on the jotunite liquid line of descent. Lithos 83, 229–254.) postulate that the major-element compositions of cumulates in the Bjerkreim–Sokndal Intrusion vary linearly between plagioclase and mafic “poles” and their inference that this supports an origin by in situ crystallisation. We use a larger set of major-element data for plagioclase–orthopyroxene–ilmenite cumulates to show that some linear trends in Harker diagrams simply reflect varying amounts of hemo-ilmenite relative to plagioclase and orthopyroxene, while others are probably spurious and induced by variations in modal plagioclase, the most abundant cumulus mineral. Ratios of oxides that enter almost exclusively into orthopyroxene and hemo-ilmenite are shown to be highly dispersed, reflecting differential sorting of the mafic minerals.     

Isotopic (O, Sr, Nd) and trace element geochemistry of the Laouni layered intrusions (Pan-African belt, Hoggar, Algeria): evidence for post-collisional continental tholeiitic magmas variably contaminated by continental crust

The three layered intrusions studied in the Laouni area have been emplaced within syn-kinematic Pan-African granites and older metamorphic rocks. They have crystallized at the end of the regional high-temperature metamorphism, but are free from metamorphic recrystallization, revealing a post-collisional character. The cumulate piles can be interpreted in terms of two magmatic liquid lines of descent: one is tholeiitic and marked by plagioclase–olivine–clinopyroxene cumulates (troctolites or olivine bearing gabbros), while the other is calc-alkaline and produced orthopyroxene–plagioclase rich cumulates (norites). One intrusion (WL (West Laouni)-troctolitic massif), shows a Lower Banded Zone where olivine-chromite orthocumulates are interlayered with orthopyroxene-rich and olivine–plagioclase–clinopyroxene cumulates, whereas the Upper Massive Zone consists mainly of troctolitic and gabbroic cumulates. The other two massifs are more homogeneous: the WL-noritic massif has a calc-alkaline differentiation trend whereas the EL (East Laouni)–troctolitic massif has a tholeiitic one. Separated pyroxene and plagioclase display similar incompatible trace element patterns, regardless of the cumulate type. Calculated liquids in equilibrium with the two pyroxenes for both noritic and troctolitic cumulates are characterized by negative Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf anomalies and light REE enrichment inherited from the parental magmas. Troctolitic cumulates have mantle-derived δ¹⁸O (+5 to +6‰), initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (Sr_i=0.7030 to 0.7054), _Nd (+5 to −1) values whereas noritic cumulates are variably enriched in δ¹⁸O (+7 to +9‰), show negative _Nd (−7 to −12) and slightly higher Sr_i (0.7040–0.7065). Based on field, isotopic ratios are interpreted as resulting from a depleted mantle source (Sr_i=0.7030; _Nd=+5.1; δ¹⁸O=+5.1‰) having experience short term incompatible element enrichment and variable crustal contamination. The mantle magma was slightly contaminated by an Archaean lower crust in troctolitic cumulates, more strongly and with an additional contamination by an Eburnian upper crust in noritic cumulates. Lower crust input is recorded mainly by Sr and Nd isotopes and upper crust input by O isotopes. This is probably due to the different water/rock ratios of these two crust types. Assimilation of low amounts (<10%) of quartz-bearing felsic rocks, coming from both lower and upper crust, can explain the rise of SiO₂ activity, the enrichment in ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr and the lowering of _Nd in the noritic cumulates compared to troctolitic ones. The geodynamic model proposed to account for the Laouni tholeiitic magmatism involves a late Pan-African asthenospheric rise due to a rapid lithospheric thinning associated with functioning of shear zones, which allowed tholeiitic magmas to reach high crustal levels while experiencing decreasing degrees of crustal contamination with time.     

The Apophysis of the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (Rogaland anorthosite province, SW Norway): A composite pluton build up by tectonically-driven emplacement of magmas along the margin of an AMC igneous complex

The Late-Proterozoic Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion (BKSK) is connected to a foliated, sheet-like igneous body (the Apophysis), that is a potential feeder for the BKSK magma chamber. Field, petrographical, geochemical and structural data are used to demonstrate that the Apophysis is a composite igneous body, constructed by coeval mafic to felsic magmas that were collected in a sub-vertical shear zone. Three liquid lines of descent are distinguished in the main Apophysis component (a felsic series, predominantly quartz mangeritic) and in coeval felsic rocks from the upper part of the BKSK. Minor mineralogical and geochemical discrepancies between these three trends are indicative of distinct sources and crustal contaminants, as well as slight differences in the differentiation mechanisms. Jotunitic to noritic cumulates or crystal-laden magmas, associated with their trapped melts, mingled with the felsic series in two distinct portions of the Apophysis. In one area, this association is dominated by a FTP (Fe–Ti–P-rich) jotunite, interpreted as an accumulation of pyroxenes + Fe – Ti oxides + apatite + plagioclase. In the second area, the melt dominates over the associated cumulate; it is a primitive (MgO-rich and K₂O-poor) jotunite, that was also involved in the genesis of another igneous body in the vicinity of the Apophysis. Magma mixing, in addition to mingling, was also potentially important in the petrogenesis of some jotunite rocks.     

Modeling of in-situ crystallization processes in the Permian mafic layered intrusion of Mont Collon (Dent Blanche nappe, western Alps)

The Mont Collon mafic complex is one of the best preserved examples of the Early Permian magmatism in the Central Alps, related to the intra-continental collapse of the Variscan belt. It mostly consists (> 95 vol.%) of ol + hy-normative plagioclase-wehrlites, olivine- and cpx-gabbros with cumulitic structures, crosscut by acid dikes. Pegmatitic gabbros, troctolites and anorthosites outcrop locally. A well-preserved cumulative sequence is exposed in the Dents de Bertol area (center of intrusion). P–T calculations indicate that this layered magma chamber emplaced at mid-crustal levels at about 0.5 GPa and 1100 °C. The Mont Collon cumulitic rocks record little magmatic differentiation, as illustrated by the restricted range of clinopyroxene mg-number (Mg#_cpx = 83–89). Whole-rock incompatible trace-element contents (e.g. Nb, Zr, Ba) vary largely and without correlation with major-element composition. These features are characteristic of an in-situ crystallization process with variable amounts of interstitial liquid L trapped between the cumulus mineral phases. LA-ICPMS measurements show that trace-element distribution in the latter is homogeneous, pointing to subsolidus re-equilibration between crystals and interstitial melts. A quantitative modeling based on Langmuir's in-situ crystallization equation successfully duplicated the REE concentrations in cumulitic minerals of all rock facies of the intrusion. The calculated amounts of interstitial liquid L vary between 0 and 35% for degrees of differentiation F of 0 to 20%, relative to the least evolved facies of the intrusion. L values are well correlated with the modal proportions of interstitial amphibole and whole-rock incompatible trace-element concentrations (e.g. Zr, Nb) of the tested samples. However, the in-situ crystallization model reaches its limitations with rock containing high modal content of REE-bearing minerals (i.e. zircon), such as pegmatitic gabbros. Dikes of anorthositic composition, locally crosscutting the layered lithologies, evidence that the Mont Collon rocks evolved in open system with mixing of intercumulus liquids of different origins and possibly contrasting compositions. The proposed model is not able to resolve these complex open systems, but migrating liquids could be partly responsible for the observed dispersion of points in some correlation diagrams. Absence of significant differentiation with recurrent lithologies in the cumulitic pile of Dents de Bertol points to an efficiently convective magma chamber, with possible periodic replenishment.     

The San Blas Pluton: An example of Carboniferous plutonism in the Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina

New geochronological and geochemical data are reported for the San Blas Pluton (SBP), in the northwestern Sierra de Velasco, Sierras Pampeanas, which intrudes Ordovician granitoids developed during the Famatinian orogeny. A precise Carboniferous age of 340±3 Ma is established by U–Pb dating of zircon using a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP). The SBP illustrates several petrological and geochemical characteristics of previously reported Carboniferous granitoids in the Sierras Pampeanas. Their generation is consistent with a regional reheating of the crust at approximately 342 Ma, which resulted in the formation of relatively large amounts of granitic melts that were emplaced in higher crustal levels along master fractures (older master shear zones of Lower Paleozoic age). The SBP can be chemically defined as a typical A-type granitoid related to postcollisonal or postorogenic magmatism. Its high REE content and extraordinarily high U and Th concentrations may have economic significance. Many previously published Devonian and Carboniferous K–Ar dates are reset Ordovician ages, but the existence of other Carboniferous bodies in the Sierra de Velasco cannot be discounted until detailed mapping of the whole Sierra is completed.     

Lu–Hf and U–Pb isotope systematics of zircons from the Storgangen intrusion, Rogaland Intrusive Complex, SW Norway: implications for the composition and evolution of Precambrian lower crust in the Baltic Shield

The Storgangen orebody is a concordantly layered, sill-like body of ilmenite-rich norite, intruding anorthosites of the Rogaland Intrusive Complex (RIC), SW Norway. 17 zircon grains were separated from ca. 5 kg of sand-size flotation waste collected from the on-site repository from ilmenite mining. These zircons were analysed for major and trace elements by electron microprobe, and for U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes by laser ablation microprobe plasma source mass spectrometry. Eight of the zircons define a well-constrained (MSWD=0.37) concordant population with an age of 949±7 Ma, which is significantly older than the 920–930 Ma ages previously reported for zircon inclusions in orthopyroxene megacrysts from the RIC. The remaining zircons, interpreted as inherited grains, show a range of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages up to 1407±14 Ma, with an upper intercept age at ca. 1520 Ma. The concordant zircons have similar trace element patterns, and a mean initial Hf isotope composition of ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf_{949 Ma}=0.28223±5 (_Hf=+2±2). This is similar to the Hf-isotope composition of zircons in a range of post-tectonic Sveconorwegian granites from South Norway, and slightly more radiogenic than expected for mid-Proterozoic juvenile crust. The older, inherited zircons show Lu–Hf crustal residence ages in the range 1.85–2.04 Ga. One (undated) zircon plots well within the field of Hf isotope evolution of Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Baltic Shield. These findings indicate the presence of Paleoproterozoic components in the deep crust of the Rogaland area, but do not demonstrate that such rocks, or a Sveconorwegian mantle-derived component, contributed significantly to the petrogenesis of the RIC. If the parent magma was derived from a homogeneous, lower crustal mafic granulite source, the lower crustal protolith must be at least 1.5 Ga old, and it must have an elevated Rb/Sr ratio. This component would be indistinguishable in Sr, Nd and Hf isotopes from some intermediate mixtures between Sveconorwegian mantle and Paleoprotoerzoic felsic crust, but it cannot account for the initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd of the most primitive, late Sveconorwegian granite in the region, without the addition of mantle-derived material.     

阿尔金山南缘长沙沟镁铁-超镁铁质层状杂岩体的发现与地质意义——岩石学和地球化学初步研究

阿尔金山南缘地区,侵入于新太古界—新元古界变质地层中的长沙沟镁铁-超镁铁质岩由四个呈断层接触的镁铁-超镁铁质岩块组成,形成年龄为462~470Ma。不同岩块内岩石的地球化学特征虽有差异,但均以LREE及强不相容元素的富集和高的Zr/Y比值（＞4.1）为特征,形成于大陆裂谷环境。其中,清水泉北段可以划分出3~4个主体由辉橄岩-角闪辉长岩构成的岩浆旋回,具有层状岩体的特征,其母岩浆的Mg^#=53.7~55.9,为演化型母岩浆,暗示其经历了富镁矿物的分离结晶,且(Th/Nb)_N＞1.0、Nb/La比值＜1.0、以及发育的矿物逆序包裹现象等表明经历了明显的地壳混染和岩浆混合作用;而清水泉南和长沙沟中段镁铁-超镁铁质岩的(Th/Nb)_N＜1.0、Nb/La比值＞1.0,基本未遭受地壳混染,并且此Mg^#与FeO^T、TiO₂负相关、与SiO₂正相关,呈现良好的Fenner演化趋势特征;清水泉南纯橄岩-辉橄岩具有极高的Mg^#（90.6~84.5）,而赋存有钛-磁铁矿工业矿体的长沙沟中段镁铁-超镁铁岩的Mg^#值较低（75.8~49.2）,推测它们是同一母岩浆（Mg^# =78.2）经Fenner演化趋势后分别形成的早期富Mg矿物堆晶相和稍晚期的富Fe-Ti残余岩浆相。长沙沟中奥陶世裂谷型层状镁铁-超镁铁质杂岩体的发现,意味着这一时期阿尔金山南缘地区处于伸展背景下,具有形成岩浆型PGE-Cu-Ni硫化物矿床和V-Ti-Fe氧化物矿床的地质背景和重要的成矿物质载体。作为该地区一种新的找矿思路,该地区同一构造带内其它镁铁-超镁超镁铁质岩体的性质及可能的金属矿化作用等也是值得进一步研究探索的。     

东昆仑夏日哈木镁铁质-超镁铁质岩体岩石成因与拉张型岛弧背景

赋存超大型镍矿床的夏日哈木Ⅰ号岩体位于东昆仑造山带西段之东昆中早古生代岛弧带。锆石U-Pb年龄为439Ma,由分属橄榄岩相、辉石岩相、辉长-苏长岩相的多种岩石类型组成。堆晶结构与堆晶层理发育,属岩床状层状岩体。不平衡结晶作用在岩浆演化过程中居于主导地位。矿物结晶顺序为尖晶石/橄榄石→斜方辉石→单斜辉石→单斜辉石+斜长石→褐色普通角闪石。各种岩石均富集轻稀土元素和大离子亲石元素,亏损Nb、Ta、Ti、P,显示了岛弧环境岩浆岩的地球化学特征。Nd、Sr同位素组成均属富集型地幔范畴和EMⅡ型趋势。矿区内的Ⅲ号与Ⅳ号岩体属蛇绿岩套,证明在昆中岛弧带内部存在岩石圈破裂带。区域构造格局与演化历史以及区域地球物理场的研究表明,东昆中岛弧带属拉张型岛弧带。据此,可以认定拉张型岛弧环境是全球范围内第五种有利于形成镍矿床的构造环境,中古生代是我国第三个镍矿主成矿期。     

The Genesis of the Cornubian Batholith (South-West England): the example of the Carnmenellis Pluton

The origin of the Carnmenellis granite is discussed in the lightof new petrographic and chemical data which suggest that thepresent mineral assemblage comprises refractory, magmatic, subsolidusand hydrothermal phases. The present homogeneity of the plutonresults from subsolidus to pervasive hydrothermal reworkinginvolving selective leaching of alkalis and Fe-Mg and an increasein Li, F, B, and Rb, which were introduced, or redistributed,through high temperature hydrothermal circulation. The compositionsof the primary minerals were re-equilibrated with respect tothese water-rock interactions. Rb-Sr systematics demonstratethat whole rock samples show lower ages than the minerals (260and 285 Ma, respectively). The perturbation in the former isotopedistribution is in agreement with the chemical re-equilibrationof the mica with external Rb-rich and Sr-depleted solutions.The distribution of rare-earths reveal that most reside in afew accessory phases, viz. monazite, zircon, and apatite; theirnear-liquidus fractionation is responsible for the loweringof the bulk REE content compared to pelitic source materialand for the present REE pattern of the pluton. Conditions of magma generation by partial melting of cordierite-sillimanite-spinelpelitic gneisses were estimated to be around 800?C and 5 kbwith water content in the magma of about 4 wt. per cent. H₂Osaturation was reached late during the ascent of the magma,making possible the crystallization of muscovite from the residualmelt. The highly evolved peraluminous composition of the plutonis not explained by a simple magmatic differentiation. Comparedto the Carnmenellis pluton, the Land's End massif of similarmineralogy appears less evolved, either because of less subsolidusreworking or deeper structural emplacement.     

The Engineer Mine,British Columbia: An example of epithermal Au-Ag mineralization with mixed alkaline and subalkaline characteristics

The Engineer Mine epithermal precious metal deposit in British Columbia, Canada, is related to Eocene Sloko-Skukum-Group (SSG) volcanism and, according to previous studies, contains roscoelite in intimate association with electrum. Roscoelite, a vanadian mica, is considered characteristic of low-sulfidation epithermal deposits related to alkaline magmatism. This contradicts the fact that the SSG volcanics are subalkaline. In order to address this ambiguity and to accurately classify the style of epithermal mineralization at the Engineer Mine we conducted detailed petrographic, mineralogical, geochronological, fluid inclusion, and stable isotope studies.The principal ore assemblage of the Engineer Mine epithermal veins precipitated in response to boiling during a hydrothermal event at 49.90 Ma ± 0.25 Ma. During this event electrum, arsenopyrite, pyrite ± chalcopyrite ± sphalerite ± löllingite ± tetrahedrite-group phases ± allargentum ± acanthite ± hessite ± dyscrasite ± stibarsen ± galena and an unidentified Ag-rich phase were deposited in conjunction with amorphous silica, platy and rhombic calcite, K-feldspar, and vanadian illite. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope data suggest that the ore-forming fluid was boiling at ∼220 °C during vein mineralization and had an isotopic composition derived from local meteoric water. Based on these results the Engineer Mine is classified as an epithermal low-sulfidation deposit, which shares similarities with alkaline and subalkaline epithermal low-sulfidation deposits. This is attributed to the fact that the SSG volcanic rocks are borderline subalkaline to alkaline in character and that the sedimentary host rocks are vanadium-bearing. These sedimentary rocks contributed the bulk of the vanadium to the Engineer Mine epithermal system. The presence of roscoelite at the Engineer Mine could not be confirmed during this study. The mica referred to as roscoelite in previous publications instead is vanadian illite. To our knowledge the only alkaline low-sulfidation epithermal precious metal deposit that contains V-mica which exclusively qualifies as true roscoelite is the Porgera deposit, Papua New Guinea.     

K–Ar dating of authigenic minerals in siliciclastic sequences: an example from the south Sanfranciscana Basin (Western Minas Gerais,Brazil)

K–Ar dating was applied on authigenic potassic minerals which are abundant in sandstones from the south of the Sanfranciscana Basin, Western Minas Gerais State, central Brazil. The Quintinos Member fluvial sandstones (Três Barras Formation, Areado Group) contain significant amounts of authigenic K‐feldspar as microcrystals of adularia and sanidine habits. The ages of these microcrystals cluster into three groups: 106.1 ± 2.2, 89.9 ± 1.9 and 88.8 ± 1.8 Ma (from Albian to Coniacian). The older age of 106.1 ± 2.2 Ma was obtained from the coarse fraction analysed (10–20 µm) that can contain a mixture of detrital potassic minerals (K‐feldspar, muscovite, biotite and illite) and different authigenesis of K‐feldspar (overgrowths and microcrystals). Thus, only the younger ages were interpreted as precipitation of K‐feldspar microcrystals during the Late Cretaceous into the Quintinos Member sandstones. Moreover, these ages can document the formation of microcrystals within a few million years after deposition of the sandstones. The ages of authigenic illite from the Capacete Formation epiclastic sandstones (Mata da Corda Group) range from 88.5 ± 1.9 to 71.5 ± 1.9 Ma (Coniacian–Campanian). These results suggest the timing of the illitization event in these sandstones as well as a synchrony with K‐feldspar authigenesis in the Quintinos Member sandstones. These results are well constrained and are in agreement with stratigraphic, biostratigraphic and radiometric ages previously reported for the Sanfranciscana Basin. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Origin of micro-layering in a deep magma chamber: Evidence from two ultramafic–mafic layered xenoliths from Puy Beaunit (French Massif Central)

The origin of magmatic layering is still hotly debated. To try to shed some light on this problem, two ultramafic–mafic layered xenoliths from Puy Beaunit (French Massif Central) were investigated in detail. The nodules belong to a stratiform intrusion emplaced in the deep crust during the Permian (257 ± 6 Ma; Féménias, O., Coussaert, N., Bingen, B., Whitehouse, M., Mercier, J.-C., Demaiffe, D., 2003. A Permian underplating event in late- to post-orogenic tectonic setting. Evidence from the mafic–ultramafic layered xenoliths from Beaunit (French Massif Central). Chem. Geol. 199 293–315.). The 3 to 5 cm thick nodules have, in common, a central orthopyroxenite layer; the succession of layers is, respectively, norite–orthopyroxenite–norite (PBN 00-01) and norite–orthopyroxenite–harzburgite (PBN 00-03). The variations of both major (by electron microprobe) and trace, essentially the RE, elements (by LA-ICP-MS) were measured in major mineral phases (orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, spinel) along cross-section perpendicular to the layering. Strong grain size, chemical and textural variations occur along these sections: they can be continuous or discontinuous, symmetrical or asymmetrical. Such complex variations cannot be solely related to a single magmatic history (fractional crystallisation, mineral sorting). Other processes such as element enrichment by residual liquid channelling along layer boundaries and/or sub-solidus recrystallisation and element redistribution must be invoked. It appears, in particular, that element distribution in the central orthopyroxenite layer could result from the injection of micro-sills of orthopyroxene-rich liquid between previously consolidated layers.     

Age of the Wirgane granodiorite intrusions (Western High-Atlas, Morocco): New U–Pb constraints

U–Pb geochronological data, obtained on single zircon grains using the ion microprobe Cameca IMS 1270 (CRPG-CNRS, Nancy), indicate a Neoproterozoic age (625 ± 5 Ma) for the two intrusions of Wirgane granodiorite. This age is in variance with the previously published conclusions where the intrusions were supposed Variscan. Consequently, the Wirgane intrusions are interpreted as remnants of the Neoproterozoic basement of the Variscan belt. They are similar to the Anti-Atlas calc-alkaline intrusions of the collisional to post-collisional stages of the Pan-African orogeny. At that time, the Wirgane region was an area of continental growth to the north of the major South Atlasic Fault.     

Numerical modelling of the thermal evolution of the northwestern Dniepr–Donets Basin (Ukraine)

The Dniepr–Donets Basin (DDB) is a Late Devonian rift structure located within the East-European Craton. Numerical heat flow models for 13 wells calibrated with new maturity data were used to evaluate temporal and lateral heat flow variations in the northwestern part of the basin.The numerical models suggest that heat flow was relatively high during Late Carboniferous and/or Permian times. The relatively high heat flow is probably related to an Early Permian re-activation of tectonic activity. Reconstructed Early Permian heat flow values along the axial zone of the rift are about 60 mW/m² and increase to 90 mW/m² along the northern basin margin. These values are higher than those expected from tectonic models considering a single Late Devonian rifting phase. The calibration data are not sensitive to variations in the Devonian/Carboniferous heat flow. Therefore, the models do not allow deciding whether heat flows remained high after the Devonian rifting, or whether the reconstructed Permian heat flows represent a separate heating event.Analysis of the vitrinite reflectance data suggest that the northeastern Dniepr–Donets Basin is characterised by a low Mesozoic heat flow (30–35 mW/m²), whereas the present-day heat flow is about 45 mW/m².